# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=289 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 290 --- ## [Should a Large General U.S. University Offer Study in Foreign Languages, Linguistics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-large-general-u-s-university-offer-study-in-foreign-languages-linguistics/988582)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2025, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-large-general-u-s-university-offer-study-in-foreign-languages-linguistics/988582 "2025-06-28T00:18:43Z")
I think the immediate response of the substantial majority of people reading this (including myself) are going to say “Yes, obviously. Why are you even bringing up the question PastTense?” Because it turns out that West… --- ## ["Outrageous"-- 6-episode BritBox series about the Mitford sisters (spoilers mandatory)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outrageous-6-episode-britbox-series-about-the-mitford-sisters-spoilers-mandatory/1020163)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outrageous-6-episode-britbox-series-about-the-mitford-sisters-spoilers-mandatory/1020163 "2025-06-27T23:31:18Z")
Episodes appearing each week. Week of June 23rd, episode 3. Think of Downton Abbey reimagined by Salvador Dali. :face\_with\_spiral\_eyes: The family has a heavy-duty aristocratic pedigree: The family traces its origins… --- ## [What the heck is this (picture included)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-is-this-picture-included/1020121)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-is-this-picture-included/1020121 "2025-06-27T23:13:44Z")
Never seen anything like it. We bought a house. 5 years old. There are three of these pipes that are not quite coming out of the wall. Two inside, one outside. Two of them are not far from a gas stove. One is outside on… --- ## [Why did some lowercase "S"s printed in the past look like a defaced "f"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-some-lowercase-s-s-printed-in-the-past-look-like-a-defaced-f/1019918)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-some-lowercase-s-s-printed-in-the-past-look-like-a-defaced-f/1019918 "2025-06-27T22:20:04Z")
Anyone familiar with printed works from the past (up to sometime in the 19th century) will surely have noticed that it used to be common, at least in works printed using Roman font, to have two kinds of lowercase “S”, on… --- ## [Lalo Schifrin has died at 93. (Composer of the Mission Impossible theme !)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lalo-schifrin-has-died-at-93-composer-of-the-mission-impossible-theme/1020196)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lalo-schifrin-has-died-at-93-composer-of-the-mission-impossible-theme/1020196 "2025-06-27T21:24:18Z")
His list of credits is pretty impressive :- Dark Intruder (1965) Cool Hand Luke (1967) Bullitt (1968) The Fox (1967) Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows (1968) Che! (1969) Kelly’s Heroes (1970) Dirty Harry (1971) … --- ## [Ways in which you are annoyingly pedantic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-in-which-you-are-annoyingly-pedantic/999676)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 303\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-in-which-you-are-annoyingly-pedantic/999676 "2025-06-27T21:17:07Z")
I like to be literal, but sometimes I take it too far. Like this: It’s cold, so I put on a jacket. Someone comes by and asks “Are you cold?” To which I truthfully say no. “So why’d you put on a jacket?” “I was cold … --- ## [Are theses scams? In what way?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-theses-scams-in-what-way/1020173)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-theses-scams-in-what-way/1020173 "2025-06-27T19:13:29Z")
I get this kind of email maybe twice or three times every week. I cannot figure what they are trying to do. They will say: Dear Seldin: We are very impressed by your web site and would like to order some of your prod… --- ## [Limits to technological collapse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/limits-to-technological-collapse/1019539)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/limits-to-technological-collapse/1019539 "2025-06-27T19:06:36Z")
Lately a lot of people worry that our current technological civilization is doomed. That not only will we not manage to expand into space and continue advancing forever, but that it’s already too late for us to have retr… --- ## [AI assisted learning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-assisted-learning/1020183)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-assisted-learning/1020183 "2025-06-27T18:44:52Z")
I asked AI today if it could teach me how to run a cad style program. It told me it had no experience but is very good at reading directions and can probably walk me through it. This for me would be a world changer if it… --- ## [Why do dogs have more odor then cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-dogs-have-more-odor-then-cats/1019814)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-dogs-have-more-odor-then-cats/1019814 "2025-06-27T17:03:03Z")
