# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=319 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 320 --- ## [Looking for a new webcam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-new-webcam/1017732)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-new-webcam/1017732 "2025-05-09T05:53:35Z")
Now that Skype has been shut down, I have to transition to a different app for chatting to my family, and Teams seems the simplest. However the way I used to use my camera won’t work anymore. I had an IP camera on my pho… --- ## [ChatGPT and randomness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chatgpt-and-randomness/1018134)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chatgpt-and-randomness/1018134 "2025-05-09T05:49:36Z")
Off the bat I’ll say I don’t really have a thesis or point to this, just observations about an aspect that I find interesting. I’ve been recently asking ChatGTP 4o to generate random things (intended for use in image ge… --- ## [Trump/Putin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-putin/1017455)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-putin/1017455 "2025-05-09T05:45:45Z")
If Trump were to give Putin an ultimatum, such as if you don’t leave Ukraine we will remove you. I would imagine Putin threaten a nuclear strike. If Trump were to call his bluff would insiders remove Putin? Very dangerou… --- ## [What role do pulse oximeters play in harm reduction from overdose death from fentanyl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-role-do-pulse-oximeters-play-in-harm-reduction-from-overdose-death-from-fentanyl/1018110)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-role-do-pulse-oximeters-play-in-harm-reduction-from-overdose-death-from-fentanyl/1018110 "2025-05-09T05:40:14Z")
Its my understanding that various things help reduce OD risk from fentanyl. Testing kits. You can buy testing kits that’ll test your drugs for fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. Easily available Narcan. Its OTC now s… --- ## [Tether Pockets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tether-pockets/1018127)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tether-pockets/1018127 "2025-05-09T04:18:11Z")
Last night, I thought of an invention that’s so simple, I’m sure it’s been conceived of, many times over, so perhaps I’m underselling the possible safety concerns I could conceive of possibly having to be addressed. Also… --- ## [Did anybody ever see the mid-80s cable sitcom "Brothers" ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anybody-ever-see-the-mid-80s-cable-sitcom-brothers/810701)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anybody-ever-see-the-mid-80s-cable-sitcom-brothers/810701 "2025-05-09T03:33:05Z")
In the mid-to-late 1980’s, there was a series called “Brothers”. The premise, from what I know about it, was that it was a basic family sitcom about a bunch of male siblings, but that one of them was openly gay. While th… --- ## [Sleep camera recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleep-camera-recommendations/1018125)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleep-camera-recommendations/1018125 "2025-05-09T02:37:15Z")
I did a sleep study, and results were inconclusive partly because I didn’t sleep that much. The neurologist has requested that we get a camera to monitor my night time movements. Since the study was originally called f… --- ## [Does this variant of a thermostatic valve exist as a product I can buy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-variant-of-a-thermostatic-valve-exist-as-a-product-i-can-buy/1017995)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-variant-of-a-thermostatic-valve-exist-as-a-product-i-can-buy/1017995 "2025-05-08T23:44:55Z")
In some parts of the world (such as England) it is compulsory to fit a thermostatic valve to a new shower or bath. This is apparently for safety reasons, to prevent scalding. My problem with thermostatic valves is that … --- ## [So how do I make decent popcorn at home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679 "2025-05-08T23:34:53Z")
I’ve tried microwave popcorn and was not impressed. I love movie theater popcorn, but microwave popcorn isn’t even close. From what I’m seeing online, there are 2 ingredients you really need to make movie theater grade … --- ## [Victory Day In Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/victory-day-in-europe/1018119)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/victory-day-in-europe/1018119 "2025-05-08T22:27:15Z")
I recall every year a very common poster who lived in the Netherlands (I believe also a mod) would repost some gratitude to the USA & UK for liberating his country - and even if he didn’t explicitly list other countries … --- ## [Are there any benefits of Infrared Amethyst Mats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885)
