# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=81 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 82 --- ## [The 10 Best Songs: Using AI Well](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-10-best-songs-using-ai-well/1031303)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2026, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-10-best-songs-using-ai-well/1031303 "2026-07-02T02:18:28Z")
I read an article in a recent Economist about how global music has now become hyperlocal. Taylor Swift is popular - so might make one think things would lean towards international shared experiences. We all love Star W… --- ## [I don't quite get today's "Questionable Content" strip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-quite-get-todays-questionable-content-strip/535967)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 2759\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2026, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-quite-get-todays-questionable-content-strip/535967 "2026-07-02T00:42:22Z")
Re today’s strip. He’s trying to comfort her after his rejection of her advances the previous night. Makeup hug - he holds her gingerly - he tries to disengage - her arms move from his waist up to his chest - then surpri… --- ## [What do you wonder about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-wonder-about/1031062)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2026, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-wonder-about/1031062 "2026-07-02T00:18:00Z")
This thread is for things that you wonder about (mundane, philosophical, historical, political, etc.). ​Below are examples of what I mean: I wonder how much Reagan knew about the Iran Contra affair. I wonder if there … --- ## [Missouri PBS station to air pro wrestling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-pbs-station-to-air-pro-wrestling/1031288)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-pbs-station-to-air-pro-wrestling/1031288 "2026-07-01T22:50:58Z")
The station manager sees a “fit” between the locally produced performances and its other entertainment shows. --- ## [Where could “AI” be actually helpful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-could-ai-be-actually-helpful/1030463)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-could-ai-be-actually-helpful/1030463 "2026-07-01T20:00:39Z")
I’m not a big fan of AI. I don’t believe that machines should be thinking for people. But - I can see a very useful application of AI, or at least limited speech parsing. I have a Nikon Z8 camera, and there are way too … --- ## [Penelope Keith, RIP June 29, 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penelope-keith-rip-june-29-2026/1031338)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penelope-keith-rip-june-29-2026/1031338 "2026-07-01T19:59:34Z")
Just saw this today. Funny lady, found her niche in The Good Life, and pretty much stuck to it. It just occurs to me how much fun a crossover between To The Manor Born and Keeping Up Appearances could have been. --- ## [Honda vs. Toyota vs. Nissan vs. Mazda -Which are you and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honda-vs-toyota-vs-nissan-vs-mazda-which-are-you-and-why/1031164)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honda-vs-toyota-vs-nissan-vs-mazda-which-are-you-and-why/1031164 "2026-07-01T18:39:17Z")
Continuing the discussion from Ford vs. Chevrolet vs. Dodge - Which are you and why?: @LSLGuy said ISTM that other than families who worked for the big 3, any brand loyalty in the 1960s-1990s was a form of ancestor wo… --- ## [Opinions on The War on Science, edited by Lawrence M. Krauss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-on-the-war-on-science-edited-by-lawrence-m-krauss/1031241)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-on-the-war-on-science-edited-by-lawrence-m-krauss/1031241 "2026-07-01T18:19:53Z")
A friend recently extolled the virtues of this collection of essays, saying that while he did not agree with each individual one, they were thought provoking, and seemed to align with his opinion that facts should not be… --- ## [Apple's "Look Up" feature knows who we are!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apples-look-up-feature-knows-who-we-are/1031323)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apples-look-up-feature-knows-who-we-are/1031323 "2026-07-01T18:10:24Z")
In a thread about nutrition, a couple of posters made a reference to “living on reds, vitamin C, and cocaine”. Obviously a pop culture reference of some sort, but I wasn’t sure what, so I selected the phrase and right-c… --- ## [Popular sitcoms that suck(ed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popular-sitcoms-that-suck-ed/599000)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 209\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popular-sitcoms-that-suck-ed/599000 "2026-07-01T18:07:04Z")
