# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=640 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 641 --- ## [What does a Supreme Court clerk do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-supreme-court-clerk-do/626730)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-supreme-court-clerk-do/626730 "2024-01-30T17:44:28Z")
Clerking for a Supreme Court justice is apparently a very prestigious thing to have on one’s law resume. What exactly do these clerks do? How many clerks does each justice have at any one time? How long do clerks typi… --- ## [Actual working Starfleet-style communicator to go on sale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actual-working-starfleet-style-communicator-to-go-on-sale/724501)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actual-working-starfleet-style-communicator-to-go-on-sale/724501 "2024-01-30T17:10:34Z")
Ooo, shiny! And very tempting… --- ## [Anyone else having trouble making Italics and Paragraph Breaks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-having-trouble-making-italics-and-paragraph-breaks/996630)
**Author:** [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-having-trouble-making-italics-and-paragraph-breaks/996630 "2024-01-30T15:58:20Z")
For the last few days, all the words that I’ve italicized have the asterisk on each side of the word, but show up as plain text in the preview pane and when I post it (except bolding, for some reason). And the only way … --- ## [What Nazi official announced the March 1936 march into the Rhineland (video link included)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-nazi-official-announced-the-march-1936-march-into-the-rhineland-video-link-included/996785)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-nazi-official-announced-the-march-1936-march-into-the-rhineland-video-link-included/996785 "2024-01-30T15:56:08Z")
Link to documentary. You can see the announcement starting at about 15:19. I couldn’t find where the speaker was identified. --- ## [Seeking the source of a literary quotation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-the-source-of-a-literary-quotation/996868)
**Author:** [@PapaD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapaD)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-the-source-of-a-literary-quotation/996868 "2024-01-30T15:40:13Z")
I once read something to the effect, “A man may fool his wife or his mistress, but a daughter is a different matter.” I have searched in vain for the literary source of this quote, which may have been an English translat… --- ## [Tony Blair - "Policy first, politics second"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-blair-policy-first-politics-second/996844)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-blair-policy-first-politics-second/996844 "2024-01-30T15:16:09Z")
I had the privelege of hearing Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister, speak this past weekend. While he discussed a wide range of geopolitical topics he threw out the quote “Policy first, politics second”, when asked abo… --- ## [RIP Melanie Safka](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-melanie-safka/996606)
**Author:** [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-melanie-safka/996606 "2024-01-30T14:59:49Z")
Folk singer/songwriter Melanie Safka, best known as simply Melanie, has died at the age of 76. While no Joni Mitchell, she was beginning to have a following with people who liked somewhat folky introspective music in th… --- ## [Hotels near LAX](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotels-near-lax/996628)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotels-near-lax/996628 "2024-01-30T14:56:32Z")
I am flying overseas in August. I will be overnighting at LAX. Does anyone have recommendations for places to stay near the airport? This is a vacation so I want to relax for a bit and have planned the departures in the … --- ## [Zvi Zamir, head of Mossad during and after the Munich Olympics, died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zvi-zamir-head-of-mossad-during-and-after-the-munich-olympics-died/996866)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zvi-zamir-head-of-mossad-during-and-after-the-munich-olympics-died/996866 "2024-01-30T14:47:33Z")
Not sure what forum is best for this so mods feel free to move. His leadership during the response to that attack, Operation Wrath of God, was felt to be quick and brutal. For sure at one innocent was killed. Hard to … --- ## [Local school board cancels school because of an eclipse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-school-board-cancels-school-because-of-an-eclipse/996738)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-school-board-cancels-school-because-of-an-eclipse/996738 "2024-01-30T09:00:16Z")
Well, sort of. My local school board has decided the total solar eclipse of April 8 will be dangerous. So a PA day has been moved from April 22 to April 8 so the kids aren’t subjected to all the danger. The period of … --- ## [Any recommendations for keto products?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-recommendations-for-keto-products/996742)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-recommendations-for-keto-products/996742 "2024-01-30T05:37:37Z")
