# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=647&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 648 --- ## [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… --- ## [Today, 1/20/2024 is 1 year until the inauguration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-1-20-2024-is-1-year-until-the-inauguration/996421)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-1-20-2024-is-1-year-until-the-inauguration/996421 "2024-01-21T04:57:39Z")
Make sure you have your popcorn ready. I, for one, cannot wait for all of this to be over. --- ## [All Wheel Drive tires spinning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-wheel-drive-tires-spinning/996399)
**Author:** [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-wheel-drive-tires-spinning/996399 "2024-01-21T04:12:02Z")
We had another 20 cm (eight Merkin) overnight. When I dropped my daughter off to school for a sports event this Saturday morning, there was a older Toyota Yaris stuck in the snow in the parking lot. It looked like maybe … --- ## [Welp, looks like I ruined half of my home's carpeting and floor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welp-looks-like-i-ruined-half-of-my-homes-carpeting-and-floor/996348)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welp-looks-like-i-ruined-half-of-my-homes-carpeting-and-floor/996348 "2024-01-21T03:04:24Z")
A few weeks ago, I was parking my car in the garage and gently hit the two water-filtration system cylinders (reverse-osmosis) in the back of the garage. I didn’t see anything gone wrong and thought nothing of it, especi… --- ## [Clothing company hyjinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clothing-company-hyjinx/996402)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clothing-company-hyjinx/996402 "2024-01-21T02:41:23Z")
You’ve seen the ads. A certain company is offering 2 pair of Leggings for $24. It’s Fabletics. They have nice stuff. Their leggings and active wear is high quality. Comfortable. Pretty expensive. I have a pair from Amaz… --- ## [How many people did Scott Peterson kill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-did-scott-peterson-kill/548676)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-did-scott-peterson-kill/548676 "2024-01-21T02:15:36Z")
For those of you who need a refresher course on Scott Peterson --- ## [Peter Schickele, Rest in Peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-schickele-rest-in-peace/996260)
**Author:** [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-schickele-rest-in-peace/996260 "2024-01-21T00:42:36Z")
Composer and satirist Peter Schickele, who “discovered” and performed the lost works of P.D.Q. Bach, died on Tuesday at 88. I was lucky enough to see him a few times; his concerts were a brilliant mix of classical serio… --- ## [Sports Illustrated on the verge of oblivion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-illustrated-on-the-verge-of-oblivion/996343)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-illustrated-on-the-verge-of-oblivion/996343 "2024-01-21T00:27:54Z")
ABG has owned the magazine since 2019 and sold the publishing rights to a company called the Arena Group. The Arena Group missed a recent payment for those publishing rights, prompting ABG to pull the publishing license… --- ## [How did they decide who would stay aboard the spacecraft?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-they-decide-who-would-stay-aboard-the-spacecraft/996147)
**Author:** [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-they-decide-who-would-stay-aboard-the-spacecraft/996147 "2024-01-20T23:13:26Z")
How did they decide who would stay aboard the spacecraft? I mean, in the Moon landings of the late 20th century? Three astronauts always approached the Moon, together. Two of whom would set foot on the dusty Moon Hersel… --- ## [How to tell real Honey from fake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-real-honey-from-fake/996194)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-real-honey-from-fake/996194 "2024-01-20T20:58:41Z")
Adulterated food is becoming common. And Honey is often mixed with or replaced by other sweeteners. Is there a way to tell the difference? --- ## [Can two solids make slide and not scratch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-two-solids-make-slide-and-not-scratch/996279)
**Author:** [@All\_About\_M3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/All_About_M3)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-two-solids-make-slide-and-not-scratch/996279 "2024-01-20T18:49:14Z")
If two solids touch (and slide against each other for some distance), is it possible for there to not be a scratch on at least one of them? By scratch I mean degradation that is detectable but not necessarily to the na… --- ## [Was Darth Vader named after the Dutch for father, or for "invader"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-darth-vader-named-after-the-dutch-for-father-or-for-invader/996167)
**Author:** [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-darth-vader-named-after-the-dutch-for-father-or-for-invader/996167 "2024-01-20T18:32:58Z")
George Lucas has claimed that he named Darth Vader for the Dutch word for father, and wikipedia mostly focuses on this etymology, but briefly mentions two alternative theories: He then “added lots of last names, Vaders… --- ## [And Vivek is out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-vivek-is-out/996154)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-vivek-is-out/996154 "2024-01-20T18:25:52Z")
