# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=454&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 455 --- ## [How can brainwashing be explained?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-brainwashing-be-explained/176740)
**Author:** [@Kriss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kriss)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2024, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-brainwashing-be-explained/176740 "2024-10-19T12:37:45Z")
What is the psychology behind it? Dont we all have freedom of will to choose? How can we be brainwashed into something if we dont believe it? Can someone explain brainwashing to me? Isnt it similar to the withcraft trial… --- ## [How is space expanding? Which of these two analogies is more correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-space-expanding-which-of-these-two-analogies-is-more-correct/1008848)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2024, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-space-expanding-which-of-these-two-analogies-is-more-correct/1008848 "2024-10-19T12:20:55Z")
Inspired by the thread about the speed of light. This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and I’ve come up with my own analogy as an alternative to the classic “stretched out rubber sheet”. The classic… --- ## [There is something out there](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-something-out-there/1008889)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2024, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-something-out-there/1008889 "2024-10-19T11:27:16Z")
My Wife and I have two ~60 pound border collie mixes. I walk them during the week. My Wife does weekends. Both dogs healthy and energetic. We do live remote. When I walk the dogs, I always have them wait on the thresho… --- ## [Ask the Generic Person Anything](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-generic-person-anything/1008836)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2024, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-generic-person-anything/1008836 "2024-10-19T11:21:57Z")
Inspired by Czarcasm, who asked “I don’t think we have ever had a generic “Ask The Generic Person” thread, have we?”. As a generic person, feel free to ask me generic questions. I may chime in with a generic answer but p… --- ## [Possible good comet coming!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-good-comet-coming/1007410)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2024, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-good-comet-coming/1007410 "2024-10-19T06:59:13Z")
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS may become a naked-eye object soon. Best viewing is likely to be the 2nd week in October, when it will be an evening object, hopefully visible just after sunset, close to the sun: --- ## [Pouf! It's gone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pouf-its-gone/1008967)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2024, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pouf-its-gone/1008967 "2024-10-19T04:55:24Z")
Poof. Pouf? Whichever. I keep loosing them. You know those net things. Pretty colors. You get great suds. Most any soap. I have a new grapefruit scented body wash. So great smelling. Makes you drool…oh well, I digress. … --- ## [I am losing my mind with Citi Bank](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-losing-my-mind-with-citi-bank/1008912)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2024, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-losing-my-mind-with-citi-bank/1008912 "2024-10-19T01:50:18Z")
If anyone has any ideas I’m all ears. The Citi Cards website has been down for two days. My bill will be due in a couple of days. I am leaving for Europe in a few hours, and I need to get this bill paid. I simply cann… --- ## [How much light do my herbs need indoors in the winter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-light-do-my-herbs-need-indoors-in-the-winter/1008875)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-light-do-my-herbs-need-indoors-in-the-winter/1008875 "2024-10-18T22:45:24Z")
Using “herbs” in the normal sense of the work- hot peppers, mint, lavender, etc. The past couple of years I’ve used a 150 watt 5000K induction lamp with disappointing results. Everything but the peppers died out and the … --- ## [Why are most jobs 9-5 (Monday thru Friday) rather than other hours/days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-jobs-9-5-monday-thru-friday-rather-than-other-hours-days/1008641)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-jobs-9-5-monday-thru-friday-rather-than-other-hours-days/1008641 "2024-10-18T21:17:31Z")
Even though 2nd & 3rd shift hours, along with weekend availability, could work for most jobs, it’s rare to see offices and doctors/specialists open after 5 pm or during the weekends. IMO, I don’t see an issue if some bu… --- ## [China: Hey, Italy! You think your Tower of Pisa is so hot? Hold my Beer!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-hey-italy-you-think-your-tower-of-pisa-is-so-hot-hold-my-beer/1008635)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-hey-italy-you-think-your-tower-of-pisa-is-so-hot-hold-my-beer/1008635 "2024-10-18T20:31:29Z")
