# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=348 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 349 --- ## [What do you think about the argument that we’re living in the best time in history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-about-the-argument-that-we-re-living-in-the-best-time-in-history/1015205)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2025, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-about-the-argument-that-we-re-living-in-the-best-time-in-history/1015205 "2025-03-25T07:44:13Z")
The likes of Steven Pinker write and lecture extensively about how we live in the best time ever by virtually every metric. This usually includes describing liberal democracy and Capitalism as the reason why and the best… --- ## [Why won't YouTube accept my new channel name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-youtube-accept-my-new-channel-name/1015884)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2025, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-youtube-accept-my-new-channel-name/1015884 "2025-03-25T06:43:08Z")
I am digitizing are 25 hours or more that my late father recorded at the Galax VA Fiddlers Convention 1999-2004. I tried to name it Galax Fiddlers Convention Campground Videos 1999 to 2004. The name can’t be used. Thou… --- ## [What battle did the British empire fight in California?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-battle-did-the-british-empire-fight-in-california/1016035)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2025, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-battle-did-the-british-empire-fight-in-california/1016035 "2025-03-25T05:24:15Z")
So this map came up on my FB feed. It purports to be a map of all the battles fought by the main European empires in their history. I know it’s dumb click bait but still it’s been bugging me. What is that red dot doin… --- ## [Is potting soil ok for growing veggies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-potting-soil-ok-for-growing-veggies/453165)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2025, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-potting-soil-ok-for-growing-veggies/453165 "2025-03-25T03:11:29Z")
Or more particularly jalapenos? I have several nice seedlings coming in and I need to thin out the pot asap, but all I have on hand dirt wise is a bag of potting soil, I think it’s Schultz All Purpose Potting Soil Plus.… --- ## [Vegan meat Oumph the Chunk - nice texture/bland taste - suggestions wanted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegan-meat-oumph-the-chunk-nice-texture-bland-taste-suggestions-wanted/1015974)
**Author:** [@Chelonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chelonaut)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2025, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegan-meat-oumph-the-chunk-nice-texture-bland-taste-suggestions-wanted/1015974 "2025-03-25T02:21:28Z")
I’m not vegan, but I’m trying to generally lower my meat consumption. Try to use max 100 g pr dinner, usually less, and occasionally meat less. I’m not sold on meat substitutes, I try to get my proteins by using high pro… --- ## [Does this quote originate with Rick and Morty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-quote-originate-with-rick-and-morty/986039)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-quote-originate-with-rick-and-morty/986039 "2025-03-24T23:48:23Z")
“Your boos mean nothing to me; I’ve seen what makes you cheer” I dunno, seems much, much older to me. Like something someone would say during the French Revolution or something. --- ## [Thoughts about applying for a potential job transfer/relocation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-about-applying-for-a-potential-job-transfer-relocation/1015906)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-about-applying-for-a-potential-job-transfer-relocation/1015906 "2025-03-24T23:05:11Z")
My job is soliciting applications for a transfer/promotion from my current job near Chicago to Honolulu. Was hoping you guys might weigh in on the relative merits. Inn short, I’m seeing no real downside - other than be… --- ## [Mark Carney and U.S./Canada Relations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-carney-and-u-s-canada-relations/1015983)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-carney-and-u-s-canada-relations/1015983 "2025-03-24T22:37:19Z")
It’s been about nine days since Mark Carney became Prime Minister of Canada. Has there been any discernible change in U.S./Canada relations since then? Is the current U.S. administration even aware that Trudeau is no l… --- ## [Did they make little shelves I can put on top of my flat screen TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-they-make-little-shelves-i-can-put-on-top-of-my-flat-screen-tv/1015997)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-they-make-little-shelves-i-can-put-on-top-of-my-flat-screen-tv/1015997 "2025-03-24T21:34:55Z")
Was wondering if there was any product out there that was basically like putting a small ledge on the very top of my HDTV so I could put my remote controls on top of it. Like I imagine it being a little clamp you can at… --- ## [2021 BMW X3: Can't enable text messages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2021-bmw-x3-cant-enable-text-messages/997087)
