# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=544&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 545 --- ## [Robotic Vacuum Cleaners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robotic-vacuum-cleaners/1002702)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robotic-vacuum-cleaners/1002702 "2024-06-13T12:36:09Z")
I am loving my new robotic vacuum cleaner! I did some research on Amazon and bought an inexpensive one with great ratings. I went into this very skeptically, but we have 3 dogs and one of them is a German Shepherd who pr… --- ## [French speaking Dopers - what is the English translation for these Grace Jones lyrics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-speaking-dopers-what-is-the-english-translation-for-these-grace-jones-lyrics/661131)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-speaking-dopers-what-is-the-english-translation-for-these-grace-jones-lyrics/661131 "2024-06-13T12:23:04Z")
This is a Grace Jones video from circa 1979/80. I know that I saw it in rotation in a music video show from before MTV launched. I was about 10 or 11 when I first saw it, and it freaked me right the hell out. I liked … --- ## [Did Emperor Menelik II really ingest Bible pages as a healing method, and die after (and possibly as a result of) eating the entire Book of Kings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-emperor-menelik-ii-really-ingest-bible-pages-as-a-healing-method-and-die-after-and-possibly-as-a-result-of-eating-the-entire-book-of-kings/1002438)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-emperor-menelik-ii-really-ingest-bible-pages-as-a-healing-method-and-die-after-and-possibly-as-a-result-of-eating-the-entire-book-of-kings/1002438 "2024-06-13T12:02:29Z")
There’s a widely-circulated factoid about Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II that he ingested Bible pages as a healing method when ill, and that he died after (and possibly as a result of?) ingesting the entire Book of Kings. … --- ## [In criminal investigations, what DNA is being tested?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-criminal-investigations-what-dna-is-being-tested/1002643)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-criminal-investigations-what-dna-is-being-tested/1002643 "2024-06-13T09:54:53Z")
When there’s a criminal investigation, modern science often allows the police to compare DNA collected from the scene with that of various suspects. It’s my understanding that scientists are usually looking for skin cel… --- ## [How to coil my car charger cable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-coil-my-car-charger-cable/1002756)
**Author:** [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-coil-my-car-charger-cable/1002756 "2024-06-13T03:16:10Z")
I have an EV. The AC charging cable is thick and heavy and about 5 metres long. When I’ve finished using it, I roll it up into loops of about 1 foot diameter and stow it in a pocket in the side of the trunk. Here’s the … --- ## [The Political Compass: Leftness/Rightness of each President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-political-compass-leftness-rightness-of-each-president/1002786)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-political-compass-leftness-rightness-of-each-president/1002786 "2024-06-13T02:05:57Z")
In another thread, it was claimed that Joe Biden is the left most president of all time. I was curious if anybody had done an analysis and I found a YouTube channel that had in fact done one. And sure enough their analys… --- ## [Should I fix or replace the radio in my 2010 Lexus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-fix-or-replace-the-radio-in-my-2010-lexus/1002794)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-fix-or-replace-the-radio-in-my-2010-lexus/1002794 "2024-06-13T01:43:01Z")
I have a 2010 ES350, and the radio has an intermittent fault whereby, when the weather gets warm and you go over a bump, the stereo switches inputs from Bluetooth (which I use 95% of the time) to Satellite, which I use 0… --- ## [Delaware Permit to Purchase Gun Law and the effect it would have had for Hunter Biden](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delaware-permit-to-purchase-gun-law-and-the-effect-it-would-have-had-for-hunter-biden/1002670)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delaware-permit-to-purchase-gun-law-and-the-effect-it-would-have-had-for-hunter-biden/1002670 "2024-06-13T01:36:14Z")
On May 16, 2024, Delaware enacted a permit to purchase gun law requiring prior training and a sworn statement before the current purchase process can take place. See: Delaware’s New Handgun Purchaser Licensing Law The… --- ## [“Female” AI more commonly used for mod/disinformation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-ai-more-commonly-used-for-mod-disinformation/1002779)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-ai-more-commonly-used-for-mod-disinformation/1002779 "2024-06-13T01:01:36Z")
It’s certainly from a psychological standpoint, but also a little depressing that so many people have this “soft spot” that can be exploited. --- ## [PIT Maneuver and Motorcycles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-maneuver-and-motorcycles/1002680)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-maneuver-and-motorcycles/1002680 "2024-06-12T20:30:04Z")