I just learned today about the Tiger Hill Pagoda, which is in Suzhou, China. It dates back to 961 CE. The Wikipedia article says it leans at a 3 degree angle, but it looks like it’s leaning a lot more in the pictures. … --- ## [Which of these items are in your refrigerator(s) (not freezer) right now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-items-are-in-your-refrigerator-s-not-freezer-right-now/1007652)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-items-are-in-your-refrigerator-s-not-freezer-right-now/1007652 "2024-10-18T20:29:03Z")
poll --- ## [Two and a half days in Amsterdam in February](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-and-a-half-days-in-amsterdam-in-february/1008868)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-and-a-half-days-in-amsterdam-in-february/1008868 "2024-10-18T19:55:59Z")
My wife and I, along with another couple, will have two and a half days in Amsterdam in February 2025, at the end of a Viking cruise to Norway. Of the four of us, only my wife has been there before. We are agreed on seve… --- ## [How Many Zeros in a Row are Possible in Pi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-zeros-in-a-row-are-possible-in-pi/1007562)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 246\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-zeros-in-a-row-are-possible-in-pi/1007562 "2024-10-18T19:49:03Z")
A random thought just passed through my brain. This happens a lot. In a base 10 representation of pi, is there a limit on how many zeros might appear in a row? If there is a limit, what is it? How would this be deter… --- ## [Help with a place to retire with certain requirements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-place-to-retire-with-certain-requirements/1008620)
**Author:** [@cncdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cncdad)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-place-to-retire-with-certain-requirements/1008620 "2024-10-18T19:05:20Z")
Wife and I are wanting to move to a place that we can retire (wont retire for a few years but want to move before that). We are looking for a place with a nice downtown with shops/bars/restaurants that we could walk to f… --- ## [Is there any place online where I can buy tinned kippered herrings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-place-online-where-i-can-buy-tinned-kippered-herrings/1008904)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-place-online-where-i-can-buy-tinned-kippered-herrings/1008904 "2024-10-18T18:59:09Z")
Used to be an easily obtained staple, but now, can’t find them anywhere, in local stores or online. But, my Google fu is shaky at the best of times. Now the local stores are only offering some abomination they call “kip… --- ## [Dune Prophecy Trailer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dune-prophecy-trailer/1008956)
**Author:** [@MeanJoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanJoe)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dune-prophecy-trailer/1008956 "2024-10-18T18:41:55Z")
I just saw this trailer for Dune Prophecy, coming to HBO Max. Trailer Here Looks like it’s set about 10K years before the events of the book Dune. Origin story for the Bene Gesserit it seems. Most of my exposure to a… --- ## [Facilitated Communicaton has once again caused a legal nightmare for innocent parents.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facilitated-communicaton-has-once-again-caused-a-legal-nightmare-for-innocent-parents/759027)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facilitated-communicaton-has-once-again-caused-a-legal-nightmare-for-innocent-parents/759027 "2024-10-18T17:50:59Z")
Seriously? Didn’t this die in the 90s? Everyone doesn’t know about this nonsense by now? This time it was in Prince Edward Island in Canada. You’d think that an organization like the RCMP would know better. --- ## [Why Is The U.S. So Much Less Worried About Google Than . . . Everyone Else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-u-s-so-much-less-worried-about-google-than-everyone-else/546666)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-u-s-so-much-less-worried-about-google-than-everyone-else/546666 "2024-10-18T17:40:22Z")
An Australian court just ruled StreetVew was illegal (I can find a link if you’d like). The Europeans are freaked out by . . . just about everything about Google. Intercepting WiFi data . . . well, I could see an Ameri… --- ## [RIP Mitzi Gaynor (93)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-mitzi-gaynor-93/1008935)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-mitzi-gaynor-93/1008935 "2024-10-18T17:18:51Z")
Mitzi Gaynor died today of natural causes, at the age of 93. She is probably best known for her role as Nellie Forbush in the movie of South Pacific. I also liked her as the sister in There’s No Business Like Show Busin… --- ## [Need a new car while on the market for a house. Cash or loan purchase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-new-car-while-on-the-market-for-a-house-cash-or-loan-purchase/1008701)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-new-car-while-on-the-market-for-a-house-cash-or-loan-purchase/1008701 "2024-10-18T14:00:39Z")
