# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=729 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 730 --- ## [Chess players, how do you deal with a computer being better than any human will ever be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-players-how-do-you-deal-with-a-computer-being-better-than-any-human-will-ever-be/787464)
**Author:** [@Tabby\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabby_Cat)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-players-how-do-you-deal-with-a-computer-being-better-than-any-human-will-ever-be/787464 "2023-09-29T21:12:07Z")
So, it’s official. Computers are better than humans at Go - AlphaGo has beaten the top pro decisively and the pros generally agree that AlphaGo is significantly better than the top pros. Chess has been in that unenviabl… --- ## [Secure Hardware by Checks & Balances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secure-hardware-by-checks-balances/990798)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secure-hardware-by-checks-balances/990798 "2023-09-29T21:02:47Z")
This recent article about backdoors in hardware made me recall a thought that I’d had once for building a secure voting machine. In it, you do something like having a see-through touch panel built by vendor A, and all it… --- ## [My latest single, "Energize", has just been released!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-latest-single-energize-has-just-been-released/990686)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-latest-single-energize-has-just-been-released/990686 "2023-09-29T18:19:54Z")
Hi, everyone! I wanted to let you know about my latest single, “Energize”. It was just released on Friday, Sept. 22. You can find it on YouTube at this link - https://youtu.be/QRfGQTW8IZg?si=wP1v2d82NY02rXhv . Have a… --- ## [Help me find this duet 80s song I heard on Spotify](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-this-duet-80s-song-i-heard-on-spotify/990873)
**Author:** [@Amber13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amber13)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-this-duet-80s-song-i-heard-on-spotify/990873 "2023-09-29T17:56:39Z")
There’s a song I heard on Spotify back when I was 15, it was a 80s song, I remember hearing the lyrics ‘‘and I ain’t pretending’’ and it had the word ‘‘love’’ on the title and it wasn’t on the beginning on the title, I h… --- ## [Check my math?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-my-math/990840)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-my-math/990840 "2023-09-29T17:39:12Z")
I’m watching Tugboat Annie. A character has a homework problem: If a fish weighs 10 pounds, and its body weighs twice as much as its head, and its head weighs wtice as much as its tail, how much would its tail weigh? … --- ## [Auguries of Sweltering (monthly mini-rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auguries-of-sweltering-monthly-mini-rants/987909)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 408\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auguries-of-sweltering-monthly-mini-rants/987909 "2023-09-29T17:01:15Z")
Hi all - Starting the new month off right here. It’s before sunrise on August 1st down here in South Florida. It’s 80F/27C already and the dewpoint is 77, which makes the relative humidity 91%. And there’s rain & light… --- ## [R.I.P. Brooks Robinson](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-i-p-brooks-robinson/990752)
**Author:** [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-i-p-brooks-robinson/990752 "2023-09-29T14:53:35Z")
Brooks Robinson has died at the age of 86: He was one of the greatest defensive players ever at any position. He was a decent hitter, too. He won an MVP award in 1964, and was on two World Series champion teams. Good… --- ## [Ken Paxton, Texas AG, facing impeachment from fellow Republicans (is impeached on May 27, 2023)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-paxton-texas-ag-facing-impeachment-from-fellow-republicans-is-impeached-on-may-27-2023/984608)
**Author:** [@MulderMuffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MulderMuffin)\ **Replies:** 235\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-paxton-texas-ag-facing-impeachment-from-fellow-republicans-is-impeached-on-may-27-2023/984608 "2023-09-29T14:19:37Z")
The five-member GOP-led investigative committee met Wednesday to discuss the allegations of wrongdoing against Paxton, a fellow Republican and the state’s top lawyer A timeline of his many, many legal troubles going… --- ## [Some new scripted-type shows are starting up -- where are they coming from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-new-scripted-type-shows-are-starting-up-where-are-they-coming-from/990754)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-new-scripted-type-shows-are-starting-up-where-are-they-coming-from/990754 "2023-09-29T13:15:20Z")
So last night there was the premiere of Irrational, which seems to be a typical ‘amateur with a special skill helps the police’ type scripted show. And I’ve also seen commercials for another new show starting later this… --- ## [Could DNA testing verify that someone was a time traveler?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-dna-testing-verify-that-someone-was-a-time-traveler/990736)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-dna-testing-verify-that-someone-was-a-time-traveler/990736 "2023-09-29T12:43:18Z")
