# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=320&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 321 --- ## [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… --- ## [How much luck would an average layman have swinging at MLB pitcher's pitches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-luck-would-an-average-layman-have-swinging-at-mlb-pitchers-pitches/1017774)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-luck-would-an-average-layman-have-swinging-at-mlb-pitchers-pitches/1017774 "2025-05-07T21:10:22Z")
Unlike a professional batter, a layman isn’t going to do much analysis. He’s not going to be closely studying the pitcher’s body movements and think, “Ah, that movement indicates a slider” or be strategically thinking, “… --- ## [Japanese sucess at reading US communications WWII](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-sucess-at-reading-us-communications-wwii/1017824)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-sucess-at-reading-us-communications-wwii/1017824 "2025-05-07T21:09:45Z")
World War II Crypto Crises in the Pacific “Saipan was invaded in mid-1944 and, during the early stages of the battle, the Japanese captured two M-109 U.S. army cryptography documents and got the data back to Japan. Thes… --- ## [Restaurant Bread Baskets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-bread-baskets/1017736)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-bread-baskets/1017736 "2025-05-07T20:50:49Z")
Of course Red Lobster has always served Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and Olive Garden breadsticks. But I can remember when any half decent, aspiring restaurant served a “free” bread basket appetizer. And it’s largely gone, at… --- ## [Security camera signs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-camera-signs/1017725)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-camera-signs/1017725 "2025-05-07T19:33:09Z")
I see signs in stores all the time advising customers that they are being watched by a security camera. Are stores legally required to inform customers that there’s a security camera in the area? Or do they just choose … --- ## [Arkansas passes bill to call West Bank “Judea and Samaria”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arkansas-passes-bill-to-call-west-bank-judea-and-samaria/1017743)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arkansas-passes-bill-to-call-west-bank-judea-and-samaria/1017743 "2025-05-07T18:52:21Z")
Is this just in support of Israel’s actions in Gaza? What advantage does this give Arkansas? Or the GOP? Please help me understand. https://www.jns.org/a-historic-step-forward-arkansas-recognizes-judea-and-samaria/ --- ## [Does DNA alone account for intelligence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-dna-alone-account-for-intelligence/1017321)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-dna-alone-account-for-intelligence/1017321 "2025-05-07T18:51:17Z")
With regards extraterrestrial aliens, I’ve heard Neil deGrasse Tyson say on several occasions, that even though there is a high degree of DNA similarity between humans and chimps (estimated at 98.8%), that the 2% account… --- ## [queen of england](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/queen-of-england/2616)
**Author:** [@eggo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eggo)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/queen-of-england/2616 "2025-05-07T17:12:42Z")
i was wondering… does the queen of england have any actual (political) power anymore or just alot of influence. also what did he ansestors do to become monarchs? eggo --- ## [Roman Emperors - A Complete Listing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-emperors-a-complete-listing/1017925)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-emperors-a-complete-listing/1017925 "2025-05-07T16:41:42Z")
This popped up to me. I’m not a historian in any depth but I got caught up in this. Not vouching for accuracy but interesting. --- ## [I'm done with chicken](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-done-with-chicken/1017915)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-done-with-chicken/1017915 "2025-05-07T15:37:25Z")
3 of the last 4 times we got woody breasts. I’ve used every trick. Small breasts. Organic. Cutting off of fryers. Nope, still getting woody breasts. I can’t afford to keep throwing out chicken plus having to figure… --- ## [Looking for a child that has been crocodiled, Asian folklore comic-style](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-child-that-has-been-crocodiled-asian-folklore-comic-style/1018002)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-child-that-has-been-crocodiled-asian-folklore-comic-style/1018002 "2025-05-07T15:11:04Z")
Multiple years back, I saw some cover images for an Asian horror/action type comic published in the local language maybe around the 1980s. Think something like in the Philippines in Tagalog, though nit necessarily either… --- ## [Should Taxes/Tuition be used to pay college athletes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-taxes-tuition-be-used-to-pay-college-athletes/1017593)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-taxes-tuition-be-used-to-pay-college-athletes/1017593 "2025-05-07T14:53:21Z")
I can see where they need money, but there’s gonna be an uproar for sure. Especially if you don’t go to that school or support it. Why should people in Happy Valley have to pay for Pitt athletes, for example? --- ## [What will happen in Gaza now that Trump won?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-in-gaza-now-that-trump-won/1009762)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 255\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-in-gaza-now-that-trump-won/1009762 "2025-05-07T14:42:27Z")
Will the Palestinians be wiped out? Will they be forced out of Gaza to other countries? Will the West bank be fully subsumed? How will a Trump Presidency affect the current conflict? --- ## [So my cat has diabetes. Injections aren't an option](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-cat-has-diabetes-injections-arent-an-option/1017927)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-cat-has-diabetes-injections-arent-an-option/1017927 "2025-05-07T14:37:35Z")
My poor kitty has been diagnosed with diabetes. Here are the problems on faced with: Injections are not an option. I have a nerve condition that causes my hands to shake. So I won’t be able to administer medication to … --- ## [What’s the difference between bishops vs. archbishops in the Catholic Church](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-difference-between-bishops-vs-archbishops-in-the-catholic-church/1017903)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-difference-between-bishops-vs-archbishops-in-the-catholic-church/1017903 "2025-05-07T14:33:25Z")
From what I can gather, it seems like they are essentially the same rank, they just oversee diocese of different sizes. Sort of like comparing the governor of California or Texas to the governor of Vermont or Wyoming. … --- ## [Interesting "Poll" phone call](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-poll-phone-call/1017989)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-poll-phone-call/1017989 "2025-05-07T14:17:14Z")
I just got an interesting political “poll” phone call. I use quotes because I’m starting to think the questions were a little biased. I’m in Texas, for reference, a state known for being solid red and MAGA catering. It… --- ## ["Their clothes looked like they had slept in them." How can you tell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/their-clothes-looked-like-they-had-slept-in-them-how-can-you-tell/1017922)
**Author:** [@Plutonium\_Chef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plutonium_Chef)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/their-clothes-looked-like-they-had-slept-in-them-how-can-you-tell/1017922 "2025-05-07T13:55:18Z")
Sometimes, a story will tell us a character “looked like they had slept in their clothes”, as opposed to pajamas, nightshirt, nightgown, or other proper sleepwear. This bugs me, because when I sleep in my daytime pants a… --- ## [Mail delivery regulation question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-delivery-regulation-question/1017897)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-delivery-regulation-question/1017897 "2025-05-07T11:35:24Z")
My daughter bought a condo about a year ago. The mail boxes are in the common area of the lobby. Recently there was a sloppily written note on the bulletin board: 'My name is Jill, I am the new mail carrier. From now … --- ## [My new electric push lawn mower has headlights on it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-electric-push-lawn-mower-has-headlights-on-it/1017937)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-electric-push-lawn-mower-has-headlights-on-it/1017937 "2025-05-07T11:28:24Z")
Ooookaaay. I’m looking outside, it’s getting kind of dark… Um… No just no. I’ll wait till it’s real dark. That’s the ticket. Or I’ll wait until 5am. I want to be a good neighbor. But I’m dying to try out those headligh… --- ## ["Charity meetings" in The Hunting of the Snark](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-meetings-in-the-hunting-of-the-snark/1017813)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-meetings-in-the-hunting-of-the-snark/1017813 "2025-05-07T07:04:02Z")
In Lewis Carroll’s poem The Hunting of the Snark, in the fifth fit, there is a description of various absurd characteristics of the Jubjub bird. One of them is And in charity-meetings it stands at the door, And collect… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=319&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=321&state=tracking)