# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=65&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 66 --- ## [Help me parse this 18th-century missive (about Independence Day celebrations)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-parse-this-18th-century-missive-about-independence-day-celebrations/1031299)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-parse-this-18th-century-missive-about-independence-day-celebrations/1031299 "2026-07-01T16:26:15Z")
John Adams placed himself on the wrong side of history, famously advocating, in a letter to his wife, that the 2nd of July (the date the Continental Congress actually voted to declare independence) would be forever celeb… --- ## [Monthly Photo Competition #43 – June, 2026 – “Racing” {poll added}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-43-june-2026-racing-poll-added/1030583)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-43-june-2026-racing-poll-added/1030583 "2026-07-01T15:32:25Z")
This is the monthly photo competition thread for June, 2026. The topic this month is “Racing” (car, bike, human, etc.) chosen by Spiderman. One entry per person per month. In this thread, please post only your photo and… --- ## [Tonight's Dinner: Enchiritos!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tonights-dinner-enchiritos/1029824)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tonights-dinner-enchiritos/1029824 "2026-07-01T14:57:21Z")
On this older thread about Taco Bell’s original menu, several of us who participated expressed wistful memories of the long-departed enchirito, especially back when it came with black olives. Well, at some point last su… --- ## [New Maigret series on PBS Masterpiece, starting Sunday, October 5th, 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-maigret-series-on-pbs-masterpiece-starting-sunday-october-5th-2025/1023279)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-maigret-series-on-pbs-masterpiece-starting-sunday-october-5th-2025/1023279 "2026-07-01T14:42:15Z")
This is not a re-tread, per se. This is a re-imagining (which could be awful, but I will withhold judgment for at least a couple of episodes). This series is set in present-day Paris, and Maigret is a younger man, althou… --- ## [Anyone grow "exotic" plants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-grow-exotic-plants/813579)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-grow-exotic-plants/813579 "2026-07-01T14:00:22Z")
I like weird and “exotic” plants, but many of the most interesting ones don’t grow well in my climate zone (which, of course, is part of what makes them exotic.) Around 15 years back I looked into arum species that could… --- ## [Looking for a science fiction short story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-science-fiction-short-story/1030540)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-science-fiction-short-story/1030540 "2026-07-01T13:08:04Z")
It is about someone who discovers that the farthest away the mail comes from the faster it arrives. Then one day they (accidentally) receive a package from a non-earth address that is postmarked and dated just after (or … --- ## [Should Nato leaders fear they can no longer rely on US help if Russia attacks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-nato-leaders-fear-they-can-no-longer-rely-on-us-help-if-russia-attacks/1031235)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-nato-leaders-fear-they-can-no-longer-rely-on-us-help-if-russia-attacks/1031235 "2026-07-01T09:24:11Z")
The recent articles I linked raises very disturbing questions. I encourage everyone to read both articles before replying. Imho NATO’s mutual defense commitments have rarely been tested. The appearance of solidarity is… --- ## [Blue June... (Monthly Mini-Rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-june-monthly-mini-rants/1030520)
**Author:** [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-june-monthly-mini-rants/1030520 "2026-07-01T07:39:17Z")
Continuing the discussion from What Rants May Come (Monthly Mini-Rants): :notes:…“You saw me ranting alone”…:notes: I’m planning a trip in the beginning of September to Nevada to spend a week in Vegas and also see my w… --- ## [Wimbledon 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wimbledon-2026/1031320)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wimbledon-2026/1031320 "2026-07-01T00:43:30Z")
Another Wimbledon under way. Always had a somewhat jaundiced view of comeback bids - Serena Williams lost her first round match in three sets to Maya Joint, an American currently ranked 87 (ATP). The singles match was th… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - June 2026 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2026-edition/1030498)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2026-edition/1030498 "2026-07-01T02:25:37Z")