It looks like Vivek Ramaswamy has dropped out of the race. Vivek Ramaswamy Drops Out Of 2024 Race | HuffPost Latest News , after pulling in less than 8% in the Iowa Caucusses. --- ## [Who was able to master machine code programming on the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-able-to-master-machine-code-programming-on-the-sinclair-zx-spectrum-computer/996291)
**Author:** [@philipdalton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/philipdalton)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-able-to-master-machine-code-programming-on-the-sinclair-zx-spectrum-computer/996291 "2024-01-20T18:02:45Z")
Most commercial software for this computer was written in machine code as BASIC programs took too long to execute. --- ## [Tippy Makes My Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tippy-makes-my-day/996337)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tippy-makes-my-day/996337 "2024-01-20T17:47:34Z")
So it’s six-thirty in the morning in Chicago. It snowed overnight over patches of ice, and I have to walk my sixty-something self with weak ankles over these Plains of Death or At Least Broken Legs in ten degree weather… --- ## [Who's disappointed about Mellie Gibson being axed from "Doctor Who"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-disappointed-about-mellie-gibson-being-axed-from-doctor-who/996382)
**Author:** [@philipdalton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/philipdalton)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-disappointed-about-mellie-gibson-being-axed-from-doctor-who/996382 "2024-01-20T13:51:23Z")
--- ## [Anybody else notice Andy Borowitz is gone from the New Yorker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-else-notice-andy-borowitz-is-gone-from-the-new-yorker/996364)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-else-notice-andy-borowitz-is-gone-from-the-new-yorker/996364 "2024-01-20T09:48:46Z")
I googled after realizing I hadn’t seen Andy Botowitz’s humor pieces in the New Yorker for at least a month. He was axed, along with a lot of other people. After 25 years. Thanks, Conde Nast. His Facebook page is still… --- ## [Cinnamon, you cruel cruel mistress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cinnamon-you-cruel-cruel-mistress/996272)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cinnamon-you-cruel-cruel-mistress/996272 "2024-01-20T08:46:21Z")
I’m not awake to be bright, perky, get 'er done early Beck. Nope. I sit here contemplating the sad vagaries of my life, sucking down half a bottle of diabetic friendly Pepto stuff, (believe you, me, it’s not half as go… --- ## [NFL 2023: Wildcard Weekend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2023-wildcard-weekend/995866)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 353\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2023-wildcard-weekend/995866 "2024-01-20T05:25:02Z")
Wildcard weekend is upon us. Two games on Saturday, three on Sunday, and the finale Monday night. As always, all lines taken from DraftKings. Times listed are Central time. Saturday: Browns @ Texans (+2.5) 3:30 pm, … --- ## [The Crown S6 discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-crown-s6-discussion/993306)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-crown-s6-discussion/993306 "2024-01-20T03:20:28Z")
The first four episodes dropped yesterday. The final six will drop on December 14th. 1997 to 2005. Death of Diana, Margaret and the Queen Mum, wedding of Prince Edward, Tony Blair, early relationship of William and Kate… --- ## [So how many Republicans are secretly praying that Trump will be disqualified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-many-republicans-are-secretly-praying-that-trump-will-be-disqualified/995745)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-many-republicans-are-secretly-praying-that-trump-will-be-disqualified/995745 "2024-01-20T01:10:53Z")
Title says it all. Openly breaking with Trump is political suicide for a Republican, but if he can’t get on the ballot… --- ## [How would one talk someone with suicidal thoughts down, in such time as right now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-one-talk-someone-with-suicidal-thoughts-down-in-such-time-as-right-now/996298)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-one-talk-someone-with-suicidal-thoughts-down-in-such-time-as-right-now/996298 "2024-01-20T00:47:29Z")
For the record, this is a hypothetical. There’s no particular urgency, I just got to thinking; Things to me look bleak, unfortunately. Not just in any specific place, but around the whole world. I was wondering how I wo… --- ## [The Reality of Wind and Solar in Northern Latitudes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reality-of-wind-and-solar-in-northern-latitudes/996022)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2024, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reality-of-wind-and-solar-in-northern-latitudes/996022 "2024-01-20T00:25:32Z")
The current cold snap provides an object lesson in the limits of wind and solar power. This is what our energy situation looks like right now in Alberta: We are currently getting 26MW out of our 11566 MW of wind powe… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=646&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=648&state=tracking)