# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=799&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 800 --- ## [How popular is Dies the Fire outside of the SDMB?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-popular-is-dies-the-fire-outside-of-the-sdmb/453131)
**Author:** [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-popular-is-dies-the-fire-outside-of-the-sdmb/453131 "2023-06-23T17:25:16Z")
It seems like Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling is dropped into conversation all the time on this board. In every forum, all the time. In fact, in the last few days I’ve seen it referenced in no less than THREE discussions … --- ## [I'm auditioning to be MTG's speechwriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-auditioning-to-be-mtgs-speechwriter/985299)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-auditioning-to-be-mtgs-speechwriter/985299 "2023-06-23T17:05:14Z")
Did you know that many of our earliest presidents had slaves? Thomas Jefferson raped his slaves; he raped Sonja Henie! And Washington! Washington raped his slaves! And he’s on the mountain and all our money! Washington w… --- ## [Could forum stickies be combined into single threads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-forum-stickies-be-combined-into-single-threads/985962)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-forum-stickies-be-combined-into-single-threads/985962 "2023-06-23T16:28:27Z")
On my iPhone, and maybe other times as well, when I’m on the main page, if a forum has 3 stickies, that’s all that I see. None of the top posts are previewed. Would combining the sticky threads into a single thread per f… --- ## [Boy Scouts not adequately serving needs of transgender kids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boy-scouts-not-adequately-serving-needs-of-transgender-kids/985849)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boy-scouts-not-adequately-serving-needs-of-transgender-kids/985849 "2023-06-23T15:43:44Z")
Please excuse my stream of consciousness type of ranting here. I’m a leader with my local Scouts BSA Troop (aka Boy Scouts) and I’m frustrated about the failure of my organization (including me), other local troops and … --- ## [Minimum Post Length Is Set Too Long](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-post-length-is-set-too-long/982772)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-post-length-is-set-too-long/982772 "2023-06-23T15:17:59Z")
Sometimes the appropriate content for a post is a simple “yes” or “no.” Or even “Ew.” Please give us the option of posting appropriate responses. ETA: WITHOUT having to go through elaborate coding workarounds like the … --- ## [My third video and single, "Nous", premiere tomorrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-third-video-and-single-nous-premiere-tomorrow/985996)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-third-video-and-single-nous-premiere-tomorrow/985996 "2023-06-23T15:13:16Z")
Hi, everyone! I wanted to let you know that the video for my third single, “Nous”, premieres tomorrow, Saturday, June 24th at 12 noon. It’ll be on YouTube at this link - Nous (vidéoclip officiel) - YouTube , If you li… --- ## [Any VW Bus Experts here? What do you think of this purchase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-vw-bus-experts-here-what-do-you-think-of-this-purchase/985807)
**Author:** [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-vw-bus-experts-here-what-do-you-think-of-this-purchase/985807 "2023-06-23T15:11:55Z")
I bought a 1969 VW Microbus, with a half-ton of garbage, no shovels or rakes, but I did get one Implement of Destruction. Reasonably straight, no rust, no engine/trans or title. All the glass and rolling. What do you t… --- ## [How is a neutron star's maximum mass calculated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-neutron-stars-maximum-mass-calculated/985895)
**Author:** [@EdwardFound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardFound)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-neutron-stars-maximum-mass-calculated/985895 "2023-06-23T14:50:08Z")
I have a sense of how physicists calculate the collapse of atoms into neutronium: A neutron has a mass greater than a proton + electron, but when the gravitational potential energy of an atom exceeds a certain point then… --- ## [Get Back 11.25 \[Beatles Documentary\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-back-11-25-beatles-documentary/954651)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 229\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-back-11-25-beatles-documentary/954651 "2023-06-23T14:17:10Z")
Get Back due to be released 11\`/25. Thoughts? I grew up with them. Here is the preview…enjoy… The Beatles: Get Back (TV Mini Series 2021) - IMDb --- ## [I've got two chickens to paralyze...pack your bags we leave tonight!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-two-chickens-to-paralyze-pack-your-bags-we-leave-tonight/931344)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-two-chickens-to-paralyze-pack-your-bags-we-leave-tonight/931344 "2023-06-23T13:29:26Z")
