# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=305 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 306 --- ## [The 1969 film Burn!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-1969-film-burn/1019116)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-1969-film-burn/1019116 "2025-06-02T23:13:34Z")
Pontecorvo is best known for The Battle of Algiers, but his film Burn! with Marlon Brando is a powerful look at slavery and colonialism. The DVD is poor quality and the remastering was for some reason entirely dubbed int… --- ## [Something that Bugs Me about Opie the Birdman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-that-bugs-me-about-opie-the-birdman/1019119)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-that-bugs-me-about-opie-the-birdman/1019119 "2025-06-02T22:38:14Z")
They showed this Andy Griffith Show, Opie the Birdman episode recently on MeTV. Or maybe TVLand., I can never remember between the two. It’s the one where Opie hand raises the three chicks of a bird that he killed with… --- ## ["You were logged out"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-were-logged-out/1018883)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-were-logged-out/1018883 "2025-06-02T22:31:20Z")
Not sure if this is an ATMB issue or a site feedback issue, or neither. I just had that happen, a “You were logged out” message. I logged back in with no problem, but if I’ve ever had it happen before it was enough years… --- ## [Botticelli May 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-may-2025/1018078)
**Author:** [@De\_La\_Rue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/De_La_Rue)\ **Replies:** 374\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-may-2025/1018078 "2025-06-02T22:03:43Z")
Hello and welcome to the May 2025 Botticelli thread, with me, your host W. De La Rue. Here is last month’s thread, and here are the rules in convenient document form. I am M. --- ## [Alcohol that nobody has made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-that-nobody-has-made/1011023)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-that-nobody-has-made/1011023 "2025-06-02T21:52:24Z")
I don’t drink at all, ever, so all of the various mentions of various types of alcohol and their taste is entirely vague theory to me. But I was just thinking of all the different things used as bases for famous types of… --- ## [My achin' dry eye eye eye](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-achin-dry-eye-eye-eye/1012667)
**Author:** [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-achin-dry-eye-eye-eye/1012667 "2025-06-02T21:43:52Z")
I was going to put this in mpsims, screw that this is a rant. Anyway, I went to the eye doctor, and was assured that I do have dry eye as I suspected. At least I don’t feel like I’ve been watching watching too many dru… --- ## [Do professional, non state affiliated assassins really exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-professional-non-state-affiliated-assassins-really-exist/1013402)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-professional-non-state-affiliated-assassins-really-exist/1013402 "2025-06-02T20:43:57Z")
Talk elsewhere about the Boeing whistleblower death got me thinking. Suppose you’re a CEO who wants someone dead badly enough. I know you can hire some guy off the streets for cash and drugs. I know governments have hug… --- ## [What does a political "conservative" believe today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-political-conservative-believe-today/1017031)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-political-conservative-believe-today/1017031 "2025-06-02T20:31:41Z")
I feel this has been asked before, but I ask it again in light of this thread. In that thread, people refer to Eisenhower and Buckley conservatives. Other than referring to historical individuals, how could someone exp… --- ## [Semantics: Can a physical occurrence be neither sign nor symptom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semantics-can-a-physical-occurrence-be-neither-sign-nor-symptom/1018499)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semantics-can-a-physical-occurrence-be-neither-sign-nor-symptom/1018499 "2025-06-02T18:43:55Z")
I’ve always wondered about the distinction between a symptom - of something, obviously - and a simple condition or occurrence. Or is everything that is not standard considered to be a sign of something, or a symptom of s… --- ## [Survivor 48](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-48/1014872)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 236\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-48/1014872 "2025-06-02T18:07:55Z")
Survivor 48 has begun! What will this season bring. So far we’ve had a dislocated shoulder, a father-daughter moment, a Dan Brown-esqe idol hunt, and a shouting match on the very first tribal. But more importantly, fan … --- ## [Former student makes good!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-student-makes-good/1019093)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-student-makes-good/1019093 "2025-06-02T17:22:19Z")
Today I learned that someone I taught as an undergraduate in a first year survey course years ago was just promoted to associate professor. We have kept in touch and it was a treat to learn this. --- ## [Beatles vs Meatles vs Leatles: Who Reigns Supreme in the Multiverse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beatles-vs-meatles-vs-leatles-who-reigns-supreme-in-the-multiverse/1018962)
**Author:** [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beatles-vs-meatles-vs-leatles-who-reigns-supreme-in-the-multiverse/1018962 "2025-06-02T17:21:23Z")
Let’s dive into a hypothetical alternate timeline (or two): The Meatles: Paul McCartney never meets John Lennon. Instead, he forms a band with George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Marty—an adequate lead guitarist, okay bac… --- ## [Shameless gofundme plug](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shameless-gofundme-plug/1018353)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shameless-gofundme-plug/1018353 "2025-06-02T16:28:36Z")
I have the mods permission to post this. It will also explain why I’ve had ebikes on the mind so much, because cars have been causing me grief like I could go on about for days, but I won’t. I really seriously am thinki… --- ## [Shoe insert advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoe-insert-advice/1019055)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoe-insert-advice/1019055 "2025-06-02T16:06:45Z")
I have some foot condition that the podiatrist mentioned but I don’t remember the name. Basically, the tendons going to my toes feel “too tight” and the bottom of my toes sometimes hurt when I’m walking. So, I paid a t… --- ## [Oldest North American footprints found](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-north-american-footprints-found/1019056)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-north-american-footprints-found/1019056 "2025-06-02T14:50:45Z")
Researchers in New Mexico have found a series of footprints dating back around 23,000 years; oldest date yet for humans in North America. --- ## [Long-term (a few decades?) archival of digital family photos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-a-few-decades-archival-of-digital-family-photos/1018960)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-a-few-decades-archival-of-digital-family-photos/1018960 "2025-06-02T13:09:40Z")
