# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=402&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 403 --- ## [Moon crater question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-crater-question/1012073)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2025, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-crater-question/1012073 "2025-01-04T11:29:30Z")
I was looking at selection of close up views of craters on the moon and it struck me that the larger diameter crater were not (apparently) proportionally deep. Googling, I see I’m not the first one to make this observati… --- ## [As far as AI, is it possible that intelligence is actually much more simple than we originally thought](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-far-as-ai-is-it-possible-that-intelligence-is-actually-much-more-simple-than-we-originally-thought/1012130)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2025, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-far-as-ai-is-it-possible-that-intelligence-is-actually-much-more-simple-than-we-originally-thought/1012130 "2025-01-04T09:29:41Z")
Predictions a decade or so ago were that competent AI could take centuries due to how insanely complex cognition is. But we’ve gone from GPT-2 in 2019 to -o3 in 2024 which to my untrained, uneducated eye, seems to be co… --- ## [Community and Pierce Hawthorne](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/community-and-pierce-hawthorne/1012544)
**Author:** [@Jemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jemma)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2025, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/community-and-pierce-hawthorne/1012544 "2025-01-04T08:36:18Z")
What did everyone think of Pierce Hawthorne as the show went on? In my opinion, he started out okay but somewhat backward, but then he turned into this evil curmudgeon. Not to say I didn’t enjoy the later seasons (except… --- ## [Rate the 2024 quarterback class](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rate-the-2024-quarterback-class/1000800)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2025, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rate-the-2024-quarterback-class/1000800 "2025-01-04T02:12:10Z")
Rate from 1-6 how you think the 1st round QBs will do in their career. They might be a multi-Super Bowl winner hall of famer or they might be a career backup. You decide. 1 is best, 6 is worst. The order they were picke… --- ## [Advice on home wifi sought!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-home-wifi-sought/1012423)
**Author:** [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2025, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-home-wifi-sought/1012423 "2025-01-04T00:54:07Z")
I have working wifi at home using old Apple gear: two AirPorts and a Time Capsule (which I also use to backup my Mac). So old that the last Apple store person I spoke to didn’t even know Apple ever made wifi gear! It al… --- ## [Google madness or I'm ever more ignorant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-madness-or-im-ever-more-ignorant/1012539)
**Author:** [@zuer-coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zuer-coli)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2025, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-madness-or-im-ever-more-ignorant/1012539 "2025-01-04T00:48:57Z")
I have not been able to get into my Google account. I use my 'phone for my Google verifications. I was logged out and attempted to log in. The usual course of affairs is that a verification number gets sent to my phone… --- ## [Do you use the Honey browser extension?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-honey-browser-extension/1012506)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-honey-browser-extension/1012506 "2025-01-03T23:33:23Z")
I don’t know all of the technical details, but apparently they’ve been stealing from content creators for years. Honey was recently bought by Paypal, and now they’re being sued. LegalEagle explains it all here. --- ## [Should some "college" sports be separated from college?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-some-college-sports-be-separated-from-college/1012400)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-some-college-sports-be-separated-from-college/1012400 "2025-01-03T23:07:50Z")
My basic thought is that the link between big money college sports - primarily men’s foot and basketball - and their traditional role as amateur competitions involving student athletes is becoming more and more tenuous. … --- ## [Old San Francisco Streetcars & Port de Sóller (Mallorca)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-san-francisco-streetcars-port-de-soller-mallorca/466889)
**Author:** [@Chez\_Guevara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chez_Guevara)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-san-francisco-streetcars-port-de-soller-mallorca/466889 "2025-01-03T22:57:39Z")
Port de Sóller is a coastal village and resort on the north west coast of Mallorca. Between the port and the nearby town of Sóller there is a tramcar service, asserted locally to run on rolling stock sourced from San Fr… --- ## [Bad, bad, bad Beckdawrek's holiday report](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beckdawreks-holiday-report/1012460)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beckdawreks-holiday-report/1012460 "2025-01-03T22:56:55Z")
