# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=231 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 232 --- ## [The first against the wall will be …](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-first-against-the-wall-will-be/1023503)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-first-against-the-wall-will-be/1023503 "2025-09-30T17:14:10Z")
You merkin’s duely elected leader and his administration have committed many scurrilous acts of external and internal harm. The esteemed @Monty has documented so instances that lesser mortals strain to keep pace. I am c… --- ## [Are you obligated to bring someone back to life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-obligated-to-bring-someone-back-to-life/1023480)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-obligated-to-bring-someone-back-to-life/1023480 "2025-09-30T11:58:54Z")
Do you think in a fantastical scenario where a good person dies (recently or years ago, known to you or unknown to you) that you would be morally obligated to bring them back if you could instantly and without issue for … --- ## [You'd think everyone would know about](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youd-think-everyone-would-know-about/1021800)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 493\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youd-think-everyone-would-know-about/1021800 "2025-09-30T11:49:21Z")
Yesterday was my birthday, and as usual, toddled off to a neighbour’s place for an afternoon wine-session. All good, and I mentioned the only way I remember my birthday nowadays is that it falls on Hiroshima Day. Makes l… --- ## [Can the laws of physics allow something that's never happened in our universe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-laws-of-physics-allow-something-thats-never-happened-in-our-universe/1023441)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-laws-of-physics-allow-something-thats-never-happened-in-our-universe/1023441 "2025-09-30T08:19:27Z")
What I’m specifically thinking of is the assertion that at least since the inflationary period of the early universe, it never got hot enough for some of the more esoteric predictions of Grand Unified Theories to actuall… --- ## [Could Shelob have made use of the One Ring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-shelob-have-made-use-of-the-one-ring/1023320)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-shelob-have-made-use-of-the-one-ring/1023320 "2025-09-30T08:00:08Z")
I remember Gollum thinking in the books that, after the giant spider ate Frodo and Sam, he could sneakily go through their discarded clothes and gear and get the Ring again for himself. In the movies, the Ring was big e… --- ## [Obscure historical events made famous by works of art](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obscure-historical-events-made-famous-by-works-of-art/1023373)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obscure-historical-events-made-famous-by-works-of-art/1023373 "2025-09-30T07:51:25Z")
So randomly got to thinking about Les Miserables. Specifically about the fact that the historical event, during which it’s set, the (failed) June Revolution in Paris of 1832 is completely unknown nowadays. Les Mis is st… --- ## [The furthest arrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-furthest-arrow/1023490)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-furthest-arrow/1023490 "2025-09-30T05:41:23Z")
A friend of mine recently broke the record for the longest arrow ever shot from a hand-drawn bow. He spent over 20 years chasing this record. I have been trying to imagine a movie covering his journey. I think a book wou… --- ## [The Clarence Thomas led Supreme Court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-clarence-thomas-led-supreme-court/967189)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-clarence-thomas-led-supreme-court/967189 "2025-09-30T05:03:05Z")
We’ll start with this but it’s been going on since Oranganus rubber stamped Federalist nominees. Roe v. Wade --- ## [Today is a square day, in fact in two ways](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-a-square-day-in-fact-in-two-ways/1023442)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-a-square-day-in-fact-in-two-ways/1023442 "2025-09-30T00:56:22Z")
It happens that 9272025 = 3045^2, while if you write your dates in British style, 27092025 = 5205^2. I wonder if this phenomenon ever repeats. Unfortunately, the ISO (and Quebec) date notation 20250927 is not a square. … --- ## [Lincoln - "oln" pronounced "en"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lincoln-oln-pronounced-en/1022291)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lincoln-oln-pronounced-en/1022291 "2025-09-29T18:53:06Z")
Is this construct unique to Lincoln? I can’t think of another word that uses it. Was it really supposed to be “oln” and we just slur it? --- ## [Seeking language learning websites or apps that DON'T use ai](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-language-learning-websites-or-apps-that-dont-use-ai/1020988)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-language-learning-websites-or-apps-that-dont-use-ai/1020988 "2025-09-29T18:12:58Z")
