# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=307 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 308 --- ## [The Poetry of Donald J. Trump -- Special Alcatraz Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-special-alcatraz-edition/1017959)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2025, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-special-alcatraz-edition/1017959 "2025-05-31T02:19:37Z")
“How will you use it? How did you come up with the idea?” a reporter asked the president on Monday. Well, I guess I was supposed to be a moviemaker. We’re talking — We started with the moviemaking, And it will end. … --- ## [Severance Season 2 \[OPEN SPOILERS\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/severance-season-2-open-spoilers/1012952)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 406\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2025, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/severance-season-2-open-spoilers/1012952 "2025-05-31T02:09:01Z")
On January 17, after almost three full years, we get Severance season 2 on Apple TV. Season 1 thread I just re-watched the first season because it’s been so long since the previous one that I forgot some details and yo… --- ## [What are your top three episodes of the Twilight Zone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-top-three-episodes-of-the-twilight-zone/1018839)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2025, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-top-three-episodes-of-the-twilight-zone/1018839 "2025-05-31T01:02:34Z")
The classic one, I mean, not any of the three (yes, three by now) reboots. Mine would have to be The Shelter The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street Shadow Play But there are a ton I could sub in. I could easily make a … --- ## [Why no female artists in the Yacht Rock genre?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-female-artists-in-the-yacht-rock-genre/1018920)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-female-artists-in-the-yacht-rock-genre/1018920 "2025-05-30T20:44:38Z")
I was listening Carly Simon’s ‘You Belong to Me’ and I got to thinking the music is kind of yacht rockish. Then I tried to think of any yr songs by female artists and came up blank. Can you think of any? Also, why do yo… --- ## [Peter David, Star Trek novelist and comic book writer, passes away](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-david-star-trek-novelist-and-comic-book-writer-passes-away/1018795)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-david-star-trek-novelist-and-comic-book-writer-passes-away/1018795 "2025-05-30T20:10:41Z")
Peter David, well-known as a prolific writer of comic books and Star Trek novels, has passed away at the age of 68. My favorite Trek books of his are the New Frontier books starring Captain Mackenzie Calhoun of the US… --- ## [Another tipping thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tipping-thread/993792)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tipping-thread/993792 "2025-05-30T19:23:07Z")
We all know that tipping has become a hot topic of conversation of late with seemingly everyone having their hand out and not so subtle hints asking for a percentage. I encountered one this weekend that really pissed me … --- ## [Picking up strangers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picking-up-strangers/1018872)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picking-up-strangers/1018872 "2025-05-30T16:50:08Z")
Or maybe, being picked up by strangers. I had a slightly weird experience this evening. I’m in Göttingen, as a convenient place to spend the night en route to a square dance event. I’m on my own, because my husband does… --- ## [If you were running on a inclined, \*manual\* treadmill with no internal friction, would you eventually end up running infinitely fast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-were-running-on-a-inclined-manual-treadmill-with-no-internal-friction-would-you-eventually-end-up-running-infinitely-fast/1018968)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-were-running-on-a-inclined-manual-treadmill-with-no-internal-friction-would-you-eventually-end-up-running-infinitely-fast/1018968 "2025-05-30T16:44:08Z")
Most treadmills have motors, but there are also unpowered treadmills in which the belt moves just from action of the user running on the treadmill. These manual treadmills are typically on an incline. The incline helps g… --- ## [Has the Related topics system changed? {Yes}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-related-topics-system-changed-yes/1008475)
**Author:** [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-related-topics-system-changed-yes/1008475 "2025-05-30T13:00:37Z")
For the past week or so, the suggestions at the bottom of a thread have been more in line with the current thread I’m reading, irrespective of how long ago that thread was last posted in. For example, my suggestions at … --- ## [Converting German Bolt Action Rifles to Semi-automatic fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-german-bolt-action-rifles-to-semi-automatic-fire/1018972)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-german-bolt-action-rifles-to-semi-automatic-fire/1018972 "2025-05-30T12:28:43Z")
