# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=319&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 320 --- ## [How far can police lying go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-police-lying-go/1018121)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-police-lying-go/1018121 "2025-05-09T18:03:59Z")
I don’t want to completely derail my thread over in FQ, so I’ll ask here since it could foster a debate. Police can lie to you but how far can this go? Suppose I’ve been stopped and a policeman asks if he can search my… --- ## [Requesting this mod note be reviewed and removed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requesting-this-mod-note-be-reviewed-and-removed/1018019)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requesting-this-mod-note-be-reviewed-and-removed/1018019 "2025-05-09T17:04:25Z")
My post that got modded: "Which brings up the question: can AI fabricate false stories like this? I don’t think this account (the lifeboat) is true but it does seem very specific. ETA: and why post shit like this if … --- ## [Resolved: The US will have to fire almost all Law Enforcement personnel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-the-us-will-have-to-fire-almost-all-law-enforcement-personnel/1017527)
**Author:** [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-the-us-will-have-to-fire-almost-all-law-enforcement-personnel/1017527 "2025-05-09T17:03:07Z")
So, I was thinking about this today. With everything that is happening now, with ICE and other agencies taking people into custody while wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves, and then deporting them with lit… --- ## [Best free language learning apps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-free-language-learning-apps/831577)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-free-language-learning-apps/831577 "2025-05-09T16:54:43Z")
What are some good interactive language learning apps that are free, without (too much) freemium stuff like “here’s 1 free lesson, pay to unlock the remaining 4999 lessons”? Even if it were to cost 0,0001 cents, Google p… --- ## [Another 'is this a scam' request](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-is-this-a-scam-request/1018042)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-is-this-a-scam-request/1018042 "2025-05-09T16:52:42Z")
A coworker of mine, whose husband has recently passed, is getting a lot of this type of stuff in the mail. She wasn’t that involved in her husband’s affairs so has no idea if these things are valid or not. To me it smel… --- ## [What's the point of asking for a supervisor at a traffic stop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-asking-for-a-supervisor-at-a-traffic-stop/1017941)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-asking-for-a-supervisor-at-a-traffic-stop/1017941 "2025-05-09T16:17:56Z")
One of my new addictions is watching TikTok videos of “sovereign citizens” during traffic stops. Almost without exception, they ask for a supervisor to be called. In fairness, I’ve seen many videos of regular citizens … --- ## [Trump's new cabinet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 882\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799 "2025-05-09T15:15:45Z")
Ideas? Suggestions? Predictions? Sec’y of the Interior - Kristi Noem Sec’y of Education - Mike Miles Sec’y of Commerce - Jamie Dimon Sec’y of Transportation - Elon Musk --- ## [‘80s Tribute compilation, on Instagram: a collective Dopers’ identification of the compilation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/80s-tribute-compilation-on-instagram-a-collective-dopers-identification-of-the-compilation/992048)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/80s-tribute-compilation-on-instagram-a-collective-dopers-identification-of-the-compilation/992048 "2025-05-09T14:44:50Z")
(This could be a thread game, but I thought it belongs better in CS. Mods, please move this as needed, and thanks in advance.) Hi! I thought this might be a fun exercise for us to do collectively! Can we complete the li… --- ## [Another conclave question: Maximum number of electors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-conclave-question-maximum-number-of-electors/1018087)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-conclave-question-maximum-number-of-electors/1018087 "2025-05-09T12:22:58Z")
The law governing the process for papal elections, Universi Dominici Gregis, mentions a maximum number of 120 cardinals als electors. In the media coverage of the current conclave, however, I hear that 133 cardinals are … --- ## ["Locking down your device when crossing borders" (AP article)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locking-down-your-device-when-crossing-borders-ap-article/1017868)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locking-down-your-device-when-crossing-borders-ap-article/1017868 "2025-05-09T12:14:29Z")
I saw this article in my local paper this morning and thought it was worth sharing. This is the original from the Associated Press. LONDON (AP) — Planning an international trip? Travelers should prepare for the possi… --- ## [Why is your ex your ex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-your-ex-your-ex/1017536)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-your-ex-your-ex/1017536 "2025-05-09T11:37:51Z")
I did this or a similar thread many years ago, but with so many new people joining since then, I thought there’d be a lot of new stories. I’ve been with Mr. brown since 1977, so the only ex I have is my first boyfriend,… --- ## [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… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=318&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=320&state=tracking)