# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=585&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 586 --- ## [Help? Simple Tracfone Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-simple-tracfone-q/1000298)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-simple-tracfone-q/1000298 "2024-04-16T23:31:23Z")
Asking for Tracfone help here because I have problems getting info from them. Will spare you details. Simple situation: I’ve had the same Tracfone phone number for 9-years, using an Alcatel flip phone only for voice+te… --- ## [You're doing TLA (Three Letter Acronyms) Wrong!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-doing-tla-three-letter-acronyms-wrong/999831)
**Author:** [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-doing-tla-three-letter-acronyms-wrong/999831 "2024-04-16T23:30:52Z")
Inspired by this thread, which is popping up a lot as we get closer the April 8th: But I’ve seen the same thing in a few other posts lately. You’re doing TLA (Three Letter Acronyms) Wrong! If you think you need to de… --- ## [N. Carolina Lt Governor Mark Robinson](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/n-carolina-lt-governor-mark-robinson/998761)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/n-carolina-lt-governor-mark-robinson/998761 "2024-04-16T23:19:43Z")
I know that we have threads to pit Republicans, but this guy just seems so deeply whacko he needs his own thread. A snapshot: "He once described the movie Black Panther as “created by an agnostic Jew and put to film by … --- ## [Could any bridge have withstood Baltimore collision?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-any-bridge-have-withstood-baltimore-collision/999539)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-any-bridge-have-withstood-baltimore-collision/999539 "2024-04-16T22:49:10Z")
After reading this, I think not. But I’m not an engineer. (Gift link) Created a new thread because the other was breaking news. How could something traveling slower than a casual bike rider cause such a devastating … --- ## [How much damage can a Shahed drone do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-damage-can-a-shahed-drone-do/1000319)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-damage-can-a-shahed-drone-do/1000319 "2024-04-16T22:31:19Z")
Shahed 136 drones were among the weapons used in the recent attack on Israel by Iran. According to Wikipedia, these are fitted with a 110-pound warhead, but no other detail is provided. They don’t fly very fast (115 MP… --- ## [Bad, bad, bad... ba ba ba Becky and Pets!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-ba-ba-ba-becky-and-pets/1000328)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-ba-ba-ba-becky-and-pets/1000328 "2024-04-16T22:19:48Z")
Pet news: Bayliss the benighted, beautiful and best boy ever on his buttons. He never ceases to astound me with the combo of words he uses. I spend too much time trying make a narrative of his poetry. Or make them fit i… --- ## [Sign-gate: University of Michigan sign stealing scandal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-gate-university-of-michigan-sign-stealing-scandal/992084)
**Author:** [@OldManLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldManLogan)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-gate-university-of-michigan-sign-stealing-scandal/992084 "2024-04-16T22:15:07Z")
An analyst that works for the University of Michigan football team was suspended due to purchasing tickets to non-Michigan games of future opponents and giving them to others to record plays and signs. According to NCAA … --- ## [Were (are) encyclopedias legit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-are-encyclopedias-legit/1000223)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-are-encyclopedias-legit/1000223 "2024-04-16T21:59:39Z")
There’s a comic in the current New Yorker about encyclopedias. It got me thinking about them. Were they ever really an attempt to collect all the vital worlds info those 20(?) something volumes? Or was it selling the pro… --- ## [When An Actor Is Nominated For An Emmy, Is It For A Singular Performance Or The Whole Show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-an-actor-is-nominated-for-an-emmy-is-it-for-a-singular-performance-or-the-whole-show/1000249)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-an-actor-is-nominated-for-an-emmy-is-it-for-a-singular-performance-or-the-whole-show/1000249 "2024-04-16T21:43:07Z")
An actor on a comedy I watch turned in a performance for the ages.\* Could he get an Emmy nomination based on that bit alone, or does the Television Academy (or whatever it’s called) consider the actors’ performances acro… --- ## [Is it possible that Tesla's recent complications stem from Elon Musk's toxicity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-teslas-recent-complications-stem-from-elon-musks-toxicity/983290)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-teslas-recent-complications-stem-from-elon-musks-toxicity/983290 "2024-04-16T20:59:01Z")
