# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=526 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 527 --- ## [South Africa election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-africa-election/1002351)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-africa-election/1002351 "2024-07-08T14:39:18Z")
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africa-heads-coalition-anc-set-big-fall-2024-05-31/ The ANC has, as was predicted, done poorly, and apparently will need some coalition to stay in power. Any predictions? I’ve… --- ## [Help me find this cartoon/comic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-this-cartoon-comic/1003855)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-this-cartoon-comic/1003855 "2024-07-08T14:07:46Z")
A guy I used to work with had a full page, single panel cartoon taped up on the inside of his locker door. It was a birdseye view of a mens restroom. A man was in a booth, sitting on the toilet reading a newspaper and s… --- ## [(Old) Oh, Eh? Can You See? - A Holiday MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-oh-eh-can-you-see-a-holiday-mmp/1003555)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 329\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-oh-eh-can-you-see-a-holiday-mmp/1003555 "2024-07-08T12:36:52Z")
So today is Canada Day, and also NHL Free Agency Day(aka, more regret and lost money than a celebrity divorce day), and Thursday is (U.S.)Independence Day. Any Mumpers who aren’t RDOSes getting time off this week? I ge… --- ## [Three actors and a movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-actors-and-a-movie/1001717)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-actors-and-a-movie/1001717 "2024-07-08T12:18:36Z")
Name the movie from three actors in it, then pose your own challenge with your answer. I’ll start us off nice and easy: Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda. --- ## [Let's play a Feud! {It's complete}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-play-a-feud-its-complete/1003370)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-play-a-feud-its-complete/1003370 "2024-07-08T06:49:59Z")
Object of the game: Give the most popular answer for each category. You want to match the other people in the game. Rules: DO NOT READ THIS THREAD BEFORE YOU POST YOUR ANSWERS , lest you see the other answers. Scroll … --- ## [House of the Dragon 2.03 "The Burning Mill" 6/30/24 OPEN SPOILERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-2-03-the-burning-mill-6-30-24-open-spoilers/1003603)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-2-03-the-burning-mill-6-30-24-open-spoilers/1003603 "2024-07-08T02:52:08Z")
Sorry for the late thread, slipped my mind. Everything shown on screen is valid for discussion without spoiler boxes. If you’re going to reveal future events based on any other material please spoiler box it. 2.01: A S… --- ## [Stick free peanuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stick-free-peanuts/1003706)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stick-free-peanuts/1003706 "2024-07-08T01:43:07Z")
A really weird question here, but is there any reason why scotch tape won’t stick to a peanut. I was trying to set a mouse trap and one recommendation was peanut butter. I didn’t have any of that, but thought a peanut … --- ## [For a Bad, bad, bad time call... 867-5309. You got my number!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-a-bad-bad-bad-time-call-867-5309-you-got-my-number/1003793)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-a-bad-bad-bad-time-call-867-5309-you-got-my-number/1003793 "2024-07-08T00:14:34Z")
Hadda change my phone number today. My number was similar to some chiropractic clinic and I’m tired of making appointments for folks, who don’t have appointments. At all…:wink:. Sorry persons. I was funnin’ you. Not my … --- ## [What's the most efficient way to use a heat pump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-efficient-way-to-use-a-heat-pump/978758)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-efficient-way-to-use-a-heat-pump/978758 "2024-07-08T00:05:03Z")
Last week I got my old gas furnace and central AC replaced with a brand new high efficiency variable speed heat pump. With the old furnace I would have the thermostat scheduled to turn the temperature down at night and … --- ## [Genius Innovations From Other Countries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genius-innovations-from-other-countries/995811)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genius-innovations-from-other-countries/995811 "2024-07-07T23:27:04Z")
This thread shows lots of creative solutions to problems you did not know you had. How many of you have seen any of these innovations in the wild? --- ## [What determines what kind of weapons/items can be carried by a warplane's pylons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-what-kind-of-weapons-items-can-be-carried-by-a-warplanes-pylons/1003734)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-what-kind-of-weapons-items-can-be-carried-by-a-warplanes-pylons/1003734 "2024-07-07T22:40:14Z")