June, we are now six months into 2026… and honestly it feels like six decades. On the other hand, my goal to read one T.Kingfisher book a month is cooking along nicely and I have the next three months lined up and waitin… --- ## [20-0 NFL simulation game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-0-nfl-simulation-game/1030614)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-0-nfl-simulation-game/1030614 "2026-07-01T01:17:33Z")
Here’s the NFL version of the NBA simulator that was recently posted. I haven’t tried it yet. --- ## [Australian magician’s disappearance is “out of character.”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-magician-s-disappearance-is-out-of-character/1031092)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-magician-s-disappearance-is-out-of-character/1031092 "2026-06-30T23:49:24Z")
This seems like the setup for a TV show, but I do genuinely hope he’s found to be safe and it isn’t some stupid bit. --- ## [Are atheists who aren’t materialists truly atheists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-atheists-who-aren-t-materialists-truly-atheists/1030197)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-atheists-who-aren-t-materialists-truly-atheists/1030197 "2026-06-30T23:49:18Z")
And I mean “materialist” as in believing that “physical matter is the only or fundamental reality.” (Merriam-Webster) Because I could have sworn that I read that believing in God or gods was a separate thing from believ… --- ## [Technical difficulties much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-difficulties-much/1031284)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-difficulties-much/1031284 "2026-06-30T22:16:38Z")
I felt very awful after having a fit in the MRI lab this afternoon. Not an emergency thing. Scheduled a week or more. The tech was short with me. In a hurry. Thick accent. I could not discern what he needed me to do (I’… --- ## [Would nuclear fusion ever be practical for marine propulsion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-nuclear-fusion-ever-be-practical-for-marine-propulsion/1031233)
**Author:** [@spacecadet86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spacecadet86)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-nuclear-fusion-ever-be-practical-for-marine-propulsion/1031233 "2026-06-30T21:13:12Z")
The navy has plenty of nuclear carriers and submarines operating by splitting atoms instead of combining them. If ever fusion reactors on land start generating a great deal more energy than is put into them to get fusion… --- ## [Death in the Afternoon!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-in-the-afternoon/1031229)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-in-the-afternoon/1031229 "2026-06-30T17:41:58Z")
Ok. I’m still alive. (ain’t you happy to know it? You know you are) If I was an able, dedicated drinker and moved in certain circles, I would be sipping on these everyday. (Champagne and absinthe). Can’t you imagine th… --- ## [Something you always wanted to try, and were sorely disappointed with when you finally did](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-you-always-wanted-to-try-and-were-sorely-disappointed-with-when-you-finally-did/1025419)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 508\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-you-always-wanted-to-try-and-were-sorely-disappointed-with-when-you-finally-did/1025419 "2026-06-30T16:57:27Z")
Recently I had a “Jungle Bird”, which is a sort of tiki/tropical drink that features Campari as a primary ingredient. Prior to this, I’d always considered Campari unfit for human consumption because of its extreme bitte… --- ## [Botticelli -- June 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-june-2026/1030504)
**Author:** [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Replies:** 419\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-june-2026/1030504 "2026-06-30T15:09:08Z")
Here’s a periodic repost of the rules of the game for anyone interested in joining: How does this work? One person, the host, is thinking of someone and gives an initial (“I am B.”). Could be a real person, could be fi… --- ## [Symbolism Behind Company Logos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/symbolism-behind-company-logos/1031027)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/symbolism-behind-company-logos/1031027 "2026-06-30T14:30:47Z")
The brief side discussion about logos that supposedly represent airplane propellers over in the thread about companies known for two completely disparate products got me thinking about meanings behind corporate logos mor… --- ## [Canada legal geeks: impact of Bjorkquist decision on citizenship by descent for the second generation born outside Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-legal-geeks-impact-of-bjorkquist-decision-on-citizenship-by-descent-for-the-second-generation-born-outside-canada/996610)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-legal-geeks-impact-of-bjorkquist-decision-on-citizenship-by-descent-for-the-second-generation-born-outside-canada/996610 "2026-06-30T14:04:16Z")
