# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=369&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 370 --- ## [United Healthcare has taken note of numerous critiques of its business model and is taking steps to correct them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-healthcare-has-taken-note-of-numerous-critiques-of-its-business-model-and-is-taking-steps-to-correct-them/1014216)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-healthcare-has-taken-note-of-numerous-critiques-of-its-business-model-and-is-taking-steps-to-correct-them/1014216 "2025-02-22T15:03:59Z")
By suing. Not by changing its business practices, of course. Just going after the people that put them in a bad light. It’s retained a defamation firm to go after social media posts that put UHC in an unfavourable ligh… --- ## [Fluorouracil treatment SUCKS!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluorouracil-treatment-sucks/1014643)
**Author:** [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluorouracil-treatment-sucks/1014643 "2025-02-22T13:40:28Z")
I got scolded by my dermatologist, as one does when one has worked and played outside in the mountains for almost 60 years. I am a week in to fluorouracil 5% and triamcinolone, and I feel like I’ve tangled with a Portug… --- ## [Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to step down as Leader \[2/28/2024\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242)
**Author:** [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242 "2025-02-22T12:28:21Z")
Wow. --- ## [Is there a way to 'de-stretch' a crocheted piece of clothing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-de-stretch-a-crocheted-piece-of-clothing/1014651)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-de-stretch-a-crocheted-piece-of-clothing/1014651 "2025-02-22T12:22:18Z")
I have a hat that’s special to me. It’s the last thing my mother made for me before she died, over 25 years ago. Objectively it’s nothing special. It’s pretty much a round disk, mostly of double crochet stitches that … --- ## [Asian cuisine: sar gott?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asian-cuisine-sar-gott/1014652)
**Author:** [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asian-cuisine-sar-gott/1014652 "2025-02-22T04:34:47Z")
We found an old Chinese/Hawaiian cookbook with a section on this main ingredient. But Googling fails. Any insight from the teeming millions? --- ## [Have you read the book \_The Righteous Mind\_?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-read-the-book-the-righteous-mind/1014550)
**Author:** [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-read-the-book-the-righteous-mind/1014550 "2025-02-22T02:58:37Z")
Have you heard of or read this book? A few week ago, I finished reading The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. I found it a good introduction to morality and moral psychology, and it is reflective of research in the fiel… --- ## [Security for Elon Musk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-for-elon-musk/1014268)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-for-elon-musk/1014268 "2025-02-22T02:52:00Z")
Does the Secret Service provide protection for Elon Musk when he is performing tasks for the President? Does Elon Musk have his own private security service? Is there a potential conflict between Elon Musk’s private s… --- ## [Another tax question. This one for identity theft victims](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tax-question-this-one-for-identity-theft-victims/1014585)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tax-question-this-one-for-identity-theft-victims/1014585 "2025-02-22T00:21:14Z")
Mrs Cad got a 1099G. Didn’t think to much about it and didn’t look at it yet but Colorado is warning residents that if you got a 1099G but did not collect unemployment last year, you may be a victim of identity theft. … --- ## [Is Trump a real-life Manchurian Candidate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-a-real-life-manchurian-candidate/1014459)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-a-real-life-manchurian-candidate/1014459 "2025-02-21T21:50:26Z")
Semi-serious question; is Donald Trump a real-life Manchurian Candidate? Given all of the changes he is making, he seems on a path to destroying much of the US government, which might make Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping ve… --- ## [Disinformation and why it's the elephant in the room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disinformation-and-why-its-the-elephant-in-the-room/1014584)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disinformation-and-why-its-the-elephant-in-the-room/1014584 "2025-02-21T21:20:02Z")
It seems to me that much of the media is still unwilling to confront the information landscape in which we find ourselves. A lot of people seem to get their “news” and general understanding of the world just from their p… --- ## [Song from 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Where've I heard it before?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-from-nightmare-before-christmas-whereve-i-heard-it-before/292205)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-from-nightmare-before-christmas-whereve-i-heard-it-before/292205 "2025-02-21T20:50:13Z")
