# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=810 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 811 --- ## [Terrible forest fire near me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terrible-forest-fire-near-me/985164)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terrible-forest-fire-near-me/985164 "2023-06-09T19:23:28Z")
This fire is now less than 10 miles away from me: It is less than a mile away from Cathedral Grove which is full of giant, old growth Douglas Fir: I can see the smoke clearly from my back yard and, if you drive a m… --- ## [What do you think of your initials/monogram?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-your-initials-monogram/985110)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-your-initials-monogram/985110 "2023-06-09T18:56:04Z")
I always wanted a pretty one. Get nice towels embroidered. Be all fancy and stuff. Alas, not to be. I wanted to be B.M.W. That would be cool. Right now I’m either a ‘humbug’ or ‘a drop of golden sun’ :saluting\_face: --- ## [Is this really involuntary manslaughter? I mean, come on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-really-involuntary-manslaughter-i-mean-come-on/985160)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-really-involuntary-manslaughter-i-mean-come-on/985160 "2023-06-09T18:29:31Z")
Note: I’m sure there are countless facts we don’t know, so this is speculation. Mods, if this isn’t acceptable for the forum, please remove. We are discussing a potential criminal situation here. This guy was a gas stat… --- ## [Tony Hawk will compete again!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-hawk-will-compete-again/985206)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-hawk-will-compete-again/985206 "2023-06-09T18:13:52Z")
The 55 year old will be competing in the 2023 X Games in Japan. 40 years after his first competition! I saw him interviewed the other day and he said he had learned a few new tricks and wanted to try them out against the… --- ## [Comparing job loss due to AI, with jobs lost due to spreadsheets 40 years ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-job-loss-due-to-ai-with-jobs-lost-due-to-spreadsheets-40-years-ago/984984)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-job-loss-due-to-ai-with-jobs-lost-due-to-spreadsheets-40-years-ago/984984 "2023-06-09T18:08:12Z")
I keep reading that computers with Artificial Intelligence will eliminate millions of jobs, in many professions. So I’d like to ask about a comparable situation from 40 years ago, in one specific profession, where compu… --- ## [How does murder affect the economy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-murder-affect-the-economy/985116)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-murder-affect-the-economy/985116 "2023-06-09T16:25:49Z")
When the murder rate goes up or down significantly, does it have an effect on the economy? I can see how the economy would affect murder rates since an increase in economic stress could put people in more hostile states… --- ## [Does the IRS give you the option of paying all your taxes in one fell swoop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-irs-give-you-the-option-of-paying-all-your-taxes-in-one-fell-swoop/985049)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-irs-give-you-the-option-of-paying-all-your-taxes-in-one-fell-swoop/985049 "2023-06-09T15:54:49Z")
First time I’ve ever filed estimate-tax payments myself. AIUI, these are supposed to be done quarterly. So if it’s $40,000 in taxes for the year, it would be four payments of $10,000 apiece. If I have a pretty good idea… --- ## [On Music Theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-music-theory/983652)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-music-theory/983652 "2023-06-09T15:52:21Z")
I’m wondering about the vii chord. It’s not really a minor but it’s not a major either. Let’s take the key of G major. The vii chord is F# A C. Since it’s a key of G chord, doesn’t it HAVE to be called an F# something? S… --- ## [Question about time travel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-time-travel/984925)
**Author:** [@anny\_m](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anny_m)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-time-travel/984925 "2023-06-09T14:17:33Z")
The thread on The Terminator in Cafe Society reminded me of something that’s bothered me for a long time. A scenario: John is a scientist, and also a baseball fan. In 2027 he goes to a major league game where he finds… --- ## [What is the origin of casino chip colors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-casino-chip-colors/985240)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-casino-chip-colors/985240 "2023-06-09T12:54:09Z")
