# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=772&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 773 --- ## [Called by last name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/called-by-last-name/987377)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/called-by-last-name/987377 "2023-08-02T16:53:24Z")
In authors I’ve been reading lately, Robert Parker’s hero, Spenser, is always called Spenser, not first name, by everyone from friends to lover; and Les Standiford’s Deal, is also called that by everyone, even his wife.… --- ## [The film Groundhog Day proves Heaven isn't real](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-film-groundhog-day-proves-heaven-isnt-real/987733)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-film-groundhog-day-proves-heaven-isnt-real/987733 "2023-08-02T15:20:21Z")
Wanted to make this about a fantastic Stephen King short story, but realized I’d ruin great literature for new comers just by making a thread topic to discuss it so I found an alternative. The film Groundhog Day doesn’t… --- ## [Defend Heinz Chili sauce](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defend-heinz-chili-sauce/920512)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defend-heinz-chili-sauce/920512 "2023-08-02T15:15:42Z")
Something I was watching on YouTube made me think of Heinz Chili sauce for the first time in decades. My dad loved the stuff which always struck me aa very weird. Because he hated ketchup, and mocked people for using it… --- ## [What is "joy"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-joy/987835)
**Author:** [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-joy/987835 "2023-08-02T14:45:51Z")
I searched to see if this has been covered here, and I didn’t see anything similar. I have done some medical surveys at my gp’s office and some just what the heck surveys on line that ask: have you felt joy? I honestly … --- ## [Whose artist's death robbed us of the best (future) hits by this person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whose-artists-death-robbed-us-of-the-best-future-hits-by-this-person/987232)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whose-artists-death-robbed-us-of-the-best-future-hits-by-this-person/987232 "2023-08-02T10:45:45Z")
sorry, awkward way to phrase it … but which artist would have had a way greater number / quality of hits had (s)he not died untimely? I “nominate” Jim Croce he was pretty much at the top of his game (and easily on par … --- ## [Any antique specialists here/](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-antique-specialists-here/987931)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-antique-specialists-here/987931 "2023-08-02T08:53:25Z")
need answer kind of fast. Someone dumped a table and chair set in my alley. It was made by Penn Table Co. in 1933. The were only open for a few years from 1933 to 1939. Table has a bad finish but no deep scratches or den… --- ## [Occupational Surnames](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occupational-surnames/987695)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occupational-surnames/987695 "2023-08-02T07:12:50Z")
Cook, Taylor, Baxter and Baker, Smith, all occupational surnames. If surnames were just becoming a thing now, meaning say the last 30ish years, what would job related surnames look like? Bob Utube? Samantha Flier? Mr.… --- ## [Power fault monitors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-fault-monitors/987871)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-fault-monitors/987871 "2023-08-02T05:37:38Z")
We have a fridge and a freezer in the basement. The freezer is on a circuit with a GFI, and the fridge is on a fancy new arc fault interruption circuit breaker. Both are less reliably on than I want for a freezer that I … --- ## [Had he lived, JFK would not have withdrawn the US from Viet-Nam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/had-he-lived-jfk-would-not-have-withdrawn-the-us-from-viet-nam/987749)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/had-he-lived-jfk-would-not-have-withdrawn-the-us-from-viet-nam/987749 "2023-08-02T04:53:09Z")
\[Mods: This is really an historical debate, although the subject matter is political. For that reason, I put it in GD. If it belongs in P&E, I do apologize\] One of the enduring parts of the Kennedy legend, and a usual… --- ## [Good Prog-Rock Songs w/ Female Vocals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-prog-rock-songs-w-female-vocals/914405)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-prog-rock-songs-w-female-vocals/914405 "2023-08-02T04:46:10Z")
Good, or great! Preferably 70s (and late 60s)… If YOU think it’s prog, please paste the YouTube link… Duets are cool, too, and the blending of certain voices can be quite great. I keep running into them, and many are no… --- ## [The Son of Speak to me in Song Titles (Part 1)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-son-of-speak-to-me-in-song-titles-part-1/912617)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 9999\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-son-of-speak-to-me-in-song-titles-part-1/912617 "2023-08-02T04:30:48Z")
