# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=557&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 558 --- ## [Bad bad bad Ivy and that awful aroma you're sportin'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-ivy-and-that-awful-aroma-youre-sportin/1001990)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-ivy-and-that-awful-aroma-youre-sportin/1001990 "2024-05-25T18:41:45Z")
After she made me actually hobble around stripping my bed and hunting errant dainties and socks for the laundry, she decided she needed to be away from me and ran upstairs. Moi? Sez I? What I do? Ok. I griped and huffe… --- ## [Parlance for "Yes"... Does a Bear... in the Woods (Mild Profanity)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parlance-for-yes-does-a-bear-in-the-woods-mild-profanity/1002046)
**Author:** [@Drummond\_Bays](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drummond_Bays)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parlance-for-yes-does-a-bear-in-the-woods-mild-profanity/1002046 "2024-05-25T18:34:25Z")
Hello all! I may have the wrong terminology, but I am imploring upon The Teeming Millions to help expand my personal vernacular. I work in construction, so the naughty ones are more than welcome! I am actually seeking … --- ## [Am I getting older, or do Web browsers sometimes ignore my clicks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-getting-older-or-do-web-browsers-sometimes-ignore-my-clicks/1001961)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-getting-older-or-do-web-browsers-sometimes-ignore-my-clicks/1001961 "2024-05-25T18:15:22Z")
I’ve been observing this for the past year. Sometimes (not always) I click a link or button on a page, I get visual feedback that I’ve clicked (button flashing a different colour, for instance), but the click has no effe… --- ## [Former U.S. Marine accused of training Chinese fighter pilots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-u-s-marine-accused-of-training-chinese-fighter-pilots/1002063)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-u-s-marine-accused-of-training-chinese-fighter-pilots/1002063 "2024-05-25T17:30:06Z")
He’s an Australian citizen and can be handed over to them for charges. --- ## [What is the best song that begins with the letter Q,V, X, or Z? See rules in OP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-the-letter-q-v-x-or-z-see-rules-in-op/993185)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-the-letter-q-v-x-or-z-see-rules-in-op/993185 "2024-05-25T17:19:02Z")
Rules: NEW SUGGESTION: If you edit your already-posted entry to make a change, I may not see it. Better to make a new entry with changes or additions. NEW RULE: Please do not post title suggestions for others to su… --- ## [Are you done shoveling/blowing snow for the winter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-done-shoveling-blowing-snow-for-the-winter/997981)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-done-shoveling-blowing-snow-for-the-winter/997981 "2024-05-25T15:55:54Z")
Obviously aimed at those in colder climates. Here near Chicago, we’ve had a recent spate of mid-Feb temps in the 50s-low 60s. Long range forecast has it above 50 most days into early March. I’m betting that I will not… --- ## [SF Story - School uses brain implant to punish kids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sf-story-school-uses-brain-implant-to-punish-kids/1002036)
**Author:** [@Mikestone8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikestone8)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sf-story-school-uses-brain-implant-to-punish-kids/1002036 "2024-05-25T13:43:42Z")
Story appearing in SF anthology (possibly kids’ sf) from early 2000s or before… Girl visits brother at boarding (reform?) school. Learns that he and other inmates have chips planted in their brains which can administer a… --- ## [Would you undergo surgery for an advanced and reliable brain computer interface?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-undergo-surgery-for-an-advanced-and-reliable-brain-computer-interface/1001929)
**Author:** [@Humans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Humans)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-undergo-surgery-for-an-advanced-and-reliable-brain-computer-interface/1001929 "2024-05-25T13:23:05Z")
Fast forward some years into the future and brain computer interfaces have advanced to the level of reliability and mass production. It allows you to control all computing devices (smartphone, laptop, smart devices, et… --- ## [Am I allowed to Threadshit this Topic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-allowed-to-threadshit-this-topic/1001931)
