# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=646 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 647 --- ## [Churchill, Truman and Communism in East Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/churchill-truman-and-communism-in-east-europe/950290)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/churchill-truman-and-communism-in-east-europe/950290 "2024-01-22T23:08:49Z")
I recently read Churchill’s memoirs which were written some years after WW2. He spends a fair amount of time bemoaning the fact that countries like Poland, Roumania and Bulgaria became Soviet satellites. He makes a fai… --- ## [A Question on Sound and Voices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-on-sound-and-voices/966369)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-on-sound-and-voices/966369 "2024-01-22T22:17:59Z")
A question on sound and voices: I’ve seen articles that try to explain why helium makes your voice high-pitched. It is based on how the speed of sound is wavelength X frequency, as I recall. It is presumed the wavelength… --- ## [Preserving fragile paper to unroll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preserving-fragile-paper-to-unroll/996431)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preserving-fragile-paper-to-unroll/996431 "2024-01-22T21:04:28Z")
Hey y’all, specially arty types, I have a little problem. My late father gave me a piece of art he did. I believe it’s pencil on some kind of brown paper that reminds me of parchment paper. This paper is extraordinaril… --- ## [Just read 1984 for the first time. Random thoughts/questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-read-1984-for-the-first-time-random-thoughts-questions/995613)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-read-1984-for-the-first-time-random-thoughts-questions/995613 "2024-01-22T20:23:50Z")
I know I’m about 70 years late to the party but, at 45 years old, I just read George Orwell 1984. This thread will probably sink to the bottom of the sea but I wanted to share some quick thoughts/questions in no particu… --- ## [Magic (1978): Explain this quote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-1978-explain-this-quote/996351)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-1978-explain-this-quote/996351 "2024-01-22T19:52:29Z")
Copied from IMDB trivia. Background (if you’re not familiar): Burgess Meredith, playing a Swifty Lazaresque super-agent Ben Greene is walking into his office, and as he passes by his employee Sadie, there’s this exchan… --- ## [Anyone ever take a Scandinavian cruise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-take-a-scandinavian-cruise/996433)
**Author:** [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-take-a-scandinavian-cruise/996433 "2024-01-22T17:43:49Z")
So my wife and I are turning 50 next summer, and we decided that to celebrate we were going to see the Aurora Borealis for the first time. We figured out that the best way to do this was to a cruise to the Arctic Circle.… --- ## [How to 'fancy-up' canned chili](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fancy-up-canned-chili/996196)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fancy-up-canned-chili/996196 "2024-01-22T17:04:26Z")
The latest canned chili thread I could find was from 2004 so I thought I’d start a new one. The story: A co-worker brought in some fantastic chili, made from scratch. I raved, so she gave me the recipe. It has sweet pot… --- ## [What will happen when Trump is no more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-when-trump-is-no-more/996288)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-when-trump-is-no-more/996288 "2024-01-22T17:02:23Z")
There has been some discussion of what will happen if Trump is elected in 24. But I wonder what folk think his long term effect will be on US politics/government/society/international standing should he lose in 24. Has… --- ## [Did they make you wear a smock in art class?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-they-make-you-wear-a-smock-in-art-class/996451)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-they-make-you-wear-a-smock-in-art-class/996451 "2024-01-22T16:59:22Z")
I can understand teachers probably want to minimize complaints from parents. You probably don’t want to wear your finest clothes while fingerprinting or making crappy crafts. So I can see wearing, say, an unliked T-shi… --- ## [Best and Worst Appetizer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-appetizer/995257)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-appetizer/995257 "2024-01-22T16:01:18Z")
With New Years fast approaching it is time to pick the best and worst appetizers. You can discuss your experiences and reasons or simply pick the ones you like or loathe that are commonly served at parties or restaurant… --- ## [Pizza crust advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pizza-crust-advice/990336)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pizza-crust-advice/990336 "2024-01-22T15:01:58Z")
