# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=29&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 30 --- ## [Dramatic plunge in flying insect populations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dramatic-plunge-in-flying-insect-populations/799275)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dramatic-plunge-in-flying-insect-populations/799275 "2026-09-07T23:11:51Z")
Warning of ‘ecological Armageddon’ after dramatic plunge in insect numbers. IMHO this is very troubling. --- ## [Interesting Historical Markers you've visited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-historical-markers-youve-visited/1031741)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-historical-markers-youve-visited/1031741 "2026-09-07T23:04:43Z")
On my morning walk I stopped to ready a historical marker that I’ve walked past multiple times. There are several around here and I should plan my walks to visit more of them. When we’re on road trips I check Google Maps… --- ## [Death rays - wired, tired, or expired?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-rays-wired-tired-or-expired/387056)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-rays-wired-tired-or-expired/387056 "2026-09-07T22:35:20Z")
Let’s rate our favorite SDMB cliches. When I see a “death rays” reference, I think “expired” (to borrow a Wired magazine convention). similarly, “Hi Opal” - tired “marianas trench” - tired “airplane on treadmill” - … --- ## [What is the science behind our love for cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-science-behind-our-love-for-cats/1032855)
**Author:** [@Xarrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xarrot)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-science-behind-our-love-for-cats/1032855 "2026-09-07T21:35:12Z")
Many people love cats (including me), which makes me wonder why, because they don’t hunt, do service animal stuff, or airport stuff like dogs. --- ## [Thwap biscuits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thwap-biscuits/1032817)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thwap-biscuits/1032817 "2026-09-07T20:06:29Z")
You know they come in a cardboard tube you “thwap” it on the edge of the counter to open. What has gone awry? They just don’t seem the same. I’m buying, what I think is a decent brand. We check dates. Use by the time … --- ## [Anybody watch President Curtis? (A Rick and Morty spin-off)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-watch-president-curtis-a-rick-and-morty-spin-off/1031996)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-watch-president-curtis-a-rick-and-morty-spin-off/1031996 "2026-09-07T19:03:56Z")
I didn’t even know this was a thing. I just happened to stumble across it last night. I thought it was pretty darn hilarious myself. “Curtis” has a very '80’s “your mama” style type sense of humor. And he was able to la… --- ## [What is this popup that I am getting on my laptop and how do I get it to stop? (Picture inside)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-popup-that-i-am-getting-on-my-laptop-and-how-do-i-get-it-to-stop-picture-inside/1032835)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-popup-that-i-am-getting-on-my-laptop-and-how-do-i-get-it-to-stop-picture-inside/1032835 "2026-09-07T17:38:32Z")
It appears on the lower right corner of my laptop running Windows 11. I shut it down and it reappears once a week or so. It’s been happening for a few weeks. … --- ## [Why am I seeing blue dots after a thread title](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-seeing-blue-dots-after-a-thread-title/1032858)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-seeing-blue-dots-after-a-thread-title/1032858 "2026-09-07T14:45:24Z")
When I see a list of threads for a board, I’m seeing a blue dot after the title of various threads. This is new. Why is it happening? --- ## [Stranger Things - Final Season](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-things-final-season/1020926)
**Author:** [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-things-final-season/1020926 "2026-09-07T13:02:03Z")
Netflix has just released the first teaser trailer for Stranger Things Season 5: https://youtu.be/iKZyYdwS3Wg It seems they are going for a “holiday weekend” release schedule: Vol 1 on November 26 Vol 2 on Christmas F… --- ## [Name for Most Interior Point of a Plane Figure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-most-interior-point-of-a-plane-figure/1032728)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-most-interior-point-of-a-plane-figure/1032728 "2026-09-07T07:48:46Z")
For any finitely large plane figure, there has to be a name for the point most distant from all its sides, right? I’d’ve thought ‘centroid’ did it, until I saw how to determine the centroid of an L-shaped object. Maybe … --- ## [NFL 2026 Training Camp and Preseason Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067 "2026-09-07T03:44:10Z")
