# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=270 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 271 --- ## [Shakespeare Mafia -- Act II](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shakespeare-mafia-act-ii/1021082)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shakespeare-mafia-act-ii/1021082 "2025-07-26T15:30:14Z")
Exeunt all but Pardel-Lux PARDEL-LUX If we shadows have offended, Think but this and all is mended: That you have but slumbered here While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding b… --- ## [Familial terminology Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/familial-terminology-question/1021352)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/familial-terminology-question/1021352 "2025-07-26T15:08:26Z")
Hi I hope someone can answer this question for me. A man marries his second cousin once removed. Are the children of that marriage simply the nephews and nieces of the man’s siblings or are they the man’s siblings’ cous… --- ## [Really good French singer/songwriter on Youtube](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-good-french-singer-songwriter-on-youtube/725677)
**Author:** [@SeniorCitizen007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeniorCitizen007)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-good-french-singer-songwriter-on-youtube/725677 "2025-07-26T15:06:35Z")
I’ve been following this girl for several years. She deserves a lot more views than she’s getting. --- ## [RIP Cleo Laine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-cleo-laine/1021354)
**Author:** [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-cleo-laine/1021354 "2025-07-26T14:51:21Z")
Magnificent jazz singer, actress and promoter of other musicians: --- ## [What actually causes hiccups after eating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-actually-causes-hiccups-after-eating/1021328)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-actually-causes-hiccups-after-eating/1021328 "2025-07-26T14:40:03Z")
I have poked around on the interwebs and I find the answer to that question is generally related to the stomach or the diaphragm. Distending the stomach too quickly or pressing on the diaphragm or something related to t… --- ## [How do I make a computer program that other computers do not see as a threat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-a-computer-program-that-other-computers-do-not-see-as-a-threat/1016766)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-a-computer-program-that-other-computers-do-not-see-as-a-threat/1016766 "2025-07-26T13:16:20Z")
I am new to computer programming but I (recently) made one for my company. It’s nothing super fancy. Just automates a task. And it is not a big program at all…quite small really. Used Python as the programming langua… --- ## [Freight Train Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freight-train-questions/585584)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freight-train-questions/585584 "2025-07-26T11:05:22Z")
Driving up to Flagstaff this weekend we noticed several trains with maybe 80-100 cars double stacked with containers. Obviously the total weight of these trains is staggering. Anyone know if there is an legal/upper lim… --- ## [HDMI to optical audio converter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hdmi-to-optical-audio-converter/1021300)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hdmi-to-optical-audio-converter/1021300 "2025-07-26T04:33:56Z")
I just got a new old receiver. A pioneer, 15-20 years old, has 5.1 and Dolby Pro Logic 1 and 2. It is working great for music and I can also send A/V from the computer to the TV and to L/R tower speakers. I do not hav… --- ## [Help identifying this song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-this-song/1021342)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-this-song/1021342 "2025-07-26T01:34:33Z")
I’ve heard it a few times in the last couple of weeks. But I’m not seeing the attribution. Anyone? --- ## [What film is this horrible Star Wars fake from? (video clip)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-film-is-this-horrible-star-wars-fake-from-video-clip/970462)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-film-is-this-horrible-star-wars-fake-from-video-clip/970462 "2025-07-25T23:31:23Z")
I’m a huge fan of the Alamo Drafthouse theaters, and the clips they show prior to the films. I also love their no talking / texting / disrupting adds that occur prior to the movies. Not too long ago though, I came acro… --- ## [Sondheim, "Into the Woods", alternate production](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sondheim-into-the-woods-alternate-production/1021275)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sondheim-into-the-woods-alternate-production/1021275 "2025-07-25T23:23:39Z")
