# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=82&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 83 --- ## [Plumber wants to hang on-demand hot water heater off a brick wall -- good idea? (do not need fast answer)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumber-wants-to-hang-on-demand-hot-water-heater-off-a-brick-wall-good-idea-do-not-need-fast-answer/1030449)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumber-wants-to-hang-on-demand-hot-water-heater-off-a-brick-wall-good-idea-do-not-need-fast-answer/1030449 "2026-05-29T09:50:11Z")
We’ve used this same firm for at least 10 years to maintain our current boiler, which has a small tank at the bottom and so sits on the ground. It looks like we’ll need a replacement soon, and of course we want to put it… --- ## [1958 Dracula with footage censors considered too gruesome will be released later his year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1958-dracula-with-footage-censors-considered-too-gruesome-will-be-released-later-his-year/1030419)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1958-dracula-with-footage-censors-considered-too-gruesome-will-be-released-later-his-year/1030419 "2026-05-29T08:53:26Z")
Hammer Films to release 4K restoration of 1958 horror ‘Dracula’ with addition of long-lost footage | News | Screen. But I expect footage too gruesome for 1958 will have little effect on the 2026 movie viewer. Anyone … --- ## [Disney animated feature films - F.. your Mom!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disney-animated-feature-films-f-your-mom/1030309)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disney-animated-feature-films-f-your-mom/1030309 "2026-05-28T19:03:07Z")
Inspired by this thread. Has Disney ever put out an original animated feature film where the character had… a mom? Princess Jasmine: “Do you have Daddy issues?” Princess Vanellope von Schweetz: “I don’t even have a Mo… --- ## [What is name of this legal principle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-name-of-this-legal-principle/1030453)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-name-of-this-legal-principle/1030453 "2026-05-28T18:53:03Z")
I’m blanking on the name of a certain legal principle. I’ll describe a scenario: A city has a noise ordinance. This city is also next door to a noisy Air Force base. The city can’t cite the federal government for violat… --- ## [What's your New York Times puzzle routine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-new-york-times-puzzle-routine/1029599)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-new-york-times-puzzle-routine/1029599 "2026-05-28T18:38:18Z")
I have the coffee maker set so that there is coffee ready when my alarm goes off at 6am. I go get a cup of coffee, come back to bed, grab my phone, open the NYT puzzle app, and start my day with puzzles to wake my brain … --- ## [Death and his scythe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-and-his-scythe/1030072)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-and-his-scythe/1030072 "2026-05-28T18:13:14Z")
I was perusing the OOTS the thread and ran across this It got me thinking - why carry a scythe? Because it’s badass? Because he is a reaper of souls? Death takes you by touching you, I thought. Why the need for tool,… --- ## [Lateral Thinking Puzzles - third time is best!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-third-time-is-best/987214)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 4615\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lateral-thinking-puzzles-third-time-is-best/987214 "2026-05-28T17:23:09Z")
We have two previous threads on this topic, both of which grew quite large. We have had some long gaps in playing these and I thought a new thread would be helpful. If you’d like to read those other two threads they are … --- ## [The Great Louvre Jewelry Heist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-louvre-jewelry-heist/1024104)
**Author:** [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-louvre-jewelry-heist/1024104 "2026-05-28T17:15:09Z")
So earlier today, a small team of thieves disguised as workmen climbed a mobile freight elevator up the side of the Louvre museum in Paris, sawed in through a window, opened two display cases, and made off with French ro… --- ## [Gorilla shot to save young boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-shot-to-save-young-boy/756046)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 384\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-shot-to-save-young-boy/756046 "2026-05-28T16:45:20Z")
Here’s the story IMHO the zoo acted sensibly and took the only decision they could. They saved the kid’s life but some people are behaving as if the gorilla not the child should have been the chief concern. Excessive… --- ## [Question. Bruises?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-bruises/1030436)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-bruises/1030436 "2026-05-28T15:41:59Z")
Any experience with so called bruise cream? I wanted to think it’s all woo. Any tales of success or woe, is appreciated. Thx. --- ## [What does "a bit after x" mean to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-bit-after-x-mean-to-you/1030409)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-bit-after-x-mean-to-you/1030409 "2026-05-28T15:37:17Z")
Inspired by a YouTube video I watched, if someone said, “I’ll be there a bit after 5”. How far after 5 would that cover? If they came at 5:20 would that be more than “a bit”. What does “a bit” in regards to time mean to … --- ## [What practical tasks are AIs already good at today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-practical-tasks-are-ais-already-good-at-today/1028737)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-practical-tasks-are-ais-already-good-at-today/1028737 "2026-05-28T13:39:00Z")
Background This is an attempt to create a ongoing thread that documents the latest advances in consumer AIs (LLMs or otherwise). By consumer AI, I mean tools that are free or relatively affordable (\< $100-ish a month, l… --- ## [How should a kneeling chair be adjusted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-a-kneeling-chair-be-adjusted/966010)
**Author:** [@Esprise\_Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprise_Me)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-a-kneeling-chair-be-adjusted/966010 "2026-05-28T09:46:58Z")
I recently changed jobs and am doing a lot more sitting at the new one. This has exacerbated some on-again-off again neck/upper back pain I’ve been managing for years. I got a posture alert device that sits on my upper b… --- ## [The Testaments on Hulu (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-testaments-on-hulu-open-spoilers/1029130)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-testaments-on-hulu-open-spoilers/1029130 "2026-05-28T04:43:34Z")
I just finished watching episode one. It’s four years later and Gilead is just as fucked up as ever. I’m loving the contrast between the upbeat Disney princess coming of age vibe and the horror. I’m also loving how much … --- ## [Matthew Perry from Friends dies, RIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matthew-perry-from-friends-dies-rip/992250)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matthew-perry-from-friends-dies-rip/992250 "2026-05-28T03:50:24Z")
