# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=71&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 72 --- ## [Cattle herding in Caspian forests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cattle-herding-in-caspian-forests/1029868)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2026, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cattle-herding-in-caspian-forests/1029868 "2026-06-20T02:34:28Z")
Reading the Wiki on the White Revolution in Iran and I came across this “While the Caspian forests were nationalized, the forest inhabitants—primarily cattle herders—were expelled by the government and relocated to near… --- ## ["Titan" submersible investigation begins \[28-June-2023\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/titan-submersible-investigation-begins-28-june-2023/986242)
**Author:** [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Replies:** 709\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2026, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/titan-submersible-investigation-begins-28-june-2023/986242 "2026-06-20T02:07:43Z")
I was going to post this as a follow-on in the original thread but I see that it’s closed. Pieces of the imploded submersible have been retrieved and have arrived in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The investigation will be … --- ## [Adding a ringtone to iPhone SE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-a-ringtone-to-iphone-se/1031023)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-a-ringtone-to-iphone-se/1031023 "2026-06-19T23:30:21Z")
I’ve downloaded a 1994 Nokia ringtone that I would like to use on my iPhone SE. I’ve saved the .mp4 file in iCloud. How do I put it on my phone? --- ## [The first non-European, non-South American World Cup winner will be from where? North America? Oceania? Asia? Africa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-first-non-european-non-south-american-world-cup-winner-will-be-from-where-north-america-oceania-asia-africa/1030947)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-first-non-european-non-south-american-world-cup-winner-will-be-from-where-north-america-oceania-asia-africa/1030947 "2026-06-19T20:07:43Z")
Obviously the Europeans and South Americans have dominated the World Cup since its inception, and indeed, soccer has traditionally been bigger and better on those continents than it has elsewhere. But the rest of the wor… --- ## [Haiduk - Archdevil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/haiduk-archdevil/1031026)
**Author:** [@Deamris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deamris)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/haiduk-archdevil/1031026 "2026-06-19T20:05:01Z")
The new album by Haiduk is awesome. Non stop riffs and speed. Check it out! Archdevil haiduk.bandcamp.com/album/archdevil Track 2 - Vexer Haiduk - Vexer --- ## [Can LLMs (large language models) be used to decipher ancient languages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-llms-large-language-models-be-used-to-decipher-ancient-languages/1020628)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-llms-large-language-models-be-used-to-decipher-ancient-languages/1020628 "2026-06-19T18:37:16Z")
I don’t totally understand how LLM models are created/trained, but if they are largely statistical analyses of large corpora of written text, would you be able to train a model on a bunch of undeciphered ancient document… --- ## [Sternutation!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sternutation/1030988)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sternutation/1030988 "2026-06-19T18:34:22Z")
Gesundheit! Scat Cat! Or my Granny’s favorite..“shit…oh, dear!” I sneezed while laying back on my pillow. Some weird physics thing happened and it triggered a crick in my neck. Ouchy. --- ## [Who's out playing on the "corn dog" circuit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-out-playing-on-the-corn-dog-circuit/503739)
**Author:** [@dwc1970](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwc1970)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-out-playing-on-the-corn-dog-circuit/503739 "2026-06-19T17:30:01Z")
Our state fair is coming up in August. The electronic marquee showed Foreigner as one of the acts who will be playing. I remember a time when Foreigner was a big enough band to fill 50,000-seat arenas, and back when my c… --- ## [Is it possible to copy and paste a list and retain single spacing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-copy-and-paste-a-list-and-retain-single-spacing/1031019)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-copy-and-paste-a-list-and-retain-single-spacing/1031019 "2026-06-19T15:52:17Z")
I often copy a list from a Word file and paste it into a post. It is single-spaced in Word, but posts as double-spaced in the thread. I have tried toggling CTLR M on and off with no change. Searching the site has not y… --- ## [I'm posting my book on Substack one chap at a time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-posting-my-book-on-substack-one-chap-at-a-time/1027262)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-posting-my-book-on-substack-one-chap-at-a-time/1027262 "2026-06-19T15:02:53Z")