Even a small dog can have that wet mutt smell but kitties are nice and odor free? --- ## [How to deal with the previous owners cheaping out (electrical)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-deal-with-the-previous-owners-cheaping-out-electrical/1019601)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-deal-with-the-previous-owners-cheaping-out-electrical/1019601 "2025-06-27T14:23:27Z")
The Cottage was built in 1959. At some point, the previous owners added on a bedroom, and when they did that, they moved the electrical drop and added a new breaker box with a meter: … --- ## [Soccer pitch dimensions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-pitch-dimensions/1020165)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-pitch-dimensions/1020165 "2025-06-27T13:27:36Z")
It came to my attention that soccer pitches are not all one size, there is a range they must fall in. Are there any pitches that players don’t like because they are too wide, too short or whatever? Or are the size differ… --- ## [Recommend a good sci-fi book to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-sci-fi-book-to-me/1019713)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-sci-fi-book-to-me/1019713 "2025-06-27T12:27:01Z")
I recently finished The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin and Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, and while I enjoyed both, they offered very different experiences. Le Guin’s book felt deeply intellectual. I liked ho… --- ## [James Webb Space Telescope general discussion thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/james-webb-space-telescope-general-discussion-thread/956624)
**Author:** [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Replies:** 1010\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/james-webb-space-telescope-general-discussion-thread/956624 "2025-06-27T11:49:28Z")
Mentioned in the space exploration thread, but this deserves a thread of its own. This is truly a historic event – 25 years in the making, $10 billion in cost, involving a dozen nations on three continents, to deliver t… --- ## [Is there a difference between what I see on BBC.com and on BBC.co.UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-what-i-see-on-bbc-com-and-on-bbc-co-uk/824181)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-what-i-see-on-bbc-com-and-on-bbc-co-uk/824181 "2025-06-27T07:26:29Z")
In my attempts to find non-US-centric news, one of the sites I read is the BBC. When I try to go to BBC.co.UK, I get redirected to BBC.com. So, are those two sites identical, or is the .com aimed more at a US audience? … --- ## [Any drummers in residence? Music in The Croods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-drummers-in-residence-music-in-the-croods/1020122)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-drummers-in-residence-music-in-the-croods/1020122 "2025-06-27T00:51:02Z")
In the 2013 movie The Croods Alan Silvestri was the composer and here in the credits is a bit that was also used in a travel montage in the movie. I am wondering what sort of drum was used for the incessant beat. There… --- ## [Trains, a moving art show](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trains-a-moving-art-show/1020147)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trains-a-moving-art-show/1020147 "2025-06-27T00:42:58Z")
Some know me, some do not. I’ve moved to a new spot. I’m getting out of the high mountains. We are about 150 yards from a rail line. Lots of room here, very nice spot. 1/3 acre. A train, cargo goes by 3-4 times a day… --- ## [Weird videos and thumbnails on You Tube - what are they for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-videos-and-thumbnails-on-you-tube-what-are-they-for/990864)
**Author:** [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-videos-and-thumbnails-on-you-tube-what-are-they-for/990864 "2025-06-26T22:37:57Z")
There’s this weird-ass channel (I’m sure there are others that are similar, but this is the one I’ve noticed) on You Tube with a woman who purports to do knitting videos. Most of the thumbnails show a picture of her. Ho… --- ## [Paste your clipboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paste-your-clipboard/847659)
**Author:** [@Personal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Personal)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paste-your-clipboard/847659 "2025-06-27T00:08:49Z")
Simple. Just paste the contents of your clipboard. I’ll start: comes from a poor background, lives in a rough neighborhood and tends to work too hard. --- ## [The Fantastic Four: First Steps - pre-release discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-pre-release-discussion/1013874)
**Author:** [@OldManLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldManLogan)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-pre-release-discussion/1013874 "2025-06-26T22:27:40Z")
The first trailer dropped for the first MCU Fantastic Four. Some information has dropped previously such as casting and thematic visuals, but this is the first time to see it in action. I’m not sold yet on all the first … --- ## [Why do authors stop writing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-authors-stop-writing/1019931)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-authors-stop-writing/1019931 "2025-06-26T22:20:54Z")
