# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=680&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 681 --- ## [What's it like to stay at a homeless shelter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-it-like-to-stay-at-a-homeless-shelter/992508)
**Author:** [@Nadnerb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadnerb)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-it-like-to-stay-at-a-homeless-shelter/992508 "2023-12-06T21:49:58Z")
Just wondering. --- ## [The Night Aliens Landed in Mims (long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-night-aliens-landed-in-mims-long/994071)
**Author:** [@Raza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raza)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-night-aliens-landed-in-mims-long/994071 "2023-12-06T21:12:04Z")
SDMB note 1: I created this post as an offshoot of: \[\[SDMB note 2: as I write below, I have carried this story around in my head for decades; what better place to first publish it than here, where I’ve spent so many th… --- ## [Consulting miderators re: further action](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consulting-miderators-re-further-action/991358)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consulting-miderators-re-further-action/991358 "2023-12-06T21:10:14Z")
Putting this here in an abundance of caution because attempting any explanation in the thread will likely be called “arguing moderation”. The link is a widespread meme. It is intentionally over-the-top to be funny. (Th… --- ## [Am I Worrying Too Much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-worrying-too-much/980241)
**Author:** [@Mrs\_Fairway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrs_Fairway)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-worrying-too-much/980241 "2023-12-06T20:55:31Z")
I need to know if I’m overreacting. I am a worrier, so I like to check in with others. My sister has 2 vintage fans in her house. They’re pretty and she likes them, which I don’t have a problem with. I do think they’re u… --- ## [Let's hear what Amtrak is like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-hear-what-amtrak-is-like/994066)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-hear-what-amtrak-is-like/994066 "2023-12-06T20:54:50Z")
Posting in IMHO to facilitate comments like, “NO! Don’t do it!” and so forth. My beloved missus wants to take a trip to Washington DC (from Denver) this coming April. For several reasons, driving is not an option. I … --- ## [Conspiracy theory on Iran](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conspiracy-theory-on-iran/994143)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conspiracy-theory-on-iran/994143 "2023-12-06T17:54:18Z")
Something I have been starting to think about recently is the possibility of a massive terrorist attack in the United States if we take out a strong response to Iran. The primary thing I base this on is the threat issued… --- ## [R.I.P. Ralph Cirella (from the Howard Stern show)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-i-p-ralph-cirella-from-the-howard-stern-show/994180)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-i-p-ralph-cirella-from-the-howard-stern-show/994180 "2023-12-06T14:35:14Z")
Unless you’re a listener of Howard Stern you probably don’t know who Ralph Cirella was. He was a long-time contributor to the show, starting out as Stern’s stylist and becoming one of the more polarizing regular characte… --- ## [Racoons are just giant rats!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racoons-are-just-giant-rats/993796)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racoons-are-just-giant-rats/993796 "2023-12-06T13:08:25Z")
So, kidlet’s 9 pound elderly covid cat was yowling and hissing like it was mortally wounded. I come out looking for Peep, and he’s at the sliding glass door but no blood or anything. Of course, 2 inches on the other side… --- ## [Mariachi bands following people around (1950s, if that matters)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mariachi-bands-following-people-around-1950s-if-that-matters/994141)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mariachi-bands-following-people-around-1950s-if-that-matters/994141 "2023-12-06T12:30:11Z")
I just saw the great movie Victims of Sin (Victimas del Pecado), which was made in 1951 in Mexico. In a few scenes, one of the main characters, a kind of bigshot hustler, is wandering around town at night followed by a m… --- ## [Issues with high humidity in the house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issues-with-high-humidity-in-the-house/993815)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issues-with-high-humidity-in-the-house/993815 "2023-12-06T11:02:00Z")
I live in an older home and am running into an issue I’ve never had before. Basically any time the heater is not in use, humidity levels in the house soar. Humidity in the house regularly reaches 65-75% in the summer eve… --- ## [The Great British Baking Show question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-british-baking-show-question/991220)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-british-baking-show-question/991220 "2023-12-06T10:11:46Z")
