# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=403&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 404 --- ## [What to bring to colonize a new planet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-bring-to-colonize-a-new-planet/1012055)
**Author:** [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-bring-to-colonize-a-new-planet/1012055 "2025-01-02T20:21:14Z")
So I’ve been reading some SF lately (Tau Zero particularly) and wondered about what you’d need to bring with you if you need to start a human civilization on a new planet, without the option of getting help from Mother E… --- ## [Enrolling in "cybersecurity bootcamps" to meet women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enrolling-in-cybersecurity-bootcamps-to-meet-women/1011901)
**Author:** [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enrolling-in-cybersecurity-bootcamps-to-meet-women/1011901 "2025-01-02T20:16:05Z")
A dating guru recently recommended that we should meet women in settings where we are in our “element”. Like a talented musician should meet women in music-oriented events/programs/lessons. I’ve been involved in sportsba… --- ## [NFL 2024-25: Week 17](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-17/1012116)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-17/1012116 "2025-01-02T19:14:20Z")
The Commanders beat the Eagles on Jayden Daniels’ 5th TD pass despite turning the ball over five times. The Eagles loss means that Detroit or Minnesota now has the inside track on the #1 seed, with those two 13-2 teams … --- ## [US poised to see dramatic drop in homicides for 3rd straight year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-poised-to-see-dramatic-drop-in-homicides-for-3rd-straight-year/1012490)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-poised-to-see-dramatic-drop-in-homicides-for-3rd-straight-year/1012490 "2025-01-02T18:53:59Z")
US homicides are down 16% continuing a trend over the last few years. -=Link=- This in addition to the previously reported drop in overdose deaths. Down 14.5% from last year. -=Link=- People do not seem to appreciate h… --- ## [In 2026, what will be your favorite term for the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-2026-what-will-be-your-favorite-term-for-the-250th-anniversary-of-the-us-declaration-of-independence/1012452)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-2026-what-will-be-your-favorite-term-for-the-250th-anniversary-of-the-us-declaration-of-independence/1012452 "2025-01-02T18:45:35Z")
July 4, 2026 is the date. On the serious answer side, etymological interpretations from Wiktionary, there are: Semiquincentennial (half of 500 years anniversary) which seems to be the frontrunner; Bisesquicentennial (w… --- ## [Intro and I'm a little confused](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379)
**Author:** [@pezworld](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezworld)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intro-and-im-a-little-confused/1012379 "2025-01-02T18:43:10Z")
I’m checking out this place from another (much smaller) discussion forum. I apparently posted once before, 13 years ago. Live in Los Angeles, very early 60s F, happily married. Looking for something a little less feud-y … --- ## [Do you have a go-to New Year's Day food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-go-to-new-years-day-food/1012455)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-go-to-new-years-day-food/1012455 "2025-01-02T18:21:04Z")
The assumption is that for whatever reason, no judgements, you might want a food lying around that anyone can pretty much grab and go with minimal prep, whenever they want throughout the day. For us, it is an old family… --- ## [Veronika; Level three detected- automatic disconnect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veronika-level-three-detected-automatic-disconnect/1012480)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veronika-level-three-detected-automatic-disconnect/1012480 "2025-01-02T18:11:33Z")
Any Veronika fans here? Veronika is the star character of little rudimentary stick figure animations depicting her interactions with office management. In this clip she’s Pre-customer service, dealing with angry customer… --- ## [Surviving modern life - To scroll or not to scroll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surviving-modern-life-to-scroll-or-not-to-scroll/1012463)
**Author:** [@pigtwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pigtwo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surviving-modern-life-to-scroll-or-not-to-scroll/1012463 "2025-01-02T17:32:10Z")
Hello Dopers, It has been a while for me since I’ve posted. Working from home reduced my ‘working’ time in the office so less reading here. But I do remember this being a very nice place for intelligent discussion. And … --- ## [SenorBeef And The Streisand Effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senorbeef-and-the-streisand-effect/1011866)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senorbeef-and-the-streisand-effect/1011866 "2025-01-02T17:30:51Z")