This has been done plenty here, but let’s do it again anyway. What are some sitcoms, past or present, that in your opinion were among the worst pieces of shit to ever be on television, shows that never should have made … --- ## [Blasts from the SDMB Past](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blasts-from-the-sdmb-past/1031309)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blasts-from-the-sdmb-past/1031309 "2026-07-01T17:57:07Z")
I was looking through the upcoming shows at one of our local performing arts venues, and “The Mavericks & Friends” will be playing at the end of next month. I like The Mavericks, but mostly because of Raul Malo and, sadl… --- ## [What is a 'murder book'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-murder-book/1031278)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-murder-book/1031278 "2026-07-01T17:47:47Z")
We were watching a crime show last night and in it they made reference to, and showed, a murder book. It was a folder about an inch thick. This wasn’t the first show we’ve seen referring to this. But what exactly is a m… --- ## [Proposed MLB Rule Change (Stolen Bases)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-mlb-rule-change-stolen-bases/1031157)
**Author:** [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-mlb-rule-change-stolen-bases/1031157 "2026-07-01T16:53:10Z")
This is immediately prompted by a play in the Cubs-Mets game where Pete Crow-Armstrong was caught stealing on a walk, but it applies to all stolen bases in the era of replay review. I’m taken as a given the following (b… --- ## [Help me parse this 18th-century missive (about Independence Day celebrations)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-parse-this-18th-century-missive-about-independence-day-celebrations/1031299)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-parse-this-18th-century-missive-about-independence-day-celebrations/1031299 "2026-07-01T16:26:15Z")
John Adams placed himself on the wrong side of history, famously advocating, in a letter to his wife, that the 2nd of July (the date the Continental Congress actually voted to declare independence) would be forever celeb… --- ## [Monthly Photo Competition #43 – June, 2026 – “Racing” {poll added}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-43-june-2026-racing-poll-added/1030583)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-43-june-2026-racing-poll-added/1030583 "2026-07-01T15:32:25Z")
This is the monthly photo competition thread for June, 2026. The topic this month is “Racing” (car, bike, human, etc.) chosen by Spiderman. One entry per person per month. In this thread, please post only your photo and… --- ## [Tonight's Dinner: Enchiritos!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tonights-dinner-enchiritos/1029824)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tonights-dinner-enchiritos/1029824 "2026-07-01T14:57:21Z")
On this older thread about Taco Bell’s original menu, several of us who participated expressed wistful memories of the long-departed enchirito, especially back when it came with black olives. Well, at some point last su… --- ## [New Maigret series on PBS Masterpiece, starting Sunday, October 5th, 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-maigret-series-on-pbs-masterpiece-starting-sunday-october-5th-2025/1023279)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-maigret-series-on-pbs-masterpiece-starting-sunday-october-5th-2025/1023279 "2026-07-01T14:42:15Z")
This is not a re-tread, per se. This is a re-imagining (which could be awful, but I will withhold judgment for at least a couple of episodes). This series is set in present-day Paris, and Maigret is a younger man, althou… --- ## [Anyone grow "exotic" plants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-grow-exotic-plants/813579)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-grow-exotic-plants/813579 "2026-07-01T14:00:22Z")
I like weird and “exotic” plants, but many of the most interesting ones don’t grow well in my climate zone (which, of course, is part of what makes them exotic.) Around 15 years back I looked into arum species that could… --- ## [Looking for a science fiction short story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-science-fiction-short-story/1030540)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-science-fiction-short-story/1030540 "2026-07-01T13:08:04Z")
It is about someone who discovers that the farthest away the mail comes from the faster it arrives. Then one day they (accidentally) receive a package from a non-earth address that is postmarked and dated just after (or … --- ## [Should Nato leaders fear they can no longer rely on US help if Russia attacks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-nato-leaders-fear-they-can-no-longer-rely-on-us-help-if-russia-attacks/1031235)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-nato-leaders-fear-they-can-no-longer-rely-on-us-help-if-russia-attacks/1031235 "2026-07-01T09:24:11Z")