**Author:** [@JoePockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoePockets)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-benefits-of-infrared-amethyst-mats/1017885 "2025-05-08T19:57:55Z")
I have lower back pain that sooner or later needs surgery orthopedic specialist offered epidural injection as a temporary solution….which I’m considering ? Has any one tried infrared mats for pain relief? --- ## [Russell Brand vs Morgan Freeman (#MeToo)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russell-brand-vs-morgan-freeman-metoo/815046)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russell-brand-vs-morgan-freeman-metoo/815046 "2025-05-08T19:45:34Z")
There are two videos linked below showing celebrities Russell Brand and Morgan Freeman having multiple interactions with female TV reporters & hosts. The Morgan Freeman video also contains some reported anecdotes of his … --- ## [New Pope has been chosen and he is from the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-pope-has-been-chosen-and-he-is-from-the-us/1018108)
**Author:** [@JoseB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoseB)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-pope-has-been-chosen-and-he-is-from-the-us/1018108 "2025-05-08T17:38:34Z")
The papal conclave has finished, and the choice has been made: Cardinal Prevost, the first pope from the United States in history. He says that he has chosen the regnal name Leo XIV. He is right now at the balcony of St… --- ## [Botticelli - April 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-april-2025/1016476)
**Author:** [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Replies:** 288\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-april-2025/1016476 "2025-05-08T17:27:11Z")
Continuing the discussion from Botticelli March 2025: Thanks @Elendil\_s\_Heir ! Great subject, btw. Here’s a periodic repost of the rules of the game for anyone interested in joining: How does this work? One person, … --- ## [Is sexual assault more common among r-strategist species vs K-strategist species](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sexual-assault-more-common-among-r-strategist-species-vs-k-strategist-species/1017838)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sexual-assault-more-common-among-r-strategist-species-vs-k-strategist-species/1017838 "2025-05-08T16:50:40Z")
In ecology, r/K selection theory relates to the selection of combinations of traits in an organism that trade off between quantity and quality of offspring. The focus on either an increased quantity of offspring at th… --- ## [Easy Answers for Fictional Dilemmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-answers-for-fictional-dilemmas/1017080)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 404\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-answers-for-fictional-dilemmas/1017080 "2025-05-08T14:37:09Z")
Submitted for your approval… On lists of favorite episodes of The Twilight Zone, the story called “Time Enough at Last” is usually among the top five or so. You remember it, Burgess Meredith is a mousy little bank cler… --- ## [Borrowed Time: Lennon's Last Decade (2025 Documentary)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/borrowed-time-lennons-last-decade-2025-documentary/1018014)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/borrowed-time-lennons-last-decade-2025-documentary/1018014 "2025-05-08T13:29:12Z")
I’ve read about a dozen books on John Lennon. He’s always been a hero of mine, and I hope it’s good and accurate. It just came out today. Not sure where. Has anyone seen this? Looking forward to it? I only saw 12 votes o… --- ## [What's going on with the Coen brothers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-with-the-coen-brothers/1018026)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-with-the-coen-brothers/1018026 "2025-05-08T12:13:01Z")
They haven’t made a movie together since 2018 and they’ve each made projects without the other. Have they permanently stopped working together or are they just on a break? On a separate issue, what’s the story on Ethan … --- ## [Socialised health care, Australia style](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/socialised-health-care-australia-style/1017741)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/socialised-health-care-australia-style/1017741 "2025-05-08T10:05:38Z")
This is a FYI snapshot of a fairly typical person (me, nearly 65) accessing health care in Australia in 2025. Been feeling a bit crook, attended my General Practitioner (GP) who referred me for various tests and scans a… --- ## [Trump's onslaught hits staff at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-onslaught-hits-staff-at-the-national-renewable-energy-laboratory/1017958)
**Author:** [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-onslaught-hits-staff-at-the-national-renewable-energy-laboratory/1017958 "2025-05-08T09:36:29Z")
Three lab sources told Mother Jones the cuts affect several NREL departments, including communications, wind, water, and community energy. Remote and in-person staffers are both affected, as are non-probationary emplo… --- ## [New CT scanners used by TSA speed things up? I think not!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-ct-scanners-used-by-tsa-speed-things-up-i-think-not/1017064)
