# Latest

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=507&state=tracking

[Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md)

**Page:** 508

---

## [What are the most important dates (years) in history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-most-important-dates-years-in-history/1005101)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Gordon\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gordon_G)\
**Replies:** 80\
**Last updated:** [August 6, 2024, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-most-important-dates-years-in-history/1005101 "2024-08-06T01:13:19Z")

</div>

“What are the ten dates students should be made to memorize?” I’m not sure the above question is actually what I want to ask. I welcome more intelligent suggestions for good criteria. And I don’t need a single Top Ten…

---

## [In SF Award News: Hugos Still Controversial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-sf-award-news-hugos-still-controversial/996538)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\
**Replies:** 125\
**Last updated:** [August 6, 2024, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-sf-award-news-hugos-still-controversial/996538 "2024-08-06T00:54:42Z")

</div>

Apparently the 2023 Hugos (held in Chengdu, China) were as much of a shitshow as the Puppies version. TL:DR - a couple of Chinese diaspora authors, among others, were declared “not eligible” for completely spurious rea…

---

## [What is the origin of your SDMB name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-your-sdmb-name/919810)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\
**Replies:** 284\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-your-sdmb-name/919810 "2024-08-04T23:18:49Z")

</div>

Hilary Algar is a fictional television / movie character who is Garth Algar’s mom. Garth Algar is Wayne Campbell’s best friend. Wayne and Garth co-host the CATV show Wayne’s World. Wayne and Garth are also both from A…

---

## [Another "What's this Scam?" Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-whats-this-scam-thread/1005293)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-whats-this-scam-thread/1005293 "2024-08-05T23:23:39Z")

</div>

I’ve gotten the following text 3 Mondays in a row from 3 different phone numbers (826- area code, N. VA and DC). “Hi \[my first name\], our records show someone in your house may have voted in the primary but you STILL ha…

---

## [Misinterpreted avatars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misinterpreted-avatars/1001578)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\
**Replies:** 109\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misinterpreted-avatars/1001578 "2024-08-05T21:17:36Z")

</div>

I just noticed that carrps avatar is a picture of a woman holding a small black dog on her lap. Until a couple of days ago, I perceived it as a raven’s head. My brain parsed the dog as the black-feathered head, and the…

---

## [Descriptive thread titles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/descriptive-thread-titles/1005286)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/descriptive-thread-titles/1005286 "2024-08-05T21:09:47Z")

</div>

Continuing the discussion from Shame on you?: This only works if the thread title is descriptive. For example the posts above are from a thread titled only “Shame on you?” which is not descriptive enough. Shame on yo…

---

## [What will Ukraine getting 85 F-16s help them achieve](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-ukraine-getting-85-f-16s-help-them-achieve/1004110)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\
**Replies:** 29\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-ukraine-getting-85-f-16s-help-them-achieve/1004110 "2024-08-05T19:39:36Z")

</div>

I fully support Ukraine, if it were up to me we’d be giving them fifth generation F-35 fighters so they can achieve air supremacy. But I’m wondering what giving them F-16s is going to accomplish. I don’t know a ton abou…

---

## [A little bit of larceny from the GOP WINRED PAC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-little-bit-of-larceny-from-the-gop-winred-pac/1005270)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-little-bit-of-larceny-from-the-gop-winred-pac/1005270 "2024-08-05T18:40:01Z")

</div>

A “survey” from WINRED floated up against my spam filter, and I decided to have a little fun with them: Who are YOU going to vote for, friend: President Trump or Kamala Harris? So I filled out their silly questions & c…

---

## [What happened to Faro?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-faro/1005191)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-faro/1005191 "2024-08-05T16:32:18Z")

</div>

I enjoy watching westerns, and often there is a card game in the saloon. It’s usually poker, but sometimes it’s a game of faro. All I know about faro is that it was popular in the old west, and that it was easy fairly e…

---

## [Cryptoquips made easy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cryptoquips-made-easy/243513)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [May 4, 2004, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cryptoquips-made-easy/243513 "2004-05-04T21:11:50Z")

</div>

(As if they weren’t easy in the first place…) Anyway, I had stashed away an old cryptoquip in a shirt pocket that I never got around to. I found it today, and was having a go at it. I was working in pen, made a few cr…