**Author:** [@Wrenching\_Spanners](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wrenching_Spanners)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-allowed-to-threadshit-this-topic/1001931 "2024-05-25T12:41:08Z")
I’m quite interested in discussing and debating the upcoming UK general election. However, Fiendish\_Astronaut has started a thread that’s horribly biased. His post is: “The announcement perhaps sums up the sense of d… --- ## [Straight Dope 2/10/2023: Are billionaires bad for democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-2-10-2023-are-billionaires-bad-for-democracy/979580)
**Author:** [@Cecil\_Adams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cecil_Adams)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-2-10-2023-are-billionaires-bad-for-democracy/979580 "2024-05-25T00:25:59Z")
Are billionaires bad for democracy? Recent history hasn’t been reassuring, has it? But the question is more complicated than you might think. Let’s break it down. Are billionaires bad, period? There’s a sizable constit… --- ## [What color is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-color-is-this/1001878)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-color-is-this/1001878 "2024-05-25T00:23:27Z")
Help settle a bet, what color are the doors? --- ## [Did you ever have a cat get skunked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-ever-have-a-cat-get-skunked/1002005)
**Author:** [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-ever-have-a-cat-get-skunked/1002005 "2024-05-25T00:14:52Z")
No, Discourse. This is not similar to “have you ever had a hitch in your get-along”, let alone to the thread about the Catholic cathedral, which discourse apparently thought better of because that suggestion disappeared … --- ## [Putin Has Called for a ceasefire. With--certain provisos. NEWSLINK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putin-has-called-for-a-ceasefire-with-certain-provisos-newslink/1002029)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putin-has-called-for-a-ceasefire-with-certain-provisos-newslink/1002029 "2024-05-24T22:08:25Z")
Not a truce. And he gets to keep the land he stole. He wants to catch a breath, then start again. NEWSLINK ONE NEWSLINK TWO --- ## [Some of the genes that cause Alzheimer's or multiple sclerosis may have protected our ancestors from sheep or cattle diseases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-of-the-genes-that-cause-alzheimers-or-multiple-sclerosis-may-have-protected-our-ancestors-from-sheep-or-cattle-diseases/1002043)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-of-the-genes-that-cause-alzheimers-or-multiple-sclerosis-may-have-protected-our-ancestors-from-sheep-or-cattle-diseases/1002043 "2024-05-24T22:03:45Z")
This is per a story in Nature, which is about as reliable as it gets. People who are studying the genomes of Northern European ancestors have discovered this link. It’s long been known that the sickle cell trait protec… --- ## [Why do these two subway trains have a different acceleration sounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-these-two-subway-trains-have-a-different-acceleration-sounds/1001994)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-these-two-subway-trains-have-a-different-acceleration-sounds/1001994 "2024-05-24T20:41:39Z")
Here is an old (long out-of-service) H-series Toronto subway train. On acceleration, it has a distinctive warm, cricket-like sound (@0:35). Here is a newer (soon likely to be obsolete) T1-series train. It has a deeper, … --- ## [Homeowners Insurance for treehouses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowners-insurance-for-treehouses/1002008)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowners-insurance-for-treehouses/1002008 "2024-05-24T20:05:13Z")
How difficult is it to get homeowners insurance for a treehouse? Can you get coverage for beaver damage? Under “Type of foundation” do you put “root”? Are you covered if a branch from the same tree the house is in fal… --- ## [Planet Of The (Hanna Barbara) Apes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planet-of-the-hanna-barbara-apes/1002007)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planet-of-the-hanna-barbara-apes/1002007 "2024-05-24T19:47:14Z")
Did Magilla Gorilla and Grape Ape ever meet up in any Hanna Barbara cartoon? I’ll even take a guest appearance on Harvey Birdman, Attorney At Law. :smile: --- ## [Anybody still watching Young Sheldon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-still-watching-young-sheldon/812355)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-still-watching-young-sheldon/812355 "2024-05-24T19:37:56Z")
I notice the thread discussing this has dropped off the displayed CS pages, and the Search function seems to be broken, so I’ll start a new one to resurrect. I’m really digging this show. I didn’t expect to, but I find … --- ## [Social Security Windfall Provision](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-windfall-provision/1001521)
**Author:** [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-windfall-provision/1001521 "2024-05-24T18:56:34Z")
I’m putting this here because I know it’s going to turn into a debate. There is a Windfall Elimination Provision in Social Security that affects benefits for certain people who had public sector jobs where they did not… --- ## [Does anyone here use Xojo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-xojo/1002034)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-xojo/1002034 "2024-05-24T18:37:27Z")