Wherever you go, there is a 98% chance that if you step into a casino or a private poker game, you’ll use chips to gamble, and those chips will follow a predictable pattern of color/value: $1 - White, or a very light bl… --- ## [Last minute discount vacation services](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-minute-discount-vacation-services/529384)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2010, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-minute-discount-vacation-services/529384 "2010-02-17T22:45:43Z")
I love the idea of planning the dates of a vacation ahead of time, and then waiting until the last minute, to see what kind of deals are available from the airlines and from hotels. I’ve heard that there are services out… --- ## [The Iron Sheik Has Died, No Longer #1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-iron-sheik-has-died-no-longer-1/985170)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-iron-sheik-has-died-no-longer-1/985170 "2023-06-09T10:54:02Z")
Although it has been many decades, there was a time when I enjoyed watching wrestling every Saturday. Naturally, my friends (also fans) and I used to practice pile drivers and other seriously iffy maneuvers on each othe… --- ## [Breakfast vs. non-breakfast foods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breakfast-vs-non-breakfast-foods/62424)
**Author:** [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breakfast-vs-non-breakfast-foods/62424 "2023-06-09T04:07:03Z")
Well, here I go, taking the plunge and starting my first New Thread, with what I hope is not too stupid a question: Why are certain foods traditionally considered “for breakfast” (like cereal, pancakes, eggs, bacon, swe… --- ## [Heathers (the movie) question/remarks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heathers-the-movie-question-remarks/691007)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heathers-the-movie-question-remarks/691007 "2023-06-09T01:23:24Z")
So my daughter, the future Broadway star has recently downloaded and begun to memorize the Original Cast recording of Heathers, the Musical. Two days ago, she remarked that, although she had started watching the original… --- ## [Alberta votes on Monday May 29 - Thoughts? Predictions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-votes-on-monday-may-29-thoughts-predictions/984610)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2023, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-votes-on-monday-may-29-thoughts-predictions/984610 "2023-06-09T00:31:42Z")
Battleground looks to be Calgary. NDP is strong in Edmonton, UCP is strong in the rural areas. Notley polls well with women and young folks; Smith polls well with men, especially over 55. Notley also is polling well … --- ## [Traveling to Europe for three weeks: should I get a VPN?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-europe-for-three-weeks-should-i-get-a-vpn/985173)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-europe-for-three-weeks-should-i-get-a-vpn/985173 "2023-06-08T23:04:26Z")
My wife and I will visit five countries in Europe next month: Italy for five days, then on a Viking cruise ship with stops in Slovenia, Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece, where we’ll stay for an additional five days. I’ve… --- ## [CNN Town Hall with Donald Trump: May 10, 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-town-hall-with-donald-trump-may-10-2023/983873)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 276\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-town-hall-with-donald-trump-may-10-2023/983873 "2023-06-08T21:07:35Z")
I couldn’t find anything about this on the board, but if it belongs better elsewhere, Mods, please feel free to move to a more appropriate forum, or fold it into an existing topic. Anyway, it gets going in just a few mi… --- ## [Scantily Clad Canadian Carcass Eater Freakout](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scantily-clad-canadian-carcass-eater-freakout/985156)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scantily-clad-canadian-carcass-eater-freakout/985156 "2023-06-08T19:53:51Z")
It’s either a witches’ coven or hungry Canadians frustrated that they shut down breakfast service at the local Tim Horton’s. --- ## [Smallest largest banknote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-largest-banknote/984482)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-largest-banknote/984482 "2023-06-08T18:42:06Z")
India’s largest banknote was 2,000 rupees, but it is being withdrawn, leaving the 500 rupee note as the largest. This is worth around 6 US dollars. Does anybody else (that isn’t in a hyperinflationary bubble) have a top … --- ## [D Day -- the 79th Anniversary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-day-the-79th-anniversary/985121)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-day-the-79th-anniversary/985121 "2023-06-08T18:06:59Z")