---

## [What are the phenomena in this "Incredible Moments Caught on Camera" video?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-phenomena-in-this-incredible-moments-caught-on-camera-video/1005245)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-phenomena-in-this-incredible-moments-caught-on-camera-video/1005245 "2024-08-05T15:41:53Z")

</div>

I was idly watching a video bearing the name in the title, and it was mostly landslides, tornadoes, and other interesting natural phenomena. However, at one point, there are some bizarre “lights in the sky” phenomena ab…

---

## [How well can you identify with characters from different times/cultures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-can-you-identify-with-characters-from-different-times-cultures/1005166)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\
**Replies:** 24\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-can-you-identify-with-characters-from-different-times-cultures/1005166 "2024-08-05T14:27:01Z")

</div>

Often when I read - or watch TV/movies - I think about how I would act if I were in a similar situation. Or I make opinions about how a character acts/thinks. But I realize that I’m so locked into my personal headspace…

---

## [Question about "The Russia House" by John le Carré](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-russia-house-by-john-le-carre/1005183)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-russia-house-by-john-le-carre/1005183 "2024-08-05T14:08:46Z")

</div>

The central MacGuffin of the novel is the claim by a Russian informant that the Soviet Union’s entire nuclear arsenal is a vast Potemkin Village: that the USSR’s tech is so shoddy that it is doubtful that more than a tin…

---

## [How is debating what constitutes "classic rock" a hijack of a thread about classic rock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-debating-what-constitutes-classic-rock-a-hijack-of-a-thread-about-classic-rock/1005237)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\
**Replies:** 30\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-debating-what-constitutes-classic-rock-a-hijack-of-a-thread-about-classic-rock/1005237 "2024-08-05T13:56:34Z")

</div>

From this original thread: What one band is the epitome of classic rock for you You even posted first in that thread with what your definition is: I get trying to keep threads on track but there needs to be room for …

---

## [Blocking user DMs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-user-dms/1005253)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-user-dms/1005253 "2024-08-05T10:13:34Z")

</div>

Can you block a user from DMing you?

---

## [Tell me about this tube of alcohol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-this-tube-of-alcohol/997724)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-this-tube-of-alcohol/997724 "2024-08-05T08:05:01Z")

</div>

I’m watching a Russian TV series and some police give a visiting detective this tube of some sort of alcoholic beverage as a going away present. It seems to be glass, not plastic, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anythin…

---

## [Imbecilic Olympic, "controversy."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imbecilic-olympic-controversy/1005031)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\
**Replies:** 205\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imbecilic-olympic-controversy/1005031 "2024-08-05T07:12:15Z")

</div>

I’m po’s about the so called “controversy” about the opening ceremonies. I swear some people are just looking for something to faint and clutch their pearls about. Some Christians cannot conceive that they are not being …

---

## [(Old) A Big Birthday in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-a-big-birthday-in-the-mmp/1004939)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\
**Replies:** 261\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-a-big-birthday-in-the-mmp/1004939 "2024-08-05T04:10:12Z")

</div>

Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 19c/67f with a predicted high of 26c/78f, and sunny. Weather app says “Look on the fucking bright side. At least it’s not cold as fuck outside.” Today we are celebrating the birthday …

---

## [Firefox not working properly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefox-not-working-properly/1005244)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefox-not-working-properly/1005244 "2024-08-05T02:39:15Z")

</div>

The problem is a little hard to describe, so bear with me. It stopped working properly after some upgrade a few months ago. Let’s say I am reading the Times. I go through the list of topics and find an article I want …

---

## [RIP Aerosmith and thanks for the great Rock N Roll!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-aerosmith-and-thanks-for-the-great-rock-n-roll/1005178)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Replies:** 43\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-aerosmith-and-thanks-for-the-great-rock-n-roll/1005178 "2024-08-05T01:18:58Z")

</div>

All geat things have to end eventually. I never heard of a fractured larynx. Didn’t know it could happen by singing. But it’s an insurmountable injury for Stephen Tyler. Honestly, it’s amazing that Stephen performed th…

---

## [Any good websites for news of video game releases?/ reviews?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-websites-for-news-of-video-game-releases-reviews/1005240)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-websites-for-news-of-video-game-releases-reviews/1005240 "2024-08-05T00:32:08Z")

</div>

Now that Game Informer is gone?

