# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=579 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 580 --- ## [What is this blue "protective circle" figure called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-blue-protective-circle-figure-called/1000092)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2024, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-blue-protective-circle-figure-called/1000092 "2024-04-24T01:28:11Z")
Picture: I’m traveling in Türkiye and this is everywhere. The markets are full of jewelry, handbags, shirts, etc. festooned with this figure. We… --- ## [What does Israel hope to accomplish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-israel-hope-to-accomplish/1000638)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2024, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-israel-hope-to-accomplish/1000638 "2024-04-24T01:21:45Z")
Explain to me like I am an schoolchild how Israel’s strategy both militarily and diplomatically is going to achieve a safer, stronger Israel, one with stronger allies and fewer enemies. Netanyahu says that “total victor… --- ## [I Need Some Cheering Up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-cheering-up/1000174)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-cheering-up/1000174 "2024-04-23T23:51:59Z")
I’m not sleeping well. I have no energy. I haven’t had the energy to play a videogame or read a comic in months. My 80 year-old mom is declining. Based on her health, I’d long expected her to die suddenly. Now, it looks… --- ## [Does Amazon Prime always censor content?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-amazon-prime-always-censor-content/988818)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-amazon-prime-always-censor-content/988818 "2024-04-23T23:10:54Z")
I’ve started watching The Lincoln Lawyer series. Episodes from Season 1 have all the curse words bleeped. Words like shit air on network tv now. But it’s bleeped by Amazon? The dialog in this show is salty and adult. Sh… --- ## [Funny Miscommunications Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-miscommunications-thread/1000627)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-miscommunications-thread/1000627 "2024-04-23T22:25:44Z")
We have a cleaning crew that comes every other week, and part of the service is a Spring Cleaning every spring where they are here all damn day. They clean things I didn’t even know we had (seriously, dusting inside the … --- ## [I got into the wrong car today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-into-the-wrong-car-today/1000384)
**Author:** [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-into-the-wrong-car-today/1000384 "2024-04-23T22:21:05Z")
I was at a fast food place for a late lunch after a hike on one of the first truly warm days of the year. Walked out of the restaurant with my iced tea and my book and said, “Hmm, that’s interesting, my car windows are o… --- ## [Is US Military tech 10-15 years ahead of private industry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-us-military-tech-10-15-years-ahead-of-private-industry/995791)
**Author:** [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-us-military-tech-10-15-years-ahead-of-private-industry/995791 "2024-04-23T20:27:58Z")
I’ve recently heard some folks state that "we know that US military tech runs 10-15 years ahead of the private sector. . . " Really? Is there solid real evidence to support this? With real examples. Or it this all UAP ty… --- ## [Lil'wrekker is Mad as heck, and ain't gonna take it anymore!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lilwrekker-is-mad-as-heck-and-aint-gonna-take-it-anymore/1000566)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lilwrekker-is-mad-as-heck-and-aint-gonna-take-it-anymore/1000566 "2024-04-23T19:38:57Z")
The newspaper had an ad, on Wednesday past. The local men’s shelter needed clothing. It was an emergency, they said. Not dress clothes, they said. Any size and clean, they said. The times for donations was Friday til 3… --- ## [How does "oil on clothing can cause a dryer fire" work if the temperature is too low to ignite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-oil-on-clothing-can-cause-a-dryer-fire-work-if-the-temperature-is-too-low-to-ignite/1000581)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-oil-on-clothing-can-cause-a-dryer-fire-work-if-the-temperature-is-too-low-to-ignite/1000581 "2024-04-23T19:25:07Z")
You see it on every washer and dryer: “Do not wash or dry clothing in this machine that has ever had any oil on it, it can be a fire hazard” (paraphrased) I was under the impression that a dryer never gets hotter than, … --- ## [Who was the biggest star kicked off of their own show and the show kept going?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-biggest-star-kicked-off-of-their-own-show-and-the-show-kept-going/1000458)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-biggest-star-kicked-off-of-their-own-show-and-the-show-kept-going/1000458 "2024-04-23T19:18:24Z")
