# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=614 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 615 --- ## [Weird stuff your pet does?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-stuff-your-pet-does/998515)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2024, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-stuff-your-pet-does/998515 "2024-03-08T05:14:32Z")
Both of my cats do this weird thing at the water dish – hook it with a paw and yank it toward them. Sometimes they’d get it more than a foot from its proper place, splashing water hither and yon, till I put each dish (t… --- ## [Mangaka/designer/writer Akira Toriyama dead at 68](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mangaka-designer-writer-akira-toriyama-dead-at-68/998595)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2024, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mangaka-designer-writer-akira-toriyama-dead-at-68/998595 "2024-03-08T04:52:04Z")
Apparently of a head injury. Though most folks probably know him for the Dragonball franchise, my personal introduction was the Dragon Quest series of video games. I was and am a huge fan of that franchise, and I’m sa… --- ## [I still don't get Git (source control)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-still-dont-get-git-source-control/933870)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2024, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-still-dont-get-git-source-control/933870 "2024-03-08T04:26:17Z")
I have read several beginners’ guides on Git. I have a Github page, and I have successfully uploaded source code and releases to it. But I still just don’t understand it, and I am reluctant to use it. I’m still basicall… --- ## [Question on home improvement offset on house sale capital gains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-home-improvement-offset-on-house-sale-capital-gains/998228)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2024, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-home-improvement-offset-on-house-sale-capital-gains/998228 "2024-03-08T02:17:19Z")
I understand that home improvement expenses, such as new flooring, landscaping, appliances, etc. can be used to offset any capital gain you realize when you sell your home. I also know that the expense of home repairs c… --- ## [Gabriel Garcia Marquez reported dead at 87](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gabriel-garcia-marquez-reported-dead-at-87/686366)
**Author:** [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2024, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gabriel-garcia-marquez-reported-dead-at-87/686366 "2024-03-08T01:44:50Z")
Rumor has it that Gabriel Garcia Marquez has died. Chalk it up as another “he was still alive?” death. Still, a truly great writer and an early inspiration for me. --- ## [State of the Union address Feb. 7, 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-the-union-address-feb-7-2023/979458)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2024, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-the-union-address-feb-7-2023/979458 "2024-03-08T01:22:11Z")
President Biden is due to deliver the State of the Union address in just under one hour from now. It will be odd to not have Nancy Pelosi seated on the podium. I assume most of the GOP will sit on their hands during th… --- ## [Finland and Sweden appear poised for entry to NATO {2022-05-12}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finland-and-sweden-appear-poised-for-entry-to-nato-2022-05-12/964350)
**Author:** [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finland-and-sweden-appear-poised-for-entry-to-nato-2022-05-12/964350 "2024-03-07T21:53:41Z")
And who could blame them?! Finland has quite a long border with Russia, some 1300 km. This video gives the perspectives of some diplomat types. --- ## [Here's what happens when you get 217 COVID booster shots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-what-happens-when-you-get-217-covid-booster-shots/998542)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-what-happens-when-you-get-217-covid-booster-shots/998542 "2024-03-07T20:16:25Z")
Turns out not much. Link won’t display properly, so here’s the short version: a guy in Germany got 217 COVID immunization shots over 29 months, allegedly so he could sell vax cards. Medical researchers, upon hearing ab… --- ## [Post an impressive individual music performance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-an-impressive-individual-music-performance/965931)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-an-impressive-individual-music-performance/965931 "2024-03-07T19:11:07Z")
Give a short explanation of what it is and what we should be looking/listening for. This is Smashing Pumpkins, “Geek USA” from Siamese Dream, played live in Germany. This is from their video EP “Vieuphoria.” They play i… --- ## [My rapacious landlord](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rapacious-landlord/998254)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rapacious-landlord/998254 "2024-03-07T17:53:55Z")
The management company is using a new site for payment, and the bastards are charging for the privilege of using debit cards or credit cards. I’ve always paid with debit for free, now they want me to pay a $10 fee for de… --- ## [Are all-foam mattresses as good as spring ones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-foam-mattresses-as-good-as-spring-ones/994114)
