# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=717&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 718 --- ## [Place names that were better before they changed them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/place-names-that-were-better-before-they-changed-them/991353)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/place-names-that-were-better-before-they-changed-them/991353 "2023-10-18T14:54:22Z")
Zaire is a great name. Unique, cool sounding. You know what’s not cool sounding? Democratic Republic of the Congo. MAJOR LAME! Byzantium is better than both Constantinople (too long) and Istanbul (an ugly word). Offer… --- ## [Horror Movie Thread - October 2023 Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horror-movie-thread-october-2023-edition/991754)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horror-movie-thread-october-2023-edition/991754 "2023-10-18T14:28:44Z")
'Tis the season! I thought it’d be fun to start a thread discussing the current state of all things horror: tropes, favorite types of horror movies, recent (or classic) horror movies we’ve seen and can recommend, etc. I’… --- ## [I'm a pretentious twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-pretentious-twit/991648)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-pretentious-twit/991648 "2023-10-18T14:09:56Z")
At least that’s the gist i take from Word A Day’s offering today, “disshabile” which they say is pronounced dis uh beel, or something like that. I’ve always pronounced it in the French manner, but i guess I’ve gotten … --- ## [Not right now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-right-now/991029)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-right-now/991029 "2023-10-18T13:33:11Z")
Ok. I often go to local church dinners; they are helpful to some of the homeless, people also who want to save on their food money. Been noticing a cute guy there. Chatted briefly with him last week, first time we spoke… --- ## [Oh...'possum! Yep. He's bad bad bad. "That 'possum ain't right!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-possum-yep-hes-bad-bad-bad-that-possum-aint-right/942423)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-possum-yep-hes-bad-bad-bad-that-possum-aint-right/942423 "2023-10-18T12:23:21Z")
The American marsupial. What can you say? It’s a animal that must have crossed a land bridge in the day of the Dinosaur. Lived thru the huge die off. And created it’s own niche. Yep, that alone garners some respect. … --- ## [Microsoft Word problems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-word-problems/991668)
**Author:** [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-word-problems/991668 "2023-10-18T11:30:04Z")
Several times in the last few weeks I’ve gotten up in the morning, opened my laptop, and discovered that Word documents I’d left open had been closed. There were “recovered” copies I could open and resave, but when I op… --- ## [GET OUT YOUR OLD SPOCK EARS AND E.T. MASKS One Million Dollar Prize!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-your-old-spock-ears-and-e-t-masks-one-million-dollar-prize/991508)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-out-your-old-spock-ears-and-e-t-masks-one-million-dollar-prize/991508 "2023-10-18T05:04:42Z")
A contest is offering a million bucks for a genuine extraterrestial, caught on video. ET ON FILM ARTICLE {LINK} --- ## [The 'birds eye view' in college football telecasts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-birds-eye-view-in-college-football-telecasts/991585)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-birds-eye-view-in-college-football-telecasts/991585 "2023-10-18T02:26:17Z")
I am trying to watch the Duke-NC State game but can’t see much of what’s going on, due to the ‘birds eye’ view cameras which seem to be stationed on the moon. You do get a good view of the top of the players’ helmets tho… --- ## [Would You Buy A Used Electric Vehicle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-used-electric-vehicle/991258)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-used-electric-vehicle/991258 "2023-10-18T02:22:19Z")
Obviously electric vehicles have become more popular, more in some places than others, sometimes depending on subsidies, availability, peers, needs or gas prices. And older electric vehicles might have significant issue… --- ## [Best homecooked burger toppings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-homecooked-burger-toppings/991543)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-homecooked-burger-toppings/991543 "2023-10-18T00:59:44Z")
How do you prep your homemade burger - grilled or fried your choice - for the best burger experience. I purposely chose a make your own so this wouldn’t compare fast food but for full disclosure, mine is based on a fast… --- ## [Suzanne Somers has passed away at 76](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suzanne-somers-has-passed-away-at-76/991610)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2023, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suzanne-somers-has-passed-away-at-76/991610 "2023-10-18T00:32:03Z")
