# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=85 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 86 --- ## [Alien (as in the Ridley Scott/H.R. Giger) products](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-as-in-the-ridley-scott-h-r-giger-products/1031137)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-as-in-the-ridley-scott-h-r-giger-products/1031137 "2026-06-23T19:17:23Z")
Alien was a popular film, and now has a zillion spinoffs in novels, comics, and movies. Theyve sold a lot of Alien merchandise, but I’m amazed at some of the things they’ve marketed: 1.) The Alien Facehugger anti-diseas… --- ## [Full Albums In Concert](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/full-albums-in-concert/1030822)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/full-albums-in-concert/1030822 "2026-06-23T18:33:04Z")
I was lucky enough to catch one of my all-time favorite bands (Belle & Sebastian) playing their first 2 albums over 2 nights in Toronto. They’re doing a small world tour for the 30th anniversary of these albums. It was r… --- ## [Five letter words - Change NONE of the letters to make the same word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-letter-words-change-none-of-the-letters-to-make-the-same-word/1019301)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-letter-words-change-none-of-the-letters-to-make-the-same-word/1019301 "2026-06-23T18:06:46Z")
Not sure if this will be as much fun the other variations, but let’s see… I’ll start: stoat --- ## [Slander/Libel question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slander-libel-question/1031112)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slander-libel-question/1031112 "2026-06-23T18:03:49Z")
I understand you’re not my lawyer. Can something be slander or libel if the accusation is not distributed widely? Let’s say I’m in a private golf club and I have an issue with the club board and actions they have taken… --- ## [EVs and road noise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evs-and-road-noise/1031124)
**Author:** [@ric62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ric62)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evs-and-road-noise/1031124 "2026-06-23T17:00:32Z")
I have been on walking trails and state park trails that have one annoying feature- they are located near highways or interstate. If all the vehicles, cars and trucks, were EVs would there still be a ‘significant’ amount… --- ## [Help me find what this clip was from](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-what-this-clip-was-from/1031077)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-what-this-clip-was-from/1031077 "2026-06-23T14:26:06Z")
That thread reminded me of a clip I saw on Facebook. A guy was apparently dead and speaking to an angel or saint or something. At one point he had 60 seconds to ask any questions he wanted and they’d be answered. He… --- ## [Public art that's actually good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-art-thats-actually-good/1031050)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-art-thats-actually-good/1031050 "2026-06-23T12:01:52Z")
There are a lot of incentives for public buildings to have some sort of art on display. Often, this takes the form of a “1% for art” mandate, where 1% of the cost of new construction must go to public art. Predictably,… --- ## [New Gaming PC in 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-gaming-pc-in-2026/1031117)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-gaming-pc-in-2026/1031117 "2026-06-23T05:52:38Z")
This market seems insane to buy in, but the market itself scares me. Is it dying? Will building your own gaming pc become a thing of the past with everyone forced into cloud gaming a decade from now? I don’t project pri… --- ## [What could a nuke-armed nation achieve if it genuinely did not fear nuclear retaliation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-a-nuke-armed-nation-achieve-if-it-genuinely-did-not-fear-nuclear-retaliation/1031024)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-a-nuke-armed-nation-achieve-if-it-genuinely-did-not-fear-nuclear-retaliation/1031024 "2026-06-23T04:39:26Z")
Let’s say that one day Kim Jong Un informs the United States he’s about to invade South Korea, and will use tactical nukes. The USA says, “Nope, South Korea is under the US nuclear umbrella,” and Kim laughs and says “Lol… --- ## [Enola's Doper Anniversary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enolas-doper-anniversary/1031094)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enolas-doper-anniversary/1031094 "2026-06-23T03:34:24Z")
25 years ago today…I joined the Straight Dope Message Board. --- ## [When can you stop tracking every penny in your budget?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-can-you-stop-tracking-every-penny-in-your-budget/1030561)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-can-you-stop-tracking-every-penny-in-your-budget/1030561 "2026-06-23T03:18:28Z")