---

## [Android PodCast and Android Auto](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-podcast-and-android-auto/1005155)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-podcast-and-android-auto/1005155 "2024-08-04T23:24:06Z")

</div>

I’ve currently got a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and a '24 Subaru Outback with Android Auto installed from the factory. I’ve tried two podcast players, Pocket Cast was one and I don’t remember the other. As soon as I start the…

---

## [Odd Sighting at a Stop and Shop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-sighting-at-a-stop-and-shop/1005163)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-sighting-at-a-stop-and-shop/1005163 "2024-08-04T22:08:04Z")

</div>

So I just had an odd experience, and I wanted to share. Am I being paranoid? Making something of nothing? I told the family I’d make burgers on the grill tonight. This is a treat for us since we’ve really curtailed our …

---

## [How much power can a discworld axle generate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-power-can-a-discworld-axle-generate/1004885)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\
**Replies:** 57\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-power-can-a-discworld-axle-generate/1004885 "2024-08-04T19:33:42Z")

</div>

Axles are rare artifacts of unknown origin that are composed a 2 cubes with six inch sides, connected by a rod. The cubes rotate with respect to each other. The rotation is unstoppable so we can assume infinite torque. T…

---

## [Has anyone here ever met Mark Duplass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-ever-met-mark-duplass/1005218)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@SpacedOutBanana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacedOutBanana)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-ever-met-mark-duplass/1005218 "2024-08-04T19:26:19Z")

</div>

So far, been hearing really nice things about him. Really nice to hear. :blush:

---

## [Revisions to SDMB rules 7/29/2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revisions-to-sdmb-rules-7-29-2024/1004990)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revisions-to-sdmb-rules-7-29-2024/1004990 "2024-08-04T18:04:20Z")

</div>

The following rule changes are presented for comment. The first has been the de facto rule for many years but through oversight was never included in the registration agreement/TOS: English language. All SDMB posts shou…

---

## [So what shortages are you personally seeing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-shortages-are-you-personally-seeing/916268)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\
**Replies:** 1612\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-shortages-are-you-personally-seeing/916268 "2024-08-04T18:07:46Z")

</div>

Of course, toilet paper was a big one in the beginning (though I’m seeing it back on the shelves lately. But what also seems to be short. I’m seeing the canned soup aisle usually has big holes in it. It’s even harder …

---

## [How do I buy a new television set?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-buy-a-new-television-set/1005162)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\
**Replies:** 27\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-buy-a-new-television-set/1005162 "2024-08-04T16:22:25Z")

</div>

We bought our 55” Samsung television set in 2015 and it’s not working right — there’s a bright patch in the screen, like the sun partially shining through an overcast sky. I also think it may be unnecessarily complicated…

---

## [Accusing SC Justices of partisanship and prejudice. Isn't that hyperbole?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accusing-sc-justices-of-partisanship-and-prejudice-isnt-that-hyperbole/1004550)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\
**Replies:** 162\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accusing-sc-justices-of-partisanship-and-prejudice-isnt-that-hyperbole/1004550 "2024-08-04T14:23:15Z")

</div>

Yes, Trump appointed Supreme Court justices, and yes those justices later were part of the majority vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. But I think it’s hyperbole to make it sound like Trump interviewed prospective judges and…

---

## [Boar's Head meat recall (Listeria, mostly deli counter) \[July 2024\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boars-head-meat-recall-listeria-mostly-deli-counter-july-2024/1005168)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boars-head-meat-recall-listeria-mostly-deli-counter-july-2024/1005168 "2024-08-04T13:43:11Z")

</div>

Kroger just robocalled me based on our recent grocery buying data. Boar’s Head is recalling about 7 million pounds of meat: A 61pp PDF OF ALL THE LABELS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL A 1pp PDF THAT LISTS ALL THE PRODUCTS…

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=506&state=tracking)

[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=508&state=tracking)
