# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=440&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 441 --- ## [What is the best media player to use when you are streaming MP4 movies from your laptop to your TV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-media-player-to-use-when-you-are-streaming-mp4-movies-from-your-laptop-to-your-tv/1009828)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2024, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-media-player-to-use-when-you-are-streaming-mp4-movies-from-your-laptop-to-your-tv/1009828 "2024-11-08T02:51:50Z")
I have a wireless HDMI system that works well and I’ve set up an old laptop as a media server, but I’m not sure what media player is best. The subtitles VTT file need to be manually opened, so a player that has an easy … --- ## [Aliens built the pyramids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aliens-built-the-pyramids/1000943)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2024, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aliens-built-the-pyramids/1000943 "2024-11-08T02:47:08Z")
Someone shared this laughable image of the pyramids being built. There are so many things wrong with it, not the least of which would be the strength needed from each worker to hold up that stone. But it gave me a humoro… --- ## [306, 306 and 312 - we have never had two, let alone three straight, presidential elections that were this clustered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/306-306-and-312-we-have-never-had-two-let-alone-three-straight-presidential-elections-that-were-this-clustered/1009890)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2024, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/306-306-and-312-we-have-never-had-two-let-alone-three-straight-presidential-elections-that-were-this-clustered/1009890 "2024-11-08T02:37:28Z")
Just a random statistical trivia thought. 2016 election: Trump wins 306 EVs 2020 election: Biden wins 306 EVs 2024 election: Trump wins 312 EVs Indeed, if Nevada had gone blue, this would have become the third consec… --- ## [Campaigning for Kamala](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/campaigning-for-kamala/1009891)
**Author:** [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2024, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/campaigning-for-kamala/1009891 "2024-11-08T02:00:56Z")
So, maybe there was a reason for this in the news that I overlooked; but it just hit me over the head right before Election Day. Why didn’t the Obama’s campaign for her? That’s not unusual, right? Even if they weren’t go… --- ## [How do we destroy the myth that politicians control the economy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-destroy-the-myth-that-politicians-control-the-economy/1009792)
**Author:** [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2024, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-destroy-the-myth-that-politicians-control-the-economy/1009792 "2024-11-08T01:21:32Z")
Last night, which showed (not surprisingly) that the economy was first or second on people’s lists of concerns, triggered this post. I know, I know, economics make most people’s eyes glaze over. But politicians, especi… --- ## [Monthly Photo Competition #23 – October, 2024 – “Moody/Atmospheric” {poll added}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-23-october-2024-moody-atmospheric-poll-added/1008432)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2024, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-23-october-2024-moody-atmospheric-poll-added/1008432 "2024-11-08T00:37:17Z")
This is the monthly thread for October, 2024. The topic this month is “Moody/Atmospheric”, chosen by @romansperson. Please post only your photo and, if you want, a title in this thread. Any other text belongs in the rol… --- ## [Share something positive you are going to do today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-something-positive-you-are-going-to-do-today/1009785)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-something-positive-you-are-going-to-do-today/1009785 "2024-11-07T23:50:51Z")
Go for a 2-mile walk (already accomplished) Watch a light-hearted movie (probably “Young Frankenstein”) Eat healthy Give a stranger a compliment if the opportunity presents itself mmm --- ## [Craving a Chef's Salad and can't find one. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/craving-a-chefs-salad-and-cant-find-one-why/1009364)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/craving-a-chefs-salad-and-cant-find-one-why/1009364 "2024-11-07T23:09:58Z")
Chef’s Salad used to be a common item on restaurant menus. Not franchises like Wendys and McDonald’s. It was the pizza places, BBQ, Cafes that offered a Chef’s Salad. It was packed with protein. Diced ham, boiled eggs,… --- ## [Theory behind insulation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theory-behind-insulation/1009794)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theory-behind-insulation/1009794 "2024-11-07T22:57:08Z")
Suppose I was building a house a couple of hundred years ago and I was using hay or leaves for insulation. How would I know how tight or loosely to pack it? What are some of the rules that apply to insulating? Lets say I… --- ## [After three years now I wish I left my job a year ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-three-years-now-i-wish-i-left-my-job-a-year-ago/1005242)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-three-years-now-i-wish-i-left-my-job-a-year-ago/1005242 "2024-11-07T22:31:17Z")
