# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=633&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 634 --- ## [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… --- ## [Surprising mention of cannabis in a 1962 Philip K. Dick novel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surprising-mention-of-cannabis-in-a-1962-philip-k-dick-novel/995402)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surprising-mention-of-cannabis-in-a-1962-philip-k-dick-novel/995402 "2024-02-11T10:18:18Z")
For those who don’t know, the novel in question is The Man In The High Tower, a work of speculative fiction in which the Axis has won the second world war. To be honest, this one didn’t really grab me the way I thought i… --- ## [Bush league or Busch league or either?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-league-or-busch-league-or-either/525837)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-league-or-busch-league-or-either/525837 "2024-02-11T09:34:22Z")
I recently come upon an argument ongoing on another message board. One of the poster’s referred to some amateurish behavior as “bush league”. Another poster, who was defending the behavior, also decided to chide the or… --- ## [Enhanced Games (aka no drug testing for competing athletes)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enhanced-games-aka-no-drug-testing-for-competing-athletes/997377)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enhanced-games-aka-no-drug-testing-for-competing-athletes/997377 "2024-02-11T09:25:17Z")
Today I learned about a thing called Enhanced Games. I can’t post a link because I’m on my tablet as my laptop is fuckeded. But have a google…essentially the athletes can take any ‘enhancements’ they want, with no penalt… --- ## [Breakaway bar to be discontinued](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breakaway-bar-to-be-discontinued/997323)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breakaway-bar-to-be-discontinued/997323 "2024-02-11T09:00:08Z")
I’m not familiar with them. Any good? Did I miss a neat treat? --- ## [What else don't we know - mysterious objects](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-else-dont-we-know-mysterious-objects/996570)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-else-dont-we-know-mysterious-objects/996570 "2024-02-11T06:41:39Z")
The bronze Roman dodecahedron has famously puzzled everyone as to it’s purpose - even historical experts. What other items do we have from the past that we can’t confidently identify the utility of and that it’s purpose… --- ## [Theft of copper power lines - is this common?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theft-of-copper-power-lines-is-this-common/381384)
**Author:** [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theft-of-copper-power-lines-is-this-common/381384 "2024-02-11T03:00:33Z")
A story in the paper today talks about the theft this morning of overhead railway power lines, pressumably for the value of the copper contained in them. The article mentions that: Is this really happening elsewhere as… --- ## [Instant Pots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instant-pots/996921)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instant-pots/996921 "2024-02-11T01:50:22Z")
I have seen these combined pressure/slow cookers mentioned quite a lot recently. so as my current slow cooker may be heading towards its use-by date, I am considering buying one. I slow-cook quite a lot, usually in batc… --- ## [Gabapentin -- what was your experience?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gabapentin-what-was-your-experience/997375)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gabapentin-what-was-your-experience/997375 "2024-02-10T23:41:58Z")
I’m currently dealing with a neurological issue for which injections have so far failed, and have discussed with the doctor the possibility of trying gabapentin (Neurontin) as a second form of treatment before the last s… --- ## [Is anyone else giving anything up or observing Lent this year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-giving-anything-up-or-observing-lent-this-year/997326)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-giving-anything-up-or-observing-lent-this-year/997326 "2024-02-10T21:42:04Z")
Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday (or Pancake Tuesday) is next Tuesday, February 13th, which means next Wednesday, February 14th is both St. Valentine’s Day, and Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I haven’t actually decid… --- ## [Happy 50th Dungeons and Dragons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-50th-dungeons-and-dragons/996776)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-50th-dungeons-and-dragons/996776 "2024-02-10T21:11:12Z")
Depending on the definition of “published” and “available” late January 1974 is a reasonable date to choose: No 4th edition / OGL / Hasbro gripes please, good stories only. My Gary Gygax story: PlatteCon Alpha (Unive… --- ## [Can a fetus be on the presidential ballot in certain states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-fetus-be-on-the-presidential-ballot-in-certain-states/997399)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-fetus-be-on-the-presidential-ballot-in-certain-states/997399 "2024-02-10T20:39:07Z")
Just putting 2 and 2 together with what it looks like the SCOTUS is getting ready to rule, where we have in some states the concept of fetal personhood and states can’t keep off someone who is constitutionally unqualifie… --- ## [Investing in CDs for the newbie. Barclays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investing-in-cds-for-the-newbie-barclays/997099)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investing-in-cds-for-the-newbie-barclays/997099 "2024-02-10T17:33:48Z")