We have a Tesla in the driveway. But I would not buy another one because (a) I don’t particularly agree with the company’s “move fast and break pedestrians” attitude, and (b) the more I see of Elon Musk, the more I spec… --- ## [How do you feel about self-checkout now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-self-checkout-now/967725)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 744\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-self-checkout-now/967725 "2024-04-16T20:43:29Z")
My local Wal-Mart installed a few self-checkout lanes a few years ago, and perhaps because they were so popular (with the store, not the customers), they expanded the area about 2 years ago. As of today, about half the … --- ## [Is the late 1940s ignored in American pop-culture history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-late-1940s-ignored-in-american-pop-culture-history/992283)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-late-1940s-ignored-in-american-pop-culture-history/992283 "2024-04-16T19:57:19Z")
I mean, we’ve all discussed how we have our idea of the 1950s, 1960s, etc. The “cultural '60s” might not begin until 1963 or later and not end until 1972 or 1973 (it all depends on what cultural or political markers we u… --- ## [How Could I (Ethically) Get To Touch A Chimp, Gorilla, Orangutan, Or Bonobo In The US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-ethically-get-to-touch-a-chimp-gorilla-orangutan-or-bonobo-in-the-us/1000248)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-ethically-get-to-touch-a-chimp-gorilla-orangutan-or-bonobo-in-the-us/1000248 "2024-04-16T19:49:06Z")
Is there an ethical great ape rehab facility in the US where a) the animals are used to humans enough that they’re not a threat, and b) the general public is allowed an audience (for lack of a better choice of words) wit… --- ## [Anyone here a fan of yerba mate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-a-fan-of-yerba-mate/1000367)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-a-fan-of-yerba-mate/1000367 "2024-04-16T19:31:01Z")
\[Earlier thread from 2006.\] I’ve certainly heard of it and seen the packages in the tea section of the grocery store. I was always under the impression that it was strong, high in caffeine, and would put hair on your ch… --- ## [Kronos is hit with ransomware. Things are not good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kronos-is-hit-with-ransomware-things-are-not-good/956241)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kronos-is-hit-with-ransomware-things-are-not-good/956241 "2024-04-16T18:54:07Z")
Multi-million dollar payroll company Kronos was hit with ransomware and let’s just say it is bad rapidly going to worse. According to Kronos, they will be down for weeks. In addition: It also involved a data breach. … --- ## [What do you do if you hear someone in your house at night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-if-you-hear-someone-in-your-house-at-night/1000225)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-if-you-hear-someone-in-your-house-at-night/1000225 "2024-04-16T18:36:11Z")
I’m asking this to see how much of a difference there is between places. We all know the stereotype about Americans having guns being very quick to shoot intruders, but I want to know how much of a difference there reall… --- ## [Chicken & Egg situation vis a vis rock FM and "Classic Rock" and guitar-based rock is dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-egg-situation-vis-a-vis-rock-fm-and-classic-rock-and-guitar-based-rock-is-dead/1000236)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-egg-situation-vis-a-vis-rock-fm-and-classic-rock-and-guitar-based-rock-is-dead/1000236 "2024-04-16T17:51:34Z")
This is something that has bugged me for some time. Until the very early 2000s I could hear on FM rock radio stations new releases of current rock. Then, to me anyway, it’s like someone passed some global edict that FM r… --- ## [Please Help Me save My Boxelder Tree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-save-my-boxelder-tree/1000267)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-save-my-boxelder-tree/1000267 "2024-04-16T15:07:00Z")
So a massive branch (nearly half the tree) tore off so my front year Boxelder has a massive wound. For the uninitiated, Boxelder wood is a step below balsa. It’s trash wood. It’s a trash tree. But it’s the only shade… --- ## [Family medicine practitioners keep disappearing -- why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-medicine-practitioners-keep-disappearing-why/1000012)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-medicine-practitioners-keep-disappearing-why/1000012 "2024-04-16T14:47:21Z")
Just got another medical appointment cancellation due to yet another family medicine practitioner disappearing. What is up with this? I had the same doctor for decades, then he retired a few years ago, and each one I’ve … --- ## [What does your household consume \*less\* of than usual?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-your-household-consume-less-of-than-usual/999935)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-your-household-consume-less-of-than-usual/999935 "2024-04-16T13:21:46Z")
