# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=40&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 41 --- ## [No longer getting the little notification number next to my avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-longer-getting-the-little-notification-number-next-to-my-avatar/1032341)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-longer-getting-the-little-notification-number-next-to-my-avatar/1032341 "2026-08-16T22:26:20Z")
As of yesterday or maybe the day before, the little number that indicates how many notifications I have. It would appear on my avatar on the top right corner of the screen. Also, the tab in the browser is also not show… --- ## [Digitising my home filing system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digitising-my-home-filing-system/1032334)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digitising-my-home-filing-system/1032334 "2026-08-16T21:51:12Z")
I have a disorganised pile of assorted letters, statements, etc., that I need to keep and may or may not need access to at some point in the future. I have ordered a scanner with the intention of scanning them and putti… --- ## [American Doctor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-doctor/1032354)
**Author:** [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-doctor/1032354 "2026-08-16T20:48:07Z")
I thought about putting this in Great Debates or P&E but that seems doomed from the start. I think this documentary is also worth a thread of its own. I looked for other threads and decided that I think this warrents a … --- ## [I'm taking another Amtrak adventure. Also, seeking tips for Glacier National Park](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-taking-another-amtrak-adventure-also-seeking-tips-for-glacier-national-park/1031695)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-taking-another-amtrak-adventure-also-seeking-tips-for-glacier-national-park/1031695 "2026-08-16T20:19:57Z")
I enjoyed my last Amtrak trip so much, I decided to take another one. This time, I booked a whole vacation package to Glacier National Park through Amtrak Vacations. Besides the trains, the package includes a stay at t… --- ## [Most dangerous substance on earth (hidden sugar content in cream cheese cheesecake product)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-dangerous-substance-on-earth-hidden-sugar-content-in-cream-cheese-cheesecake-product/1032345)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-dangerous-substance-on-earth-hidden-sugar-content-in-cream-cheese-cheesecake-product/1032345 "2026-08-16T18:51:57Z")
Sitting right on my kitchen island. Philadelphia cream cheese no bake in a tub. Ready to go. This stuff could wipe out cities with just a little effort. No drones needed. Altho’ we can get it faster that way. Warning… --- ## [Did this conversation ever happen in the Star Trek universe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-this-conversation-ever-happen-in-the-star-trek-universe/998094)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-this-conversation-ever-happen-in-the-star-trek-universe/998094 "2026-08-16T16:00:08Z")
Starship Captain: I am John S. Captain of the Starfleet Vessel Hubris. We are explorers, seeking out new life and new civilizations, boldly. Alien: I am Kqwzytk, leader of the Blehassole people, from planet Zer-bo-bin… --- ## [Absurdities of How Insurance Premiums are Calculated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absurdities-of-how-insurance-premiums-are-calculated/1032352)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absurdities-of-how-insurance-premiums-are-calculated/1032352 "2026-08-16T13:31:25Z")
Just needed to share this because it’s absurd. I have a house with an in-law apartment in the basement. For 5 years, my brother and his girlfriend rented it. Each had their own car and insurance policy, and in accordanc… --- ## [It’s Protest Season: we need a Battle Hymn of the Republic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-s-protest-season-we-need-a-battle-hymn-of-the-republic/1027632)
**Author:** [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-s-protest-season-we-need-a-battle-hymn-of-the-republic/1027632 "2026-08-16T02:20:32Z")
Now that spring looks like it may be coming after all, I’m hoping the Resistance will get even more traction, especially at the No Kings protests planned for March 28. I’m not casting any shade on Bruce Springsteen or J… --- ## [Dungeon Crawler Carl?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dungeon-crawler-carl/1026145)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dungeon-crawler-carl/1026145 "2026-08-16T01:50:09Z")
Ok… so my wife made a new friend last year, and she and her husband are huge nerds. Board gaming, video gaming, fantasy, science fiction, you name it. They’re HUGE into all that stuff. They’re really pushing me to re… --- ## [What’s your favorite slang term from any time in history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-your-favorite-slang-term-from-any-time-in-history/1031888)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-your-favorite-slang-term-from-any-time-in-history/1031888 "2026-08-16T00:59:11Z")
