# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=42&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 43 --- ## ["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… --- ## [This year has reportedly seen a spate of attacks by orcas ("killer whales") against boats in the Strait of Gibraltar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-year-has-reportedly-seen-a-spate-of-attacks-by-orcas-killer-whales-against-boats-in-the-strait-of-gibraltar/920611)
**Author:** [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-year-has-reportedly-seen-a-spate-of-attacks-by-orcas-killer-whales-against-boats-in-the-strait-of-gibraltar/920611 "2026-08-14T16:32:23Z")
Well, this can’t be good: ‘I’ve never seen or heard of attacks’: scientists baffled by orcas harassing boats. (From The Guardian, not The Weekly World News.) The article does also say that “The encounters described a… --- ## [Computers, software and the historic record](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computers-software-and-the-historic-record/1031454)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computers-software-and-the-historic-record/1031454 "2026-08-14T16:26:43Z")
Stone tablets survive millennia after a civilization collapse. Paper records can remain preserved for centuries. There are floppy discs wasting away in a corner of my home office with data from 35 years ago that I can no… --- ## [Black trumpet chanterelles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-trumpet-chanterelles/1032321)
**Author:** [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-trumpet-chanterelles/1032321 "2026-08-14T13:57:43Z")
Here in central PA, recent rains have had some good effects. The woods are full of mushrooms, including good quantities of chanterelles. I scored a whole mess of black trumpet chanterelles today - probably about a poun… --- ## [SDMB Fantasy Football DYNASTY League: Year 17](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-fantasy-football-dynasty-league-year-17/1021819)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 527\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-fantasy-football-dynasty-league-year-17/1021819 "2026-08-14T13:53:28Z")
Welcome back everyone to what must be one of the longest running dynasty leagues in the world. ▶ League Dates ▶ 2024 Final Results ▶ Hall of Champions ▶ Points Leaders By Year ▶ 2024 draft order ▶ Trades affecting this year's… --- ## [Song lyrics you've misheard that are perfectly acceptable - perhaps even better - substitutes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-youve-misheard-that-are-perfectly-acceptable-perhaps-even-better-substitutes/723005)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-youve-misheard-that-are-perfectly-acceptable-perhaps-even-better-substitutes/723005 "2026-08-14T13:27:28Z")
I have a couple: “Margaritaville”, by Jimmy Buffet Correct lyric: “Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt” What I hear: “Searchin’ for that outlaw shaker of salt” “Tangled Up in Blue”, by Bob Dylan Correct lyric: “We … --- ## [Dried Morel mushrooms - now what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dried-morel-mushrooms-now-what/1032326)
**Author:** [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dried-morel-mushrooms-now-what/1032326 "2026-08-14T11:57:36Z")
I was gifted a jar of little dried morel mushrooms with instructions on the label how to soak in water first. So after I hydrate them - what’s a good way to prepare them? I was thinking sauteed or with scrambled eggs? … --- ## [Tell me about home solar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-home-solar/1020878)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-home-solar/1020878 "2026-08-14T10:19:41Z")
We are currently in the beginning stages of looking for a new house. Yesterday we drove around the area we are interested in looking at some of the houses currently on the market. I’m sure that by the time we are serious… --- ## [Batman Caped Crusader Looks Great!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/batman-caped-crusader-looks-great/1003380)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/batman-caped-crusader-looks-great/1003380 "2026-08-14T03:29:50Z")
A new Animated Batman by Bruce Timm (of TAS fame) and Matt Reeves (of The Batman game). I had heard vaguely about this but the trailer just dropped and it looks amazing. --- ## [An incredibly detailed cutaway drawing of Kirk's USS Enterprise (including some clever in-jokes)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-incredibly-detailed-cutaway-drawing-of-kirks-uss-enterprise-including-some-clever-in-jokes/1032290)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-incredibly-detailed-cutaway-drawing-of-kirks-uss-enterprise-including-some-clever-in-jokes/1032290 "2026-08-14T02:44:27Z")
Very cool. Happy 60th, Star Trek!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nTZTJHBCAs --- ## [Do you remember Ayds candy for weight loss? Did your parents buy it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-remember-ayds-candy-for-weight-loss-did-your-parents-buy-it/1032101)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-remember-ayds-candy-for-weight-loss-did-your-parents-buy-it/1032101 "2026-08-14T02:11:49Z")
Ayds delivered a dose of Phenylpropanolamine in the form of a 1 inch square chewy candy. Ayds was introduced into the market in the 1940’s. The drug is an appetite suppressant. Ayds was available in chocolate, chocolat… --- ## [The Malvinas/Falklands in Argentine culture and politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-malvinas-falklands-in-argentine-culture-and-politics/1031774)
**Author:** [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-malvinas-falklands-in-argentine-culture-and-politics/1031774 "2026-08-14T01:47:49Z")
In this post FIFA World Cup 2026 - discussion etc - #4653 by Frodo I said I would like to explain how the Malvinas/Falklands claim works in Argentine culture and politics, I’m no longer so sure that I will like it (it’s … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=41&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=43&state=watching)