Article below --- ## [The pumpkin spice (bleck!) MMP \[Old\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pumpkin-spice-bleck-mmp-old/991304)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 364\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pumpkin-spice-bleck-mmp-old/991304 "2023-10-17T23:59:48Z")
although it started before Labor Day it’s pumpkin spice season so the topic is what’s the most disgusting and or weird thing you’ve seen it in ? Mines in ale and dog/cat food I guess since some of the premium animal fo… --- ## [Jeezum Pete, enough with the fundraising emails for an election that is 13 months away!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeezum-pete-enough-with-the-fundraising-emails-for-an-election-that-is-13-months-away/991684)
**Author:** [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeezum-pete-enough-with-the-fundraising-emails-for-an-election-that-is-13-months-away/991684 "2023-10-17T22:23:14Z")
So, we’re in MT, a battle ground state for the Senate, and hopefully the house as well. We WILL be giving money and have in the past. The barrage has been unrelenting, starting just after the LAST election. I get emai… --- ## [Re-watching My Fair Lady](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-watching-my-fair-lady/991329)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-watching-my-fair-lady/991329 "2023-10-17T21:45:44Z")
Just how rich is Prof Higgins? 2 male and 6 female servants that I counted. Next, Higgins uses “blaggard” several times, which is slang for Blackguard, hmm, isn’t that the sorta thing he hates? I notice that Col Picker… --- ## [Alligators in the sewer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alligators-in-the-sewer/459604)
**Author:** [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alligators-in-the-sewer/459604 "2023-10-17T21:02:13Z")
Realistically, what are the chances that a baby alligator flushed into a major metropolitan sewer system could survive for any reasonable length of time? --- ## [Lingering habits/bits of knowledge(?) -- M T W R F S U](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lingering-habits-bits-of-knowledge-m-t-w-r-f-s-u/991316)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lingering-habits-bits-of-knowledge-m-t-w-r-f-s-u/991316 "2023-10-17T20:27:04Z")
Long ago, possibly in First Grade, I was taught to abbreviate the days of the week that way. And still, about 65 years later, I follow suit, scribbling down “T8” for that 8 pm Tuesday meeting or R1130 for that lunch mee… --- ## [Remarriage for widows and widowers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remarriage-for-widows-and-widowers/991547)
**Author:** [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remarriage-for-widows-and-widowers/991547 "2023-10-17T19:49:08Z")
Someone posted to advice columnist Carolyn Hax’s chat this afternoon as follows: “The facts are the facts. 85% of men are married or in a committed relationship within 2 years after their wife dies. 5% of widows are.” I… --- ## [The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-open-spoilers/990893)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-open-spoilers/990893 "2023-10-17T19:49:03Z")
I’m surprised there wasn’t already a thread. This is definitely better than Dead City. France is still picturesque after a zombie apocalypse. Soo full of culture :wink:. --- ## [Tiny handheld chainsaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-handheld-chainsaw/991667)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-handheld-chainsaw/991667 "2023-10-17T19:43:25Z")
Today I helped someone break dow an old couch and got to use a tiny handheld chainsaw they had bought for the task. I didn’t have any idea that something like that existed. They are useful and adorable and I want one mys… --- ## [Can Alexa take typed instructions via the app?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-alexa-take-typed-instructions-via-the-app/991688)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-alexa-take-typed-instructions-via-the-app/991688 "2023-10-17T18:34:14Z")
Often, my Alexa Echo device can’t seem to understand my song requests, esp if the title is in a different language. This happens even whan she’s understood that same request in the past. Is there some way via the app I … --- ## [Eminem: appropriate for kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eminem-appropriate-for-kids/131437)