I know ya’ll cannot wait for this. :sweat\_smile: Sister, youngest brother and his woman(she said the relationship is complicated) blew in Christmas eve day. Sister left before dark. Going on a vacay with her BF and on… --- ## [2025: sum of the first nine cubes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-sum-of-the-first-nine-cubes/1012443)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-sum-of-the-first-nine-cubes/1012443 "2025-01-03T21:51:50Z")
The title says it all. My son, who is not a mathematician, pointed it out. It is also, of course, the square of the sum of the first nine numbers. This last happened in1296 and will not happen again until 3026. Enjoy… --- ## [Are we going to lose net neutrality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-going-to-lose-net-neutrality/773452)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 329\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-going-to-lose-net-neutrality/773452 "2025-01-03T21:36:46Z")
Is there any reason they wouldn’t remove these regulations, and if they do could it mean censorship of, or more difficulty in accessing, certain political viewpoints? I would hope that, if some of the big providers w… --- ## [Culinary niches which became restaurant opportunities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/culinary-niches-which-became-restaurant-opportunities/1011859)
**Author:** [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/culinary-niches-which-became-restaurant-opportunities/1011859 "2025-01-03T21:06:32Z")
Credit where credit’s due: Fascinating idea. My mind immediately leapt to The Cereal Killer Cafe, as pointlessly niche an idea as I can think of - a restaurant dedicated to serving (only) breakfast cereals. Regarded as… --- ## [Why do we still have the rubber band with Smart TVs? {letterboxing}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-still-have-the-rubber-band-with-smart-tvs-letterboxing/1012523)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-still-have-the-rubber-band-with-smart-tvs-letterboxing/1012523 "2025-01-03T20:53:14Z")
I’m watching Twisters released in 2024 on a 2 year old Vizo smart tv. I see… Black bars top and bottom. The classic rubber band look. I thought that was why Tv screens changed 20 years ago? The old ratio was 4:3 for … --- ## [If Biden drops out of the race now, he will have to resign the presidency as well](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-biden-drops-out-of-the-race-now-he-will-have-to-resign-the-presidency-as-well/1003446)
**Author:** [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-biden-drops-out-of-the-race-now-he-will-have-to-resign-the-presidency-as-well/1003446 "2025-01-03T20:35:12Z")
Everyone talking about Biden dropping out of the race because he cannot handle the campaign (as evidenced by a perceived disastrous debate performance) have to face the uncomfortable fact that the presidency is much more… --- ## [What peoples of the world have a strong national identity but no strong urge for independence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-peoples-of-the-world-have-a-strong-national-identity-but-no-strong-urge-for-independence/1012323)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-peoples-of-the-world-have-a-strong-national-identity-but-no-strong-urge-for-independence/1012323 "2025-01-03T19:58:30Z")
What peoples of the world have a strong national identity but no strong urge for independence? I’m thinking of peoples like the Puerto Ricans (with about 5% voting for independence in plebiscites) or the Welsh (various … --- ## [Breaking: Assad poisoned in Russia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-assad-poisoned-in-russia/1012509)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-assad-poisoned-in-russia/1012509 "2025-01-03T19:12:39Z")
I’m seeing this report on sites with varying levels of credibility, but each story cites back to one source. Here’s the story as reported by Newsweek: A Russian Telegram channel has claimed that Bashar al Assad may ha… --- ## [Don Imus Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/don-imus-questions/1012525)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/don-imus-questions/1012525 "2025-01-03T17:48:05Z")
I’m familiar with Imus’ public persona, but what was he like in real life? Was it any different than was portrayed on air? What was he like to work for? And what ever became of his wife and son? Did they stay out we… --- ## [Do banks normally keep a backup key to your safe deposit box?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-banks-normally-keep-a-backup-key-to-your-safe-deposit-box/1012477)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-banks-normally-keep-a-backup-key-to-your-safe-deposit-box/1012477 "2025-01-03T17:18:26Z")
Bit of a scandal in Japan: Short version: the bank had backup keys to customer’s safe deposit boxes. A bank employee used those backup keys to gain unauthorized access to those safety deposit boxes and steal from cus… --- ## [The cognitive process of "rhyming" in pop-art](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cognitive-process-of-rhyming-in-pop-art/1012415)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cognitive-process-of-rhyming-in-pop-art/1012415 "2025-01-03T16:05:33Z")
