# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=832&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 833 --- ## [Are you tired of the "TWO WEEKS EARLIER" trope in movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-tired-of-the-two-weeks-earlier-trope-in-movies/983862)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-tired-of-the-two-weeks-earlier-trope-in-movies/983862 "2023-05-11T21:48:49Z")
I am. Seems to me half of all the films I see these days begin with some sort of action-packed, bizarre, confusing scene that lasts ten minutes or so, and then we get a card that says “TWO WEEKS EARLIER” and then the fi… --- ## [The Sting (1973), 50 years later; movies that’ve held up well](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sting-1973-50-years-later-movies-that-ve-held-up-well/981359)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sting-1973-50-years-later-movies-that-ve-held-up-well/981359 "2023-05-11T21:40:51Z")
Yesterday Mrs. Bullitt and I watched the classic movie, The Sting (1973). It’s a movie that has held up well through the years. Still entertaining, still fun. And a very good soundtrack. And we also realized that, hey, … --- ## [Are these special eggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-special-eggs/983903)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-special-eggs/983903 "2023-05-11T20:56:21Z")
… And why the over-the-top packaging? This is a recipe for some sort of custard, I think. Pinterest link: At about 0:19 seconds in --- ## [etaoin shrdlu](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etaoin-shrdlu/55063)
**Author:** [@Mofo\_Rising](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mofo_Rising)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etaoin-shrdlu/55063 "2023-05-11T18:30:12Z")
etaoin shrdlu So what the hell is the deal with that? I know Cecil himself promised an upcoming column on the subject, but I’m damned impatient. It sounds to me like an in-joke. And there’s nothing more irritating than … --- ## [Did petroglyph writers practice petroglyph writing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-petroglyph-writers-practice-petroglyph-writing/983855)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-petroglyph-writers-practice-petroglyph-writing/983855 "2023-05-11T18:04:34Z")
When I’m hiking in areas with petroglyphs, one thing that I find curious is how few petroglyphs there are. Even though communities lived in those areas for thousands of years, there’s only a relative handful of petrogly… --- ## [Searching for blanket with satin trim](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searching-for-blanket-with-satin-trim/983881)
**Author:** [@Macphisto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Macphisto)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searching-for-blanket-with-satin-trim/983881 "2023-05-11T16:34:27Z")
I’m looking for one of those old-style, vintage blnkets with the holes and the four-inch, not inch and a half, satin/nylon trim at top and bottom. Can anyone help? I’m in the UK. --- ## [Bologna, Italy fun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bologna-italy-fun/983817)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bologna-italy-fun/983817 "2023-05-11T15:39:32Z")
I’ve got a couple of days in Bologna coming up. Any must sees/dos? ETA: if it’s not underwater. I see reports of flooding in Emilia-Romagna :ocean: --- ## [Are conversations between the pitcher and catcher a bad thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-conversations-between-the-pitcher-and-catcher-a-bad-thing/983538)
**Author:** [@StraightTalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StraightTalk)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-conversations-between-the-pitcher-and-catcher-a-bad-thing/983538 "2023-05-11T14:14:19Z")
I enjoy going to a ball game on occasion. I went to one yesterday. We were losing (Astros) and in the last inning, while we were at bat, the catcher left home plate to talk to the pitcher. The crowd BOOOOOOOOOOOOED. … --- ## [Is there a specific term for this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-specific-term-for-this/983830)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-specific-term-for-this/983830 "2023-05-11T13:15:49Z")
Replacing a vulgar expletive with a substitute more suitable for mixed company or tender ears. E.G.: shucks, shoot, darn, fudge, dagnabit, etc. Euphemism seems too generic. --- ## [Meg 2: The Trench: Great movie idea, or the greatest movie idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meg-2-the-trench-great-movie-idea-or-the-greatest-movie-idea/983800)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meg-2-the-trench-great-movie-idea-or-the-greatest-movie-idea/983800 "2023-05-11T13:09:43Z")
Jason Statham vs. a giant shark….again. Truly we live in an age of wonders. --- ## [Hypotax and Foreign Income Exclusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypotax-and-foreign-income-exclusion/983878)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2023, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypotax-and-foreign-income-exclusion/983878 "2023-05-11T13:03:09Z")
