# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=854&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 855 --- ## [I like Sagan, and Bryson, and Manchester and](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-sagan-and-bryson-and-manchester-and/982616)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2023, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-sagan-and-bryson-and-manchester-and/982616 "2023-04-14T02:10:01Z")
I can’t help it–I’m an information junkie, but I lack advanced training in science and history (and a few other areas I’m curious about) and have very little motivation to get advanced training, so I read popularizers li… --- ## [Readers, describe the spot(s) where you do most of your reading](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/readers-describe-the-spot-s-where-you-do-most-of-your-reading/982499)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2023, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/readers-describe-the-spot-s-where-you-do-most-of-your-reading/982499 "2023-04-14T01:52:11Z")
Mine is at the west end of a love seat that is soon to be upgraded to a comfy, reclining version. My eyes are not the best, and I have to lean toward a table lamp that is not quite bright enough. So, not at all ideal, b… --- ## [How do 911 operators handle an overwhelming number of calls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-911-operators-handle-an-overwhelming-number-of-calls/982528)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2023, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-911-operators-handle-an-overwhelming-number-of-calls/982528 "2023-04-14T00:47:38Z")
The reporting of the recent mass shootings reminded me of a question I’ve had for a long time. “Your call is important to us” may be the most commonly heard phrase in modern life, used and repeated ad nauseam when you a… --- ## [Trump makes major announcement December 15. What is it? {Just digital trading cards of Trump}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-makes-major-announcement-december-15-what-is-it-just-digital-trading-cards-of-trump/976531)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 533\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2023, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-makes-major-announcement-december-15-what-is-it-just-digital-trading-cards-of-trump/976531 "2023-04-14T00:28:38Z")
His running mate? --- ## [DIY Home Alarm System Recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-home-alarm-system-recommendations/982594)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-home-alarm-system-recommendations/982594 "2023-04-13T23:51:36Z")
I’m looking into getting a DIY home alarm system and was hoping to get some recommendations. I’m currently in a rental so something that isn’t permanently installed/cause damage by being installed is ideal. I may or may … --- ## [RIP "That Guy" actor Michael Lerner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-that-guy-actor-michael-lerner/982470)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-that-guy-actor-michael-lerner/982470 "2023-04-13T23:29:12Z")
Passed away yesterday. He always did his part, no matter how good or bad the movie was. --- ## [Income tax on working youngsters, or "Taxation without representation."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/income-tax-on-working-youngsters-or-taxation-without-representation/982397)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/income-tax-on-working-youngsters-or-taxation-without-representation/982397 "2023-04-13T22:53:22Z")
Had a discussion with the SIGO last week, that brought up some memories and a thoughtful question. Bear with . . . When I was 16, I got a summertime job at a local chain restaurant making minimum wage ($5.50/hr) for so… --- ## [Shingles vax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shingles-vax/962730)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shingles-vax/962730 "2023-04-13T22:35:27Z")
I got my second shot yesterday and, man, is my arm sore. I also feel like crap today but am not sure if its a direct result of the shot or the fact that last night was the first on a memory foam topper. My arm hurt too m… --- ## [What’s your experience with the longevity of Amazon Firesticks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-your-experience-with-the-longevity-of-amazon-firesticks/960569)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-your-experience-with-the-longevity-of-amazon-firesticks/960569 "2023-04-13T22:23:08Z")
Mine is that they’re crap. We’ve had several die on us over the years, and our latest firestick keeps losing the wireless connection and saying ‘network not available’. Even a reboot doesn’t bring it back up. Then after … --- ## [Convention menu dilemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convention-menu-dilemma/980384)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convention-menu-dilemma/980384 "2023-04-13T20:53:35Z")