With training camps open, and the first preseason game - the Hall of Fame Game - only six days away, it’s time for the preseason thread. Two wide receivers signing new contracts: Saints WR Chris Olave signed a four-ye… --- ## [Any ideas for filling in a memorial tattoo to symbolize healing from the loss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ideas-for-filling-in-a-memorial-tattoo-to-symbolize-healing-from-the-loss/1032660)
**Author:** [@BomTek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BomTek)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ideas-for-filling-in-a-memorial-tattoo-to-symbolize-healing-from-the-loss/1032660 "2026-09-07T02:24:40Z")
I don’t know how to post pictures here, or I’d upload a picture of the tattoo in question, but almost 15 years ago my ex and I had an adoption fall through at the last minute. Eight days after our son-to-be was born, aft… --- ## [Cardinals bias](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cardinals-bias/1032847)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cardinals-bias/1032847 "2026-09-07T01:33:35Z")
so Friday the umpire made up his own rules: The Cardinals began the sixth inning with a three-run lead and right-hander Hancel Rincon taking the mound for his major-league debut. He did so with his hat tilted toward th… --- ## [What is the Probability of Someone with Active Measles Dying from Something Unrelated to Their Measles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-probability-of-someone-with-active-measles-dying-from-something-unrelated-to-their-measles/1032614)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-probability-of-someone-with-active-measles-dying-from-something-unrelated-to-their-measles/1032614 "2026-09-06T21:25:30Z")
The title question relates to a current political controversy, but it is nonetheless a factual question. It is blazingly obvious to me that the probability is quite low in the United States today. But I think a much bet… --- ## [We get a signal from a distant advanced civilization…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-get-a-signal-from-a-distant-advanced-civilization/1032833)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-get-a-signal-from-a-distant-advanced-civilization/1032833 "2026-09-06T20:54:40Z")
It’s 5,000 light years away, but they are somehow able to communicate to us that “we see you and we’re on our way to say hi. See you in 50,000 years or so!” How do we react? Does that incentivize us to behave differen… --- ## [Digital art creator algorithm website](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-art-creator-algorithm-website/962081)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 2376\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-art-creator-algorithm-website/962081 "2026-09-06T19:58:53Z")
Someone put together a website with an algorithm that creates art from text prompts. It’s tons of fun to play with. Anyone else tried it? --- ## [Trying to locate painting referenced on the boards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-locate-painting-referenced-on-the-boards/1032848)
**Author:** [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-locate-painting-referenced-on-the-boards/1032848 "2026-09-06T17:28:38Z")
I am trying to hunt down a painting that someone posted a link to that I (was an absolute idiot and) forgot to bookmark. It was for sale online at the time, so it’s “famous enough for production” but apparently “not fam… --- ## [Where do you get your online news from? Do you pay for it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-get-your-online-news-from-do-you-pay-for-it/1032019)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-get-your-online-news-from-do-you-pay-for-it/1032019 "2026-09-06T17:08:39Z")
“Your topic is similar to…” has a few accurate hits subject-wise, but not very timely–the newest thread goes back to 2007: What’s your on-line news source? In My Humble Opinion So… Where do you get your news? In My Hu… --- ## [Thoughts and advice on a reloadable debit card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-and-advice-on-a-reloadable-debit-card/1032850)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-and-advice-on-a-reloadable-debit-card/1032850 "2026-09-06T16:33:53Z")
My father passed away several weeks ago; I have been working with my mother on changing over bank accounts and things after his death. My sister lives with my mother, who is not in great health, and no longer can drive … --- ## [The Great Ongoing Space Exploration Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-space-exploration-thread/925703)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 2418\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-space-exploration-thread/925703 "2026-09-06T16:07:42Z")
With four astronauts on their way to the ISS and various probes and robot explorers in situ, in transit and planned it seems we could do a with a thread to discuss humanity’s exploration of space. I know this is somethin… --- ## [The Latest in the Tiger Woods Saga: Another Car Crash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-latest-in-the-tiger-woods-saga-another-car-crash/1028825)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-latest-in-the-tiger-woods-saga-another-car-crash/1028825 "2026-09-06T14:53:36Z")
