# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=676&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 677 --- ## [What do you stream for background sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276 "2023-12-11T19:12:29Z")
You’re studying or reading or busy in your home and want some background sound from the tv, what do you pick? Ideally I look for something I have seen before so I can ignore it, but something I liked enough so it doesn’… --- ## [Joss Whedon TV shows (and a Dollhouse question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joss-whedon-tv-shows-and-a-dollhouse-question/923206)
**Author:** [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joss-whedon-tv-shows-and-a-dollhouse-question/923206 "2023-12-11T19:01:01Z")
I’ve just finished a Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel (re)watch. As there have been numerous threads already on the shows which captured mostly everything, I didn’t start a new thread about that. Following that, I’ve … --- ## [Help me identify this commercial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-commercial/994351)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-commercial/994351 "2023-12-11T18:42:14Z")
It was for a crock pot, or similar. It played on Saturdays, and this blonde man advertised it, made food in it, and made it sound so delicious. I swear his name was Terry. Anyone remember and can help me with it? --- ## [Why are there so few ocean liners left sailing? (I think there is only one currently)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-few-ocean-liners-left-sailing-i-think-there-is-only-one-currently/984933)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-few-ocean-liners-left-sailing-i-think-there-is-only-one-currently/984933 "2023-12-11T18:34:19Z")
My family was looking at possibly taking a cruise together. No one in my family goes on cruises so we thought this might be interesting. In researching it we looked at the Queen Mary 2 run by Cunard and I was surprised… --- ## [Static electricity is ruining my coffee!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/static-electricity-is-ruining-my-coffee/754445)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/static-electricity-is-ruining-my-coffee/754445 "2023-12-11T18:16:01Z")
Well, it’s annoying me a little bit. I grind the beans in a burr grinder, which imparts an electric charge to the grounds and makes them cling to the sides of the grinder receptacle. If I try to pour them into the espre… --- ## [Your favorite personal vehicle ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-personal-vehicle-ever/993063)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-personal-vehicle-ever/993063 "2023-12-11T17:56:38Z")
What personal vehicle do you have the most fond memories of? What is it about the vehicle that makes you feel so fondly about it? Some feature or performance aspect? Would you actually want to drive it today as your ma… --- ## [Help with eyeglasses prescription (readers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-eyeglasses-prescription-readers/994301)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-eyeglasses-prescription-readers/994301 "2023-12-11T17:42:31Z")
I have an Optometrist’s prescription (written) and have used it to order glasses from EyeBuyDirect. These worked perfectly for distance, but now I need readers for close up vision, and the notation is confusing. The ac… --- ## [Rogue Trader (PC, Owlcat Games)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rogue-trader-pc-owlcat-games/994259)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rogue-trader-pc-owlcat-games/994259 "2023-12-11T17:37:29Z")
Out today on Steam. Most of the early buzz I’ve seen has been good, though PC Gamer somehow scored it lower than Gollum, maybe as a way of proving that scoring systems for games are absolutely useless. Owlcat made the P… --- ## [Do you have any experience with Home Energy Management Systems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-experience-with-home-energy-management-systems/994315)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-experience-with-home-energy-management-systems/994315 "2023-12-11T17:29:27Z")
\[ETA: Sorry this turned out so long.\] Background: Last spring we had our old asphalt driveway torn up and expanded with stone pavers, and had an electric snow melt system (SMS) installed under it, because the driveway i… --- ## [How big is Paul Newman? (snicker)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-is-paul-newman-snicker/303509)
**Author:** [@DuhCow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DuhCow)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-is-paul-newman-snicker/303509 "2023-12-11T16:46:30Z")
on imdb it lists his height as 5’8 or something to that effect, but my dad says it’s more like 5’1. who’s right? --- ## [Pawn Stars - Something I notice every time that drives me insane](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pawn-stars-something-i-notice-every-time-that-drives-me-insane/593864)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pawn-stars-something-i-notice-every-time-that-drives-me-insane/593864 "2023-12-11T16:35:57Z")
