# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=715&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 716 --- ## [Software that can listen for specific sounds and alert those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/software-that-can-listen-for-specific-sounds-and-alert-those-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing/991895)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2023, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/software-that-can-listen-for-specific-sounds-and-alert-those-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing/991895 "2023-10-22T14:26:58Z")
I’m not deaf or hard of hearing, but I might as well be when I’ve got my headphones on and I’m listening to music or watching video. I’m looking for some software for Win11 or android that can listen for certain noises a… --- ## [This old fart finally discovered John Mayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-fart-finally-discovered-john-mayer/991707)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2023, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-old-fart-finally-discovered-john-mayer/991707 "2023-10-22T13:33:41Z")
I rarely listen to modern music. I already have a google drive full of music I love. I read about John Mayers newest album Sob Rock. It’s a concept album based on the 80’s ballads. Link Sob Rock - Wikipedia I bought i… --- ## [I want to do standup comedy. Where do I find freelance joke writers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-standup-comedy-where-do-i-find-freelance-joke-writers/991597)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2023, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-do-standup-comedy-where-do-i-find-freelance-joke-writers/991597 "2023-10-22T09:50:09Z")
Over the years, maybe 50 people – from friends to CS agents on the phone – have told me I should be doing standup comedy. The idea is super tempting. I have a great niche in mind and would prefer starting with a bang not… --- ## [Friday Fun: How will humanity end? (Poll)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friday-fun-how-will-humanity-end-poll/990867)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2023, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friday-fun-how-will-humanity-end-poll/990867 "2023-10-22T02:37:58Z")
poll In honor of my finishing Station Eleven on Max, I thought it might be fun to speculate on The End of Humanity (my definition of fun might be slightly different than yours). Of course, SE was not about the complete … --- ## [What sport would you like to see added to the Olympics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sport-would-you-like-to-see-added-to-the-olympics/947901)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2023, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sport-would-you-like-to-see-added-to-the-olympics/947901 "2023-10-22T01:51:38Z")
As I’m watching some equestrian something, I think that as long as we’re going to have animals in the Olympics, I’d like to see some sort of dog/frisbee competition. I’m generally opposed to sports with judging so maybe … --- ## [Play Rock Paper Scissors against a CGP Grey Youtube video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/play-rock-paper-scissors-against-a-cgp-grey-youtube-video/991883)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2023, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/play-rock-paper-scissors-against-a-cgp-grey-youtube-video/991883 "2023-10-22T00:28:45Z")
Play RPS Coin toss on which forum this post belongs in. I kind of wonder if Grey is trying to game Youtube’s algorithm with this and raise his view stats; if so, well done. Don't look at this spoiler until you'… --- ## [Tell me about deep sea mining. What could possibly go wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-deep-sea-mining-what-could-possibly-go-wrong/991818)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-deep-sea-mining-what-could-possibly-go-wrong/991818 "2023-10-21T22:37:09Z")
In case the news was getting you down, this seems promising. What could possibly go wrong? --- ## [Aspenglow ATM moderation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aspenglow-atm-moderation/991808)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aspenglow-atm-moderation/991808 "2023-10-21T22:05:41Z")
Are you meaning to single out Slicedalone in this modnote as if he is the one who started the tangent on the initialism “ATM”? Because it gives the appearance that you are, and rebuking him rather sharply. But he is just… --- ## [Determine all ways to group 49 into groups of 7 such that](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/determine-all-ways-to-group-49-into-groups-of-7-such-that/991820)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/determine-all-ways-to-group-49-into-groups-of-7-such-that/991820 "2023-10-21T18:24:15Z")
…no item appears more than once in the same group with any other item. I am trying to solve this in Excel for someone. I could write a VBA program to do it but I cannot imagine what the algorithm would be. The real-worl… --- ## [endangered species](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endangered-species/822559)
