# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=44&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 45 --- ## [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? --- ## [How do dolphins and whales cope with extreme storms in the ocean (read gigantic waves)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-dolphins-and-whales-cope-with-extreme-storms-in-the-ocean-read-gigantic-waves/1032198)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-dolphins-and-whales-cope-with-extreme-storms-in-the-ocean-read-gigantic-waves/1032198 "2026-08-07T21:46:09Z")
Title says it all I think. I know they sleep with half their brain at a time so they can continue to surface and breathe but ISTM in extremely high seas (monster waves) these animals would have a very difficult time cop… --- ## [Did you have a T-Mobile plan that got changed despite it being "permanent?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-have-a-t-mobile-plan-that-got-changed-despite-it-being-permanent/1032088)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-have-a-t-mobile-plan-that-got-changed-despite-it-being-permanent/1032088 "2026-08-07T20:11:46Z")
So, once upon a time we signed up for a T-Mobile plan (One Plan Unlimited 55) that met our needs and had a reasonable cost for the amount we used it. One of the factors that made it appealing was that T-Mobile told us o… --- ## [Capybaras heck up on Brazilian legislators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capybaras-heck-up-on-brazilian-legislators/1032189)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capybaras-heck-up-on-brazilian-legislators/1032189 "2026-08-07T17:37:24Z")
CUIABA, Brazil (AP) — One Brazilian state legislature has increasingly found its voting sessions invaded by a group of unexpected visitors: capybaras. The notoriously chill rodents strolled through the front door of th… --- ## [The Poetry of Donald J. Trump -- "Filthy Dirty"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-filthy-dirty/1032149)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-filthy-dirty/1032149 "2026-08-07T16:46:20Z")
From his remarks August 3 2026 And, You know, I said it the other day And it maybe doesn’t sound that important, But when a country goes bad, Like, Look at the blue cities. What do they have in common, Aside fro… --- ## [Squid Game - Season 2 and Season 3](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squid-game-season-2-and-season-3/1012189)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squid-game-season-2-and-season-3/1012189 "2026-08-07T15:40:20Z")
I have yet to watch, but am glad all 7 episodes dropped at once. I would suggest boxed spoilers for a week. Anyone else looking forward to this? I didn’t think season 1 really felt like it needed a continuation, but I … --- ## [Car races that start with drivers sprinting to their cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-races-that-start-with-drivers-sprinting-to-their-cars/1031666)
**Author:** [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-races-that-start-with-drivers-sprinting-to-their-cars/1031666 "2026-08-07T14:29:37Z")
Is this still a thing? I watched Ford vs Ferrari recently, and also Elvis’s \*Viva Las Vegas" and both feature a car race in which the cars are lined up here, the drivers are lined up there, and the starting gun is fir… --- ## [Bad bad bad Bed. (Dang it discourse)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-bed-dang-it-discourse/1032150)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-bed-dang-it-discourse/1032150 "2026-08-07T12:37:28Z")
Yeah, bed. Someone (some jerk) dumped a nasty mattress at my gate. First..could they have not drove further down the road? Still my road. Would have still have had to remove it ourselves. But it wouldn’t be at the gate… --- ## [Where has the unread shortcut gone? The New list?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-has-the-unread-shortcut-gone-the-new-list/1032015)
**Author:** [@icon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/icon)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-has-the-unread-shortcut-gone-the-new-list/1032015 "2026-08-07T10:34:33Z")
Today when I got to the site, the unread shortcut, which lists the topics that you are watching and have new posts disappeared from the top list. I still have New, Latest, Top, but now unread is no longer there. I did … --- ## [Renter's insurance - questions/advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129 "2026-08-07T02:42:37Z")
Confession time! I’m 43 years old and I’ve never had “my own place”. Ever since I moved out of my grandma’s when I was 20, I’ve lived in a succession of rented rooms in private homes. I’ve never needed more than that - I… --- ## [What happened, Nat Geo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-nat-geo/1032140)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-nat-geo/1032140 "2026-08-07T01:56:11Z")