The high school is doing a production of Sondheim’s “Into The Woods”. They are doing a production that is set in the London Underground, during the Blitz. This is a fairy tale, (Little Red Riding Hood, etc). There was … --- ## [Why do cowboys say "Yippee Ki Yay"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-cowboys-say-yippee-ki-yay/1019865)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-cowboys-say-yippee-ki-yay/1019865 "2025-07-25T23:05:04Z")
Or “Whoopee ti yi”, if you prefer. (I fully expect half the responses to be about Die Hard. Go ahead.) First: I assume they’re addressing the cows? To what end? But my real question is: why are they addressing cows … --- ## [Ozzy Osbourne has died \[fixed title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ozzy-osbourne-has-died-fixed-title/1021192)
**Author:** [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ozzy-osbourne-has-died-fixed-title/1021192 "2025-07-25T22:42:57Z")
So very sad. --- ## [Will my Homeowners Insurance premium go up or the policy get cancelled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-my-homeowners-insurance-premium-go-up-or-the-policy-get-cancelled/1021289)
**Author:** [@bodangus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bodangus)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-my-homeowners-insurance-premium-go-up-or-the-policy-get-cancelled/1021289 "2025-07-25T22:31:45Z")
If I move out of a paid for house I own and leave it empty but I continue to maintain it and pay the property taxes and utilities, all without issue, will my Home Owners Insurance premiums go up? Or worse will the policy… --- ## [British Dopers: What is a “Bloomsbury Type?”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-what-is-a-bloomsbury-type/1021293)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-what-is-a-bloomsbury-type/1021293 "2025-07-25T22:24:35Z")
I’m rewatching Reilly, Ace of Spies and Reilly’s wife is described as running off with a Bloomsbury type. The time period is 1905. Does a Bloomsbury type mean a bohemian intellectual? --- ## [The perfect macaroni and cheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-macaroni-and-cheese/1021049)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-macaroni-and-cheese/1021049 "2025-07-25T22:24:06Z")
For the purpose of this thread, all milk and/or gluten intolerances/allergies are cast aside…as are all those who don’t like mac and cheese (if this ain’t your thread, then this ain’t your thread). What kind of macaroni… --- ## [George Kooymans (Golden Earring) has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-kooymans-golden-earring-has-died/1021261)
**Author:** [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-kooymans-golden-earring-has-died/1021261 "2025-07-25T22:19:54Z")
George Kooymans, singer and guitarist with Golden Earring, died on July 22 of ALS. He - they - were probably responsible for more speeding tickets than any other music act, via their biggest single Radar Love. Huge in t… --- ## [Tell me about being an air traffic controller, please.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-being-an-air-traffic-controller-please/317626)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-being-an-air-traffic-controller-please/317626 "2025-07-25T21:21:47Z")
Are there any air traffic controllers on the board? I’m about halfway through my degree programme now, and need to seriously start thinking about a career. Air traffic controller sounds like an interesting job (is it?)… --- ## [I have been cordially invited to a complimentary dinner event](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-been-cordially-invited-to-a-complimentary-dinner-event/1021152)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-been-cordially-invited-to-a-complimentary-dinner-event/1021152 "2025-07-25T21:07:37Z")
I just received in the mail a glossy, well-produced invitation to enjoy a free meal (the photograph of such are enticing!) and an “educational presentation” to be held at a local upscale restaurant. What are they sellin… --- ## [Buffy the Vampire slayer returning to TV (a reboot, though)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-returning-to-tv-a-reboot-though/818309)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-returning-to-tv-a-reboot-though/818309 "2025-07-25T20:53:37Z")
Buffy to be rebooted. Sounds like Joss is involved, but not writing the scripts or showrunning it. --- ## [Can you hit your croquet ball backwards through a wicket?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-hit-your-croquet-ball-backwards-through-a-wicket/1021333)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-hit-your-croquet-ball-backwards-through-a-wicket/1021333 "2025-07-25T20:50:57Z")
