# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=77 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 78 --- ## [Steam Machine - interested? not interested?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-machine-interested-not-interested/1031114)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-machine-interested-not-interested/1031114 "2026-07-10T05:37:14Z")
Here is the pricing. I’m certainly waiting some time. --- ## [Unsolved mysteries and murders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsolved-mysteries-and-murders/810443)
**Author:** [@Princess\_Perfume](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princess_Perfume)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsolved-mysteries-and-murders/810443 "2026-07-10T03:15:51Z")
the Walker County Jane Doe is one I wish Robert Stack had done a segment on. She looks so young in her post mortem pics :frowning: I wonder who she was trying to meet at the prison? --- ## [A separate 14th Amendment question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-separate-14th-amendment-question/1031458)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-separate-14th-amendment-question/1031458 "2026-07-10T02:42:39Z")
Let’s discuss a different issue related to the 14th Amendment. The text says: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the S… --- ## [Will Trump openly sabotage a Ukrainian victory over Russia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-openly-sabotage-a-ukrainian-victory-over-russia/1031554)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-trump-openly-sabotage-a-ukrainian-victory-over-russia/1031554 "2026-07-10T02:09:19Z")
If Trump really is the stooge of Putin that so many accuse him of being, will he nakedly intervene if it looks like Russia is about to get kicked out of eastern Ukraine and/or Crimea? --- ## [Replacement e-reader](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacement-e-reader/1031467)
**Author:** [@Cachalot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cachalot)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacement-e-reader/1031467 "2026-07-10T01:48:01Z")
My Kindle seems to have crapped out, so I am looking at replacing it. This is the third Kindle i have had and I’m tired of having to replace it every few years. Plus, I no longer trust Amazon. So I’m contemplating a diff… --- ## [What is the science behind talent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-science-behind-talent/1031400)
**Author:** [@Xarrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xarrot)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-science-behind-talent/1031400 "2026-07-10T00:56:39Z")
I know that tone deafness is inherited, but I don’t know about other things that could make you inherently good at something. --- ## [Best single lines in rock lyrics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-single-lines-in-rock-lyrics/975262)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 561\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-single-lines-in-rock-lyrics/975262 "2026-07-10T00:54:09Z")
Best single lines in rock lyrics. My #1 nominee is from “Year of the Cat” by Al Stewart: She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain Just pure loveliness. I’m also partial to “Echoes”… --- ## [Wally Funk, oldest women to go into space, dies at 87](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wally-funk-oldest-women-to-go-into-space-dies-at-87/1031551)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wally-funk-oldest-women-to-go-into-space-dies-at-87/1031551 "2026-07-09T22:58:40Z")
She was one of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent privately funded astronaut training in the early 1960s. Several of them, including her, were re-evaluated in the late 1990s after John Glenn rode on the spac… --- ## [In the UK (and Europe, I guess) what is the attitude about buying sports tickets on the secondary market?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-uk-and-europe-i-guess-what-is-the-attitude-about-buying-sports-tickets-on-the-secondary-market/1020371)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2025, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-uk-and-europe-i-guess-what-is-the-attitude-about-buying-sports-tickets-on-the-secondary-market/1020371 "2025-07-02T07:31:41Z")
Here in the States, sports fans across the board have a variety of opinions about the secondhand market for sporting event tickets. My feeling is that it sucks, but it’s also a necessary evil - since the tickets aren’t s… --- ## [Walmart dethroned as richest company after 13 years at the top](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-dethroned-as-richest-company-after-13-years-at-the-top/1031544)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-dethroned-as-richest-company-after-13-years-at-the-top/1031544 "2026-07-09T22:21:58Z")
Amazon is the new king of the hill. No surprise, I guess. This article is from last month but I just noticed it. In the 72 years of tracking only four companies have made the number one spot. https://www.nwahomepage.com… --- ## [What do you want people to say about you at your funeral?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-want-people-to-say-about-you-at-your-funeral/1031529)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-want-people-to-say-about-you-at-your-funeral/1031529 "2026-07-09T21:04:30Z")