On the offchance that someone might be interested, I’m doling out my book Within the Box one chapter at a time on Substack, with new chapters dropping every Wednesday. I’m hoping it’s entertaining and also that it’s les… --- ## ["announcer speak" in american tv commercials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/announcer-speak-in-american-tv-commercials/177727)
**Author:** [@curwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curwin)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/announcer-speak-in-american-tv-commercials/177727 "2026-06-19T14:36:51Z")
I moved out here from the US in 1996. I still listen to American music, watch American movies and TV shows. And certainly I’m as exposed to the “American” internet stuff as much as anyone in the States. I think my cultur… --- ## [Where Can I Get a Watchband Replaced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-a-watchband-replaced/1030979)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-a-watchband-replaced/1030979 "2026-06-19T11:40:25Z")
A simple one for you all. The wristband of my Casio watch broke. I would like to replace it. In most countries the jewelry shop will do this for you with a smile. Here I cannot even find a display full of plastic watchba… --- ## [Which is better; donating platelets or plasma?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-donating-platelets-or-plasma/1030432)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-donating-platelets-or-plasma/1030432 "2026-06-19T06:39:40Z")
I’ve been getting calls from blood drives asking me to donate plasma or platelets. I haven’t donated either so I’m looking for information. Which is more useful? Which is more difficult to donate? Are there side effec… --- ## [Quoting only a snippet of a poster's post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quoting-only-a-snippet-of-a-posters-post/1029753)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quoting-only-a-snippet-of-a-posters-post/1029753 "2026-06-19T06:19:34Z")
A recent post had the following in it - “Please pardon the snip”. Hmmmm… I’m always snipping what posters say, because I want to address only the relevant part of their post. So really - I should apologize each time fo… --- ## [What artist defines 'your time'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-artist-defines-your-time/1030929)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-artist-defines-your-time/1030929 "2026-06-19T03:34:42Z")
Watching Thor: Ragnarok, and David Banner is wearing a Duran Duran ‘Rio’ T-shirt. For me, Patrick Nagel’s art defines the '80s look. Clean lines, stylish clothes, optimism, New Wave, and neon. Look at Blade Runner (19… --- ## [Have you ever gotten back a $2 bill, $1 coin or 50¢ coin in change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-gotten-back-a-2-bill-1-coin-or-50-coin-in-change/1030569)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-gotten-back-a-2-bill-1-coin-or-50-coin-in-change/1030569 "2026-06-19T03:01:48Z")
I like to get two dollar bills, dollar coins and fifty cent coins from the bank and then spend them to see what reaction I get from the cashiers. They will usally just treat them like any other denomination but a few h… --- ## [How many breaths would the average human take in a year? in a lifetime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-breaths-would-the-average-human-take-in-a-year-in-a-lifetime/1030995)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-breaths-would-the-average-human-take-in-a-year-in-a-lifetime/1030995 "2026-06-18T23:29:34Z")
This question may be beyond a concrete answer because there are too many variables. Still, this seemed like the place to ask it. Mods, please move it if you think it doesn’t belong here. The question is straight-forwa… --- ## [Radio stations playing slightly altered versions of songs - \*not\* censored versions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-stations-playing-slightly-altered-versions-of-songs-not-censored-versions/1030956)
**Author:** [@Push\_You\_Down](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Push_You_Down)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-stations-playing-slightly-altered-versions-of-songs-not-censored-versions/1030956 "2026-06-18T21:53:41Z")
Debated Cafe Society or MPSIMS… Listening to terrestial radio today I noticed a weird thing on two different stations… Songs had weird ‘edits’ where short parts of the song duplicated. Happened in each song. Example: … --- ## [What were the most useless skills you were taught in school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-most-useless-skills-you-were-taught-in-school/1030648)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 451\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-most-useless-skills-you-were-taught-in-school/1030648 "2026-06-18T19:47:24Z")
In another thread I started on “Worst teacher”, someone brought up the fact that they were taught how to diagram sentences, a skill that I was also painfully taught…and never had to use in over 60 years. I believe that … --- ## [So what's going on in Dumbing of Age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-going-on-in-dumbing-of-age/849047)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-going-on-in-dumbing-of-age/849047 "2026-06-18T17:31:29Z")
