# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=291&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 292 --- ## [Anyone remember circular concrete waterspray park features from the 1960s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-remember-circular-concrete-waterspray-park-features-from-the-1960s/1020052)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-remember-circular-concrete-waterspray-park-features-from-the-1960s/1020052 "2025-06-24T22:42:59Z")
In many Chicago public parks in the 1960s, they used to have a sort of waterspray feature. Sometimes they were associated with a playground, and other times, as standalone features. As I recall them, they were circular… --- ## ["Magic takes over the world"– has this been done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-takes-over-the-world-has-this-been-done/1019961)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-takes-over-the-world-has-this-been-done/1019961 "2025-06-24T22:26:46Z")
I don’t mean a scenario where science and physics stops working and is replaced by magic. I mean sort of like if Voldemort and his followers had won the Wizarding World’s civil war and then gone on to enslave the Muggles… --- ## [Another question for Linguists-- "Install" v. "Installation"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-question-for-linguists-install-v-installation/1019938)
**Author:** [@DaveUnknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveUnknown)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-question-for-linguists-install-v-installation/1019938 "2025-06-24T21:52:53Z")
Many times I read about people discussing their “new car stereo install” or “I wish you could do the install for me.” Is this correct? Should it be “installation?” Another example could be “some companies will not in… --- ## [Do banks standardize low-interest short term loan rates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-banks-standardize-low-interest-short-term-loan-rates/1020089)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-banks-standardize-low-interest-short-term-loan-rates/1020089 "2025-06-24T20:50:49Z")
I’m on the board of a non-profit that wants to take a short-term loan. The executive director has asked us to approve taking it out, saying the bank is willing to give us a low-interest short term loan. Of course we said… --- ## [When complete and total jerk-asses happen to be right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-complete-and-total-jerk-asses-happen-to-be-right/1019273)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-complete-and-total-jerk-asses-happen-to-be-right/1019273 "2025-06-24T20:12:15Z")
There is a logical fallacy formally known as ad hominem which consists of discrediting an argument based on the known character and other arguments and positions of the person making the argument. It implies that the arg… --- ## [Scott Lynch, author of Gentlemen Bastards series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-lynch-author-of-gentlemen-bastards-series/837186)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-lynch-author-of-gentlemen-bastards-series/837186 "2025-06-24T18:58:28Z")
He has written three novels: The Lies of Locke Lamore (2006) Red Seas Under Red Skies (2007) The Republic of Thieves (2013) It is rumored that he has completed the 4th book in the series: The Thorn of Emberlain, but … --- ## [A linguist's considered view on the prescriptive vs. descriptive controversy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-linguists-considered-view-on-the-prescriptive-vs-descriptive-controversy/1019735)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-linguists-considered-view-on-the-prescriptive-vs-descriptive-controversy/1019735 "2025-06-24T18:35:17Z")
In general, I’d beware of taking rockstar science popularizers as the last word on a given scientific field. I just saw Neil DeGrasse Tyson get his ass handed to him by an atmospheric physicist on the topic of the genera… --- ## [Black Mirror season 7](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-mirror-season-7/1016865)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-mirror-season-7/1016865 "2025-06-24T18:06:14Z")
I’ve watched episode 6, which is a feature-length (hour and a half) sequel to the season 4 Star Trek parody episode. Not bad. --- ## [My idea for the next big thing: House Droids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-idea-for-the-next-big-thing-house-droids/1019928)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-idea-for-the-next-big-thing-house-droids/1019928 "2025-06-24T17:47:18Z")
If I won the lottery, I’d totally sink money into research and development. Because, just like the home computer and smart phone, I can imagine the next piece of technology that can become ubiquitous, and indispensable,… --- ## [TOPAZ® EZ HD Video Magnifier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topaz-ez-hd-video-magnifier/1020083)
