# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=409 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 410 --- ## [The squirrel/vole war has begun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-squirrel-vole-war-has-begun/1011881)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-squirrel-vole-war-has-begun/1011881 "2024-12-21T06:06:13Z")
Ground squirrels are en masse killing and eating voles in California, demonstrating once again rodent’s inrodentity to rodent. https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/squirrels-predators-bay-area-park-19988436.p… --- ## [WP: Conservative activists press big companies to buy bitcoin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wp-conservative-activists-press-big-companies-to-buy-bitcoin/1011956)
**Author:** [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wp-conservative-activists-press-big-companies-to-buy-bitcoin/1011956 "2024-12-21T05:54:41Z")
Washington Post: “Conservative activists press big companies to buy bitcoin” The new strategy comes amid a broad embrace of crypto by conservatives, including President-elect Donald Trump, who told advocates in July th… --- ## [Nuuk Airport -- now accepting A330 Jets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuuk-airport-now-accepting-a330-jets/1011954)
**Author:** [@DaveUnknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveUnknown)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuuk-airport-now-accepting-a330-jets/1011954 "2024-12-21T01:45:16Z")
This is in Greenland. Nuuk is the Capital of Greenland. I have been following the expansion project of the Nuuk airport, once only served by regional ATR propjets. Now they’ve hit the big time… I’m tempted to go the… --- ## [Best character and story-driven AI chatbots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-character-and-story-driven-ai-chatbots/1011953)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-character-and-story-driven-ai-chatbots/1011953 "2024-12-21T00:54:54Z")
What are some of the best character- and story-driven AI chatbots you’ve found? Captain Kirk I found a Star Trek “Captain Kirk” AI chatbot on a site called Talkie that lets me go on adventures in the TOS era. I serve a… --- ## [PayPal's login security is a joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypals-login-security-is-a-joke/1011892)
**Author:** [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypals-login-security-is-a-joke/1011892 "2024-12-21T00:25:57Z")
This is jut something really, really dumb. If you log in from an unfamiliar location, it will offer to send a code to your phone, among other things. But the very screen that does that allows you to add a new phone numb… --- ## [Words I didn't realize were pejorative until later in life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-i-didnt-realize-were-pejorative-until-later-in-life/1004604)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 295\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2024, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-i-didnt-realize-were-pejorative-until-later-in-life/1004604 "2024-12-09T11:01:52Z")
When I was a kid, the word “gip” was extensively. I was an adult before I found out it was short for “gypsy” and was derogatory. When I found out, I stopped using it. Years ago, I heard an English person use “bint” to… --- ## [If an elderly person decides to move to the US to retire, what do they do for health insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-an-elderly-person-decides-to-move-to-the-us-to-retire-what-do-they-do-for-health-insurance/1011883)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-an-elderly-person-decides-to-move-to-the-us-to-retire-what-do-they-do-for-health-insurance/1011883 "2024-12-20T21:51:07Z")
If someone wants to spend their retirement years in the US but they were not born and raised here, what do they do for health insurance? They would not qualify for medicare since they didn’t pay 40 quarters worth of medi… --- ## [Should I fix erroneous middle name on my Social Security record?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-fix-erroneous-middle-name-on-my-social-security-record/1011761)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-fix-erroneous-middle-name-on-my-social-security-record/1011761 "2024-12-20T21:44:25Z")
I recently discovered that the middle name on my Social Security account is incorrect - it does not match the middle name on my birth certificate , driver’s license, or passport. Both middle names start with the same let… --- ## [Successful Fair Catch Free Kick Field Goal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/successful-fair-catch-free-kick-field-goal/1011928)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/successful-fair-catch-free-kick-field-goal/1011928 "2024-12-20T21:43:46Z")
Last night Cameron Dicker made the first successful Fair Catch Free Kick field goal for the Chargers since 1976, and the longest distance in history surpassing one by Paul Hornung kicked in 1962. I was thinking the othe… --- ## [Fascism, hope(lessness) and Trump's America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fascism-hope-lessness-and-trumps-america/1011150)
