# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=26&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 27 --- ## [Could drones make manual small arms obsolete?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-drones-make-manual-small-arms-obsolete/1031306)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-drones-make-manual-small-arms-obsolete/1031306 "2026-09-10T20:14:23Z")
Once upon a time firearms revolutionized the human condition. In particular in the context of war they eventually replaced almost all hand-to-hand fighting. Today bayonets and fighting knives are an afterthought or retai… --- ## [Rifftrax doing four new episodes of MST3K](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rifftrax-doing-four-new-episodes-of-mst3k/1027326)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rifftrax-doing-four-new-episodes-of-mst3k/1027326 "2026-09-10T19:53:50Z")
Here’s Mike and the two robots telling us about it. I watch a lot of Rifftrax shorts on youtube, but have never gone to their website to see how it works. Can anyone here tell me about it? I’d love to see Mike and the… --- ## [Too late to say goodbye to a dear friend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-late-to-say-goodbye-to-a-dear-friend/1032936)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-late-to-say-goodbye-to-a-dear-friend/1032936 "2026-09-10T19:34:36Z")
She was a Master Costumer, Secretary of the International Costumers Guild, wrote tons of fanfiction and illustrated many fanzines, and she organized fan-based phone banks to raise money for PBS back in the day. She went… --- ## [Statistics and sample-size question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistics-and-sample-size-question/1032882)
**Author:** [@hideousidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hideousidiot)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistics-and-sample-size-question/1032882 "2026-09-10T19:12:15Z")
According to an AI I consulted, and my own sense, education-levels in this country correlate closely with voting patterns: people with doctorates tend to vote Democratic much more than people who never graduated high sch… --- ## [Would you use the word "square" for a public space that's round?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-the-word-square-for-a-public-space-thats-round/1032926)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-the-word-square-for-a-public-space-thats-round/1032926 "2026-09-10T19:07:16Z")
Just an English language question from a non-native speaker. I know there are round public spaces whose names indicate that shape, such as Columbus Circle in Manhattan or Piccadilly Circus in London. But if I were to hel… --- ## [Why do you want a sunroof in your car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-want-a-sunroof-in-your-car/1032928)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-want-a-sunroof-in-your-car/1032928 "2026-09-10T19:05:21Z")
I don’t understand the appeal. I don’t particularly want to look up at the sky and opening it does not seem to offer any benefits over a normal window. It adds to cost and reduces rigidity and handling. So why are they s… --- ## [Horrible Movie and TV tropes about computers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-movie-and-tv-tropes-about-computers/1032852)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-movie-and-tv-tropes-about-computers/1032852 "2026-09-10T18:56:12Z")
This thread is inspired by a panel I went to at the Los Angeles Worldcon about a week or so ago. Why do script writers and directors treat computers like magic wands and computer programs like magic spells? There are ma… --- ## [That Simpsons scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-simpsons-scene/1032886)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-simpsons-scene/1032886 "2026-09-10T18:48:02Z")
…where Homer leaves Flanders’ yard and sinks backwards through the hedge. Was that a reference to something? --- ## [9-11, oh you thought I was gonna talk about the Twin towers. Nope. Read on (birth of a daughter)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-oh-you-thought-i-was-gonna-talk-about-the-twin-towers-nope-read-on-birth-of-a-daughter/1032934)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-oh-you-thought-i-was-gonna-talk-about-the-twin-towers-nope-read-on-birth-of-a-daughter/1032934 "2026-09-10T18:35:06Z")
9-11 was the day the Lil’wrekker was born. The actual day. Yes. I was watching the news in the hospital. She was born by C-section. I was slightly alarmed the whole time. But what could I do? It was happening no matter … --- ## [Trying to find a way to directly contact the creators of "Timeless History"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-a-way-to-directly-contact-the-creators-of-timeless-history/1032945)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-a-way-to-directly-contact-the-creators-of-timeless-history/1032945 "2026-09-10T17:21:20Z")
There’s a YouTube channel called “Timeless History” that gives little videos about the history of amusement parks and the like. Actually, there are several sites with that name, but the one I’m writing about is this one: … --- ## [A murder of crows. Make up your own collective noun.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-murder-of-crows-make-up-your-own-collective-noun/816370)
