# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=22&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 23 --- ## [Rush is reuniting, with dates scheduled in 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rush-is-reuniting-with-dates-scheduled-in-2026/1023729)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rush-is-reuniting-with-dates-scheduled-in-2026/1023729 "2026-09-17T12:02:34Z")
And their new drummer is one Anika Nilles, whom I’d never previously heard of, but this link says she’s played with Jeff Beck, among other. You read that right. SHE. A woman. Cool! I had long heard chatter that they… --- ## [Is there a Republican message scam going on here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-republican-message-scam-going-on-here/1033002)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-republican-message-scam-going-on-here/1033002 "2026-09-17T08:33:10Z")
I am now getting dozens of messages a day supposedly from Democratic candidates asking for money. I automatically block the number, but they message back soon after with the same message from a different number, and no … --- ## [Is it possible to determine who is responsible for the largest number of replies across all threads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-determine-who-is-responsible-for-the-largest-number-of-replies-across-all-threads/1033111)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-determine-who-is-responsible-for-the-largest-number-of-replies-across-all-threads/1033111 "2026-09-17T05:44:03Z")
We have a number of threads that have exceeded the 10,000-post limit and gone on to Parts 2, 3, 4, and more. IMHO, even if the OP of the initial thread didn’t actively start the follow-on threads, they are responsible fo… --- ## [How soon should critical thinking skills be taught?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-soon-should-critical-thinking-skills-be-taught/1033088)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-soon-should-critical-thinking-skills-be-taught/1033088 "2026-09-17T05:08:32Z")
I was going to introduce this topic by introducing the idea of teaching critical thinking skills at various childhood, adolescent and young adult developmental milestones, but my inner conspiracy theorist just chimed in … --- ## [Midterms warning version 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midterms-warning-version-2/1032898)
**Author:** [@Keith1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keith1)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midterms-warning-version-2/1032898 "2026-09-17T04:09:42Z")
Version 1 was shut down due to lack of description. Oops, I thought it was pretty evident. Also providing an alternate URL. For some, it appears the original URL is pay walled. The article is based on a think-tank essa… --- ## [Flying the flag in your yard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-the-flag-in-your-yard/1032892)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-the-flag-in-your-yard/1032892 "2026-09-17T01:00:47Z")
Down here in Australia, flying the Aus flag in your front yard/garden is generally a sign that you are a red-neck bogan ‘patriot’, hell-bent on keeping ‘others’ out. What’s the deal in your country, wherever you live? --- ## [Kroger buys Giant Eagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kroger-buys-giant-eagle/1031342)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kroger-buys-giant-eagle/1031342 "2026-09-16T21:02:13Z")
so the big guy is now buying Giant Eagle–how do you feel about that Ohio/Pennsylvania customers? Good or bad? Why? --- ## [With 7 vaccine shots and a Covid infection years ago, do I still need boosters or am I done for good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-7-vaccine-shots-and-a-covid-infection-years-ago-do-i-still-need-boosters-or-am-i-done-for-good/1032583)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-7-vaccine-shots-and-a-covid-infection-years-ago-do-i-still-need-boosters-or-am-i-done-for-good/1032583 "2026-09-16T20:13:09Z")
I have received 7 Covid vaccinations (Pfizer and Novavax) during the time period of March 2021 through September 2025. I also got a Covid (probably Omicron) breakthrough infection in January 2023. The stuff I’m reading … --- ## [Two people found dead at Rob Reiner's home. (Sadly confirmed it was Rob and his wife.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-people-found-dead-at-rob-reiners-home-sadly-confirmed-it-was-rob-and-his-wife/1025704)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 270\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-people-found-dead-at-rob-reiners-home-sadly-confirmed-it-was-rob-and-his-wife/1025704 "2026-09-16T17:46:45Z")
Developing story as of 6:45pm California time, but right now it doesn’t sound good. The Wikipedia editors are fighting back and forth between listing him as dead or alive. --- ## [REALLY Good Computer Generated Fan Films](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-good-computer-generated-fan-films/1033104)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-good-computer-generated-fan-films/1033104 "2026-09-16T14:33:33Z")
Forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but I just stumbled across these. Fan-made computer-generated short films. The Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom prequel Ashes of Nurhachi is arguably the best. I’m extr… --- ## [Houthis occupy Red Sea territory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/houthis-occupy-red-sea-territory/1032996)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/houthis-occupy-red-sea-territory/1032996 "2026-09-16T13:55:54Z")
Quick geography background: a lot of middle eastern oil moves through two waterways; the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on Arabia’s east cost and the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Arabia’s west coast. I … --- ## [The whys and where-fores of Snickerdoodles (about cookies)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-whys-and-where-fores-of-snickerdoodles-about-cookies/1032974)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-whys-and-where-fores-of-snickerdoodles-about-cookies/1032974 "2026-09-16T03:20:51Z")
Does anyone have a guess or theory why Snickerdoodles cookies are only available from now til Christmas?Either home made or pre-prepared? Just wondering. --- ## [A "What's this line from?" challenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-whats-this-line-from-challenge/1033065)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-whats-this-line-from-challenge/1033065 "2026-09-16T00:31:25Z")
I’m pretty sure I didn’t dream this. It would have been on a TV show, most likely a comedy, probably mid-60s to early 70s. It was a man saying “Squeezy go sleepy” and I think the context was rendering someone unconscious… --- ## [Should I get a countertop Reverse Osmosis (RO) system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-a-countertop-reverse-osmosis-ro-system/1033047)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-a-countertop-reverse-osmosis-ro-system/1033047 "2026-09-15T21:39:27Z")
Santa Barbara City water tastes awful (not on a well). I have a Brita pitcher with a replaceable charcoal filter that makes the water taste good. Mostly it removes the chlorine but not particulates or any other bad thing… --- ## [Phish sings Avenu Malkenu](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phish-sings-avenu-malkenu/1033024)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phish-sings-avenu-malkenu/1033024 "2026-09-15T21:07:50Z")
Today is Rosh Hashanah. It’s also the Sabbath. And our rabbi said that we don’t sing avenu malkenu on the Sabbath (for reasons). First I’ve heard that, we certainly have in the past. I mean, I’m sure there’s a tradition … --- ## [What's the origin of "Hooptie" (beat up car)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-hooptie-beat-up-car/424501)
**Author:** [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-hooptie-beat-up-car/424501 "2026-09-15T20:06:02Z")
An older coworker was asking me what “hooptie” meant, and I explained what it was but was unable to come up with the derivation. UrbanDictionary.com says that it goes back to the fifties and came from “Coupe De,” as in C… --- ## [RIP Bob Mackie, 87](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-bob-mackie-87/1033061)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-bob-mackie-87/1033061 "2026-09-15T19:02:57Z")
Bob Mackie, fashion designer to the stars, dies at 87 | AP News You could very narrowly define Bob Mackie’s career by his work on the Carol Burnett Show (including the famous Gone with the Wind parody), but he dressed s… --- ## [I withdrew $ 4,000 and my bank wants to know why](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-withdrew-4-000-and-my-bank-wants-to-know-why/1032002 "2026-09-15T19:01:03Z")
Had to get $ 4K out of my checking account. The Prius had some issues. The work would range from $ 1,500 to $ 4K all depending on some factors that would be revealed during the work. I know these guys and trust them. So,… --- ## [NFL 2026-2027: Week 1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-1/1032880)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-1/1032880 "2026-09-15T15:18:16Z")
Once again, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Week 1 of the new NFL season kicks off with defending champions Seattle hosting a rare Wednesday night game against the other Super Bowl participant, the Patriots. … --- ## [Today in Civilization I Saw](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-civilization-i-saw/1018708)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-civilization-i-saw/1018708 "2026-09-15T14:45:47Z")
How about a companion thread to the “Today in Nature I Saw” thread? I’ll start: A bit of archeology. --- ## [The 2026 edition of the SDMB Postcard exchange - new management, old rules](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2026-edition-of-the-sdmb-postcard-exchange-new-management-old-rules/1029779)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 441\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2026-edition-of-the-sdmb-postcard-exchange-new-management-old-rules/1029779 "2026-09-15T14:37:02Z")
