# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=48&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 49 --- ## [The Kix Atomic "Bomb" Ring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kix-atomic-bomb-ring/1023857)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kix-atomic-bomb-ring/1023857 "2026-08-02T17:48:44Z")
The story was all over Reddit this year, where I found it. In 1947, kids could send 15¢ and a boxtop from Kix cereal to see atoms splitting in an Atomic “Bomb” Ring - powered by deadly radioactive polonium. 3,500,000 wer… --- ## [Jeff Conolly (Lyres, DMZ) is dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeff-conolly-lyres-dmz-is-dead/1032090)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeff-conolly-lyres-dmz-is-dead/1032090 "2026-08-02T16:40:11Z")
I don’t do RIP threads. I’ll just say it: Jeff Conolly had cancer and is dead at 69. Damn. Jeff was one of the best, most vital musicians in the Boston club scene. He also could piss people off, which was part of his w… --- ## [The Secret Service Makes Me Nervous](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-secret-service-makes-me-nervous/1028830)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-secret-service-makes-me-nervous/1028830 "2026-08-02T15:14:15Z")
Today: Secret Service agent assigned to Jill Biden accidentally shoots himself in leg at airport 2024: Secret Service uniformed officer accidentally shoots himself while on duty 2017: Secret Service officer injure… --- ## [I'm not a robot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-a-robot/1023287)
**Author:** [@NotEncinoMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotEncinoMan)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-a-robot/1023287 "2026-08-02T12:47:16Z")
If you’re like me you sure as hell aren’t a robot and you’re willing to prove it. https://neal.fun/not-a-robot/ In this you’ll have to prove it over 48 levels. Waldo is confounding me currently --- ## [Songs with local radio station call letters placed into the lyrics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-with-local-radio-station-call-letters-placed-into-the-lyrics/996441)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-with-local-radio-station-call-letters-placed-into-the-lyrics/996441 "2026-08-02T12:28:28Z")
I recently heard the song “Fire” by the Pointer Sisters and remembered how the local radio station would insert it’s call letters into the lyrics. Like this: I’m ridin’ in your car You turn on the radio K-Earth 101 … --- ## [So...how do railroads work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-railroads-work/1031768)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-railroads-work/1031768 "2026-08-02T12:05:38Z")
I’ve always had an interest in complex systems in general, both professionally, and recreationally with “sim” and “tycoon” games. And living and working the NY metro area, I am certainly familiar with the various transi… --- ## [How’s Carney doing, Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-s-carney-doing-canada/1017850)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 878\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-s-carney-doing-canada/1017850 "2026-08-02T11:29:23Z")
This thread is for the discussion of the Carney ministry, which took office in March 2025 and was elected to a minority government on April 28, 2025. Prime Minister Carney has advised the GovGen to summon Parliament a m… --- ## [Any recommendation for a canine GPS tracker for a smaller dog?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-recommendation-for-a-canine-gps-tracker-for-a-smaller-dog/1031918)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-recommendation-for-a-canine-gps-tracker-for-a-smaller-dog/1031918 "2026-08-02T10:33:16Z")
As I have mentioned previously, I am the sole owner of a 13-year-old, 25-pound, Parson Russell Terrier (PRT) named Milo. (You can think of a PRT as a Jack Russell Terrier with long legs and a rough coat.) When he was muc… --- ## [Bathroom light/fan with no neutral wire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-light-fan-with-no-neutral-wire/1032060)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-light-fan-with-no-neutral-wire/1032060 "2026-08-02T03:56:17Z")
I’m not sure how else to find an answer to this question: Googling is proving useless. Backstory below, with detailed question in bold afterwards. We’re in an old house, and just had an energy audit. The standout “WHAT … --- ## [What happened to the post preview panel? (originally asked about Sam's Simple Theme, but seems to affect all of them)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-post-preview-panel-originally-asked-about-sams-simple-theme-but-seems-to-affect-all-of-them/1031875)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-post-preview-panel-originally-asked-about-sams-simple-theme-but-seems-to-affect-all-of-them/1031875 "2026-08-02T01:42:36Z")
It’s gone on my Windows PC and my Android tablet. There used to be little arrows at the bottom right to make it appear or disappear, but now they’re gone. --- ## [According to Justice Roberts, nearly everyone besides him misunderstands the "tradition and history" precedent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-justice-roberts-nearly-everyone-besides-him-misunderstands-the-tradition-and-history-precedent/1003253)