I’ve been bingeing this (among other shows) this month. Of the three challenges that the bakers face each week, they are given advance notice of two. My question: are the bakers told how much time they’re going to be gi… --- ## ["We are needing" vs. "We need"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-needing-vs-we-need/992771)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-needing-vs-we-need/992771 "2023-12-06T05:30:12Z")
I work with a guy who’s first language is not English. He uses the phrase “I am needing a cup of coffee” instead of, “I need a cup of coffee”. I’ve noticed other people at work have begun using this. Is it a dialect or … --- ## [Why are there not more aerial tramways in cities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-not-more-aerial-tramways-in-cities/993972)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-not-more-aerial-tramways-in-cities/993972 "2023-12-06T01:40:41Z")
Yes they are the mainstay of downhill ski resorts but I’m more talking about cities. There are a few (aerial) gondolas and trams that have made their way into cities but they are more of a novelty and tourist attraction… --- ## [Have you heard the term Swamp Duck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-heard-the-term-swamp-duck/993870)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-heard-the-term-swamp-duck/993870 "2023-12-06T01:27:36Z")
I heard someone use the term ‘swamp duck’ today. I’d never heard it so I looked it up. Apparently it has several unrelated meanings. Some being: ~Often used by teachers, this term is widely used and will often make you … --- ## [Land contract, Real Estate & "Marketable Interest"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/land-contract-real-estate-marketable-interest/994121)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/land-contract-real-estate-marketable-interest/994121 "2023-12-06T01:06:11Z")
We are selling a piece of raw land and there is one sentence we need help with. It is in the clause where they can assign the contract to a third party before the deal closes if an opportunity comes up for flipping the … --- ## [Looking at the "Billboard 100" this week (Dec. 9, 2023)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-at-the-billboard-100-this-week-dec-9-2023/994135)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-at-the-billboard-100-this-week-dec-9-2023/994135 "2023-12-05T22:56:49Z")
A lot of familiar oldies are showing up this week - Brenda Lee hitting number 1 for the first time since the 1960’s. Billboard has changed the rules over the years - not just physical records/CDs sold, but streams, downl… --- ## [Are shock calls from purported police/court officers or children a thing in North America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-shock-calls-from-purported-police-court-officers-or-children-a-thing-in-north-america/994089)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-shock-calls-from-purported-police-court-officers-or-children-a-thing-in-north-america/994089 "2023-12-05T22:35:25Z")
There is a kind of scam preying particularly on the elderly and immigrants that’s been a lot in the news in Germany these last few years - apparently also in neighbouring countries; on my search for an English-languáge d… --- ## [Statutory rape WWII movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statutory-rape-wwii-movies/993869)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statutory-rape-wwii-movies/993869 "2023-12-05T17:09:28Z")
NSFW It is a very unsual and niche (sub)genre of movies. But it is definitely out there. It seems more common in European cinema than American, and it more commonly involves boys and older women, though there are some e… --- ## [Digital artist's sketch and line art layers in sequences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-artists-sketch-and-line-art-layers-in-sequences/994055)
**Author:** [@Amber13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amber13)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-artists-sketch-and-line-art-layers-in-sequences/994055 "2023-12-05T16:05:09Z")
This game is about real digital artists in general and not you or a specific artist, every digital artist have preferences on making sketches and line art before coloring and shading, this game is about real general digi… --- ## [Abortion as a religious issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-as-a-religious-issue/993687)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-as-a-religious-issue/993687 "2023-12-05T14:42:25Z")
The right (or not) to abortion is one of the most hotly contended issues in the US today. I had always assumed it was just a personal choice to people. But now it clearly seems to be a religious belief. Has it always bee… --- ## [What are your favorite songs that begin with the letter Y? See rules in OP: FINAL POLL ADDED](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-the-letter-y-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/993366)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-the-letter-y-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/993366 "2023-12-05T13:29:46Z")
