# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=83&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 84 --- ## [Why do some multi-level parking structures make you drive up a few floors before letting you go back down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-multi-level-parking-structures-make-you-drive-up-a-few-floors-before-letting-you-go-back-down/1030475)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2026, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-multi-level-parking-structures-make-you-drive-up-a-few-floors-before-letting-you-go-back-down/1030475 "2026-05-30T13:08:44Z")
I have noticed this many times and it happened again last night. I parked on the third floor and the way the parking structure was built I had to drive up to the sixth floor in order to be able to go all the way back do… --- ## [The 2025 Papal Conclave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-papal-conclave/1017913)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 390\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2026, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-papal-conclave/1017913 "2026-05-30T06:59:24Z")
Due to start in two days on May 7th. I started the thread today because reality seems to be mirroring the movie even more than we thought. Mrs Cad can’t wait for it to end because at least once a day I’ll walk into the… --- ## [Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - latecomer and newbie thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witcher-3-wild-hunt-latecomer-and-newbie-thoughts/914415)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 260\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2026, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witcher-3-wild-hunt-latecomer-and-newbie-thoughts/914415 "2026-05-30T05:06:22Z")
I got a gaming laptop in March and played Subnautica, Fallout 4, Skyrim, and Oblivion(old, but on my list to go back to). During the Epic sale, though, I was able to pick up Witcher 3, with all DLC, for $15. I actually f… --- ## [President Joe Biden and the runup to the 2024 election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-joe-biden-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-election/954384)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 1650\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2026, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-joe-biden-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-election/954384 "2026-05-30T03:59:03Z")
As this omnibus thread has been closed, The Biden Administration - the first 1,500 days \[NOT an Afghanistan discussion\], and in keeping with What\_Exit’s Nov. 7 modnote in doing so, I thought this might be a more focused … --- ## [Bogus info from ChatGPT](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bogus-info-from-chatgpt/1029465)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bogus-info-from-chatgpt/1029465 "2026-05-29T22:11:23Z")
This thread is not meant to be a Debbie Downer, anti-AI free-for-all, promise. We’ve got a couple of threads full of info and opinions. Here I’d just like to hear cautionary tales from users of ChatGPT (and similar tools… --- ## [Trump regime says green card seekers must leave U.S. to apply](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-regime-says-green-card-seekers-must-leave-u-s-to-apply/1030319)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-regime-says-green-card-seekers-must-leave-u-s-to-apply/1030319 "2026-05-29T21:22:41Z")
I figured this news was big enough to warrant its own thread. The Trump regime now says that green card seekers must leave the U.S. to apply, which will affect hundreds of thousands of people and lead to untold numbers … --- ## [Steam Deck: Prices skyrocket. Holy crap!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-deck-prices-skyrocket-holy-crap/1030440)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-deck-prices-skyrocket-holy-crap/1030440 "2026-05-29T18:02:21Z")
I got my Steam Deck on deep sale for ~$375. I would have NEVER EVER EVER paid the price they are now charging for their system. It’s a shame. The hardware world is being absolutely gutted. Any chance this goes away an… --- ## [I wrote a novel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wrote-a-novel/1023789)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wrote-a-novel/1023789 "2026-05-29T16:47:42Z")
Yes, I spent fourteen weeks writing a novel, plus time spent doing a first edit, and now time spent tidying things up after beta readers provided some feedback. I’m starting to list agencies I plan to submit to (which is… --- ## [Does viewing a TV show sometime after its scheduled release affect the ratings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-viewing-a-tv-show-sometime-after-its-scheduled-release-affect-the-ratings/1030438)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-viewing-a-tv-show-sometime-after-its-scheduled-release-affect-the-ratings/1030438 "2026-05-29T13:31:50Z")
Let’s say a program is scheduled for airing at 8pm on a Tuesday, but people delay watching it until later. Does this effect the initial ratings? --- ## [Related Topics option](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/related-topics-option/1030441)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/related-topics-option/1030441 "2026-05-29T13:05:08Z")
Normally, when I reach the end of a thread, I will be shown a count of unread messages in threads that I am following. If there were no unread messages, I would be given an option to browse new topics, or Suggested Topi… --- ## [RIP Sonny Rollins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-sonny-rollins/1030405)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-sonny-rollins/1030405 "2026-05-29T11:35:59Z")
NYT article. Jazz sax legend Sonny Rollins has died at age 95. He stopped doing concerts in 2012 and quit playing altogether in 2014. Not a bad run. He really came into his own in the bop era, which in my opinion was the… --- ## [Hypothesis on the MAGA strategy targeting average investors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothesis-on-the-maga-strategy-targeting-average-investors/1030283)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothesis-on-the-maga-strategy-targeting-average-investors/1030283 "2026-05-29T10:44:31Z")
So the stock market is at all-time highs, and average investors have never been richer. But we all know it’s a bubble, right? On CNBC, the big 7 companies just keep making weird announcements about investing in each oth… --- ## [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… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=82&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=84&state=watching)