# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=693 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 694 --- ## [The role of electronic brains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-role-of-electronic-brains/990708)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-role-of-electronic-brains/990708 "2023-11-18T15:35:40Z")
Happened upon this editorial (article comprised largely of opinion), and I find the neoliberal theme disturbing. The rant wants AI to do amazing stuff so that we can experience economic growth constantly exceeding our… --- ## [It's time for the 18th no-longer-annual Shot Glass Exchange!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-18th-no-longer-annual-shot-glass-exchange/990556)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-for-the-18th-no-longer-annual-shot-glass-exchange/990556 "2023-11-18T14:43:35Z")
The kinda-annual-but-not-really shot glass exchange is here! \[you all know the rules so I’ll refrain from my usual pontificating and lecturing\] If you want to participate, make a note in the thread here and then email … --- ## [And now the Libs lose it, too...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-the-libs-lose-it-too/993298)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-the-libs-lose-it-too/993298 "2023-11-18T14:14:52Z")
Two episodes, now, of left-wing protesters going overboard in just the last few days: https://thehill.com/policy/international/4315151-pro-palestinian-protesters-enter-fox-news-building/ https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-… --- ## [Rolling Stones and Lady Gaga Sweet Sound of Heaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-and-lady-gaga-sweet-sound-of-heaven/993207)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stones-and-lady-gaga-sweet-sound-of-heaven/993207 "2023-11-18T12:54:49Z")
I’ve been listening to the Stones newest single. Sweet Sounds of Heaven They brought in Stevie Wonder on piano & Rhodes organ and Lady Gaga. What do you think? Is it good, or even some of their best work? poll … --- ## [Doing the dishes by hand in a Covid household](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doing-the-dishes-by-hand-in-a-covid-household/993173)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doing-the-dishes-by-hand-in-a-covid-household/993173 "2023-11-18T06:04:42Z")
My wife and I returned from a cruise with first-time Covid, first her, then me. Last night, while she was resting, I did the dishes by hand for the two of us. Please tell me if this sounds sufficient. I picked up her di… --- ## [A Raiders of the Lost Ark question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-raiders-of-the-lost-ark-question/992991)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-raiders-of-the-lost-ark-question/992991 "2023-11-18T05:00:23Z")
Jones is fighting the Nazis in their trucks. He’s thrown through the windshield and hooks his whip to the front bumper and slides the length of the truck. He then prevails. The question is: for the rest of the flick was … --- ## [Do Toy Rockets Behave Differently When Launched From Higher Altitudes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-toy-rockets-behave-differently-when-launched-from-higher-altitudes/993297)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-toy-rockets-behave-differently-when-launched-from-higher-altitudes/993297 "2023-11-18T03:18:11Z")
In this video, they discuss why we don’t launch rockets from the tops of mountains. I’m fuzzy on the science, but it seems that there is some benefit to launching from a high altitude, although the bad outweighs the good… --- ## [Head MRI tomorrow. Is it scary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-mri-tomorrow-is-it-scary/992267)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-mri-tomorrow-is-it-scary/992267 "2023-11-18T02:12:46Z")
Because I continue to have unexplained odd head pains, and pulsatile tinnitus, I have to go in early tomorrow morning for an MRI of my head. They asked if I was claustrophobic and I had to answer “I don’t know”. Smalli… --- ## [Song lyrics — the good, the bad, and the ugly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148)
**Author:** [@FeRDNYC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FeRDNYC)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148 "2023-11-18T00:59:49Z")
Most song lyrics are, let’s face it, not the greatest writing ever. Understandably so: there are a lot more constraints on writers of lyrics than on prose authors, and many of them can work at cross purposes. That clever… --- ## [Help me mount a power strip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-mount-a-power-strip/992615)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-mount-a-power-strip/992615 "2023-11-18T00:22:00Z")
I have a fairly heavy duty power strip that I use in our family room. We recently finished a renovation, so this was low priority, but I’m now tasked with getting the cord off the floor and hidden. 3 weeks ago I put 4 Dc… --- ## [In the song “The night the lights went out in Georgia” what does that phrase mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-song-the-night-the-lights-went-out-in-georgia-what-does-that-phrase-mean/986513)
