# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=238&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 239 --- ## [Thorium bomb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thorium-bomb/991037)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thorium-bomb/991037 "2025-09-19T06:34:03Z")
Can a nuclear bomb be made with some amount of thorium? I understand that, although thorium itself is not fissionable, it can absorb neutrons and transmute into Uranium 233, which is fissionable. So, can a bomb be made… --- ## [Albums named after a song that isn't on the album, but was released before or after (or never)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albums-named-after-a-song-that-isnt-on-the-album-but-was-released-before-or-after-or-never/1022897)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albums-named-after-a-song-that-isnt-on-the-album-but-was-released-before-or-after-or-never/1022897 "2025-09-19T05:45:37Z")
The title should tell what I’m after, but I’ll explain further: I was thinking about the AC/DC live album “If You Want Blood” from 1978 and the song of the same name released as an studio album track on “Highway To Hell”… --- ## [I'm starting to think that Kohl's is now a data-mining operation that sells clothing and small appliances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-starting-to-think-that-kohls-is-now-a-data-mining-operation-that-sells-clothing-and-small-appliances/1023100)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-starting-to-think-that-kohls-is-now-a-data-mining-operation-that-sells-clothing-and-small-appliances/1023100 "2025-09-19T04:32:49Z")
I got a $20 coupon, with 30% off if I used my credit card, and the cashier told me that the card was obsolete (I figured it was) and I had to present my driver’s license (which didn’t weird me out) and give my SSN on the… --- ## [What misconceptions do you think there are about societal collapse and its aftermath?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-misconceptions-do-you-think-there-are-about-societal-collapse-and-its-aftermath/1022496)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-misconceptions-do-you-think-there-are-about-societal-collapse-and-its-aftermath/1022496 "2025-09-19T04:05:20Z")
What misconceptions do you think there are about societal collapse and its aftermath? My example is the idea from pop culture that there would be a single faction representing what’s left of the US government that may o… --- ## [How springy is railroad rail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-springy-is-railroad-rail/1022336)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-springy-is-railroad-rail/1022336 "2025-09-19T02:40:50Z")
Pic from June 1966 Scientific American How do they deal with this? If they cut the rail, won’t it spring back to straight? Or are the bends sharp enough to kink the rails? Is it possible to kink rails, or will they brea… --- ## [Will the U.S.A. pull its head out of its ass, or is it too late?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-u-s-a-pull-its-head-out-of-its-ass-or-is-it-too-late/1023139)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-u-s-a-pull-its-head-out-of-its-ass-or-is-it-too-late/1023139 "2025-09-19T01:52:50Z")
A simple poll…and my vote is no. I don’t give a shit what you hope will happen, btw. What do you think will happen. --- ## [Have you lived anywhere during a record-setting event?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-lived-anywhere-during-a-record-setting-event/1023064)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-lived-anywhere-during-a-record-setting-event/1023064 "2025-09-19T00:47:06Z")
I’ve posted before about the Anchorage earthquake of 1964 being the most powerful recorded in North America. We also lived in Anchorage in 2002, when there was a record 24-hour snowfall of 29.6" in 24 hours on St. Patric… --- ## [Jordan Peele's NOPE (spoilers after OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jordan-peeles-nope-spoilers-after-op/968540)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jordan-peeles-nope-spoilers-after-op/968540 "2025-09-18T22:30:22Z")
Was looking forward to this and saw on opening day Friday. And… it just didn’t do it for me. It had it’s moments along with some interesting symbolism and metaphors but makes a big mistake a lot of these horror/thriller… --- ## [Didn't PDF used to be considered a standard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/didnt-pdf-used-to-be-considered-a-standard/1023132)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/didnt-pdf-used-to-be-considered-a-standard/1023132 "2025-09-18T22:04:31Z")
My recollection is that when PDFs first came on the scene, they were touted for how they’d look the same regardless of platform or device. Portable WYSIWYG: What YOU, the person creating the PDF see, is what THEY, the … --- ## [A-Z: Businesses, etc., that don't exist but should (or maybe it's best that they don't)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-z-businesses-etc-that-dont-exist-but-should-or-maybe-its-best-that-they-dont/1022588)
