# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=743&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 744 --- ## [Early use of the phrase 'World War I' (and equivalents)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-use-of-the-phrase-world-war-i-and-equivalents/688654)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-use-of-the-phrase-world-war-i-and-equivalents/688654 "2023-09-12T10:09:51Z")
We’ve had a number of threads about the first use of the phrase ‘World War II’ but fewer, I think, on the origin of the term ‘World War I’. I was wasting time playing on Google Ngram and came up with this very interesti… --- ## [Hurray for suffocation!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurray-for-suffocation/474953)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurray-for-suffocation/474953 "2023-09-12T07:30:38Z")
Did anyone else sing this little ditty (to the tune of Alouette) when they were a kid? Suffocation! Hurray for suffocation! Suffocation! It’s so fun to play First you take a garden hose Then you stick it up your no… --- ## [Do San Francisco, Los Angeles, et alii prove the failure of progressivism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-san-francisco-los-angeles-et-alii-prove-the-failure-of-progressivism/988101)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-san-francisco-los-angeles-et-alii-prove-the-failure-of-progressivism/988101 "2023-09-12T04:50:13Z")
And maybe California as a whole and apparently my hometown of Seattle is going into the crapper. Of course I’m talking the modern day progressivism not Bull Moose politics. And this is not meant to be an indictment of … --- ## [What Ways, Besides Grooves Pressed Into A Medium And Magnetic Tape, Exist (Even Theoretically) To Analogue-ly Record Sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ways-besides-grooves-pressed-into-a-medium-and-magnetic-tape-exist-even-theoretically-to-analogue-ly-record-sound/984484)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ways-besides-grooves-pressed-into-a-medium-and-magnetic-tape-exist-even-theoretically-to-analogue-ly-record-sound/984484 "2023-09-12T04:43:38Z")
That’s the question in the OP: are there ways, theoretical though they may be (since there’s no need, what with digital recording and all that), to record sound in an analogue format besides what we have now (viz, groove… --- ## [Hypnotic (2023)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnotic-2023/984808)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnotic-2023/984808 "2023-09-12T04:40:06Z")
Anyone else see this piece of dung? Back story: My friend needs to take his dad to dialysis. I went along as he needs help getting him out of the car. After dad is all set up we realize we have over 3 hours to burn. At … --- ## [I'm going to start the X-Files (a show I've never seen before). Ongoing thread about my opinions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-start-the-x-files-a-show-ive-never-seen-before-ongoing-thread-about-my-opinions/681740)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-start-the-x-files-a-show-ive-never-seen-before-ongoing-thread-about-my-opinions/681740 "2023-09-12T03:32:05Z")
So I know the X-Files is an extremely popular show. I’ve never actually seen it before (not one episode, not even a bit of any episodes) and figured it’s time to give it a try. I know almost nothing about the show, othe… --- ## [Cheap long-term getaway](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-long-term-getaway/989795)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-long-term-getaway/989795 "2023-09-12T03:07:38Z")
I’m thinking of leaving the US for a month or so just to decompress and collect my wits. I need a place that’s fairly cheap to live. Prefer somewhere stable (not a security hazard or a conflict zone), and either a rur… --- ## [Medical question about "The Good Doctor"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-question-about-the-good-doctor/989849)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-question-about-the-good-doctor/989849 "2023-09-12T02:55:02Z")
I thought about asking this in GQ, but I’m not sure the actual procedure is accurate since it was on a TV show. I’m doing a rewatch of all seven seasons of “The Good Doctor.” In episode 2 of the first season, a woman ha… --- ## [I keep eating alot, why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-keep-eating-alot-why/989897)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-keep-eating-alot-why/989897 "2023-09-12T02:34:08Z")
I have been eating way too much but I feel like I cannot stop? I have had a stressful few months, work new two jobs I got recently7 days a week I’m also active, cycle 10 miles a day and supporting a household plus worryi… --- ## [When did the "retiring cop dies on his final day" trope begin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-retiring-cop-dies-on-his-final-day-trope-begin/988791)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-retiring-cop-dies-on-his-final-day-trope-begin/988791 "2023-09-12T02:16:52Z")