(I will certainly talk to a financial professional also… just trying to get an understanding here). Last week my car broke down and is likely un-repairable. So, I’m in the market for a new (to me) vehicle. Probably in t… --- ## [What's your "Rosebud"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-rosebud/1008339)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-rosebud/1008339 "2024-10-18T12:54:32Z")
I’m not really a nostalgic person. I’ve got a good memory for people and events and don’t have many physical keepsakes. But last night I got to thinking about a toy I had as a child - a grey fighter jet. So I did what an… --- ## [Places you wish you had visited in your life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/places-you-wish-you-had-visited-in-your-life/1008830)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/places-you-wish-you-had-visited-in-your-life/1008830 "2024-10-18T12:17:57Z")
Or maybe even plan to visit before you kick the proverbial bucket. I’ve seen some cool things in my life: the pyramids/sphinx, Victoria Falls, Niagara Falls, The Matterhorn, the Serengeti, Eiffel Tower, Antelope Canyon t… --- ## [Dessert pizza? (Guest starring Nutella!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dessert-pizza-guest-starring-nutella/1008907)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dessert-pizza-guest-starring-nutella/1008907 "2024-10-18T11:58:17Z")
Thanks to the generosity of a fellow Doper, I have come into the possession of a rather hefty quantity of Nutella. Like, way more than I could eat in any healthy amount of time. (If you time-traveled back a few decades … --- ## [What happens to security workers with dementia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-security-workers-with-dementia/1008833)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-security-workers-with-dementia/1008833 "2024-10-18T09:56:59Z")
We’ve been watching the brilliant British series Slow Horses, and in the fourth series one of the characters, a retired top-level MI-5 officer, develops dementia. That got me to wondering what happens IRL with people wh… --- ## [Christopher Columbus was jewish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christopher-columbus-was-jewish/251281)
**Author:** [@LuckySevens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LuckySevens)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christopher-columbus-was-jewish/251281 "2024-10-18T09:32:00Z")
I just heard this, apparantly the guy who told me reckons theres some merit to it, he himself even claimed to be a Jew in private to a few people and in a few writings… Whats the straight dope? --- ## [What should I do about a potentially broken toe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-about-a-potentially-broken-toe/1008846)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-about-a-potentially-broken-toe/1008846 "2024-10-18T07:36:17Z")
So I fell yesterday and when I woke up today I saw my big toe was bruised. I went to a walk in clinic where they took X rays. the physician said the toe didn’t look broken, but when I checked the radiology report online … --- ## [Ghosts (US Version): Who Got Sucked Off In Season 2 Cliffhanger (open spoilers for US and UK even in the OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghosts-us-version-who-got-sucked-off-in-season-2-cliffhanger-open-spoilers-for-us-and-uk-even-in-the-op/983990)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghosts-us-version-who-got-sucked-off-in-season-2-cliffhanger-open-spoilers-for-us-and-uk-even-in-the-op/983990 "2024-10-18T03:37:35Z")
Season 2 of the US version ended with a cliffhanger. Sam and Jay were outside the mansion, talking privately, when Sam saw a beam of light go through the house - and indication that someone has been “sucked off,” as the … --- ## [Disturbing Randall Terry campaign ad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disturbing-randall-terry-campaign-ad/1008832)
**Author:** [@Allecher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Allecher)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disturbing-randall-terry-campaign-ad/1008832 "2024-10-18T02:38:09Z")
I recently stumbled upon an intentionally shocking tv ad for presidential candidate Randall Terry that includes graphic abortion pictures and compares celebrities to Nazi leaders. The ABC network aired a disclaimer that … --- ## [Auroras deep south again (October 10th 2024)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auroras-deep-south-again-october-10th-2024/1008651)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auroras-deep-south-again-october-10th-2024/1008651 "2024-10-18T01:57:41Z")
The odds are stacked against me getting good aurora photos. Light pollution. Surrounded by trees. Terrible low light capabilities on my camera. But here’s my view of the aurora in Upstate South Carolina. https://i.posti… --- ## [Your plastic pal who's fun to be with!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-plastic-pal-whos-fun-to-be-with/1008923)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2024, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-plastic-pal-whos-fun-to-be-with/1008923 "2024-10-17T23:44:30Z")
‘Comfortable, fun, familiar’: Why Microsoft is trying to turn its AI chatbot into a digital friend Ugh. Article here: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=453&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=455&state=tracking)