**Author:** [@dirtball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dirtball)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-z-businesses-etc-that-dont-exist-but-should-or-maybe-its-best-that-they-dont/1022588 "2025-09-18T18:46:48Z")
I thought “businesses” would make for the best thread title, but “etc.” means we can include any organization or just an individual with some calling in life. Charities, schools, clubs, government departments, whatever. … --- ## [How should mass shootings be classified (In reference to Charlie Kirk's final words)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-mass-shootings-be-classified-in-reference-to-charlie-kirks-final-words/1023086)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-mass-shootings-be-classified-in-reference-to-charlie-kirks-final-words/1023086 "2025-09-18T15:53:55Z")
Continuing the discussion from How long would Charlie Kirk have lasted here?: (Backstory in linked thread.) By bringing up this distinction in advance, CK would have forced his questioner to specify whether he was “th… --- ## [How important is setting up a trust?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-setting-up-a-trust/1023119)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-setting-up-a-trust/1023119 "2025-09-18T15:20:12Z")
When I was married, I had a family trust so my kids wouldn’t have to deal with probate when we died, but now that I am single I’m not sure I really need one. I have a simple Will with all my assets going to my daughter w… --- ## [Jerry (of Ben and Jerry's) Quits over Stifling of Speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerry-of-ben-and-jerrys-quits-over-stifling-of-speech/1023125)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerry-of-ben-and-jerrys-quits-over-stifling-of-speech/1023125 "2025-09-18T11:45:43Z")
Jerry Quits Ben & Jerry’s, Claiming Company Has Been ‘Silenced, Sidelined’ He spoke out against the Trump administration in his announcement about his departure. Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the… --- ## [So, this is it, right? (Trump Announces He is Federalizing DC Police, and More)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-right-trump-announces-he-is-federalizing-dc-police-and-more/1021929)
**Author:** [@mjmartin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mjmartin)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-right-trump-announces-he-is-federalizing-dc-police-and-more/1021929 "2025-09-18T11:02:17Z")
Trump just announced that he is federalizing the DC police and deploying the National Guard to D.C., allegedly to “combat crime”, in a city where crime statistics are down both since last year and over the past decade. I… --- ## [I'm done with the agita](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-done-with-the-agita/1003681)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-done-with-the-agita/1003681 "2025-09-18T06:57:20Z")
As of this thread, I will no longer be reading, watching or discussing Trump or Biden or any of the stories swirling around them, either online or with people in my sphere. I’m tired of being worried, angry and upset eve… --- ## [International travel: passport; credit cards; travel advisories; STEP; general advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-travel-passport-credit-cards-travel-advisories-step-general-advice/1022368)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-travel-passport-credit-cards-travel-advisories-step-general-advice/1022368 "2025-09-18T04:59:01Z")
I live in the USA and looking for some help from you who frequently travel internationally. It’s been over 10 years for me, and it was usually business travel. I’m retired now. First, passport My passport expired years… --- ## [Why Does the Substack Algorithm Think I'm a Nazi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-substack-algorithm-think-im-a-nazi/1022961)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-substack-algorithm-think-im-a-nazi/1022961 "2025-09-18T03:20:12Z")
I’ve been on Substack for a bit, mostly to follow Nate Silver. There are some interesting folks on there, and also a lot of complete dipshits. But recently like 75% of the stuff showing up in my feed is frothing right-wi… --- ## [MLB umpire rotation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-umpire-rotation/1023129)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-umpire-rotation/1023129 "2025-09-18T00:29:30Z")
How are umpires rotated? I’m assuming they are assigned one base in a game and a different base the next game. If so - is the order always 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home, or can the crew decide among themselves the order? Could… --- ## [Is style important to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-style-important-to-you/1022328)
**Author:** [@sunacres](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sunacres)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-style-important-to-you/1022328 "2025-09-18T00:22:39Z")
On my morning walk today I saw a new car with deep candy-apple red paint, somewhat unusual in this era dominated by grey, silver, white and black cars. I know and appreciate the feeling of getting into a fancy car, or re… --- ## [Three Against the System: An Algebra Action Movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-against-the-system-an-algebra-action-movie/1023137)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-against-the-system-an-algebra-action-movie/1023137 "2025-09-17T22:57:18Z")