**Author:** [@boson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boson)\ **Replies:** 281\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-murder-of-crows-make-up-your-own-collective-noun/816370 "2026-09-10T16:59:20Z")
A mess of children. --- ## [Why are cars named after small Western towns and not big cities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cars-named-after-small-western-towns-and-not-big-cities/1032805)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cars-named-after-small-western-towns-and-not-big-cities/1032805 "2026-09-10T04:37:35Z")
I can think of the: Sedona Durango Tacoma Tucson Santa Fe But, no Chicago, Houston, Boston, or Washington DC. Although there is a New York-er. And, for that matter, no Biloxi, Portsmouth, or Wheaton. --- ## [Why doesn’t Stalin’s version of communism work? “From each according to their abilities, to each according to their labor?”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesn-t-stalin-s-version-of-communism-work-from-each-according-to-their-abilities-to-each-according-to-their-labor/1032137)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesn-t-stalin-s-version-of-communism-work-from-each-according-to-their-abilities-to-each-according-to-their-labor/1032137 "2026-09-10T02:48:52Z")
I’ve been pondering the failures and successes of both capitalism and communism. I gradually developed a hypothesis that something like the quote in the OP is probably the optimal type of economic system. Lo and behold… --- ## [RIP Gloria Steinem at 92](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-gloria-steinem-at-92/1032798)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-gloria-steinem-at-92/1032798 "2026-09-10T02:47:21Z")
Gloria Steinem, a trailblazing journalist and activist who devoted her life to fighting for women’s rights, died on Wednesday. She was 92… Starting in the 1960s, at a time when women were largely limited to domestic ro… --- ## [Common misconceptions about liberalism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/common-misconceptions-about-liberalism/1032905)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/common-misconceptions-about-liberalism/1032905 "2026-09-09T23:08:00Z")
One commonly-touted example is that liberals are supposed to avoid being rich and that it’s hypocrisy to do so (for instance, people lambasting Obama for signing a $44 million book deal and having a huge Martha’s Vineyar… --- ## [Cutting the US down to (its true) size](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cutting-the-us-down-to-its-true-size/1032867)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cutting-the-us-down-to-its-true-size/1032867 "2026-09-09T22:11:16Z")
For most of the current merkin troubles the wider world has watched in bemusement, angst, indignation and horror as the current poor shower of US hegemonists seek to enact/extend manifest destiny by pinching somebody, an… --- ## [Who’s on your Mount Rushmore of apex predators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-s-on-your-mount-rushmore-of-apex-predators/1032830)
**Author:** [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-s-on-your-mount-rushmore-of-apex-predators/1032830 "2026-09-09T21:41:48Z")
And I’m interested in your rationale. Pick any period in history, land, sea, or air. Mix and match, or provide different versions for different eras or themes. I’ll provide mine at some point, but I’ll kick it off by … --- ## [Teslas really are not great cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teslas-really-are-not-great-cars/1016339)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 621\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teslas-really-are-not-great-cars/1016339 "2026-09-09T21:32:45Z")
I’m not sure if this should be a Pit thread or not. I welcome counter-points, and I’m not going to say anything about Musk or his politics, but if mods feel it should be in the Pit and move it, I’m fine with it. My insti… --- ## [Betelgeuse losing brightness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/betelgeuse-losing-brightness/845478)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/betelgeuse-losing-brightness/845478 "2026-09-09T21:09:18Z")
The gradual loss of Betelgeuse brightness although not a surprise has been reported as a possible sign that the star may explode. If it does indeed destruct and we see the celestial supernova …when did it actually happe… --- ## [Valheim (PC game)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valheim-pc-game/933685)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valheim-pc-game/933685 "2026-09-09T21:05:31Z")
So as usual, all of the big name releases I spent so long waiting for came out, and were enjoyed, and are waiting more DLC. In the mean time I picked up Valheim on a whim, and have been loving the hell (hehe) out of it.… --- ## [Which adhesive for gluing (not sewing) a decorative patch on a backpack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-adhesive-for-gluing-not-sewing-a-decorative-patch-on-a-backpack/1032809)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-adhesive-for-gluing-not-sewing-a-decorative-patch-on-a-backpack/1032809 "2026-09-09T20:45:04Z")