Well, that isn’t quite the right term. The Streissand Effect. However, as always I wanted a title I could link to in other forums. I saw this thead Kamala should run for president again in 2028 . I didn’t read it. I am … --- ## [Audio presenting from only right speaker when using pc audio](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-presenting-from-only-right-speaker-when-using-pc-audio/1012459)
**Author:** [@DerSchneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DerSchneck)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-presenting-from-only-right-speaker-when-using-pc-audio/1012459 "2025-01-02T17:29:50Z")
My dual speakers have decided to only play game and other PC audio from right Speaker. If i imput audio from an external device via bluetooth both speakers work fine. Have also noticed that occasionally the game will ope… --- ## [Botticelli General Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-general-questions/844223)
**Author:** [@Personal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Personal)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-general-questions/844223 "2025-01-02T16:56:23Z")
I’ve been following the last few rounds of Botticelli and think I have a decent grip on it, but is there a particular set of written rules for the version used here anywhere? Also, I note in the sticky thread that Idle … --- ## [Hearing aids - over-the-counter vs prescription?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hearing-aids-over-the-counter-vs-prescription/1012456)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hearing-aids-over-the-counter-vs-prescription/1012456 "2025-01-02T15:37:13Z")
I’ve got a family member that is struggling with their hearing and has finally been convinced to look into hearing aids. They are on Medicare, which of course doesn’t cover hearing aids (:roll\_eyes:) and cost/affordabili… --- ## [Chinese hackers allegedly attack US Treasury](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-hackers-allegedly-attack-us-treasury/1012395)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-hackers-allegedly-attack-us-treasury/1012395 "2025-01-02T15:18:59Z")
This is unsettling, given the apparently slipshod approach of Trump’s administration towards national security in the past. Apparently they’ve attacked other US sites as well, and of course denied it. --- ## [I am looking for one or two feet of plastic hose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-looking-for-one-or-two-feet-of-plastic-hose/1012467)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-looking-for-one-or-two-feet-of-plastic-hose/1012467 "2025-01-02T15:09:18Z")
No more than one or two feet, brightly-colored . Say, Red or Yellow. Not Black, White, Grey nor Green. Diameter between 1/2 inch to one inch. Plastic, PVC or suchlike. I need it for a Arts & Crafts-ish/do-it-yourself-o… --- ## [Question about A/V receiver power output](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-a-v-receiver-power-output/1012447)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-a-v-receiver-power-output/1012447 "2025-01-02T14:50:17Z")
I’m looking at this list of receivers, and the specs are: Receiver Price Channels Power AVR-X2800H $1,146 7.2 95W AVR-X3800H $1,689 9.4 105W Is the power divided among all channels? So 105 watts driving… --- ## [Your "D'oh!" Moments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-doh-moments/1011387)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-doh-moments/1011387 "2025-01-02T14:23:29Z")
So the other day, I decided to make myself a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. Easy enough, I had some nice deli-sliced ham, and old cheddar cheese, and mayo. And I had a tomato, perfect for slicing, and suitable for … --- ## [Are Cosmetic Procedures Really About Looking Younger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cosmetic-procedures-really-about-looking-younger/1004405)
**Author:** [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cosmetic-procedures-really-about-looking-younger/1004405 "2025-01-02T13:13:09Z")
Let’s start from the beginning. Not all cosmetic procedures are about looking younger. Breast implants, rhinoplasty, Brazilian butt lifts, lip fillers, etc., etc. are about improving your appearance but not necessarily… --- ## [Botticelli - December 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-december-2024/1011224)
**Author:** [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Replies:** 237\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-december-2024/1011224 "2025-01-02T03:50:34Z")
Ok, here we go. I am O ! Link to last month: Botticelli - November 2024 - #392 by knoodler --- ## [They swipe your ID if you want to buy booze or medicine now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-swipe-your-id-if-you-want-to-buy-booze-or-medicine-now/388520)
**Author:** [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-swipe-your-id-if-you-want-to-buy-booze-or-medicine-now/388520 "2025-01-02T02:50:33Z")
What the hell? I heard someone mention getting their driver’s license swiped to buy alcohol recently in another thread somewhere and I meant to ask about it but figured, “eh, must be some anal local thing.” Just got bac… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - December 2024 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-december-2024-edition/1011041)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-december-2024-edition/1011041 "2025-01-02T02:35:16Z")