The recent articles I linked raises very disturbing questions. I encourage everyone to read both articles before replying. Imho NATO’s mutual defense commitments have rarely been tested. The appearance of solidarity is… --- ## [Blue June... (Monthly Mini-Rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-june-monthly-mini-rants/1030520)
**Author:** [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-june-monthly-mini-rants/1030520 "2026-07-01T07:39:17Z")
Continuing the discussion from What Rants May Come (Monthly Mini-Rants): :notes:…“You saw me ranting alone”…:notes: I’m planning a trip in the beginning of September to Nevada to spend a week in Vegas and also see my w… --- ## [Wimbledon 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wimbledon-2026/1031320)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wimbledon-2026/1031320 "2026-07-01T00:43:30Z")
Another Wimbledon under way. Always had a somewhat jaundiced view of comeback bids - Serena Williams lost her first round match in three sets to Maya Joint, an American currently ranked 87 (ATP). The singles match was th… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - June 2026 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2026-edition/1030498)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2026-edition/1030498 "2026-07-01T02:25:37Z")
June, we are now six months into 2026… and honestly it feels like six decades. On the other hand, my goal to read one T.Kingfisher book a month is cooking along nicely and I have the next three months lined up and waitin… --- ## [20-0 NFL simulation game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-0-nfl-simulation-game/1030614)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-0-nfl-simulation-game/1030614 "2026-07-01T01:17:33Z")
Here’s the NFL version of the NBA simulator that was recently posted. I haven’t tried it yet. --- ## [Australian magician’s disappearance is “out of character.”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-magician-s-disappearance-is-out-of-character/1031092)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-magician-s-disappearance-is-out-of-character/1031092 "2026-06-30T23:49:24Z")
This seems like the setup for a TV show, but I do genuinely hope he’s found to be safe and it isn’t some stupid bit. --- ## [Are atheists who aren’t materialists truly atheists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-atheists-who-aren-t-materialists-truly-atheists/1030197)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-atheists-who-aren-t-materialists-truly-atheists/1030197 "2026-06-30T23:49:18Z")
And I mean “materialist” as in believing that “physical matter is the only or fundamental reality.” (Merriam-Webster) Because I could have sworn that I read that believing in God or gods was a separate thing from believ… --- ## [Technical difficulties much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-difficulties-much/1031284)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-difficulties-much/1031284 "2026-06-30T22:16:38Z")
I felt very awful after having a fit in the MRI lab this afternoon. Not an emergency thing. Scheduled a week or more. The tech was short with me. In a hurry. Thick accent. I could not discern what he needed me to do (I’… --- ## [Would nuclear fusion ever be practical for marine propulsion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-nuclear-fusion-ever-be-practical-for-marine-propulsion/1031233)
**Author:** [@spacecadet86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spacecadet86)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-nuclear-fusion-ever-be-practical-for-marine-propulsion/1031233 "2026-06-30T21:13:12Z")
The navy has plenty of nuclear carriers and submarines operating by splitting atoms instead of combining them. If ever fusion reactors on land start generating a great deal more energy than is put into them to get fusion… --- ## [Death in the Afternoon!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-in-the-afternoon/1031229)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-in-the-afternoon/1031229 "2026-06-30T17:41:58Z")
Ok. I’m still alive. (ain’t you happy to know it? You know you are) If I was an able, dedicated drinker and moved in certain circles, I would be sipping on these everyday. (Champagne and absinthe). Can’t you imagine th… --- ## [Something you always wanted to try, and were sorely disappointed with when you finally did](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-you-always-wanted-to-try-and-were-sorely-disappointed-with-when-you-finally-did/1025419)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 508\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-you-always-wanted-to-try-and-were-sorely-disappointed-with-when-you-finally-did/1025419 "2026-06-30T16:57:27Z")
Recently I had a “Jungle Bird”, which is a sort of tiki/tropical drink that features Campari as a primary ingredient. Prior to this, I’d always considered Campari unfit for human consumption because of its extreme bitte… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=80) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=82)