Here is what makes my serum sizzle when watching this show (and I’ll bet no one else has ever noticed it but me): The way Big Hoss shakes hands at the conclusion of the deal. He has this over-the-top (literally) I’m-so-… --- ## [One Man Band](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-man-band/994177)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-man-band/994177 "2023-12-11T15:42:24Z")
Guy with 3-neck guitar simultaneously plays all three necks. (1) U2 - With Or Without You - Luca Stricagnoli - Fingerstyle Guitar - YouTube --- ## [Can you light a cigar with a light saber?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-light-a-cigar-with-a-light-saber/937185)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-light-a-cigar-with-a-light-saber/937185 "2023-12-11T15:32:58Z")
I’m guessing no; the saber will obliterate the cigar before it can catch on fire but maybe if you got it really close without quite touching it? Somebody needs to try this on the next Mandalorian. Maybe it’s how they e… --- ## [What happened to Elon Musk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-elon-musk/994365)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-elon-musk/994365 "2023-12-11T15:30:44Z")
10 years ago, he was seen as a progressive who wasn’t entirely polished for the Media which was part of his charm, he even cultivated Obama and seemed a darling of the Liberal class. Fast forward to today, and he’s unba… --- ## [Husky argues with back-talking toy bird](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/husky-argues-with-back-talking-toy-bird/994400)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/husky-argues-with-back-talking-toy-bird/994400 "2023-12-11T15:12:14Z")
Enjoy! (1) Husky Has Argument With Bird That Talks Back! - YouTube --- ## [Thoughts on Transparent Wood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-transparent-wood/994377)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-transparent-wood/994377 "2023-12-11T14:44:32Z")
Seems like a cool material. Wonder if it will soon be as ubiquitous as this rah rah article makes it sound. Anyone seen or used transparent wood? --- ## [Funky Flea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funky-flea/993833)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funky-flea/993833 "2023-12-11T13:07:46Z")
Ivy, the indomitable decided we just had to go to the Dollar General in the little village I live near. She’s outta chocolate, I guess. “Hey”, sez I, “there’s that new Flea market opened up, we’ll hit that too!” Yay! I… --- ## [Have super groups fallen out of favor or am I just out of touch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-super-groups-fallen-out-of-favor-or-am-i-just-out-of-touch/994184)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-super-groups-fallen-out-of-favor-or-am-i-just-out-of-touch/994184 "2023-12-11T11:49:16Z")
In the 60’s and 70’s, it was fairly common for a band to disband and then join together with other well-known musicians to form a super group. Eric Clapton did it at least 3 times. Steve Winwood did it a couple of time… --- ## [Book discussing difficulty predicting 9/11](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/book-discussing-difficulty-predicting-9-11/994358)
**Author:** [@curwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curwin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/book-discussing-difficulty-predicting-9-11/994358 "2023-12-11T07:25:45Z")
I really like the genre of behavioral economics (and social psychology), and read a lot of books by authors such as Daniel Kahneman, Dan Ariely, Tim Harford, Malcom Gladwell, Jordan Ellenberg and many others. The problem… --- ## [Share your rainbow pics!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-rainbow-pics/994202)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-rainbow-pics/994202 "2023-12-11T06:56:51Z")
At the Stanford campus right this very moment, @1500U Wed 06 Dec 2023! --- ## [Is there a name for this manner of speaking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-manner-of-speaking/994395)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-manner-of-speaking/994395 "2023-12-11T06:49:55Z")
We watched Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls and the movie is as bad as the name. Which for us, makes it so bad it’s good. Onyx has a very unique style of speaking that I’ve never encountered outside of mov… --- ## [Stinky Granny?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stinky-granny/994273)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stinky-granny/994273 "2023-12-11T06:18:49Z")