Hi, everybody. The question is pretty much there in the thread title - I’m looking for websites or apps for language learning that do not use artificial intelligence. Are there any Dopers out there who have any recomme… --- ## [I have seen Oz behind the curtain, or My AI's pants fell down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-seen-oz-behind-the-curtain-or-my-ais-pants-fell-down/1023472)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-seen-oz-behind-the-curtain-or-my-ais-pants-fell-down/1023472 "2025-09-29T17:21:34Z")
I’m putting it here because I think it might trigger debate based on what I’ve seen in some other threads and it is certainly about one of the great issues of our time. I have recently joined the gazillions of persons w… --- ## [Ryder Cup 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ryder-cup-2025/1023429)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ryder-cup-2025/1023429 "2025-09-29T16:33:16Z")
Through 12 matches, the big names from the US are getting spanked by the Europeans. It’s 8 1/2 to 3 1/2. Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau are a combined 1-5 so far. Saturday afternoon four-balls just getting und… --- ## [Emergency Room Sticker Shock](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emergency-room-sticker-shock/1023128)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emergency-room-sticker-shock/1023128 "2025-09-29T16:28:05Z")
So they’ve changed the benefits at work, and of course the copay costs are going up. Mostly, it’s just five more for a regular doctor’s visit, ten more for a specialist, etc. But get this, a visit to an emergency room … --- ## [A FQ about the Comey indictment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-fq-about-the-comey-indictment/1023415)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-fq-about-the-comey-indictment/1023415 "2025-09-29T14:50:12Z")
Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by the Justice Department for lying to Congress and obstruction of justice. The original prosecutor declined to seek the indictment and was summarily fired and replaced … --- ## [(Old) Face Off Against Moanday: A Start Of Hockey MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-face-off-against-moanday-a-start-of-hockey-mmp/1023284)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 303\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-face-off-against-moanday-a-start-of-hockey-mmp/1023284 "2025-09-29T02:21:18Z")
After this weekend I hate handegg again, but tonight is the first preseason hockey game of the year. So check your bin schedule so you don’t miss it(or worse, leave it out and look like a slacker), and hijack away. I… --- ## [How do you feel about converting to the Metric system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-converting-to-the-metric-system/978666)
**Author:** [@Honolulu\_Lulu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honolulu_Lulu)\ **Replies:** 488\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-converting-to-the-metric-system/978666 "2025-09-29T03:59:25Z")
How do you feel about the Metric System? For those of you (like older Canadians) who started their lives on pounds, miles, Fahrenheit, and gallons, how painful was the switch to Metric? I remember visiting Canada some … --- ## [What do you teach your children about money, wealth, and personal finances?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-teach-your-children-about-money-wealth-and-personal-finances/1022975)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-teach-your-children-about-money-wealth-and-personal-finances/1022975 "2025-09-29T01:10:28Z")
In this thread @Spice\_Weasel made the following comment on how they teach their child about money… Similarly, there is this thread asking “What should schools be teaching” that focuses heavily on personal finances and … --- ## [Mass Shooting in Southport, NC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-shooting-in-southport-nc/1023465)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-shooting-in-southport-nc/1023465 "2025-09-29T00:10:01Z")
I first heard about it from my brother, who lives nearby. --- ## [NHL Offseason 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-offseason-2025/1019893)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-offseason-2025/1019893 "2025-09-28T23:31:39Z")
Playoffs over, here’s a thread to discuss offseason and probably the draft. Jonathan Toews signs with Winnipeg. Was one of my favorite players with the Blackhawks, but not sure he’s really got anything left in the tank.… --- ## [Mars First Logistics: Rover builder & simulator with physics modeling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-first-logistics-rover-builder-simulator-with-physics-modeling/1023432)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-first-logistics-rover-builder-simulator-with-physics-modeling/1023432 "2025-09-28T22:42:53Z")