Simply, what the OP asks. Assume you are playing croquet (at whatever level, by whatever rules), and you are trying to go through a wicket in one direction, but find yourself directly on the wrong side of the wicket. T… --- ## [The Mandela Effect is plaguing me again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mandela-effect-is-plaguing-me-again/984338)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mandela-effect-is-plaguing-me-again/984338 "2025-07-25T20:50:53Z")
You might have seen the episode of South Park “Crack Baby Athletic Association”, in which at one point Cartman dresses as a Southern plantation owner and tries to get advice from the University of Colorado on how to avoi… --- ## [Next up on the dead B-list celebrity list, Chuck Mangione](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-up-on-the-dead-b-list-celebrity-list-chuck-mangione/1021280)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-up-on-the-dead-b-list-celebrity-list-chuck-mangione/1021280 "2025-07-25T20:15:33Z")
--- ## [Amateur home chefs: what dish have you never attempted, that you want to try soon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amateur-home-chefs-what-dish-have-you-never-attempted-that-you-want-to-try-soon/1007523)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amateur-home-chefs-what-dish-have-you-never-attempted-that-you-want-to-try-soon/1007523 "2025-07-25T20:10:05Z")
In Summer, most of the innovative or new things I try tend to be grilling or BBQ-related. If I’m cooking indoors in the summertime, I tend to keep things pretty light, quick and easy. Fall and Winter are when I do longer… --- ## [Hockey Canada has secret fund to pay off victims of sexual assaults by players](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hockey-canada-has-secret-fund-to-pay-off-victims-of-sexual-assaults-by-players/968456)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hockey-canada-has-secret-fund-to-pay-off-victims-of-sexual-assaults-by-players/968456 "2025-07-25T17:30:11Z")
Hockey Canada is the umbrella group that provides a lot of funding and logistical support to hockey programs, especially the junior leagues that are the stepping stone to the NHL. News came out two months ago that a you… --- ## [What do you like on your bologna sandwiches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-like-on-your-bologna-sandwiches/1021115)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-like-on-your-bologna-sandwiches/1021115 "2025-07-25T17:15:43Z")
Okay, it’s sorta a poll (but I don’t know how to make them) but it’s about food, so I dunno? Inspired by an argument with my sister (who is definitely a wacko) What do you choose to put on a bologna sandwich? I’m tal… --- ## [Tipping = Good Service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-good-service/455424)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-good-service/455424 "2025-07-25T13:29:10Z")
So over in this Pit Thread Chowder had trouble getting a knife and fork at a chinese restaurant, and subsequently didn’t leave a tip. While it wasn’t the thrust of the pitting, several people jumped in and said it is nev… --- ## [25 years on the SDMB, and I still don't know the secret handshake](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-years-on-the-sdmb-and-i-still-dont-know-the-secret-handshake/1021088)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-years-on-the-sdmb-and-i-still-dont-know-the-secret-handshake/1021088 "2025-07-25T13:07:09Z")
If you were the young gentleman at Terminal ‘C’ in Las Vegas waiting for the Albuquerque flight, while surfing the SDMB on your tablet as i walked by, I would have offered my hand to see if you knew the secret handshake.… --- ## [Validity of Constitutional Amendments - Political Implications](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-constitutional-amendments-political-implications/1021303)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-constitutional-amendments-political-implications/1021303 "2025-07-25T12:31:06Z")
This thread is in reply to the factual questions thread “American Civil War/ Reconstruction amendments,” expanding to political implications of later amendments and laws. The original Factual Question: Similarly to th… --- ## [Origin of this sound bite: “when I flip that switch the noise will become excruciating “](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-this-sound-bite-when-i-flip-that-switch-the-noise-will-become-excruciating/1021291)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-this-sound-bite-when-i-flip-that-switch-the-noise-will-become-excruciating/1021291 "2025-07-25T10:40:59Z")
So the local hard rock radio station I listen to plays these sound bites from time to time, just banal and maybe once-funny clips from pop culture. Like, one is Hermie from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer saying “who care… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=269) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=271)