It’s a webcomic for those who don’t know. But if you don’t know that, this thread is going to make no sense. My assumption is that Mike is dead, his body hasn’t been discovered yet, Amber has blanked his death out of he… --- ## [Anyone have SDAM (Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-sdam-severely-deficient-autobiographical-memory/1030936)
**Author:** [@Lushka1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lushka1953)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-sdam-severely-deficient-autobiographical-memory/1030936 "2026-06-18T16:45:45Z")
Anyone here have SDAM? I’ve recently stumbled across this and finally understand my significant memory lapses. --- ## [CO Governor Jared Polis reportedly considering clemency for Tina Peters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/co-governor-jared-polis-reportedly-considering-clemency-for-tina-peters/1026541)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/co-governor-jared-polis-reportedly-considering-clemency-for-tina-peters/1026541 "2026-06-18T14:22:04Z")
In an interview on Thursday with CBS Colorado, Polis called Peters’ prison sentence “harsh,” fueling interest in whether or not the 70-year-old Peters could get clemency. It appears being called names by DJT has him c… --- ## [Reading Books is apparently now a Turn-On](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-books-is-apparently-now-a-turn-on/1030970)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-books-is-apparently-now-a-turn-on/1030970 "2026-06-18T13:11:57Z")
A Surprising Hobby Has Quietly Become A Dating Green Flag It might be time to update your photos to include a book in the frame. In modern swipe culture, books are boosting attraction. Reading has become a staple of da… --- ## [Basic income tax question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-income-tax-question/1030963)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-income-tax-question/1030963 "2026-06-18T09:08:40Z")
I’m sure there is an easy answer to this, but I don’t even know how to Google it. I have an inherited IRA that requires mandatory minimum withdrawals. When withdrawing, I will have taxes withheld, both state and federal… --- ## [71 teenage girls emerge from manhole in Nyack, NY](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/71-teenage-girls-emerge-from-manhole-in-nyack-ny/1030982)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/71-teenage-girls-emerge-from-manhole-in-nyack-ny/1030982 "2026-06-18T07:28:31Z")
Has anyone else heard this story? I did, and then it kinda sorta disappeared which has me wondering even more about what might really be going on. I mean, 71 girls on a school field trip makes sense, but it’s not norma… --- ## [Best recent nicknames in sports](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-recent-nicknames-in-sports/1018736)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-recent-nicknames-in-sports/1018736 "2026-06-18T06:58:32Z")
There was an older 2009 thread about baseball nicknames, but I didn’t want to revive that one and I’m really more interested in recent players. My nomination is Boston Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon The Password Garcia. --- ## [SDMB security upgrade set for Wed., 6/17/2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-security-upgrade-set-for-wed-6-17-2026/1030928)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-security-upgrade-set-for-wed-6-17-2026/1030928 "2026-06-18T06:21:14Z")
We’ll be enabling a Content Security Policy (CSP) from Discourse, the hosting service for the Straight Dope Message Board, on Wednesday, 6/17/2026, at 9 a.m. CT. The CSP restricts the ability of ad networks to download c… --- ## [Humvee gunner question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humvee-gunner-question/1030948)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humvee-gunner-question/1030948 "2026-06-18T01:33:58Z")
I’m watching the first Iron Man and noticed the gunner in the Humvee is sticking up into the air waist deep. He has a Ma Deuce, not a Gatling gun. Looks like a sitting duck. It would seem a ring of armor could wrap aroun… --- ## [MAGA: Make Algae Great Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maga-make-algae-great-again/1030984)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maga-make-algae-great-again/1030984 "2026-06-17T23:11:03Z")
I just saw this on Facebook. You’re welcome. --- ## [More attacks on the Dept. or Education](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-attacks-on-the-dept-or-education/1030949)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-attacks-on-the-dept-or-education/1030949 "2026-06-17T23:06:36Z")
The Department of Justice will take on enforcement of civil rights in education, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education. We are doomed Todd Blanche will be in charge of civil r… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=70&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=72&state=muted)