If someone says they traveled through time to the present day, from the past or future, could DNA testing be used to verify their claims? Would there be something about their DNA itself which would indicate that the numb… --- ## [Can I get a group together to pick a brand-new MLB HoF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-get-a-group-together-to-pick-a-brand-new-mlb-hof/989346)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-get-a-group-together-to-pick-a-brand-new-mlb-hof/989346 "2023-09-29T12:40:27Z")
If you consider yourself a reasonable and knowledgeable student of the game, you’re eligible to help me select a Hall of Fame from scratch. I have a series of questions, the answers to which grow increasingly complicated… --- ## [How to pronounce \[ɣ\] voiced velar fricative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pronounce-voiced-velar-fricative/990804)
**Author:** [@Jagraze1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jagraze1)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pronounce-voiced-velar-fricative/990804 "2023-09-29T11:50:33Z")
Is it like a sound between \[g\] and \[h\]? I’m having a hard time pronouncing it. --- ## [Did "trump" really mean "fart" in British slang, pre-Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-trump-really-mean-fart-in-british-slang-pre-trump/990672)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-trump-really-mean-fart-in-british-slang-pre-trump/990672 "2023-09-29T11:17:57Z")
Someone with an OED of Slang, if there is one, could probably answer this one, or some Brit with a long memory could take a shot at it, but I was told that the word “trump” (noun and verb) was used in British slang as a … --- ## [What does "simplicity" mean here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-simplicity-mean-here/990773)
**Author:** [@Jagraze1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jagraze1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-simplicity-mean-here/990773 "2023-09-29T08:22:15Z")
I just read this article today: It claims that “it’s simplicity has only created barriers”. Does this mean “the language being phonetic” has created barriers or what? --- ## [Double hip replacement!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-hip-replacement/979804)
**Author:** [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-hip-replacement/979804 "2023-09-29T07:46:48Z")
I finally had my consultation with the recommended orthopedic surgeon and will be given a surgery date after an internal medicine appointment. Early spring is likely. Double anterior hip arthroplasty. I was waiting a … --- ## [Vials labeled "smallpox" and "vaccinia" found in a freezer in a lab near Philadelphia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vials-labeled-smallpox-and-vaccinia-found-in-a-freezer-in-a-lab-near-philadelphia/954542)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vials-labeled-smallpox-and-vaccinia-found-in-a-freezer-in-a-lab-near-philadelphia/954542 "2023-09-29T04:34:42Z")
It happened at a Merck facility, which was placed on lockdown until authorities deemed it not dangerous. I have never believed that the virus only existed in two high-security labs, and this incident in 2014 proved ot… --- ## [Was the Merchant of Venice ever performed at the Globe Theater during Shakespeare's lifetime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-merchant-of-venice-ever-performed-at-the-globe-theater-during-shakespeares-lifetime/990811)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-merchant-of-venice-ever-performed-at-the-globe-theater-during-shakespeares-lifetime/990811 "2023-09-29T02:32:48Z")
I couldn’t find any evidence of the Merchant of Venice ever being performed at the Globe Theater in Shakespeare’s lifetime. I looked at chronologies and Globe Theater performances of all his plays. Maybe I missed someth… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - September 2023 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-september-2023-edition/989241)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-september-2023-edition/989241 "2023-09-29T02:27:21Z")
Only TWO months til Halloween! I can already hear my animated skeletons calling from their box in the basement… my life, the set up to a cheesy horror film. :laughing: Seriously though, I’m ready for it to not be 70F/21C… --- ## [Be Careful Out There. Fireworks Mishaps 2023 Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/be-careful-out-there-fireworks-mishaps-2023-edition/986477)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2023, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/be-careful-out-there-fireworks-mishaps-2023-edition/986477 "2023-09-29T00:32:15Z")
After last year we will see if perhaps, because the holiday is midweek, fewer Americans will blow off a limb, burn down a house (or houses), or kill themselves and/or a loved one by mishandling fireworks this 4th of July… --- ## [I want to win a prize at the fair. How do I do it and what game should I play?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-win-a-prize-at-the-fair-how-do-i-do-it-and-what-game-should-i-play/990369)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-win-a-prize-at-the-fair-how-do-i-do-it-and-what-game-should-i-play/990369 "2023-09-28T23:50:17Z")