I heard it on a TV show tonight (100 best cartoons, Channel 4, UK) and I instantly recognised it. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard the same basic tune in 'live action (meaning not cartoon) kids film from about the 1980s. T… --- ## [Is there a term for the dialect or accent in English in which a typically one-syllable word becomes two syllables?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-the-dialect-or-accent-in-english-in-which-a-typically-one-syllable-word-becomes-two-syllables/1013578)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-the-dialect-or-accent-in-english-in-which-a-typically-one-syllable-word-becomes-two-syllables/1013578 "2025-02-21T20:32:20Z")
A specific example is a certain type of accent, of which I think the Northern Irish accent is an example, where words such as ‘home’ become ‘hey-ome’. Or a youtuber whose channel I follow-- I can’t identify specific acce… --- ## [No more Stray Cat Strut?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-stray-cat-strut/1014525)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-stray-cat-strut/1014525 "2025-02-21T19:28:40Z")
Brian Setzer says he can no longer play guitar. “Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour I noticed that my hands were cramping up,” Setzer wrote. “I’ve since discovered that I have an auto-immune disease. I canno… --- ## ["Gold is a hedge against inflation." Meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gold-is-a-hedge-against-inflation-meaning/1010458)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gold-is-a-hedge-against-inflation-meaning/1010458 "2025-02-21T19:04:58Z")
Subject line is pretty much my question. Suppose I’m concerned about inflation eroding my purchasing power, and want to protect how many Egg McMuffins I can buy with my best egg. Why would I choose gold over, say, bonds… --- ## [Old box fan, still running!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-box-fan-still-running/1014537)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-box-fan-still-running/1014537 "2025-02-21T18:38:00Z")
I posted a question in Factual Questions about an old “ZERO” brand 20" box fan that came from my elderly aunt’s estate. More related to MPSIMS I have been pondering about the history of this fan. It has my grandpa’s name… --- ## [StarDate's Sandy Wood to Retire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stardates-sandy-wood-to-retire/837505)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stardates-sandy-wood-to-retire/837505 "2025-02-21T17:58:59Z")
StarDate’s Sandy Wood to Retire — spaceref.com, dated 01 Jul 2019 Any other fans of StarDate here? StarDate plays on my local news radio station (KCBS 740AM, San Francisco) every morning @0952. I’ve enjoyed her presenta… --- ## [In your experience, how often does 'Why don't you just...' actually mean 'I have not fully grasped the problem'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-experience-how-often-does-why-dont-you-just-actually-mean-i-have-not-fully-grasped-the-problem/1014411)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-experience-how-often-does-why-dont-you-just-actually-mean-i-have-not-fully-grasped-the-problem/1014411 "2025-02-21T14:47:08Z")
In your experience, when you are describing a situation, perhaps not even soliciting a advice, but someone offers it anyway, and that advice begins with something like “Why don’t you just…” (or “You should just…”, or pre… --- ## [The Onion-proofing of the President of the United States](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-onion-proofing-of-the-president-of-the-united-states/1014180)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-onion-proofing-of-the-president-of-the-united-states/1014180 "2025-02-21T06:22:07Z")
How the flying fuck can you parody the Prez when he takes Official Action to promote plastic straws?Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws – The White House --- ## [Where is the S.S. United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-s-s-united-states/958834)
**Author:** [@RadioWave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadioWave)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-s-s-united-states/958834 "2025-02-21T05:49:13Z")
Ever since I built a model of the ocean liner S.S. United States way back in olden days, I’ve been in love with the ship. It and the S.S. Normandie are simply magnificent pieces of machinery harking back to a golden age… --- ## [Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friendly-neighborhood-spider-man-open-spoilers/1013589)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friendly-neighborhood-spider-man-open-spoilers/1013589 "2025-02-21T05:33:53Z")
Watched the first two episodes, really liked it. I hadn’t read any spoilers/speculation other than watching the trailer, so I didn’t know it would be in a setting where other Marvel characters exist (cartoons like this t… --- ## [Why hasn't homan rolled into Springfield, Oh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-homan-rolled-into-springfield-oh/1014520)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-homan-rolled-into-springfield-oh/1014520 "2025-02-21T04:30:49Z")
