# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=659 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 660 --- ## [Have we tested the creativity of AI, and would these examples be good tests?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-tested-the-creativity-of-ai-and-would-these-examples-be-good-tests/995376)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-tested-the-creativity-of-ai-and-would-these-examples-be-good-tests/995376 "2024-01-04T09:31:52Z")
Tangentially inspired by the pit thread regarding AI generated responses in FQ. Has anyone tested the capacity of AI to think up new scientific ideas? Let’s say we let the AI train only on material that was available a… --- ## [Ryan O'Neal R.I.P](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ryan-oneal-r-i-p/994316)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ryan-oneal-r-i-p/994316 "2024-01-04T07:10:39Z")
Ryan O’Neal dead at 82. Great likable actor. Less likable in real life, from what I’ve heard. I did enjoy his performances though. --- ## [Everybody gets an A at Yale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everybody-gets-an-a-at-yale/994300)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everybody-gets-an-a-at-yale/994300 "2024-01-04T02:55:09Z")
Don’t know if this article from the NY Times is paywalled, Nearly Everyone Gets A’s at Yale. Does That Cheapen the Grade? Grade inflation starts earlier than college, but I wonder about this headline and what it convey… --- ## [He Hate Me Keeper League 2023 - year 21](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-hate-me-keeper-league-2023-year-21/986733)
**Author:** [@Wilson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wilson)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-hate-me-keeper-league-2023-year-21/986733 "2024-01-04T01:35:47Z")
Getting an earlier start this year… the league is up and invitations are sent. This league is now old enough to legally drink… Keeper Rules You can only keep a maximum of 3 players. You can only keep players drafted … --- ## [Recommend a gas price app](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-gas-price-app/995552)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-gas-price-app/995552 "2024-01-04T00:21:54Z")
I’m going to taking a multi-state drive soon. I’d like an app that can tell me the cheapest current gas prices on my route. Does anyone have an recommendations? I’d prefer a free app if possible. One that works along a s… --- ## [Central Park accused now in NYC council](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/central-park-accused-now-in-nyc-council/995521)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/central-park-accused-now-in-nyc-council/995521 "2024-01-03T23:46:58Z")
Here is an article about one of the exonerated Central Park 5 who spent five years in prison, now newly elected to the NYC council. There are two points of note. The amusing one was that when asked whether he would ab… --- ## [How wealthy would the wealthiest person be in your ideal society?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-wealthy-would-the-wealthiest-person-be-in-your-ideal-society/994503)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-wealthy-would-the-wealthiest-person-be-in-your-ideal-society/994503 "2024-01-03T23:05:26Z")
How wealthy would the wealthiest person be in your ideal society? Where would their wealth come from? In my ideal society (assuming money still exists) the wealthiest person would be a single digit millionaire (on the … --- ## [NFL 2023: Week 17](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2023-week-17/995234)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2023-week-17/995234 "2024-01-03T21:43:36Z")
Things we learned last weekend: The Ravens are now clear Super Bowl favorites The Niners are not Lamar Jackson made a strong case for MVP Brock Purdy did not The Browns are officially a Good Team The Chiefs are not The… --- ## [The FINAL mmm-song poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-final-mmm-song-poll/995308)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-final-mmm-song-poll/995308 "2024-01-03T21:23:44Z")
There have been 3,609 songs submitted over multiple polls to determine the SDMB favorite. These are our six finalists. You may select just one. poll --- ## [Applauding By Smacking The Back Of The Right Hand Against The Palm Of The Left](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applauding-by-smacking-the-back-of-the-right-hand-against-the-palm-of-the-left/995453)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applauding-by-smacking-the-back-of-the-right-hand-against-the-palm-of-the-left/995453 "2024-01-03T21:09:13Z")