Last title was by panache45: Making Love Alone - Bernadette Peters Ride, Making Judy Smile --- ## [Michigan voting machine tampering](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-voting-machine-tampering/987940)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-voting-machine-tampering/987940 "2023-08-02T03:59:45Z")
Trump wasn’t the only one indicted today (gift link): It says the investigation is continuing, so more indictments may be coming. Perhaps against the election workers who let these guys take the voting machines, among… --- ## [Conserve or dip, question about rubbing alcohol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conserve-or-dip-question-about-rubbing-alcohol/987844)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conserve-or-dip-question-about-rubbing-alcohol/987844 "2023-08-02T02:04:52Z")
Sorry about the title, couldn’t think of a good concise way to word it without putting the entire op in there. So, as I was cleaning the contacts on my earbuds and the charging case for them, I got to wondering how othe… --- ## [Trigonometry, the Wind, and the Stop Sign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trigonometry-the-wind-and-the-stop-sign/987633)
**Author:** [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trigonometry-the-wind-and-the-stop-sign/987633 "2023-08-02T01:08:41Z")
Imagine I am 50’ away from a stop sign loosely mounted to a post. The stop sign is completely perpendicular to me in the horizontal and vertical axes. If I take a picture of the sign using my cell phone, I can then cou… --- ## [Wh? is the relationship between Sigurd in the Völsung saga and Hrothgar in Beowulf? Are they both Danes ? Are they Scyldings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wh-is-the-relationship-between-sigurd-in-the-volsung-saga-and-hrothgar-in-beowulf-are-they-both-danes-are-they-scyldings/987718)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wh-is-the-relationship-between-sigurd-in-the-volsung-saga-and-hrothgar-in-beowulf-are-they-both-danes-are-they-scyldings/987718 "2023-08-02T00:40:46Z")
Is there a genealogical relationship( family kinship) between Sigurd and king Hrothgar --- ## [Car insurance indemnity question for the pros](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-insurance-indemnity-question-for-the-pros/987919)
**Author:** [@Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Chitwood)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-insurance-indemnity-question-for-the-pros/987919 "2023-08-01T21:25:05Z")
I suspect I don’t have all the details of this situation. I have a family member who has a checkered driving history and some run-ins with the law, and this is his deal so I’m getting it second and third hand. But here … --- ## [The SDMB needs to have a banned words list](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-needs-to-have-a-banned-words-list/978494)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-needs-to-have-a-banned-words-list/978494 "2023-08-01T20:56:24Z")
In a thread in IMHO about the new Martin Luther King statue in Boston I used the word “uppity.” @puzzlegal put in a mod note saying: I had NO idea that this word had racist baggage associated with it. NONE AT ALL. … --- ## [Are there alphabet soups that use other characters from other languages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-alphabet-soups-that-use-other-characters-from-other-languages/987800)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-alphabet-soups-that-use-other-characters-from-other-languages/987800 "2023-08-01T20:04:13Z")
Just curious. I think Japanese, Korean or Chinese alphabet soups would be interesting. --- ## [UFO's in Recent Navy Videos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ufos-in-recent-navy-videos/966337)
**Author:** [@DtypeJag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DtypeJag)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ufos-in-recent-navy-videos/966337 "2023-08-01T19:57:49Z")
I don’t want to start a debate over UFO’s here but in looking at these videos it occured to me that they had a resemblance to what are called “ghosts” to optical engineers. The imaging systems were recently installed … --- ## [Apollo 15: What if two parachutes had failed, and how fast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-15-what-if-two-parachutes-had-failed-and-how-fast/987700)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-15-what-if-two-parachutes-had-failed-and-how-fast/987700 "2023-08-01T19:45:49Z")