I am running Hospitality for a somewhat local convention, and one of my duties is to run the Green Room, where the invited pros hang out and relax. They were sent a notice to let me know what foods to avoid, and this is… --- ## [Why is my cat rubbing her face on a bowl of lemons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-cat-rubbing-her-face-on-a-bowl-of-lemons/982481)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-cat-rubbing-her-face-on-a-bowl-of-lemons/982481 "2023-04-13T20:02:50Z")
I like to keep a bowl of lemons on my dining table. It’s a big, shallow bowl and right now it has about a dozen lemons in it. One day a couple of months ago, one of my cats jumped up and started rubbing her face ecstati… --- ## [Ohh Horror! It's the first day over 70 degrees and I have no tequila!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohh-horror-its-the-first-day-over-70-degrees-and-i-have-no-tequila/982531)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohh-horror-its-the-first-day-over-70-degrees-and-i-have-no-tequila/982531 "2023-04-13T19:54:24Z")
Well, not technically no Tequila Just some crappy Mixto, and what appears to be a bottle of decent stuff. I sadly pushed to the back of the shelf as last summer ended, that has maybe a TBSP at most. Margarita must yet … --- ## [I think I've found him](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-ive-found-him/982536)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-ive-found-him/982536 "2023-04-13T19:25:48Z")
I’m pretty sure I’ve found him; by him I’m referring to long-lost Doper @Master\_Wang-Ka, author of what is the best non-OP on this board. (The best OP post would, of course, be @Scylla’s The Horror of Blimps) The best … --- ## [Let's talk knives!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-knives/982386)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-knives/982386 "2023-04-13T18:41:18Z")
Based on a number of comments in the “Banning Knives” thread it appeared we could use a dedicated place to just talk about our knives. So let’s talk about your knives! Any kind of knife: pocket, kitchen, hunting, whatev… --- ## [The Space Needle's Nuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-space-needles-nuts/379015)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-space-needles-nuts/379015 "2023-04-13T15:44:28Z")
I seem to recall from a visit to Seattle’s Space Needle that the building appears to be held to its foundation by some really big nuts. Six if I recall correctly. Are these for real? Could I wreak havoc on the needle … --- ## [I experienced a weird animation-related optical illusion watching 'Lower Decks'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-experienced-a-weird-animation-related-optical-illusion-watching-lower-decks/982626)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-experienced-a-weird-animation-related-optical-illusion-watching-lower-decks/982626 "2023-04-13T14:03:56Z")
I had been binging the Star Trek animated show 'Lower Decks" on Paramount+ with one eye while doing work on a computer. For those who aren’t familiar with the show, its style of animation is very non-realistic. Think “Ri… --- ## [So, what did I miss? (Been away for a few years...)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-did-i-miss-been-away-for-a-few-years/972663)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-did-i-miss-been-away-for-a-few-years/972663 "2023-04-13T13:39:40Z")
Hi, everyone. I haven’t been on the SDMB for a while now - who’s still here, and how’s it going for everyone? --- ## [2023 Masters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2023-masters/982330)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2023-masters/982330 "2023-04-13T12:31:18Z")
Brooks Koepka is wayyy in the clear @ -12, tho his two co-leaders from round 1 have just teed off. He is completely on his A game from tee to green-when healthy he is the best ballstriker in the world. Meanhoo we are w… --- ## [The meaning of swatting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-meaning-of-swatting/982474)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-meaning-of-swatting/982474 "2023-04-13T12:12:31Z")
I know, it’s hitting a fly. But suppose we go with the current slang usage. I’ve always felt that swatting somebody meant you contacted the police and falsely identified your target as a dangerous criminal in an attempt… --- ## [The latest on civil suits ( lawfare) against Trump with possible political effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-latest-on-civil-suits-lawfare-against-trump-with-possible-political-effect/931464)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-latest-on-civil-suits-lawfare-against-trump-with-possible-political-effect/931464 "2023-04-13T12:01:43Z")
Today, voting equipment company Dominion sued Guliani for 1,3 billion dollars for defamation. My question, why sue Guliani? Why not Trump or Fox News? Guliani doesn’t have millions. --- ## [Secret lab facility found on Clipperton Island!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-lab-facility-found-on-clipperton-island/982535)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-lab-facility-found-on-clipperton-island/982535 "2023-04-13T11:34:03Z")