In WWII, the allies experimented with converting Lee-Enfield rifles to semi-automatic firing weapons. The US already had the semi-auto M1 Garand, and so didn’t have to do this. And the Germans tried to invent semi-auto… --- ## [Question about weightlifting and nutrition - help an old man out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860)
**Author:** [@mozchron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mozchron)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-weightlifting-and-nutrition-help-an-old-man-out/1018860 "2025-05-30T12:18:51Z")
I’m 50 years old, have a sedentary job, and except for walking the dog I don’t do much exercise. I did martial arts in my 20’s but haven’t been to the gym in 25 years. A colleague works on muscle wasting in the elderly … --- ## [It's Memorial Day, NOT Veteran's Day!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-memorial-day-not-veterans-day/689341)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-memorial-day-not-veterans-day/689341 "2025-05-30T04:54:00Z")
When did Memorial Day become another all-purpose “honor the troops” day? Was it so gradual I missed it? It’s supposed to be about soldiers who gave their all. Bluntly, it’s to remember those who never got a chance to be… --- ## [Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-simons-late-in-the-evening/1018878)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-simons-late-in-the-evening/1018878 "2025-05-30T04:14:46Z")
I’ve loved this song ever since its release in 1980. Give a listen if you’re not familiar. It feels like it’s borrowing from some world music genre that I can’t put my finger on … afro-cuban/calypso/Brazilian samba…ish… --- ## [Local elections in Texas: Dems do good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-elections-in-texas-dems-do-good/1018252)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-elections-in-texas-dems-do-good/1018252 "2025-05-30T03:24:29Z")
Note: Tarrant County is Fort Worth; Collin County is just north of Dallas. Now lets hope they can translate these good results into gains in the legislature and state-wide races. --- ## [Apple in China a book by Patrick McGee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-in-china-a-book-by-patrick-mcgee/1018579)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-in-china-a-book-by-patrick-mcgee/1018579 "2025-05-30T02:54:59Z")
Hi everyone, I watched a segment last night of The Daily Show and Patrick McGee was the guest discussing his book Apple in China. Jon described it as “Jaw Dropping” and I found it to be fascinating, but also sort of ma… --- ## [Viva la Dirt League?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-la-dirt-league/1010871)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2025, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-la-dirt-league/1010871 "2025-05-30T00:48:13Z")
Any fans? I’ve been seeing their sketches on Facebook for maybe a year now. They seem to have two general theme; a tech store with a clueless, autocratic manager and his spineless staff, and what seems to be a live-acti… --- ## [When does pushing for extreme ideas help expand the Overton window?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-pushing-for-extreme-ideas-help-expand-the-overton-window/1018830)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-pushing-for-extreme-ideas-help-expand-the-overton-window/1018830 "2025-05-29T23:01:36Z")
This essay was published a while ago, but I only read it today and thought it was an interesting idea: The summary is that if you support a policy that is not currently politically feasible, working to popularise it w… --- ## [How long could you comfortably stay away from home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-you-comfortably-stay-away-from-home/1018752)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-you-comfortably-stay-away-from-home/1018752 "2025-05-29T01:08:09Z")
For no particular reason, I was doing a search on cruises, and I came across one that was round trip from San Diego to Australia with many stops in between - 93 days total. Money aside (because there’s no way I could aff… --- ## [Question about battery life and distance traveled on an e-scooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-battery-life-and-distance-traveled-on-an-e-scooter/1018845)
**Author:** [@Cachalot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cachalot)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-battery-life-and-distance-traveled-on-an-e-scooter/1018845 "2025-05-29T21:12:04Z")
I ride an electric scooter as my primary method of getting around. I have a question regarding power usage and battery life. I’m hoping that the engineering types here can help me out. Battery life is shown as a display… --- ## [Use of eminent domain to obtain Pope's childhood home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-eminent-domain-to-obtain-popes-childhood-home/1018668)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-eminent-domain-to-obtain-popes-childhood-home/1018668 "2025-05-29T20:17:45Z")
