# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=776 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 777 --- ## [At what point is a restoration not a restoration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-is-a-restoration-not-a-restoration/986905)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-is-a-restoration-not-a-restoration/986905 "2023-07-26T22:27:09Z")
GD since I don’t think there is a factual answer and I know the Ship of Theseus will appear here but it’s more than that methinks. So of course there are the SoT issues like replacing rivets that need to be cut off but … --- ## [How is pickleball different than tennis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-pickleball-different-than-tennis/987418)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-pickleball-different-than-tennis/987418 "2023-07-26T22:01:05Z")
I’ve been hearing a lot about pickleball recently. And yeah, it looks kind of fun. But why is it so popular? It started as a casual backyard game for kids and families, but I don’t see why it’s more popular than badmi… --- ## [Do you dress and groom for yourself or for others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-dress-and-groom-for-yourself-or-for-others/987348)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-dress-and-groom-for-yourself-or-for-others/987348 "2023-07-26T21:28:19Z")
I’m sure most people view this differently if they are leaving the house to run errands, as opposed to to attend a fancy wedding or a job interview. But as a general matter, when you choose how to dress and groom yourse… --- ## [How much did apartments cost in Poland in the 1990s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-apartments-cost-in-poland-in-the-1990s/987403)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-apartments-cost-in-poland-in-the-1990s/987403 "2023-07-26T21:20:55Z")
Thos may be a bit of a long shot, am asking in case someone would know. I have googled and googled and googled, but I have been unable to find any quotes at all for how much apartments would have cost in Poland circa 199… --- ## [How does immigration/customs work for private jets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-immigration-customs-work-for-private-jets/987469)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-immigration-customs-work-for-private-jets/987469 "2023-07-26T20:31:22Z")
When I fly international on a commercial airliner, the whole passenger arrival process is tightly orchestrated: you get off the plane, and the only place you can possibly go is the immigration area - and after that, cust… --- ## [Sinead O'Connor dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sinead-oconnor-dead/987660)
**Author:** [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sinead-oconnor-dead/987660 "2023-07-26T19:40:41Z")
I’m seeing news that Sinead O’Connor has died. I’ll let someone else post an article or whatever. ETA: Mods, please merge this to the thread in Cafe Society. You can even just delete this, as I’ve got nothing to say. --- ## [Okay Hand Gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-hand-gesture/987619)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-hand-gesture/987619 "2023-07-26T19:15:19Z")
It seems DC United fired a trainer for making the “OK” sign. So I did a search, it seems a lot of groups have decided that the OK sign is hate speech. Further, they did it a few years ago without notifying me. Not that … --- ## [Canada:school principal suicides after diversity training](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-school-principal-suicides-after-diversity-training/987652)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-school-principal-suicides-after-diversity-training/987652 "2023-07-26T17:21:01Z")
Just came out in a couple of news sources. School principal sued the Toronto District School Board, alleging he was called a white supremacist after pushing back on a narrative being put forward at an anti -racism train… --- ## [What tasks are least likely to become automated anytime soon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tasks-are-least-likely-to-become-automated-anytime-soon/987596)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tasks-are-least-likely-to-become-automated-anytime-soon/987596 "2023-07-26T16:52:32Z")
My friend just bought a new car, and told me he downloaded an app on his phone, from which he can unlock and start the key remotely. So many other “manual” tasks have become automated. Turning lights on/of, vacuuming, … --- ## [A dark theory about gorillagrams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dark-theory-about-gorillagrams/985324)
**Author:** [@Michael\_Varn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Varn)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dark-theory-about-gorillagrams/985324 "2023-07-26T16:07:11Z")
Does anyone remember from their childhood at school or at any number of other places when this person dressed up in a full gorrila suit would suddenly appear and present an adult in the room with some kind of gift or mes… --- ## [Bronny James - Cardiac Arrest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bronny-james-cardiac-arrest/987575)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bronny-james-cardiac-arrest/987575 "2023-07-26T16:02:14Z")