I saw an ad for Lumi deodorant. The “Doctor” who invented it say as you get older you smell, in places and ways you don’t expect. Or smell on yourself. I think she said “You can’t smell your offensive aromas” Is this re… --- ## [Which 20th century dictators would you classify as true believers vs opportunists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-20th-century-dictators-would-you-classify-as-true-believers-vs-opportunists/994030)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-20th-century-dictators-would-you-classify-as-true-believers-vs-opportunists/994030 "2023-12-11T05:55:56Z")
There were dozens of dictators and authoritarian leaders in the 20th century. My question is how many would you primarily characterize as true believers/fanatics compared to thugs, opportunists and people who took power … --- ## [Scott Pilgrim Netflix Series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-pilgrim-netflix-series/994346)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-pilgrim-netflix-series/994346 "2023-12-11T04:22:22Z")
Any one else watching this? It’s actually pretty good with great music. If you are a fan of the comic, this is not a straight adaptation but it’s also not an update either since it is still set in the 1990s or early 2000… --- ## [First Responders/military: how would you report in a monster/alien/giant bug/dinosaur/etc attack? And how long till you're taken seriously?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-responders-military-how-would-you-report-in-a-monster-alien-giant-bug-dinosaur-etc-attack-and-how-long-till-youre-taken-seriously/992639)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-responders-military-how-would-you-report-in-a-monster-alien-giant-bug-dinosaur-etc-attack-and-how-long-till-youre-taken-seriously/992639 "2023-12-11T04:10:38Z")
Something I’ve wondered, off and on, watching various hallowed classics of western cinema, when the following situation happens: cops are dispatched to a disturbance/missing person/whatever, when suddenly, the title mons… --- ## [Golf ball rollback announced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/golf-ball-rollback-announced/994190)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/golf-ball-rollback-announced/994190 "2023-12-11T04:02:48Z")
USGA/R&A make it official, announce golf ball rollback for all golfers The several golf boards I’ve scanned reveal that the vast majority of amateur golfers are up in arms, as are many pros: PGA Tour players torch gove… --- ## ["What's that Skippy? Little Johnny fell down the abandoned mineshaft and broke his leg?" - did this dialogue ever happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-that-skippy-little-johnny-fell-down-the-abandoned-mineshaft-and-broke-his-leg-did-this-dialogue-ever-happen/993761)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-that-skippy-little-johnny-fell-down-the-abandoned-mineshaft-and-broke-his-leg-did-this-dialogue-ever-happen/993761 "2023-12-11T03:23:53Z")
I was in two minds whether to resurrect an old thread where I asked a sort of related question, but this question isn’t that question. A commonly lampooned trope in the heroic animal story genre of TV (Skippy the Bush K… --- ## [The Natsarim](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-natsarim/641594)
**Author:** [@Bosstrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstrain)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-natsarim/641594 "2023-12-11T03:08:25Z")
Okay, so yeah, I felt the need to “witness”. I’m also wanting to know how much the Natsarim have grown and if there are any present on this forum. For those that don’t know what the Natsarim are, here is an extremely s… --- ## [“There is a great deal of ruin in a nation.” (On the absence of karma in geopolitics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-great-deal-of-ruin-in-a-nation-on-the-absence-of-karma-in-geopolitics/994339)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-great-deal-of-ruin-in-a-nation-on-the-absence-of-karma-in-geopolitics/994339 "2023-12-11T02:58:49Z")
“There is a great deal of ruin in a nation.” This political aphorism\* seems to explain a number of today’s geopolitical paradoxes. • Above all… Putin’s Russia. Putin’s war on Ukraine. How can either of these disasters … --- ## [Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-holiday-special-1978/347810)
**Author:** [@Cerri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerri)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-holiday-special-1978/347810 "2023-12-11T02:08:08Z")
Just in case anyone forgot just how truly horrid this was. I’d like to think there’s a special place in hell for anyone even remotely involved with this project, but I’ve grown old and jaded enough to realize there is t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=675&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=677&state=tracking)