On a TV show I watch, one of the characters is a foppish, somewhat-pompous American male who served in the Revolutionary War. When he applauds, he does so by smacking the back of his right hand into the palm of his left,… --- ## [Right, wrong or a bigot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-wrong-or-a-bigot/995359)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-wrong-or-a-bigot/995359 "2024-01-03T20:43:26Z")
This dude picks out the top ten worst films of 2023. I see his point a few times, but then his comments about women, “woke” etc start to sound more and more bigoted to me. What do you think? When Hollywood movies are … --- ## [Best way to sell a car nowadays](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-sell-a-car-nowadays/825567)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-sell-a-car-nowadays/825567 "2024-01-03T19:53:32Z")
Last time I was selling a car, I put ads up on Craigslist and Cars.com, and generated much interest. That was four years ago. This time all I got was scammers. The cars are similar in terms of attractiveness. Last one … --- ## [No video files will play on ANY player on my Windows 7 computer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-video-files-will-play-on-any-player-on-my-windows-7-computer/995458)
**Author:** [@ranwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ranwill)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-video-files-will-play-on-any-player-on-my-windows-7-computer/995458 "2024-01-03T18:37:39Z")
This is an issue with my Windows 7 computer. No locally stored videos or DVDs will play using either Windows Media Player, Media Player Classic, ALShow or VLC. When I try to play a video or DVD I get the error message: … --- ## [Smart lighting and Phillips Hue in particular](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-lighting-and-phillips-hue-in-particular/995343)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-lighting-and-phillips-hue-in-particular/995343 "2024-01-03T17:39:58Z")
I need to replace an LED lightbulb in my home office. I’ve been umming and ahhing about moving to smart lighting for a while. I’ve got Google Nest devices in various rooms, so I’d use that to voice-control the lights. H… --- ## [Help identify this song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identify-this-song/995554)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identify-this-song/995554 "2024-01-03T16:47:04Z")
I can’t believe I can’t find this song with the information I have. I was at this place and part of this song looped over the PA. I’m pretty positive these lyrics are Correct: It was a cabaret, down in the islands ??? … --- ## [Uncommonly Tall African Slaves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncommonly-tall-african-slaves/995320)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncommonly-tall-african-slaves/995320 "2024-01-03T16:35:01Z")
I’ve read a great deal about the Africa-to-Americas slave trade, yet have never seen a single historical account about uncommonly tall African slaves among the estimated 12 million Africans shipped to North and South Ame… --- ## [Israeli Parliament Passes Law Limiting the Power of the Judiciary {struck down 1 Jan 2024}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israeli-parliament-passes-law-limiting-the-power-of-the-judiciary-struck-down-1-jan-2024/987472)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israeli-parliament-passes-law-limiting-the-power-of-the-judiciary-struck-down-1-jan-2024/987472 "2024-01-03T16:10:36Z")
The coverage I’m seeing in the various loony left news sources I get is that the far right government of Israel has passed a limiting what the Israeli Supreme Court can rule on. This seems like a terrible, anti-democrat… --- ## [This man is a FATHER](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-man-is-a-father/995535)
**Author:** [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-man-is-a-father/995535 "2024-01-03T16:04:06Z")
This came up in my Youtube feed. Dad and Daughter Destroy Her Abuser Jump to 3:10 if you want to get into it. I will be upfront that I thought the father was the defendant due to his attire and expression. Boy, was I… --- ## [Ted Nugent and Robin Hood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ted-nugent-and-robin-hood/995506)
**Author:** [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ted-nugent-and-robin-hood/995506 "2024-01-03T15:48:36Z")
In an attempt to prevent a hijack in a pit thread (is that even a thing?), I’m putting this here to try and find out something. In the pit thread, Jack\_Batty posted: OK. I need some help, here. I’ve seen this refere… --- ## [Fundraiser for Vickie, AKA Equipoise (posted with permission)\[Update - 30-DEC-2023 Vickie has passed\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fundraiser-for-vickie-aka-equipoise-posted-with-permission-update-30-dec-2023-vickie-has-passed/981183)