If you had a ticket to go any place in the next 24 hours, where would you go? Rules: it has to be on Earth. You can’t say Mars because there aren’t accomodations yet. it has to be a real place. I’m sorry, but “H… --- ## [Does "Sonic Enhancement" Actually Change how Whiskey Tastes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-sonic-enhancement-actually-change-how-whiskey-tastes/985920)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-sonic-enhancement-actually-change-how-whiskey-tastes/985920 "2023-06-23T11:18:05Z")
Metallica probably needs no introduction being one of the biggest metal/rock bands in history. But many may not know that the band has been selling their own whiskey since 2018. One of the selling points of their Blacke… --- ## [Movie Marathon (Part 2)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-marathon-part-2/938801)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 9999\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-marathon-part-2/938801 "2023-06-23T10:14:13Z")
Continuing the discussion from Movie Marathon (Part 1) - #10006 by Prof.Pepperwinkle. Previous discussions: Movie Marathon (Part 1) --- ## [Singer Bebe Rexha Hit By Phone During Concert](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singer-bebe-rexha-hit-by-phone-during-concert/985885)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singer-bebe-rexha-hit-by-phone-during-concert/985885 "2023-06-23T09:13:58Z")
Story here. I know we shouldn’t diagnose someone online based on one incident, but I feel safe saying this fellow needs help in a serious way. He wasn’t some impulsive teenager (not that that would make it ok). I hope he… --- ## [You thought your school lunches were bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-thought-your-school-lunches-were-bad/985888)
**Author:** [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-thought-your-school-lunches-were-bad/985888 "2023-06-23T05:57:00Z")
Chinese school lunch officials are forced to concede that a mysterious chunk of meat found by a student in a school lunch was not a piece of duck neck (apparently a delicacy) but rather a rat’s head. But for quite a w… --- ## ["Salt air" and corrosion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salt-air-and-corrosion/985863)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salt-air-and-corrosion/985863 "2023-06-23T05:02:50Z")
I’ve lived in a shore town in New Jersey for many years but did not grow up here. Things like lawn chairs and deck furniture, (really anything made of metal) seem to rust out quickly. Not to mention, cars. People are alw… --- ## [Star K2-18 - why planets b and c, but not a?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-k2-18-why-planets-b-and-c-but-not-a/985964)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-k2-18-why-planets-b-and-c-but-not-a/985964 "2023-06-23T04:25:01Z")
The wikipedia article on Star K2-18 indicates that it has two planets, named K2-18b and K2-18c. Why b and c, for a system with only two planets? Shouldn’t they be K2-18a and K2-18b? --- ## [U.S. Domestic wiring question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-domestic-wiring-question/985743)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-domestic-wiring-question/985743 "2023-06-23T01:40:11Z")
Your basic bathroom light over the mirror fixture. The house was built in 1957 with two wire circuits. Two cables come into the box. The white neutral wires are connected together and are connected to nothing else. The … --- ## [Opinions about forums on the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-about-forums-on-the-sdmb/982341)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-about-forums-on-the-sdmb/982341 "2023-06-23T01:10:17Z")
Continuing the discussion from MPSIMS has gotten a minor rename to “Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share”: IMHO had polls, and MPSIMS did not. The best part of SDMB forums is that they are not based on the su… --- ## [I'm about to quit my job](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-quit-my-job/985840)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-quit-my-job/985840 "2023-06-23T00:37:39Z")
of 20 years and i’m nervous as hell… posting here to shake off some of the nervous energy and hopefully not have an excruciatingly painful meeting with HR --- ## [Liquid engineering \[for freezing food\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-engineering-for-freezing-food/985795)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-engineering-for-freezing-food/985795 "2023-06-23T00:26:35Z")
Is it possible to engineer a liquid that would meet a few basic requirements. Non Toxic and inert and will stay liquid at typical freezer temps and remain a liquid at as high temps as possible. Food storage is what I am … --- ## [AI Trump vs AI Biden in AI-Generated Debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-trump-vs-ai-biden-in-ai-generated-debate/985914)