When my mom died a few years ago, I got a couple of boxes full of pictures and old mementos. Among the random things she had kept was an old junior high school yearbook, from the mid 60s, in Southern California. Readin… --- ## [Total Solar Eclipse Aug 2 2027](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/total-solar-eclipse-aug-2-2027/1032356)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/total-solar-eclipse-aug-2-2027/1032356 "2026-08-16T00:37:15Z")
Continuing the discussion from Total Solar Eclipse Aug 12 2026: The last dozen-ish posts in that thread about the now-recent eclipse have been about planning for the next one. So I figured we ought to have a fresh dedi… --- ## ["Design bureaus" in the Soviet Union/Russia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-bureaus-in-the-soviet-union-russia/1032114)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-bureaus-in-the-soviet-union-russia/1032114 "2026-08-16T00:21:23Z")
I’ve repeatedly seen the word “design bureau” used in texts to refer to a company or organisation in the Soviet Union or its successor states that developed a particular technology. Example industries include aircraft (M… --- ## [Has there been a change in metallic content in new U.S. coins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-change-in-metallic-content-in-new-u-s-coins/1031940)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-change-in-metallic-content-in-new-u-s-coins/1031940 "2026-08-15T23:47:08Z")
I’ve been around for 65+ years and am well aware that years and decades of use may change a coins texture and even weight. But the 2026 coins feel weird to me. Especially dimes. Like there is less metal being used. Or s… --- ## [Bill McGlaughlin, Long time host of Exploring Music radio, dies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-mcglaughlin-long-time-host-of-exploring-music-radio-dies/1032344)
**Author:** [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-mcglaughlin-long-time-host-of-exploring-music-radio-dies/1032344 "2026-08-15T22:21:15Z")
--- ## [Me first! Me first! Which board game has the strangest rule for who goes first?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/me-first-me-first-which-board-game-has-the-strangest-rule-for-who-goes-first/1032272)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/me-first-me-first-which-board-game-has-the-strangest-rule-for-who-goes-first/1032272 "2026-08-15T21:36:53Z")
Inspired by a local gaming convention in the area that I have attended occasionally in the past, GameStorm. Most games will tell you which player makes the first move. For example: Hungry Hungry Hipsters - “The player … --- ## [What are your ideas to run a national, non-binding referendum on the issues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-ideas-to-run-a-national-non-binding-referendum-on-the-issues/1032339)
**Author:** [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-ideas-to-run-a-national-non-binding-referendum-on-the-issues/1032339 "2026-08-15T21:33:14Z")
Suppose a candidate, party, or government wanted to take the temperature of their constituents with a national, non-binding “referendum” on the issues. They don’t want to use traditional polling for a variety of reasons,… --- ## [Total Solar Eclipse Aug 12 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/total-solar-eclipse-aug-12-2026/1027280)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/total-solar-eclipse-aug-12-2026/1027280 "2026-08-15T21:30:49Z")
The duration, path, & geometry of totality of this eclipse is notso hotso. Still, the worst possible total eclipse is still pretty neat. It starts up in the Arctic along the central part of the north coast of Russia, … --- ## [Does blood pressure medication always suck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-blood-pressure-medication-always-suck/998471)
**Author:** [@Jebbilene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jebbilene)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-blood-pressure-medication-always-suck/998471 "2026-08-15T18:10:49Z")
Looks like I am going to have to go medication for high blood pressure. I hear nothing but terrible things about the side effects. Coughing, headaches, joint pain, and more, depending on the medication. Anyone have any … --- ## [Police stage 'chilling' raid on small Kansas newspaper, seizing computers (due to divorce conflict?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-stage-chilling-raid-on-small-kansas-newspaper-seizing-computers-due-to-divorce-conflict/988438)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-stage-chilling-raid-on-small-kansas-newspaper-seizing-computers-due-to-divorce-conflict/988438 "2026-08-15T17:54:31Z")
In an unprecedented raid Friday, local law enforcement seized computers, cellphones and reporting materials from the Marion County Record office, the newspaper’s reporters, and the publisher’s home. Eric Meyer, owner a… --- ## [Please help me sell my mobile number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-sell-my-mobile-number/1031835)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-sell-my-mobile-number/1031835 "2026-08-15T17:39:35Z")