I am currently losing weight through a keto program. It’s a medically monitored program that is low carb and low fat. I don’t really need criticism of it I’m consulting medical professionals already. And it’s working wel… --- ## [This company is planning to use AI to communicate with animals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-company-is-planning-to-use-ai-to-communicate-with-animals/996828)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-company-is-planning-to-use-ai-to-communicate-with-animals/996828 "2024-01-30T05:04:15Z")
https://www.earthspecies.org Earth Species Project is a non-profit dedicated to using artificial intelligence to decode non-human communication. We believe that an understanding of non-human languages will transform o… --- ## [An “Eisenhower Republican” is challenging Scott Perry in PA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-eisenhower-republican-is-challenging-scott-perry-in-pa/996819)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-eisenhower-republican-is-challenging-scott-perry-in-pa/996819 "2024-01-30T04:19:06Z")
He’s hoping independents and disaffected Republicans will back him up. Here’s hoping he Al least bleeds votes from Perry. --- ## [DeSantis can't win the GOP nomination or the general election in 2024 {How Trump plays into this is allowed}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 779\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249 "2024-01-30T03:44:51Z")
We talked a bit about Ron DeSantis in a thread I recently started here (Nikki Haley announces US presidential run for 2024), so I thought we discuss his run in greater detail here. First, let’s not argue the point that … --- ## [I just want you to know who I am](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-want-you-to-know-who-i-am/996840)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-want-you-to-know-who-i-am/996840 "2024-01-30T02:14:52Z")
"I don’t want the world to see me, 'Cause I don’t think they’d understand, When everything is made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am"\* I figured it out. Of course it was a seizure that caused it. A song … --- ## [Zyppah (Happy Z backwards) sleep apnea device commercials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zyppah-happy-z-backwards-sleep-apnea-device-commercials/996826)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zyppah-happy-z-backwards-sleep-apnea-device-commercials/996826 "2024-01-30T01:29:30Z")
If you listen to Sirius XM then you’ve probably heard these commercials whose spokesman is Jimmy from apparently south Boston. The company that owns the Zyppah brand is based in California. While I highly doubt that t… --- ## [Where is the best place for direct consultation for home repair / DIY questions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-best-place-for-direct-consultation-for-home-repair-diy-questions/996841)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-best-place-for-direct-consultation-for-home-repair-diy-questions/996841 "2024-01-30T01:00:48Z")
As evidenced by other threads I’ve created, both here and elsewhere, I as a new homeowner who’s not handy have had questions about certain aspects of home repair and maintenance. Right now, it’s about smoke detectors, wi… --- ## [Why don't states use nitrogen chambers for the death penalty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-states-use-nitrogen-chambers-for-the-death-penalty/960698)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2024, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-states-use-nitrogen-chambers-for-the-death-penalty/960698 "2024-01-30T00:07:41Z")
Here’s a gift article about the problems with the use of midazolam in lethal injections: Lethal injections for the death penalty seem hopelessly broken. If OK loses this case, they will appeal and they may even win, … --- ## [What is "MMP?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-mmp/996478)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-mmp/996478 "2024-01-29T23:45:53Z")
I have seen numerous post titles with “MMP” in them and I cannot figure out what it means. Multi-man Publishing Mass Media Production Multimedia Player Meet Me Page Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid Marian Movement of Priests … --- ## [Have you eaten any unusual smoked foods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-eaten-any-unusual-smoked-foods/992854)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-eaten-any-unusual-smoked-foods/992854 "2024-01-29T22:45:23Z")
I have had smoked carp prepared by a coworker who knew what he was doing. Delicious and not fishy at all. This summer I put smoked salt on a steak. I t was a bit hard to tell how much flavor it contributed but it was ta… --- ## [LIGO: The Next Generation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ligo-the-next-generation/996574)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ligo-the-next-generation/996574 "2024-01-29T22:39:32Z")