Just watched a police video of a hot pursuit against a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist delighted themself several times by taunting the cop immediately behind him, only to speed away. The video ended before there was an… --- ## [Reason(s) for Discontinuation of 2007 Documentary Film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-s-for-discontinuation-of-2007-documentary-film/1002747)
**Author:** [@Simmerdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simmerdown)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-s-for-discontinuation-of-2007-documentary-film/1002747 "2024-06-12T19:11:03Z")
Seems I might have a better chance here than in CS. Mods, please move if necessary. Shadow of the Holy Book is a 2007 documentary film by Finnish director Arto Halonen, which explores the effects of foreign investment i… --- ## [Film Critic Armond White: for real or a troll?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/film-critic-armond-white-for-real-or-a-troll/544144)
**Author:** [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/film-critic-armond-white-for-real-or-a-troll/544144 "2024-06-12T16:50:17Z")
I mentioned this in the Toy Story 3 thread but after reading more, wanted to give Mr. White his own thread. Armond White is a film critic for the New York Press. He is a member and former chair of the New York Film Crit… --- ## [Do You Make Use of The Placebo Affect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-make-use-of-the-placebo-affect/1002693)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-make-use-of-the-placebo-affect/1002693 "2024-06-12T16:36:30Z")
Not really sure where this belongs so I’ll stick it here and if someone decides it needs moved, thats fine. Question is the title. Do you make use of the placebo affect? Effect? I should know but I’m not sure which i… --- ## [Automatic AI image captions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automatic-ai-image-captions/1002783)
**Author:** [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automatic-ai-image-captions/1002783 "2024-06-12T15:34:19Z")
There’s a new button in our profile settings for \*Automatic AI image captions \* that I just noticed. It does not appear activated yet but what is its intended purpose? --- ## [Annuity Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annuity-question/1002667)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annuity-question/1002667 "2024-06-12T15:26:13Z")
I have a tax deferred annuity that I can start drawing on. I now know that this wasn’t the wisest investment but here I am. What’s the best way to to get the money with the least tax hit? My initial advisor retired and g… --- ## [How much does rest help refresh, as apposed to sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-rest-help-refresh-as-apposed-to-sleep/1002729)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-rest-help-refresh-as-apposed-to-sleep/1002729 "2024-06-12T14:56:14Z")
…If any? You miss REM sleep (correct?), which obviously means you enter you’re Dreamland, (where Kirby lives) with ‘What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?’ cranked up in your skull, on loop, only stopping upon exhibiting the dre… --- ## [Printout from Social Security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printout-from-social-security/1002645)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printout-from-social-security/1002645 "2024-06-12T14:22:35Z")
Decades ago SS sent me, unbidden, a printout listing every job I ever had, and my earnings. I only ever got that one printout, Don’t know what reminded me of that. Did anyone ever get just the one, or do you get them reg… --- ## [I'm done with filling out surveys forever!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-done-with-filling-out-surveys-forever/1002569)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-done-with-filling-out-surveys-forever/1002569 "2024-06-12T13:13:10Z")
That’s it, I quit! I’m sick and tired of EVERY transaction I make, and that EVERY product I buy requires me to rate that product or tell them about the experience I had working with them. If I call and talk to someone at… --- ## [Skirt steak](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skirt-steak/1001146)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skirt-steak/1001146 "2024-06-12T12:37:00Z")
Skirt steak is my favorite cut and it’s on sale this week, so I bought a few pounds, cooked it, and hated it: it turned out dry, grey, tough, and tasteless. Whose fault is this? A) The way I cooked it. I turned on the b… --- ## [Do mathematicians assume certain mathematical hypothesis to be true while waiting for a proof?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mathematicians-assume-certain-mathematical-hypothesis-to-be-true-while-waiting-for-a-proof/1001824)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mathematicians-assume-certain-mathematical-hypothesis-to-be-true-while-waiting-for-a-proof/1001824 "2024-06-12T12:05:48Z")