Consider an American employee onboarding at a new US company overseas that tells her they will take hypotax from her paycheck. If the employee already has a) SOFA status in that country; b) is not obligated to pay local … --- ## [Digital "Passkeys"? Who What Where When And Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-passkeys-who-what-where-when-and-why/983588)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-passkeys-who-what-where-when-and-why/983588 "2023-05-10T23:59:33Z")
Google has created something called a “digital passkey” to replace passwords. Given that many Techs harbor a perverse view that poking at obscure bits of software in unnecessary ways is somehow fun, I dread the results … --- ## [Repair or Replace/Junk My Car - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repair-or-replace-junk-my-car-decisions-decisions-decisions/976134)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repair-or-replace-junk-my-car-decisions-decisions-decisions/976134 "2023-05-10T23:40:24Z")
Well, got the car to the mechanic. Turns out the suspension problems were worse than I thought/knew. Basically, needs new shocks, struts, and suspension work forward and back. Estimate is around $1800 for getting the … --- ## [To what extent do the lowest-level military people know what the mission is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-do-the-lowest-level-military-people-know-what-the-mission-is/953779)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-do-the-lowest-level-military-people-know-what-the-mission-is/953779 "2023-05-10T22:27:29Z")
Say you have a U.S. submarine that is secretly deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. To what extent would non-combat crewmembers such as a cook or doctor aboard the sub know what’s going on? Would they even know whe… --- ## [Bazooka Joe Marketing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bazooka-joe-marketing/983722)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bazooka-joe-marketing/983722 "2023-05-10T21:18:37Z")
Bazooka gum was cheap and long lasting. In the past, I thought it tasted delicious. In addition to the gum, a somewhat bizarre comic was included. I read there were thousands of different ones. Was it ever explained … --- ## [Superman is a pussy (yeah, thats right! You heard me!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-is-a-pussy-yeah-thats-right-you-heard-me/9255)
**Author:** [@Inky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inky)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 1999, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-is-a-pussy-yeah-thats-right-you-heard-me/9255 "1999-10-13T06:20:00Z")
Superman is a total pussy! There, I said it, and I’d say it again! Superman is bulletproof, superstrong, can fly, has heat vision, x-ray vision, he’s got superbreath that can freeze things solid (very improbable psysic… --- ## [Is Bannon's support of RFK jr.'s POTUS candidacy all you need to know?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bannons-support-of-rfk-jr-s-potus-candidacy-all-you-need-to-know/983423)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bannons-support-of-rfk-jr-s-potus-candidacy-all-you-need-to-know/983423 "2023-05-10T19:39:33Z")
For me, it’s more than sufficient. If Bannon’s supporting it, then it’s evil and destructive and racist, authoritarian-friendly, and that’s all I need to know. I say this as a huge fan of RFK sr. and as a former colleag… --- ## [Birth control pills switched to OTC status in the U.S.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birth-control-pills-switched-to-otc-status-in-the-u-s/967801)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birth-control-pills-switched-to-otc-status-in-the-u-s/967801 "2023-05-10T19:10:42Z")
This has been discussed many, many times over the past 60-plus years, and just because other countries do it doesn’t mean we should. They are on prescription status for many reasons, and those reasons all boil down to S… --- ## [Who should pay Reparations to African Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-pay-reparations-to-african-americans/835753)
**Author:** [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)\ **Replies:** 554\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-pay-reparations-to-african-americans/835753 "2023-05-10T18:08:33Z")
There is no question that compensation is due African American descendants of slaves but who should pay the reparations? The answer most definitely isn’t this one…https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/18/politics/mitch-mcconnell-o… --- ## [“The Princess Bride” as imagined by isolated stars during early covid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-princess-bride-as-imagined-by-isolated-stars-during-early-covid/983851)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-princess-bride-as-imagined-by-isolated-stars-during-early-covid/983851 "2023-05-10T15:47:55Z")
