# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=843&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 844 --- ## [How do you distinguish between an aphorism, adage, proverb or epigram (or idiom or maxim)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-distinguish-between-an-aphorism-adage-proverb-or-epigram-or-idiom-or-maxim/983239)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-distinguish-between-an-aphorism-adage-proverb-or-epigram-or-idiom-or-maxim/983239 "2023-04-27T17:52:00Z")
In a recent post on the SDMB I said, “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging,” and called that an aphorism. I asked my GF, who is a professional editor, if I got that right. She thought adage might be a better fi… --- ## [How important is the motor oil you use (if changed every 5K miles)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-the-motor-oil-you-use-if-changed-every-5k-miles/983182)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-the-motor-oil-you-use-if-changed-every-5k-miles/983182 "2023-04-27T17:38:03Z")
Mods, if this slips into debate, feel free to move. I have a new car and I will be changing the oil every 5K miles with synthoil. I was thinking of using Pennzoil Platinum but Valvoline apparently gives less wear and b… --- ## [Does a crime negate a financial debt or civil obligation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-crime-negate-a-financial-debt-or-civil-obligation/983253)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-crime-negate-a-financial-debt-or-civil-obligation/983253 "2023-04-27T17:26:12Z")
I was watching news yesterday about a woman who was mad because another woman had borrowed $700 but not repaid, so she poured boiling water over her. Needless to say, the lender has now been charged with assault. Now, t… --- ## [Star Trek Picard Season 3 discussion (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-trek-picard-season-3-discussion-open-spoilers/979922)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 260\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-trek-picard-season-3-discussion-open-spoilers/979922 "2023-04-27T16:46:31Z")
Thread for the previous 2 seasons Final season, 10 episodes, begins streaming today on Paramount+ --- ## [Silly String zit! (NSFW...or the dinner table)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-string-zit-nsfw-or-the-dinner-table/983279)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-string-zit-nsfw-or-the-dinner-table/983279 "2023-04-27T15:31:49Z")
Squeeze and squirt! This one hurt :pleading\_face: - YouTube --- ## [Critter ID (sorry, no pics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critter-id-sorry-no-pics/982716)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critter-id-sorry-no-pics/982716 "2023-04-27T15:28:08Z")
We were nearing the pass in the WA Cascades (around 5500’) at about 5am in September some years ago when we had to stop for a creature lying on the warm pavement. It was, of course, as startled by us as we were by it, a… --- ## [Homemade chocolate milk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-chocolate-milk/981050)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-chocolate-milk/981050 "2023-04-27T15:26:27Z")
Occasionally I get a hankering for chocolate milk. For health reasons, we don’t stock it, nor do we keep chocolate syrup in the house. But we do have cocoa and sugar. With a bit of googling and experimentation, I’ve perf… --- ## [Vincent Theme not working again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vincent-theme-not-working-again/980298)
**Author:** [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vincent-theme-not-working-again/980298 "2023-04-27T12:04:17Z")
This started for me yesterday afternoon I believe. I’ve only checked it on my computer, but with both Firefox and Chrome with the same results. So that should rule out fa browser issue. My issue is that in the notificat… --- ## [Is it worth getting an international driver's license for travelling abroad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-worth-getting-an-international-drivers-license-for-travelling-abroad/982103)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-worth-getting-an-international-drivers-license-for-travelling-abroad/982103 "2023-04-27T11:52:21Z")
In the past, when I have visited other countries and rented a car, my regular US driver’s license was sufficient. But, a friend mentioned they had gotten an international driver’s license. When I asked why they said it … --- ## [Nifty Website--your address since the dawn of time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nifty-website-your-address-since-the-dawn-of-time/983187)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nifty-website-your-address-since-the-dawn-of-time/983187 "2023-04-27T11:34:44Z")
Fun website–enter your town, & see what it was like over millions of years. --- ## [Have you tested your hearing frequency range lately?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tested-your-hearing-frequency-range-lately/982750)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tested-your-hearing-frequency-range-lately/982750 "2023-04-27T07:57:08Z")
I just did a few tests and it looks as if I cut off at about 10.5 KHz nowadays. Depressing, used to be able to hear up to 14 KHz only a few years ago. I’ve been involved with audio engineering (live and recording) all … --- ## [Etymology of "Rasputin"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-rasputin/983130)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-rasputin/983130 "2023-04-27T06:27:29Z")
I tried to research this myself and- well, got stuck in the mud. The word (or two closely spelled words that are conflated?) is given variously as “crossroads”, “debauchee” or “Mud Season”. Doubtless this makes more sens… --- ## [Your Reaction to Having to Wait for a Train at the Crossing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-reaction-to-having-to-wait-for-a-train-at-the-crossing/961589)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-reaction-to-having-to-wait-for-a-train-at-the-crossing/961589 "2023-04-27T05:44:54Z")
When you are driving around (or just a passenger) in a car or truck and you approach a railroad grade crossing just as the lights, bell, gates, etc. activate, what is your reaction? poll --- ## [What's the quickest way to cool down metal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-quickest-way-to-cool-down-metal/983112)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-quickest-way-to-cool-down-metal/983112 "2023-04-27T05:20:22Z")
Lately I’ve become slightly addicted to videos where a very hot metal ball is placed on something and a reaction occurs. It led me to wonder-what would be the quickest way to cool down this object? --- ## [Cattle Mutilations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cattle-mutilations/970408)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cattle-mutilations/970408 "2023-04-27T03:51:21Z")
