# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=632&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 633 --- ## [If Texas and California both seceded, how long would the USA survive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-texas-and-california-both-seceded-how-long-would-the-usa-survive/997267)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-texas-and-california-both-seceded-how-long-would-the-usa-survive/997267 "2024-02-12T21:07:22Z")
I don’t see it happening, at least in what’s left of my life \[narrator: which isn’t much\], but assuming arguendo that they both vamoosed, how long would it be before other states started edging, nay, stampeding toward t… --- ## [How does spotify count plays? (or am I really the first person to ever listen to this?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-spotify-count-plays-or-am-i-really-the-first-person-to-ever-listen-to-this/997356)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-spotify-count-plays-or-am-i-really-the-first-person-to-ever-listen-to-this/997356 "2024-02-12T20:18:59Z")
So I’m listening to an album (Kid Bangham’s ‘Somebody’s Got to Suffer’) on Spotify. Half the tracks show only between 1000-2000 plays, but half of them show zero. Even after I listen to them, the counter doesn’t change t… --- ## [Restless Leg Syndrome -- one solution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restless-leg-syndrome-one-solution/997398)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restless-leg-syndrome-one-solution/997398 "2024-02-12T19:40:12Z")
In IMHO I posted asking about people’s experience with gabapentin, and learned that a number of respondents had been prescribed it for RLS, with varying results. That drug, and others prescribed for RLS, can have unwant… --- ## [Livingston - Shadow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/livingston-shadow/997477)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/livingston-shadow/997477 "2024-02-12T17:11:51Z")
Has anyone else seen this guy singing this song? I’ve seen it on TikTok numerous times and play it a few times every time it pops up. I love it! \[https://youtube.com/shorts/jKeaqLqPaPY?si=JGPRXEdqs3s913JN\] --- ## [What is up with the bizarrely mild winter weather in the Eastern/Midwestern US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-the-bizarrely-mild-winter-weather-in-the-eastern-midwestern-us/386356)
**Author:** [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-the-bizarrely-mild-winter-weather-in-the-eastern-midwestern-us/386356 "2024-02-12T16:21:10Z")
Partially inspired by this thread (which is similar, but not quite the same – the GQ there was whether the snow in the west was somehow causing the weather in the east, and the answer appears to be fairly definitively “n… --- ## [Toby Keith actor and musician dies age 62](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toby-keith-actor-and-musician-dies-age-62/997181)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toby-keith-actor-and-musician-dies-age-62/997181 "2024-02-12T15:30:56Z")
Stomach cancer. What a horrible way to go. This one really effects me. I listen to Toby’s music regularly. He was a blue collar worker for several years before entering the music business. He also had sucess acting. R… --- ## [Herbs, spices or other flavors mostly enjoyed by all, that you can't stand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/herbs-spices-or-other-flavors-mostly-enjoyed-by-all-that-you-cant-stand/981713)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 214\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/herbs-spices-or-other-flavors-mostly-enjoyed-by-all-that-you-cant-stand/981713 "2024-02-12T15:26:33Z")
Not in an allergy sense, just in a distasteful sense. Difficulty level: “I can’t stand cilantro” won’t cut it, because that is a very well-known “love it or hate it” divisive herb. Examples: sonlost I the older hates o… --- ## [When did Fortune Cookies go from Fortunes to Affirmations? Did they get sued for false advertising?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-fortune-cookies-go-from-fortunes-to-affirmations-did-they-get-sued-for-false-advertising/997410)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-fortune-cookies-go-from-fortunes-to-affirmations-did-they-get-sued-for-false-advertising/997410 "2024-02-12T11:03:58Z")
Something I definitely noticed is that most of the fortune cookies I get no longer have fortunes. Instead of stuff like “You will be given a great opportunity this week” instead the one I got was “Punctuality is the poli… --- ## [POLL: Do you still carry your CDC COVID vaccination card?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-do-you-still-carry-your-cdc-covid-vaccination-card/982537)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-do-you-still-carry-your-cdc-covid-vaccination-card/982537 "2024-02-12T07:57:09Z")
poll --- ## [Kelvin Kiptum, 24, marathon record holder, dies in car crash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kelvin-kiptum-24-marathon-record-holder-dies-in-car-crash/997449)
