# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=307&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 308 --- ## [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… --- ## [...Bring May Glowers (Monthly Mini-Rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bring-may-glowers-monthly-mini-rants/1017737)
**Author:** [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Replies:** 370\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bring-may-glowers-monthly-mini-rants/1017737 "2025-06-01T20:15:48Z")
Continuing the discussion from April Sours… (Monthly Mini-Rants): We’ve been in this house for almost 13 years now. We bought it new; in fact, we bought the house before it was built and got to visit it at various stag… --- ## [MLB: May 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2025/1017804)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 197\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2025/1017804 "2025-06-01T19:27:49Z")
Trying not to rant, absolutely hate how it takes a multitude of streaming services just to watch baseball these days. What the hell are these ugly ass softball uniforms the Brewers are wearing tonight? --- ## [Shattering basketball backboards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shattering-basketball-backboards/1018865)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shattering-basketball-backboards/1018865 "2025-06-01T18:34:26Z")
My grandson was watching a compilation of players shattering the backboard while dunking. Most of the clips were in the past so I assume it is less common today with better construction. The questions are: How long is t… --- ## [What IS the purpose of the BBQ Pit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-bbq-pit/269627)
**Author:** [@Runs\_With\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Runs_With_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-bbq-pit/269627 "2025-06-01T18:33:46Z")
And does it differ from the original intent? I’ve actually been wanting to post this for some time, but I couldn’t figure out where to post it. “About This Message Board” didn’t seem like the right place because it’s n… --- ## [Who remembers this female stand up comedian who got started when she was very young (like 12)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-remembers-this-female-stand-up-comedian-who-got-started-when-she-was-very-young-like-12/1019058)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-remembers-this-female-stand-up-comedian-who-got-started-when-she-was-very-young-like-12/1019058 "2025-06-01T15:05:45Z")
A memory popped into my head of a stand up comedian I saw a decade or so ago on YouTube or somewhere similar. She was young - like 12 or 13. Her young age was part of her comedic shtick, and her humor was a bit … bawdy, … --- ## [Why Don't ALL of My Texts Show Up On My Laptop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-all-of-my-texts-show-up-on-my-laptop/1018764)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-all-of-my-texts-show-up-on-my-laptop/1018764 "2025-06-01T14:37:34Z")
My laptop is a MacBook. One of the apps in the system tray is called “Messages,” and it allows me to send (and read) texts just as if they had originated from my iPhone. But not always. As an example, yesterday, I made … --- ## [For once, the NBA will have a fresh new champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-once-the-nba-will-have-a-fresh-new-champion/943816)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-once-the-nba-will-have-a-fresh-new-champion/943816 "2025-06-01T14:20:28Z")
I don’t particularly follow any of the 8 remaining teams in the playoffs. But I’m happy to see that they’re all teams that have either never won a championship, or at least haven’t won it in many decades. A fresh new kin… --- ## [Can a POTUS be removed early without taking criminal action?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potus-be-removed-early-without-taking-criminal-action/1017582)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potus-be-removed-early-without-taking-criminal-action/1017582 "2025-06-01T14:05:25Z")
Is there a process in the US, analogous to parliamentary non-confidence votes, that can get kick out a POTUS before a federal election? Or, in the case of Trump, does the world have to wait until 2028, even if he does no… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=306&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=308&state=muted)