**Author:** [@fader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fader)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eminem-appropriate-for-kids/131437 "2023-10-17T17:55:21Z")
So I on my spare time I watch my sister’s kids on the weekend so she can get some QT and chores done. I never thought to censor my music in front of them. So one day, I picked up my sister and she got in the car. I wa… --- ## [Reality Families are the very worst TV has to offer. What's THIS family's deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reality-families-are-the-very-worst-tv-has-to-offer-whats-this-familys-deal/991602)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reality-families-are-the-very-worst-tv-has-to-offer-whats-this-familys-deal/991602 "2023-10-17T17:24:35Z")
Do any of you know the hook on that Discovery network reality show Village of the Damned? I mean Welcome to Plathville? All of the promos are just different blond people saying they aren’t speaking to each other after so… --- ## [My wife's peanut butter cookies are my Achilles heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wifes-peanut-butter-cookies-are-my-achilles-heel/991517)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wifes-peanut-butter-cookies-are-my-achilles-heel/991517 "2023-10-17T17:00:23Z")
There’s probably nothing all that special about her recipe, but whenever my wife makes peanut butter cookies, I can’t help but down them all within a 24 hour period. I try and leave some for the kids, but I’ve gotten to … --- ## [So who's turning 55 this year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whos-turning-55-this-year/810731)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whos-turning-55-this-year/810731 "2023-10-17T16:14:05Z")
I’ve never been one for marking age milestones - I mean really, 21 and 30 and so on went by barely-remarked - but 55 feels like something a little special, even though it really isn’t. Sure, now I can move into 55+ commu… --- ## [Fourth Amendment questions (Liberty Safe controversy)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fourth-amendment-questions-liberty-safe-controversy/991594)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fourth-amendment-questions-liberty-safe-controversy/991594 "2023-10-17T16:11:04Z")
A recent news story has me curious about 4th amendment rights, and responsibilities of homeowners when facing a search. Like many legal issues, it seems simple until you get into the details. IMHO due to speculative, w… --- ## [Boss's Day today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bosss-day-today/991463)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bosss-day-today/991463 "2023-10-17T16:08:02Z")
16 October in the US is an unofficial “Boss’s Day” to celebrate and thank bosses. Apparently there are Hallmark cards and everything. My response to this echoes a common sentiment some of you may have bumped into. When… --- ## [Do one hit wonders really play their signature song multiple times in concert?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-one-hit-wonders-really-play-their-signature-song-multiple-times-in-concert/991690)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-one-hit-wonders-really-play-their-signature-song-multiple-times-in-concert/991690 "2023-10-17T15:48:44Z")
I’ve always heard that joke story, “I saw the Baha Men and they played Who Let The Dogs Out four times in a 30 minute set”. I’m curious if they actually do that, does anyone here have any experience of seeing a “one hit… --- ## [What do the native French say to express "Ah, now I have it."( It's finally occurred to me)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-native-french-say-to-express-ah-now-i-have-it-its-finally-occurred-to-me/991687)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-native-french-say-to-express-ah-now-i-have-it-its-finally-occurred-to-me/991687 "2023-10-17T15:27:03Z")
What do the native French say to express “Ah, now I have it.” (Now the idea or word I was searching for has finally occurred to me). I haven’t found anything online that matches the equivalent in English. --- ## [Reply to Babale re: Hamas and Israel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reply-to-babale-re-hamas-and-israel/991469)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 202\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reply-to-babale-re-hamas-and-israel/991469 "2023-10-17T15:07:19Z")
I never once supported what Hamas did. You ascribed that to me, because you’re a piece of shit. I just pointed out that a lot of Palestinian civilians have been killed by Israel - over 21 times as many than have Israeli… --- ## [What to fill a beanbag chair with](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-fill-a-beanbag-chair-with/991580)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2023, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-fill-a-beanbag-chair-with/991580 "2023-10-17T12:58:29Z")
Most of the fill sold anywhere now is shredded memory foam. I don’t personally find this very satisfying to sit on when I want a beanbag, because I remember beanbag chairs from the 60s and 70s, that were filled with bead… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=716&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=718&state=muted)