The only part you need to read: Calling homemade pizza geniuses - any suggestions for making a really great crust? Not cracker thin, but not puffy and bread-forward either. I have a peel and a pizza stone. TLDR version: … --- ## [Share your favorite new song of 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-favorite-new-song-of-2023/994037)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-favorite-new-song-of-2023/994037 "2024-01-22T14:53:35Z")
Yes, yes, I know the average Doper is an old fart who believes music attained scientific perfection in 1974. Bear with me. It’s getting near the time of year when I post my annual “Best #1 of the year” poll, and almost … --- ## [Whence sourdough biscuits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-sourdough-biscuits/995972)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-sourdough-biscuits/995972 "2024-01-22T14:15:45Z")
If the point of biscuits is that they’re quick to make, rapid rising by using baking powder, then how does one make sourdough biscuits? Wouldn’t that mean letting the dough ferment for an extended period of time? Or is t… --- ## [What would happen to a car if you stepped on both the gas and brake pedal at the same time (all the way)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-to-a-car-if-you-stepped-on-both-the-gas-and-brake-pedal-at-the-same-time-all-the-way/996333)
**Author:** [@robardin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robardin)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-to-a-car-if-you-stepped-on-both-the-gas-and-brake-pedal-at-the-same-time-all-the-way/996333 "2024-01-22T12:08:52Z")
This was a question I was offhandedly asked the other day, by a young person just learning to drive. I said most likely, depending on how many HP the car’s engine had, it would rev really high, then lurch forward, event… --- ## [Do we care if Casey Anthony's parents pass a lie detector test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-care-if-casey-anthonys-parents-pass-a-lie-detector-test/995562)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-care-if-casey-anthonys-parents-pass-a-lie-detector-test/995562 "2024-01-22T09:27:07Z")
Been seeing ads for this show for a few weeks. Is this about the dumbest thing these people could ever do? I assume they’re getting loads of cash. Otherwise, just why? --- ## [Helena has passed on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helena-has-passed-on/992439)
**Author:** [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helena-has-passed-on/992439 "2024-01-22T03:08:35Z")
Per her friend Cow Princess, posted on the Raffe, longtime member of both these boards Helena (Helena330 here) has died. This was not unexpected, as she had a recurrence of cancer and has been in hospice care for a while… --- ## [Religioustolerance.org has 404'd](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religioustolerance-org-has-404d/996455)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religioustolerance-org-has-404d/996455 "2024-01-22T02:28:36Z")
In 2023 religioustolerance.org shut down. It was a project of Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance and once hosted over 8000 articles describing various religions and religious positions. The reasons for its closur… --- ## [Dialogue origin thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dialogue-origin-thread/996461)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dialogue-origin-thread/996461 "2024-01-22T02:07:14Z")
I have a question about a specific bit of dialogue; but rather than start a thread just for it, I’ll start this one for other questions about origins. My question: We’re watching Twentieth Century (1934). ‘I close the … --- ## [Picture with graffiti & graphs, can anyone explain this to me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picture-with-graffiti-graphs-can-anyone-explain-this-to-me/996452)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picture-with-graffiti-graphs-can-anyone-explain-this-to-me/996452 "2024-01-22T01:29:13Z")
Looks like I need you follow the link --- ## [Marvel's Echo (all 5 episodes now streaming) - No Spoilers please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marvels-echo-all-5-episodes-now-streaming-no-spoilers-please/996043)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marvels-echo-all-5-episodes-now-streaming-no-spoilers-please/996043 "2024-01-21T23:29:52Z")
I haven’t seen a thread yet. Is anyone else watching? There are only 5 episodes and I have only watched the first 4, so I don’t want to discuss the final episode just yet. I really like the Daredevil subset of the MCU a… --- ## [ComEd: "2023 Energy Lookback"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comed-2023-energy-lookback/996336)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comed-2023-energy-lookback/996336 "2024-01-21T21:28:43Z")