I saw something about this today: Apollo 15 made splashdown with two of the three chutes deployed, and the astronauts were none the worse for wear. I’ll assume that if no chutes had deployed, that very likely would not… --- ## [Florida man (atee) killed by rough sex with his brother](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-man-atee-killed-by-rough-sex-with-his-brother/987805)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-man-atee-killed-by-rough-sex-with-his-brother/987805 "2023-08-01T19:35:50Z")
I mean, there are soooo many comments that could be made about this story. Let’s make some of them. --- ## [Foods/dishes whose name does not compute](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-dishes-whose-name-does-not-compute/982092)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 273\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foods-dishes-whose-name-does-not-compute/982092 "2023-08-01T19:27:36Z")
Egg cream - contains neither eggs nor cream Lake trout - it’s not trout and it didn’t come from a lake (it’s a Baltimore thing) Others? --- ## [Mainland China (PRC) Driving](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mainland-china-prc-driving/987810)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mainland-china-prc-driving/987810 "2023-08-01T18:32:28Z")
I know we have a few Dopers who’ve lived or traveled extensively in mainland China, the PRC. I have a shameful habit of watching driving fail videos. I admit I have a problem and they say that’s the first step to recov… --- ## [RIP Randy Meisner, Eagles co-founder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-randy-meisner-eagles-co-founder/987716)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-randy-meisner-eagles-co-founder/987716 "2023-08-01T18:21:47Z")
Randy Meisner, the retired American singer and co-founding member of the Eagles, died on July 26 in Los Angeles due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a statement shared b… --- ## [Morbid question about notification of severe injuries or casualties (WARNING: Possibly triggering material)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morbid-question-about-notification-of-severe-injuries-or-casualties-warning-possibly-triggering-material/987690)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morbid-question-about-notification-of-severe-injuries-or-casualties-warning-possibly-triggering-material/987690 "2023-08-01T17:48:42Z")
NOTE: This topic may be triggering for some, and I am trying to be sensitive about this topic that I am curious about. Mods, please advise if this subject is appropriate. I am asking a factual question, trying to be a… --- ## [Are there any foods which incorporate all the different kinds of spicy-hot compounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-foods-which-incorporate-all-the-different-kinds-of-spicy-hot-compounds/987744)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-foods-which-incorporate-all-the-different-kinds-of-spicy-hot-compounds/987744 "2023-08-01T17:38:04Z")
There are a variety of different compounds that make food have that spicy hot sensation: –Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the sensation present in hot peppers. –Allyl Isothiocyanate is the compound that gives… --- ## [Has anyone tried Lume deodorant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-tried-lume-deodorant/987840)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-tried-lume-deodorant/987840 "2023-08-01T14:36:56Z")
I see their ads on TV. Lume. It’s supposed to be good for all over/everywhere on your body. Reviews are seriously mixed. In fact, plenty of them say that the stuff (even the unscented one) smells worse than the odors it… --- ## [Telephone Poles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telephone-poles/794145)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telephone-poles/794145 "2023-08-01T14:28:49Z")
Does anyone climb telephone poles anymore? Or, with OSHA laws, is that a thing of the past? (Kind of like, firemen cannot ride on the back of the fire truck anymore.) --- ## [What do you think Democrats’ backup plans for 2024 are? Think they’ll be any good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-democrats-backup-plans-for-2024-are-think-they-ll-be-any-good/987669)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-democrats-backup-plans-for-2024-are-think-they-ll-be-any-good/987669 "2023-08-01T11:42:13Z")
I’m sure everyone in power in DC on all sides acknowledge the possibility of older candidates not making it to election time, and I’m sure even Biden himself is no exception. I’m guessing that the “default” plan is Kama… --- ## [Is futuristic design dead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-futuristic-design-dead/987884)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-futuristic-design-dead/987884 "2023-08-01T09:58:02Z")
A recent article in The Economist about Tesla said its cybertruck had “retrofuture design”. This thing. Something “dropped off by an alien race” is not futuristic? Is anything “futuristic” today? Can anything be? We… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=771&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=773&state=watching)