**Author:** [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kelvin-kiptum-24-marathon-record-holder-dies-in-car-crash/997449 "2024-02-12T06:45:03Z")
His coach also died and a third occupant was seriously injured. He set the current record of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon last October which was ratified just days ago. The first sub 2:00 marathon battle was shaping… --- ## [Well, at least we weren't living there](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-at-least-we-werent-living-there/997450)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-at-least-we-werent-living-there/997450 "2024-02-12T03:39:08Z")
Northern Arizona got 2-3’ of snow this past week. We have a mobile home in Williams, that we only use during the warm months. We set the propane heat at 50° to keep the pipes from freezing. My wife got an alert from the … --- ## [Best single song representation of these four groups](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-single-song-representation-of-these-four-groups/997282)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-single-song-representation-of-these-four-groups/997282 "2024-02-12T01:00:07Z")
I would like for you to tell us what single song from these four groups best represents them over all. One song from each group, and it has to be your personal opinion, not something from the interwebs. “I have to pick… --- ## [Yo, Cardiologists: Help a Nurse Understand Left Ventricle Enlargement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yo-cardiologists-help-a-nurse-understand-left-ventricle-enlargement/997312)
**Author:** [@Malienation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malienation)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yo-cardiologists-help-a-nurse-understand-left-ventricle-enlargement/997312 "2024-02-12T00:44:31Z")
Left ventricle enlargement subsequent to two distinct cases has always puzzled me. Case 1: enthusiastic exerciser has enlargement of the left ventricle due to significant cardio. This is good. Case 2: patient has enlarge… --- ## [What are the closing lines to this childhood taunt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-closing-lines-to-this-childhood-taunt/166368)
**Author:** [@Hermann\_Cheruscan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermann_Cheruscan)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-closing-lines-to-this-childhood-taunt/166368 "2024-02-12T00:07:15Z")
There was an insult I remember from childhood that was sort of a ditty. It went something like this: \_\_\_\_ is a friend of mine He will do you anytime, For a nickel or a dime Twenty cents for overtime And then there … --- ## [Is grafitti really that bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-grafitti-really-that-bad/78800)
**Author:** [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-grafitti-really-that-bad/78800 "2024-02-11T21:21:25Z")
I live in Brooklyn, and have grown to really dig some of the art-work these guys put up. There is some that sucks, but it’s like any art. Some are good at it and some are not. Alot of people just think it’s destruction o… --- ## [Do many standup comedians impress you as "sad"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-many-standup-comedians-impress-you-as-sad/996774)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-many-standup-comedians-impress-you-as-sad/996774 "2024-02-11T21:01:52Z")
Finding ourselves between series to stream, we’ve been watching several standup specials on Netflix. Maybe we’ve just been watching too many in too short of a time, but lately we realized than several of them just strik… --- ## [What are the little blue half-circles by the dates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-little-blue-half-circles-by-the-dates/997318)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-little-blue-half-circles-by-the-dates/997318 "2024-02-11T20:54:40Z")
Just started noticing this in the last few days. As I’m scrolling through a thread, a little blue half-circle appears by the date in each post, then fades away. It’s kind of distracting. What are they for? In Chrome on … --- ## [Does anyone know where the love of God goes? ( RIP Gordon Lightfoot: 2023-May-1 )](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-where-the-love-of-god-goes-rip-gordon-lightfoot-2023-may-1/983445)
**Author:** [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-where-the-love-of-god-goes-rip-gordon-lightfoot-2023-may-1/983445 "2024-02-11T20:28:19Z")
Died at 84. One of my favorite folk rock artists ever. A Canadian national treasure. He will be missed. --- ## [Gun Control (again...but topical): Hawaii Supreme Court Declares Second Amendment Infringes on the ‘Spirit of Aloha’](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-control-again-but-topical-hawaii-supreme-court-declares-second-amendment-infringes-on-the-spirit-of-aloha/997343)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-control-again-but-topical-hawaii-supreme-court-declares-second-amendment-infringes-on-the-spirit-of-aloha/997343 "2024-02-11T20:28:13Z")
I am not sure if this is best here so go ahead and move if needed. Note that there are easy to Google other sources for this story. From the title: Hawaii’s Supreme Court refused to follow U.S. Supreme Court preceden… --- ## [Do apps really need to update so often? I call BS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-apps-really-need-to-update-so-often-i-call-bs/996980)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-apps-really-need-to-update-so-often-i-call-bs/996980 "2024-02-11T19:12:07Z")
