# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=291&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 292 --- ## [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… --- ## [Canadian prof went to Iran when troubles started; now upset Canada isn’t able to get him out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-prof-went-to-iran-when-troubles-started-now-upset-canada-isn-t-able-to-get-him-out/1020053)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-prof-went-to-iran-when-troubles-started-now-upset-canada-isn-t-able-to-get-him-out/1020053 "2025-06-25T23:15:52Z")
À Canadian university prof went to Iran when the recent troubles started, because his wife and children were there. Now upset that the Canadian government has limited ability to communicate with him, due to internet bla… --- ## [Which Apollo moon mission had the fewest problems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-apollo-moon-mission-had-the-fewest-problems/1020141)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-apollo-moon-mission-had-the-fewest-problems/1020141 "2025-06-25T22:43:06Z")
Apollo 11 had a lot of first-to-do-it problems and had about 60 seconds of fuel left when Armstrong had to bunny hop over some boulders. Apollo 12 got struck by lightning twice and if not for John Aaron’s “Try SCE to AU… --- ## [Melamine, should we worry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melamine-should-we-worry/423707)
**Author:** [@lizziewriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lizziewriter)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melamine-should-we-worry/423707 "2025-06-25T20:39:37Z")
I am wondering about melamine. Great stuff. Mr. Clean Magic Sponges, that clean anything, are made of it. Some kiddie plates and flatware are made from it. All sorts of stuff. It’s also what was turning up in pet fo… --- ## [The 2025 Israel vs Iran and geopolitical implications thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-israel-vs-iran-and-geopolitical-implications-thread/1019829)
**Author:** [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Replies:** 197\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-israel-vs-iran-and-geopolitical-implications-thread/1019829 "2025-06-25T19:40:26Z")
(As two P&E threads have been closed for lack of content and as the MPSIMS thread is dedicated to breaking news, here is a proper, dedicated thread for P&E where posters can get into the intricacies of the conflict along… --- ## [What will be the result of the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-be-the-result-of-the-51st-g7-summit-in-kananaskis/1019710)
**Author:** [@Mikemike2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikemike2)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-be-the-result-of-the-51st-g7-summit-in-kananaskis/1019710 "2025-06-25T18:08:16Z")
I live in Calgary, so we are seeing some of the security and protests for the G7 Summit. It seems the media wants to speak to Trump, which makes sense, I guess, as he has his thumb on world events and outcomes. Canada … --- ## [Do you like thrillers with really sadistic, brutal criminals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-thrillers-with-really-sadistic-brutal-criminals/1019954)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-thrillers-with-really-sadistic-brutal-criminals/1019954 "2025-06-25T17:57:21Z")
Yesterday we turned on a TV show my wife had heard about -The Escape Artist with David Tenant. It was about a defense lawyer who never lost a case. Well, it turns out one client he gets off is a sadistic killer who tur… --- ## [Trumps starts war in Middle East and gas prices go down?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-starts-war-in-middle-east-and-gas-prices-go-down/1020096)
**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-starts-war-in-middle-east-and-gas-prices-go-down/1020096 "2025-06-25T17:32:34Z")
And stock prices go up?! For how long? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=290&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=292&state=watching)