# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=527&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 528 --- ## [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… --- ## [The Voters that Democrats Must Win (=Convince to Vote Dem)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-voters-that-democrats-must-win-convince-to-vote-dem/1003774)
**Author:** [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-voters-that-democrats-must-win-convince-to-vote-dem/1003774 "2024-07-06T19:37:34Z")
We know that dedicated, informed Democrats—the base—will vote for whichever Democrat is at the top of the ticket. (And for the down-ballot races, too.) The base will support Biden, or Harris, or … anyone running as the D… --- ## [Is there a term for...."inflationary logic?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-inflationary-logic/992328)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-inflationary-logic/992328 "2024-07-06T18:50:01Z")
Many years ago, I read a rather weird fiction novel. Part of it involved a judge sentencing a man to to death for “murder.” The man had verbally harassed and bullied his wife for years, and the wife committed suicide. T… --- ## [For bitching about language pedantry, other posters' language, and language in general](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-bitching-about-language-pedantry-other-posters-language-and-language-in-general/1003135)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 477\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-bitching-about-language-pedantry-other-posters-language-and-language-in-general/1003135 "2024-07-06T14:12:26Z")
@kaylasdad99, I like your contributions in general. But please, cut the annoying pedantic corrections of people’s spelling and grammar. Is there a risk of misunderstanding? Is it something that posters will be genuinely … --- ## [Shark Mayhem 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shark-mayhem-2024/1003757)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shark-mayhem-2024/1003757 "2024-07-06T12:52:10Z")
This 4th of July four people were injured by a shark in Texas: And one in Florida: --- ## [Removing stain from baking tray](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-stain-from-baking-tray/1003733)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-stain-from-baking-tray/1003733 "2024-07-06T10:02:43Z")
I have an excellent mini-oven and have enjoyed heating up spring rolls and prawn toast within it. However the metal baking tray has some acquired some small brown stains. I tried using a sponge and water (to no effect)… --- ## [Brits: What's a zombie knife?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-whats-a-zombie-knife/816315)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-whats-a-zombie-knife/816315 "2024-07-06T07:51:06Z")
See subject. They’re about to be banned in Britain, and all I can make out is that they’re big and scary looking. How will they legally be defined? The anti-zombie law, passed in response to a flurry or knife attacks, … --- ## [Helicopter carrying Iranian President and Foreign Minister has crashed -upd, all aboard died \[2024-05-19\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-carrying-iranian-president-and-foreign-minister-has-crashed-upd-all-aboard-died-2024-05-19/1001772)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-carrying-iranian-president-and-foreign-minister-has-crashed-upd-all-aboard-died-2024-05-19/1001772 "2024-07-06T05:56:42Z")
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed while he was visiting a northern region in the country Sunday, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA. His condition is currently unknown. Iranian o… --- ## [Are you a good mulch or a bad mulch? (Gardening, not the Wizard of Oz)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-good-mulch-or-a-bad-mulch-gardening-not-the-wizard-of-oz/1003738)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-good-mulch-or-a-bad-mulch-gardening-not-the-wizard-of-oz/1003738 "2024-07-06T04:48:01Z")
We have converted part of our front yard to an English country garden with the help of an environmentally friendly landscape designer. She has planted a bunch of native, non-invasive, pollinator-friendly perennials. Now … --- ## [Please explain this tech geek joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-this-tech-geek-joke/1003631)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-this-tech-geek-joke/1003631 "2024-07-06T03:24:31Z")
I’m not familiar with the various programming languages but recently came across this joke on a tee shirt. Can someone take the time to patiently explain how the images rel… --- ## [Yet another pjd classical music recognition request](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-pjd-classical-music-recognition-request/1003736)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-pjd-classical-music-recognition-request/1003736 "2024-07-06T00:11:30Z")
Hi classic fans, can someone remind me what this tune is from. TIA folks. --- ## [Were there any references to Vulcans having green blood after Star Trek: TOS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-any-references-to-vulcans-having-green-blood-after-star-trek-tos/984293)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-any-references-to-vulcans-having-green-blood-after-star-trek-tos/984293 "2024-07-06T00:03:10Z")
I’ve been watching a lot of Star Trek lately. While the green blood jokes were common on TOS between McCoy and Spock, were there any other references to this in the subsequent TV series or the films? I can’t remember any… --- ## ["Problematic" or potentially harmful Film/Television Shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problematic-or-potentially-harmful-film-television-shows/1001076)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problematic-or-potentially-harmful-film-television-shows/1001076 "2024-07-05T23:26:10Z")
I’m pretty lame. I like watching “reaction videos” on YouTube. I’m guess I’m curious to see how other people respond to TV and movies that I found particularly interesting or shocking. It’s not about watching what I enjo… --- ## [2024 Presidential general election: How large and critical is the "unengaged voter" cohort?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-presidential-general-election-how-large-and-critical-is-the-unengaged-voter-cohort/1003776)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-presidential-general-election-how-large-and-critical-is-the-unengaged-voter-cohort/1003776 "2024-07-05T23:24:04Z")
While I understand that 100,000 voters in a few swing states can make all the difference, and that - thus - numbers at the margins can matter in a presidential election: When we invoke “unengaged voters” … just how larg… --- ## [What are the most prestigious US/Global universities that no longer exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-most-prestigious-us-global-universities-that-no-longer-exist/1003409)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-most-prestigious-us-global-universities-that-no-longer-exist/1003409 "2024-07-05T23:04:00Z")
It occurs to me that of the original Ivy League schools, all of them are still around and very well regarded (to varying extents) and it’s rare to find a university that was well thought of back in the day to not be very… --- ## [FTC announces rule to ban non-compete agreements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ftc-announces-rule-to-ban-non-compete-agreements/1000673)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ftc-announces-rule-to-ban-non-compete-agreements/1000673 "2024-07-05T22:42:39Z")
Announcement here: Ruling here (PDF): Long story, short: Noncompetes are disallowed and will be unenforceable after a certain date (120 days from the posting of this ruling to the Federal Register). However, if you… --- ## [American characters in (early) James Bond films](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-characters-in-early-james-bond-films/1002950)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-characters-in-early-james-bond-films/1002950 "2024-07-05T21:05:35Z")
The only James Bond films I’ve watched are Dr. No, and then three Craig films – Skyfall, Quantum of Solace, and Casino Royale. However, I also watch a bunch of reaction videos on YouTube, and I’m currently watching a you… --- ## [There's no "there" there: Breathless reports (with video!) of Joe Biden "having lost it" are untrue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-no-there-there-breathless-reports-with-video-of-joe-biden-having-lost-it-are-untrue/1003159)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-no-there-there-breathless-reports-with-video-of-joe-biden-having-lost-it-are-untrue/1003159 "2024-07-05T20:58:12Z")
In brief: While in France recently for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day remembrance ceremonies, Biden did not try to sit in an imaginary chair. The chair was there – careful use of camera placement was used to imply ot… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=526&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=528&state=tracking)