I keep seeing things on these strange cattle mutilations. It is very obvious that small animals are simply going for the soft tissue as thy can’t chew through the thick hide of cattle. I can’t figure out why they are cal… --- ## [Why are we not working fewer hours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-not-working-fewer-hours/982887)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-not-working-fewer-hours/982887 "2023-04-27T03:06:03Z")
One feature of several science fiction stories I read when I was a kid was that in the future people would have to work less due to the advances in technology. People would work perhaps 3 or 4 days a week and have the … --- ## [A Lemon/Tucker news show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-lemon-tucker-news-show/983186)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-lemon-tucker-news-show/983186 "2023-04-27T02:18:46Z")
Two Newscasters from opposite ends of the political spectrum. These two facing off with firey debates on issues of the day. I can even even vision the commercial to launch the show: The two walk up to each other, like… --- ## [Jeremy Renner seriously injured](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeremy-renner-seriously-injured/977528)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeremy-renner-seriously-injured/977528 "2023-04-26T23:25:48Z")
Seems like it was snow-related. --- ## [I've been offered a promotion!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-been-offered-a-promotion/983226)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-been-offered-a-promotion/983226 "2023-04-26T23:16:33Z")
I was practically the last one interviewed on Thursday and HR called just a few minutes ago with the good news. They need to discuss with my current supervisors but I’m expected to be at my new position on 22 May; if I g… --- ## [My dad has lung cancer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dad-has-lung-cancer/980578)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dad-has-lung-cancer/980578 "2023-04-26T22:35:15Z")
He never smoked, but he is 89 and was a firefighter for many years, so who knows what environmental toxins he was exposed to over those years? Anyway, last week, my mother said, “Your dad’s having a lung biopsy tomorrow… --- ## [Need some Facebook help re website](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-some-facebook-help-re-website/983234)
**Author:** [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-some-facebook-help-re-website/983234 "2023-04-26T22:17:01Z")
A few years ago, somebody—I’m fairly sure it was a disgruntled former co-worker—reported my personal website as violating Facebook’s community standards. I don’t know what the complaint was, but FB’s response was to bloc… --- ## [Help me understand non-binary gender](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-non-binary-gender/970826)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-non-binary-gender/970826 "2023-04-26T21:49:28Z")
This is a thread that I’ve been meaning to get up the courage to post and finally got tipped over the edge by the fact that similar questions started getting raised in the pit. This is a very sensitive topic so I want t… --- ## [Should people avoid consuming art they enjoy from an artist who they dislike or disagree with on a personal level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-avoid-consuming-art-they-enjoy-from-an-artist-who-they-dislike-or-disagree-with-on-a-personal-level/979721)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 541\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-avoid-consuming-art-they-enjoy-from-an-artist-who-they-dislike-or-disagree-with-on-a-personal-level/979721 "2023-04-26T21:07:13Z")
I recently watched this video by Jim Sterling (Warning: transphobic content used to illustrate the point) regarding the recent release of the video game Hogwarts Legacy. Sterling is a trans woman and is open about it and… --- ## [Albums which define the 1980s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albums-which-define-the-1980s/983184)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albums-which-define-the-1980s/983184 "2023-04-26T20:38:32Z")
What albums do you think ‘define’ the 1980s? As in, you listen to it today and you just think, ‘That’s the 80s? I’ll start with No Jacket Required by Phil Collins. A bunch of hits in heavy radio and MTV rotation and mor… --- ## [What should I do in this work situation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-this-work-situation/983082)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-in-this-work-situation/983082 "2023-04-26T20:35:20Z")
I need some advice, where I currently work, I’m not exactly popular with my manager, after falling out with her friend on our team, the relationship has turned sour, especially after she called me into a meeting about my… --- ## [Why do siblings compete?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-siblings-compete/983147)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-siblings-compete/983147 "2023-04-26T20:05:39Z")
Siblings of diploid-style creatures are roughly 50% genetically related, just like either parent is to a child. In a lot of species, parents (especially mommies, because (one assumes) maternity is never in doubt) take he… --- ## [How can I regulate the multi-click rate on a mouse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-regulate-the-multi-click-rate-on-a-mouse/983215)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-regulate-the-multi-click-rate-on-a-mouse/983215 "2023-04-26T19:44:23Z")
Suddenly my mouse has adopted a strange behavior. If, for example, I am in a topic in TSD and I click the back key to return to the forum, it is likely to go back two screens to the opening of TSD rather than to the for… --- ## [Happy cake day to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-cake-day-to-me/963493)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-cake-day-to-me/963493 "2023-04-26T17:49:28Z")
It’s my birthday today! And I have a tradition every year of posting my age in bacon on Facebook. You see, when I got divorced I decided to get in shape by binging TV on an exercise bike. The show I binged was Breaking B… --- ## [Favorite YouTube Channels Under 100k Subscribers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-youtube-channels-under-100k-subscribers/982709)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-youtube-channels-under-100k-subscribers/982709 "2023-04-26T17:42:40Z")
Every time I do a search, I get the ones with millions of subscribers, and I don’t seem to like them, while ones with anywhere from 1k-90k seem to be more unique, especially someone like me, who loves music, movies, come… --- ## [Why Doesn't Excel Like this Formula?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-excel-like-this-formula/983174)
**Author:** [@Fear\_the\_Turtle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_the_Turtle)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-excel-like-this-formula/983174 "2023-04-26T17:37:55Z")
I have a rather large spread sheet (50k lines) and Excel keeps chewing up large amounts of memory (and I get the spinny circle) when I try to use: “=COUNTIF($A$2:A2,A2)”. It works eventually but God forbid I then try t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=842&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=844&state=tracking)