**Author:** [@fedman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endangered-species/822559 "2023-10-21T17:40:41Z")
if you believe in evolution, ie survival of the fittest (adapt or die), why should we protect endangered species? --- ## [Guess the person!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-person/983748)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-person/983748 "2023-10-21T17:02:44Z")
In 1957, a ship was named after , who was then CEO of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance company of Milwaukee (it’s still one of the largest employers in the city). The company had decided to invest in mining, and th… --- ## ["Embiggen" is now a perfectly cromulent word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embiggen-is-now-a-perfectly-cromulent-word/810105)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embiggen-is-now-a-perfectly-cromulent-word/810105 "2023-10-21T15:57:51Z")
At least according to Merriam-Webster, that is. Embiggen, defined as “to make bigger or more expansive : enlarge, expand”, is part of the new crop of words the dictionary has added this year. Can “crapulence”, “boostaf… --- ## [How many Marvel/DC villains would retire or be forced to retire in the event of a villain takeover?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-marvel-dc-villains-would-retire-or-be-forced-to-retire-in-the-event-of-a-villain-takeover/991751)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-marvel-dc-villains-would-retire-or-be-forced-to-retire-in-the-event-of-a-villain-takeover/991751 "2023-10-21T14:03:14Z")
In the Old Man Logan setting the villains team up, defeat the heroes and divide the country between Magneto, Red Skull, Doom and Abomination. Given that a large number of Marvel/DC villains are motivated by personal rea… --- ## [Missing motorcyclist found alive after nearly 3 days in ditch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-motorcyclist-found-alive-after-nearly-3-days-in-ditch/991840)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-motorcyclist-found-alive-after-nearly-3-days-in-ditch/991840 "2023-10-21T13:19:59Z")
:face\_with\_raised\_eyebrow: 10 AM Sunday morning and noshing on a Egg MacMuffin he winds up in a ditch? The article doesn’t mention any rain. I wonder how long he’s had a motorcycle? Glad he’s OK. I’d suggest trading t… --- ## [Movie Scenes Inspired by Another Movie's Poster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-scenes-inspired-by-another-movies-poster/991790)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-scenes-inspired-by-another-movies-poster/991790 "2023-10-21T11:02:36Z")
The scene in Cloverfield (2008) where the head from the Statue of Liberty gets tossed into a New York Street was admittedly inspired by the poster for John Carpenter’s Escape from New York (1981) , which showed the head … --- ## [Bluetooth 101](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluetooth-101/991813)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2023, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluetooth-101/991813 "2023-10-21T03:02:32Z")
I’ve never had occasion to use Bluetooth before. Now I want to transfer all my apps and settings from my old Android tablet to my new Android tablet. A step requires that on my old tablet I select new tablet’s nam… --- ## [Why wouldn't cruise ship casino pay me by check?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wouldnt-cruise-ship-casino-pay-me-by-check/991811)
**Author:** [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wouldnt-cruise-ship-casino-pay-me-by-check/991811 "2023-10-20T23:22:03Z")
A couple of months ago I won $18K on a cruise. I asked to be paid by check . I was told that they would see how much I had gambled over the whole cruise, subtract my losses from the $18K and if that number came to less … --- ## [How many people actually get the reward money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-actually-get-the-reward-money/991849)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-actually-get-the-reward-money/991849 "2023-10-20T21:43:51Z")
I don’t seem to hear much about people getting the reward for information leading to the capture or conviction of someone. I wonder how many technicalities there are that lead to them not meeting certain requirements. --- ## [AI-created Card Game simulation of Gateball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-created-card-game-simulation-of-gateball/991822)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-created-card-game-simulation-of-gateball/991822 "2023-10-20T21:11:20Z")
I’ve been playing around with one of the AI chat-bots (you.com). Besides using it for work, I’ve also used it to find information about various things I find interesting. This morning, during breakfast, I thought, “Why n… --- ## [The Impending Attempt to Oust Speaker McCarthy {10/1/2023}; Patrick McHenry is now Speaker Pro Tempore {2023-10-03}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 595\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-impending-attempt-to-oust-speaker-mccarthy-10-1-2023-patrick-mchenry-is-now-speaker-pro-tempore-2023-10-03/990958 "2023-10-20T19:59:45Z")
