# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=30&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 31 --- ## [A new kind of air conditioner. Hapless hype or wildly useful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-kind-of-air-conditioner-hapless-hype-or-wildly-useful/1021634)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-kind-of-air-conditioner-hapless-hype-or-wildly-useful/1021634 "2026-09-05T11:44:36Z")
Yeah, this isn’t G.Q. material. I keep seeing ads on my social media for the Qinux Breezamax. For reasons I cannot discern, I cannot embed the hyperlink in here. WTF. Lemme try old school here. Reviews on the InterW… --- ## [Under what authority does a US president have the right to rename a body of water shared with another country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-authority-does-a-us-president-have-the-right-to-rename-a-body-of-water-shared-with-another-country/1032636)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-authority-does-a-us-president-have-the-right-to-rename-a-body-of-water-shared-with-another-country/1032636 "2026-09-05T11:05:49Z")
A simple question. Has it been done before by any previous president? --- ## [Next generation of EV batteries by BYD and others - Real, Speculative, or Vaporware](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937)
**Author:** [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937 "2026-09-05T07:45:46Z")
BYD is well regarded and established here in Australia and will be in Canada ( wearing both my hats ) I’d advise EVERYONE considering an EV to sit tight until the reality of SSB and other non-lithium batteries settles … --- ## [The Current Quitting Smoking Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-quitting-smoking-thread/1029175)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-quitting-smoking-thread/1029175 "2026-09-05T06:07:29Z")
I thought we had a sorta-recent thread on quitting smoking but I can’t find one. So I’m starting a new one. Just want to get it out there that after 30 years, I’m going to quit smoking. I actually quit about 15 years ag… --- ## [Roadside America co-founder Ken Smith RIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roadside-america-co-founder-ken-smith-rip/1032822)
**Author:** [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roadside-america-co-founder-ken-smith-rip/1032822 "2026-09-05T02:24:49Z")
Roadside America Announces the Passing of Co-founder Ken Smith From the news release: Smith had a ceaseless passion to explore the American roadside and document offbeat attractions. His friendly and curious nature eng… --- ## [More trouble for Dan Ariely](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-trouble-for-dan-ariely/1009453)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-trouble-for-dan-ariely/1009453 "2026-09-05T00:23:47Z")
You might know Dan from his book Predictively Irrational, which was a huge pop science success about behavioral economics/general science. I never loved the book because his conclusions were too glib, and the studies sta… --- ## [Real Time with Bill Maher](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-time-with-bill-maher/991367)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 1335\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-time-with-bill-maher/991367 "2026-09-05T00:03:53Z")
Was gonna post this in Cafe Society, but he’s just pissed me off so much that it goes here instead. Sorta like I stupidly did in P+E, Maher ripped into Biden about building a new section of border wall without bothering… --- ## [20 yrs ago today: R.I.P., Steve Irwin, 04 Sep 2006](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-yrs-ago-today-r-i-p-steve-irwin-04-sep-2006/1032821)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-yrs-ago-today-r-i-p-steve-irwin-04-sep-2006/1032821 "2026-09-04T21:34:10Z")
Hard to believe it’s been 20 years. Crikey! I’m watching this documentary, a 60 Minutes Australia documentary segment (47 mins), and I’m only a few minutes in and it looks really good. ➜ https://youtu.be/sRhJtsUH5VI ■ … --- ## [This Just In...Fox News Channel is bunch of lying fucks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-just-in-fox-news-channel-is-bunch-of-lying-fucks/931180)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Replies:** 2336\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-just-in-fox-news-channel-is-bunch-of-lying-fucks/931180 "2026-09-04T21:24:52Z")
Biden attends event without mask right after signing federal mandate (msn.com) Biden administration ‘radicals’ don’t want any part of unity (msn.com) Tucker Carlson: Biden cancels Keystone Pipeline, opens the border an… --- ## [Maximum utility from the smallest number of bills](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-utility-from-the-smallest-number-of-bills/1032782)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-utility-from-the-smallest-number-of-bills/1032782 "2026-09-04T21:24:10Z")