I came across this little gem the other day: Save 40% on Mars First Logistics on Steam Or short gameplay video (sorry for my terrible driving): https://fightingignorance.… --- ## [Corn sticks!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corn-sticks/1023408)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corn-sticks/1023408 "2025-09-28T21:32:37Z")
My new favorite curse or exclamation? Nope. A new candy? Nope. Those things that are supposed to come out of those cast iron corn cob(kinda) shaped pans? Ding ding ding. That’s the one. Mine is very old, came from… --- ## [How much cash do you typically carry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cash-do-you-typically-carry/1022656)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cash-do-you-typically-carry/1022656 "2025-09-28T19:55:43Z")
I’m comfortable with about $200.00 on me. Below $100.00 and I get nervous. If its more than $300, I hide most of it in a pocket of my hip pouch. Hate using the cc for everything. I try hard NOT to uae a cc at mom 'n pop… --- ## [In Lassie, did anyone ever actually derive information from Lassie’s barking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-lassie-did-anyone-ever-actually-derive-information-from-lassie-s-barking/1023436)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-lassie-did-anyone-ever-actually-derive-information-from-lassie-s-barking/1023436 "2025-09-28T18:40:32Z")
It’s a trope that all of us Americans have seen countless times in sketch comedy or other media. Lassie barks without any particular urgency, and a human understands her perfectly. As in: LASSIE: \[barks\] HUMAN: What’s … --- ## [Beware the Blood-Sucking Alien Vegetable Men of West Virginia. With link](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-blood-sucking-alien-vegetable-men-of-west-virginia-with-link/1023433)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-blood-sucking-alien-vegetable-men-of-west-virginia-with-link/1023433 "2025-09-28T18:03:39Z")
Oh my dear God, there are no words for how silly this is. And in West Virginia, to boot. The only things missing are the History Channel Special and the phrase alcohol was believed to be involved. {LINK} “Barker interv… --- ## [Alternative to Fitbit Zip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternative-to-fitbit-zip/1023447)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternative-to-fitbit-zip/1023447 "2025-09-28T17:58:37Z")
I’ve been using a Zip for 10 years. It meets my needs very well. It now only synchs the time, not my steps. There’s been less and less support for it from Fitbit and this tracker model hasn’t been available for years. It… --- ## [Why does Continuously Variable Transmission sound like it's shifting between discreet gears?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-continuously-variable-transmission-sound-like-its-shifting-between-discreet-gears/1023364)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-continuously-variable-transmission-sound-like-its-shifting-between-discreet-gears/1023364 "2025-09-28T16:44:49Z")
I just bought a new car, a Subaru Forester. It has a CVT. However, as it accelerates, it sounds like an automatic transmission car with just a few gears. The motor gradually speeds up, then suddenly steps down in speed a… --- ## [What have you won by calling into a radio show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-you-won-by-calling-into-a-radio-show/1021714)
**Author:** [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-you-won-by-calling-into-a-radio-show/1021714 "2025-09-28T12:02:36Z")
It’s evening and I’m still buzzing from this morning. I mustered up enough courage to call into a local morning show for their daily trivia contest. (I had chickened out on Friday.) The prize for winning - Paul Simon con… --- ## ["Wish You Were Here" is 50 years old today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wish-you-were-here-is-50-years-old-today/1023007)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wish-you-were-here-is-50-years-old-today/1023007 "2025-09-28T07:00:56Z")
I first bought it around 1979, and listened to it incessantly, especially because the girl I was in love with at the time listened to it as well, and we both loved it. When she went to college a year later, she wrote me … --- ## [Five letter words - Change ALL the letters to make a new word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-letter-words-change-all-the-letters-to-make-a-new-word/846083)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 3284\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2025, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-letter-words-change-all-the-letters-to-make-a-new-word/846083 "2025-09-28T03:12:22Z")
For this one, no using any letters in the previous five letter word. None. So to start: start [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=230) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=232)