# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=635 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 636 --- ## [What is it like to work as an engineer (environmental, civil, mechanical, not so much software/electrical)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-like-to-work-as-an-engineer-environmental-civil-mechanical-not-so-much-software-electrical/996640)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-like-to-work-as-an-engineer-environmental-civil-mechanical-not-so-much-software-electrical/996640 "2024-02-07T19:30:35Z")
Is anyone here an engineer of the real-world kind? Like building devices, vehicles, roads, dams, etc., as opposed to circuits and software? Can you share a bit of what your day-to-day’s like, what kind of projects you ty… --- ## [How reliable and unreliable is this site?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-reliable-and-unreliable-is-this-site/997170)
**Author:** [@Jagraze1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jagraze1)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-reliable-and-unreliable-is-this-site/997170 "2024-02-07T17:32:22Z")
Do you think, there is anything unreliable about this site? Like a lot of suites are unreliable (ex: Reddit). Is SD one of them? --- ## [Movie Series with One or Two Titles Different from the Others](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-series-with-one-or-two-titles-different-from-the-others/997138)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-series-with-one-or-two-titles-different-from-the-others/997138 "2024-02-07T17:29:56Z")
The threads about non-appearing characters and recently-seen films has made me think of this. They called the first film of the Nick and Nora Charles films The Thin Man, and people thought it referred to Nick Charles. S… --- ## [Physics of H20 / vapor / Leidenfrost Effect in kettle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-of-h20-vapor-leidenfrost-effect-in-kettle/997195)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-of-h20-vapor-leidenfrost-effect-in-kettle/997195 "2024-02-07T16:12:17Z")
Hi there, random shower thought: when you boil water in an (e.g.) electric kettle - you will see air bubbles rising at the end of the boiling process (rolling boil?) I assume the gas bubbles come from the Leidenfrost … --- ## [Guess the Chinglish translation for this toy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-chinglish-translation-for-this-toy/997202)
**Author:** [@Oswald\_Bastable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oswald_Bastable)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-chinglish-translation-for-this-toy/997202 "2024-02-07T15:43:57Z")
My daughter received this toy as a gift. It’s a craft toy where you push little bits of material through slits in the dresses of cardboard cut out dolls to give a 3D effect. It’s called ‘DIY Versatile Facelift’. Can anyo… --- ## [Trying to find a philosophical quote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-a-philosophical-quote/997164)
**Author:** [@oligArchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oligArchie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-a-philosophical-quote/997164 "2024-02-07T14:46:09Z")
A couple of months ago, I read a quote from (possibly) Alan Watts and I can’t remember the exact phrase. My google-fu is compromised by my not completely remembering the specifics. It was something similar to this parap… --- ## [Classic Books Which Live Up To Their Reputation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-books-which-live-up-to-their-reputation/976763)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-books-which-live-up-to-their-reputation/976763 "2024-02-07T13:38:57Z")
Many voluminous classic books have aged badly, are simply not worth the time, are unreadable or never deserved the reputation won when there were fewer alternatives and less knowledge and variety. Inspired by The Atlant… --- ## [The ultimate mmm-song pre-poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ultimate-mmm-song-pre-poll/995159)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ultimate-mmm-song-pre-poll/995159 "2024-02-07T13:01:31Z")
This poll will determine our 5 finalists for the Most Favoritest Doper Song.of All Time. These are our 33 finalists. This list contains the winner of each individual poll, plus 5 additional selections from the also-ran a… --- ## [Texas national guard vs. Border Patrol standoff - begining of a new civil war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-national-guard-vs-border-patrol-standoff-begining-of-a-new-civil-war/996440)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-national-guard-vs-border-patrol-standoff-begining-of-a-new-civil-war/996440 "2024-02-07T02:48:13Z")
Is this going to be the “first shot” of a new civil war? If the US supreme court rules against Texas and Texas ignores the ruling, keeping it’s national guard at the border, then what happens? I’m not trying to cause … --- ## [Has anyone gotten an invite to BlueSky? (Open to all now, invites no longer required)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-gotten-an-invite-to-bluesky-open-to-all-now-invites-no-longer-required/992043)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-gotten-an-invite-to-bluesky-open-to-all-now-invites-no-longer-required/992043 "2024-02-07T01:18:21Z")
