# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=268&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 269 --- ## [Jewel Eye: Staring down the beryl (July Mini-Rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewel-eye-staring-down-the-beryl-july-mini-rants/1020332)
**Author:** [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Replies:** 385\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewel-eye-staring-down-the-beryl-july-mini-rants/1020332 "2025-08-01T13:46:51Z")
Continuing the discussion from June, no, NOTHING! (Monthly Mini-Rants): I know it’s a bit early but a new thread was asked for in the previous thread, so I’ll accommodate. My first mini rant is for my dog. She’s a swe… --- ## [If Betelgeuse Went Supernova](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-betelgeuse-went-supernova/1021537)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-betelgeuse-went-supernova/1021537 "2025-08-01T13:48:08Z")
…would we be in danger of Gamma radiation? I’m not sure if the inverse-square thing works in our favor due to the distance Betelgeuse is from us, but if the star’s magnetic pole is aimed directly at us, a concentrated b… --- ## [Have you ever gotten something extraordinary simply by asking nicely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-gotten-something-extraordinary-simply-by-asking-nicely/1020701)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-gotten-something-extraordinary-simply-by-asking-nicely/1020701 "2025-08-01T12:09:10Z")
A while back a Doper told the story of how, back in the day, they and their family happened to be on tour at the Vatican on a day that the Pope happened to be holding public audiences. The Doper’s mom asked a Swiss Guard… --- ## [I killed a beaver (really: I killed the animal, I’m not talking about sex)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-killed-a-beaver-really-i-killed-the-animal-i-m-not-talking-about-sex/1021529)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-killed-a-beaver-really-i-killed-the-animal-i-m-not-talking-about-sex/1021529 "2025-08-01T09:34:57Z")
Yesterday I was driving from Here to There in my little rural corner of the Ozark Mountains, and a big-ass beaver ran out into the road. Seriously, he was the size of a medium dog. I tried to swerve, but he swerved too, … --- ## [It's insane that the fate of the world depends on the hormones and neurotransmitters inside one person's head](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-insane-that-the-fate-of-the-world-depends-on-the-hormones-and-neurotransmitters-inside-one-persons-head/1021565)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-insane-that-the-fate-of-the-world-depends-on-the-hormones-and-neurotransmitters-inside-one-persons-head/1021565 "2025-08-01T03:40:33Z")
I was flying from California to Texas, 35,000 feet, gazing downwards at how utterly tiny a human being is in comparison to the planet. Invisible. The houses, buildings, are the tiniest of dots. The oceans are vast, the d… --- ## [Any love for Rand Paul now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-love-for-rand-paul-now/1018073)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-love-for-rand-paul-now/1018073 "2025-08-01T03:20:09Z")
Rand Paul (R - KY) called out Trump for declaring emergencies to rule by fiat and Congress for failing to do their duty in American democracy and 3:00 specified the Republicans. He talked at length about how America is… --- ## [DM Edit Error: "An error occurred: You're not allowed to tag topics"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dm-edit-error-an-error-occurred-youre-not-allowed-to-tag-topics/1021568)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dm-edit-error-an-error-occurred-youre-not-allowed-to-tag-topics/1021568 "2025-08-01T01:33:02Z")
When I create a DM to someone, post it, then try to edit it, I often get the error message in my title when I try to save the edit. Despite me not putting any tags on my DM. What’s up with that and what’s a workaround? … --- ## [What if all firearms in Africa and Asia vanished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-all-firearms-in-africa-and-asia-vanished/1021216)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-all-firearms-in-africa-and-asia-vanished/1021216 "2025-08-01T00:37:18Z")
Today, all firearms and their ammunition in Africa and Asia smaller than 20mm in caliber magically vanish (pistols, shotguns, rifles etc.). It only happens once so firearms are able to be built and used afterwards as nor… --- ## [Christian Nationalism, Mormonism, and a new law in Idaho](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christian-nationalism-mormonism-and-a-new-law-in-idaho/1021473)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christian-nationalism-mormonism-and-a-new-law-in-idaho/1021473 "2025-07-31T23:00:48Z")
I’ve made no secret on this board of my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For many years, I was registered to vote in California. Now I’m registered to vote in Georgia. Basically my votes now… --- ## [Wednesday's Child is full of Woe. But I'm looking forward to new Wednesday series. Addams Family spinoff \[Open Spoilers season 1\]\[Season 2 Part 1 August 6th 2025\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wednesdays-child-is-full-of-woe-but-im-looking-forward-to-new-wednesday-series-addams-family-spinoff-open-spoilers-season-1-season-2-part-1-august-6th-2025/965793)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 234\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wednesdays-child-is-full-of-woe-but-im-looking-forward-to-new-wednesday-series-addams-family-spinoff-open-spoilers-season-1-season-2-part-1-august-6th-2025/965793 "2025-07-31T22:53:41Z")