I read that the town of Dolton has plans to obtain the pope’s childhood home.. A developer had recently redone the interior, and wished to auction it. A few thoughts: -I kinda feel the developer ought to be able to ben… --- ## [The Wheel of Time: TV series discussion (open spoilers; comparison to the books allowed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wheel-of-time-tv-series-discussion-open-spoilers-comparison-to-the-books-allowed/954636)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 435\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wheel-of-time-tv-series-discussion-open-spoilers-comparison-to-the-books-allowed/954636 "2025-05-29T18:51:28Z")
The Wheel of Time series has started playing on Amazon Prime. The show is based off of the book series of the same name by author Robert Jordan and was pretty popular back then. For this thread, open spoilers are allow… --- ## [Pressure differentials at ocean depths](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-differentials-at-ocean-depths/1018961)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pressure-differentials-at-ocean-depths/1018961 "2025-05-29T18:31:57Z")
Now and then I run across discussion on devices or materials that generate electricity when they experience changes in pressure. This always leads to discussions on how you can create these pressure changes. This got me … --- ## [Why not phase out Nickels & Pennies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-phase-out-nickels-pennies/1018684)
**Author:** [@richw697](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/richw697)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-phase-out-nickels-pennies/1018684 "2025-05-29T18:26:20Z")
The Treasury unveils its plan to kill the penny | CNN Business CNN Business: “The US Treasury is phasing out production of the penny and will soon stop putting new one-cent coins into circulation, the department said in… --- ## [Another Bay Leaf harvest. Anyone want some?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-bay-leaf-harvest-anyone-want-some/1010742)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-bay-leaf-harvest-anyone-want-some/1010742 "2025-05-29T18:19:20Z")
I have some bay leaf branches which got pruned after growing too close to the power line. Awhile back I offered up fresh bay leaves to anyone who wanted to try some. I thought I’d do it again while they’re still fresh. T… --- ## [First female GM in MLB - Kim Ng, Miami Marlins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-female-gm-in-mlb-kim-ng-miami-marlins/925528)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-female-gm-in-mlb-kim-ng-miami-marlins/925528 "2025-05-29T16:05:10Z")
This is a fairly big “first” in MLB, and for all of the major US sports leagues. --- ## [Is allowing people to pay bills with gold or silver a bad idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-allowing-people-to-pay-bills-with-gold-or-silver-a-bad-idea/1018907)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-allowing-people-to-pay-bills-with-gold-or-silver-a-bad-idea/1018907 "2025-05-29T15:28:23Z")
I came across this article about a bill that would allow Floridians to pay bills with gold or silver. Is this a good idea, a bad idea, or just a shrug? --- ## [Belgium and Dutch competing for wind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belgium-and-dutch-competing-for-wind/1018905)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belgium-and-dutch-competing-for-wind/1018905 "2025-05-29T15:06:24Z")
The headline here seems to be exaggerated, but it’s probably a real issue: there must be only so many optimal places for wind farms. --- ## [Melania Trump is gone (largely missing in public, not deceased)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melania-trump-is-gone-largely-missing-in-public-not-deceased/1018217)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melania-trump-is-gone-largely-missing-in-public-not-deceased/1018217 "2025-05-29T13:26:45Z")
I dont care about her, but there were big stories about the later FLOTUSes. What the hell is she doing, she dont care, do you? Fashion wise, she should drop the stupid hat. --- ## [Whatcha Playin'? in July 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-playin-in-july-2023/987272)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-playin-in-july-2023/987272 "2025-05-29T13:10:32Z")
Sorry if I missed a like thread, but is there no place for people to post about what’s currently catching their fancy? Historically I think this thread has covered any sort of gaming, video games, tabletop games, board g… --- ## [Those magnificent men (and women) and their flying machines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-magnificent-men-and-women-and-their-flying-machines/1018922)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-magnificent-men-and-women-and-their-flying-machines/1018922 "2025-05-29T12:20:03Z")
This post: Reminded me of something I’ve wondered about. To wit, how important was flying skill to accomplishing the great feats of long distant flying in the past? Like John Alcock and Arthur Brown’s first transatlan… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=306) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=308)