I only just now came across this, but it’s utterly charming. They’re so obviously having huge fun making it. Sorry if someone already posted it, I didn’t see it. (The Princess Bride: Home Movie (full) - YouTube) --- ## [Hey Pi AI!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-pi-ai/983822)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-pi-ai/983822 "2023-05-10T15:40:20Z")
I don’t think anybody’s posted about this one yet. https://heypi.com/talk This one is free to use, is even more oriented toward chat than ChatGPT. It’s more personable, claims to have no guardrails or other restrictio… --- ## [Is a Dopp kit a thing to you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-dopp-kit-a-thing-to-you/944668)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-dopp-kit-a-thing-to-you/944668 "2023-05-10T15:05:12Z")
I always had a Dopp kit packed as a kid because my dad demanded it. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it was kind of like a duffel-bag, with the 2 inch wide nylon straps, except rather than 3+ feet long, 2 feet wide … --- ## [Electric meter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-meter/983750)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-meter/983750 "2023-05-10T14:53:57Z")
For several years I have been complaing about my electric meter. My bill was a bout double everyone else in my neighborhood with similar requirements. Edison would come out and check it and assure me everything was fine.… --- ## [How was George Santos' resume not an election issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-george-santos-resume-not-an-election-issue/977188)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 541\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-george-santos-resume-not-an-election-issue/977188 "2023-05-10T14:31:50Z")
Or was it? I live on the other side of New York and I didn’t follow the Long Island political news. I’m assuming most people reading this post are aware that George Santos’ resume has made the news. Santos, who was elec… --- ## [How should the US avoid debt default?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-the-us-avoid-debt-default/983565)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-the-us-avoid-debt-default/983565 "2023-05-10T13:14:01Z")
The US is running headlong into a possible default on its debt, possibly as early at June 1. For the purposes of this thread, let’s assume the Republican leadership and the administration can’t agree on a compromise sol… --- ## [Escaped python kills 2 kids - something doesn't feel right here.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/escaped-python-kills-2-kids-something-doesnt-feel-right-here/665511)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Juicy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Juicy)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/escaped-python-kills-2-kids-something-doesnt-feel-right-here/665511 "2023-05-10T13:00:41Z")
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2013/08/20130805-153713.html Long story short, two brothers were having a sleepover at their friend’s house, which is located above a reptile store. Apparently a pyt… --- ## [In re Trump - application for Federal Court jurisdiction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-re-trump-application-for-federal-court-jurisdiction/983827)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-re-trump-application-for-federal-court-jurisdiction/983827 "2023-05-10T12:51:33Z")
Triggered by the news that Trump is seeking to have his state charges moved to Federal Court - I’d like to have a discussion, purely on the issue of Federal Court jurisdiction, please. Question : on what basis can a Fed… --- ## [Is there any real way to get dinosaur DNA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-real-way-to-get-dinosaur-dna/983776)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-real-way-to-get-dinosaur-dna/983776 "2023-05-10T11:24:10Z")
I’ve read that the Jurassic Park method of bugs and amber doesn’t work. Is there any realistic (or even fairly plausible) way to get dino DNA? --- ## [Copyright strikes on YouTube](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-strikes-on-youtube/983837)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-strikes-on-youtube/983837 "2023-05-10T10:57:47Z")
I think this belongs in FQ; it pertains law, albeit about music, but is not about arts and entertainment per se. I’ll start with saying that I’m fully aware that the rules and TOS of YouTube does not equal copyright law… --- ## [Should I Toss a Pill Card that Has just Been in the Wash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-toss-a-pill-card-that-has-just-been-in-the-wash/983699)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2023, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-toss-a-pill-card-that-has-just-been-in-the-wash/983699 "2023-05-10T06:49:25Z")
I had left it in the front pocket of a shirt. The card and the blisters seem intact, I see no water in the bubbles but there could be micro-fissures that caused the water and detergent to come into contact with the pills… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=831&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=833&state=tracking)