# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=43&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 44 --- ## [All things Pickleball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-things-pickleball/1032231)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-things-pickleball/1032231 "2026-08-10T15:42:31Z")
A digression from When i was young, people played tennis. Or some racquet ball fans liked squash or table tennis. But now pickleball is all the rage. What is it? How is it different from tennis? Why did it suddenly ge… --- ## [Marine Corps Boot Camp Question (San Diego)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marine-corps-boot-camp-question-san-diego/1032256)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marine-corps-boot-camp-question-san-diego/1032256 "2026-08-10T12:29:11Z")
Last week it was reported a Marine “recruit” died at Camp Pendleton, ostensibly during a physical evaluation. When I went through boot camp in San Diego (1969) recruits left MCRD only once, and that for rifle/marksmans… --- ## [Child Actors that didn't crash and burn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-actors-that-didnt-crash-and-burn/652964)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 251\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-actors-that-didnt-crash-and-burn/652964 "2026-08-10T11:19:13Z")
We hear a lot about hild stars that burn out tragically or have shitty drug filled lives after their glory days. Its become a cliché. But there are quite a few I can think of that have had very successful careers without… --- ## [Vascular Dementia: How to mourn your Mom while she's still alive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vascular-dementia-how-to-mourn-your-mom-while-shes-still-alive/1032229)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vascular-dementia-how-to-mourn-your-mom-while-shes-still-alive/1032229 "2026-08-10T11:15:04Z")
Mom’s been diagnosed for 5 1/2 years. A few minor strokes prior to that. The first few years had Mom with a 24/7 aide living in my old bedroom. A fall in early 2021 was caused by pretty bad Lumbar stenosis. A laminectom… --- ## [(Old) GoGo on Vacation - A Holiday MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gogo-on-vacation-a-holiday-mmp/1032106)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 305\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gogo-on-vacation-a-holiday-mmp/1032106 "2026-08-10T07:01:30Z")
Vacation! A couple of beers and cocktails in. Happy vacation to me! Talk amongst your selves. --- ## [Iran is roiled by anti-government protests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-is-roiled-by-anti-government-protests/1026267)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-is-roiled-by-anti-government-protests/1026267 "2026-08-10T03:08:22Z")
Iran is roiled by anti-government protests. And this next part really surprises me. (The bolding is mine.) --- ## [Suppose The Earth Was In The CENTER of The Galaxy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-the-earth-was-in-the-center-of-the-galaxy/207774)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-the-earth-was-in-the-center-of-the-galaxy/207774 "2026-08-10T02:22:36Z")
…what would the night sky look like? Would all those stars make it as bright as daytime? I read once that cosmologists thought that life probably would not evolve on planets near the centers of galaxies…toomuch radiation… --- ## [Man teaches octopus to play piano](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-teaches-octopus-to-play-piano/1032212)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-teaches-octopus-to-play-piano/1032212 "2026-08-10T02:17:16Z")
Maybe this belongs in MPSIMS, but it’s about music (kinda) and sort of even about food. The video is 18 minutes, and well-edited. --- ## [48 hour airline flight delay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/48-hour-airline-flight-delay/1032001)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/48-hour-airline-flight-delay/1032001 "2026-08-10T01:26:26Z")
My brother was supposed to be back from visiting his children and grandchildren in New Jersey late Monday night. He might make it back tonight. He at least had somewhere to sleep for two nights; many other travelers foun… --- ## [California's SB 576 on Extra-Loud Streaming Commercials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-sb-576-on-extra-loud-streaming-commercials/1032190)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-sb-576-on-extra-loud-streaming-commercials/1032190 "2026-08-09T22:37:56Z")
For those not aware of the legislation (passed last year, went into effect on July 1, 2026) Now, the legislation is California facing, but I’d personally love to see this implemented at the Federal level! I wanted to… --- ## [Confusing Medical Conditions Part 1: Chronic Inflammation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confusing-medical-conditions-part-1-chronic-inflammation/1032184)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confusing-medical-conditions-part-1-chronic-inflammation/1032184 "2026-08-09T20:19:29Z")