My wife shared this old exercise with me the other day. It’s supposed to help clarify our values: are we living our lives according to our values? And my initial answers were about being dependable, ready to help, that … --- ## [Who is Apple reporting my spam calls to, and does it ever help to reduce spam calls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-apple-reporting-my-spam-calls-to-and-does-it-ever-help-to-reduce-spam-calls/1031516)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-apple-reporting-my-spam-calls-to-and-does-it-ever-help-to-reduce-spam-calls/1031516 "2026-07-09T19:52:51Z")
Mods: I think there should be a factual answer, but if this isn’t the right forum for this question feel free to move it. My Apple iPhone 17 is currently set to silence all calls from unsaved numbers, which works as adv… --- ## [Blow My Mind with Some Obscure Rock and Roll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blow-my-mind-with-some-obscure-rock-and-roll/971358)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Replies:** 287\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blow-my-mind-with-some-obscure-rock-and-roll/971358 "2026-07-09T18:35:57Z")
Share recommendations for music others have probably not heard. One rule, not THAT obscure. It has to be available for streaming somewhere, somehow. I will recommend a Bay Area trio called Parish Hall. I heard about it… --- ## [I'm going to see Bob Dylan tonight!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-see-bob-dylan-tonight/1031515)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-see-bob-dylan-tonight/1031515 "2026-07-09T15:09:43Z")
Found a decent affordable ticket last minute on StubHub and I’m good to go! Looking forward to it, I’ve heard he’s been pretty hot this tour. --- ## [Your thoughts on mochi - love, hate, whaat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-thoughts-on-mochi-love-hate-whaat/1031195)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-thoughts-on-mochi-love-hate-whaat/1031195 "2026-07-09T15:05:28Z")
What, if anything, is your opinion of mochi? I was vaguely aware of it for as long as I can remember, like I have always known about pierogis and tap-dancing and other things. But it never mattered to me until I moved t… --- ## [Do we know where the term “white” as synonym for “Caucasian” originated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-know-where-the-term-white-as-synonym-for-caucasian-originated/1031469)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-know-where-the-term-white-as-synonym-for-caucasian-originated/1031469 "2026-07-09T11:38:00Z")
A Twitter post claims that the phrase “white people” to refer to Caucasians generally is a relatively modern American invention. It feels at least sensible to me, but do we know either way? --- ## [A closer shave about shaved ice (not about razors, facial or other hairs, or Harry for that matter🙄)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-closer-shave-about-shaved-ice-not-about-razors-facial-or-other-hairs-or-harry-for-that-matter/1031496)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-closer-shave-about-shaved-ice-not-about-razors-facial-or-other-hairs-or-harry-for-that-matter/1031496 "2026-07-09T01:04:33Z")
I upgraded my Snoopy handle turned sno-cone maker to a fancy schmancy electric one. It’s heavy and metal-ish. So, yeah. I’m convinced it’s perfect. Y’all know I am allowed only 20oz water a day. All liquid combined is … --- ## [American system of government (for a Brit of little brain)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-system-of-government-for-a-brit-of-little-brain/1031230)
**Author:** [@dcbwhaley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dcbwhaley)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-system-of-government-for-a-brit-of-little-brain/1031230 "2026-07-08T22:54:26Z")
I am puzzled by the American system. It is best described as an elective dictatorship. I suppose that the founding fathers wanted to distance themselves from the British system by eliminating the checks and balances i… --- ## [Was Easter originally set in the spring because of the "rebirth" of growing things at that time of year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-easter-originally-set-in-the-spring-because-of-the-rebirth-of-growing-things-at-that-time-of-year/1030117)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-easter-originally-set-in-the-spring-because-of-the-rebirth-of-growing-things-at-that-time-of-year/1030117 "2026-07-08T20:09:32Z")
Not having been taught in any Christian tradition, I have just recently noticed the parallel between spring - with all the new growth, the emergence of plants that seemed dead, the blossoming of all of nature,etc. - and… --- ## [Tell me about your experience with brew bags](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-experience-with-brew-bags/1031501)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-experience-with-brew-bags/1031501 "2026-07-08T20:00:15Z")
I bought a Cuisinart k-cup machine a few years ago. I live alone so I never need a pot of coffee, just single servings. I got tired of buying expensive k-cup pods and eventually switched to a JavaJig. A JavaJig s a plast… --- ## [More month than money? (monthly expenses; budgeting; easy expenses tracking?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-month-than-money-monthly-expenses-budgeting-easy-expenses-tracking/1028468)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-month-than-money-monthly-expenses-budgeting-easy-expenses-tracking/1028468 "2026-07-08T18:43:48Z")