Rules: If you edit your already-posted entry to make a change, I may not see it. Please do not re-post your entire list – this gets confusing - just add a new post with changes or additions only. EXAMPLE: "Remove ‘All… --- ## [Oh God. Antibiotics and the potty {Lots of TMI}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-god-antibiotics-and-the-potty-lots-of-tmi/994025)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-god-antibiotics-and-the-potty-lots-of-tmi/994025 "2023-12-05T13:27:53Z")
I’m in Hell. I had minor surgery on Wednesday. Surgery went well. No issues Thursday, nor Friday. Saturday? Total voiding of my bowels. All at once. And I was this close to being on the potty. Cleaning up the pott… --- ## [Irish anti-immigrant riot \[2023-11-24\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-anti-immigrant-riot-2023-11-24/993637)
**Author:** [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-anti-immigrant-riot-2023-11-24/993637 "2023-12-05T04:34:37Z")
I was shocked to read this morning, awaking after a beautiful if cold Thanksgiving, that there was horrendous anti-immigrant rioting in Dublin. Some loon stabbed some schoolkids and a school staffer, he was caught, but s… --- ## [My elderly cat may be ailing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-elderly-cat-may-be-ailing/991986)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-elderly-cat-may-be-ailing/991986 "2023-12-05T02:55:49Z")
Yesterday was my cat’s 16th birthday (yes, I do know her DOB; whoever surrendered her to the shelter passed it on) and today was the 14th anniversary of her Gotcha Day. I took her to the vet for her routine annual check… --- ## [Why do we distort our mouths when scratching our eyes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-distort-our-mouths-when-scratching-our-eyes/994041)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-distort-our-mouths-when-scratching-our-eyes/994041 "2023-12-05T01:59:24Z")
I know it’s not just me, but why do our mouths contort into weird shapes when we rub our eyes? That’s all. :smiley: --- ## [If A Christmas Carol had been written by someone else](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-christmas-carol-had-been-written-by-someone-else/430814)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-christmas-carol-had-been-written-by-someone-else/430814 "2023-12-05T01:27:33Z")
The title an homage to what I think is the record holder LOTR thread, though I doubt (and I hope) this will have 1% of that one’s hits and posts, but— you all know the story. How would other writers have told it? A CHR… --- ## [Has this trope been named?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-this-trope-been-named/994119)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2023, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-this-trope-been-named/994119 "2023-12-04T23:59:41Z")
I call it “too stupid to trick”. As in a clever bit of subterfuge fails to work on someone so moronic that they guilelessly take everything at face value, and so they don’t do the second-guessing that the trickster was c… --- ## [Make A Wish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-a-wish/977625)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2023, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-a-wish/977625 "2023-12-04T23:57:25Z")
I came home to my wife watching Wonder Woman 1984. Apparently, people making wishes that are granted is a bad thing. But that’s not what this thread is about. Every time I heard ‘Make a wish!’ it reminded me of this s… --- ## [Bigger smartphone screens and increased data usage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bigger-smartphone-screens-and-increased-data-usage/994109)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2023, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bigger-smartphone-screens-and-increased-data-usage/994109 "2023-12-04T23:53:05Z")
So I went from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 12 Pro Max, mostly because the former is going to be no longer supported with updates and the latter was a good deal. I already seem to be using more data than I’m used to with my … --- ## ["Idiocracy": great movie but misunderstood? {As seen in today's political climate}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiocracy-great-movie-but-misunderstood-as-seen-in-todays-political-climate/994024)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2023, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiocracy-great-movie-but-misunderstood-as-seen-in-todays-political-climate/994024 "2023-12-04T22:03:53Z")
Spoilers Most of you probably know there’s been a rise of people who claim that “Idiocracy” is actually coming true, and how that movie feels more like a documentary now. And it often turns into a political argument/deb… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=679&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=681&state=muted)