**Author:** [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-ct-scanners-used-by-tsa-speed-things-up-i-think-not/1017064 "2025-05-08T04:42:10Z")
From an MSN article I read today: “The introduction of CT scanners at airport checkpoints is revolutionizing security checks and reducing wait times.” I have found the opposite to be true. A TSA agent looking at the di… --- ## [Cost absurdities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cost-absurdities/1017240)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cost-absurdities/1017240 "2025-05-08T03:14:00Z")
I bought a new mailbox. One that has a package receptacle with a key. The mailbox came with 2 keys, but I really need at least 3. I went to Ace, and they didn’t have the correct blank. I was able to find a couple of pla… --- ## [TV theme song questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-theme-song-questions/1017510)
**Author:** [@Reeses\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeses_Monkey)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-theme-song-questions/1017510 "2025-05-08T02:50:10Z")
Ever wondered exactly what was being said in the theme songs of your favorite shows? I know that today we can look up the answers online but that wasn’t true back when I was growing up in the 70s and 80s. Please chime in… --- ## [The Supreme Court and the Trump Administration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-supreme-court-and-the-trump-administration/1015175)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-supreme-court-and-the-trump-administration/1015175 "2025-05-08T02:25:49Z")
There have been a very large number of court cases filed against the Trump administration, but very few have reached the Supreme Court yet. Anyone have any thoughts on overall how the cases will go? I think the Supreme … --- ## [Texas Hill Country Dope Fest! (San Antonio TX, “SATX”)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-hill-country-dope-fest-san-antonio-tx-satx/996915)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-hill-country-dope-fest-san-antonio-tx-satx/996915 "2025-05-08T01:26:53Z")
What’s the Who What When Where and Why for this? ◆ WHO — Dopers in or near San Antonio + partners / spouses / friends ◆ WHAT — Dope Fest Texas Hill Country. Let’s meet IRL! ◆ WHEN — Saturday April 6, 2024, at approx 1… --- ## [Star Wars Tales of the Underworld](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-tales-of-the-underworld/1017874)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2025, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-tales-of-the-underworld/1017874 "2025-05-08T00:26:18Z")
We have yet another short run of short episodes based in the Star Wars universe. This time, the first 3 episodes are a and the second 3 episodes are . They aren’t “necessary”, but they are interesting enough check it ou… --- ## [Am I donating blood wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-donating-blood-wrong/1017809)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-donating-blood-wrong/1017809 "2025-05-07T20:31:56Z")
I see online ads all the time saying that I can get free gift cards if I donate blood. Now I donate blood anyway. And I don’t do it for the free gift cards. But as long as I giving the blood, I’d be happy to take the gi… --- ## [I like Minute Rice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-minute-rice/978056)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-minute-rice/978056 "2025-05-07T22:49:27Z")
I like Minute Rice. --- ## [I must make a drawing, to honor and celebrate my mothers life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-make-a-drawing-to-honor-and-celebrate-my-mothers-life/1018044)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-make-a-drawing-to-honor-and-celebrate-my-mothers-life/1018044 "2025-05-07T22:32:59Z")
I just asked ChatGPT to give me a Van Gough work of him looking out the window at mountains. It did a great job. I want to use my mothers pastels to recreate the image. She used those pastels in college in the 50’s. We… --- ## [Who here has actually fallen out with friends and/ or relatives over this Administration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-here-has-actually-fallen-out-with-friends-and-or-relatives-over-this-administration/1013667)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-here-has-actually-fallen-out-with-friends-and-or-relatives-over-this-administration/1013667 "2025-05-07T21:56:02Z")
I know we’ve touched on it in different political threads and a few have given short anecdotes. I fell out with my brother - pretty much my last living relative - and I guess I just want to hear from others who are goin… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=318) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=320)