Here’s the dealio. I’m single and live alone. When I Ieave home in the morning, all lights are off and no appliances are being used from 5:30 am until about 4:00 pm. When I’m home, I have a 40 watt living room light o… --- ## [Rock albums that define the 1970s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-albums-that-define-the-1970s/996078)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-albums-that-define-the-1970s/996078 "2024-01-21T18:38:24Z")
I’m listening to the Double Vision album by Foreigner and does this album ever scream the 1970s. No one will call this the best rock album of the 1970s, probably not even top 25. But, just by listening, I’m transported r… --- ## [Well, so much for that furnace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-so-much-for-that-furnace/995987)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-so-much-for-that-furnace/995987 "2024-01-21T18:12:29Z")
Woke up today, and it was cold in the house. Not just cool, but downright cold. I checked the thermostat, and the temp inside the house was 11C (52F). Not comfortable at the best of times, but especially now that we’r… --- ## [Our newly adopted kitten doesn't meow. What's the deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-newly-adopted-kitten-doesnt-meow-whats-the-deal/996172)
**Author:** [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-newly-adopted-kitten-doesnt-meow-whats-the-deal/996172 "2024-01-21T17:41:16Z")
I believe there is a factual answer to this question. If mods disagree, please move to MPSIMS. Our new kitten is now about 3.5 months old. We’ve had her for almost two weeks. She has never made a noise other than purri… --- ## [“Le Cercle Rouge” - would this lock-picking method work in real life? (Open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/le-cercle-rouge-would-this-lock-picking-method-work-in-real-life-open-spoilers/996437)
**Author:** [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/le-cercle-rouge-would-this-lock-picking-method-work-in-real-life-open-spoilers/996437 "2024-01-21T17:17:13Z")
In Le Cercle Rouge, the leader of the jewelry store heist figures out that all the display case locks in the store are controlled by a single electrical console, located behind a locked gate. His solution: hire a sharpsh… --- ## [How does the GOP feel about Cuba?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-gop-feel-about-cuba/996439)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-gop-feel-about-cuba/996439 "2024-01-21T16:11:24Z")
Do they still dislike them for being communist? Do they want better trade? These questions popped up after reading this article where Republican Maria Elvira Salazar refused to allow Democrat Barbara Lee to attend a Hous… --- ## [How often do people try to convert you to their religion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-try-to-convert-you-to-their-religion/983176)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 333\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-people-try-to-convert-you-to-their-religion/983176 "2024-01-21T15:12:49Z")
In any thread about atheism on this board, many people will complain about being constantly put upon by people aggressively proselytizing to them. I certainly agree that it is rude and offensive to proselytize, but it’s … --- ## [Which 20th & 21st Century U.S. Presidents Could Defeat Donald Trump in the 2024 Election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-20th-21st-century-u-s-presidents-could-defeat-donald-trump-in-the-2024-election/996178)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-20th-21st-century-u-s-presidents-could-defeat-donald-trump-in-the-2024-election/996178 "2024-01-21T14:56:03Z")
Although this is an enormously complicated question, through the magic of SDMB, let’s forget the political party affiliations or political platforms of our 20th- and 21st-century U.S. presidents and simply answer this qu… --- ## [How popular are darts in the U.K?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-popular-are-darts-in-the-u-k/995582)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-popular-are-darts-in-the-u-k/995582 "2024-01-21T09:04:31Z")
I just stumbled across an article about a young darts champion named Luke Littler. If there is professional darts as a sport strong textin the US I’ve never bumped into it. So how big is it in Europe and/or the U.K? --- ## [Hypothetical: Trump ineligible, who emerges?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-trump-ineligible-who-emerges/994954)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-trump-ineligible-who-emerges/994954 "2024-01-21T07:06:55Z")
While I personally think it unlikely, suppose SCOTUS decides that Trump is ineligible to be president due to the whole insurrection thing. I think the current people, except DeSantis, with their hat in the ring are not… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=645) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=647)