I’m downsizing my wallet again, but I’m not ready to completely stop carrying cash. Why? No idea. Only thing I use cash for is non-restaurant tips and lemonade stands. What’s the most utility you can get from the smalles… --- ## [Botticelli - Aug 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-aug-2026/1032035)
**Author:** [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Replies:** 388\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-aug-2026/1032035 "2026-09-04T20:54:13Z")
I am P. --- ## [Is U.S. war policy encouraging the world to go nuclear? The future of proliferation.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-u-s-war-policy-encouraging-the-world-to-go-nuclear-the-future-of-proliferation/162724)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-u-s-war-policy-encouraging-the-world-to-go-nuclear-the-future-of-proliferation/162724 "2026-09-04T20:53:53Z")
In this other thread of mine (which interestingly enough of devoid of answers from some specific sides of the debate), Blalron made a comment I thought was interesting: What do you all think? True? Important? (I ask… --- ## [Jews have lost control of Zionism. It's been hijacked by Christians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jews-have-lost-control-of-zionism-its-been-hijacked-by-christians/1032826)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jews-have-lost-control-of-zionism-its-been-hijacked-by-christians/1032826 "2026-09-04T19:37:42Z")
Zionism sure isn’t what it used to be. The reason for that is to be sought in the right-wing Republican politics of America. We senior citizens can remember, back in our childhood, how Zionism started out as happy kibbut… --- ## [Remakes- good or not so good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remakes-good-or-not-so-good/1032563)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remakes-good-or-not-so-good/1032563 "2026-09-04T19:36:33Z")
In another thread we discussed The Secret Life of Walter Mitty- the rather meh remake in 2013? with Ben Stiller, vs of course the 1947 version with the Great Danny Kaye. The two films were not even similar, despite the … --- ## [Isn't today's low birth rate exactly what people of the 1980s were clamoring for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isnt-todays-low-birth-rate-exactly-what-people-of-the-1980s-were-clamoring-for/1032699)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isnt-todays-low-birth-rate-exactly-what-people-of-the-1980s-were-clamoring-for/1032699 "2026-09-04T18:39:22Z")
As a Millennial, maybe I’m misremembering my childhood, but I remember reading on multiple occasions the books of my era warning that the planet’s population was on a steep upwards rise - soon going to be 7 billion, 9 bi… --- ## [Buc-ee's - world's largest service plaza](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309 "2026-09-04T15:02:54Z")
Anybody been there? Looks crazy big. 120 gas pumps, 350 employees, their own Bar B Que restaurant, bakery, etc. A wall of soda dispensers. Gift shops and who knows what else. Voted the best bathrooms. No trucks allowed. … --- ## [Meta \[Facebook\] and Numerous States Settle Lawsuit about Child Safety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meta-facebook-and-numerous-states-settle-lawsuit-about-child-safety/1032567)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meta-facebook-and-numerous-states-settle-lawsuit-about-child-safety/1032567 "2026-09-04T14:07:25Z")
California says states, Meta agree to $17 billion settlement in child safety trial https://www.npr.org/2026/08/26/nx-s1-5944781/meta-settlement-child-safety-lawsuit The important thing is not the money but that: “Met… --- ## [Now listen up, all you sons of bitches. It's Lake America now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-listen-up-all-you-sons-of-bitches-its-lake-america-now/1032608)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 256\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-listen-up-all-you-sons-of-bitches-its-lake-america-now/1032608 "2026-09-04T11:22:05Z")
I don’t want to see anyone using the old name ever again. This is an executive order now, sent down by our own very king. Using the old name from here on only means you hate America. There will be instant judgment passed… --- ## [Any ideas on how to change this battery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ideas-on-how-to-change-this-battery/1032590)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ideas-on-how-to-change-this-battery/1032590 "2026-09-04T09:47:20Z")
This is a Halloween decoration. I can find no way to open it. The silver in the slit is the battery. If I push on it with an X-acto blade it moves but I can’t force it out. It even tells what kind of replacement battery … --- ## [Congressional math: majorities and vacancies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressional-math-majorities-and-vacancies/1026486)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressional-math-majorities-and-vacancies/1026486 "2026-09-04T06:25:00Z")
