# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=643 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 644 --- ## [Origin on the brain sucker dad joke? "What's this brain sucker doing? Starving!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-on-the-brain-sucker-dad-joke-whats-this-brain-sucker-doing-starving/996410)
**Author:** [@notmenotyou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notmenotyou)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-on-the-brain-sucker-dad-joke-whats-this-brain-sucker-doing-starving/996410 "2024-01-26T19:32:02Z")
Apparently everyone’s dad did this back in the 90s (and earlier??). Where did it come from? Maybe some TV show? --- ## [How do you routinely use flashlights in and around your home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-routinely-use-flashlights-in-and-around-your-home/986640 "2024-01-26T16:35:54Z")
Maybe I’m odd. (Okay, that’s a given.) There are some things I have lots of around the house: metal nail files, scissors, rulers, and flashlights. I’m wondering if others have flashlights stashed in various places for va… --- ## [Programming Colossus (Cracking Enigma)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/programming-colossus-cracking-enigma/178271)
**Author:** [@keeper0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keeper0)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/programming-colossus-cracking-enigma/178271 "2024-01-26T12:22:06Z")
I suspect most of you are familiar with the efforts of Bletchley Park in cracking the Enigma codes during WWII. One of the keys to this process was the first digital computer, called Colossus, to help sort through the… --- ## [Is there a word for this type of brainteaser?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-this-type-of-brainteaser/996426)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-this-type-of-brainteaser/996426 "2024-01-26T07:28:15Z")
I saw this on Facebook. It seems easy but seems to fool people: “I bought a reindeer for $900 and sold it for $1300. I bought it back for $1400 and sold it for $1700. What profit did I make?” The answer is $700, whi… --- ## [Why are pop filters used in the studio but not on stage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-pop-filters-used-in-the-studio-but-not-on-stage/996658)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-pop-filters-used-in-the-studio-but-not-on-stage/996658 "2024-01-26T04:55:50Z")
Pop filters are those circular screens that are placed in front of microphones. You often see these in recording studios and podcast studios. They disperse sudden puffs of air that are expelled from pronouncing certain p… --- ## [Is it possible to upgrade a Windows 7 computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-upgrade-a-windows-7-computer/996235)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-upgrade-a-windows-7-computer/996235 "2024-01-26T04:52:50Z")
I have a Window 7 computer. Some of the programs on it (most notably, Steam games) are starting to not work on it. I want to make them work. From what I understand, this means that I need to upgrade to Windows 10 (the… --- ## [Be leave you/us alone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/be-leave-you-us-alone/996664)
**Author:** [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/be-leave-you-us-alone/996664 "2024-01-26T04:50:39Z")
I recently encountered a phrase in a site regarding Elizabeth Moon’s Pakesenarrion works (Paksworld:) that went Am he gone? Are he went? Have he left I all alone? This reminded me of a very similar statement that my Dad… --- ## [Barley soup question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barley-soup-question/996602)
**Author:** [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barley-soup-question/996602 "2024-01-26T04:08:31Z")
How does one prevent the barley from continuing to absorb broth? Same question with noodle soups. I don’t want giant noodles or barleys in my soup. --- ## [Topic Playlist! (Part 2)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topic-playlist-part-2/949532)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 9999\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topic-playlist-part-2/949532 "2024-01-26T03:58:09Z")
Continuing the discussion from Topic Playlist! (Part 1) - #10004 by MissTake. Previous discussions: Topic Playlist! (Part 1) --- ## [I don't understand why Western tankers would be safer if they sail south from the east coast of Africa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-why-western-tankers-would-be-safer-if-they-sail-south-from-the-east-coast-of-africa/996430)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-why-western-tankers-would-be-safer-if-they-sail-south-from-the-east-coast-of-africa/996430 "2024-01-26T03:41:38Z")
At the end of his book “Sovereignty in Dispute: the Falklands/Malvinas, 1493-1982,” Hoffmann said “Could it be that the U.S. Navy and the British Admiralty have decided that the islands are essential for protecting oil… --- ## [Perseverance rover on Mars (was: Mars lander set for Feb 18th landing)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perseverance-rover-on-mars-was-mars-lander-set-for-feb-18th-landing/932068)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 277\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perseverance-rover-on-mars-was-mars-lander-set-for-feb-18th-landing/932068 "2024-01-26T03:40:57Z")
My name is on it. I still can’t believe one Mars lander had a problem because one part used metric system and another used pounds, feet,etc. How that got through QC is a big mystery to me. --- ## [Not Racism... Religionism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-racism-religionism/996238)
**Author:** [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-racism-religionism/996238 "2024-01-26T03:31:19Z")
Plenty of people are racist. This is a fact, unfortunately. There are a myriad of ways to be racist. Anti black, anti white, anti asian, it is all bullshit but we have the word “racism” to descibe it. Is there a term fo… --- ## [Is this a solution to the Kobyashi Maru test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-solution-to-the-kobyashi-maru-test/996233)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-solution-to-the-kobyashi-maru-test/996233 "2024-01-26T01:39:13Z")
It’s a no-win situation comprised of a damaged starship filled with dying people who are trapped in an area that serves as a no-fly zone. If you enter during the test, you will be attacked by a superior force and it mean… --- ## [Don't Iceland volcanos have names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-iceland-volcanos-have-names/996132)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-iceland-volcanos-have-names/996132 "2024-01-26T00:29:28Z")
In the recent news articles about volcanoes in Iceland, they never refer to the volcano by name. Seems odd. Perhaps it’s because the last volcano to erupt, and spewed so much into the atmosphere that it disrupted air t… --- ## [Blue & Black Collar Overtime Hours](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-black-collar-overtime-hours/996617)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-black-collar-overtime-hours/996617 "2024-01-25T22:35:37Z")