I’m not sure if my title conveys what I’m asking. At some income point, you don’t need to budget or clip coupons or watch sales. You can spend what it takes to get what you want without risking your standard of living. M… --- ## [The musical “Operation Mincemeat”, like the original Operation Mincemeat, is…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-musical-operation-mincemeat-like-the-original-operation-mincemeat-is/1031123)
**Author:** [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-musical-operation-mincemeat-like-the-original-operation-mincemeat-is/1031123 "2026-06-23T02:45:32Z")
…a brilliantly planned and superbly executed breathtakingly complex and immensely successful endeavor, all arduously constructed around a rotting lifeless hulk. In the case of the musical, the rotting lifeless hulk is t… --- ## ["Little Rascals" Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-rascals-thread/498538)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-rascals-thread/498538 "2026-06-22T16:55:47Z")
I haven’t seen most of these in 20 years, but today on Me-Too (WMEU-CA Channel 48 and WCIU Channel 26.3), they had a “Little Rascals Marathon.” Them was some bad ass kids. Especially the early ones. I loved it when the… --- ## [My Adventures With Superman (animated series)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adventures-with-superman-animated-series/986803)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adventures-with-superman-animated-series/986803 "2026-06-22T16:52:07Z")
Just caught the two-part season premiere of the new animated Superman series, which debuted on Adult Swim last night and is available for streaming on their site and on HBO Max. When I heard a Superman series was coming… --- ## [Gruen watch repair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gruen-watch-repair/1031085)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gruen-watch-repair/1031085 "2026-06-22T15:26:22Z")
Last year, I contacted Gruen Watch Repair to see about repairing my grandfather’s Gruen ‘tank’ watch. Then I lost my job. Now that I’m employed, I thought I’d contact them again. ‘Error establishing a database connect… --- ## [Questions about getting a mortgage (fast!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-getting-a-mortgage-fast/1030302)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-getting-a-mortgage-fast/1030302 "2026-06-22T15:15:32Z")
Hi, I’m about to sign a finalized purchase agreement on a property. I understand that I have a very short period of time to close after I sign that agreement. (My husband is currently handling the inspection; I’m working… --- ## [What jobs really require a humanoid form?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-jobs-really-require-a-humanoid-form/1030850)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-jobs-really-require-a-humanoid-form/1030850 "2026-06-22T12:05:48Z")
Continuing the discussion from Leave the birthrate alone: What are among those many activities? And among them which could still have productivity significantly increased with AI enabled robotic assistance if cost eff… --- ## [Anyone still make cinnamon sugar and pour it on buttered white toast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-still-make-cinnamon-sugar-and-pour-it-on-buttered-white-toast/1030782)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-still-make-cinnamon-sugar-and-pour-it-on-buttered-white-toast/1030782 "2026-06-22T11:40:37Z")
You know, so much melted butter that the cinnamon sugar gets wet and kind of crunchy (notice I said “pour” and not “sprinkle”). Lots of cinnamon, I don’t know the sugar-cinnamon ratio, maybe 5 to 1? I haven’t done this … --- ## [Brakes or Gearbox?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brakes-or-gearbox/1030921)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brakes-or-gearbox/1030921 "2026-06-22T10:24:13Z")
When I learned to drive, some 60+ years ago, I was taught to use gears to help with braking. Brakes back then were not that great, so changing down to slow down was considered good practice. Some twenty years later, whe… --- ## [(Old) My Cup Runneth Over- A Championship MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-my-cup-runneth-over-a-championship-mmp/1030907)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 322\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-my-cup-runneth-over-a-championship-mmp/1030907 "2026-06-22T08:12:10Z")
By the Numbers: 20: Years between Rod Brind’Amour winning the Cup as a Captain and a coach. 70: The number of years since anyone did that(Toe Blake 1956) 17: Number of years between Jordan Staal’s Cups(record) 0: Num… --- ## [How is this (text-initiated) scam supposed to work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-this-text-initiated-scam-supposed-to-work/1031008)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-this-text-initiated-scam-supposed-to-work/1031008 "2026-06-22T04:59:29Z")