I’ve recently noticed that chronic inflammation is now often described as a condition that leads to an accelerated demise of personal health, and eventually, an earlier death. This NYT interactive piece (I couldn’t find… --- ## [2026: Claude vs ChatGTP vs Whatever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-claude-vs-chatgtp-vs-whatever/1031200)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-claude-vs-chatgtp-vs-whatever/1031200 "2026-08-09T18:17:06Z")
Some recent threads on AI devolved into differences in style between options. This thread is for that specifically. This has been well covered for graphics and illustrations already. Claude, Chat. I’ve never grokked… --- ## [Books of an unusual nature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-of-an-unusual-nature/1032141)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-of-an-unusual-nature/1032141 "2026-08-09T17:36:36Z")
Not the content, but the book itself. No audio books or e-books please, and it must have been released to the general public for purchase. First example: The Unfortunates by B.S. Johnson (1969) from Panther Books. The… --- ## [Plan to see Nolan's The Odyssey this weekend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-to-see-nolans-the-odyssey-this-weekend/1031722)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-to-see-nolans-the-odyssey-this-weekend/1031722 "2026-08-09T16:43:30Z")
…and follow it up with a rewatching of the Coen brother’s, O’ Brother Where Art Thou? https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the\_odyssey\_2026 https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/o\_brother\_where\_art\_thou O’ Brother Where Art Th… --- ## [Where do long distance train drivers sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-long-distance-train-drivers-sleep/1031081)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-long-distance-train-drivers-sleep/1031081 "2026-08-09T14:05:31Z")
A long distance train driver presumably may start his shift in one city, then at the end of a full working day he may end up in another city hundreds of miles away. Where does he sleep? Does he have to get a hotel? Doe… --- ## [Windows 10: "Replace File" Confimation dialog keeps vanishing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-replace-file-confimation-dialog-keeps-vanishing/1032244)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-replace-file-confimation-dialog-keeps-vanishing/1032244 "2026-08-09T13:59:29Z")
I’m suddenly experiencing an odd issue in Windows 10, which just appeared out of nowhere. There was no Windows reboot or update; things functioned normally in the evening, and the next morning they didn’t. The issue is … --- ## [What make and model of car is in this video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-make-and-model-of-car-is-in-this-video/1032240)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-make-and-model-of-car-is-in-this-video/1032240 "2026-08-09T04:26:55Z")
Lately I’ve been enjoying some old films of downtown Los Angeles where I worked in the mid 1980s. Can anyone identify the red and white car seen parked on the left at about 0:21 in this 1960s era video? It looks like so… --- ## [How long before Jeanine Pirro is fired?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-jeanine-pirro-is-fired/1032128)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-jeanine-pirro-is-fired/1032128 "2026-08-09T01:04:18Z")
It seems pretty clear that her days are numbered. How long until she’s let go? poll --- ## [Why (was?) the Soviet economy during the Cold War era such a failure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-soviet-economy-during-the-cold-war-era-such-a-failure/1031851)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-soviet-economy-during-the-cold-war-era-such-a-failure/1031851 "2026-08-08T21:05:15Z")
A spin off of the thread on what the Soviet Union did better than the west. An obvious theme is apparent in the replies in that thread. Almost everything discussed are weapons or other items that have military use (tan… --- ## [What would an "orbiting astronomical observatory" do in 1964?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-an-orbiting-astronomical-observatory-do-in-1964/1032195)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-an-orbiting-astronomical-observatory-do-in-1964/1032195 "2026-08-08T17:57:58Z")
Did such things actually exist then? Gathering useful info and transmitting it to the ground? Or could it be a spy satellite? --- ## [My Dog is Going Blind, Advice Welcome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dog-is-going-blind-advice-welcome/1032209)