**Author:** [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Replies:** 183\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fascism-hope-lessness-and-trumps-america/1011150 "2024-12-20T21:37:37Z")
Hoping I have the purpose of this thread right, but as I said in this thread, I find the extended back and forth today (December 2) there darkly amusing, given the two posters involved, the meat of their current discussi… --- ## [Do you bake bread in an air fryer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-bake-bread-in-an-air-fryer/1009679)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-bake-bread-in-an-air-fryer/1009679 "2024-12-20T21:36:10Z")
I bake a loaf of challah every Friday, and have for years. (I don’t use a bread machine, and please don’t bother recommending that.) Since proofing and baking take several hours, and we want the bread to be warm from th… --- ## [Saying "Thank You" to those who affect your lives for the better](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saying-thank-you-to-those-who-affect-your-lives-for-the-better/1011878)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saying-thank-you-to-those-who-affect-your-lives-for-the-better/1011878 "2024-12-20T21:31:02Z")
I have done this occasionally, either by mail or by e-mail, to people who have no idea as to who I might be. I have thanked the group Steeleye Span for their wonderful music over the years. I have thanked Harlan Ellison… --- ## [Cheap/free e-mail hosting from my own domain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-free-e-mail-hosting-from-my-own-domain/1011454)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-free-e-mail-hosting-from-my-own-domain/1011454 "2024-12-20T21:26:03Z")
I’ve owned and maintained a business domain, website, and e-mail address for decades. I retired three years ago, and although I want to continue to keep the site up, I no longer use the e-mail address. It’s all hosted a… --- ## [Advanced voice mode on ChatGPT is amazing!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advanced-voice-mode-on-chatgpt-is-amazing/1007712)
**Author:** [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advanced-voice-mode-on-chatgpt-is-amazing/1007712 "2024-12-20T20:19:57Z")
I have been waiting impatiently for this ever since the announcement months ago and just 15 minutes ago it finally came ! I haven’t done anything special just conducted a bunch of regular conversations but it’s remarkab… --- ## [I’d like an illuminated, solar powered house number - doable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726 "2024-12-20T20:08:16Z")
Old house, wiring is difficult to change. I’ve had delivery people tell me they couldn’t see my unilluminated house number. Is there such a thing as a solar powered house number? I’ve googled and not found anything, b… --- ## [How did my computer use my credit card?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-computer-use-my-credit-card/1011902)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-computer-use-my-credit-card/1011902 "2024-12-20T19:05:02Z")
When my 11 year old grandson is visiting he plays Roblox and Mario Brothers on my computer. He is quite skilled and writes/edits games. He shows me how to edit the timeline and add sound, effects, etc. So every now and t… --- ## [Why are mittens still made? Are there advantages over gloves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mittens-still-made-are-there-advantages-over-gloves/1010666)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mittens-still-made-are-there-advantages-over-gloves/1010666 "2024-12-20T18:44:20Z")
I haven’t lived in an extremely cold climate since childhood. I own and use gloves. Including a nice soft calf skin pair I wear on chilly winter days. Great for driving when the steering wheel is cold. They look nice wh… --- ## [Reverse Disease Transfer Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-disease-transfer-question/684501)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-disease-transfer-question/684501 "2024-12-20T18:28:32Z")
While the white man was spreading west across North America during the 19th century it’s well documented that the Indians living on the plains were exposed to, and succumbed to, a variety of diseases passed to them from… --- ## [I wrote a clerihew](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wrote-a-clerihew/1011830)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wrote-a-clerihew/1011830 "2024-12-20T18:17:08Z")
And I don’t think I can share it anywhere except here. “What’s a clerihew?” Donald J. Trump Said, "I’m nobody’s chump! "I didn’t get shot 'cause I turned my head, “And on election night that map was red, so red, the… --- ## [First Contact Headline News](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-contact-headline-news/1011926)