random shower thoughts: why is rhyming (in pop/rock/rap-music, poetry, etc…) a thing … why does it cause us positive feelings ? why is it omnipresent in contemporary art? is it about “pro-active” pattern recognition (… --- ## [The collapse of Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-collapse-of-bashar-al-assad-regime-in-syria/1011314)
**Author:** [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-collapse-of-bashar-al-assad-regime-in-syria/1011314 "2025-01-03T15:55:49Z")
The last ~10 days have seen dramatic advances of various rebel factions across Syria. Government forces have been rapidly withdrawing on many fronts, often with scarcely any fighting. Aleppo fell just a week ago, Hama a … --- ## [Mass Killings in the US (2024)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-killings-in-the-us-2024/996120)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-killings-in-the-us-2024/996120 "2025-01-03T15:25:08Z")
Mass killings in the United States, 2024 Four or more dead (Suicides Indicated by an asterisk) By a single killer (The killer is charged or would have been charged had he lived.) Minors cannot generally be held legall… --- ## [Facebook content warnings have gone mad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-content-warnings-have-gone-mad/937899)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-content-warnings-have-gone-mad/937899 "2025-01-03T07:11:12Z")
In a FB thread I was following someone asked what quiche was. A friend of mine responded “Quiche is a savory egg tart.” To which I replied, "No U are a savory egg tart :rofl: " I got an instant 30 day suspension for “no… --- ## [Caleb Williams and the 2024 Bears: a poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caleb-williams-and-the-2024-bears-a-poll/1005154 "2025-01-03T02:27:13Z")
How will rookie QB Caleb Williams perform this year? poll As for me, I’ve swallowed the navy-and-orange pill and expect to see the Bears take a huge leap this year. The Bears have set Williams up with a great trio of W… --- ## [Agnes Keleti dies at 103](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agnes-keleti-dies-at-103/1012503)
**Author:** [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agnes-keleti-dies-at-103/1012503 "2025-01-03T01:40:38Z")
I saw her obit. in the Washington post, link to the Wikipedia page, no paywall. What an amazing life. Her first Olympics at age 31, in 1952, and her last Olympics at 35 in 1956. She was able to do splits until her do… --- ## [Netflix and the tobacco industry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-and-the-tobacco-industry/1011935)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-and-the-tobacco-industry/1011935 "2025-01-03T00:46:19Z")
Does the tobacco industry pay Netflix (and other streaming creators) to have the actors smoke in their movies and series’? It seems that I see a lot of characters smoking when it isn’t necessary or add to their role. Smo… --- ## [Is stifling a sneeze harmful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stifling-a-sneeze-harmful/1012451)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stifling-a-sneeze-harmful/1012451 "2025-01-03T00:42:26Z")
I usually let er rip but if in polite company I might stifle a sneeze by pressing my tongue upwards. This clamps the pressure inside. I have been told a long time ago that this was harmful. --- ## [Cases and true stories that just creep you out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cases-and-true-stories-that-just-creep-you-out/971573)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2025, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cases-and-true-stories-that-just-creep-you-out/971573 "2025-01-03T00:09:50Z")
Something that really gets to you, actually provokes fear. There was one case in Croatia that always gave me the creeps. It sounds like a plot of a horror movie, but it actually happened. A couple had two children, a so… --- ## [Bluetooth earbuds only connect in one ear. Any fix?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluetooth-earbuds-only-connect-in-one-ear-any-fix/1012409)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluetooth-earbuds-only-connect-in-one-ear-any-fix/1012409 "2025-01-02T22:39:14Z")
I’ve had problems with Android bluetooth earbuds only connecting to one ear. I had a expensive Bose earbud that completely quit connecting in one ear. I had to throw them out. My current earbuds are much less expensive… --- ## ["The Big Short" on car loans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-short-on-car-loans/1012457)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-short-on-car-loans/1012457 "2025-01-02T22:12:00Z")
Looking at the car market now, the only question is when it crashes and a lot of people upside down on their cars get repoed. And dealerships cannot sell their cars now since they are horribly overpriced. Back in 2008 … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=401&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=403&state=muted)