# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=28 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 29 --- ## [Ordering eyeglasses question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ordering-eyeglasses-question/1033840)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ordering-eyeglasses-question/1033840 "2026-10-15T11:50:07Z")
When specifying glasses for my wife online I notice that when I check the “Progressive bifocal” box a number of eyeglass styles are not available. I can’t see any distinguishing features about them. So what is the reason… --- ## [Are there any popular songs about bisexuals and/or pansexuals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-popular-songs-about-bisexuals-and-or-pansexuals/1033793)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-popular-songs-about-bisexuals-and-or-pansexuals/1033793 "2026-10-15T11:06:54Z")
Please, no iffy “Well, since they don’t specifically say whether Steve or Bobbie are male or female, I guess maybe…?” responses. --- ## [Got Rheumatism? Get a Whale Carcass!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-rheumatism-get-a-whale-carcass/1033807)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-rheumatism-get-a-whale-carcass/1033807 "2026-10-15T02:59:21Z")
Your bones ache? Old timey “medicine” says, cut open a Whale, & submerge your legs up to the knees in it! But it has to be a rotting Whale Carcass. Get it right. --- ## [Amazon Prime days, looking for a budget laptop. Should I rush to find one tonight? Need answer soon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-days-looking-for-a-budget-laptop-should-i-rush-to-find-one-tonight-need-answer-soon/1033661)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-days-looking-for-a-budget-laptop-should-i-rush-to-find-one-tonight-need-answer-soon/1033661 "2026-10-15T01:35:09Z")
Amazon Prime days end tonight, and I need a budget laptop. Should I rush to find one tonight? Or will the prices be the same tomorrow? --- ## [Is it hot out there or is it just me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-hot-out-there-or-is-it-just-me/1028563)
**Author:** [@doomtastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doomtastic)\ **Replies:** 251\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-hot-out-there-or-is-it-just-me/1028563 "2026-10-15T00:36:05Z")
So, this is currently happening in the western US (hopefully I’ve linked it properly so it will embed): Summer. In March. Quite possibly the most absurd example of clima… --- ## [Data centers, server farms, hosting centers…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/data-centers-server-farms-hosting-centers/1033805)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/data-centers-server-farms-hosting-centers/1033805 "2026-10-14T22:57:55Z")
Are these terms exactly synonymous? As I understand them, they all denote large facilities housing arrays of servers for compute. Are there any nuanced differences in meaning, in the sense that, for instance, a storage-i… --- ## [Stars Reach (coop sandbox MMO video game)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stars-reach-coop-sandbox-mmo-video-game/1014843)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stars-reach-coop-sandbox-mmo-video-game/1014843 "2026-10-14T20:41:15Z")
I’ve been following the development by Raph Koster of a sandbox style MMO for several years now. He was most famously lead designer of Ultima Online and creative director of Star Wars Galaxies. His games are open world, … --- ## [Smapti is Pitted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smapti-is-pitted/688907)
**Author:** [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Replies:** 2033\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smapti-is-pitted/688907 "2026-10-14T20:23:57Z")
The rules of the pit forbid me from truly expressing my hatred for this sniveling, spineless piece of shit, so I shall attempt to work around that. Smapti has never met a war crime he didn’t like. He is a coward who wou… --- ## [Suppose a genie gave you the ability to produce 100 pounds of any 'stuff' every day forever --](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-a-genie-gave-you-the-ability-to-produce-100-pounds-of-any-stuff-every-day-forever/1033492)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-a-genie-gave-you-the-ability-to-produce-100-pounds-of-any-stuff-every-day-forever/1033492 "2026-10-14T18:43:57Z")
how do you choose to use this ability? Conditions: it doesn’t have to be all the same stuff. Today you could magic into existence 50 pounds of barbecued ribs and 50 pounds of potato salad. Tomorrow it could be 100 pou… --- ## [Possible Ban of @DrDeth (No banning will be taking place, unsuspended)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-ban-of-drdeth-no-banning-will-be-taking-place-unsuspended/1033724)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-ban-of-drdeth-no-banning-will-be-taking-place-unsuspended/1033724 "2026-10-14T17:46:33Z")
