# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=694&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 695 --- ## [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… --- ## [Backing up my computer--24 hours later](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backing-up-my-computer-24-hours-later/993086)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backing-up-my-computer-24-hours-later/993086 "2023-11-17T08:04:44Z")
It is now around 5PM, EST. Yesterday at 5 PM, I plugged in a standalone hard disk and typed copy /s \* d: which means copy everything to drive d: (the hard disk), including subdirectories. It continued till 10:30 when… --- ## [Detective stories with non-cliche mysteries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detective-stories-with-non-cliche-mysteries/993257)
**Author:** [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detective-stories-with-non-cliche-mysteries/993257 "2023-11-17T07:13:59Z")
I am not a big fan of the mystery genre. It seems to me that 99% of the stories are about murders or jewel heists. (Or art heists. I suppose jewelry is a subset of art.) Recently, I saw the movie Peeper, starring Mich… --- ## [Prick potatoes before microwaving](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prick-potatoes-before-microwaving/992983)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prick-potatoes-before-microwaving/992983 "2023-11-17T04:39:37Z")
I always prick some holes in my potatoes before I microwave them. Here’s what happened when I forgot. :cold\_sweat: First the microwave started shaking…then there was a bang. :flushed: There was a cloud of smoke and wh… --- ## [Rothfuss announces new book (no, not Doors of Stone)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rothfuss-announces-new-book-no-not-doors-of-stone/984243)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rothfuss-announces-new-book-no-not-doors-of-stone/984243 "2023-11-17T04:41:44Z")
It is a novella, somewhat based on The Lightning Tree, it is named The Narrow Road Between Desires In a lot of ways, it’s going to be similar to The Slow Regard of Silent Things. It’s set in Temerant. It’s going to b… --- ## [Final poll – What is the best L song? Select just one](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/final-poll-what-is-the-best-l-song-select-just-one/992005)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/final-poll-what-is-the-best-l-song-select-just-one/992005 "2023-11-17T04:06:17Z")
poll --- ## [Does the display of American flags have some "hidden meaning" these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-display-of-american-flags-have-some-hidden-meaning-these-days/990270)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 298\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-display-of-american-flags-have-some-hidden-meaning-these-days/990270 "2023-11-17T04:01:21Z")
I’ve noticed that in my neighborhood several homes flag US flags nearly daily. It used to be we were one of few houses that flew the flag even on federal holidays. And it isn’t every block. But on some blocks you’ll s… --- ## [John Paul George Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-paul-george-ringo/993156)
**Author:** [@B.Serum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B.Serum)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-paul-george-ringo/993156 "2023-11-17T03:41:28Z")
Hi all, I just wanted to share a recent project I just put up: johnpaulgeorgeringoplaylists.com Its a site linking to playlists I made that combine solo recordings by the ex-Beatles into a few thematically-cohesive (hop… --- ## [Non-English Colloquialisms For A Chicken (someone who is fearful/easily frightened)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-english-colloquialisms-for-a-chicken-someone-who-is-fearful-easily-frightened/992948)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-english-colloquialisms-for-a-chicken-someone-who-is-fearful-easily-frightened/992948 "2023-11-17T03:23:09Z")
How would I call someone a chicken (as in, they’re easily frightened) in other languages besides English? Is a fearful hispanophone “un pollo”? A fearful a Germanophone “un huhn”? --- ## [How do i turn off the annoying internal lights on my PC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-turn-off-the-annoying-internal-lights-on-my-pc/993219)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-turn-off-the-annoying-internal-lights-on-my-pc/993219 "2023-11-17T02:35:05Z")
Hello guys and girls and others. I have a PC that i bought maybe 5-6 year ago. It is situated im my bedroom, so that i can access SD quickly and easily. TBH i probably use it most for listening to podcasts while trying … --- ## [How do people learn to play unusual instruments (like a church organ or a carillon)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-learn-to-play-unusual-instruments-like-a-church-organ-or-a-carillon/993055)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-learn-to-play-unusual-instruments-like-a-church-organ-or-a-carillon/993055 "2023-11-17T00:53:21Z")
I was watching the video below of a woman playing a church organ. It seems to take two people (mostly her) but also another person lurking and pushing/pulling buttons. How does anyone learn to play such a thing? There… --- ## [White Lincoln Town Car 2000 for sale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-lincoln-town-car-2000-for-sale/993270)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-lincoln-town-car-2000-for-sale/993270 "2023-11-16T23:09:35Z")
Northern Ohio. PM if interested. --- ## [SimCity (2013) 10 year anniversary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simcity-2013-10-year-anniversary/980898)
**Author:** [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simcity-2013-10-year-anniversary/980898 "2023-11-16T22:43:37Z")
A decade ago, EA/Maxis launched their latest version of SimCity with much anticipation and fanfare. The launch was so disastrous that it killed both the franchise and the studio that birthed it. (The publisher EA, alas, … --- ## [Rolling down a ramp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-down-a-ramp/993201)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-down-a-ramp/993201 "2023-11-16T21:56:53Z")