**Author:** [@dasmoocher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dasmoocher)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topaz-ez-hd-video-magnifier/1020083 "2025-06-24T17:36:58Z")
Condition Used - like new Location:South Central Pennsylvania Magnify and read text on video screen–books, newspapers, magazines, single pages, and perscription bottle labels, for example. Comes with hardcopy User Ma… --- ## [MacGuffins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/macguffins/1019764)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/macguffins/1019764 "2025-06-24T16:37:38Z")
As most of you probably know, a “MacGuffin” or “McGuffin” is the item – treasure, prize, limitary secret, piece of a puzzle, map, etc. – that drive the plot of a thriller. Its main importance is as the motivator that ev… --- ## [Windows 11 disabled my audio interface](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11-disabled-my-audio-interface/1013916)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11-disabled-my-audio-interface/1013916 "2025-06-24T15:26:46Z")
A big update came in a day ago, and now I find that about a minute after reboot, my audio interface stops working. Unfortunately this is an old Lexicon Lambda device which is no longer supported by the manufacturer. I … --- ## [The worst websites you've encountered/dealt with (better explained in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-websites-youve-encountered-dealt-with-better-explained-in-op/1019944)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-websites-youve-encountered-dealt-with-better-explained-in-op/1019944 "2025-06-24T14:41:34Z")
I like to ask this question of the Dope every few years: What are some of the worst websites you’ve encountered and/or had to deal with? By “worst” I mean worst design, ugliest, worst functionality, etc. So the website’s… --- ## [Legal/Ethical: What to do if a merchant sends you a more expensive version of a product than you ordered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-ethical-what-to-do-if-a-merchant-sends-you-a-more-expensive-version-of-a-product-than-you-ordered/1019787)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-ethical-what-to-do-if-a-merchant-sends-you-a-more-expensive-version-of-a-product-than-you-ordered/1019787 "2025-06-24T12:42:56Z")
This has not happened to me…just asking. Imagine you order a Widget from a merchant. You paid for the Widget. But, for some reason, they shipped you the Widget+++ which is more expensive than the regular Widget. Do… --- ## [Marion Ravenwood killed almost as many people as Indiana Jones did](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marion-ravenwood-killed-almost-as-many-people-as-indiana-jones-did/830651)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marion-ravenwood-killed-almost-as-many-people-as-indiana-jones-did/830651 "2025-06-24T11:36:54Z")
Got to thinking about this the other day. Marion killed a number of people in Raiders of the Lost Ark. I’m used to thinking of the female lead;'s primary purpose to be saved in adventure flicks, but not in this movie. … --- ## ["Mystery" products which don't explicitly identify what kind they are](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-products-which-dont-explicitly-identify-what-kind-they-are/1019627)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-products-which-dont-explicitly-identify-what-kind-they-are/1019627 "2025-06-24T06:14:22Z")
Considered this for Cafe Society since my two examples are food items, but could apply to anything, tho you usually see it in the grocery store… I had been buying Country Crock spread, certain that it was butter, but a … --- ## [Why are ICE agents masked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ice-agents-masked/1019575)
**Author:** [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ice-agents-masked/1019575 "2025-06-24T03:32:32Z")
Why are ICE agents masked, and why is it allowed? Why don’t they appear to wear proper uniforms? Is this how they appeared before Trump or is this a new thing? From my outside perspective, I’m quite shocked that they don… --- ## [2024/2025 NBA Regular Season Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-2025-nba-regular-season-thread/1009099)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 277\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-2025-nba-regular-season-thread/1009099 "2025-06-24T00:48:45Z")
I don’t find a thread for this, so here we go. The Timberwolves lost their season opener against the Lakers, trailing by nearly 20 points at one juncture. They’re probably having difficulty adjusting to the absence of K… --- ## [Another 'Fes up' - I actually like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-fes-up-i-actually-like/1019777)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-fes-up-i-actually-like/1019777 "2025-06-23T23:07:48Z")
Admit your tastes that many will find disgusting. I’ll go first (this is not meant to be a debate, we all have different tastes). American Cheese. I like ALL cheese, but American is just right sometimes. Same for Velv… --- ## [I'm going on an adventure!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-on-an-adventure/1019704)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-on-an-adventure/1019704 "2025-06-23T23:05:16Z")