Using the Reimann Hypothesis as an example: It certainly appears to be true (if I recall right, it’s shown itself to be true for trillions of digits thus far, via supercomputers, and there hasn’t yet been an exception fo… --- ## [Is it wrong to sneak vegetables into children’s food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-wrong-to-sneak-vegetables-into-children-s-food/1002232)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-wrong-to-sneak-vegetables-into-children-s-food/1002232 "2024-06-12T10:46:40Z")
This article says yes. Children are better off being trained to eat what is in front of them. But I’m still sceptical. Why not do that as well as ensure better nutrition? The arguments against it made in the article … --- ## [Ok. Call me quirky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-call-me-quirky/1002712)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-call-me-quirky/1002712 "2024-06-12T03:56:59Z")
I want Taco Bell art. Saw a news story about people stealing the art off the walls of Taco Bell. Apparently you can buy them from online sellers. I’ve always liked those weird paintings. Apparently they are all print… --- ## [“Favorite Son” Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-son-question/1002757)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-son-question/1002757 "2024-06-12T03:45:15Z")
Have the Democratic and Republican candidates for the presidency ever come from the same state (in a particular race, obviously)? --- ## [The pithiest advice you ever got...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pithiest-advice-you-ever-got/795067)
**Author:** [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Replies:** 225\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pithiest-advice-you-ever-got/795067 "2024-06-12T03:32:41Z")
“It only shoots where you point it.”- my marksmanship instructor --- ## [Bad, bad, bad Prosthetic eyeball optical illusion!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-prosthetic-eyeball-optical-illusion/1002606)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-prosthetic-eyeball-optical-illusion/1002606 "2024-06-12T03:07:59Z")
Here goes: In a crazy physics thingy, my eyeball got damaged. The fake one. The real one is ok. Oh, sorry yeah I have a missing eyeball. (Car wreck, long story) I can tell you the whole story of the broken fake eyebal… --- ## [Is there a living politician that, if running for president in this US election (2024), would get you to vote for Donald Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-living-politician-that-if-running-for-president-in-this-us-election-2024-would-get-you-to-vote-for-donald-trump/1002455)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-living-politician-that-if-running-for-president-in-this-us-election-2024-would-get-you-to-vote-for-donald-trump/1002455 "2024-06-12T02:54:47Z")
This post is inspired by the current post in the Pit, If Hillary ran against Trump again, you’d stay home? Please explain. I figured to take the flip side. What politician/government official, alive today, is so bad th… --- ## [Angel Hernandez, Worst MLB Ump ever, retires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angel-hernandez-worst-mlb-ump-ever-retires/1002196)
**Author:** [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angel-hernandez-worst-mlb-ump-ever-retires/1002196 "2024-06-12T01:53:47Z")
I am amazed to see this, it is also interesting to see someone who was so hated stick around for 30 years in MLB. Angel Hernandez Retiring Some of his worst calls and iconic moments. --- ## [Tell me about 529 plans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-529-plans/1002714)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-529-plans/1002714 "2024-06-12T01:31:22Z")
To make a very long story short, my late father created a 529 plan for my nephew. My half-brother, who is the executor of Dad’s will, currently controls it and has decided to transfer control of it to me (my sister and b… --- ## [Billy Strings and Outlaw Country](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-strings-and-outlaw-country/947449)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2024, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-strings-and-outlaw-country/947449 "2024-06-11T23:50:12Z")
All- Has anyone else discovered Billy Strings within the last couple years? Has it led to anything for any of ya’all? For me, it’s opened some doors. I never really cared for bluegrass much, but Billy Strings is freaki… --- ## [Maybe a hospital fund-raiser should not bring in an anti-vaxer like Rob Schneider for the entertainment section](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-a-hospital-fund-raiser-should-not-bring-in-an-anti-vaxer-like-rob-schneider-for-the-entertainment-section/1002631)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2024, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-a-hospital-fund-raiser-should-not-bring-in-an-anti-vaxer-like-rob-schneider-for-the-entertainment-section/1002631 "2024-06-11T23:24:10Z")
Our local hospital foundation has an annual fund-raiser. They just held it and had a good night, raising $350,000. Yay them! Just one little problem: they brought in a well-known anti-vaxer, Rob Schneider, to be the … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=543&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=545&state=watching)