**Author:** [@Rexturtle1120](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rexturtle1120)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-song-the-night-the-lights-went-out-in-georgia-what-does-that-phrase-mean/986513 "2023-11-17T23:58:22Z")
I’ve been listening to the song “That’s the night the lights went out in Georgia” and I’ve been trying to figure out what that line means. If you know the song, I figured the lights went out because they electrocuted the… --- ## [Anyone here ever buy through Treasury Direct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-ever-buy-through-treasury-direct/993076)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-ever-buy-through-treasury-direct/993076 "2023-11-17T23:47:53Z")
I just registered on the site to bid on a Treasury Note, but at the last second hesitated. It seems really straightforward, but is there anything I should be wary of? Thanks. --- ## [Thoughts on my made up crockpot recipe please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-my-made-up-crockpot-recipe-please/993209)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-my-made-up-crockpot-recipe-please/993209 "2023-11-17T23:44:28Z")
Ok in a crockpot: Smoked sausage Potatoes Onions Can of cream of chicken soup Chicken broth? Or Half and half? Would like to add a cheese element to it but I don’t know if I should put it in with the crockpot or ju… --- ## [Chess - Carlsen-Niemann controversy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-carlsen-niemann-controversy/971683)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-carlsen-niemann-controversy/971683 "2023-11-17T23:43:06Z")
I don’t know chess well enough to analyze the moves. The players are searched. This article says Magnus started with a bad opening. He wasn’t playing well. I’m bothered that an unspoken and unproven allegation by Magn… --- ## [Lines in a song that anchor it or cause it to turn a corner for you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lines-in-a-song-that-anchor-it-or-cause-it-to-turn-a-corner-for-you/993205)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lines-in-a-song-that-anchor-it-or-cause-it-to-turn-a-corner-for-you/993205 "2023-11-17T22:57:05Z")
As an example, Rod Stewart’s You Wear It Well. Like a million other songs, it seems like the ‘speaker’ is just nebulously pouring out his feelings. Then somewhere near the end there’s the line: "Anyway, my coffee’s cold… --- ## [Daylight Savings Time south of the Equator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daylight-savings-time-south-of-the-equator/992892)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daylight-savings-time-south-of-the-equator/992892 "2023-11-17T21:55:14Z")
Do the folks in South America and Australia run a DST opposite from us in the Northern Hemisphere? --- ## [Mysterious canine respiratory illness sweeping the nation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-canine-respiratory-illness-sweeping-the-nation/993255)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-canine-respiratory-illness-sweeping-the-nation/993255 "2023-11-17T20:21:55Z")
Joe developed a weird cough the other day, and it sounds terrible. Seems unlikely it would be kennel cough, since his last daycare trip was early October and his only other dog contact is with the 2 next door through the… --- ## [Are "smart" toys such as drones a danger to kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-smart-toys-such-as-drones-a-danger-to-kids/993291)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-smart-toys-such-as-drones-a-danger-to-kids/993291 "2023-11-17T20:06:48Z")
There have been “scares” about toys that could record or spy on children, such as Furbys. Is this article more of the same unwarranted fears, or is there a legitimate concern here? --- ## [Government shutdown watch fall 2023 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-watch-fall-2023-edition/989657)
**Author:** [@MulderMuffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MulderMuffin)\ **Replies:** 216\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-shutdown-watch-fall-2023-edition/989657 "2023-11-17T20:02:50Z")
A place to discuss and debate the potential (likely) fight for a budget resolution or a temporary continuation of funding for the US government with a deadline of September 30th, 2023. In the Leopards Eating Faces party… --- ## [The L-curve: distribution of income](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-l-curve-distribution-of-income/100904)
**Author:** [@Jenner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenner)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-l-curve-distribution-of-income/100904 "2023-11-17T17:07:37Z")
This page illustrates just how skewed the income distribution is in the United States. Wealth distribution is even more highly skewed, with 1% of the population controlling 40-50% of the nation’s wealth. It’s astounding… --- ## [Hotel California Redux - Another 1979-like Right Wing Shift?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotel-california-redux-another-1979-like-right-wing-shift/991674)