It’s been a terrible cliche for as long as I can remember, the cop with a few days left on the job getting killed investigating his last case, but at some point it must have been a fresh idea, no? I ask because I just r… --- ## [If The Writers' Strike Ended Today, How Long Before Late-Night/Daytime TV Came Back? Scripted TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-writers-strike-ended-today-how-long-before-late-night-daytime-tv-came-back-scripted-tv/989875)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-writers-strike-ended-today-how-long-before-late-night-daytime-tv-came-back-scripted-tv/989875 "2023-09-12T01:56:14Z")
Assume, for the moment, that the actors weren’t also on strike. If the two sides hashed out their differences tomorrow, would The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon be back with new episodes the following night? How long… --- ## [Childhood Behaviors As An Adult](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childhood-behaviors-as-an-adult/989912)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childhood-behaviors-as-an-adult/989912 "2023-09-12T01:53:08Z")
What do you do that is a holdover from childhood? To be clear, I don’t mean behavior that would imply you are “immature” or “childish”, just something you started doing as a child that continues to present day. For me,… --- ## [Is Sinfest getting better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sinfest-getting-better/840474)
**Author:** [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2023, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sinfest-getting-better/840474 "2023-09-12T00:20:03Z")
Quit reading Sinfest, the web comic, several months ago, due to its increasing stupidity. Just checked today’s…which has Amber confronting Fuschia. Is the Criminy romance situation coming back? Should I start reading … --- ## [Poll - What emotion do you see on this face? (detail from famous painting)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-emotion-do-you-see-on-this-face-detail-from-famous-painting/989748)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-emotion-do-you-see-on-this-face-detail-from-famous-painting/989748 "2023-09-11T23:36:04Z")
poll This picture is a detail from a famous painting. I’m interested to know, what emotion(s) do you read in this expression? I’ll give my own thoughts after a few other people have answered. Anyone who recognizes the… --- ## [2 Nights in Yakima - any recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-nights-in-yakima-any-recommendations/989909)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-nights-in-yakima-any-recommendations/989909 "2023-09-11T22:21:30Z")
As I mentioned a few months ago in my thread about TSA screenings at small airports, I’m flying to Yakima, WA next month for a pretty big indy wrestling show at the Sundome. I’ll be arriving on a Thursday afternoon, chec… --- ## [When did newspaper comics get explicit (let alone iits luann)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-newspaper-comics-get-explicit-let-alone-iits-luann/989766)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-newspaper-comics-get-explicit-let-alone-iits-luann/989766 "2023-09-11T22:16:30Z")
ok one of the recent stories here is what passes for a typical story in the infamous Luann Tiffany, the resident mean girl inherited a mansion that she stays at occasionally Well one of her college frenemes talked her … --- ## [Michael Nesmith - Joanne. What went wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-nesmith-joanne-what-went-wrong/792391)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-nesmith-joanne-what-went-wrong/792391 "2023-09-11T21:46:07Z")
It’s clear from the lyrics that he’s not happy and the relationship went wrong somehow. My SO says it’s clearly suicide but I’m not so sure. Link: - YouTube --- ## [Monique Bégin, who brought us the Canada Health Act, has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monique-begin-who-brought-us-the-canada-health-act-has-died/989931)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monique-begin-who-brought-us-the-canada-health-act-has-died/989931 "2023-09-11T21:42:27Z")
The Canada Health Act is the cornerstone of Canada’s Medicare system. It’s the federal statute that grants federal money to the provincial health system, on terms that make health care in Canada portable, accessible and … --- ## [The dispute between Charter Communications and Disney](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dispute-between-charter-communications-and-disney/989675)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dispute-between-charter-communications-and-disney/989675 "2023-09-11T21:40:08Z")
You may have heard that cable television customers of Charter Communications lost access to Disney networks like ESPN and ABC over the weekend, because they’re trying to work out how much Charter should pay Disney for th… --- ## [Is having the inciting incident of a novel in the second or third chapter too late?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-having-the-inciting-incident-of-a-novel-in-the-second-or-third-chapter-too-late/989870)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-having-the-inciting-incident-of-a-novel-in-the-second-or-third-chapter-too-late/989870 "2023-09-11T21:15:41Z")
