# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=633&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 634 --- ## [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… --- ## [Officers sidearms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/officers-sidearms/997200)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2024, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/officers-sidearms/997200 "2024-02-09T22:19:10Z")
Why in the year 2024 do military forces, the whole world over, issue their officers pistols? Rifles are effective at much greater distances, after all. --- ## [NFL 2023-2024: Conference Championships](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2023-2024-conference-championships/996595)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2024, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2023-2024-conference-championships/996595 "2024-02-09T21:09:31Z")
Conference championships are upon us. The Divisional games last weekend featured three 1-possession games, while the fourth was tied at halftime. Hopefully we will see two close games on Sunday. The weather should be… --- ## [Think I may have bought someone's sentimental family photos by mistake](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/think-i-may-have-bought-someones-sentimental-family-photos-by-mistake/997112)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2024, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/think-i-may-have-bought-someones-sentimental-family-photos-by-mistake/997112 "2024-02-09T21:06:37Z")
Saturday I was at an estate sale this weekend, strewn around the basement and in a couple of open storage totes were a bunch of photo boxes, picture frames, photo albums, rolls of 8mm film, etc. None of this stuff had pr… --- ## [Should I be getting a W-2 from 7-Eleven even though I only worked there 2 months?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-getting-a-w-2-from-7-eleven-even-though-i-only-worked-there-2-months/982657)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-getting-a-w-2-from-7-eleven-even-though-i-only-worked-there-2-months/982657 "2024-02-09T17:46:40Z")
I worked for 7-Eleven for only about two months; it just seemed a lot longer because I was doing a daily journal. Should I be expecting a W-2 from them so I can do my taxes? I haven’t gotten one yet. --- ## [Moana 2 to be released](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moana-2-to-be-released/997306)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2024, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moana-2-to-be-released/997306 "2024-02-09T16:38:20Z")
It won’t have Lin-Manuel Miranda doing the music, which is a mark against it, but I’ll wait for the trailer. And “Moana 2” is a pretty weak title. Give me something catchier. --- ## [Is there a way to see who unfriended on Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-see-who-unfriended-on-facebook/997354)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2024, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-see-who-unfriended-on-facebook/997354 "2024-02-09T16:14:10Z")
Well, any way to see if any friends have unfollowed you? I cant find any obvious way to do that in the Facebook options, but maybe im not looking hard enough? I have too many friends on facebook to compare and contrast … --- ## [What are your favorite songs that begin with Ψ? See rules in OP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-see-rules-in-op/993795)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2024, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-see-rules-in-op/993795 "2024-02-09T16:10:27Z")
Since we’re coming to the end of the Roman alphabet, I thought we should move on to Greek. When we’re done with that, maybe Cyrillic or Arabic? Same rules as all the other similar threads. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=632&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=634&state=tracking)