**Author:** [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-contact-headline-news/1011926 "2024-12-20T18:16:53Z")
SETI confirms arrival of extraterrestrials on planet Earth. Create headlines we’re likely to see. Here’s a few to start you off: USA Today: First Contact! Americans Ask: Will They Take Our Jobs or just Our Self-Esteem? … --- ## [Can anyone read this Japanese writing from a music video?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-read-this-japanese-writing-from-a-music-video/1011925)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-read-this-japanese-writing-from-a-music-video/1011925 "2024-12-20T17:45:18Z")
Hi People, I’d love to find what the song is in this (time stamped) video… It only appears briefly for a few seconds. (Cool or what ?!) Can anyone translate for me ? Thanks. --- ## [What distinguishes a pogrom from a race riot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-distinguishes-a-pogrom-from-a-race-riot/1010460)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-distinguishes-a-pogrom-from-a-race-riot/1010460 "2024-12-20T16:55:34Z")
Posting in the pit because this topic is somewhat political, but i prefer the more open discussion style of the pit to the narrower, more focused style of p&e. I feel like the word “pogrom” had been used a lot on this b… --- ## [WAY more than you wanted to know about Rudy Giuliani](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-more-than-you-wanted-to-know-about-rudy-giuliani/984095)
**Author:** [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Replies:** 272\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-more-than-you-wanted-to-know-about-rudy-giuliani/984095 "2024-12-20T16:53:23Z")
I was going to start this in P&E but frankly there’s zero chance it wouldn’t end up in the Pit anyway, as you will see. Also: Trigger Warning as the linked document gives details of sexual assault. Short version: Forme… --- ## [What is this metal plate on a British soldier's Revolutionary War uniform? {Ghosts-US}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-metal-plate-on-a-british-soldiers-revolutionary-war-uniform-ghosts-us/1011673)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-metal-plate-on-a-british-soldiers-revolutionary-war-uniform-ghosts-us/1011673 "2024-12-20T16:51:09Z")
DISCLAIMER: There may, of course, be multiple historical inacurracies in the Costume Department of a network sitcom, so let’s not quibble about that. Assuming that British soldiers really did dress like this, then what… --- ## [Why are police breaking up Amazon strikes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-police-breaking-up-amazon-strikes/1011899)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-police-breaking-up-amazon-strikes/1011899 "2024-12-20T15:28:42Z")
At the picket line in Queens, New York, police arrested and released Anthony Rosario, a Teamsters organizer, and Jogernsyn Cardenas, one of the striking workers, and then threatened mass arrests before breaking the li… --- ## [Signature foods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signature-foods/1011815)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signature-foods/1011815 "2024-12-20T15:21:29Z")
I heard a food critic say recently that if you want to try a great example of any signature food item associated with a geographic area, DON’T go to the city/area that’s known for it. He claimed there’s a tendency to get… --- ## [I love Fleetwood Mac but I would not call them “classic rock.” (Spin-off discussion)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-love-fleetwood-mac-but-i-would-not-call-them-classic-rock-spin-off-discussion/1005236)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-love-fleetwood-mac-but-i-would-not-call-them-classic-rock-spin-off-discussion/1005236 "2024-12-20T15:14:57Z")
I LOVE Fleetwood Mac but I would not call them “classic rock.” They are in the rock genre to be sure but I would say they are, by FAR, the best pop-rock band ever. Bar none. But not classic rock. ETA: Beatles are clo… --- ## [Songs that would have been as big a hit if sung by someone else](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-would-have-been-as-big-a-hit-if-sung-by-someone-else/973906)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-would-have-been-as-big-a-hit-if-sung-by-someone-else/973906 "2024-12-20T15:08:44Z")
Have you ever listened to a song and thought, “This would have been great if (fill in the blank) had sung it!”? This thought came to me on the way to work today while I was listening to Elton John belting out “I’m Still… --- ## [The Godfather Trilogy: An American Tragedy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-godfather-trilogy-an-american-tragedy/1007177)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-godfather-trilogy-an-american-tragedy/1007177 "2024-12-20T15:08:09Z")
Is the saga a demonstration of the failure of Michael to achieve the American dream of escaping the responsibilities of protecting his family? When I watched it I felt it was more a corruption of the American dream --- ## [Dash Cam Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dash-cam-question/1011691)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dash-cam-question/1011691 "2024-12-20T14:48:22Z")
Do windshield-mounted dash cams all require a cord run up or around the windshield from a power source to function? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=408) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=410)