# Latest

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=682&state=tracking

[Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md)

**Page:** 683

---

## [Iowa senator Joni Ernst chokes during lunch (11/30/23); Dr. Rand Paul does Heimlich maneuver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-senator-joni-ernst-chokes-during-lunch-11-30-23-dr-rand-paul-does-heimlich-maneuver/993927)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\
**Replies:** 15\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-senator-joni-ernst-chokes-during-lunch-11-30-23-dr-rand-paul-does-heimlich-maneuver/993927 "2023-12-02T22:53:58Z")

</div>

She’s one of my senators, unfortunately, and I don’t have much use for Rand Paul either, but I am glad she’s okay, “choking on woke politics” notwithstanding, and that someone who knew what they were doing was available. …

---

## [Comparing apples to oranges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-apples-to-oranges/993970)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\
**Replies:** 30\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-apples-to-oranges/993970 "2023-12-02T22:26:51Z")

</div>

We’ve all heard it, “You can’t do that - it’s like comparing apples to oranges.” So what? That’s literally what comparison means. I can easily list the differences, advantages and disadvantages of apple and oranges. I pr…

---

## [Is England merry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-england-merry/993702)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-england-merry/993702 "2023-12-02T22:07:23Z")

</div>

Does England live up to its epithet? Did it ever? Your opinions are welcome.

---

## [Plumbers: Toilet Seat Hardware](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbers-toilet-seat-hardware/993090)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\
**Replies:** 13\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbers-toilet-seat-hardware/993090 "2023-12-02T21:02:08Z")

</div>

I’ve had too many toilet seat hinges crack over time. So, this time I chose a toilet seat with a stainless steel hinge. Now, I face a new problem. A toilet seat with plastic hinges usually allow access to the hardware fr…

---

## [Thanks for Nothin'! November Mini-Rants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanks-for-nothin-november-mini-rants/992417)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\
**Replies:** 607\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanks-for-nothin-november-mini-rants/992417 "2023-12-02T20:57:07Z")

</div>

Let’s kick off this thread with a good old fashioned Amazon rant. Why do I have to click through four goddamn menus just to see my transactions? The landing page for past orders requires two clicks just to see what price…

---

## [Embedding video links (again)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embedding-video-links-again/994015)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embedding-video-links-again/994015 "2023-12-02T20:06:09Z")

</div>

In the FQ thread “Scat car? Old riding toy ID” the 11th post has an embedded Youtube video at the end, complete with thumbnail, video title and description from youtube. I thought this was something we couldn’t do on Dis…

---

## [Help me out with OPETH](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-out-with-opeth/994006)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-out-with-opeth/994006 "2023-12-02T19:45:23Z")

</div>

I really like their album “Damnation” … rather soft, quiet flowing prog rock … intelligent music, indeed most of their other work seems to be “record the screams of when you get stabbed into your eyes” is…

---

## [Is Disney Dying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-disney-dying/993351)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\
**Replies:** 136\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-disney-dying/993351 "2023-12-02T18:31:52Z")

</div>

I’ve heard rumors online that Disney is in big, big financial trouble. Is it true? Is it bad? And, if bad, how bad?

---

## [Those days. "What were you doing on ? date?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-days-what-were-you-doing-on-date/993374)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\
**Replies:** 27\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-days-what-were-you-doing-on-date/993374 "2023-12-02T18:12:15Z")

</div>

We all know them. The day Kennedy was shot. The Challenger disaster. 9/11. Apparently everyone always remembers what exactly they were doing. Is this a modern phenomenon? Did the Ancient people remember what they were…

---

## [Evelyn Waugh's 'Scoop'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evelyn-waughs-scoop/486945)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@RobinPilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobinPilot)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [November 2, 2023, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evelyn-waughs-scoop/486945 "2023-11-02T17:51:43Z")

</div>

Can anyone\[SIZE=“4”\]\[/SIZE\], journalist or otherwise, please explain the joke about “cleft sticks” in Evelyn Waugh’s novel,\* Scoop\*?