**Author:** [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-foam-mattresses-as-good-as-spring-ones/994114 "2024-03-07T17:19:03Z")
Looking to replace a worn out mattress. I’ve found on line a mattress that is totally foam that is less expensive than any spring mattresses I’m seeing. Does anyone have any experience with such a mattress, are they any … --- ## [Comic book phraseology in the MSM](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comic-book-phraseology-in-the-msm/998574)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comic-book-phraseology-in-the-msm/998574 "2024-03-07T17:10:34Z")
The talking heads have always used “superpowers” and “kryptonite”. Lately I’ve heard “origin story” and “spidey-sense” come up. Spidey-sense, a kind of precognition that spiders possess ( :roll\_eyes:), is odd because I’m… --- ## [Extraordinary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extraordinary/998539)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extraordinary/998539 "2024-03-07T15:52:04Z")
Anyone else know this one? Some number of years back and for unknown reasons, people started gaining one (and only one) superpower each after they turn 18. This became the new normal, and the occasional person who doesn’… --- ## [IMHO: All jobs should have a 5 minute grace period for clocking in and out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imho-all-jobs-should-have-a-5-minute-grace-period-for-clocking-in-and-out/998417)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imho-all-jobs-should-have-a-5-minute-grace-period-for-clocking-in-and-out/998417 "2024-03-07T15:38:33Z")
Even though a majority of jobs are understanding if you’re a couple minutes late (only if you call them before the start of your shift and let them know) there are some jobs that are more strict when it comes to attendan… --- ## [⟨iu⟩ versus English](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iu-versus-english/998551)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iu-versus-english/998551 "2024-03-07T15:18:36Z")
A simple little pair of letters, ⟨iu⟩. Mysteriously, it’s all but invisible to English-speaking readers. My evidence for this? First is the overwhelming preponderance of ⟨ui⟩ in English. 'Cause if you cruise with quick … --- ## [Identify this freshwater fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-freshwater-fish/998492)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-freshwater-fish/998492 "2024-03-07T14:24:47Z")
Seems straight forward, but actually a bit tricky. Yesterday was a beautiful day. I decided to clean up my rods and reels. Then I thought about the pond back in the woods. The owner of the property died recently (he r… --- ## [Do frozen potatoes in soup turn to mush?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-frozen-potatoes-in-soup-turn-to-mush/998510)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-frozen-potatoes-in-soup-turn-to-mush/998510 "2024-03-07T14:21:20Z")
I’m craving some “loaded potato soup”. But I’m also feeling lazy. Instead of cutting up a bunch of potatoes I was thinking about just getting a bag of frozen (cubed) hash browns. Has anyone ever tried this? Thanks. --- ## [France enshrines the right of women to have an abortion in its constitution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/france-enshrines-the-right-of-women-to-have-an-abortion-in-its-constitution/998487)
**Author:** [@JoseB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoseB)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/france-enshrines-the-right-of-women-to-have-an-abortion-in-its-constitution/998487 "2024-03-07T13:45:39Z")
On March 4th, the French parliament finally approved an amendment to article 34 of the French constitution, explicitly enshrining the right to have access to abortion. The vote was 780-72 in favor of the amendment. The … --- ## [Various states, including Colorado, determine Trump is disqualified from holding office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/various-states-including-colorado-determine-trump-is-disqualified-from-holding-office/988412)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 1148\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/various-states-including-colorado-determine-trump-is-disqualified-from-holding-office/988412 "2024-03-07T10:20:56Z")
Apologies if this has already been reported. Trump Is Disqualified From Holding Office, Conservative Law Professors Argue | HuffPost Latest News Keith is enthusiastic about it: https://youtu.be/dWAA-DOJc\_o Damn it, I … --- ## [What are your favorite songs that begin with the letter B and were released on or after January 1, 2000? See rules in OP \[Final Poll Added\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-the-letter-b-and-were-released-on-or-after-january-1-2000-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/998061)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-the-letter-b-and-were-released-on-or-after-january-1-2000-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/998061 "2024-03-07T10:16:23Z")
