# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=309&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 310 --- ## [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… --- ## [Home phone telephone Easter egg: calling your own phone line?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-phone-telephone-easter-egg-calling-your-own-phone-line/940024)
**Author:** [@Thumper\_Stauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper_Stauss)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-phone-telephone-easter-egg-calling-your-own-phone-line/940024 "2025-05-29T11:47:16Z")
In the 1980s, was there a way to call your home phone from the same home phone (same line) by calling your telephone number, but in reverse. I know this sounds weird. My adult brain is trying to process how much to belie… --- ## [Drivers are becoming more assholic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drivers-are-becoming-more-assholic/1002561)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drivers-are-becoming-more-assholic/1002561 "2025-05-29T11:36:14Z")
Maybe it’s the growing congestion in the Front Range leading to road rage or maybe it’s all y’all coming to Northern Colorado from Tex-ass and Cali, but over the last year traffic here in the Denver/Front Range has gotte… --- ## [Hey kids! Wanna learn geopolitics with cute cartoons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-kids-wanna-learn-geopolitics-with-cute-cartoons/1018948)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-kids-wanna-learn-geopolitics-with-cute-cartoons/1018948 "2025-05-29T10:15:57Z")
Sure you do! And your buddies Lil’ Putin, Lil’ Elon, Lil’ Erdogan, and Lil’ Trump will help you learn! All provided by our friends the Russians! --- ## [What sitcom had a lot of child actors that were regulars go on to success as actors . Actors had to be minors to count, not playing minors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sitcom-had-a-lot-of-child-actors-that-were-regulars-go-on-to-success-as-actors-actors-had-to-be-minors-to-count-not-playing-minors/1018746)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sitcom-had-a-lot-of-child-actors-that-were-regulars-go-on-to-success-as-actors-actors-had-to-be-minors-to-count-not-playing-minors/1018746 "2025-05-29T03:10:06Z")
So Happy Days does not count except for Joanie & Chachi. Andy Griffith Show does count and it is 1 for 1 on success. Family Ties, only Mallory would count, Michael J. Fox was 21 when Family Ties started. On Partridge … --- ## [Rick Derringer RIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-derringer-rip/1018868)
**Author:** [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-derringer-rip/1018868 "2025-05-29T02:45:18Z")
Farewell to a great rock ‘n’ roll guitarist, singer and songwriter. He played with Edgar and Johnny Winter, Steely Dan, produced and played the solo on Weird Al’s “Eat It”, and wrote Hulk Hogan’s theme song “Real America… --- ## [Self-Proclaimed King Has Become the Court Jester](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-proclaimed-king-has-become-the-court-jester/1017752)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-proclaimed-king-has-become-the-court-jester/1017752 "2025-05-29T02:16:39Z")
This season, and especially the post season Timberwolves series, has been a fitting punishment for the arrogant LeBron James who has become a faded caricature of the great player he once was. The self-proclaimed “Greate… --- ## [Help me identify an old-timey tune, please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-an-old-timey-tune-please/1018649)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-an-old-timey-tune-please/1018649 "2025-05-29T01:23:44Z")
I don’t think it’s from a movie or TV show, but I’m sure everyone has heard it at some time in their life. It’s a kind of slow, rambling, banjo or rinkey-tink piano “wagon-train/way out West” piece that might have once… --- ## [Most insanely unlikely UNlucky (BAD luck) chance coincidence you or anyone close to you has ever experienced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-insanely-unlikely-unlucky-bad-luck-chance-coincidence-you-or-anyone-close-to-you-has-ever-experienced/1007236)
**Author:** [@GoodZuckerbergs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GoodZuckerbergs)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-insanely-unlikely-unlucky-bad-luck-chance-coincidence-you-or-anyone-close-to-you-has-ever-experienced/1007236 "2025-05-29T00:50:05Z")
This topic is not about insanely unlikely misfortunes- as in, being diagnosed with an extremely rare disease, or just happening to be at a McDonald’s right before a fire breaks out there, or getting seriously hurt by a d… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=308&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=310&state=muted)