After installing an IOS update, I discovered that Apple took the liberty of changing my settings to allow apps to update automatically. Not only did this cause a couple of apps to become useless to me because of changes … --- ## [Appliance for watching television while using treadmill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appliance-for-watching-television-while-using-treadmill/997408)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appliance-for-watching-television-while-using-treadmill/997408 "2024-02-11T19:07:17Z")
Could you recommend a choice or guide my thinking on buying some device for watching television while I use the treadmill? I’m thinking something in the iPad size range to rest on the “dashboard” of the treadmill. I thi… --- ## [How to REALLY eliminate half naked girls on my facebook main page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-really-eliminate-half-naked-girls-on-my-facebook-main-page/997391)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-really-eliminate-half-naked-girls-on-my-facebook-main-page/997391 "2024-02-11T18:01:36Z")
The main facebook page is littered with groups urging me to “Follow” them. I don’t follow anyone. A maddening amount of them feature scantily clad women. I “hide” and “block” these, but they still show up. I was hoping t… --- ## [Enforcement of 18 U.S. Code § 1512 against Congress (Preventing impeachment proceedings for political gain)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforcement-of-18-u-s-code-1512-against-congress-preventing-impeachment-proceedings-for-political-gain/997276)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforcement-of-18-u-s-code-1512-against-congress-preventing-impeachment-proceedings-for-political-gain/997276 "2024-02-11T17:49:46Z")
Impeachment should be an apolitical process that seeks to protect the Constitution. It shouldn’t be a way to drum up political support for some idea, an advertising piece for a political campaign, or otherwise a bit of f… --- ## [How far can I legally defend myself against a Road Rager?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-i-legally-defend-myself-against-a-road-rager/996823)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-i-legally-defend-myself-against-a-road-rager/996823 "2024-02-11T17:41:23Z")
Don’t need answers fast. I know YMMV according to state but I was wondering things like does the Castle Doctrine extend to your car, does stand your ground apply, what about the fact that if the road rager comes up to t… --- ## [What to do about species with offensive names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-species-with-offensive-names/990650)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-species-with-offensive-names/990650 "2024-02-11T16:53:19Z")
So TIL about this absolute shit show: It turns out that: A: In the 1930s an Austrian entomologist named a beetle after Adolf Hitler B: Said beetle is being hunted to extinction by Neo-nazis because of its name. So i… --- ## [Quick sous vide question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-sous-vide-question/997363)
**Author:** [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-sous-vide-question/997363 "2024-02-11T15:58:27Z")
I got 2 nice steaks on sale for dinner tonight. My wife likes her steak medium, I prefer the rare side of medium rare. Any reason this plan wouldn’t work? Set the sous vide to temperature for medium. Toss her steak in … --- ## [A stroll through the Serengeti (Safari trip!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-stroll-through-the-serengeti-safari-trip/997396)
**Author:** [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-stroll-through-the-serengeti-safari-trip/997396 "2024-02-11T14:18:30Z")
I just spent close to three weeks in Tanzania, on my latest trip of a lifetime. My travelling partner is a really good planner, but we opted to go with a National Geographic guided tour this time. It was pretty amazing… --- ## [Help with car headlight bulb NAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-car-headlight-bulb-naf/997103)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-car-headlight-bulb-naf/997103 "2024-02-11T13:44:13Z")
My highbeam went out in my vehicle. 2011 Chev Silverado. After taking half of my truck apart, I finally got to the bulb. I expected the filament to be burnt out but it looks like this: … --- ## [Beach-Compatible Tablet and Keyboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beach-compatible-tablet-and-keyboard/997409)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beach-compatible-tablet-and-keyboard/997409 "2024-02-11T13:37:34Z")
Hi folks - My sole computer is a MS Surface Pro with the TypePad cover. We’re pretty inseparable both at home and out in many public venues like parks, restaurants, or libraries. I really like the thing and enjoy intern… --- ## [Trump and farts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-farts/990690)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-farts/990690 "2024-02-11T10:35:00Z")
(Not sure where this goes–seems a little ranty for Politics and Elections) Once I figured out thanks to a thread in Factual Questions right here that the word “trump” really does mean “fart” at least in the north of Eng… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=631&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=633&state=tracking)