# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=622 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 623 --- ## [Is my computer vulnerable if I don't have a browser open?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-vulnerable-if-i-dont-have-a-browser-open/997949)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-vulnerable-if-i-dont-have-a-browser-open/997949 "2024-02-25T15:42:50Z")
I was scammed a few weeks ago on my computer. I answered an email that contained a number that I called and it was downhill from there. (Please - I know! I know! Consider how stupid and ashamed I feel). But my questi… --- ## [The one symbol not on the QWERTY keyboard that ought to be](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-one-symbol-not-on-the-qwerty-keyboard-that-ought-to-be/997496)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-one-symbol-not-on-the-qwerty-keyboard-that-ought-to-be/997496 "2024-02-25T13:10:05Z")
So you have the authority to dictate ISO/IEC standards and you can mandate that one symbol currently only available as a Unicode sequence will henceforth be on the standard English 105-key keyboard. What do you pick (and… --- ## [Ancient astronaut believers: Are they racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-astronaut-believers-are-they-racist/996730)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-astronaut-believers-are-they-racist/996730 "2024-02-25T06:34:17Z")
I had a conversation today where the other party was feeling a little guilty about going off on a rampage at a casual question. The person asked what he thought about ancient astronauts and he told her that people who f… --- ## [Is this a wide spread word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-wide-spread-word/998038)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-wide-spread-word/998038 "2024-02-25T04:53:54Z")
I’ve only heard it in the movie Brazil. It’s “actually” pronounced (as best as I can transcribe it) “actu-lull-lull-e”. It was immediately added to my vocabulary. For all I know it’s wide spread slang. --- ## [From The Commitments - What is This Accent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-the-commitments-what-is-this-accent/544110)
**Author:** [@Tully\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tully_Mars)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-the-commitments-what-is-this-accent/544110 "2024-02-25T01:33:31Z")
The Commitments - it’s one of those movies I can watch again and again. I’ve seen it at least a dozen times. It was on last night and I was wondering something. The character, Joey ‘The Lips’ Fagan, his mother - what … --- ## [Dismissive Doctors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dismissive-doctors/997996)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dismissive-doctors/997996 "2024-02-25T00:50:09Z")
Does this sound familiar? You tell them your symptoms. They do some minimal testing, then tell you to up your antidepressant, take an anxiolytic. Further testing confirms your symptoms come from a real underlying prob… --- ## [Air Canada ChatBot gives inaccurate fare info; Air Canada tries to say it's not liable because its chatbot is a separate legal entity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-canada-chatbot-gives-inaccurate-fare-info-air-canada-tries-to-say-its-not-liable-because-its-chatbot-is-a-separate-legal-entity/997677)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-canada-chatbot-gives-inaccurate-fare-info-air-canada-tries-to-say-its-not-liable-because-its-chatbot-is-a-separate-legal-entity/997677 "2024-02-24T21:46:06Z")
Fellow wanted to get the bereavement fare from Air Canada to attend the funeral for his grandmother. He went to the Air Canada webpage and asked how bereavement fares worked. The Air Canada chatbot said that he could b… --- ## [How are the number of visitors to National Parks determined?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-the-number-of-visitors-to-national-parks-determined/998020)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-the-number-of-visitors-to-national-parks-determined/998020 "2024-02-24T21:22:45Z")
I see that the latest statistics on the number of visitors to National Parks has come out, but I cannot find any reference to how a visitor is determined. Visits to National Parks For instance, there is a section of th… --- ## [The SDMB NCAA thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-ncaa-thread/765958)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 264\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-ncaa-thread/765958 "2024-02-24T19:59:34Z")
So it popped up in the SRIOTD thread in the Pit that the NCAA has decided to withdraw all neutral-site championship events that were scheduled to take place in North Carolina due to HB2, which makes it illegal for people… --- ## [Microwave oven now tripping GFCI daily, never did before](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-now-tripping-gfci-daily-never-did-before/997969)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-now-tripping-gfci-daily-never-did-before/997969 "2024-02-24T19:59:30Z")