**Author:** [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dog-is-going-blind-advice-welcome/1032209 "2026-08-08T16:38:45Z")
A month ago we noticed my dog squinting. The next day he woke up with swollen eyes and we took him to the emergency vet and after following up with our regular vet he was on antibiotics and steroids and was doing well. … --- ## [Stupidest software design you've experienced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-software-design-youve-experienced/981643)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 499\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-software-design-youve-experienced/981643 "2026-08-08T14:11:05Z")
Companion thread to this: I have two, both related to my music apps and devices. The PC one, Media Go (yes it is no longer supported but is perfect for all of my needs, except as I am about to disclose) allows you to… --- ## [Someone tried to scam me today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-tried-to-scam-me-today/1020133)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-tried-to-scam-me-today/1020133 "2026-08-08T14:03:51Z")
TL;DR: I received a scam call this morning, played along, was given address to send a check, called police. They started by asking if my TV was on and what was the name on the remote control. After I gave them a name … --- ## [After 27 years, there's a new record in the mile](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-27-years-theres-a-new-record-in-the-mile/1031770)
**Author:** [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-27-years-theres-a-new-record-in-the-mile/1031770 "2026-08-08T09:31:12Z")
Josh Kerr runs 3:42.66 for the mile, breaking the record of 3:43.13, set by Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999. Commentary with video of the race. Note the running time of the video. --- ## [Protesting public housing construction in NY, 1948](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesting-public-housing-construction-in-ny-1948/1032216)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesting-public-housing-construction-in-ny-1948/1032216 "2026-08-08T05:43:37Z")
Interesting collection of picket signs. The signs don’t look home-made, and you wouldn’t think this many people would come out to carry them. --- ## [New horizons in spam--fake repairs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-horizons-in-spam-fake-repairs/1032155)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-horizons-in-spam-fake-repairs/1032155 "2026-08-08T03:37:40Z")
The phone rings. “Hello”. The guy starts be asking if I am \[real name\]. I agree. I was expecting a delivery, so I assumed it was that. Instead the buy starts in on a long song and dance about how wonderfully they have re… --- ## [What would you do with superpower pills?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-with-superpower-pills/1032183)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-with-superpower-pills/1032183 "2026-08-08T01:35:46Z")
You get five pills that each give you a flying brick power set. The powers are super strength (100 tons), durability (only the most powerful nuclear weapon can harm you), speed (Mach 100), reflexes (nanosecond reaction t… --- ## [Podcasts, media, and messaging (or How the Democrats can win again)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-media-and-messaging-or-how-the-democrats-can-win-again/1015769)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 414\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-media-and-messaging-or-how-the-democrats-can-win-again/1015769 "2026-08-08T00:00:17Z")
I want to keep this simple. I think it needs to be simple - simple messaging, and simple strategy, wins. I think there are really only two major changes in strategy and messaging that Democrats need to do - go on uncomfo… --- ## [The AI-generated bacteriophages - folks, it's just the genome (so far)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ai-generated-bacteriophages-folks-its-just-the-genome-so-far/1032220)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ai-generated-bacteriophages-folks-its-just-the-genome-so-far/1032220 "2026-08-07T22:29:54Z")
Having just read Annie Jacobsen’s new book, “Biological War: A Scenario” (if you’re read Stephen King’s “The Stand” in any of its iterations, this one’s scarier!) I was a knocked a bit off-kilter by this news, but it’s j… --- ## [Is there a remedy for Trump's $1.8B slush fund?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-remedy-for-trumps-1-8b-slush-fund/1030244)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-remedy-for-trumps-1-8b-slush-fund/1030244 "2026-08-07T22:08:46Z")
Is the $1.8B slush fund set in stone? Obviously Congress will actually do nothing, but is there any theoretical way Congress could regulate or eliminate it? Is there any remedy in the courts? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=42&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=44&state=muted)