For this post responding to a comment that being associated with the Biden administration is a big bad thing for a possible D Presidential nominee this time round: Understood the thread guidance had been to avoid hija… --- ## [Why 3 different milks in Tres Leche cake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-3-different-milks-in-tres-leche-cake/1033577)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-3-different-milks-in-tres-leche-cake/1033577 "2026-10-14T16:26:32Z")
A search shows that after sweetened condensed milk was introduced to South America in the late 1800s they soaked cake in it. But it would seem that that is the basic taste of the sauce. If you want it thinner, add milk. … --- ## [Jim Bakker of PTL Club fame, dead at 86](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jim-bakker-of-ptl-club-fame-dead-at-86/1033620)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jim-bakker-of-ptl-club-fame-dead-at-86/1033620 "2026-10-14T16:20:52Z")
And so it goes. Not sure what to say about this other than, hopefully he and Tammy Fay are reunited in their proper place. --- ## [Best Battletech Rules](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-battletech-rules/1033674)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-battletech-rules/1033674 "2026-10-14T15:23:15Z")
I used to play a LOT of Battletech 25+ years ago and have decided to get back into it. But I’ve forgotten so much. I have at least 30 books of technical readouts, source books, and new rules. But I’m not sure which ru… --- ## [Tell me your favorite clavinet songs! (other than Superstition)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-favorite-clavinet-songs-other-than-superstition/1029271)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-favorite-clavinet-songs-other-than-superstition/1029271 "2026-10-14T14:52:09Z")
No, not the clarinet, silly. And not the clavichord! I mean the clavinet, that funky keyboard of the sixties popularized by Stevie Wonder. It’s an instrument that creeps into most bands’ repertoires at some point, yet it… --- ## [Why can't data centers recycle their water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-data-centers-recycle-their-water/1030751)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-data-centers-recycle-their-water/1030751 "2026-10-14T11:51:13Z")
Data centers use a lot of water (up to 5 million gallons daily) for cooling. Why can’t they recycle the water? Once it heats up, can they pump it underground (in pipes) to cool it, and then recirculate it? Here’s an art… --- ## [Post-LOTR depression: All will love them and despair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-lotr-depression-all-will-love-them-and-despair/258403)
**Author:** [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-lotr-depression-all-will-love-them-and-despair/258403 "2026-10-14T07:15:13Z")
Not really worthy of the Cafe. And no, I’m not really depressed. :stuck\_out\_tongue: But I need someone to convince me that fantasy cinema has not peaked. It’s like I’ve gorged and eaten an entire cheesecake…and I’ve… --- ## [Godzilla Minus One - coming to US theaters on December 1 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/godzilla-minus-one-coming-to-us-theaters-on-december-1-2023/986918)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/godzilla-minus-one-coming-to-us-theaters-on-december-1-2023/986918 "2026-10-14T05:29:49Z")
Studio Toho just dropped a teaser for the next live-action Godzilla movie, which is rebooting the series again, with this film set right after the end of WWII. I was hoping for a sequel to Shin Godzilla, but it looks … --- ## [Back to sentience](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-sentience/1033450)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-sentience/1033450 "2026-10-14T00:53:44Z")
First, for the purposes of this thread let us accept that sentience is a phenomenal continued sense of self identity, an ongoing point of view that feels like something and can reference itself as one of the objects in i… --- ## [Why were Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG killed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-tupac-shakur-and-notorious-big-killed/293154)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-tupac-shakur-and-notorious-big-killed/293154 "2026-10-13T23:52:16Z")
Per the linked MSNBC article quoted below - “Hip Hop Probe” did anything ever come out as to a definitive reason they were targeted and killed? --- ## [RJ Mitte, Walt Jr from Breaking Bad, Dead at 34](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rj-mitte-walt-jr-from-breaking-bad-dead-at-34/1033790)
**Author:** [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rj-mitte-walt-jr-from-breaking-bad-dead-at-34/1033790 "2026-10-13T21:38:58Z")
--- ## [NFL 2026-2027: Week 5](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-5/1033629)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-5/1033629 "2026-10-13T20:59:07Z")