Just as said. I am going to a fair next week and want to win a prize. Preferably one of the big ones. I know they cheat like crazy. What game should I play? How can I prepare? How can I win? --- ## [Seeing “Around the Curve” of the Universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-around-the-curve-of-the-universe/990803)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-around-the-curve-of-the-universe/990803 "2023-09-28T22:48:34Z")
I don’t know if there is a factual answer to this, but it seems like there should be a fact based answer. Maybe we don’t know, but we should be able to make some guesses based on what we do know, and not just make a wil… --- ## [Quote about rulers not repressing the small things](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quote-about-rulers-not-repressing-the-small-things/990787)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quote-about-rulers-not-repressing-the-small-things/990787 "2023-09-28T20:44:34Z")
I am struggling to find a quote. The gist of it is, it is often the small things that provoke people’s resistance and rebellion, that people might put up with great injustice more easily than small oppressions. Can anybo… --- ## [Would you clear your browser cache to solve a website-specific problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-clear-your-browser-cache-to-solve-a-website-specific-problem/990705)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-clear-your-browser-cache-to-solve-a-website-specific-problem/990705 "2023-09-28T19:04:32Z")
A few years ago I had a problem with a website not updating, and was instructed by the site’s administrator to clear my cache, which I did. Boy, did I regret it. All the websites I visit regularly no longer recognized m… --- ## [How to clean outdoor cushions (patio furniture)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-clean-outdoor-cushions-patio-furniture/990329)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-clean-outdoor-cushions-patio-furniture/990329 "2023-09-28T18:44:05Z")
End of the season, and our patio cushions are pretty grubby (lot of dust this year). Any suggestions for a good cleaning product? Water by itself doesn’t seem to do the trick. --- ## [U.S. Hurricane Forecast Models](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-hurricane-forecast-models/795889)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-hurricane-forecast-models/795889 "2023-09-28T16:52:13Z")
As is becoming more obvious every day, the US weather models are being outdone by the European model by a wide margin. The link below details some of the reasons. What gets me is the statement regarding a update to the G… --- ## [Ebay selling - They need my bank account info?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-selling-they-need-my-bank-account-info/990045)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-selling-they-need-my-bank-account-info/990045 "2023-09-28T14:59:36Z")
I haven’t sold anything on ebay in forever, but now I have an item I want to put up there. . Time was, you linked your Paypal account and the buyer paid you through that. But now it seems that ebay is requiring my ban… --- ## [Vegetables and Lean Protein](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegetables-and-lean-protein/990559)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegetables-and-lean-protein/990559 "2023-09-28T13:22:59Z")
A former mentee from my pre-retirement days is coming to visit. I’d like to make her a nice meal and her response to “What do you like to eat?” was “I’ll eat most things… I’m usually pretty happy if there are vegetables … --- ## [When titles disappoint](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-titles-disappoint/987055)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-titles-disappoint/987055 "2023-09-28T11:48:16Z")
So today I’m browsing the newest media available and see something called “Imagine Dragons Live in Vegas”. Now, I haven’t been completely living under a rock, I was aware that a band exists that is named “Imagine Dragons… --- ## [How many Reps (and which ones) would it take to break this logjam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-reps-and-which-ones-would-it-take-to-break-this-logjam/990682)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-reps-and-which-ones-would-it-take-to-break-this-logjam/990682 "2023-09-28T10:26:22Z")
From my calculations, if 5 Republican congress people switch to Independent and caucused with the Dems, they could have a new speaker and get government moving again, avoid a shutdown, etc. Do I have that right? 222R-2… --- ## [Do you have an opinion on truffled fries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-an-opinion-on-truffled-fries/990623)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-an-opinion-on-truffled-fries/990623 "2023-09-28T10:17:40Z")
I thought of asking in the crinkle-cut fries thread, but figured it might be worth a thread of it’s own. poll I really dislike truffle oil on fries. If I’m really hungry, I’ll eat a few, but it basically ruins the fries… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=728) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=730)