This is the story of three heroes, X, Y, and Z, who went on a mission against a most nefarious foe, known as The System, and in the process found themselves. Starring Dwayne Johnson as X, Scarlett Johansson as Y, and Id… --- ## ["The Chess Lv. 100"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-chess-lv-100/1023094)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-chess-lv-100/1023094 "2025-09-17T19:38:16Z")
I have the old Windows games adapted for Windows 11 on my desktop at work, and one of those old games is, “Chess Titans”. Even on its top level, level 10, it wasn’t very strong in the opening and middle games because it… --- ## [Happy birthday, gravitational waves!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-birthday-gravitational-waves/1023045)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-birthday-gravitational-waves/1023045 "2025-09-17T19:04:54Z")
Last night, I was reading A Brief Welcome to the Universe and in one of the final chapters it mentioned that gravitational waves “have proved elusive to detect”. I thought they had been detected, so I looked up when and … --- ## [Quick philosophy or rhetoric question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-philosophy-or-rhetoric-question/1023063)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-philosophy-or-rhetoric-question/1023063 "2025-09-17T17:40:41Z")
What is the philosophy or rhetoric technique where a speaker argues both sides of the debate? I thought it was sophistry but looking it up, that’s not it. --- ## [If I win $10 million and pay taxes on it and then give $1 million to a friend do they also have to pay taxes on it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-win-10-million-and-pay-taxes-on-it-and-then-give-1-million-to-a-friend-do-they-also-have-to-pay-taxes-on-it/1023004)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-win-10-million-and-pay-taxes-on-it-and-then-give-1-million-to-a-friend-do-they-also-have-to-pay-taxes-on-it/1023004 "2025-09-17T17:15:48Z")
Title kinda says it all. Let’s say I won a lottery for $10 million (example, I have not). My understanding is the government will not hand me a check for $10 million. They will withhold taxes and give me what is left … --- ## [How do you decide what to watch on TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-decide-what-to-watch-on-tv/1022846)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-decide-what-to-watch-on-tv/1022846 "2025-09-17T16:56:41Z")
I posted in the past asking for recommendations of specific TV shows. Instead of asking for recommendations here, I’m wondering how people choose what to watch on TV. Do you research TV shows/movies ahead of time? Or … --- ## [Are you a dog person or a cat person? Which did you have when you were growing up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-dog-person-or-a-cat-person-which-did-you-have-when-you-were-growing-up/1022996)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-dog-person-or-a-cat-person-which-did-you-have-when-you-were-growing-up/1022996 "2025-09-17T15:23:49Z")
I’ve noticed several times that cat people grew up in families that owned cats and dog people came from dog owning families. Over the years I’ve asked only half a dozen poeple about this but so far have found no exceptio… --- ## [Is the COVID Pandemic...over?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-covid-pandemic-over/1016886)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-covid-pandemic-over/1016886 "2025-09-17T11:14:55Z")
At work, no-one still checks customers at the entrance with thermometers, maintains at least 6 feet distant, wears masks, etc. So… Has the Center for Disease Control or some government entity stated…or implied…that the… --- ## [MacBook P20 15 - Lost my left-click on the Trackpad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/macbook-p20-15-lost-my-left-click-on-the-trackpad/1022995)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/macbook-p20-15-lost-my-left-click-on-the-trackpad/1022995 "2025-09-17T10:48:51Z")
I’ve lost the left-click on my Trackpad on my MacBook Pro 15, 2.3 GHz 8-core Intel Core i9. My Trackpad settings are: Force Click and haptic feedback: On Look up and data detectors: Tap with Three Fingers Secondary cl… --- ## [NFL Week 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-2/1022886)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-2/1022886 "2025-09-17T06:07:42Z")
@SenorBeef said it best when he posted “We might have the game of the year in week 1”. The Bills/Ravens SNF game was extremely wild and featured a most improbable comeback. It’s going to be hard to top that game for pu… --- ## [Why does the media portray mass shooters as mostly white men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-media-portray-mass-shooters-as-mostly-white-men/837043)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-media-portray-mass-shooters-as-mostly-white-men/837043 "2025-09-17T05:05:53Z")
TIL that a majority of mass shooters are black. I was genuinely shocked. Is this being largely ignored by the media out of political correctness, or because of a lack of concern for black victims? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=237&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=239&state=muted)