As sorta-started over here, but I think it deserves it’s own thread. --- ## [Do some people just have strong sperm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-people-just-have-strong-sperm/991035)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-people-just-have-strong-sperm/991035 "2023-10-20T19:50:18Z")
I understand you can have damaged or defective sperm from all sorts of medical problems, but I’m curious if the actual opposite happens. If some people actually have sperm that’s stronger/more virile than normal. Becaus… --- ## [Lil Durk’s 15 Most Popular Songs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lil-durk-s-15-most-popular-songs/991850)
**Author:** [@Checks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Checks)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lil-durk-s-15-most-popular-songs/991850 "2023-10-20T17:26:20Z")
Any durk fans? Here is a list of his best songs. --- ## [How good are the “Prove that you’re a human” tests?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-the-prove-that-you-re-a-human-tests/991730)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-the-prove-that-you-re-a-human-tests/991730 "2023-10-20T15:09:59Z")
Many websites make you prove that you’re a human by “Clicking here”, “Select all images with a forklift in them”, Captchas, or similar things. How good are these at actually confirming that I’m a human? I’m just curious… --- ## [Feinstein’s replacement speculation and breaking news thread {Laphonza Butler sworn in}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feinstein-s-replacement-speculation-and-breaking-news-thread-laphonza-butler-sworn-in/990865)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feinstein-s-replacement-speculation-and-breaking-news-thread-laphonza-butler-sworn-in/990865 "2023-10-20T12:31:28Z")
Who do you think Newsome will choose? Who do you think he should choose? --- ## [What's the point of "early check-in" for a flight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-early-check-in-for-a-flight/991744)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-early-check-in-for-a-flight/991744 "2023-10-20T07:55:51Z")
I got an e-mail, within the last hour, urging me to check in for the flight I’m taking tomorrow night. Ummm … why? My departing airport is about 180 miles away from where I am right now. To me, “checking-in for a flig… --- ## [What does it mean to "grade on a curve" in school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-to-grade-on-a-curve-in-school/991124)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-to-grade-on-a-curve-in-school/991124 "2023-10-20T03:50:59Z")
I see a similar question was asked 23 years ago. I hope it is ok to ask again (maybe an ATMB question here). In this thread @Saint\_Cad asked a question about bell curves. I mentioned test scores in school are likely a… --- ## [Demonstrating the Law of Large Numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demonstrating-the-law-of-large-numbers/991720)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demonstrating-the-law-of-large-numbers/991720 "2023-10-20T01:31:17Z")
My students are doing an experiment showing the LLN and I want to make sure I have it set up correctly. Let’s say the students are rolling a die and counting the number of times a 6 comes up. p(6) = 1/6 and if I have t… --- ## [50th Birthday of the Sydney Opera House!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50th-birthday-of-the-sydney-opera-house/991749)
**Author:** [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50th-birthday-of-the-sydney-opera-house/991749 "2023-10-20T00:07:09Z")
A Tribute from Tim Minchin and … others. A lot of others! --- ## [Factual question, but from a possible CT, so starting here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factual-question-but-from-a-possible-ct-so-starting-here/991809)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2023, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factual-question-but-from-a-possible-ct-so-starting-here/991809 "2023-10-19T23:28:19Z")
If someone thinks this is not the correct forum please feel free to move it. The comments below are from a page discussing a local town’s Land Use Plan. My main question is whether anyone knows what they mean by “agenda… --- ## [Worldmark timeshares](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worldmark-timeshares/991666)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2023, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worldmark-timeshares/991666 "2023-10-19T22:22:05Z")
What are your experiences involving Worldmark timeshares in particular? Responses I don’t want need are: “All timeshares are bad!!”, and discussions about other timeshare programs. Highlights, lowlights etc. are welc… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=714&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=716&state=watching)