Three or four weeks ago, I finally completed the editing of and research for my novel, which I have discussed here before. I sent it to one publisher and am awaiting their answer. I’m in no hurry to submit to others, as … --- ## [ID this SF movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-sf-movie/989891)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-sf-movie/989891 "2023-09-11T19:30:40Z")
The aliens kind of looked like giant oil derricks and made a really creepy noise. --- ## [Twinkies Coming Back July 15!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twinkies-coming-back-july-15/661720)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twinkies-coming-back-july-15/661720 "2023-09-11T18:27:51Z")
" Hostess is betting on a sweet comeback for Twinkies when they return to shelves next month. The company that went bankrupt after an acrimonious fight with its unionized workers last year is back up and running under n… --- ## [When Trump dies, will he lie in state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-will-he-lie-in-state/989557 "2023-09-11T17:27:49Z")
After JFK’s assassination, Congress said all presidents, on death, will be eligible to lie in state in the rotunda, unless the family formally declines. Truman’s wife said no because she disliked DC politics. Nixon’s fa… --- ## [Trying to remember a family movie from 80's/90's from one scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-remember-a-family-movie-from-80s-90s-from-one-scene/989467)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-remember-a-family-movie-from-80s-90s-from-one-scene/989467 "2023-09-11T16:36:47Z")
I saw this as a kid so my guess it came out no later than 1995. A group of 2-3 kids are staying with an uncle-type person, a real slovenly guy. One of the kids spills milk on the counter and gets upset about it. The guy … --- ## [What is the name of this type of puzzle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-this-type-of-puzzle/989828)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-this-type-of-puzzle/989828 "2023-09-11T16:34:55Z")
I enjoy this sort of logic puzzle: Three families with different surnames live on adjacent houses and each have a different pet. The Green family have a dog. The family that live in the middle house are not called Bro… --- ## [Keeping fresh tomatoes in vinegar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-fresh-tomatoes-in-vinegar/989854)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keeping-fresh-tomatoes-in-vinegar/989854 "2023-09-11T15:51:58Z")
I like sliced tomatoes on my sandwiches, but being alone, I only use about a 1/3 of a tomato on a sandwich. I’ve been slicing them and putting them in vinegar in the fridge, which seem to be working well… but I’ve been… --- ## [What, exactly, is the appeal of going to a drive-in movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-appeal-of-going-to-a-drive-in-movie/989518)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-appeal-of-going-to-a-drive-in-movie/989518 "2023-09-11T15:15:06Z")
Drive-in movies were apparently once quite popular, but haven’t really been a thing during my lifetime. I’ve always wondered, quite frankly, why? What’s the point? OK, I’ll try to answer my own question in part - I gues… --- ## [Good news, bad news (more bad than good) at the VOW environs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-news-bad-news-more-bad-than-good-at-the-vow-environs/989593)
**Author:** [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-news-bad-news-more-bad-than-good-at-the-vow-environs/989593 "2023-09-11T14:45:29Z")
I do so identify with @Beckdawrek “bad bad bad” reports! Good news: actually, massively good news! I used the back pay from the VA for Mr VOW’s reconsidered disability plus savings I had meticulously accumulated over ti… --- ## [Has any part of the natural world adapted to the structure of a week?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-part-of-the-natural-world-adapted-to-the-structure-of-a-week/989932)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-part-of-the-natural-world-adapted-to-the-structure-of-a-week/989932 "2023-09-11T14:35:11Z")
I’m thinking of animals or even plants changing their behaviour at weekends, but any other interpretation of the question would be equally interesting. Might urban animals behave differently in a rush hour for instance? --- ## [When Socrates in The First Alcibiades refers to 'demus'(twice) ishe referring to citizen or does it have another meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-socrates-in-the-first-alcibiades-refers-to-demus-twice-ishe-referring-to-citizen-or-does-it-have-another-meaning/989933)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2023, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-socrates-in-the-first-alcibiades-refers-to-demus-twice-ishe-referring-to-citizen-or-does-it-have-another-meaning/989933 "2023-09-11T13:34:19Z")
Every translation of ‘demus’ I get is a common man/citizen. When Socrates says to Alcibiades: "Then imagine, my dear fellow, that I am the demus and the ecclesia, for in the ecclesia, too you will have to persuade men … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=742&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=744&state=tracking)