**Author:** [@Capybara1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capybara1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2021-bmw-x3-cant-enable-text-messages/997087 "2025-03-24T21:15:23Z")
I traded my 2014 X3 28i for a 2021 30i a few weeks ago and no one (various dealership folk/the BMW “genius”) can figure out how to push my text messages to the car. Messages worked perfectly in my '14. I have a Samsung … --- ## [Capitol Records Tower Swap Meet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capitol-records-tower-swap-meet/999296)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capitol-records-tower-swap-meet/999296 "2025-03-24T20:06:13Z")
This one is probably a long shot, but did any of y’all ever go to the Capitol Records Swap Meet back in the 70s? It took place one early Sunday each month (although by the late 70s it got push back to 10pm the Saturday … --- ## [Was this definitely a vasovagal syncope episode?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-definitely-a-vasovagal-syncope-episode/1015656)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-definitely-a-vasovagal-syncope-episode/1015656 "2025-03-24T19:17:08Z")
Or could there be another explanation? Background I recently went for a comprehensive health screening and it included a treadmill stress test. During the stress test, they noticed a brief episode of ventricular tachyca… --- ## [MLB Offseason Thread 2024-2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526)
**Author:** [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Replies:** 390\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526 "2025-03-24T18:31:32Z")
Since the Dodgers just wrapped up the World Series in 5 games, I suppose it’s time that we start the off-season thread. I’ll start: Wasting absolutely no time, Atlanta has traded OF Jorge Soler to the Angels for pitche… --- ## [Calling cell phones "blackberries" in 2010?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-cell-phones-blackberries-in-2010/1015968)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-cell-phones-blackberries-in-2010/1015968 "2025-03-24T18:20:40Z")
In the 2010 film “The Town” with Ben Affleck - the bank robbers have everyone hand over their phones by yelling, “Put your blackberries in the bag!” I know some phones were blackberries but I don’t recall anyone referrin… --- ## ["Make my thread disappear"-Is it unusual that this board doesn't work that way?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-my-thread-disappear-is-it-unusual-that-this-board-doesnt-work-that-way/1015711)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-my-thread-disappear-is-it-unusual-that-this-board-doesnt-work-that-way/1015711 "2025-03-24T17:18:10Z")
More than once I have seen requests from people, when things didn’t go their way, that they be stricken from this board and/or their thread be disappeared as if it never happened. Is this something that actually happens… --- ## [Writers Guild of America goes on strike (5/2/23) tentative deal (9/25/23) Now accepted (10/9/23)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 462\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2023, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448 "2023-10-09T23:30:58Z")
The Writers Guild of America has gone on strike as of midnight, and it’s expected that late-night shows will be the first to be affected. Episodic television is written out several weeks to a few months in advance. http… --- ## [How do animated ads in subway tunnels work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-animated-ads-in-subway-tunnels-work/1016013)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-animated-ads-in-subway-tunnels-work/1016013 "2025-03-24T16:46:38Z")
I don’t know how common this type of ad is, but sometime around 2010 I was sitting next to a window on the L.A. subway when this animated ad for the movie Coraline appeared in the window. I think I get the basic idea he… --- ## [I do a whole lot less grocery "stockpiling" that I used to. Do you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-do-a-whole-lot-less-grocery-stockpiling-that-i-used-to-do-you/1015919)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-do-a-whole-lot-less-grocery-stockpiling-that-i-used-to-do-you/1015919 "2025-03-24T16:45:44Z")
Wondering if this is yet another of my personal quirks or a more universal trend. Growing up my mother had THREE pantries. One right off the kitchen, a second in the ‘unfinished’ area of the basement, and a third that … --- ## [Russian Ю and Я - what are they?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-and-what-are-they/1015920)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-and-what-are-they/1015920 "2025-03-24T16:26:15Z")
Russian (and other Slavic languages that use the Cyrillic alphabet) contain the letters Ю and Я, which have unusual (from a Westerner’s perspective) sound values. Ю is yu, and Я is ya. How are these letters thought of i… --- ## [Didn't Know Doughnuts Die](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/didnt-know-doughnuts-die/710719)