This afternoon, in Jupiter Island, Florida (near his home), Tiger Woods was involved in a traffic incident in which he struck another car, and rolled his SUV. Police indicate that he showed “signs of impairment,” and ar… --- ## [Do Spam Calls Increase with Age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spam-calls-increase-with-age/1032831)
**Author:** [@Tj54](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tj54)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spam-calls-increase-with-age/1032831 "2026-09-06T13:52:46Z")
I recently turned 72 and celebrated my birthday by receiving over 20 spam calls to my cell phone. I expect a few daily, since my number is out there as a Realtor and having another business, but this was over the top. Ev… --- ## [Navy Recipes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navy-recipes/1032825)
**Author:** [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navy-recipes/1032825 "2026-09-06T05:38:21Z")
Prompted by a sidetrack discussion in the Abraham Lincoln thread, I thought I would post a couple genuine submarine recipes for SOS and its close cousin Foreskins. These are scaled down recipes from a book called Submar… --- ## [The Poetry of Donald Trump: Special Ozempic Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-trump-special-ozempic-edition/1032834)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-trump-special-ozempic-edition/1032834 "2026-09-06T03:27:42Z")
Our nation’s poet has offered us another glimpse of his special genius. His theme this time is friendship. A friend of mine Very, very heavy He’s a very obese person I said, “You’re an extremely obese person” He’s… --- ## [Most realistic depiction of spaceflight in film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-realistic-depiction-of-spaceflight-in-film/1032752)
**Author:** [@spacecadet86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spacecadet86)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-realistic-depiction-of-spaceflight-in-film/1032752 "2026-09-06T02:04:30Z")
Which movies and shows ace their depiction of crewed spaceflight? Also, which science fiction spacecraft are the most realistic? --- ## [Help me plan my estate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-plan-my-estate/1032832)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-plan-my-estate/1032832 "2026-09-06T01:13:48Z")
I’m 65. At this point in my life, I have about $1mm in investments,and own my farm outright. No debt. I’m single, no kids. I have nieces and nephews, most are in their 30’s and 40’s. Some of those nieces and nephews have… --- ## ["Biddle v. The Walt Disney Company - Reminder Notice of Class Action Settlement"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biddle-v-the-walt-disney-company-reminder-notice-of-class-action-settlement/1032721)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biddle-v-the-walt-disney-company-reminder-notice-of-class-action-settlement/1032721 "2026-09-06T00:49:22Z")
Has anyone else gotten this email? It goes on to say: “f you purchased a YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream subscription from April 1, 2019, through March 31, 2026, you may be entitled to a cash payment from a class action se… --- ## [Do you pronounce the L in calm, palm, etc...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-pronounce-the-l-in-calm-palm-etc/1032625)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-pronounce-the-l-in-calm-palm-etc/1032625 "2026-09-05T22:22:20Z")
Google says the L is not pronounced. Dictionaries say the L is not pronounced, both in the US and UK. But when linguist Rick Aschmann decided to put together a map of American dialects, he was surprised to find that mos… --- ## [RIP Cassandra Wilson](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-cassandra-wilson/1032773)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-cassandra-wilson/1032773 "2026-09-05T17:31:41Z")
sultry, smokey chanteuse Cassandra Wilson dead at age 70–I’ll miss her distinctive voice! Cassandra Wilson died on September 2, 2026 at the age of 70. Wilson died this morning (September 2) in Jackson, Mississippi. She … --- ## [The Kitty Report](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kitty-report/947747)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 306\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kitty-report/947747 "2026-09-05T15:49:00Z")
It’s been two weeks since we adopted one-year-old Abbey \[sic\] from The NOAH Center. Mostly, she’s been hiding under SWMBO’s bed. I’ve tried to give her ‘tours’ of the house when I can, but it’s been hard for me to get … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=28&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=30&state=tracking)