I think an ongoing thread about the changes to the US House of Representatives may be of interest. Or for the Senate, although that doesn’t seem to be changing much at this time, but it’s always possible there could be a… --- ## [Unexpected root canal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-root-canal/1032815)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-root-canal/1032815 "2026-09-04T04:42:29Z")
Yesterday, I was SUPPOSED TO BE fitted for a bridge for my teeth. Instead, a root canal. And it took three times longer than normal, with my dentist saying it was a tough one. I feel like my face was punched. --- ## [Hypothetical Covid Prediction Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-covid-prediction-question/1032777)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-covid-prediction-question/1032777 "2026-09-04T02:26:25Z")
So Monday Morning quarterbacking it so many years later, if little to no action was ever taken in the US for the COVID crisis (no shutdowns, no masking, no screenings, etc.) and the most basic action taken was a non-expe… --- ## [What do I call this (Researching records w/a US County Clerk)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-call-this-researching-records-w-a-us-county-clerk/1032687)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-call-this-researching-records-w-a-us-county-clerk/1032687 "2026-09-04T01:35:54Z")
Howdy, pardners! I recently came to read a book about a real-world gunslinger & suspected cattle rustler, in a part of the country where I own some property, making it an interesting tie to my local area. In one part o… --- ## [On Reading Literature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-reading-literature/1032535)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-reading-literature/1032535 "2026-09-03T23:53:09Z")
Trying to keep this post as general as possible and see where it leads. I got a book for $2 on Kindle called 50 Masterpieces to Read Before You Die which is straight up 50 full-length classic literature novels. Some I h… --- ## [Give Superman secret EVIL superpowers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-superman-secret-evil-superpowers/1032642)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-superman-secret-evil-superpowers/1032642 "2026-09-03T23:22:14Z")
With great power comes great responsibility; what are some secret powers Superman could have that are so dark that he’s too moral to EVER use? My entry: super-seduction. Superman could turn any woman he chose into his d… --- ## [Mark Sanchez - is his career at Fox Sports done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-sanchez-is-his-career-at-fox-sports-done/1024023)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-sanchez-is-his-career-at-fox-sports-done/1024023 "2026-09-03T22:45:02Z")
Has Fox made any decision about Sanchez? Will they wait until after the case is settled? The victim was 69. Many states have special charges for violence against the elderly. --- ## [A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs podcast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-history-of-rock-music-in-500-songs-podcast/998967)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-history-of-rock-music-in-500-songs-podcast/998967 "2026-09-03T21:57:47Z")
Highly recommended. When a friend recommended it to me, I scrolled through the list to find a few favorite artists first. Then I started listeninng from the beginning, with swing jazz in the 30s (yes I know that is not r… --- ## [Sudden infestation of very large ants. Help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sudden-infestation-of-very-large-ants-help/1032783)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sudden-infestation-of-very-large-ants-help/1032783 "2026-09-03T21:52:27Z")
This evening I discovered an abundance of big ants in the basement of the home where I have lived big ant free for 15 years. Do I need professional help? --- ## [Nostalgia Purchases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nostalgia-purchases/1032314)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nostalgia-purchases/1032314 "2026-09-03T21:27:25Z")
I recently purchased an old Sci-Fi art book, “Space Wars: Worlds and Weapons” by Steven Eisler. I had the book as a kid and I used to go through it again and again. I lost track of the book somewhere about 40 years ago… --- ## [Giant Rock, and other anomalous places you’ve been](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-rock-and-other-anomalous-places-you-ve-been/1030917)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-rock-and-other-anomalous-places-you-ve-been/1030917 "2026-09-03T20:44:40Z")
Got any anomalous places that you’ve been to? This is named Giant Rock. We stopped by the other day. Located in the Mojave Desert north of Palm Springs, near Yucca Valley… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=29&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=31&state=watching)