**Author:** [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-justice-roberts-nearly-everyone-besides-him-misunderstands-the-tradition-and-history-precedent/1003253 "2026-08-02T01:27:23Z")
The SCOTUS just overturned a lower court ruling saying that a federal law unconstitutionally barred a domestic abuser under a restraining order from possessing a gun. If you’re wondering how it was possible for the lowe… --- ## ["Blade Runner 2099" coming to Amazon Prime Video in Nov](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blade-runner-2099-coming-to-amazon-prime-video-in-nov/1032026)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blade-runner-2099-coming-to-amazon-prime-video-in-nov/1032026 "2026-08-02T01:16:21Z")
Teaser trailer included: https://collider.com/blade-runner-2099-limited-series-no-season-2/ And see: Can’t wait! --- ## [Did baseball always have a shortstop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-baseball-always-have-a-shortstop/1031966)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-baseball-always-have-a-shortstop/1031966 "2026-08-02T01:09:19Z")
I mean you have this perfectly symmetrical arrangement of fielders and did someone decide, “Hey let’s add one more.” “Where is he going to stand?” “Anywhere he wants to.” Which brings up the next question - is there a … --- ## [Sexism/male chauvinism in television commercials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-male-chauvinism-in-television-commercials/1031931)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-male-chauvinism-in-television-commercials/1031931 "2026-08-01T23:27:04Z")
I was watching retro commercials on the Roku “Time Portal TV” app, and this golden oldie Folger’s Coffee ad featuring Yvonne Craig popped up: Folgers Coffee Commercial #11 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Intern… --- ## [Agoraphobic visiting New York City for the first time. Advice? Suggestions? Comments?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agoraphobic-visiting-new-york-city-for-the-first-time-advice-suggestions-comments/1031583)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agoraphobic-visiting-new-york-city-for-the-first-time-advice-suggestions-comments/1031583 "2026-08-01T23:03:27Z")
I have always had a dream. Number one on my bucket list, visit New York City someday. Well, I have some extra money and a friend who is willing to drive me. We’re actually just going to make a day trip. I know that it’s … --- ## [End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-birthright-citizenship-for-territories-act/1032012)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-birthright-citizenship-for-territories-act/1032012 "2026-08-01T20:15:35Z")
Representative Morgan Griffith, a Virginia Republican, has introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act. It would would amend federal laws that grant U.S. citizenship at birth to people born in Puerto Ri… --- ## [Yet another song identification question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-song-identification-question/1023765)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-song-identification-question/1023765 "2026-08-01T19:44:10Z")
I was at the grocery store today, and heard a song that is definitely from the 1990s or before, because I used to hear it then, but never found out who did it or what it’s called. It has a female lead singer, possibly t… --- ## [How much paint remover would it take to make the paint peel on the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060)
**Author:** [@Ancient\_Nerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ancient_Nerd)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060 "2026-08-01T19:31:23Z")
After painting the bottom of the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial, it was refilled with water. Almost immediately, the paint began to peel. According to el donald, the peeling paint is the result of vandalism. C… --- ## [New Maine Senate race thread, moving on from Platner. (SO DON'T TALK ABOUT PLATNER)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-maine-senate-race-thread-moving-on-from-platner-so-dont-talk-about-platner/1031527)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-maine-senate-race-thread-moving-on-from-platner-so-dont-talk-about-platner/1031527 "2026-08-01T19:00:12Z")
Platner is out (hooray!). Dems have a couple of weeks or so to pick a new candidate. How will they do it? Who will they pick? How will that candidate fare against Collins? If they can pull it together, I hope they do a … --- ## [Avengers 5 officially renamed (Avengers: Doomsday)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avengers-5-officially-renamed-avengers-doomsday/1004881)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 339\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avengers-5-officially-renamed-avengers-doomsday/1004881 "2026-08-01T17:31:06Z")
