# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=660&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 661 --- ## [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… --- ## [Every Atom in Your Body Is Replaced every 5 Years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-atom-in-your-body-is-replaced-every-5-years/994147)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-atom-in-your-body-is-replaced-every-5-years/994147 "2024-01-02T23:10:50Z")
Or so I heard Michael from Vsauce say. Checking around it seems to be true: “Studies at the Oak Ridge Atomic Research Center have revealed that about 98 percent of all the atoms in a human body are replaced every year. … --- ## [Marxist labor theory of value](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marxist-labor-theory-of-value/995430)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marxist-labor-theory-of-value/995430 "2024-01-02T20:40:47Z")
How did proponents of this theory counter the obvious objection that work can be squandered? --- ## [Botticelli - December 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-december-2023/994134)
**Author:** [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Replies:** 261\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-december-2023/994134 "2024-01-02T20:22:05Z")
Okay, new month, new thread. I am: --- ## [Why was George Patton such a jerk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-george-patton-such-a-jerk/995285)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-george-patton-such-a-jerk/995285 "2024-01-02T19:16:45Z")
I wasn’t sure if this worked better here or in elsewhere. I’m rereading An Army at Dawn, which is the first in an excellent WW2 series. Most of the Allied generals seem awfully high on themselves and eager to throw troo… --- ## [Shecky Greene has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shecky-greene-has-died/995423)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shecky-greene-has-died/995423 "2024-01-02T18:54:43Z")
I can’t recall ever having seen his act, but I knew his name. If you had asked me, I would have thought he died decades ago. --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - December 2023 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-december-2023-edition/993931)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-december-2023-edition/993931 "2024-01-02T18:07:22Z")
That time of the year again… when we’d all like to be able to legally shoot out the sound systems in graocery stores. Not even December officially and I’m already done with Christmas carols! It’s been a stressful year, … --- ## [Queen Margrethe of Denmark to abdicate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/queen-margrethe-of-denmark-to-abdicate/995424)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/queen-margrethe-of-denmark-to-abdicate/995424 "2024-01-02T17:35:37Z")
As announced in her new year’s eve speech earlier today, the Queen will be stepping down on January 14th, the 52nd anniversary of her ascension, with her son succeeding her as King Frederik X. https://www.cnn.com/2023/1… --- ## [Why do old book bindings mostly appear red?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-old-book-bindings-mostly-appear-red/995311)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-old-book-bindings-mostly-appear-red/995311 "2024-01-02T15:54:21Z")
So we went on a tour of the Library of Congress and in one wing they had Thomas Jefferson’s old library. From their website: "By 1814 when the British burned the nation’s Capitol and the Library of Congress, Jefferson … --- ## [A New Year’s diet thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-year-s-diet-thread/995464)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-year-s-diet-thread/995464 "2024-01-02T15:49:36Z")
Now that the holiday blur of unhealthy eating and drinking choices is past and 2024 has begun, I want to try to modify my diet. And by “diet” I don’t mean “a short-term gimmick or fad method to lose weight” but “a long t… --- ## [Was the other driver in Rick Allen's 1984 car crash ever caught?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-other-driver-in-rick-allens-1984-car-crash-ever-caught/995322)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-other-driver-in-rick-allens-1984-car-crash-ever-caught/995322 "2024-01-02T15:25:43Z")
Some background: Rick Allen (drummer) - Wikipedia And see: Def Leppard’s Rick Allen On The 1984 Corvette Accident That Took His Arm Google has failed me. Anyone know? --- ## [2023 \[THEMED\] Celebrity Death Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2023-themed-celebrity-death-pool/975921)
**Author:** [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2023-themed-celebrity-death-pool/975921 "2024-01-02T14:31:08Z")
NOTE: As we started in 2019, Themed Death Pool Lists will be posted and tracked in a separate thread. If you are looking for the 2023 Celebrity Death Pool thread, click here phungi (aka: the Death Shroom) checking in as… --- ## [Middle aged male, top speed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-aged-male-top-speed/994420)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-aged-male-top-speed/994420 "2024-01-02T11:12:05Z")
I wasn’t sure if this should be in FQ or IMHO. If it should be moved, that’s fine by me. I have a new watch that tracks my workouts, including speed and top speed. Two weeks in a row, it showed a top speed of around 2… --- ## [Please stop using singular they for posters who have an established gender](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-stop-using-singular-they-for-posters-who-have-an-established-gender/995306)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 316\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2024, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-stop-using-singular-they-for-posters-who-have-an-established-gender/995306 "2024-01-02T05:46:40Z")
This is not a pit thread and I’m not calling anyone out in particular. I’ve just noticed a growing trend on this board. Poster A is male, (or female). Poster B has interacted with A enough, or is in a thread where the pr… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=659&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=661&state=muted)