Not a co-star but the main character. The one that comes to my mind is Roseanne Barr being fired from “Roseanne”. The show needn’t be named for the actor like my example was. --- ## [How Biden Wins Reelection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-biden-wins-reelection/1000405)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-biden-wins-reelection/1000405 "2024-04-23T18:38:51Z")
Let’s talk about how Joe Biden could be, should be, and is campaigning for reelection. Things like, where to campaign: which states, which cities, venues, etc what to campaign on: abortion, economy, security, etc who t… --- ## [What is your opinion regarding public evangelism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-opinion-regarding-public-evangelism/996283)
**Author:** [@philipdalton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/philipdalton)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-opinion-regarding-public-evangelism/996283 "2024-04-23T17:37:49Z")
I’m not referring to Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Christadelphians or any other of those groups who stand there with their placards and literature, peacefully keeping themselves to themselves. I’m talking about those w… --- ## [Philosopher Daniel Dennett has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philosopher-daniel-dennett-has-died/1000509)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philosopher-daniel-dennett-has-died/1000509 "2024-04-23T16:36:51Z")
His “Consciousness Explained” was the book that ignited my interest in philosophy, and the philosophy of mind especially. His arguments seemed a miracle of clarity and insight. He was obviously right on everything, how c… --- ## [Bad Moderation in "Hamas Attacks Israel" MPSIMS thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-moderation-in-hamas-attacks-israel-mpsims-thread/1000412)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-moderation-in-hamas-attacks-israel-mpsims-thread/1000412 "2024-04-23T14:00:50Z")
In post 3913 of this thread, Crane drops this turd (emphasis added): The issue is that Israel is engaged in the form of local colonialism employed by Nazi Germany . Though less kind than the Waffen SS, Israel seeks the … --- ## [Is it illegal (fraud?) for a bond company to put up a bond for which they know they cannot be paid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-fraud-for-a-bond-company-to-put-up-a-bond-for-which-they-know-they-cannot-be-paid/1000399)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-fraud-for-a-bond-company-to-put-up-a-bond-for-which-they-know-they-cannot-be-paid/1000399 "2024-04-23T13:03:06Z")
Suppose Mr. Bloggins has been hit with a hefty fine (let’s say $100,000 or $100k just to keep the amount manageable). They decide to appeal and go to a bond company. Let’s call it Kevin’s Bonds. Kevin’s Bonds has $1B dol… --- ## [What is the longest word in your language?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-word-in-your-language/1000563)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-word-in-your-language/1000563 "2024-04-23T12:58:47Z")
In my country, Norway, the longest word at the time is “minoritetsladningsbærerdiffusjonskoeffisientmålingsapparatur” I dont know what it means --- ## [NASA is planning to send a helicopter to Titan in the next decade and a half.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-is-planning-to-send-a-helicopter-to-titan-in-the-next-decade-and-a-half/836374)
**Author:** [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-is-planning-to-send-a-helicopter-to-titan-in-the-next-decade-and-a-half/836374 "2024-04-23T11:41:20Z")
Courtesy of Phil Plait’s Bad Astronomy blog: NASA will be sending a quadcopter called Dragonfly to Titan The Dragonfly mission is scheduled to launch around 2026, with a projected arrival date of 2034. The probe will be… --- ## [Cancelling an event without refunding ticket purchases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancelling-an-event-without-refunding-ticket-purchases/1000175)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancelling-an-event-without-refunding-ticket-purchases/1000175 "2024-04-23T07:41:38Z")
A Grateful Dead themed music festival called Skull and Roses has taken place in Southern California for the past few years. This year’s festival was scheduled for April 19-23. On April 9, ten days before the event, the o… --- ## [Explain to me the rise of GPUs (blockchain, AI)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-to-me-the-rise-of-gpus-blockchain-ai/1000501)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-to-me-the-rise-of-gpus-blockchain-ai/1000501 "2024-04-23T06:04:42Z")
ok, to me it seems that GPUs were once just graphic cards that helped representing the visual interface on monitors… Then about 15 years (or so?) ago, they became a thing of their own, due to “mining” … and now they ar… --- ## [American Climate Corps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-climate-corps/990521)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-climate-corps/990521 "2024-04-23T04:54:06Z")