According to Wikipedia (that always-reliable, never-error-prone website /s) and other sites, there is considerable lack of overlap between American warplane pylons (for instance, the F-18 Super Hornet can carry LRASM and… --- ## [Mike Flanagan takes on The Fall of the House of Usher](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-flanagan-takes-on-the-fall-of-the-house-of-usher/991416)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-flanagan-takes-on-the-fall-of-the-house-of-usher/991416 "2024-07-07T20:32:06Z")
You might know Flanagan from such works as The Haunting of Hill House, Dr. Sleep, Ouija: Origin of Evil, or half a dozen other things I’m not going to list out here because I’m on my iPad. Now on Netflix he’s taking on … --- ## [What do you do if you're a passenger on a plane and you see something wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-if-youre-a-passenger-on-a-plane-and-you-see-something-wrong/1003512)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-if-youre-a-passenger-on-a-plane-and-you-see-something-wrong/1003512 "2024-07-07T19:49:51Z")
I recently got home from Las Vegas. As is my habit, prior to the trip, I found myself watching Youtube videos about airline disasters. I don’t know why I do this to myself, but I do. I’ve become something of a coinnos… --- ## [House of the Dragon 2.01 "Son for a son" 6/16/24 OPEN SPOILERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-2-01-son-for-a-son-6-16-24-open-spoilers/1002965)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-2-01-son-for-a-son-6-16-24-open-spoilers/1002965 "2024-07-07T19:39:55Z")
Open spoilers for anything that has been on the show. If you want to bring in information about (probable) future events based on written material please spoiler box it. Last year we had one big thread but I think we ha… --- ## [Soccer: About own goals (better explained in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-about-own-goals-better-explained-in-op/1003841)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-about-own-goals-better-explained-in-op/1003841 "2024-07-07T17:45:59Z")
Let’s say Team A’s striker launches the ball towars the right-hand (as he’s facing it) side of the net. It’s a screamer and Team B’s goalkeeper makes a valiant lunch for it, gets a finger on it, alters its trajectory eve… --- ## [The US military ran an antivax propaganda campaign in the Philippines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-military-ran-an-antivax-propaganda-campaign-in-the-philippines/1003758)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-military-ran-an-antivax-propaganda-campaign-in-the-philippines/1003758 "2024-07-07T17:28:01Z")
(I wasn’t sure where to put this. Politics? Great Debates? But I don’t really have anything to debate. The Quarantine Zone, since it’s Covid related? But it’s really not about the pandemic. So I thought that since I real… --- ## [Islamic Names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islamic-names/1003819)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islamic-names/1003819 "2024-07-07T17:21:42Z")
Do people who convert to Islam always choose Arabic names when they convert? For example, Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali. Does the convert choose the name or is the name chosen for them? --- ## [Weirdest movie/TV/etc tie-in cookbook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdest-movie-tv-etc-tie-in-cookbook/1003766)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdest-movie-tv-etc-tie-in-cookbook/1003766 "2024-07-07T16:55:24Z")
If you’ve ever browsed the cookbook section at a sufficiently large bookstore, you’ve seen examples of this phenomenon: there’s some cultural object with a culinary component, so an associated cookbook is written and rel… --- ## [Audio people: that little graph thingy that rises and falls with the sound (better explained in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-people-that-little-graph-thingy-that-rises-and-falls-with-the-sound-better-explained-in-op/1003811)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-people-that-little-graph-thingy-that-rises-and-falls-with-the-sound-better-explained-in-op/1003811 "2024-07-07T16:49:35Z")
You know that gizmo that shows a number of vertical lines (as few as three, as many as several dozen (I guess?)) that audio technicians use? The lines will rise and fall as the music or whatever progresses. What’s it cal… --- ## [Acceptable English grammar/semantics that you hate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acceptable-english-grammar-semantics-that-you-hate/1001984)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 260\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acceptable-english-grammar-semantics-that-you-hate/1001984 "2024-07-07T16:27:33Z")
I’m fine with split infinitives and sentences ending in a preposition. I’m even grudgingly accepting that the meaning of “literally” has changed to simply become an intensifier, because the reality is that language chang… --- ## [Do you go by first name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-go-by-first-name/1003713)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-go-by-first-name/1003713 "2024-07-07T15:49:32Z")
Since I was a child my family always called me by my middle name, and that’s what I’ve used most of my life. Recently I’ve become used to being addressed by my first name from bartenders et al reading my credit card. Fro… --- ## [The Supreme Court Builds More Corruption into our Judicial System and Institutions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-supreme-court-builds-more-corruption-into-our-judicial-system-and-institutions/1003386)