The show is in production and the cast is amazing. Tim Burton is the showrunner. Jenna Ortega is starring as a college age Wednesday. Catherine Zeta-Jones & Luis Guzman as Morticia and Gomez. Christina Ricci & Riki L… --- ## [Where's the preview screen? Why the double-spacing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-the-preview-screen-why-the-double-spacing/1021487)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-the-preview-screen-why-the-double-spacing/1021487 "2025-07-31T22:23:40Z")
Something weird happened today (I’m thinking after noon, PDT). When replying to, or creating, a post, I no longer have the preview screen to the right; only the screen I’m typing into. Also, I get a double space when I… --- ## [Radioactive Wasp Nest in South Carolina](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radioactive-wasp-nest-in-south-carolina/1021548)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radioactive-wasp-nest-in-south-carolina/1021548 "2025-07-31T22:11:18Z")
I confess this was NOT on my 2025 Weird Event Bingo Card: radioactive wasp nest found at former nuclear production site. Apparently the nest was vacant when discovered which does lead to the question of where the wasps … --- ## [Coke with pure cane sugar will soon be available!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-with-pure-cane-sugar-will-soon-be-available/1021205)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-with-pure-cane-sugar-will-soon-be-available/1021205 "2025-07-31T21:57:19Z")
Coke purists have been seeking out Mexican Coke for many years. I make a special trip to Home Depot to buy a case of Mexican Coke. It’s how Coke used to taste before the HFCS (corn syrup) switch in the 80’s. There are o… --- ## [Is it rude to be barefoot when entertaining guests?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-rude-to-be-barefoot-when-entertaining-guests/1021481)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-rude-to-be-barefoot-when-entertaining-guests/1021481 "2025-07-31T20:59:33Z")
I wasn’t sure where to ask this since it’s not really a factual question. If you’re having people over, is it impolite to not wear shoes? I walk around shoeless all the time, and would everywhere if I could. --- ## [Does the attention you pay to politics (mainly US) wax and wane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-attention-you-pay-to-politics-mainly-us-wax-and-wane/1021426)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-attention-you-pay-to-politics-mainly-us-wax-and-wane/1021426 "2025-07-31T20:55:20Z")
When Trump was re-elected, I thought I would pretty much commit to being blissfully ignorant of the evil I anticipated. (Kinda a change for an ex-PolSci major and longtime gov’t employee.) Then, despite my intentions, … --- ## [Cartoon Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cartoon-question/30807)
**Author:** [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cartoon-question/30807 "2025-07-31T20:02:11Z")
What cartoon is it in which there is a dog watching some item or other who continuously chants, “Guard guard guard guard…”? My sister put this into my head today and I cannot recall where it is from. --- ## [Does anyone else occasionally see a poster they have never seen before post something and you check and find they have been here for 20 years (or a long time)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-occasionally-see-a-poster-they-have-never-seen-before-post-something-and-you-check-and-find-they-have-been-here-for-20-years-or-a-long-time/1020038)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-occasionally-see-a-poster-they-have-never-seen-before-post-something-and-you-check-and-find-they-have-been-here-for-20-years-or-a-long-time/1020038 "2025-07-31T19:53:47Z")
I am frequently amazed when I see someone I would swear I have never seen post before and I click on their Avatar to see when they joined and learn they have been here for decades. And not someone who gets the little Di… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - July 2025 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-july-2025-edition/1020278)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-july-2025-edition/1020278 "2025-07-31T18:59:30Z")
Welcome to July or as I like to call it “I am getting no sleep this month” month! Utah has TWO count 'em TWO fireworks holidays. My poor pets are a wreck by the time August rolls around… Should be better now that the kid… --- ## [Tsunami Warning for Japan, July 30 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsunami-warning-for-japan-july-30-2025/1021492)
**Author:** [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsunami-warning-for-japan-july-30-2025/1021492 "2025-07-31T16:59:47Z")
Japan has issued a tsunami warning, with waves expected to reach up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) with the first waves at 10:30 (maybe). News: About 30 minutes ago, the warning system went off, and we received warning al… --- ## [British or AI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-or-ai/1021553)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-or-ai/1021553 "2025-07-31T16:37:18Z")