I’d like to use an adhesive to put a patch on my backpack. Unfortunately, no one at my local craft store seems to know which adhesive to use, despite a whole aisle of glues. None of these glues say they can be used on ba… --- ## [Chuck Norris eternal brainless unfunny gags](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chuck-norris-eternal-brainless-unfunny-gags/1028801)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chuck-norris-eternal-brainless-unfunny-gags/1028801 "2026-09-09T20:39:28Z")
First off, I’d like to state that I don’t have any real opinion of the man. I was never a big fan of martial arts movies to begin with, and I never watched Walker: Texas Ranger. Yeah, he was MAGA, but we have millions of… --- ## [I would offer you $500,000 to watch every episode ofAmerican Bandstand, Soul Train, Midnight Special, and Solid Gold, at your own leisure. Do you take this offer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-offer-you-500-000-to-watch-every-episode-ofamerican-bandstand-soul-train-midnight-special-and-solid-gold-at-your-own-leisure-do-you-take-this-offer/1031914)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-offer-you-500-000-to-watch-every-episode-ofamerican-bandstand-soul-train-midnight-special-and-solid-gold-at-your-own-leisure-do-you-take-this-offer/1031914 "2026-09-09T18:36:11Z")
Here are the rules. 1. Let’s say I have, streamable to your TV, every episode of those four shows in the title. You must sit down and watch them all from beginning to end. If you do this, I will give you $500,000 in you… --- ## [Is it silly to reach out after 40 years, out of the blue, to send an apology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-silly-to-reach-out-after-40-years-out-of-the-blue-to-send-an-apology/923554)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-silly-to-reach-out-after-40-years-out-of-the-blue-to-send-an-apology/923554 "2026-09-09T18:19:02Z")
This is probably silly to even consider doing, and so I’ll ask the wise folks here. What I did wasn’t all that terrible. I’m pretty confident in that assessment. It didn’t cause any permanent or serious damage. But when … --- ## [Necessity of De-Trumpification, and to what extent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/necessity-of-de-trumpification-and-to-what-extent/1032628)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/necessity-of-de-trumpification-and-to-what-extent/1032628 "2026-09-09T17:45:11Z")
So I’ve seen a lot of chatter on here about how in 2028 if the Democratic nominee wins the Presidency, or the Democrats somehow win an unassailable majority of both houses of Congresss, there are a bunch of things they s… --- ## [I pit the belief system that says that autism isn't bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-belief-system-that-says-that-autism-isnt-bad/1031621)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-belief-system-that-says-that-autism-isnt-bad/1031621 "2026-09-09T17:40:14Z")
I was diagnosed as autistic (Level 1 ASD) three years ago at the age of 64. Since then, I have heard things like “autism is a superpower” or “a gift”, Time Magazine has a special issue on autism and on the back cover, th… --- ## [5/5 - Hugh Howey's SF Silo Series to be series on Apple TV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-5-hugh-howeys-sf-silo-series-to-be-series-on-apple-tv/983137)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 180\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-5-hugh-howeys-sf-silo-series-to-be-series-on-apple-tv/983137 "2026-09-09T16:27:14Z")
Silo Trailer Pretty solid cast. Loved the book series. Looking forward to the TV series. --- ## [Anyone know Garland Jeffries and in particular the song Matador](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-garland-jeffries-and-in-particular-the-song-matador/975190)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-garland-jeffries-and-in-particular-the-song-matador/975190 "2026-09-09T12:44:14Z")
This is now one of my favorite songs of all time and I have not heard it in years, nay decades, now a year past four decades. I had forgot about it and tonight it hit me in the heart. It came up on Spotify and I remember… --- ## [There are nut allergies and seafood allergies. Are there broccoli allergies? Why are some things dangerous and others not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-are-nut-allergies-and-seafood-allergies-are-there-broccoli-allergies-why-are-some-things-dangerous-and-others-not/1032709)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-are-nut-allergies-and-seafood-allergies-are-there-broccoli-allergies-why-are-some-things-dangerous-and-others-not/1032709 "2026-09-09T05:32:56Z")
My question is why are there only a few notorious allergic reactions but not a broad spread of people allergic to this or that? We hear about nut allergies all the time. Touch a peanut and drop dead. Yet I have never … --- ## [Lost Futures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-futures/423123)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-futures/423123 "2026-09-09T01:23:18Z")
Somehow I managed to end up as co-chair of a science fiction convention here in Oregon, and the theme I’ve come up with is Futures Lost-a look at books, movies and television shows that taken place in a future time that … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=25&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=27&state=muted)