These things seem to be rarer than Faberge eggs. Anyone gotten in yet? (BlueSky is a Twitter/X alternative. I don’t really know what it offers that’s better than the alternative, but it’s not associated with Musk, so th… --- ## [King Charles has prostate treatment \[Update 5-FEB-24 treatment for cancer\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/king-charles-has-prostate-treatment-update-5-feb-24-treatment-for-cancer/996695)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2024, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/king-charles-has-prostate-treatment-update-5-feb-24-treatment-for-cancer/996695 "2024-02-07T00:50:40Z")
Can you imagine the profuse, knee bending, deep bowing apology when you have to ask your King to submit to the digital exam? “I say, Chuck, old boy, splendid round of croquet, eh what? I liked the way you skewered that … --- ## [Help me find this sad Chris Ware comic about a hugging robot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-this-sad-chris-ware-comic-about-a-hugging-robot/997156)
**Author:** [@Hoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoops)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-this-sad-chris-ware-comic-about-a-hugging-robot/997156 "2024-02-06T23:56:28Z")
I doubt it’s online—at least I have been unable to find it—so I’m primarily looking for which of his books it’s in. But he has a lot of books, many of them quite dense, and it’s not like there’s indexes or anything. It… --- ## [Why did someone put kalonji seeds in my luggage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-someone-put-kalonji-seeds-in-my-luggage/996940)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-someone-put-kalonji-seeds-in-my-luggage/996940 "2024-02-06T23:40:00Z")
I traveled to Nepal this week, and for some reason my suitcase took a detour through Manila and Seoul. When I finally retrieved it yesterday and unpacked, I found two packages of kalonji seeds in my bag. They were all th… --- ## [Unique flying "monster" fossil found on Isle of Skye](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unique-flying-monster-fossil-found-on-isle-of-skye/997178)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unique-flying-monster-fossil-found-on-isle-of-skye/997178 "2024-02-06T23:28:14Z")
I’m not specifically on the lookout for dinosaur stories in the UK, it just happens! First, there was the Dorset fossil, now a new pterosaur on Skye! --- ## [Why are these locomotives emitting smoke intermittently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-these-locomotives-emitting-smoke-intermittently/997193)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-these-locomotives-emitting-smoke-intermittently/997193 "2024-02-06T20:30:59Z")
Referencing this video of a train starting from a dead stop on an uphill grade: Starting around 1:30, there are several points at which the locomotives put out large amounts of dense black smoke. At one p… --- ## [Has Nikki Haley mentioned what type of fertility treatments she undertook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-nikki-haley-mentioned-what-type-of-fertility-treatments-she-undertook/993550)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-nikki-haley-mentioned-what-type-of-fertility-treatments-she-undertook/993550 "2024-02-06T20:14:03Z")
\[This is a factual question, but obviously of political import, hence its placement here vs. Factual Questions\] Nikki Haley recently talked about her fertility challenges: ‘Michael and I struggled to have children of … --- ## [Chest/Ribs and a Fall. Thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chest-ribs-and-a-fall-thoughts/997144)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chest-ribs-and-a-fall-thoughts/997144 "2024-02-06T19:07:16Z")
I’m struggling with the best title. A week ago I fell on some ice while I was taking out the barrels for trash day. The barrel went on its side and I landed on it, with the corner of it hitting me in (or me hitting it) … --- ## [Bathroom design at the Super Bowl venue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-design-at-the-super-bowl-venue/997101)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-design-at-the-super-bowl-venue/997101 "2024-02-06T18:08:12Z")
A good article about how the 297 bathrooms are designed there and other modern faculties. But I got a chuckle about the “cost” of going to the bathroom: “Long lines for the restroom are what architects call a “friction … --- ## [New Social Security Card! How should I sign it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-social-security-card-how-should-i-sign-it/997153)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-social-security-card-how-should-i-sign-it/997153 "2024-02-06T17:26:40Z")
I haven’t had a social security card in decades, and gave up on getting Real ID with my last driver’s license as a result. (I have a passport, so this is a nuisance, but not really limiting.) But they’ve changed the rule… --- ## [The letter K in Latin kalendae](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-letter-k-in-latin-kalendae/49203)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-letter-k-in-latin-kalendae/49203 "2024-02-06T17:06:27Z")