trump and Jd were adamant about the illegal status of the Haitians, so why doesn’t homan become a hero and swoop in there and round them all up? A really easy way to make his quota for a while. God, I hate this timelin… --- ## [Odd rhyme in Tolkien's Troll Song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-rhyme-in-tolkiens-troll-song/1014601)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-rhyme-in-tolkiens-troll-song/1014601 "2025-02-21T02:32:17Z")
The Troll Song sung by Sam Gamgee (“Troll sat alone on a seat of stone…”) has a distinctive metrical structure and rhyme scheme: it consists of 7-line stanzas, with the fifth line consisting of 4 syllables, where the fir… --- ## [Fatal Fentanyl?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatal-fentanyl/1014539)
**Author:** [@DtypeJag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DtypeJag)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatal-fentanyl/1014539 "2025-02-21T01:20:03Z")
We keep hearing about all these people dying after unwittingly taking a lethal amount of fentynal. As I understand it, pill makers are putting fentynal in pills that are sold to unsuspecting customers who think they ar… --- ## [Movie scenes recalled by a single word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-scenes-recalled-by-a-single-word/1013112)
**Author:** [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Replies:** 469\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-scenes-recalled-by-a-single-word/1013112 "2025-02-21T00:44:53Z")
I was discussing cropdusting the other day with some co-workers, as you do, and I couldn’t help remembering the classic scene in North by Northwest where Cary Grant is lured into the middle of nowhere and then menaced by… --- ## [Your old VHS tapes may be worth a FORTUNE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-old-vhs-tapes-may-be-worth-a-fortune/1014514)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-old-vhs-tapes-may-be-worth-a-fortune/1014514 "2025-02-21T00:28:14Z")
13 VHS Tapes That Are Now Worth a Small Fortune Why the heck would anyone pay a small fortune for old VHS tapes, or 8 tracks, cassettes, 78 records or any other obsolete media? What is the real purpose of the article l… --- ## [Android users need to check their Emergency SOS feature ASAP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-users-need-to-check-their-emergency-sos-feature-asap/1014454)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2025, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-users-need-to-check-their-emergency-sos-feature-asap/1014454 "2025-02-20T23:26:50Z")
Emergency SOS is a feature I didn’t know about. I checked and it is a feature on my Samsung phone. Thankfully, it’s turned off and I don’t have any emergency contacts setup. Open your Setup (the gear icon) and search f… --- ## [Musical marbles, real or fake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musical-marbles-real-or-fake/1014452)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2025, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musical-marbles-real-or-fake/1014452 "2025-02-20T22:41:54Z")
There are a ton of videos out there where a marble or ball bearing falls vertically, going down small ramps and hitting little tone bars at just the right time to create elaborate music. Are any of these videos for real… --- ## [Trump helping Musk in business](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-helping-musk-in-business/1014544)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2025, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-helping-musk-in-business/1014544 "2025-02-20T22:33:56Z")
Recently Trump took control of various regulators. Suppose that one of Musk’s businesses was facing serious charges (with evidence of criminal behaviour.) Could Trump simply order that the investigation stop?! (Mods, … --- ## [Venting about packaging — can be difficult to open!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venting-about-packaging-can-be-difficult-to-open/1009988)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2025, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venting-about-packaging-can-be-difficult-to-open/1009988 "2025-02-20T21:33:41Z")
I need to vent a little about Ziplock-like shipping bags. This is not pit worthy. Can I vent a little? The top of Ziplock-like shipping bags (e.g., from Amazon), right where you’re s… --- ## [Tesla armored vehicle availability](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-armored-vehicle-availability/1014304)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2025, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-armored-vehicle-availability/1014304 "2025-02-20T20:11:22Z")
Recent news has brought up the possibility of Tesla armored vehicles. Do they actually exist? Are they in a stage of development? Are they just an idea? Please, no politics and/or Musk background noise-Just info on t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=368&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=370&state=tracking)