G’day! The venerable SDMB tradition of periodically exchanging postcards seems to have been in hiatus for a while. Methinks that amongst the prevailing angst and brouhaha we could with some expression of goodwill. And … --- ## [Classical Literature, pre-reading, and you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-literature-pre-reading-and-you/1032972)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-literature-pre-reading-and-you/1032972 "2026-09-15T11:40:31Z")
I was toying around with rebuilding my medieval European lit collection, but after a little time it was clear that to truly ‘get it’ I would need to get at least some Ovid under my belt, at least Metamorphoses. Great, b… --- ## [In Praise of 'Ghosts' (British TV Series That Inspired The American One)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-praise-of-ghosts-british-tv-series-that-inspired-the-american-one/977428)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 308\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-praise-of-ghosts-british-tv-series-that-inspired-the-american-one/977428 "2026-09-15T11:20:37Z")
I fell in love with Ghosts when it debuted on CBS last season, so I decided to give the British version a try. I’ve fallen in love with that show, too, but for different reasons. They are definitely two different shows,… --- ## [Downton Abbey movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-movie/840649)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-movie/840649 "2026-09-15T04:14:43Z")
We went to see Downton Abbey yesterday. We liked it. It was pretty much like the TV show, only the story was self-contained and resolved everything in two hours. Elizabeth McGovern looks old. She’s 58, but looks olde… --- ## [Glaring astronomy mistakes in a movie or video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glaring-astronomy-mistakes-in-a-movie-or-video/1032849)
**Author:** [@JWT\_Kottekoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JWT_Kottekoe)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glaring-astronomy-mistakes-in-a-movie-or-video/1032849 "2026-09-15T04:12:09Z")
Inspired by the thread on most realistic depiction of spaceflight, I have an almost opposite question. For a course on astronomy, I’d like to show examples of “bad astronomy” from movies, TV shows, or other video availab… --- ## [Risks of USPS Manipulation by the Trump Admin - 2026 and forward](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-usps-manipulation-by-the-trump-admin-2026-and-forward/1030708)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risks-of-usps-manipulation-by-the-trump-admin-2026-and-forward/1030708 "2026-09-15T02:38:26Z")
Between Trump’s executive order to manipulate mail-in-voting, and the backlash against it, I’ve created a new thread independent of the general Trump threads and certain ongoing elections to discuss the possible conseque… --- ## [Don Jr's suit at the convention](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/don-jrs-suit-at-the-convention/1032998)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/don-jrs-suit-at-the-convention/1032998 "2026-09-15T01:42:45Z")
It was pointed out by a YouTuber, then I couldn’t unsee it. It looked like the body part of the suit was a rigid shell, and the sleeves were made of windbreaker material. And the sleeves were weirdly attached. JD’s suit … --- ## [A wild new addition to my studio. Oh the Hammond sound!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-wild-new-addition-to-my-studio-oh-the-hammond-sound/1032836)
**Author:** [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-wild-new-addition-to-my-studio-oh-the-hammond-sound/1032836 "2026-09-15T01:33:30Z")
I realized that I liked playing my Rhodes but never was really good at it. A few months back I found a superb Rhodes imitation that is man portable–a Crumar Seven. That has the tines mathematically modeled and sounds abs… --- ## [US Dopers, does your local politics refuse to conform to the national R vs. D divide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-dopers-does-your-local-politics-refuse-to-conform-to-the-national-r-vs-d-divide/1032940)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-dopers-does-your-local-politics-refuse-to-conform-to-the-national-r-vs-d-divide/1032940 "2026-09-15T00:52:23Z")
I live in Corpus Christi, TX. Our mayor and city council are all up for election this fall. The city council consists of 5 members elected by district and 3 “at large” council members elected by voters across the whole… --- ## [Yet another AC question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-ac-question/1033016)
**Author:** [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-ac-question/1033016 "2026-09-15T00:10:50Z")
The house we’re renting has a “Florida room”: 90% windows and I can’t vouch for insulation in the roof/ceiling. And, get this — there are two AC vents and a large return in the ceiling. We have the door to the backyard o… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=21&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=23&state=muted)