**Author:** [@superwombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superwombat)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-trump-vs-ai-biden-in-ai-generated-debate/985914 "2023-06-23T00:17:04Z")
Happening now on Twitch Very NSFW audio, the AI jabs are hard and fast, directed at each other and Twitch commenters. The funniest shit I’ve heard in a long time, my God, it may very well be real :slight\_smile: --- ## [Does anybody else see Mother Mary's wisdom: Let it Be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-else-see-mother-marys-wisdom-let-it-be/985873)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2023, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-else-see-mother-marys-wisdom-let-it-be/985873 "2023-06-23T00:11:30Z")
There’s a lot that upsets me in the news, but I step back and think of the wisdom of the Beatles: “Mother Mary comes to me; speaking words of wisdom, let it be.” I’m a pretty easygoing guy, and “let it be” works, Just… --- ## [Prescription meds and international travel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescription-meds-and-international-travel/985894)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescription-meds-and-international-travel/985894 "2023-06-22T22:30:11Z")
As those of you who follow my posts religiously (it could happen!) will know, my wife and I will be traveling to six European countries next month: Portugal (just changing planes), Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, a… --- ## [Who is cashing stolen checks these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-cashing-stolen-checks-these-days/983303)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-cashing-stolen-checks-these-days/983303 "2023-06-22T21:19:12Z")
I my town, breaking into mailboxes is rampant. At my work it’s happened several times. And we have cameras. I live in a gated community with cluster mailboxes. It’s an ‘over 55’ neighborhood. The mailboxes were broken i… --- ## [What is the end game of SETI?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-end-game-of-seti/985712)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-end-game-of-seti/985712 "2023-06-22T20:03:51Z")
SETI - the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. Scientists are searching the skies for signals sent by other civilisations. What if it succeeds? Just suppose we detect a repeating signal of the first 137 prime… --- ## [Is there a standard for noting/warning posters that do not follow mod instruction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-standard-for-noting-warning-posters-that-do-not-follow-mod-instruction/985253)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-standard-for-noting-warning-posters-that-do-not-follow-mod-instruction/985253 "2023-06-22T19:29:46Z")
Example this thread but there are plenty of examples. I also understand that some latitude is given to brand-new members but that is not the case in this specific thread. One of my warnings came about by not reading a … --- ## [Please recommend a phone case w/pockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-phone-case-w-pockets/985953)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-phone-case-w-pockets/985953 "2023-06-22T19:18:55Z")
My current one is getting a bit battered and worn. It’s a sort of book-style one with a little magnetic catch over the cover and denim-like fabric. It’s handy to keep everything in one place, but it’s also a little cumbe… --- ## [Illinois, the LGBGQ+ Safe Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illinois-the-lgbgq-safe-haven/985887)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illinois-the-lgbgq-safe-haven/985887 "2023-06-22T16:55:37Z")
It doesn’t happen often, but this makes me very proud of my state! This news item is frightening. Families are actually fleeing states with anti-trans, anti-LGBTQ+ laws for Illinois where their rights are protected. … --- ## [Bluey dvd's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluey-dvds/985942)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluey-dvds/985942 "2023-06-22T16:29:28Z")
The little one is a Bluey fan and I was thinking about buying the dvd’s for her to watch when she’s visiting. You can buy Season One which has 52 episodes and Season Two which also has 52 episodes. Or you can buy a comb… --- ## ["monkey f\*\*\*ing a football", origin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monkey-f-ing-a-football-origin/281746)
**Author:** [@gerb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gerb)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monkey-f-ing-a-football-origin/281746 "2023-06-22T16:14:58Z")
I know what the phrase “monkey fucking a football” means. But where did it come from? Was it first used in a book? Was it G.I. speak? Did it come into vogue because of a film? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=798&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=800&state=tracking)