From ESPN: " Bronny James, the eldest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, suffered cardiac arrest Monday and is in stable condition. “Yesterday while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest,” a James … --- ## [Women wearing a slouch hat etiquitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-wearing-a-slouch-hat-etiquitte/987589)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-wearing-a-slouch-hat-etiquitte/987589 "2023-07-26T15:53:27Z")
When men wear a slouch hat with one side up, it is the left side. If a woman were to wear a slouch hat with the brim up, would it be the reverse (like buttons) and have the right side up? --- ## [Does anyone know the purpose of the "we'll be back" screen on Pluto TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-the-purpose-of-the-well-be-back-screen-on-pluto-tv/987562)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-the-purpose-of-the-well-be-back-screen-on-pluto-tv/987562 "2023-07-26T15:53:11Z")
When you’re watching something on-demand it’ll go to this screen and play over and over, sometimes for a few minutes at a time. I expect commercials. Pluto is ad supported. But what is the purpose of constantly wasting… --- ## [I like the idea of Black James Bond. Idris Elba, anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994)
**Author:** [@kstarnes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kstarnes)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994 "2023-07-26T15:49:51Z")
Denzel is too old at this point, and the other go-to black guy is Will Smith who isn’t credible as James Bond. The idea of Idris Elba has been floated and I think it’s a great idea. There is no finer brotha (he’s actuall… --- ## [A thread for Rudy {Rudy Giuliani}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-rudy-rudy-giuliani/988631)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-rudy-rudy-giuliani/988631 "2023-07-26T15:17:12Z")
Probably pay-walled, but here’s the NY Times article. He still thinks he can defend himself --- ## [That could/would/should never happen to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-could-would-should-never-happen-to-me/987392)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-could-would-should-never-happen-to-me/987392 "2023-07-26T15:14:36Z")
Enough crap happens to me. I don’t need anymore. In fact it makes me physically ill when weird/unexpected/undeserved things happen in my life. I lay low. I don’t bug (too many) people. I mind my Ps and Qs. I’m kind. I … --- ## [When something strikes you as funny and you just cannot stop laughing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-something-strikes-you-as-funny-and-you-just-cannot-stop-laughing/987338)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-something-strikes-you-as-funny-and-you-just-cannot-stop-laughing/987338 "2023-07-26T14:59:51Z")
I am sitting here, all alone. I ran across something online about a half an hour ago that struck me as so funny that it had me gasping for air off and on for a good long time. I was quite helpless; whenever I felt myself… --- ## [Can I use a smart speaker to remotely monitor a room?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-a-smart-speaker-to-remotely-monitor-a-room/987601)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-a-smart-speaker-to-remotely-monitor-a-room/987601 "2023-07-26T14:53:43Z")
A smart speaker can obviously hear commands addressed to it. “Alexa, play Taylor Swift.” So it must be listening at all times. Is there a way to use the listening capability to remotely monitor the room in which the sm… --- ## [Abortion cartoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-cartoon/761420)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-cartoon/761420 "2023-07-26T13:31:13Z")
I recall an abortion cartoon, probably from Playboy in the '70s. It was black-and-white. A small, angry child was confronting an adult, and the child had a coat hanger through its head. I don’t remember the caption, o… --- ## [Are fish 'not for human consumption' OK for humans to consume?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-fish-not-for-human-consumption-ok-for-humans-to-consume/987230)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-fish-not-for-human-consumption-ok-for-humans-to-consume/987230 "2023-07-26T13:15:33Z")
Gov’t regulations. They’re most likely beyond delicious, and okay for us giant and powerful-liver hyooomans. According to one poster, they’re not only safe to eat, but probably very nice to eat as well. What are the… --- ## [Go USA! Don't miss today's big match vs NZ!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-usa-dont-miss-todays-big-match-vs-nz/987634)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-usa-dont-miss-todays-big-match-vs-nz/987634 "2023-07-26T12:56:36Z")