---

## [What are your favorite songs that begin with the letter W? See rules in OP: FINAL POLL ADDED](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-the-letter-w-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/993658)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\
**Replies:** 166\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-the-letter-w-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/993658 "2023-12-02T17:44:17Z")

</div>

Rules: @Blondebear gets 6 entries if they want them. 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 cha…

---

## [Help me ID a card game my grandmother taught me (need some rules help)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-id-a-card-game-my-grandmother-taught-me-need-some-rules-help/993700)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\
**Replies:** 14\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-id-a-card-game-my-grandmother-taught-me-need-some-rules-help/993700 "2023-12-02T15:40:31Z")

</div>

I need some help in identifying a card game mt grandmother, “Mom-Mom”, taught me when I was a kid. I’ve got some rules questions . . . I’m trying to teach my Significant OTHer (SIGO) based on memory, and SIGO seems to …

---

## [RIP Sandra Day O'Connor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-sandra-day-oconnor/993965)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\
**Replies:** 19\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-sandra-day-oconnor/993965 "2023-12-02T14:42:01Z")

</div>

The first woman appointed to the Supreme Court, and the kind of relatively centrist Supreme Court nominee you’ll never again see from a Republican President. And she was replaced by Samuel Fucking Alito.

---

## [Tackling ableist mentality at the NIH](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tackling-ableist-mentality-at-the-nih/993968)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\
**Replies:** 18\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tackling-ableist-mentality-at-the-nih/993968 "2023-12-02T07:43:21Z")

</div>

Stating a goal of reducing disability is ableist. That’s according to a viewpoint published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.\* An advisory committee has urged the NIH to revise its…

---

## [Dreaming of being rich -- do you? have you in the past?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dreaming-of-being-rich-do-you-have-you-in-the-past/993597)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\
**Replies:** 108\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dreaming-of-being-rich-do-you-have-you-in-the-past/993597 "2023-12-02T00:56:29Z")

</div>

Triggered randomly by the title of the Pit thread about the price of eggs. I think I must be odd, I have never particularly wanted to be capital-R Rich. Comfortable, sure; well-to-do, okay but only if it comes naturally…

---

## [Did you sing to your babies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-sing-to-your-babies/993957)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\
**Replies:** 14\
**Last updated:** [December 2, 2023, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-sing-to-your-babies/993957 "2023-12-02T00:08:30Z")

</div>

Might help them better learn language. Unless you are singing Ozzy Osborne songs.

---

## [Are there any Stephen King novels you don’t like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-stephen-king-novels-you-don-t-like/993883)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\
**Replies:** 89\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-stephen-king-novels-you-don-t-like/993883 "2023-12-01T23:54:32Z")

</div>

Please use spoiler boxes if appropriate. Been on a bit of a Stephen King reading kick lately. I know there’s plenty of his books I haven’t gotten to. I’ve never run across any King novels that I didn’t like, but (as you…

---

## [Opening a frozen lock](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opening-a-frozen-lock/993973)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opening-a-frozen-lock/993973 "2023-12-01T23:04:29Z")

</div>

My 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca II was stolen a few years ago, and it was trashed when it was recovered. I’ve been gathering parts and, with the YZF-R1’s resurrection imminent, I’m in a position where I can (I hope) begin res…

---

## [UK Dopers, can you still buy gift cards with your Amazon credit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-dopers-can-you-still-buy-gift-cards-with-your-amazon-credit/993977)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-dopers-can-you-still-buy-gift-cards-with-your-amazon-credit/993977 "2023-12-01T21:14:43Z")

</div>

Another forum I visit does competitions occasioally. I win more than my fair share of them, and the prize is always Amazon gift credit. For over a year I’ve been skimming off it by buying myself gift cards to Greggs, Pri…

---

## [How was usury practiced by Christians punished by the Catholic Church in medieval times?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-usury-practiced-by-christians-punished-by-the-catholic-church-in-medieval-times/990479)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-usury-practiced-by-christians-punished-by-the-catholic-church-in-medieval-times/990479 "2023-12-01T21:02:42Z")

</div>

If a Christian in medieval times were punished for practicing usury how would they be punished? Would they be denied the sacrements ? Does Canon Law mention any punishment that could be meted out to a n offender?