Drowned. --- ## ["London Fog" tea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-fog-tea/1028807)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-fog-tea/1028807 "2026-05-28T03:03:41Z")
Wikipedia summarizes it as A London fog is a hot tea-based drink that consists of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a sweetener, often vanilla syrup. Earl Grey tea imparts its flavors of black tea and bergamot, a citrus… --- ## [2024: Who was the Thomas Jefferson University graduation presenter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-who-was-the-thomas-jefferson-university-graduation-presenter/1030406)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-who-was-the-thomas-jefferson-university-graduation-presenter/1030406 "2026-05-27T20:51:36Z")
Link This went viral because the speaker was reading the names from cards with (apparently) really bad phonetic pronunciations. Supposedly the speaker was replaced after 10 minutes of this embarrassment, but nowhere ca… --- ## [Barney Frank criticism of Democratic Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 468\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811 "2026-05-27T20:26:32Z")
I recently read these articles and they resonated with me quite a bit. He articulated a lot of the concerns that have been bothering me and IMO hindering the party. In particular the purity test idea along with the id… --- ## [The Poetry of Donald Trump: Special Memorial Day Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-trump-special-memorial-day-edition/1030417)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-trump-special-memorial-day-edition/1030417 "2026-05-27T18:37:27Z")
Our nation’s poet has offered us another glimpse of his special genius. This time he has chosen to honor those who died in service to our nation. Just kidding. He posted about himself and how great he is. I laugh at a… --- ## [Scrolling through Wikipedia images](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scrolling-through-wikipedia-images/1030372)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scrolling-through-wikipedia-images/1030372 "2026-05-27T18:32:56Z")
When a Wikipedia article has multiple images, it is nice to click on the first one and then scroll through them using the arrows on the edges of them. In the last couple of days, I have noticed I can’t do that anymore. … --- ## [Latest windows 11 update disabled my usb audio interface](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-windows-11-update-disabled-my-usb-audio-interface/1030250)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-windows-11-update-disabled-my-usb-audio-interface/1030250 "2026-05-27T17:44:36Z")
Damn, it’s happened again (just like about 6 months ago). Anyone else seeing a similar problem? --- ## [Are there "Germany in WWII" historians that discourage any parallels between Hitler and Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-germany-in-wwii-historians-that-discourage-any-parallels-between-hitler-and-trump/1030313)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-germany-in-wwii-historians-that-discourage-any-parallels-between-hitler-and-trump/1030313 "2026-05-27T14:50:09Z")
I hear historians all the time that draw parallels between early Germany in or right before WWII, and the Trump administration today, in regard to attitudes, words and actions taken by the government and its leaders. Ar… --- ## [What birds are you hearing or seeing today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-birds-are-you-hearing-or-seeing-today/1029957)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-birds-are-you-hearing-or-seeing-today/1029957 "2026-05-27T14:10:23Z")
Since retiring last year, I have become interested in hearing and sometimes seeing our local bird population. Mostly I listen for birds, using the Merlin app to help identify who is calling. This is especially fun this t… --- ## [Have any of the veterans here gotten this email?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-of-the-veterans-here-gotten-this-email/1030410)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-of-the-veterans-here-gotten-this-email/1030410 "2026-05-27T13:15:55Z")
I got an email from the VA - I didn’t click on any links but I did go directly to the site and the email does match up with that. Under any other circumstances, I’d just do what the email wants, but, paranoid or not, I d… --- ## [Anyone know a retired general?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-a-retired-general/1030385)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-a-retired-general/1030385 "2026-05-27T13:02:03Z")
I wonder if they become ordinary people or if the “I’m in charge” aura stays with them? I knew a lady colonel who was still in the reserves and never noticed anything but I just knew her at work not in personal life. --- ## [South Korean Youtuber arrested for allegedly using AI to defame star](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-korean-youtuber-arrested-for-allegedly-using-ai-to-defame-star/1030428)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-korean-youtuber-arrested-for-allegedly-using-ai-to-defame-star/1030428 "2026-05-27T12:02:36Z")
An interesting case, and kinda scary that someone would use this technology to create a false crime I.e. a relationship with a minor. Certainly not the last time this happens. --- ## [Seen any of your internet opining / general yakking appear in google?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seen-any-of-your-internet-opining-general-yakking-appear-in-google/1030358)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seen-any-of-your-internet-opining-general-yakking-appear-in-google/1030358 "2026-05-27T09:57:17Z")
Today I tried to google one of my dumb new coinages to see if one had already been spotted in the wild, and apparently was surprised to see when I entered “Republicspittles” into its search, the google page showed, on th… --- ## [The He-Man Woman Hater's Club](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-he-man-woman-haters-club/1025124)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-he-man-woman-haters-club/1025124 "2026-05-27T05:34:14Z")
Pete, my brother, just quit with this Department of War nonsense, and give your organization the name you truly want it to have. It continues to amaze me the depths to which supposed strong men will go to avoid having t… --- ## [The National Spelling Bee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-national-spelling-bee/176876)
**Author:** [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-national-spelling-bee/176876 "2026-05-27T05:25:37Z")
The Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee is coming! This annual contest features adolescents from all over the country spelling words most of us have never heard of. It will air live on ESPN Wednesday and Thursday. I … --- ## [Best ambient music for masking conversation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-ambient-music-for-masking-conversation/1030315)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-ambient-music-for-masking-conversation/1030315 "2026-05-27T04:03:50Z")
The conversation is occurring on the other side of my window and I want to study. I put this in FQ because I think there is at least a quasi-scientific answer to my inquiry. There are a number of companies producing whi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=81&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=83&state=muted)