**Author:** [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2015, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/didnt-know-doughnuts-die/710719 "2015-01-30T03:57:26Z")
I was PLANNING to get the new tires for my car next month, but it’ll have to be today. All are bald and the front driver’s side tire has been filled with umpteen cans of Fix-O-Flat. So I stopped to put a little more air… --- ## [(Old) Top O' the Mundane To Ya- A St. Patrick's Day MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-top-o-the-mundane-to-ya-a-st-patricks-day-mmp/1015709)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 342\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-top-o-the-mundane-to-ya-a-st-patricks-day-mmp/1015709 "2025-03-24T15:12:20Z")
Wear your green, pour yourself a pint of the black stuff, and vomit in the streets in honor of Ireland’s Patron Saint. Or go about your normal mundane Monday. I’m up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to heave, so hijack… --- ## [Settings on my computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settings-on-my-computer/1016032)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settings-on-my-computer/1016032 "2025-03-24T14:20:03Z")
By chance, this morning I happened upon the place on my computer that allowed me to change the time my screen goes black when I leave it idle. I added minutes all over the place, but now I can’t find the place I was in … --- ## [Jessica Rabbit--smoking cigarette? Y/N](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jessica-rabbit-smoking-cigarette-y-n/995109)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jessica-rabbit-smoking-cigarette-y-n/995109 "2025-03-24T13:44:48Z")
I have a vague recollection of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, first run, in theaters. And I have seen what appear to be fan images of Jessica Rabbit, smoking a cigarette, in a long cigarette holder. And I know that Torch Sin… --- ## [Help me identify a song that sounds like “Famous Blue Raincoat” by Leonard Cohen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-a-song-that-sounds-like-famous-blue-raincoat-by-leonard-cohen/1016027)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-a-song-that-sounds-like-famous-blue-raincoat-by-leonard-cohen/1016027 "2025-03-24T12:49:56Z")
No, it’s not Leo Sayers When I Need You. This song is in Spanish, and to the music is almost the same, even more so than When I Need You in comparison. It’s probably from the 2010s, though it wouldn’t surprise me if it… --- ## [How to color a photo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-color-a-photo/1015961)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-color-a-photo/1015961 "2025-03-24T12:08:07Z")
My church wants a pic for its directory. Sometimes I look good, I doubt I would tomorrow. Pastor said theres a lot of glare, especially in background. How would I fix this? --- ## [When have you ever seen or used a stem-and-leaf or box-and-whiskers graph in the wild](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-have-you-ever-seen-or-used-a-stem-and-leaf-or-box-and-whiskers-graph-in-the-wild/1015835)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-have-you-ever-seen-or-used-a-stem-and-leaf-or-box-and-whiskers-graph-in-the-wild/1015835 "2025-03-24T12:05:08Z")
Or better yet, when would YOU use one? I think to all of the data displays we were taught in school and with box-and-whiskers graphs I think I’ve only seen two used outside of classes. And I have seen data that could h… --- ## [Wot, no MM?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wot-no-mm/1016019)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wot-no-mm/1016019 "2025-03-24T11:51:53Z")
NM, one has magically appeared. This can be deleted. And i misspelled MMP ! What a muppet. --- ## [My Roku Turns Itself On](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-roku-turns-itself-on/1015905)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-roku-turns-itself-on/1015905 "2025-03-24T11:40:59Z")
For the last month or so, I’ve been arriving home after school and finding my Roku TV turned on and in screen saver mode. At first, I thought maybe that, in my half comatose waking state, I didn’t notice that I had left … --- ## [America First may result in lost armament sales](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-first-may-result-in-lost-armament-sales/1015640)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-first-may-result-in-lost-armament-sales/1015640 "2025-03-24T05:22:40Z")
Canada and Portugal were both in the process of buying F-35 jets from the US. The new Canadian Defence Minister has announced that Canada may only take the first 16 jets, scheduled for delivery this year, cancel the res… --- ## [What did the halftone screen etching process for printing actually look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-halftone-screen-etching-process-for-printing-actually-look-like/1015975)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2025, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-halftone-screen-etching-process-for-printing-actually-look-like/1015975 "2025-03-24T05:09:55Z")
I understand how halftones of photographs work in terms of printing them on paper, your eye/brain understanding them, etc. But I can never seem to find any images/videos of what the actual etching process looked like. Pe… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=347) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=349)