Well here we are: the last month of 2024. And what a ride 2024 has been! From the crazy Summer Olympics to the US elections, it’s been up and down… sideways too. So stock up on chocolate and books and hold on, the crazy… --- ## [RIP Linda Lavin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-linda-lavin/1012350)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-linda-lavin/1012350 "2025-01-02T00:36:24Z")
Probably best known to most as the star of “Alice”, the TV sitcom about a waitress. 87 years is a good run in life. --- ## [The $100 Makerspace Tuba](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-100-makerspace-tuba/1002381)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-100-makerspace-tuba/1002381 "2025-01-02T00:08:15Z")
I play tuba. Or rather, I used to, decades ago. I don’t play any more, because who actually has their own tuba? But what I do have, is access to a makerspace. Several of them, in fact. And so, some years ago, I deci… --- ## [Monthly Photo Competition #25 – December, 2024 – “Texture” \[Poll Added\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-25-december-2024-texture-poll-added/1011173)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2025, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-25-december-2024-texture-poll-added/1011173 "2025-01-01T20:34:49Z")
This is the monthly thread for December, 2024. The topic this month is “Texture”, chosen by Raza. Please post only your photo and, if you want, a title in this thread. Any other text belongs in the rolling discussion th… --- ## [What "famous people" are you surprised other people haven't heard of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-famous-people-are-you-surprised-other-people-havent-heard-of/1004817)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 308\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2025, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-famous-people-are-you-surprised-other-people-havent-heard-of/1004817 "2025-01-01T20:03:16Z")
I tend to have a body of knowledge that is miles wide and inches deep. Although I have narrower areas of deeper interest, I tend to have at least a superficial knowledge of at least some significant personalities in are… --- ## [Insane interpretations that you have seen about media?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insane-interpretations-that-you-have-seen-about-media/1012236)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2025, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insane-interpretations-that-you-have-seen-about-media/1012236 "2025-01-01T19:55:14Z")
A few days ago I was googling for the exact phrasing of Ralph Wiggam’s Skinner/Krabapple “making babies” dialogue, and I found a reddit thread where not one but two people had always assumed that “I saw one of the babies… --- ## [Rebuilding Notre-Dame cathedral (Paris)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebuilding-notre-dame-cathedral-paris/845437)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2025, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebuilding-notre-dame-cathedral-paris/845437 "2025-01-01T19:32:59Z")
Recent stories say there is only about a 50% chance that Notre-Dame cathedral can be restored. What would be the feasibility of this following process - considering that churches (and other buildings) have been dismantle… --- ## [The practice of "renting" orphans for the holidays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-practice-of-renting-orphans-for-the-holidays/1012314)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-practice-of-renting-orphans-for-the-holidays/1012314 "2025-01-01T19:28:01Z")
I keep having questions from old sitcoms lately, but… There is a Christmas episode of Bewitched where people check out an orphan like a library book for Christmas and then return them to the orphanage. The Stevenses che… --- ## [Squatters--why is this allowed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squatters-why-is-this-allowed/1012450)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squatters-why-is-this-allowed/1012450 "2025-01-01T19:17:42Z")
with recent stories about squatters commandeering “occupied” properties and refusing to leave and declaring “illegal?” ownership, why are localities allowing this law to continue? What happened to property rights. Also, … --- ## [Carcinogen that 100% guarantees cancer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carcinogen-that-100-guarantees-cancer/1012072)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2025, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carcinogen-that-100-guarantees-cancer/1012072 "2025-01-01T18:44:09Z")
In Pierre Boulle’s original novel “Planet of the Apes”, an ancestral memory recovered from one of the animalistic humans is that of a medical researcher who was giving test apes a carcinogenic injection. Jabbed with his … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=402&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=404&state=watching)