To this day, the Romance languages and Irish avoid using the letter\* K\*. They always use C (or “qu” in certain cases) to spell the /k/ sound. The reason for this is that the ancient Romans decided not to use K in Latin, … --- ## [Was Captain Harry S. Truman fighting anywhere near the 369th regiment at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-captain-harry-s-truman-fighting-anywhere-near-the-369th-regiment-at-the-meuse-argonne-offensive-in-1918/997189)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-captain-harry-s-truman-fighting-anywhere-near-the-369th-regiment-at-the-meuse-argonne-offensive-in-1918/997189 "2024-02-06T16:57:36Z")
Was Captain Harry S. Truman fighting anywhere near the 369th regiment at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in WWI? Did the Battery D of the 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division\*\* . witness black soldiers in combat? --- ## [Was there any alphanumerical designation for Black labor battalions in World War I? Was there any military alphanumerical designation for non-White soldiers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-any-alphanumerical-designation-for-black-labor-battalions-in-world-war-i-was-there-any-military-alphanumerical-designation-for-non-white-soldiers/997192)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-any-alphanumerical-designation-for-black-labor-battalions-in-world-war-i-was-there-any-military-alphanumerical-designation-for-non-white-soldiers/997192 "2024-02-06T16:47:06Z")
Was there any alphanumerical designation for Black labor battalions in World War I? Was there any military alphanumerical designation/category for non-White soldiers ? I couldn’t find any online. --- ## [What books I read as a kid should I revisit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-books-i-read-as-a-kid-should-i-revisit/995439)
**Author:** [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-books-i-read-as-a-kid-should-i-revisit/995439 "2024-02-06T02:38:14Z")
Primarily inspired by the discussion in the “what were you THINKING?” pit thread, I wondered if I should read Heinlen as an adult. I read most of his stuff as a kid, but have never gone back to it. Which got me thinking … --- ## [How many States can disqualify Trump before his campaign can't win?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-states-can-disqualify-trump-before-his-campaign-cant-win/995316)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-states-can-disqualify-trump-before-his-campaign-cant-win/995316 "2024-02-06T02:18:15Z")
Arizona and Maine are presumably off the table unless the US Supreme court interferes. I think a lot of states have been waiting for the first bricks to fall. There could be several more that disqualify Trump’s eligibili… --- ## [There will be a note added to John Cage's "Organ2/ASLSP" on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-will-be-a-note-added-to-john-cages-organ2-aslsp-on-monday-feb-5-2024/997140)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-will-be-a-note-added-to-john-cages-organ2-aslsp-on-monday-feb-5-2024/997140 "2024-02-06T01:56:31Z")
John Cage wrote Organ2/ASLSP “As Slow As Possible” in 1987. While a typical performance lasts around an hour, there have been performances that extend to the 14 hour mark. On September 5th, 2001, St. Burchardi church i… --- ## [Amazon Prime is going to start charging for streaming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-is-going-to-start-charging-for-streaming/990688)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-is-going-to-start-charging-for-streaming/990688 "2024-02-06T00:51:59Z")
“Just” $2.99/month, or ads included if you don’t want to pay for it, but it feels like the opening of the door for a service that has always touted its streaming as an included benefit. It’s not clear if I have to s… --- ## [Campaign Finance Question – need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/campaign-finance-question-need-answer-fast/996992)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/campaign-finance-question-need-answer-fast/996992 "2024-02-06T00:03:07Z")
Ok, yeah, “need answer fast” is /s , if the mods want to change that. On another thread, I saw someone suggest that they would like to see \[some candidate\] spend money they do not really have to, to get re-elected, and … --- ## [It's Pączki time! Yay!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-paczki-time-yay/710883)
**Author:** [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-paczki-time-yay/710883 "2024-02-05T23:59:25Z")
I had never heard of Pączki before moving to Michigan. They are, basically, filled Polish donuts. But much, much better than regular jelly-filled doughnuts. Made (if done traditionally) with grain alcohol, brandy or rum. … --- ## [Paxlovid rebound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paxlovid-rebound/974726)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paxlovid-rebound/974726 "2024-02-05T23:11:06Z")
The official numbers say you are only about 4% likely to have a rebound after paxlovid. But anecdotally, it seems much higher. So i thought I’d poll this group, and see what our collective anecdotes say. poll --- ## [Private Pike has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-pike-has-died/997157)
**Author:** [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-pike-has-died/997157 "2024-02-05T21:35:48Z")
Ian Lavender, the youngest and last surviving member of the cast of Dad’s Army, one of the best TV comedies ever made, has died aged 77. I’m not sure if it ever reached the US in any notable way, but is still being play… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=634) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=636)