Feeling pretty anxious today! I am going with a group of five other ladies to hike the Nootka Island trail. We’re taking a float plane from Gold River over to the island and then will take five days hiking the trail whe… --- ## [Lack of radioactive spike after bunker busting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lack-of-radioactive-spike-after-bunker-busting/1020008)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lack-of-radioactive-spike-after-bunker-busting/1020008 "2025-06-23T22:22:14Z")
I see reports about the Iranian bombings saying that there’s been no detection of an increased amount of atmospheric radiation in the area (according to the IAEA). I also see one report which claims that all the nuclear… --- ## [Logan's Run: The Day After \[spoilers in the OP\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logans-run-the-day-after-spoilers-in-the-op/1020049)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logans-run-the-day-after-spoilers-in-the-op/1020049 "2025-06-23T21:16:31Z")
At the end of Logan’s Run, Logan, Jessica, and the Old Man return the domed city. Logan and Jessica enter, and try to convince people that Carousel is a lie and that people can ‘Live! Live! And grow old!’ The computer… --- ## [Fatal crowd surge at Houston concert \[Incident From NOV2021\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatal-crowd-surge-at-houston-concert-incident-from-nov2021/953887)
**Author:** [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatal-crowd-surge-at-houston-concert-incident-from-nov2021/953887 "2025-06-23T19:46:00Z")
The crowd surged towards the stage for a Travis Scott performance at the Astroworld festival. Article. It seems like trouble started hours earlier when some of the crowd rushed the entry gates. Article. My first instin… --- ## [From Russia With Love question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-russia-with-love-question/1019981)
**Author:** [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-russia-with-love-question/1019981 "2025-06-23T18:17:03Z")
The plot of From Russia With Love gets set in motion when Soviet corporal Tatiana thinks she’s being tasked with an important assignment by a Soviet colonel: she’s told the whole thing is classified far above the level o… --- ## [Natureboy is Permanently Banned for Antisemitism and Arguing Moderation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natureboy-is-permanently-banned-for-antisemitism-and-arguing-moderation/1020035)
**Author:** [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natureboy-is-permanently-banned-for-antisemitism-and-arguing-moderation/1020035 "2025-06-23T16:50:08Z")
After discussion in the mod loop: For repeatedly making inflammatory and antisemitic posts, together with defiance of moderator instructions, we have concluded natureboy is a “more trouble than they’re worth,” poster. … --- ## [In any state, are cops required to tell you the reason for pulling you over before demanding ID?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-any-state-are-cops-required-to-tell-you-the-reason-for-pulling-you-over-before-demanding-id/1019550)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-any-state-are-cops-required-to-tell-you-the-reason-for-pulling-you-over-before-demanding-id/1019550 "2025-06-23T16:31:50Z")
I’ve been pulled over a few times here in Missouri, and every time the cop has opened the interaction with “I’m Officer Soandso with the This Jurisdiction Police Department, the reason I pulled you over is \[whatever\]. Li… --- ## [We Got a Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-got-a-dog/1019921)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-got-a-dog/1019921 "2025-06-23T16:21:59Z")
The cats are ok with him, so he gets to stay. It’s amazing that a dog just under a year old can be so chill. Jack is supposedly a Lab/Shepherd mix, but there was a dog at the dog park that looked just like him. That d… --- ## [Free Will versus Determinism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-will-versus-determinism/1019278)
**Author:** [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Replies:** 259\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-will-versus-determinism/1019278 "2025-06-23T15:22:49Z")
The thread on Time Travel in fiction has gotten into a discussion on determinism. I don’t want to hijack that thread, but I felt the urge to make this comment: If you believe that we are just puppets dancing on the str… --- ## [1970s BankAmericard Christmas commercial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1970s-bankamericard-christmas-commercial/1019999)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1970s-bankamericard-christmas-commercial/1019999 "2025-06-23T15:16:03Z")
In the '70s there was a BankAmericard commercial that used Jingle Bells as the theme music. I don’t remember the lyrics, so I’ll make some up: Shoes and socks Radio clocks BankAmericard! I always conflate this one w… --- ## [Jaws - 1975 Original Summer Blockbuster- 3D - Imax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jaws-1975-original-summer-blockbuster-3d-imax/968907)
**Author:** [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jaws-1975-original-summer-blockbuster-3d-imax/968907 "2025-06-23T15:02:22Z")
Trailer! Eeeeeee! Best ever! !jaws labor day imax trailer - Google Search [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=290&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=292&state=tracking)