Perusing Google Maps led me to find some sort of high tech lab/supervillain’s lair on the French possession of Clipperton Island about 600 miles off of Mexico’s west coast. I discovered that if I zoomed in on the island… --- ## [Did Jesus really exist? And what's with the Shroud of Turin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-jesus-really-exist-and-whats-with-the-shroud-of-turin/686353)
**Author:** [@humorme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/humorme)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-jesus-really-exist-and-whats-with-the-shroud-of-turin/686353 "2023-04-13T09:08:20Z")
I just read this older article in search for myself why there are no records of the Christ, you would think there would be hundreds of ancient writings and records for someone who claimed to be the son of God. its so … --- ## [Dopers working in health care - how's it going for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-working-in-health-care-hows-it-going-for-you/982538)
**Author:** [@tuesdayweld](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tuesdayweld)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-working-in-health-care-hows-it-going-for-you/982538 "2023-04-13T08:46:47Z")
I’m working for a major hospital system in home health and my level of burn out is currently tremendous. Short of staffing, too much documentation, blah, blah, blah. I read about the mass exodus of doctors, nurses, etc… … --- ## [Anyone have the Yes App? (Yankees & Nets) It looks like they have a deal to get the games for only $20/month this year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-the-yes-app-yankees-nets-it-looks-like-they-have-a-deal-to-get-the-games-for-only-20-month-this-year/981980)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-the-yes-app-yankees-nets-it-looks-like-they-have-a-deal-to-get-the-games-for-only-20-month-this-year/981980 "2023-04-13T07:30:51Z")
The Web Site doesn’t make it easy, so I’m doing some research first. But I think I can download the App onto my Firesticks, Phone or computers and watch the YesNetwork including the games. The offer I saw was normally $2… --- ## [Finding a doctor who accepts VA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-doctor-who-accepts-va/982604)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-doctor-who-accepts-va/982604 "2023-04-13T06:37:10Z")
My wife’s only insurance is the Veterans Administration. She asked me if I was still taking a medication. I asked her if she was still taking the same medication. She said no, ‘That’s why I bought the Omega-3.’ She’d… --- ## [What am I not getting about the fourier transform?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-am-i-not-getting-about-the-fourier-transform/981877)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-am-i-not-getting-about-the-fourier-transform/981877 "2023-04-13T05:47:36Z")
I am almost middle aged no so don’t think this is homework! I recently saw a YouTube video on a related topic and wanted to test my understanding. To do so I want to decompose the sequence (1, 2, 3, 4) into sine waves. H… --- ## [Cheating in prize fishing - how common is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheating-in-prize-fishing-how-common-is-it/972563)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheating-in-prize-fishing-how-common-is-it/972563 "2023-04-13T03:24:41Z")
Two fishers, Jake Runyan and Chase Cominsky, have been caught red handed cheating. They shoved lead weights in the fish to increase their weights and once exposed, it is likely they will never fish again and actually qui… --- ## [Sealed bids and collusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealed-bids-and-collusion/981785)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealed-bids-and-collusion/981785 "2023-04-13T02:39:30Z")
Lawyer types, hoping to get your take on a situation. It’s a real case but completely past tense so there is no issue about future legality/illegality. The situation is a sealed bid contract for a municipality. The pote… --- ## [Tibet custom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tibet-custom/982478)
**Author:** [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tibet-custom/982478 "2023-04-13T00:31:23Z")
Is the following a Tibet custom? The Dalai Lama was in front of a crowd video-taped when he told some kid to “suck my tongue.” It’s in the NBC.com News articles right now. I hope the cultural context was right from Tibet… --- ## [Is the minot ND really a horrible place this story makes it out to be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-minot-nd-really-a-horrible-place-this-story-makes-it-out-to-be/982480)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-minot-nd-really-a-horrible-place-this-story-makes-it-out-to-be/982480 "2023-04-13T00:18:14Z")
apparently according to reactions posted by someone in the air force when she got the assignment on TikTok and related comments, this place is the end of the world in te airforce…what I wanna know is is worse than the an… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=853&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=855&state=tracking)