I came across this Youtube video by Vaaskl where he (it) says 2 times 4 plank rather than 2 by 4 plank. I’m guessing AI. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5hMShw8PxGM --- ## [Dialect question - "whenever" in place of "when"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dialect-question-whenever-in-place-of-when/1011897)
**Author:** [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dialect-question-whenever-in-place-of-when/1011897 "2025-07-31T15:41:07Z")
I have recently been noticing (possibly as a frequency illusion) a thing where certain people use the word “whenever” instead of “when”. For example they might say, “Whenever I was younger, I was afraid of dogs.” It soun… --- ## [Ladies with like 1 inch nails - how does that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-with-like-1-inch-nails-how-does-that-work/1021360)
**Author:** [@JimNightshade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimNightshade)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-with-like-1-inch-nails-how-does-that-work/1021360 "2025-07-31T14:36:45Z")
Artificial or not. But when you need to wipe at the ladies room, how does that work? As a man, I am confused. I’d be a little scared tbh. :flushed\_face: --- ## [Prohibition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prohibition/1021486)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prohibition/1021486 "2025-07-31T11:43:10Z")
I’ve been watching the 2011 series “Prohibition” by Ken Burns on PBS, and am learning a lot from the first episode (which ends at the 1920 passing of the 18th Amendment). Did any other (non-Muslim) countries outside Nor… --- ## [Canadian nostalgia: extinct restaurant chains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-nostalgia-extinct-restaurant-chains/1020762)
**Author:** [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-nostalgia-extinct-restaurant-chains/1020762 "2025-07-31T07:54:00Z")
I just came across an article about Canadian restaurant chains that no longer exist. TBH, I only recognized a few out of the 10, I think because some must have been regional. The names may ignite some nostalgia in othe… --- ## [Worst Mistake Your Parents Made](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-mistake-your-parents-made/1018965)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-mistake-your-parents-made/1018965 "2025-07-31T04:43:06Z")
I’ve been ruminating a lot about how I grew up lately, which is not the best thing to do, especially now that both my parents are dead. Maybe I couldn’t bring myself to think about this stuff in depth before. When I th… --- ## [Were you ever "bounced" out of a club or bar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-ever-bounced-out-of-a-club-or-bar/1021278)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-ever-bounced-out-of-a-club-or-bar/1021278 "2025-07-31T01:42:51Z")
I was reading some Buzzfeed stories about people who witnessed other folks being bounced out of a club, but I noticed no one stated that they themselves had been bounced. Has anyone here been bounced? I never have, eve… --- ## [A ‘Conversation’ With A Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-conversation-with-a-ghost/1021490)
**Author:** [@LucyInDisguise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LucyInDisguise)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2025, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-conversation-with-a-ghost/1021490 "2025-07-30T23:58:02Z")
In December of 1988, Mike + The Mechanics released a single titled ‘The Living Years’, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 on March 25, 1989. The song addresses a son’s regret over unresolved conflict with his now-decease… --- ## [Poem for a late and lamented friend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poem-for-a-late-and-lamented-friend/1021416)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2025, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poem-for-a-late-and-lamented-friend/1021416 "2025-07-30T23:01:34Z")
We dashed his ashes at the lake house, beside the cool deep waters that he loved so much. A Lighting Designer of rare talent, a gentle fun loving kind soul. Much missed. A few days after he died, this came to me. Along … --- ## [Question about posts and apparent mental illness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-posts-and-apparent-mental-illness/1021243)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2025, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-posts-and-apparent-mental-illness/1021243 "2025-07-30T21:50:36Z")
Recently I saw a post that started a new thread and that seemed to show signs of mental illness (hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia). Because I don’t want to publicly imply someone is mentally ill, I won’t provide a… --- ## [Stupid Computer tricks in Television and Movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-computer-tricks-in-television-and-movies/1021359)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2025, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-computer-tricks-in-television-and-movies/1021359 "2025-07-30T20:52:50Z")
It’s a computer, not a magic wand, you idiots! First off, that scene in the series “NCIS” where Abby and Timmy are trying to fight off a computer “viris”. Abby is at the keyboard failing miserably, so Timmie puts his t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=267&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=269&state=watching)