I have about 500 GB worth of digital photos currently backed up in Google Photos and Dropbox that I’m trying to offload to physical media in order to save some money. I plan on making a few copies of them to keep in diff… --- ## [Feasibility and practical consequences of the 2025 "golden dome" missile interception project](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feasibility-and-practical-consequences-of-the-2025-golden-dome-missile-interception-project/1018996)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feasibility-and-practical-consequences-of-the-2025-golden-dome-missile-interception-project/1018996 "2025-06-02T13:05:24Z")
Some questions about the “golden dome” project announced by Trump in Spring 2025. Trying to keep this FQ. Is it technically feasible with technology available in the 2025-2035 timeframe? Given orbital mechanics, would … --- ## [(Old) White Out! The Official Start Of Summer MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-white-out-the-official-start-of-summer-mmp/1018806)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 323\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-white-out-the-official-start-of-summer-mmp/1018806 "2025-06-02T12:41:34Z")
OK, you can pull out your white pants, togas, and repurposed wedding dresses. Of course, that means a lot of the pools are now officially open. So what are we doing today? Or just hijack. I don’t care, I’m not your su… --- ## [Words With Friends Chat blockage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-with-friends-chat-blockage/1019088)
**Author:** [@Philliam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philliam)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-with-friends-chat-blockage/1019088 "2025-06-02T11:20:44Z")
I play WWF on my FaceBook page with some actual friends and out of the blue I have (\[) and (\]) in blue chat bubbles that prevent any input. Any idea what this is in aid of? We don’t talk politics or religion , just chit-… --- ## [London Visitor Oyster Card questions and London Hotels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-visitor-oyster-card-questions-and-london-hotels/1017578)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-visitor-oyster-card-questions-and-london-hotels/1017578 "2025-06-02T11:03:17Z")
We’ll be in London in June and plan to use the trains & buses to get around. Is the Visitor Oyster Card a good deal? Can we buy them on arrival at the airport maybe? Do we each need one (my wife and I) or can we share… --- ## [Swiss village destroyed by landslide; climate change likely culprit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swiss-village-destroyed-by-landslide-climate-change-likely-culprit/1019052)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swiss-village-destroyed-by-landslide-climate-change-likely-culprit/1019052 "2025-06-02T10:35:23Z")
Swiss village was evacuated because of danger signs noted by scientists. Evacuation was seen as a precautionary measure. On Wednesday, village was destroyed by a terrible landslide. BBC article with embedded videos: … --- ## [How many credit cards does one need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-credit-cards-does-one-need/1018966)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-credit-cards-does-one-need/1018966 "2025-06-02T08:21:07Z")
I’m in the fortunate position that I’m able to pay my credit cards off at the end of every month. My credit score is classified as “excellent” according to credit karma. Yet I still have room to grow. This is what gets… --- ## [Polish presidential election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polish-presidential-election/1019054)
**Author:** [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polish-presidential-election/1019054 "2025-06-02T06:08:09Z")
Down to the wire in a contest between confirming the most recent parliamentary election and the present government’s mainstream Western liberalism, and the previous government’s Orban-esque, Trump-lite, EU-disruptive con… --- ## [Breaking up... it's easy to do](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-up-its-easy-to-do/1017401)
**Author:** [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-up-its-easy-to-do/1017401 "2025-06-02T02:17:10Z")
Continuing this thread hijack in a more appropriate place with this Violent Femmes track --- ## [Sequels you wouldn't know are sequels from the titles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sequels-you-wouldnt-know-are-sequels-from-the-titles/1018592)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sequels-you-wouldnt-know-are-sequels-from-the-titles/1018592 "2025-06-02T01:11:03Z")
A lot of sequels follow the usual pattern of just slapping a “2” onto the title of the first film…or at least referencing it in some clever way (see 22 Jump Street or I Still Know What You Did Last Summer)… …but SOME ha… --- ## [Was is (was?) a safety bicycle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-is-was-a-safety-bicycle/1009264)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-is-was-a-safety-bicycle/1009264 "2025-06-01T22:36:08Z")
In his autobiographical novel Cakes and Ale, Maugham describes taking lessons on a “safety bicycle” in the 1880s or so. Is this what we call a “bicycle” today? From his description I can’t see any features that differ f… --- ## [French Open 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-open-2025/1018768)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-open-2025/1018768 "2025-06-01T22:33:03Z")
YAY! teen Canadian compatriot Victoria (good name!) Mboko wins her first match in the Majors, beating last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finalist. A good way to start your first season on tour. Even in the quali’s she won all… --- ## [Recommend some horror books with unusual premises](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-horror-books-with-unusual-premises/1017866)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-horror-books-with-unusual-premises/1017866 "2025-06-01T21:36:20Z")
I feel like reading some interesting horror books with unusual premises. I won’t specify specific examples because I want the a broad range of recommendations rather than focusing on one specific area that I might happe… --- ## [Who can do a "signature guarantee" in the UK for a USA document?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-can-do-a-signature-guarantee-in-the-uk-for-a-usa-document/1018969)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-can-do-a-signature-guarantee-in-the-uk-for-a-usa-document/1018969 "2025-06-01T20:40:15Z")
Last similar thread seems to be 2002 I know the USA embassy in London can, yet looking at their schedule of appointments there are either no days (coming up or in over a year) and only a few in June where they are marke… --- ## [Donald Trump is Auric Goldfinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-is-auric-goldfinger/1018520)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-is-auric-goldfinger/1018520 "2025-06-01T20:31:15Z")
I don’t know how I missed it all this time. – He’s got the same body shape – He loves gold decorations, covering buildings with it and his signs, and now adding gold decorations to the austere Oval Office. – He cheats… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=304) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=306)