2 ramps each 100ft tall. 1st ramp 1,000ft long, second ramp 10,000 ft long. Would a ball bearing be traveling at approx. the same speed at the bottom of these ramps? --- ## [Why did early homo species not regain body hair when they migrated to cold climates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-early-homo-species-not-regain-body-hair-when-they-migrated-to-cold-climates/993099)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-early-homo-species-not-regain-body-hair-when-they-migrated-to-cold-climates/993099 "2023-11-16T21:46:36Z")
Is it because it takes millions of years? Or is there an adaptive advantage even in cold climates? Or no reason at all? --- ## [Names for surface patterns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-surface-patterns/993261)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-surface-patterns/993261 "2023-11-16T21:38:44Z")
Plants and animals often include in their name (common or taxonomic) a word that describes the coloration on various parts of their body: reticulated, variegated, serrated, and so on. Tesselated is another such word, us… --- ## [How did the word jail get the nickname "pokey"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-word-jail-get-the-nickname-pokey/32016)
**Author:** [@insider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/insider)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-word-jail-get-the-nickname-pokey/32016 "2023-11-16T20:14:03Z")
It just occured to me how the nickname “pokey” was created to mean jail. --- ## [Thread for political commentary regarding the assault on Nancy Pelosi's husband \[28 Oct 2022\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thread-for-political-commentary-regarding-the-assault-on-nancy-pelosis-husband-28-oct-2022/973940)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thread-for-political-commentary-regarding-the-assault-on-nancy-pelosis-husband-28-oct-2022/973940 "2023-11-16T19:43:48Z")
Politics keeps creeping into the breaking news thread. Please post it here, instead. --- ## [1st World coffee maker problems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-world-coffee-maker-problems/993129)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-world-coffee-maker-problems/993129 "2023-11-16T18:33:13Z")
TIL that the little tube that pierces the capsule can get clogged with grounds. I almost panicked when I followed the steps, and no coffee came out. It was like the universe was momentarily unbalanced. --- ## [A specific and limited thread on the implementation of Brexit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-specific-and-limited-thread-on-the-implementation-of-brexit/920552)
**Author:** [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-specific-and-limited-thread-on-the-implementation-of-brexit/920552 "2023-11-16T18:03:42Z")
Brexit has happened. This is not a thread about the merits of the concept of Britain leaving the EU. However, there were many possible ways for Britain to leave the EU; this thread is about the particular approach to Bre… --- ## [Clearly Better: A thread on superiority in ELEMENTARY systems of notation, nomenclature, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clearly-better-a-thread-on-superiority-in-elementary-systems-of-notation-nomenclature-etc/993056)
**Author:** [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clearly-better-a-thread-on-superiority-in-elementary-systems-of-notation-nomenclature-etc/993056 "2023-11-16T16:55:08Z")
Note the loud emphasis on the “elementary” modifier in the thread title! This is not a thread for arguing about arcane design choices in super-esoteric contexts. This is about systems of conventions used in tasks that … --- ## [Vegemite lovers - this story is for you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-lovers-this-story-is-for-you/993049)
**Author:** [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegemite-lovers-this-story-is-for-you/993049 "2023-11-16T14:43:59Z")
Gift link from NYT about the wellspring of Vegemite - where it comes from and how it is produced. It is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. --- ## [A couple of NFL questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-nfl-questions/993115)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-nfl-questions/993115 "2023-11-16T13:16:23Z")
I’ve been watching football forever, but I still don’t know the answer to these questions: How can you tell, at a glance, whether a defense is playing zone or man defense? What is the quarterback signaling when he … --- ## [What is the best song that begins with the letter M? See rules in OP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-the-letter-m-see-rules-in-op/993012)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-the-letter-m-see-rules-in-op/993012 "2023-11-16T12:37:37Z")
Rules: Submissions are limited to 5 per person. Exclude articles such as “a”, “an”, “the”, etc. that begin the title. Example: “The Hokey Pokey” belongs in the H poll, not the T poll. Exclude titles that begin w… --- ## [Request: show BELL button (for Tracking/Muted) by thread title](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/request-show-bell-button-for-tracking-muted-by-thread-title/993021)
**Author:** [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/request-show-bell-button-for-tracking-muted-by-thread-title/993021 "2023-11-16T12:06:45Z")
There is a BELL :bell: button that allows you to change a thread to Tracking or Muted status (the latter meaning you won’t see it again in any list of threads). Currently, to access this button from a list of threads I … --- ## [Donald Trump's Sister Maryanne Found Dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trumps-sister-maryanne-found-dead/993074)
**Author:** [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trumps-sister-maryanne-found-dead/993074 "2023-11-16T10:28:16Z")
I guess not much else is known at this point. She was 86. There were no signs of trauma or foul play. --- ## [Japanese translation of pro wrestling hold ''Shinin no maki''](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-translation-of-pro-wrestling-hold-shinin-no-maki/253169)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-translation-of-pro-wrestling-hold-shinin-no-maki/253169 "2023-11-16T07:51:09Z")
I guess, anyway. I remember a Japanese pro wrestler using this term to describe this \*deadly hold. When other non-Japanese wrestlers used it, it was called the “Cobra Clutch,” and sometimes the Japanese themselves call… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=693&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=695&state=tracking)