CD interest rates are so much higher then savings accounts right now. I have never bought any CDs before. I have been reading guides to get started. It looks like online CDs are the way to go. I am looking at Barclays 12… --- ## [How much do you owe a long-estranged parent? (kind of long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-owe-a-long-estranged-parent-kind-of-long/997315)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-owe-a-long-estranged-parent-kind-of-long/997315 "2024-02-10T17:22:56Z")
How much is owed to a long-estranged parent? Asking for a friend. (Yes, truly. Both my parents, and my husband’s, have been dead for a long time.) The situation: my friend has been contacted by her brother, asking – al… --- ## [RIP Carl Weathers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-carl-weathers/997045)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-carl-weathers/997045 "2024-02-10T16:25:36Z")
Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, Greef Karga on The Mandalorian, and Chubbs in Happy Gilmore, passed away today. --- ## [When a police officer asks “are you carrying?”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-police-officer-asks-are-you-carrying/983148)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-police-officer-asks-are-you-carrying/983148 "2024-02-10T15:29:13Z")
I was in South Carolina recently and got into a minor car accident. After we both pulled over and confirmed no injuries, the other guy (who is a local resident) called the police to come to file the police report. I wa… --- ## [For those that still think they can talk their way out of it with police](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-those-that-still-think-they-can-talk-their-way-out-of-it-with-police/997122)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-those-that-still-think-they-can-talk-their-way-out-of-it-with-police/997122 "2024-02-10T15:22:29Z")
LAWYER EXPLAINS: 12 Lies the Police Love to Use Remember- the police can & will lie to you. There are a few limits in some regions. --- ## [Intranasal odor of acetaminophen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intranasal-odor-of-acetaminophen/216626)
**Author:** [@Jake4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake4)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intranasal-odor-of-acetaminophen/216626 "2024-01-29T23:54:35Z")
When I take acetaminophen (usually Tylenol, usually extra-strength gel-tabs), about 15-30 minutes afterwards I become aware of a strange smell. This has happened to me as long as I can remember, and it happens EVERY tim… --- ## [Do you need personal mental acuity to be President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-personal-mental-acuity-to-be-president/997339)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-personal-mental-acuity-to-be-president/997339 "2024-02-10T11:24:34Z")
Not just a good job, just to function in any way at all. Inspired by the endless conversations elsewhere: “Biden is demented! Just listen to him; it’s obvious!” “He’s always been prone to misspeaking for reasons unrel… --- ## [RIP Mojo Nixon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-mojo-nixon/997285)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-mojo-nixon/997285 "2024-02-10T11:15:07Z")
The groundbreaking psychobilly singer-songwriter behind such '80s deep cuts as “Elvis is Everywhere” and “Debbie Gibson is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child” has died at age 66 after suffering a heart attack on a cr… --- ## [What is meant by "a pick-me girl."?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-a-pick-me-girl/997230)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-a-pick-me-girl/997230 "2024-02-10T04:27:09Z")
I saw a Reddit thread wherein folks were complaining that the phrase “pick-me girl” was being overused and applied to too many stereotypes. But nowhere did they really describe what it’s supposed to mean, or originally … --- ## [Nuisance Dust in fire extinguishers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuisance-dust-in-fire-extinguishers/90628)
**Author:** [@FyreFiend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FyreFiend)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuisance-dust-in-fire-extinguishers/90628 "2024-02-10T01:09:50Z")
Hello, We had a small electrical fire in our kitchen today that I put out with a small fire extinguisher. Thankfully everyone’s alright and there was no real damage. Right now we’re cleaning up the mess left over from f… --- ## [California Storm Watch - Stay Safe \[early Feb, 2024\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-storm-watch-stay-safe-early-feb-2024/997083)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2024, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-storm-watch-stay-safe-early-feb-2024/997083 "2024-02-10T01:00:11Z")
A massive storm is about to hit us and we are preparing for flooding and highway closures. Hardest hit is expected to Santa Barbara (where I am) and Ventura Counties. Drizzle is starting here but the heaviest downpour is… --- ## [Non-fiction recommendations please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-fiction-recommendations-please/996869)
**Author:** [@mjmartin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mjmartin)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-fiction-recommendations-please/996869 "2024-02-09T23:41:23Z")
Anyone have any good non-fiction recommendations? I’m open to pretty much anything, but biographies are of particular interest. (I see this topic has been done a few times, but the last thread I see is over a decade old… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=632&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=634&state=muted)