In Week 4, the surprising Browns edged the Steelers on Thursday, and the Colts spanked Washington in London. The Pats handed the Bills their first loss in their new stadium, and the Rams beat the Eagles in Philly. Brow… --- ## [Looking for an ad blocker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-ad-blocker/1028763)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-ad-blocker/1028763 "2026-10-13T20:29:59Z")
I just bought a new computer (Win-11). I must have had some kind of ad blocker on the old one, but now the ads come hot and heavy and I have forgotten what to do about it. Another, more minor question. On my old compu… --- ## [Badges / Popular Link](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/badges-popular-link/1033795)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/badges-popular-link/1033795 "2026-10-13T18:17:41Z")
I post the occasional link and get the ‘you’ve earned a badge for a popular link’ notification. When I click on it takes me to a page of all the past badges I’ve earned. But they don’t seem to be in any particular order.… --- ## [How much do you think American politics resembles the dynamics of an abusive family](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-think-american-politics-resembles-the-dynamics-of-an-abusive-family/1033799)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-think-american-politics-resembles-the-dynamics-of-an-abusive-family/1033799 "2026-10-13T17:27:18Z")
Like Trump and the republican politicians are the cluster B, dark triad, abusive and toxic primary parent. They engage in a lot of stereotypical abusive behavior (DARVO, gaslighting, entitlement, hypocrisy, whining, etc) … --- ## [What are some clear signs of undiagnosed autism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-clear-signs-of-undiagnosed-autism/1032710)
**Author:** [@Xarrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xarrot)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-clear-signs-of-undiagnosed-autism/1032710 "2026-10-13T16:17:01Z")
I have recieved bullying in the past for allegedly having autism, and because i am going to a new school i would like to see what to hide in order to avoid bullying --- ## [SOB (1981) - Blake Edwards: The Dog \[Oh, yeah, unboxed spoilers\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sob-1981-blake-edwards-the-dog-oh-yeah-unboxed-spoilers/1033767)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sob-1981-blake-edwards-the-dog-oh-yeah-unboxed-spoilers/1033767 "2026-10-13T12:12:09Z")
Not that there’s a whole lot to spoil. More or less based on some elements from Edwards’s personal life and professional life in the business. Recently shown on TCM. Anyway. . . I saw this when it first came out, and… --- ## [Halloween 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halloween-2025/1023942)
**Author:** [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halloween-2025/1023942 "2026-10-13T11:16:40Z")
Got any good thoughts to share? We are having a costume contest at work this year. I’m waiting for inspiration to strike. I could go as Cinderella, in her raggedy phase. Then if these other ladies want to do a group … --- ## [What is the largest city in the world that doesn’t host a marathon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-largest-city-in-the-world-that-doesn-t-host-a-marathon/1033763)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-largest-city-in-the-world-that-doesn-t-host-a-marathon/1033763 "2026-10-13T09:22:51Z")
This question came to mind due to my wife running in the Chicago marathon earlier today. Hosting a marathon turns out to not be limited to the big cities. My home town of Corpus Christi will be hosting one on December … --- ## [What Gene Therapy human trials are you interested in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gene-therapy-human-trials-are-you-interested-in/799233)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gene-therapy-human-trials-are-you-interested-in/799233 "2026-10-13T04:35:41Z")
So, I’m not a scientist or medical profession. I’ve no close relatives in a place to be deeply affected by gene therapy trials, though there are some more distant ones. For me, I’ve recently gone on a kick Googling cur… --- ## [Embedding watermarks in AI-generated text](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embedding-watermarks-in-ai-generated-text/1032309)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embedding-watermarks-in-ai-generated-text/1032309 "2026-10-13T03:19:31Z")
Recent news story: Anthropic announces that very soon, all its models will embed a watermark in all output they generate to mark it as AI-generated. This applies to all categories of output, including text. And apparentl… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=27) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=29)