A few weeks ago I saw a new Nat Geo documentary on the Incas being pushed on Hulu. 4 episodes, 3 hours, sweet. I made some popcorn and turned on the first episode only to be completely bewildered after about 30 minutes. … --- ## [Old Sesame Street Song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-sesame-street-song/1032192)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-sesame-street-song/1032192 "2026-08-07T01:19:20Z")
I remember seeing it as a kid, but never saw it when my kids were watching in the early aughts. It started out with a hippie looking puppet going "bum bum; bum bum bum bum bum; bum bum bum BUM, bum bum bum bum. Others … --- ## [Your personal opinion, please-Worst children's television series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-personal-opinion-please-worst-childrens-television-series/1031880)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-personal-opinion-please-worst-childrens-television-series/1031880 "2026-08-07T00:07:01Z")
No internet lists, direct to videos (otherwise the “Yogi Okie-Dokie” vid would be right up there), and no one-shot specials. It could be a cartoon series, or a hosted series, or something else. I’ve got a childhood mem… --- ## [Might and Magic GOG Galaxy Help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/might-and-magic-gog-galaxy-help/1032062)
**Author:** [@IridiumIodineSulfur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IridiumIodineSulfur)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/might-and-magic-gog-galaxy-help/1032062 "2026-08-06T23:18:53Z")
I have been playing the Might and Magic games for a while. I downloaded Might and Magic 2 off of GOG Galaxy and have been playing it for over a year. Unfortunately, I made an error in the game. I don’t know how to fix it… --- ## [Can ai's play boardgames?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ais-play-boardgames/1029428)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ais-play-boardgames/1029428 "2026-08-06T23:16:47Z")
An offshoot from another thread where there some discussion of ai’s playing chess. Obviously, ai’s can play chess and other board games. And they can beat humans. My question is whether the ai’s have to be programmed t… --- ## [McConnell Memes - Omnibus thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcconnell-memes-omnibus-thread/1031975)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcconnell-memes-omnibus-thread/1031975 "2026-08-06T19:33:39Z")
May as well start here as some of them are pretty dark. Here’s my contribution, which will only make sense to the Better Call Saul fans: --- ## [Soooo... Wicker (Film)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soooo-wicker-film/1032083)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soooo-wicker-film/1032083 "2026-08-06T19:32:45Z")
Online consensus seems to be either Oh, hell no! or Gotta see that! Featuring Olivia Coleman, Alexander Skarsgard, Elizabeth Debicki, Marli Siu, Nabhaan Rizwan, Richard E. Grant, and Peter Dinklage. Looks like it’ll be … --- ## [Errant SpaceX rocket stage is about the crash into Moon (August 2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/errant-spacex-rocket-stage-is-about-the-crash-into-moon-august-2026/1032109)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/errant-spacex-rocket-stage-is-about-the-crash-into-moon-august-2026/1032109 "2026-08-06T19:16:36Z")
No, it’s not going to knock the moon out of its orbit, or anything like that. --- ## [Things to Watch (YouTube Channels & etc) to Keep Your Mind... Off Things (Whatever)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808)
**Author:** [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-watch-youtube-channels-etc-to-keep-your-mind-off-things-whatever/1009808 "2026-08-06T18:26:14Z")
Springing off a comment from This Thread in the Pit, the Title of Which I Have Intentionally Redacted Precisely to Avoid Thinking About the Issue, and It Could Just as Well Be Any Thread About a Current Event Taking Over… --- ## [Do they still demolish buildings with cranes and wrecking balls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-still-demolish-buildings-with-cranes-and-wrecking-balls/1032099)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-still-demolish-buildings-with-cranes-and-wrecking-balls/1032099 "2026-08-06T18:09:18Z")
Like they’re about to do here, in 1973. What would happen to a building like this now? “Before” view --- ## [Second time I've been accused of using AI to compose posts. Should I be insulted or flattered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-time-ive-been-accused-of-using-ai-to-compose-posts-should-i-be-insulted-or-flattered/1032151)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-time-ive-been-accused-of-using-ai-to-compose-posts-should-i-be-insulted-or-flattered/1032151 "2026-08-06T17:26:48Z")