I received a text message that said: “We’ll never call or text for ID Code 1234567. Please use only to complete your purchase with Ticketmaster for 339.22 USD using card ending in 9876” The text purported to come from … --- ## [Benjaman Kyle needs some help.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benjaman-kyle-needs-some-help/556404)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benjaman-kyle-needs-some-help/556404 "2026-06-22T01:59:46Z")
He’d like to know who he is. I linked to his story in a Cafe Society thread a while ago. But it keeps popping up in my own head, Wikipeda entry. Long story short: It’s a real case of Soap Opera Amnesia. So, questio… --- ## ["Whole Nine Yards," Revisited. Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-nine-yards-revisited-again/1018291)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-nine-yards-revisited-again/1018291 "2026-06-22T01:47:37Z")
Respectfully submitted for you perusal: Article from 2022. Or you could just look up the wiki. Anyway. . . not there’s a conclusion, but the point they raise is that it doesn’t have to mean anything specific, other exa… --- ## [An MCU question for fans before we get to Avengers: Doomsday (TV only spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-mcu-question-for-fans-before-we-get-to-avengers-doomsday-tv-only-spoilers/1031083)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-mcu-question-for-fans-before-we-get-to-avengers-doomsday-tv-only-spoilers/1031083 "2026-06-22T00:16:57Z")
I’m going to spoil the television show Secret Invasion. Nick Fury is revealed, if I understand things correctly, to NOT be Nick fury. He was body swapped out for one of those Skrull aliens. And, they suggest it has been… --- ## [Hegseth's Pentagon is drastically reducing the number of religions recognized by the military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hegseths-pentagon-is-drastically-reducing-the-number-of-religions-recognized-by-the-military/1030649)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hegseths-pentagon-is-drastically-reducing-the-number-of-religions-recognized-by-the-military/1030649 "2026-06-21T23:51:00Z")
Hegseth’s Pentagon slashes the number of religious faiths it officially recognizes In less of a nod and more of a complete prostration to the Religious Right, the Pentagon is reducing the number of official religions re… --- ## [The Dope on Drones: For Discussions on Combat Drones on all Battlefields and civilian Use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dope-on-drones-for-discussions-on-combat-drones-on-all-battlefields-and-civilian-use/1030330)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dope-on-drones-for-discussions-on-combat-drones-on-all-battlefields-and-civilian-use/1030330 "2026-06-21T23:36:39Z")
Drones have likely become a major game changer in a number of fields. Currently, their major breakthrough has been military, but we’ve had discussions about them for last mile delivery, rescue, searches (both manhunts a… --- ## [Okay, so how long do you survive when the whole financial system goes blooey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-so-how-long-do-you-survive-when-the-whole-financial-system-goes-blooey/1026536)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-so-how-long-do-you-survive-when-the-whole-financial-system-goes-blooey/1026536 "2026-06-21T22:29:37Z")
A few friends and I were having coffee and chatting at the local coffee shop yesterday, when one of them asked this: What if the entire financial system went blooey right now? Like, all banks and investment firms and s… --- ## [Is empower.com okay or scammy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-empower-com-okay-or-scammy/1031079)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-empower-com-okay-or-scammy/1031079 "2026-06-21T22:26:54Z")
Empower.com is a company that has free money management tools that appear to be well reviewed by Nerdwallet, PC mag, Moneywise and some accounting firms. I want to use their tools without opening any accounts with them. … --- ## [Merlin - Bird Identification App](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/merlin-bird-identification-app/1031073)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/merlin-bird-identification-app/1031073 "2026-06-21T21:31:54Z")
How does Merlin identify a Northern Mocking bird within the first call or two of numerous “mocked” calls. To my ear these calls sound like the original but I’ve never listened to a side-by-side comparison. --- ## [Shipping - tolls on waterways](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-tolls-on-waterways/1031053)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-tolls-on-waterways/1031053 "2026-06-21T20:13:02Z")
Major canals (maybe partly man-made) throughout the world (e.g. Suez, Panama) charge tolls for ships passing through them. With the Straits of Hormuz in the news - are there any other natural bodies of water over which s… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=84) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=86)