New job going so well it has me concerned Job still going well after almost 2 years…still concerned And now after two and a half years it’s time to look for a new job again Almost three years into my job and haven’t be… --- ## [I think Biden should resign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-biden-should-resign/1009866)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-biden-should-resign/1009866 "2024-11-07T21:32:12Z")
Hand off the final few months to Harris. Make her #47 and the first woman president. Say he’s having some health problems and isn’t able to serve the American people at 100% anymore, and that this is the right time to e… --- ## [What if the Earth Spun in the Opposite Direction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-earth-spun-in-the-opposite-direction/1009710)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-earth-spun-in-the-opposite-direction/1009710 "2024-11-07T21:01:32Z")
Awoken by a random thought in the middle of the night. That and I have to get up to go pee. What would have happened if the Earth spun in the opposite direction, i.e., the sun came up in the west, but everything else was… --- ## [What does the future for electric vehicles look like now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-future-for-electric-vehicles-look-like-now/1009877)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-future-for-electric-vehicles-look-like-now/1009877 "2024-11-07T20:18:32Z")
I didn’t want to hijack the thread about ev plans so I thought I’d take my questions here. A-holes 1 and 2 Mssrs Trump and Musk’s unholy alliance confuses me; aren’t they at cross purposes? Will the entire market for e… --- ## [So who exactly are we as Americans going forward](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-exactly-are-we-as-americans-going-forward/1009831)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-exactly-are-we-as-americans-going-forward/1009831 "2024-11-07T19:49:54Z")
The democratic governor in NC won by a 15 point margin, but the state went to Trump by a 3 point margin. The GOP candidate had a lot of flaws (he was also black which didn’t help with his GOP support). I get the impress… --- ## [Democrats have no winning strategy against the tactics of the right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-have-no-winning-strategy-against-the-tactics-of-the-right/1009857)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-have-no-winning-strategy-against-the-tactics-of-the-right/1009857 "2024-11-07T18:43:46Z")
Bernie Sanders’ admonishment of Democrats’ appeal to blue collar workers has been making the rounds, including here on the SDMB. I vehemently disagree with the senator. Let’s start with the obvious – between the two pa… --- ## [2024 US general election prediction thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-us-general-election-prediction-thread/1007585)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-us-general-election-prediction-thread/1007585 "2024-11-07T18:36:29Z")
I thought a dedicated prediction thread for the upcoming election would be fun. This can also be a place for “I told you so” and blowing-your-own-horn about your successful prediction after the fact. Be as vague or spec… --- ## [What will happen in 2028?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-in-2028/1009825)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob1)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-in-2028/1009825 "2024-11-07T18:29:36Z")
What will happen in 2028? Who should the Democrats run? Will we even have elections then? After all, Trump has said “You won’t have to vote anymore” if he won, and Republicans control all 3 branches of government, meanin… --- ## [A thread for hopeful or useful thoughts or links related to what to do next](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-hopeful-or-useful-thoughts-or-links-related-to-what-to-do-next/1009838)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-hopeful-or-useful-thoughts-or-links-related-to-what-to-do-next/1009838 "2024-11-07T18:29:02Z")
I thought we could use such a thing. I don’t want to ignore reality, but I think we could all use either a reason to go on or concrete thoughts on what we could go on to actually do. As I’ve repeatedly made clear, I’m mo… --- ## [Trump won. What does this mean for the courts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-won-what-does-this-mean-for-the-courts/1009760)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-won-what-does-this-mean-for-the-courts/1009760 "2024-11-07T18:04:54Z")
Just that. Thomas and Alito most will probably retire in the next 4 years, but what about Sotomayor? What’s going to happen with the appeals courts? How hungover will king Leo be tomorrow from the champagne? --- ## [Trump going after donors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-going-after-donors/1009833)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-going-after-donors/1009833 "2024-11-07T17:25:09Z")
I saw a news report on MSNBC that said that Trump was going after donors to Kamala’s campaign. I donated to Kamala’s campaign several times, so will Trump’s goons come after me? For what crime? Donating to the candidate… --- ## [Screw article writers who don't use the inverted pyramid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screw-article-writers-who-dont-use-the-inverted-pyramid/1009708)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screw-article-writers-who-dont-use-the-inverted-pyramid/1009708 "2024-11-07T17:18:30Z")