Today, June 6th, is the 79th anniversary of D Day. There may be a few survivors of that great battle still alive, but memories must be preserved now by the descendants of those who took part in one of the defining event… --- ## [Some advice needed about my novel writing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-advice-needed-about-my-novel-writing/983720)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-advice-needed-about-my-novel-writing/983720 "2023-06-08T18:00:49Z")
Two Septembers ago, I posted here that I was writing a novel. Well, the first draft is finished and for some time, I have been working on the first revision. I would have a couple of questions about whether what I’m doin… --- ## [Breaking News: Boulder Fires (30-DEC-2021)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-boulder-fires-30-dec-2021/956950)
**Author:** [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-boulder-fires-30-dec-2021/956950 "2023-06-08T17:01:06Z")
There are two fast spreading grass fires in Boulder County, Colorado, being driven by up to 100 mph winds. Very scary footage on Twitter of fire sweeping across roads and toward buildings. I’ll grab some cites in a mom… --- ## [Avatar - The Way of Water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avatar-the-way-of-water/976471)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avatar-the-way-of-water/976471 "2023-06-08T16:00:52Z")
Gamespot, who I didn’t realize even review movies, gave it only a 5 out of 10. Said the movie even included incomplete special effects shots. They, however, may be in the thin minority as the overall precent positive on… --- ## [Shagnasty and the Worst Anecdote in SDMB History](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shagnasty-and-the-worst-anecdote-in-sdmb-history/290468)
**Author:** [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Replies:** 487\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shagnasty-and-the-worst-anecdote-in-sdmb-history/290468 "2023-06-08T15:49:26Z")
Been a long time since I pitted another poster. Usually, if I have a disagreement with someone on the boards, I try to keep it in the thread what spawned the disagreement. But this… oh, this needs to be shared. Becaus… --- ## [Is there any person who owns a complete mountain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-person-who-owns-a-complete-mountain/984517)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-person-who-owns-a-complete-mountain/984517 "2023-06-08T15:40:40Z")
I know mountains are kind of big, but there are privately owned chunks of land that are really big – like Texas cattle ranches and Australian sheep farms and such. And there are differing definitions of what exactly mak… --- ## [Outdoor vacuum cleaner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdoor-vacuum-cleaner/985166)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdoor-vacuum-cleaner/985166 "2023-06-08T15:22:30Z")
Is there such a thing as an outdoor vacuum cleaner that one can rent? We recently had our house painted and the yard is full of scraped-off pieces of paint. --- ## [Do one hit wonders generally know they're one hit wonders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-one-hit-wonders-generally-know-theyre-one-hit-wonders/983655)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 229\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-one-hit-wonders-generally-know-theyre-one-hit-wonders/983655 "2023-06-08T15:13:40Z")
I’m sure they realize it eventually. But I’m talking about when they’re in the middle of their brief window of success. Do they generally think “This is it. This is my one moment. I need to make the most of it because I… --- ## [European Movies w/ Nature Being Important In Film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-movies-w-nature-being-important-in-film/984995)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-movies-w-nature-being-important-in-film/984995 "2023-06-08T14:37:29Z")
Can you imagine a French (or any European) “Jeremiah Johnson”? Maybe you know of a movie? I’m sure this isn’t just an American thing… but nature doesn’t seem to be stressed as much as American movies, where it’s sometim… --- ## [Swear Word Substitutes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swear-word-substitutes/984137)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swear-word-substitutes/984137 "2023-06-08T14:09:28Z")
This has probably been done before But shut the front door! Which swear word substitutes do you use or like, dagnabbit? --- ## ["Baby powder is the most potent aphrodisiac for women..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-powder-is-the-most-potent-aphrodisiac-for-women/471788)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-powder-is-the-most-potent-aphrodisiac-for-women/471788 "2023-06-08T13:37:54Z")
I’ve seen this as comment on the web but I can’t find the source. Does anyone have the original source for this assertion? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=809) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=811)