Well, many of you might have read/posted in this thread: which of course begs the question (start nitpicking :wink: ) … what are food (and non-food) categories that you buy little or none? here are ours (buckle up an… --- ## [Recommend a tablet for note taking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-tablet-for-note-taking/1000321)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-tablet-for-note-taking/1000321 "2024-04-16T10:50:48Z")
I already have more computers than I want. But I do still like making handwritten notes. I’m now using a Rocket Book. It’s basically ‘paper’ that you take pictures of and upload, and then erase it with water and cloth. I… --- ## ['Good Times' Racist reboot on Netflix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-times-racist-reboot-on-netflix/999790)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-times-racist-reboot-on-netflix/999790 "2024-04-16T04:52:40Z")
I’ve only watched the original a handful of times, but this doesn’t look anywhere close to the source material. Norman Lear (the original’s producer), Stephen Curry(The basketball guy??), and Seth MacFarlan… --- ## [Tomatoes and knives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomatoes-and-knives/1000253)
**Author:** [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomatoes-and-knives/1000253 "2024-04-16T04:16:24Z")
If you want to slice a ripe tomato cleanly, you need a sharp knife. Or a serrated blade. What is the mechanical property of tomatoes or material property of tomato skin that makes them resistant to slicing? --- ## [How much are you paying to board a dog overnight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-are-you-paying-to-board-a-dog-overnight/1000065)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-are-you-paying-to-board-a-dog-overnight/1000065 "2024-04-16T04:08:03Z")
I just had my 20 pound dog boarded at the vet for 4 nights and paid $160 for it. That seemed a little high to me. I’m curious what others are paying. --- ## [USA TSE, total solar eclipse: April 2024 (was "three years away for USA" when started)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-tse-total-solar-eclipse-april-2024-was-three-years-away-for-usa-when-started/938873)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 1123\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-tse-total-solar-eclipse-april-2024-was-three-years-away-for-usa-when-started/938873 "2024-04-16T03:55:25Z")
Start making your plans, it’s only three years away. The next major TSE, total solar eclipse, in the USA and to cross a significant part of CONUS\* will be in 3 years, in Apr 2024. — from Texas to Maine; or more complet… --- ## [Who was the biggest opponent Mike Tyson beat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-biggest-opponent-mike-tyson-beat/999298)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-biggest-opponent-mike-tyson-beat/999298 "2024-04-16T02:40:53Z")
(Man, if you laid odds on me starting two Mike Tyson threads… :grin:) The discussion about the impending trainwreck between Mike Tyson and the nauseating waste of oxygen hellspawn of the month got me to thinking about T… --- ## [Star Wars Gamers, Please help me find this](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-gamers-please-help-me-find-this/1000014)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-gamers-please-help-me-find-this/1000014 "2024-04-16T02:34:23Z")
I am looking for a specific Star Wars First Person Shooter console game I loved in the near past and want to play again with my young son. I believe it was for Playstation 4, but it might be Playstation 3 or an Xbox gen… --- ## [Do all countries make patriotic action movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-countries-make-patriotic-action-movies/1000203)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-countries-make-patriotic-action-movies/1000203 "2024-04-16T02:14:04Z")
I’m only familiar with American cinema, like Glory, Clear & Present Danger, and Patriot, just to name a few. Do other nations create these kinds of jingoistic action films? I think I’ve heard of some Chinese ones that we… --- ## [Post your April 8, 2024, eclipse pictures (April 8, 2024)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-april-8-2024-eclipse-pictures-april-8-2024/998491)
**Author:** [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-april-8-2024-eclipse-pictures-april-8-2024/998491 "2024-04-16T01:16:53Z")
On April 8, 2024, another total solar eclipse will pass over parts of the US. Fortunately for me, this one will go right over where I live. A fellow photographer friend who lives out in the country not far from me is … --- ## [Last season of Curb your Enthusiasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-season-of-curb-your-enthusiasm/1000334)
**Author:** [@Midtown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Midtown)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-season-of-curb-your-enthusiasm/1000334 "2024-04-16T01:11:56Z")
Why is exactly was the line moving so slow? That Larry had to provide water? Atlanta is a largely African American town. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=584&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=586&state=muted)