RULES: Submissions must begin with the letter B. Exclude articles such as “a”, “an”, “the”, etc. that begin the title. Example: “The Hokey Pokey” belongs in the H poll, not the T poll. Songs must have been first releas… --- ## ["Operation Squid" discovers 1.3 tons of cocaine in Portugal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/operation-squid-discovers-1-3-tons-of-cocaine-in-portugal/998454)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/operation-squid-discovers-1-3-tons-of-cocaine-in-portugal/998454 "2024-03-07T08:02:33Z")
Holy Mackerel, Batman! These drug traffickers are getting more… so-fish-ticated. --- ## [Another retirement/aging discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-retirement-aging-discussion/997967)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-retirement-aging-discussion/997967 "2024-03-07T07:43:32Z")
This topic started me thinking about my remaining years. I just turned 57. I am single (divorced.) I have been working continuously in the IT field for over 30 years. I have been contributing to my 401(k) all along and i… --- ## [Steve Garvey is running for Congress?!?!?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steve-garvey-is-running-for-congress/998518)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steve-garvey-is-running-for-congress/998518 "2024-03-07T06:44:18Z")
This is apparently for real. I remember when he and his former wife split up in the 1980s, and both of them ended up being exposed as total village idiots. I had never heard about that until earlier today. --- ## [Sell me on your preferred (premium) music streaming service](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sell-me-on-your-preferred-premium-music-streaming-service/997481)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sell-me-on-your-preferred-premium-music-streaming-service/997481 "2024-03-07T03:25:30Z")
I’ve been using Amazon premium music since the pandemic (global pandemics are how they getcha, it’s econ 101) but after a year in a job where I can listen to music 8 hours a day I’m getting tired of it. Not enough variet… --- ## [I will vote today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-will-vote-today/998482)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-will-vote-today/998482 "2024-03-07T03:12:28Z")
I will vote, both in the Primaries, and in November. It may be that many senior Republicans wan this to be the last,/u\> US Election. So I will vote, win or lose. Because I woke up this morning , literally, with these … --- ## [Anybody watched American Conspiracy? (Netflix)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-watched-american-conspiracy-netflix/998562)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-watched-american-conspiracy-netflix/998562 "2024-03-07T02:03:26Z")
I’m not sure what to think. CTs are not my things but his one raises some interesting questions. There are actual murders (and what was ruled a suicide) that took place. --- ## [Over-large portions = Gannet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-large-portions-gannet/998447)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-large-portions-gannet/998447 "2024-03-07T01:41:12Z")
A question from a friend. How do Americans describe people who take over-large portions at social gatherings, if they do not have the word ‘gannet’? --- ## [Ho Fucking Ho - December Mini-Rants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-fucking-ho-december-mini-rants/993961)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 667\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2024, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-fucking-ho-december-mini-rants/993961 "2024-03-06T23:12:22Z")
I don’t see a December rant thread, so perhaps I’m first. Went to a nice Christmas concert last night. A chamber orchestra doing some music you don’t ordinarily hear at this time of year. Everything was going fine until… --- ## [I have read that more Southerners volunteered to fight in WWII but what about WWI? Which where did most volunteers to fight in WWI come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-read-that-more-southerners-volunteered-to-fight-in-wwii-but-what-about-wwi-which-where-did-most-volunteers-to-fight-in-wwi-come-from/998530)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2024, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-read-that-more-southerners-volunteered-to-fight-in-wwii-but-what-about-wwi-which-where-did-most-volunteers-to-fight-in-wwi-come-from/998530 "2024-03-06T21:59:08Z")
I have read that more Southerners volunteered to fight in WWII but what about in WWI? Where did most American volunteers fighting in WWI come from? Did their political affiliation have anything to do with it? I couldn’t … --- ## [Are AIs capable of using the scientific method?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ais-capable-of-using-the-scientific-method/980092)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ais-capable-of-using-the-scientific-method/980092 "2024-03-06T21:50:51Z")
I’m not sure if the should go in FQ or Great Debates. Let’s say an AI is tasked with forming a testable hypothesis. Take some natural phenomena that is not explained / not adequately explained by the currently accepted … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=613) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=615)