I’ve recently decided to give up my mobile and rely on my landline (which is being upgraded.) When I got my mobile, I chose a memorable number (it cost £5.) Apparently such numbers are valuable :sunglasses: I’ve had an… --- ## [How and/or where do US citizens learn that the USA is the best country in the world etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-and-or-where-do-us-citizens-learn-that-the-usa-is-the-best-country-in-the-world-etc/1031943)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 220\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-and-or-where-do-us-citizens-learn-that-the-usa-is-the-best-country-in-the-world-etc/1031943 "2026-08-15T17:13:05Z")
I’m Canadian and I don’t think that Canada is “the best country in the world”, though I do believe that Canada is one of the best. I also believe that I’m bloody fortunate to be a Canadian. I am also fully capable of loo… --- ## [Verbal Pun in Medical Product Advertisement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verbal-pun-in-medical-product-advertisement/1032322)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verbal-pun-in-medical-product-advertisement/1032322 "2026-08-15T16:47:47Z")
One of the peculiarities of US culture is that we have advertising for various medicines and treatments on the television, especially during news shows for the elderly among us. I don’t know how many other countries have… --- ## [Are Cats Good or Evil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cats-good-or-evil/1032050)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cats-good-or-evil/1032050 "2026-08-15T06:05:38Z")
When my son was very young, he asked me if cats are good or evil. After careful deliberation, I concluded that cats are neither good nor evil. They are just cats. What do you all think? --- ## [Anyone dealt with the North American Receiveable Management Service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-dealt-with-the-north-american-receiveable-management-service/1032300)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-dealt-with-the-north-american-receiveable-management-service/1032300 "2026-08-15T03:56:26Z")
Got a notice from them saying I owed $63.68 for UPS brokerage, but when I tried to phone them my phone issued a spam warning. So, avoid, then?. --- ## [Bulldozers at Big Bend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bulldozers-at-big-bend/1032298)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bulldozers-at-big-bend/1032298 "2026-08-15T03:04:42Z")
Some of the most pristine Texas land, full of centuries of history and a bounty of biodiversity, is beginning to feel the full weight of a two-decade-old border security law the Trump administration is wielding with forc… --- ## [Bad luck comes in Threes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-luck-comes-in-threes/1032320)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-luck-comes-in-threes/1032320 "2026-08-15T01:40:51Z")
Granny always said it. First dehumidifier goes out. Got conned into a fancy schmancy new one. (I wasn’t present at the purchase, dang it Son-of-a-wrek) Today my well pump ain’t acting right. I see a new jacuzzi in my f… --- ## [Rand Paul somehow gets AND RELEASES Anthony Fauci's COVID-era diary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-paul-somehow-gets-and-releases-anthony-faucis-covid-era-diary/1031973)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-paul-somehow-gets-and-releases-anthony-faucis-covid-era-diary/1031973 "2026-08-14T22:47:10Z")
This story is just weird to me. Like, where did Dr. Fauci keep his diary, and how did Dr. Paul know it even existed, and then access it? https://www.npr.org/2026/07/27/nx-s1-5909531/rand-paul-anthony-fauci-coronavirus-… --- ## [(UK) Count Binface might be the next MP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-count-binface-might-be-the-next-mp/1031539)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-count-binface-might-be-the-next-mp/1031539 "2026-08-14T22:11:16Z")
Viewers of Last Week Tonight might be familiar with Count Binface; a joke / satirical candidate who stands in various elections around the UK, usually getting only a handful of votes. However, there has been a funny tur… --- ## [What kind of noise do you require for sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-noise-do-you-require-for-sleep/1031566)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-noise-do-you-require-for-sleep/1031566 "2026-08-14T18:48:00Z")
This was an issue for me and Mrs. H when we first moved in together. I’ve slept with a fan since I was a tween+, and I can’t sleep without it. I find the silence deafening. She always slept with a radio on, but for me, m… --- ## [Advice, please: dealing with insurance after an auto accident](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-please-dealing-with-insurance-after-an-auto-accident/1031179)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-please-dealing-with-insurance-after-an-auto-accident/1031179 "2026-08-14T17:53:57Z")
My wife was siedswiped in her 2004 Prius by another driver who moved into her lane in a traffic circle. It was clearly the other driver’s fault. The police arrived, issued a crash report, and didn’t ticket my wife. (We d… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=39&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=41&state=muted)