Why, underwater hockey, of course! :wink: Shameless plug, as I have 2 nieces on the US Elite Women’s team. But anyone who is interested in athletic competition might get a kick out of briefly seeing what these athletes… --- ## [Should I use a whetstone to sharpen my knives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-use-a-whetstone-to-sharpen-my-knives/987399)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-use-a-whetstone-to-sharpen-my-knives/987399 "2023-07-26T12:47:40Z")
I have a few professional level knives and I currently use a pull-through sharpener for them. This works well but I wonder if it is more honing than sharpening. They just don’t seen to get that super sharp edge. Rathe… --- ## [MacOS Messages suddenly in some weird mode. How do I get it back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/macos-messages-suddenly-in-some-weird-mode-how-do-i-get-it-back/987561)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/macos-messages-suddenly-in-some-weird-mode-how-do-i-get-it-back/987561 "2023-07-26T09:51:51Z")
Messages in MacOS suddenly changed modes. Instead of a list of messaging contacts on the left, I have more like an explorer view, with links, photos, locations, and documents. Nothing in the View menu or File \> Settings… --- ## [Alcohol Stereotypes/Opinions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-stereotypes-opinions/923201)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-stereotypes-opinions/923201 "2023-07-26T03:19:05Z")
Even alcohol consumption has it’s pros and cons, most of us have been told the following stereotypes/opinions about drinking: Some alcoholic beverages are labeled as either manly or girly drinks. Men are expected t… --- ## [Androids I like but me they don't sometimes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/androids-i-like-but-me-they-dont-sometimes/985348)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/androids-i-like-but-me-they-dont-sometimes/985348 "2023-07-26T02:50:28Z")
Background: I was walking on the street with my Samsung Galaxy Plus in my hand, chatting with a friend. I got hit from behind by a woman on a bicycle. She took off, cutting through an area I could not go into. When she h… --- ## [How do I get my iPad app store account reenabled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-ipad-app-store-account-reenabled/981351)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-ipad-app-store-account-reenabled/981351 "2023-07-26T02:42:23Z")
Background: I’m using an iPad issued to me by my school. The school set the account up and it’s mostly in Chinese, with a few nifty things in English. One “nifty” thing is that I just found out that my “account has been … --- ## [What's the newest in lazy eye curing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-newest-in-lazy-eye-curing/987485)
**Author:** [@Mr.Baggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Baggins)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2023, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-newest-in-lazy-eye-curing/987485 "2023-07-25T21:26:16Z")
So, I’ve had lazy eye all of my life. When I was a kid my parents tried everything (mostly the patch), but to no avail (I may have not been fully compliant with the patch; I was 3-4 years old at the time and hardly remem… --- ## [If you could ask Trump any question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-ask-trump-any-question/983877)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2023, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-ask-trump-any-question/983877 "2023-07-25T21:00:27Z")
So, Trump agrees to hold a public Town Hall meeting, and invites questions from the public. You manage to get a ticket to the event, and can ask him ant question you like. What would you ask him? Mr Trump, SIR, you hav… --- ## [Weird and annoying smart TV behavior](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-and-annoying-smart-tv-behavior/987549)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2023, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-and-annoying-smart-tv-behavior/987549 "2023-07-25T16:18:45Z")
LG smart TV using a Firestick. I have no complaints except one admittedly very minor irritation. When I turn the television on using the Firestick remote, it takes me to the LG welcome screen. From that point on the onl… --- ## [Things I Learned Watching a Twilight Zone Marathon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-i-learned-watching-a-twilight-zone-marathon/986519)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2023, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-i-learned-watching-a-twilight-zone-marathon/986519 "2023-07-25T14:05:15Z")
If we ever receive a visitor from another planet, we’re screwed. All dolls, puppets, ventriloquist dummies, mannequins, etc. are evil. Get one of those dorky neck chains to secure your spectacles. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=775) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=777)