The microwave oven has been tripping the GFCI that it’s plugged into almost daily, whereas it never has before unless the toaster oven was accidentally used at the same time. It’s a 1000-watt oven, probably 4 years old, … --- ## [The Beatles Cinematic Universe is coming in ‘27](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-beatles-cinematic-universe-is-coming-in-27/997968)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-beatles-cinematic-universe-is-coming-in-27/997968 "2024-02-24T18:15:32Z")
I’m getting in early; can’t wait for this to be a resurrected zombie in 3 years. There has been announced a quarter of movies, all coming in 2027, about the Beatles. Each movie will come from the perspective of a membe… --- ## [What do you think of this new "turbo roundabout"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-new-turbo-roundabout/997698)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-new-turbo-roundabout/997698 "2024-02-24T17:31:06Z")
A half an hour away from us, a brand new “turbo roundabout” just opened, only the second in the country. We’re well used to regular roundabouts, but I’ve never heard of this kind. We’re going to have to go try it out. … --- ## [Mr. Teacake - Discworld?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-teacake-discworld/998003)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-teacake-discworld/998003 "2024-02-24T04:43:29Z")
I recall a character named Mr. Teacake… pronounced ‘Tee-uh-KAH-kay’. ISTR he was an assassin. Where is this character from? --- ## [An interesting article on prosthetic limbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-article-on-prosthetic-limbs/997994)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-article-on-prosthetic-limbs/997994 "2024-02-24T03:00:03Z")
Fascinating how everyone is apparently pushing for “fancy” over “functional.” --- ## [Why shoot down the spy balloon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shoot-down-the-spy-balloon/979440)
**Author:** [@Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shoot-down-the-spy-balloon/979440 "2024-02-24T01:41:07Z")
Wouldn’t it have made more sense to go catch the thing and examine whatever tech was on board? Why was shooting it down the first option? --- ## [X2 X-Men United still holds up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/x2-x-men-united-still-holds-up/997763)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/x2-x-men-united-still-holds-up/997763 "2024-02-24T01:15:05Z")
I had been thinking of this movie recently and wanted to watch it again (the first time in years) but as recently as a month or so ago it was not on streaming but this weekend I noticed it arrived on Disney Plus so I wat… --- ## [Question about cake texture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-cake-texture/997961)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-cake-texture/997961 "2024-02-24T01:08:39Z")
I baked a banana cake the other day. It came out good, but the texture was very different from normal. Much more spongey like bread. I can peel off little bite size pieces without dropping crumbs and I can also dunk it w… --- ## [These are d\*mned curious--Klerksdorp Spheres. With article link](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-are-d-mned-curious-klerksdorp-spheres-with-article-link/997989)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-are-d-mned-curious-klerksdorp-spheres-with-article-link/997989 "2024-02-24T00:41:38Z")
These a truly bizarre …specimens? Artifacts? Well, spherical objects found embedded in rock, millions of years old. ARTICLE LINK WITH PHOTOS. --- ## [What are your favorite songs that begin with a numeral or a symbol 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-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-released-on-or-after-january-1-2000-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/997793)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-released-on-or-after-january-1-2000-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/997793 "2024-02-24T00:32:57Z")
Submissions must begin with a punctuation mark, a character, or a numeral. Note that if the title spells out the number it is ineligible for this poll. “2 Become 1” is ok, “Seven Nation Army” belongs in the S poll. Song… --- ## [The effectiveness of math teachers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effectiveness-of-math-teachers/997723)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effectiveness-of-math-teachers/997723 "2024-02-24T00:03:18Z")
I know some teachers are better than others, but I wonder if there are some teachers that are just much better than others. Has there been any studies that try to quantify this? Like having different teachers teach stud… --- ## [I HATE being touched by my parents, but they won't respect that](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-being-touched-by-my-parents-but-they-wont-respect-that/526731)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 260\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-being-touched-by-my-parents-but-they-wont-respect-that/526731 "2024-02-23T22:52:59Z")