Do you use an expense tracking app? Or, how do you keep track of your expenses? Do you even keep track? My wife and I are retired and we’re doing okay financially. But we like to track our expenses. We’ve tried differen… --- ## [If you have an irrational fear, is it a "you" problem, or "the world's" problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-an-irrational-fear-is-it-a-you-problem-or-the-worlds-problem/1010407)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-an-irrational-fear-is-it-a-you-problem-or-the-worlds-problem/1010407 "2026-07-08T17:25:59Z")
I do not believe I have any irrational fears, but I have a brother-in-law and a niece who do. They seem to perceive their fears differently. I’ll try to explain and invite you to share your experiences and opinions. B… --- ## [Prednisone: will a short course make me puffy & fat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prednisone-will-a-short-course-make-me-puffy-fat/230109)
**Author:** [@scott\_evil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scott_evil)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prednisone-will-a-short-course-make-me-puffy-fat/230109 "2026-07-08T15:29:58Z")
I went to the dermatologist today for my eczema-cracked hands. It’s gotten so painful that I can barely type or open a bottle or put my hands in my pockets. (I’ve tried those new non-steroid ointments with no improvement… --- ## [American cities named after foreign cities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-cities-named-after-foreign-cities/66873)
**Author:** [@Scribble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scribble)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-cities-named-after-foreign-cities/66873 "2026-07-08T15:09:39Z")
Originally posted by Greg Charles in this thread: Well, there’s an Odessa, Texas, a Versailles (pronounced “Ver-sales”), Indiana, and a London, Ohio. What others can you think of? --- ## [Should I write an online review in this situation? (details inside)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-write-an-online-review-in-this-situation-details-inside/1031368)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-write-an-online-review-in-this-situation-details-inside/1031368 "2026-07-08T14:27:46Z")
Over the past six years, I have used a local design-build firm to remodel my house. They did my kitchen, guest bath and laundry room. They also have done other work for me like exterior painting and a deck rebuild. When… --- ## [Recommend movies for my 85 year old Dad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-movies-for-my-85-year-old-dad/1031250)
**Author:** [@Frazzled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frazzled)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-movies-for-my-85-year-old-dad/1031250 "2026-07-08T14:23:32Z")
Every weekend I visit my elderly parents for dinner and a movie. My Mom likes almost anything, but my Dad is very hard to please. The only thing he usually likes to watch is sports and news (and I don’t need to tell you … --- ## [I learned a new word today - kyphoplasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-learned-a-new-word-today-kyphoplasty/1030433)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-learned-a-new-word-today-kyphoplasty/1030433 "2026-07-08T14:14:39Z")
I have a small rolling stepstool I use to reach high places. Probably most houses have one. Used it for decades. This model has a small sidestep between the top and floor. I was standing on the top and trying to go back … --- ## [Do you consider your neighbors launching fireworks a transgressive act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-consider-your-neighbors-launching-fireworks-a-transgressive-act/1031308)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-consider-your-neighbors-launching-fireworks-a-transgressive-act/1031308 "2026-07-08T14:00:57Z")
The topic of fireworks comes up not infrequently on the Dope, and in every discussion there will be the same complaints: fire hazards, children getting maimed, adults getting maimed, scaring the fuck out of pets and out … --- ## [What skill can you perform better than 99 random people? Please read OP for specifics before answering](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 285\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387 "2026-07-08T12:44:27Z")
PLEASE RESPOND WITH JUST ONE SKILL You are given the opportunity to enter a skill contest with 99 other randomly-selected people. It costs you $100 to enter, and if you beat the other 99 you win $1000. Here is the deal… --- ## [The Future Cities Project - mantownhuman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-cities-project-mantownhuman/1031279)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-cities-project-mantownhuman/1031279 "2026-07-08T12:31:37Z")
Another thread had a side reference to The Future Cities Project, led by Austin Williams, with a manifesto under the name mantownhuman. The manifesto rails against current trends in architecture, especially bureaucratic… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=76) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=78)