**Author:** [@JBGUSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBGUSA)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotel-california-redux-another-1979-like-right-wing-shift/991674 "2023-11-17T16:49:11Z")
As the Eagles said, we haven’t had the spirit here since 1979, when the U.S. lurched from the liberalism of the New Deal and Kennedy eras, to Jimmy Carter, towards Ronald Reagan’s landslide election. Several storm flags … --- ## [Critical Reasoning in the USA, Teaching Thereof](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critical-reasoning-in-the-usa-teaching-thereof/985961)
**Author:** [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critical-reasoning-in-the-usa-teaching-thereof/985961 "2023-11-17T16:04:43Z")
I was reading Meteorologist victim of domestic terrorism, and I wondered, “how does someone get to the point where making death threats to a meteorologists seems like it will accomplish anything?” That led me to wonder … --- ## [Consumer Nightmares Big & Small](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consumer-nightmares-big-small/993246)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consumer-nightmares-big-small/993246 "2023-11-17T15:43:25Z")
One of my watering hole football watching buddies has notoriously bad luck when it comes to food service in any form. For example, he’s the only person I’ve ever known who, upon arriving home with his McDonald’s burger &… --- ## [How do you feel about tearing down or even just "retiring" places like the White House or Buckingham Palace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-tearing-down-or-even-just-retiring-places-like-the-white-house-or-buckingham-palace/991169)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-tearing-down-or-even-just-retiring-places-like-the-white-house-or-buckingham-palace/991169 "2023-11-17T15:11:38Z")
Or other old buildings in your nation or state/province/etc. or whatnot that are similarly used? I have read complaints from those who have worked (or lived) in such places. They weren’t built with the modern world in mi… --- ## [What is the Import of Mike Johnson's Win as Speaker of the House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-import-of-mike-johnsons-win-as-speaker-of-the-house/992097)
**Author:** [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Replies:** 250\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-import-of-mike-johnsons-win-as-speaker-of-the-house/992097 "2023-11-17T14:24:11Z")
Not wishing to hijack this thread: But I have some thoughts. I hope I’m wrong, but I fear from this outcome that the takeaway is that Republicans will devote all their efforts to steal the next election in 2024 in th… --- ## [Can the rear seat crewmember of a fighter jet fly the plane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-rear-seat-crewmember-of-a-fighter-jet-fly-the-plane/993267)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-rear-seat-crewmember-of-a-fighter-jet-fly-the-plane/993267 "2023-11-17T14:17:12Z")
That’s pretty much the question. If the pilot of a modern fighter jet (say, something the US uses) became unavailable during a flight, could the rear seat crewmember successfully operate the aircraft? Could he/she cont… --- ## [What is the best song that begins with a numeral or a symbol? See rules in OP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727 "2023-11-17T13:41:03Z")
Rules: OK, let’s get this one out of the way. Your submissions must begin with a punctuation mark, a character, or a numeral. Note that, if the title spells out the number (i.e. “Seven Nation Army”), it is ineligib… --- ## [What is the best song that begins with the letter \*\*P\*\*? See rules in OP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-the-letter-p-see-rules-in-op/993092)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-the-letter-p-see-rules-in-op/993092 "2023-11-17T10:46:30Z")
Rules: @pjd gets 6 entries this round. NEW RULE: Please do not post title suggestions for others to submit. This takes a little of the fun out of the process. It is ok, after the polls are posted, to name titles th… --- ## ["Laugh, kookaburra ..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laugh-kookaburra/993250)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laugh-kookaburra/993250 "2023-11-17T10:20:52Z")
So do Aussies really sing about kookaburras or was that just a song our 2nd grade teachers thought up? --- ## [Calling out a CLAIM is not attacking the poster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-out-a-claim-is-not-attacking-the-poster/993177)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-out-a-claim-is-not-attacking-the-poster/993177 "2023-11-17T09:03:45Z")
In the Israel news discussion thread, I got the following moderator note: This is attacking a poster. This is very specifically not attacking the poster. This is attacking the claim that a poster made. I did not opi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=692) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=694)