Most of you probably know, but in the inverted pyramid, journalists give the most important details of an article at the beginning, with lesser details later. But in many modern online posts–especially entertainment news… --- ## [Album art on my car stereo--the option exists, but it never works](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/album-art-on-my-car-stereo-the-option-exists-but-it-never-works/1009204)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/album-art-on-my-car-stereo-the-option-exists-but-it-never-works/1009204 "2024-11-07T17:02:03Z")
I’ve got a 2017 Toyota Camry, and while looking through the various options in the stereo, I see there’s one for ‘album art’. But I’ve got it turned on, and it doesn’t seem to ever work when I play music from my phone. … --- ## [Michigan may be lost by Harris due to Arab/Muslim voters anger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-may-be-lost-by-harris-due-to-arab-muslim-voters-anger/1009645)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 190\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-may-be-lost-by-harris-due-to-arab-muslim-voters-anger/1009645 "2024-11-07T16:55:18Z")
Continuing the discussion from Share your 2024 electoral map prediction: I have mentioned in a few other threads that there is evidence Arab/Muslim American voters in Michigan may seriously impact Harris’ chance of winn… --- ## [Help me understand Americans apparently not knowing the election is over](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-americans-apparently-not-knowing-the-election-is-over/1009852)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-americans-apparently-not-knowing-the-election-is-over/1009852 "2024-11-07T16:42:36Z")
So I just watched this bit of Jimmy Kimmel: Where apparently people on the street are interviewed, very clearly told that it’s now Wednesday, November 6th, and asked how they’ll vote, who they vote for, and… --- ## [Why are recent elections so close?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-recent-elections-so-close/1009673)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-recent-elections-so-close/1009673 "2024-11-07T16:13:08Z")
Although I am looking for a factual answer, I suppose this goes in the election section. I was looking at election results since 1900, and when looking at the popular vote, there is a general trend that elections have b… --- ## [Did Harris lose because of the "likability penalty"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-harris-lose-because-of-the-likability-penalty/1009861)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-harris-lose-because-of-the-likability-penalty/1009861 "2024-11-07T15:51:31Z")
Had Harris gotten 200K more votes in each of the swing states, she would have won by a landslide. Some contend that she lost because she is a woman. Well (IMO) yes and no. I don’t think many people thought, “She has a… --- ## [How can Donald Trump win at this point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-donald-trump-win-at-this-point/1005351)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 3455\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-donald-trump-win-at-this-point/1005351 "2024-11-07T15:35:53Z")
I’m not going to make any predictions! But right now, it seems as though the Democrats are doing everything right, and the Republicans are doing everything wrong. Further, while the polls are still close, Kamala Harris h… --- ## [US Dopers: Any chicanery at your polling place today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-dopers-any-chicanery-at-your-polling-place-today/1009735)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-dopers-any-chicanery-at-your-polling-place-today/1009735 "2024-11-07T14:28:56Z")
Red town in a red county in a red state: I was in an out in five minutes. Nobody outside politiciking or intimidating or “observing” (mainly because it was pouring down rain). The election judges were polite and friendly… --- ## [I just learned what a detached gecko tail looks like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-learned-what-a-detached-gecko-tail-looks-like/1009635)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-learned-what-a-detached-gecko-tail-looks-like/1009635 "2024-11-07T12:56:24Z")
And it is kind of freaking me out. I don’t think I ever actually gave it much thought, but I assumed something of an even break, not a ring of protruding tapered muscle fingers. It looks like attachment docks so that if … --- ## [Lightning strike in Peru - people falling over](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-strike-in-peru-people-falling-over/1009827)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2024, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-strike-in-peru-people-falling-over/1009827 "2024-11-07T12:24:16Z")
Video here: When the lightning hits (and kills) the player, a number of other players quite far away also fall over. Is this because of the potential difference as the lightning bolt dissipates in the ground? It seems … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=439&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=441&state=tracking)