I’ve seen this pattern with a number of authors. There’s a period in their life when they write prolifically - writing a new novel every year for example - but then they get to a certain point and they just stop. What h… --- ## [Your worst examples of corporate jargon, buzzwords, and/or gobbledygook that you've encountered (New Thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-worst-examples-of-corporate-jargon-buzzwords-and-or-gobbledygook-that-youve-encountered-new-thread/1019943)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-worst-examples-of-corporate-jargon-buzzwords-and-or-gobbledygook-that-youve-encountered-new-thread/1019943 "2025-06-26T22:14:26Z")
The worst I ever saw belonged to a company called Medspeed. One day about 15 years ago I was driving along and I saw a car with Medspeed livery, and words “Now Hiring,” so I went to their website to apply. What I was met… --- ## [What are all the ways in which a physical object or substance can appear to have colour, and how do they actually work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-ways-in-which-a-physical-object-or-substance-can-appear-to-have-colour-and-how-do-they-actually-work/1020099)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-ways-in-which-a-physical-object-or-substance-can-appear-to-have-colour-and-how-do-they-actually-work/1020099 "2025-06-26T21:26:56Z")
There’s an ongoing discussion/debate of which I seem to be on the periphery, about whether or not the colour blue exists in nature. It began with me making a statement that there are no blue sunflowers, to which there w… --- ## [Nice LITTLE Shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-little-shows/849175)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-little-shows/849175 "2025-06-26T19:38:36Z")
We’ve probably done this before but I’m doing it again. What I mean by “little” shows for this thread are shows with a small number of episodes per season and just a few seasons. Shows like this typically are found on c… --- ## [Flea resistant dogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flea-resistant-dogs/1020120)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flea-resistant-dogs/1020120 "2025-06-26T14:35:01Z")
I have often wondered why breeders have not featured flea resistant dogs. We see dogs certified as multiple generations of being free from hip dysplasia. I know for a fact that many dogs across many breeds I am familiar … --- ## [Expiry dates on liquid soap products](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expiry-dates-on-liquid-soap-products/1020118)
**Author:** [@Carolxi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carolxi)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expiry-dates-on-liquid-soap-products/1020118 "2025-06-26T14:30:23Z")
What’s the deal with no expiry dates on liquid soap in large containers? 1): Ivory Snow Stage 1: Newborn Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap, 3.4 L (80 Loads) 2) Nature’s Miracle JFC Stain & Odor Remover … --- ## [Before the telephone, how did you get someone's attention if you needed them quickly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/before-the-telephone-how-did-you-get-someones-attention-if-you-needed-them-quickly/1019945)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/before-the-telephone-how-did-you-get-someones-attention-if-you-needed-them-quickly/1019945 "2025-06-26T14:12:31Z")
Let’s say it’s London, 1850, and I need to speak to Mr. Farthingsteadshaw forthwith. If I’ve learned anything from TV and movies, it behooves me to “send for” him. But what does that mean? Do I just find a street urchin,… --- ## [TIL about the CSS “Shenandoah”, a Confederate ship that didn't know the war was over](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/til-about-the-css-shenandoah-a-confederate-ship-that-didnt-know-the-war-was-over/1020058)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/til-about-the-css-shenandoah-a-confederate-ship-that-didnt-know-the-war-was-over/1020058 "2025-06-26T13:44:10Z")
They didn’t find out that Lee had surrendered until after many Northern ships were sunk. Had to be galling to be boarded and taken prisoner by people who had missed the latest Big News. --- ## [Why do my phone aps want me to download Royal Match so badly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-phone-aps-want-me-to-download-royal-match-so-badly/1020103)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-phone-aps-want-me-to-download-royal-match-so-badly/1020103 "2025-06-26T03:58:02Z")
Whenever I play a YouTube video or a puzzle game on my phone I get inundated with ads for Royal Match (or Royal Kingdom. Whatever the hell they call it!) The ads are long, over a minute. Usually no way to skip through i… --- ## [Technical: Splashtop, multi monitors, recurrent Thunderbolt shutdown on MBPro](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-splashtop-multi-monitors-recurrent-thunderbolt-shutdown-on-mbpro/1016156)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-splashtop-multi-monitors-recurrent-thunderbolt-shutdown-on-mbpro/1016156 "2025-06-26T03:04:03Z")
Bit of a long shot but maybe someone else has a notion… I’ve got a vintage 2018 MacBook Pro (i.e., the era where absolutely everything external has to connect via Thunderbolt 3). I also need to get some paid development… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=288) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=290)