**Author:** [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-supreme-court-builds-more-corruption-into-our-judicial-system-and-institutions/1003386 "2024-07-07T14:39:28Z")
… while we savor the bread and circuses of Biden’s and Trump’s respective debate performances. Gift link: This decision undoes the lawful conviction of James Snyder, a former mayor of Portage, Indiana. He received a… --- ## [Memories you have that you know are inaccurate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memories-you-have-that-you-know-are-inaccurate/1003408)
**Author:** [@RollOutTheBarrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RollOutTheBarrel)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memories-you-have-that-you-know-are-inaccurate/1003408 "2024-07-07T02:20:42Z")
I have a distinct memory of the first time I heard the song “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. I was riding home from school in my friend’s car when I was in high school and heard it on the radio. Recently, I decided to look… --- ## [Jeopardy Masters tournament tonight (originally aired 5-6-2024) Final question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeopardy-masters-tournament-tonight-originally-aired-5-6-2024-final-question/1003797)
**Author:** [@saucywench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saucywench)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeopardy-masters-tournament-tonight-originally-aired-5-6-2024-final-question/1003797 "2024-07-07T01:43:42Z")
Does anyone know what the final question was? Don’t give the answer…yet. Thank you --- ## [My short hair cat has mats. Should I take into a vet or a groomer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-short-hair-cat-has-mats-should-i-take-into-a-vet-or-a-groomer/1003731)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-short-hair-cat-has-mats-should-i-take-into-a-vet-or-a-groomer/1003731 "2024-07-07T00:37:25Z")
My cat is 12 years old. This has never been a problem until recently. It got pretty bad before I noticed because I’ve never even thought to check him for mats being a short haired cat in all. Anyway, I tried cutting the… --- ## [Do various government agencies routinely monitor our on-line searching/clicking behavior?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-various-government-agencies-routinely-monitor-our-on-line-searching-clicking-behavior/1003639)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-various-government-agencies-routinely-monitor-our-on-line-searching-clicking-behavior/1003639 "2024-07-06T23:06:49Z")
I’m sure we’ve all noticed it. Some notion occurs to you, so you google and then maybe read an article or something about the topic … and then, starting almost immediately, the entire web seems biased to forcing more in… --- ## [How do I go about finding someone (pro) to buy a new car for me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-go-about-finding-someone-pro-to-buy-a-new-car-for-me/1003769)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-go-about-finding-someone-pro-to-buy-a-new-car-for-me/1003769 "2024-07-06T23:01:20Z")
My brother has a pro car-buyer guy, basically who acts as one’s broker, middleman, what have you, goes into the dealership, cuts through all the bullshit, and gets you a decent deal on the car you want to buy. Problem is… --- ## [How Should I Approach Sketchy Car Servicing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-approach-sketchy-car-servicing/1003810)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-approach-sketchy-car-servicing/1003810 "2024-07-06T22:10:45Z")
Years ago I was a doctor in a small town near a big car factory. I got to know some of the executives, who were decent folks. Years later, I bought one of this company’s trucks. I liked it a lot. Great fuel economy, … --- ## [Reasons for an in depth background check of a longtime employee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-for-an-in-depth-background-check-of-a-longtime-employee/1003656)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-for-an-in-depth-background-check-of-a-longtime-employee/1003656 "2024-07-06T20:01:10Z")
I’ve worked for the federal government for 37 years, and in my current position for 13. My current position is considered “sensitive”, as I have access to individuals’ personal information. I went through a thorough in… --- ## [I'm looking for a movie with an absurd fight sequence (villain licks his knife at one point)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-a-movie-with-an-absurd-fight-sequence-villain-licks-his-knife-at-one-point/1003727)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-a-movie-with-an-absurd-fight-sequence-villain-licks-his-knife-at-one-point/1003727 "2024-07-06T19:48:13Z")
I’ve seen clips here and there, over the years, of some 1980s B-movie with a memorably absurd fight sequence. I don’t know the specifics, but there’s a point at which the villain menacingly licks his knife while the came… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=525) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=527)