Kang is out and they are apparently throwing out that storyline. The new title is: Avengers Doomsday. The big bad is Doctor Doom and he is played by none other than Mr. Robert Downey Jr. --- ## [Time Person of the Year 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-person-of-the-year-2026/1031963)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-person-of-the-year-2026/1031963 "2026-08-01T16:00:31Z")
Okay, it is a little early for this, but I just saw what claims to be a Polymarket graph on Facebook that says that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has just passed President Trump as the favorite. Up until this point, I h… --- ## [MLB - July 2026 ("Banana Ball" has its own thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-july-2026-banana-ball-has-its-own-thread/1031330)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-july-2026-banana-ball-has-its-own-thread/1031330 "2026-08-01T14:36:09Z")
Starting the month with an embarrassing gaffe from last night… Rangers played at Cleveland last night. In the top of the seventh, they had a runner on second with one out and the score tied 2-2. Alejandro Osuna hit a… --- ## [The "Tradwife" lifestyle: Does anyone else find this appealing, or have personal experience with it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tradwife-lifestyle-does-anyone-else-find-this-appealing-or-have-personal-experience-with-it/1009528)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 236\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tradwife-lifestyle-does-anyone-else-find-this-appealing-or-have-personal-experience-with-it/1009528 "2026-08-01T13:37:26Z")
This political season makes it sound like millions upon millions of men are just chomping at the bit to take rights away from women, so they can “own” them, which is basically what the extreme end of the whole “tradwife”… --- ## [Freedom 250 - The Great American State Fair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 899\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470 "2026-08-01T03:16:16Z")
I thought we could use a thread for this semiquincentennial event that should have been an exciting celebration. Given its inauspicious start with most of the musical talent withdrawing from the proceedings, I expect it… --- ## [Sporting events practiced only (or almost only) by one nation, or one language “sphere”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sporting-events-practiced-only-or-almost-only-by-one-nation-or-one-language-sphere/1031773)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sporting-events-practiced-only-or-almost-only-by-one-nation-or-one-language-sphere/1031773 "2026-08-01T02:58:01Z")
@EinsteinsHund made an interesting observation in another Game Room thread that the popular one-mile-run track-&-field event is generally only contested in the Anglosphere. In contrast, the Olympic Games, the World Athle… --- ## [Tea! Beyond the mundane!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-beyond-the-mundane/1026025)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-beyond-the-mundane/1026025 "2026-08-01T02:10:22Z")
OMG so good! My Christmas present to myself was an order of four teas from Harney & Sons Fine Teas. The box arrived today and I’m currently sipping a mug of the New England Breakfast, described by their website as “our … --- ## [NFL 2026 Offseason Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 459\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644 "2026-08-01T00:33:48Z")
With the Super Bowl in the books, it’s time for the offseason thread. Upcoming dates of import: February 23 - March 2: Scouting Combine March 3: Deadline to designate franchise and transition players March 9: Teams ca… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - July 2026 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-july-2026-edition/1031256)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-july-2026-edition/1031256 "2026-08-01T00:10:59Z")
So here we are, July about to slap us in the face, heat beginning to ramp up, Europeans buying out our Ranch Dressing supply like crackheads who found a stash of 100$ bills, and the World Cup marching merrily onward. In… --- ## [Question about a Dyson vacuum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-a-dyson-vacuum/1031991)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-a-dyson-vacuum/1031991 "2026-07-31T21:48:23Z")
Over the years, I’ve heard great things about them, and I saw that a rechargeable stick model is on sale at Ollie’s (Good! Stuff! Cheap!) for $299. They’re refurbished, and the reason I’m hesitant is that I see that t… --- ## [There's a biopic of Anthony Bourdain coming out Aug 2026 - "Tony"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-a-biopic-of-anthony-bourdain-coming-out-aug-2026-tony/1032016)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-a-biopic-of-anthony-bourdain-coming-out-aug-2026-tony/1032016 "2026-07-31T21:37:46Z")
To be released August 2026. I’m not sure how I feel about this. Like someone said in the comments to the trailer, I’m not ready to be sad about him again. I can’t even watch reruns of Kitchen Confidential. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=47&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=49&state=muted)