Note: both of these instances were on Reddit. I’m not sure what the first accusation was based on, but today, apparently my “tell” was that I used emdashes. For the record, I have never used ChatGPT or any AI, ever. Tod… --- ## [So why are there no January 6 movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-are-there-no-january-6-movies/1032159)
**Author:** [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-are-there-no-january-6-movies/1032159 "2026-08-06T17:21:45Z")
Trying not to make it political here, wondering if there really are any in the works or, really, why an industry which is often not pro-Republican is not making them? Killed at the distribution level? I would have though… --- ## [Olympic Canoeist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympic-canoeist/1032185)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympic-canoeist/1032185 "2026-08-06T16:28:58Z")
Every mention of Davey Hearns must include his status as former Olympian. Is it still an interesting addition to the story? Does it gain him credibility somehow? --- ## [How was paper made white before modern chemistry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-paper-made-white-before-modern-chemistry/1032100)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-paper-made-white-before-modern-chemistry/1032100 "2026-08-06T15:31:24Z")
Modern chemical bleaches date from the end of the Eighteenth century. Before those were invented how was paper made white (or even a pale ivory/cream)? If you or your kids have ever dabbled in handcrafted paper you’re pr… --- ## [The story of the Jews escaping slavery in Egypt and wandering the desert is fiction, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-story-of-the-jews-escaping-slavery-in-egypt-and-wandering-the-desert-is-fiction-right/1026800)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 452\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-story-of-the-jews-escaping-slavery-in-egypt-and-wandering-the-desert-is-fiction-right/1026800 "2026-08-06T12:08:30Z")
I have a Jewish heritage on my mother’s side, but she didn’t practice the religion, and neither do I. I have, however, sat in on a few Seders in my lifetime (the last in college, more than 25 years ago). As a result, I… --- ## [Is the Modern Economy Pushing Ordinary People Toward Gambling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-modern-economy-pushing-ordinary-people-toward-gambling/1031009)
**Author:** [@Dheeraj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dheeraj)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-modern-economy-pushing-ordinary-people-toward-gambling/1031009 "2026-08-06T09:05:24Z")
I’m curious what others think about a trend I’ve been noticing. It seems like the wealth gap is widening rapidly. People with education, professional careers, and access to investment opportunities are accumulating sign… --- ## [Why is the sell by Date for lunch meat two months ahead but it has to be eaten within a week or so after opening?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-sell-by-date-for-lunch-meat-two-months-ahead-but-it-has-to-be-eaten-within-a-week-or-so-after-opening/1031992)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-sell-by-date-for-lunch-meat-two-months-ahead-but-it-has-to-be-eaten-within-a-week-or-so-after-opening/1031992 "2026-08-06T05:43:10Z")
I buy Hormel Natural Choice Applewood Smoked Turkey Deli Lunchmeat, 8 oz Resealable Package. I’ve noticed the sell by date is usually six to eight weeks beyond when I purchase. The packages are sealed. I wouldn’t say t… --- ## [Opinions wanted on a contractor’s estimate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-wanted-on-a-contractor-s-estimate/1032097)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-wanted-on-a-contractor-s-estimate/1032097 "2026-08-06T03:35:41Z")
\[Album\] imgur.com I’d like to know what people think of an estimat… --- ## [How long could a person dance on top of one of those industrial shredders before getting caught?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-a-person-dance-on-top-of-one-of-those-industrial-shredders-before-getting-caught/1031971)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-a-person-dance-on-top-of-one-of-those-industrial-shredders-before-getting-caught/1031971 "2026-08-06T02:28:35Z")
There was a shredding scene in one of the Bond films but it was a different type of high speed device. No chance to tap dance on it. Here is the slow but inexorable shredder I mean: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=43&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=45&state=muted)