I just had a huge fight with my mother. Well, we always fight about this (since I was a kid) and my dad too, but this is the first time she told me not to talk to her again unless I let her touch me. They know that I ha… --- ## [Electrical Engineers: some wall-wart advice, please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-engineers-some-wall-wart-advice-please/997991)
**Author:** [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-engineers-some-wall-wart-advice-please/997991 "2024-02-23T22:01:04Z")
Grab a snack: My wife was gifted a souped-up snow globe for Christmas. The base has a light bulb and a fan for circulating the “snow,” which is some tiny, shiny pieces that reflect the light, brightly. Sparkle, sparkle.… --- ## [How frequently do you feed your (medium-sized) doggie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-frequently-do-you-feed-your-medium-sized-doggie/997931)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-frequently-do-you-feed-your-medium-sized-doggie/997931 "2024-02-23T21:25:06Z")
We gave a 15 month old neutered ‘red-nosed’ Staffie bitch. She is a delight in all ways. But I’ve been feeding her twice a day, morning and evening, and most of the time she turns her nose up at at least one of the meal… --- ## [Kevin McCarthy's Terrible Horrible No Good Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kevin-mccarthys-terrible-horrible-no-good-day/963269)
**Author:** [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kevin-mccarthys-terrible-horrible-no-good-day/963269 "2024-02-23T21:24:56Z")
New York Times reports that GOPers were saying different things behind the scenes after Jan 6th than they were saying to the public. Reports that Kevin McCarthy said he was going to talk to Trump and tell him to resign. … --- ## [My School District: Even More Security Implemented](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-school-district-even-more-security-implemented/997985)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-school-district-even-more-security-implemented/997985 "2024-02-23T20:32:30Z")
All children and adults who initially enter our building through the secured and guarded lobby must successfully pass through a weapons detector. Children are allowed to pass directly to stage 3, which is entrance to the… --- ## [Wisconsin commission recommends felony charges against Trump fundraising organization](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wisconsin-commission-recommends-felony-charges-against-trump-fundraising-organization/997987)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wisconsin-commission-recommends-felony-charges-against-trump-fundraising-organization/997987 "2024-02-23T19:26:24Z")
We’re gonna need a new thread for this one. My questions: -Does this include Trump personally? -Will this affect their fundraising in the immediate future? -What will be the political fallout of this charge? -Are … --- ## [Pitting my car dealership (I didn't even buy it from them!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-my-car-dealership-i-didnt-even-buy-it-from-them/997486)
**Author:** [@veryfrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/veryfrank)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-my-car-dealership-i-didnt-even-buy-it-from-them/997486 "2024-02-23T19:17:03Z")
When it comes to basic maintenance, I typically take my car to a chain garage like Canadian Tire. Oil change, or swapping/storing seasonal tires, going to them is fine by me. If I need something repaired on my car that’s… --- ## [Eric Idle is still looking at the bright side, but is also cranky about some things](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eric-idle-is-still-looking-at-the-bright-side-but-is-also-cranky-about-some-things/997498)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eric-idle-is-still-looking-at-the-bright-side-but-is-also-cranky-about-some-things/997498 "2024-02-23T18:50:00Z")
This has been going on for the better part of a week. “We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I guess if you put a Gilliam… --- ## [Has the new Night Court series acknowledged the deaths of previous cast members?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-new-night-court-series-acknowledged-the-deaths-of-previous-cast-members/997640)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-new-night-court-series-acknowledged-the-deaths-of-previous-cast-members/997640 "2024-02-23T18:46:54Z")
I know there’s a current revival version of the series Night Court but I haven’t watched it. I do know that it stars John Larroquette from the original series and that Marsha Warfield has appeared as a guest star. But L… --- ## [EA Sports College Football 25](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ea-sports-college-football-25/997957)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ea-sports-college-football-25/997957 "2024-02-23T17:50:47Z")
I didn’t see a thread for this, so I thought I would start one. Some early news, according to ESPN: All 134 teams that are “full” FBS members (or will be in 2025), including Kennesaw State, will be included; however, t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=621) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=623)