To make a VERY long story short, my grandmother was born in Canada and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager, and for a long series of reasons, I didn’t manage to file an application for a Certificate of Canadian Citizens… --- ## [2025-26 NBA season](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-26-nba-season/1024171)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 295\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-26-nba-season/1024171 "2026-06-30T13:53:05Z")
After a tremendous 2025 NBA Playoffs and an eventful off-season, tonight marks the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Rockets/Thunder at 7:30; Warriors/Lakers at 10. Both games on NBC and Peacock, which gets the NBA back … --- ## [Did the 5th Circuit get US v Jamarr Smith right or wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-5th-circuit-get-us-v-jamarr-smith-right-or-wrong/1005918)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-5th-circuit-get-us-v-jamarr-smith-right-or-wrong/1005918 "2026-06-30T13:22:28Z")
This case is about geofence warrants. Some people robbed a postal worker and were observed with something like a cell phone. They sent a warrant to Google saying search your DB for anyone who was at these coordinates a… --- ## [What was the point of victory gardens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-point-of-victory-gardens/1030813)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-point-of-victory-gardens/1030813 "2026-06-30T13:11:35Z")
During World Wars One and Two, Americans (and people in other countries) were encouraged to have “victory gardens”. These were gardens planted with vegetable in people’s backyards and such. I’m not clear what the point … --- ## [Hitler's Single Testicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitlers-single-testicle/930630)
**Author:** [@DoctorPurple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorPurple)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitlers-single-testicle/930630 "2026-06-30T13:03:35Z")
re: Did Hitler have only one testicle? - The Straight Dope Having myself been born with only a single testicle, I have often wondered how common this is…? As a child my father took me to a doctor who told both of us th… --- ## [Talk to me about mustache wax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-mustache-wax/1031227)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-mustache-wax/1031227 "2026-06-30T11:46:11Z")
I’ve been growing my facial hair since 2022, and if I do say so myself, I’ve got a pretty impressive beard nowadays. I keep it in a braid so when I clip a walkie talkie to my collar at work, the whiskers don’t get stuck … --- ## [AT&T fiber is coming to my street - should we sign up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-fiber-is-coming-to-my-street-should-we-sign-up/1031274)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-fiber-is-coming-to-my-street-should-we-sign-up/1031274 "2026-06-30T02:48:58Z")
We got a door placard the other day that announced this, and our front yard is now being dug up to place the fiber cable as I type. We cut the program aspect of our cable years ago and switched to streaming services due… --- ## [Trump dishonors the Medal Of Honor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-dishonors-the-medal-of-honor/1031236)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-dishonors-the-medal-of-honor/1031236 "2026-06-30T01:27:33Z")
The Internet Slams Donald Trump For ‘Ruining’ Medal Of Honor Mo… First, he tells bad jokes during what is supposed to be a solemn ceremony. Then, he can’t figure out how a simple clasp works so he ties the ribbons toge… --- ## [Elton John -did anyone buy and listen to the albums? Recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elton-john-did-anyone-buy-and-listen-to-the-albums-recommendations/1031102)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elton-john-did-anyone-buy-and-listen-to-the-albums-recommendations/1031102 "2026-06-30T01:18:49Z")
I only know Sir Elton from his hit singles. Should I consider buying an album? Which ones? I looked at his Discography… He often had one or two hits on an album. Elton John - Your Song Tumbleweed - none Friends - F… --- ## [Hey, don't have a desert but it looks like the Sahara is coming to visit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-dont-have-a-desert-but-it-looks-like-the-sahara-is-coming-to-visit/1031285)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-dont-have-a-desert-but-it-looks-like-the-sahara-is-coming-to-visit/1031285 "2026-06-29T22:36:18Z")
The weather lady said Saharan dust will be in our sky making sunsets magnificent. I plan to watch some of it. --- ## [Pissed-off tourists beating up pickpockets in Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546 "2026-06-29T21:55:58Z")
So the latest weird genre of YouTube videos that The Algorithm thinks I’m interested in involves tourists getting fed up with pickpockets in Rome or Paris or wherever and putting down some “extra-judicial” punishment on … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=64&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=66&state=muted)