**Author:** [@Nicest\_of\_the\_Damned](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nicest_of_the_Damned)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fundraiser-for-vickie-aka-equipoise-posted-with-permission-update-30-dec-2023-vickie-has-passed/981183 "2024-01-03T15:42:47Z")
Many of you will remember longtime Doper Equipoise, #1 fan of Happy Rhodes, booster of indie music and enjoyer of films. She has been diagnosed with cancer. Happy herself has started a fundraiser to send Vickie and her h… --- ## [Measuring cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-cups/995459)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-cups/995459 "2024-01-03T14:28:50Z")
Just thinking about measuring cups. I have seven. Two are 2-cup glass ones (one Pyrex, and the other some other brand), one is a 1-cup Pyrex one, and four are steel ones that came in a set. My wife uses one of the 2-c… --- ## [Walter Isaacson, non-fiction author](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walter-isaacson-non-fiction-author/995449)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walter-isaacson-non-fiction-author/995449 "2024-01-03T14:17:42Z")
What’s your opinion of author Walter Isaacson? I’ve got both his Steve Jobs and Elon Musk books on hold at the library, but it’s gonna be a long wait, especially for the Musk work. I come into this a hater of Elon and n… --- ## [US Politics in 25 Charts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-politics-in-25-charts/995529)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-politics-in-25-charts/995529 "2024-01-03T12:26:50Z")
A bunch of infographics for those of us who are fans, courtesy of 538 (mainly politics, some economics, a few sports). --- ## [Shepherd "Best Book" site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shepherd-best-book-site/985911)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shepherd-best-book-site/985911 "2023-06-22T13:34:00Z")
This seemed like an appropriate place for this site. It isn’t really selling things directly, but it does direct you to where you can buy them. So I figured “Marketplace” was the right forum. The website “Shepherd” has … --- ## [Best #1 Song of the Year: 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-1-song-of-the-year-2023/995440)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-1-song-of-the-year-2023/995440 "2024-01-03T02:52:32Z")
It was the best of years. It was the worst of years. It was the year of Tay-Tay. It was the year of Morgan Wallen. It was the year country came back. It was the year of astroturfed “own the libs” songs. It was the yea… --- ## [In American football, can you tackle someone by their hair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-american-football-can-you-tackle-someone-by-their-hair/994999)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-american-football-can-you-tackle-someone-by-their-hair/994999 "2024-01-03T01:30:03Z")
I suspect you cannot, but what is the penalty? mmm --- ## [Stats on 99er dopers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stats-on-99er-dopers/806735)
**Author:** [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2024, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stats-on-99er-dopers/806735 "2024-01-03T01:28:54Z")
A recent banning of a 99er got me thinking. How many 99ers were there ever? How many are still active? How many were banned? Maybe s brief breakdown of vague reasons (no need to name names) And finally, How many…gul… --- ## [I think I'm falling for the scare tactics of the big brands. Again!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-im-falling-for-the-scare-tactics-of-the-big-brands-again/995473)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-im-falling-for-the-scare-tactics-of-the-big-brands-again/995473 "2024-01-02T23:26:19Z")
Ok. Little Troy with your lovely hair! What you sayin’? I got microbes on my head? The hell you say. Now, I don’t want buggy-boos on my head or shoulders (:smirk:) either. Do I gotta buy that brand? How do I know I’m… --- ## [Spending New Year’s Eve in the hospital. Do not recommend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spending-new-year-s-eve-in-the-hospital-do-not-recommend/995418)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spending-new-year-s-eve-in-the-hospital-do-not-recommend/995418 "2024-01-02T23:22:36Z")
So here I am in the hospital waiting for results, going through several breathing treatments, 4 iv’s, 2 of which failed and I feel like crap. I’m sure the fireworks tonight will add to my ability to sleep in this wonder… --- ## [De Beers, Monopoly, and Diamond Prices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777 "2024-01-02T23:12:31Z")
So it seems like the standard explanation on the internet for decades has been “diamonds are not rare, it is just that De Beers keeps prices high by artificially restricting the market.” This always had me scratching m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=658) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=660)