A majority of blue & black collar type jobs (in addition to factories, warehousing, and trucking) usually require and have more overtime hours/opportunities when compared to white collar jobs… which makes me wonder why c… --- ## [Important Question About Chester Cheetah](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/important-question-about-chester-cheetah/996404)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/important-question-about-chester-cheetah/996404 "2024-01-25T22:00:41Z")
I’ve tried to cut down in less healthy snacks. But sometimes I enjoy crunchy cheese things. Just back from the gym; felt I deserved some, and so my fingers now have traces of orange crud. Looking at the packet, I noti… --- ## [Social dilemma - What would you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-dilemma-what-would-you-do/996593)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-dilemma-what-would-you-do/996593 "2024-01-25T21:55:37Z")
You follow a very strict low-carb diet. You are invited to a couple’s home for lunch. They hint that they will be serving sub sandwiches, pasta, and a dessert. Other info: You have known them for just a couple of year… --- ## [People who dreamed about being able to fly, how did you fly in your dream?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dreamed-about-being-able-to-fly-how-did-you-fly-in-your-dream/994775)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dreamed-about-being-able-to-fly-how-did-you-fly-in-your-dream/994775 "2024-01-25T21:30:57Z")
poll --- ## [So, what are Haley and DeSantis running for? '28? Veep? Trump incarceration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-haley-and-desantis-running-for-28-veep-trump-incarceration/996243)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-haley-and-desantis-running-for-28-veep-trump-incarceration/996243 "2024-01-25T20:43:21Z")
I think I’m supposed to know this, but damned if I can remember hearing it. What goal do Haley and DeSantis have? Do they think Trump will pick one of them as running mate? Do they think he’ll disappear somehow before th… --- ## [What are the best modern tank strategies? Especially Ukraine vs. Russia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-modern-tank-strategies-especially-ukraine-vs-russia/996074)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-modern-tank-strategies-especially-ukraine-vs-russia/996074 "2024-01-25T20:41:50Z")
What are the best modern tank strategies? Especially Ukraine vs. Russia. --- ## [Identify this poorly-remembered movie or TV show about a robot detective](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-poorly-remembered-movie-or-tv-show-about-a-robot-detective/983742)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-poorly-remembered-movie-or-tv-show-about-a-robot-detective/983742 "2024-01-25T20:32:58Z")
Live action, 1980s or thereabouts, I think from the USA, I think with a detective or mystery-solving theme; one of the main characters was a realistic humanoid robot (but not Inspector Gadget). One of his abilities was … --- ## [Floridopers, please beware of frozen iguanas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/floridopers-please-beware-of-frozen-iguanas/996587)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/floridopers-please-beware-of-frozen-iguanas/996587 "2024-01-25T20:05:20Z")
They can apparently damage cars and people when they fall out of trees, so keep an eye upwards! The poor critters just stiffen up in the cold and drop to the ground. --- ## [Rip Charles Osgood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-charles-osgood/996576)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-charles-osgood/996576 "2024-01-25T19:12:29Z")
Another old-time radio/TV journalist gone. --- ## [Help me understand "Crungus" and "Loab"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-crungus-and-loab/971234)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-crungus-and-loab/971234 "2024-01-25T17:51:31Z")
As nearly as this 20th-century old geezer understands it, there has been a sort of feedback loop between internet memes, artificial intelligence and image trawling that some people are claiming has produced a self-emergi… --- ## [Why is this empty Phone running out of Space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-this-empty-phone-running-out-of-space/996571)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-this-empty-phone-running-out-of-space/996571 "2024-01-25T17:10:28Z")
I’m using my Mom’s old 10GBb Android Phone to play music. Samsung Galaxy A01 We bought it for mom after 3G service was discontinued and her Flip phone didn’t work. It never had much installed. Solitaire and Amazon. It w… --- ## [NHL: January 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-january-2024/995474)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-january-2024/995474 "2024-01-25T16:55:43Z")
I quite liked the Winter Classic this year. Finally, it moves out west and not the same 6 teams with Seattle vs Vegas in a battle of recent expansion teams and also featuring the defending Stanley Cup champions. Well, e… --- ## [The difference between a good director and a bad director?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-a-good-director-and-a-bad-director/996588)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-a-good-director-and-a-bad-director/996588 "2024-01-25T15:55:30Z")
A lot of people are upset that Greta Gerwig (director of Barbie) wasn’t nominated for best director. My gut feeling is that I can tell the difference between good acting and bad acting, and between good special effects … --- ## [Former South Korean Presidental Candidate stabbed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-south-korean-presidental-candidate-stabbed/995496)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-south-korean-presidental-candidate-stabbed/995496 "2024-01-25T15:01:13Z")
I know squat about politics in South Korea, but isn’t this type of violence pretty rare? Lone gunman (so to speak) or a symptom of something worse? --- ## [Kyoto Animation fire: Arson attack at Japan anime studio...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kyoto-animation-fire-arson-attack-at-japan-anime-studio/837254)
**Author:** [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kyoto-animation-fire-arson-attack-at-japan-anime-studio/837254 "2024-01-25T14:40:42Z")
Kyoto Animation fire: Arson attack at Japan anime studio kills 33 A sad day for Kyoto, for Japan, and for anime fans worldwide. The alleged arsonist has been caught. Right now, in the fog of (war), he appears to have no… --- ## [Looking for maker of a particular musical instrument](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-maker-of-a-particular-musical-instrument/996299)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-maker-of-a-particular-musical-instrument/996299 "2024-01-25T04:25:14Z")
I received a 35 key IRIN melodian/melodica for Christmas, and I can find any info about this company. Is there a link to this company? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=642) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=644)