---

## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - November 2023 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-november-2023-edition/992334)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\
**Replies:** 92\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-november-2023-edition/992334 "2023-12-01T20:54:50Z")

</div>

Autumn has hit my beloved Wasatch Front with a vengeance! Everything is yellow, orange and red; the crunch of leaves accompanies every footstep. AC units everywhere are going into storage and warm jackets, hoodies and s…

---

## [How would the U.S. Army deal with this injured soldier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-u-s-army-deal-with-this-injured-soldier/993300)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\
**Replies:** 25\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-u-s-army-deal-with-this-injured-soldier/993300 "2023-12-01T17:30:33Z")

</div>

I’m working on a bit of fiction and I’d like some information on U.S Army administrative procedures in order to flesh out a character’s back story. In short, how would the army deal with a soldier who has been badly inju…

---

## [What are your favorite songs that begin with the letter U? See rules in OP: Final Poll Added](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-the-letter-u-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/993768)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\
**Replies:** 103\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-songs-that-begin-with-the-letter-u-see-rules-in-op-final-poll-added/993768 "2023-12-01T17:25:03Z")

</div>

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 “Elea…

---

## [I pit chrisjourney's hate "comedy"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-chrisjourneys-hate-comedy/993934)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\
**Replies:** 17\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-chrisjourneys-hate-comedy/993934 "2023-12-01T17:19:11Z")

</div>

In this (now closed) thread, chrisjourney posted a video of himself doing stand-up comedy with a laugh track. As he had requested feedback, I gave him a list of pointers and wished him well. Then I saw this one, in whi…

---

## [The Boys: Mexico (Not the official title) may appear at some point](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-boys-mexico-not-the-official-title-may-appear-at-some-point/993967)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-boys-mexico-not-the-official-title-may-appear-at-some-point/993967 "2023-12-01T16:20:14Z")

</div>

So it looks like Erik Kripke, Diego Luna, and Gael Garcia Bernal would executive produce the series. No idea what it would be about, but hopefully it would be as good as The Boys or Gen V. The guy who wrote Blue Beetle w…

---

## [Interesting Bible verse-](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-bible-verse/993821)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Replies:** 44\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-bible-verse/993821 "2023-12-01T15:42:37Z")

</div>

We all know the GOP, trump, De Santis, Abbott, etc are hypocrites, but here is some ammo to use- Exodus 22:21 KJVThou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

---

## [What gifts are you giving this holiday season?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gifts-are-you-giving-this-holiday-season/993307)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\
**Replies:** 34\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gifts-are-you-giving-this-holiday-season/993307 "2023-12-01T15:09:57Z")

</div>

I know it’s a bit early, but just in case you guys start early, or shop Black Friday: please tell me what kind of gifts you’re giving. Honestly, I just want to copy off you guys. I’m going to allow myself to give cas…

---

## [Facebook/Download Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-download-question/993939)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-download-question/993939 "2023-12-01T13:34:17Z")

</div>

Downloading most pictures is pretty straightforward. Not so much videos. Is it possible?

---

## [More home workshop advice sought -- how to cut 18-gauge sheet steel (need answer sort of fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-home-workshop-advice-sought-how-to-cut-18-gauge-sheet-steel-need-answer-sort-of-fast/993789)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\
**Replies:** 20\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-home-workshop-advice-sought-how-to-cut-18-gauge-sheet-steel-need-answer-sort-of-fast/993789 "2023-12-01T13:23:33Z")

</div>

Short story: I want to buy a steel tool storage top cabinet with drawers (the kind that normally sits on top of a matching rolling cabinet) to go under my workbench. I have plenty of width and depth, but not much height,…

---

## [Three Palestinians shot in Burlington, Vermont](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-palestinians-shot-in-burlington-vermont/993766)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\
**Replies:** 50\
**Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-palestinians-shot-in-burlington-vermont/993766 "2023-12-01T12:38:09Z")

</div>

Heard this on the radio this morning. It’s not known what the motivation for the crime was, but reports were that no words were exchanged, so it looks as if the three men were shot simply because they were wearing kuffiy…

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=681&state=tracking)

[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=683&state=tracking)