My version is too old to generate MacOS/64bit apps. I’d like to generate an modern app from my old code. --- ## [New Zealand to completely outlaw smoking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-zealand-to-completely-outlaw-smoking/955804)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-zealand-to-completely-outlaw-smoking/955804 "2024-05-24T18:11:06Z")
From 2027, the minimum age legal age to buy tobacco in New Zealand will be increased annually by one year from the present age of 18. So if you’re a 13 year old now, it will never be legal for you to buy tobacco in New Z… --- ## [Jardiance is a scary drug](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jardiance-is-a-scary-drug/998868)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jardiance-is-a-scary-drug/998868 "2024-05-24T18:07:57Z")
For the record I am a Type II diabetic. I’m not particularly conscientious about it, and I’m on several non-insulin drugs for it. (Metformin, Victoza.) Have been for many years. Recently after having routine bloodwork d… --- ## [Question on cleaning car leather](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-cleaning-car-leather/1002028)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-cleaning-car-leather/1002028 "2024-05-24T17:49:32Z")
To clean our leather couches, we use Weiman’s cleaner and conditioner. Is the leather used for car dashes/door panels & seats different enough that I should not be using this when cleaning my car? Is there a better way… --- ## [Effective "Student Driver" stickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effective-student-driver-stickers/1002022)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effective-student-driver-stickers/1002022 "2024-05-24T16:05:46Z")
I saw one of these yesterday: --- ## [Pigeon Forge commercial jingle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pigeon-forge-commercial-jingle/1002027)
**Author:** [@Dingbang1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dingbang1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pigeon-forge-commercial-jingle/1002027 "2024-05-24T16:02:57Z")
The current tv commercial for Pigeon Forge, TN, has a child singing a jingle about all the wonderful things to do there. I am positive I’ve heard this tune before with different lyrics and it’s driving me crazy trying to… --- ## [What is the deal with street names in Miami?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-deal-with-street-names-in-miami/1001163)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-deal-with-street-names-in-miami/1001163 "2024-05-24T13:56:19Z")
I am from Austin, which has a habit of changing street names every few blocks. However, that has done nothing to prepare me for Miami. I am a motorcoach operator (fancy title for “bus driver”) in Miami providing a shut… --- ## [Penn & Teller: Fool Us - Season 10 Episode 17](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penn-teller-fool-us-season-10-episode-17/999597)
**Author:** [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penn-teller-fool-us-season-10-episode-17/999597 "2024-05-24T13:33:36Z")
I don’t know if anyone is still watching this show (and I didn’t want to revive a years-old thread) but Javi Rufo, the first performer on tonight’s show, had an act that was simply astonishing. He received a rare standin… --- ## [Favorite cicada recipes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-cicada-recipes/1001823)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-cicada-recipes/1001823 "2024-05-24T11:47:35Z")
I’m patiently waiting for emergence of nice tender nymphs to blanch and cook up. Last time I did a simple stir fry but anyone have any other favorite recipes to try? --- ## [Poll: Would you like to Pit @Humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-like-to-pit-humans/1001947)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-would-you-like-to-pit-humans/1001947 "2024-05-24T08:00:33Z")
Continuing the discussion from Would you undergo surgery for an advanced and reliable brain computer interface?: I concur. But not only because of the polls, but mainly because of the subjects he starts. They seem to b… --- ## [What would color-blind aurora watchers see?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-color-blind-aurora-watchers-see/1001526)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-color-blind-aurora-watchers-see/1001526 "2024-05-24T03:41:22Z")
Would they just see lighter or brighter areas, or would they see the aurorae in the same colors that they would see that pink, green, etc. if it was clothing, flowers, signs, etc.? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=556&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=558&state=muted)