American Climate Corps President Biden is announcing a new initiative to train young people in high-demand skills for jobs in the clean energy economy. The American Climate Corps will put a new generation of Americans … --- ## [Has anyone ever backed a video game on Kickstarter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-backed-a-video-game-on-kickstarter/999568)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-backed-a-video-game-on-kickstarter/999568 "2024-04-23T03:43:00Z")
I have backed several Board and card games on Kickstarter but never anything else. I saw a video about the video game Starship Simulator and it looks like something I would love and it is currently crowd funding on Kicks… --- ## [Undervalued athletes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undervalued-athletes/991955)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undervalued-athletes/991955 "2024-04-23T01:59:31Z")
Most athletes have received some discouragement at early points in their careers, but what are the most extreme examples you can think of? To qualify as “most extreme” the discouragement would have had to come at a rela… --- ## [2024 NFL Pre-Draft Thread - The Chicago Bears are on the clock (for now)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-nfl-pre-draft-thread-the-chicago-bears-are-on-the-clock-for-now/997548)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 304\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-nfl-pre-draft-thread-the-chicago-bears-are-on-the-clock-for-now/997548 "2024-04-23T01:57:45Z")
The Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror with the Kansas City Chiefs claiming the Lombardi for the second straight year. This means it time for teams to start rebuilding for 2024. The Chicago Bears for the second year in… --- ## [Are COVID-related staffing shortages still a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-covid-related-staffing-shortages-still-a-thing/1000588)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-covid-related-staffing-shortages-still-a-thing/1000588 "2024-04-23T00:19:05Z")
In this thread ( How Many and What Kinds of Stores Are Open 24 hours a Day Near You?), there’s commentary about how COVID-related staff shortages are still going on in some areas. I’m not seeing it where I’m at, at leas… --- ## [Colorado this summer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colorado-this-summer/1000341)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colorado-this-summer/1000341 "2024-04-23T00:17:54Z")
I have 7 days, including travel(flying into DEN) to spend in the Rocky Mountain state. I’ll be with my wife and adult daughter. I’d like to include a trail horse back ride at some point and am considering the Silverton D… --- ## [Build a Haiku](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-a-haiku/712443)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 228\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-a-haiku/712443 "2024-04-22T23:13:29Z")
Y’all know how this thing works. Each person adds a line and the last person starts off the new one. Remember it’s 5 syllables/7 syllables/5 syllables Stars shining brightly --- ## [Back bacon on pizza - Cooked, or uncooked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-bacon-on-pizza-cooked-or-uncooked/1000599)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-bacon-on-pizza-cooked-or-uncooked/1000599 "2024-04-22T23:11:36Z")
I have quite a lot of uncooked back bacon (‘Canadian bacon’). Suppose I want to pit it on a pizza. Do I have to cook it first? Or can I put it on a pizza uncooked, and will it cook with the pizza? FWIW, when I make p… --- ## [The Moon's poles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-moons-poles/989361)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-moons-poles/989361 "2024-04-22T22:47:05Z")
The Indian lander and rover is exploring the Moon’s southern pole. How do the two poles compare? Any reason to think one is a better prospect for ice and other resources than the other? --- ## [Have you ever gone to a live podcast taping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-gone-to-a-live-podcast-taping/1000507)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-gone-to-a-live-podcast-taping/1000507 "2024-04-22T22:46:36Z")
I went to one last night, for a podcast I’ve been listening to regularly since 2021. They’re on tour now, in the US. Another podcast I listen to on occasion just announced their European tour (they’re US-based and cover … --- ## [What is the simplest self-sustaining chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-simplest-self-sustaining-chemical-system-capable-of-darwinian-evolution/999057)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-simplest-self-sustaining-chemical-system-capable-of-darwinian-evolution/999057 "2024-04-22T22:21:20Z")
Are there self-sustaining chemical systems that exist without a cell membrane? Of those, are any capable of Darwinian evolution? I can imagine placing 10 sugar cubes and 10 marbles in a bucket of water, waiting a day, a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=578) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=580)