LIGO is a laser interferometer…essentially a gravity wave telescope. LIGO - Wikipedia I believe I’ve read (in Popular Science?) a future successor to this land-based system is to construct one in space…outside any poss… --- ## [So the Chief Justice of Canada and I were going head-to-head in a debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-chief-justice-of-canada-and-i-were-going-head-to-head-in-a-debate/996460)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-chief-justice-of-canada-and-i-were-going-head-to-head-in-a-debate/996460 "2024-01-29T20:49:13Z")
We were arguing about a decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council called Brooks-Bidlake. I was submitting that it was highly relevant to the case before the Supreme Court, but he was sceptical. And then I … --- ## [It was supposed to be so easy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-was-supposed-to-be-so-easy/996790)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-was-supposed-to-be-so-easy/996790 "2024-01-29T20:38:18Z")
Or, technology strikes again. Sigh. Just spent a few of the remaining hours of my life getting a new Epson Ecotank ET-4800 printer/scanner set up and running the way I want it to. Not all that difficult in principle, … --- ## [Is California being unreasonably optimistic. (Electric Vehicles)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-california-being-unreasonably-optimistic-electric-vehicles/989866)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 247\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-california-being-unreasonably-optimistic-electric-vehicles/989866 "2024-01-29T20:01:04Z")
California to end sales of gasoline-only cars by 2035 Aug 25, 2022 (Reuters) - California on Thursday moved to require all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be either electric or plug-in electric hybrids, a lan… --- ## [Ever seen stalagmites on your icecubes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-seen-stalagmites-on-your-icecubes/961187)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-seen-stalagmites-on-your-icecubes/961187 "2024-01-29T18:45:47Z")
I made some ice recently and was surprised to see “stalagmites” that had grown from the surface of the cubes. I’d never seen/heard of such a thing, but online I found that it i… --- ## [A nonreligious question about the Greek of Matthew 18:22](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-nonreligious-question-about-the-greek-of-matthew-18-22/996077)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-nonreligious-question-about-the-greek-of-matthew-18-22/996077 "2024-01-29T18:29:13Z")
This is the passage about forgiving ‘not up to seven times, but until \[some number\] of times’. I get that the upshot is that it’s meant to mean ‘a big, symbolically meaningful number’ like ‘a lucky jillion’, but what of… --- ## [Question about Philips commercial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-philips-commercial/44822)
**Author:** [@THespos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/THespos)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-philips-commercial/44822 "2024-01-29T17:53:31Z")
You know the song from the Philips commercials? The one that goes, “I got to admit it’s getting better…getting better all the time.” Is that a full-length song? If so, who was the original artist? I swear I recognized N… --- ## [Thugs attacking robot delivery carts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thugs-attacking-robot-delivery-carts/988576)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thugs-attacking-robot-delivery-carts/988576 "2024-01-29T16:59:04Z")
I’ve seen numerous videos of people tipping those food delivery robots over and prying off the locked lid. And now that it is on YouTube and TikTok it will only increase. Have the designers totally overlooked this proble… --- ## [Does anyone know what the deal is behind the recent East Asia trend, especially in media?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-what-the-deal-is-behind-the-recent-east-asia-trend-especially-in-media/995638)
**Author:** [@neitherscout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neitherscout)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-what-the-deal-is-behind-the-recent-east-asia-trend-especially-in-media/995638 "2024-01-29T16:35:33Z")
I’m new here. I regret having to join a message board in order to satisfy my curiosity on a topic, but I just couldn’t find any real discussion of it anywhere (which I find a bit bewildering). I’m not sure exactly when … --- ## [Casting Google Meet to my TV, from an IOS device](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casting-google-meet-to-my-tv-from-an-ios-device/996748)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2024, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casting-google-meet-to-my-tv-from-an-ios-device/996748 "2024-01-29T16:15:50Z")
My wife and I do a fair amount of family chats using Google Meet. We tend to do these huddled around an iPad using the Google Meet web app. It would be nice to do these video calls on our big smart TV instead. The plan … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=639) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=641)