# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=899 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 900 --- ## [Was the Irish Potato Famine caused by people being forbidden to eat anything but potatos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-irish-potato-famine-caused-by-people-being-forbidden-to-eat-anything-but-potatos/979594)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2023, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-irish-potato-famine-caused-by-people-being-forbidden-to-eat-anything-but-potatos/979594 "2023-02-13T01:38:01Z")
I would like a point clarified re the Irish Potato Famine. The sort of general information that I have gathered on the topic over the years is something like this: the famine occurred because there was a potato blight th… --- ## [Thank you, Henry Cavill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-you-henry-cavill/979686)
**Author:** [@BlinkingDuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlinkingDuck)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-you-henry-cavill/979686 "2023-02-12T23:59:06Z")
My wife just Wam Bam thank you sir’d me. No sweet talk. No cuddling afterward. Just got up and went to watch more of The Witcher and told me to not bother her while watching. I feel so cheap and used. Note to self - sen… --- ## [Help Identify 70s Broadway Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identify-70s-broadway-show/979629)
**Author:** [@mtnmatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mtnmatt)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identify-70s-broadway-show/979629 "2023-02-12T23:50:03Z")
When I was a kid growing up in NJ in the 1970s, we’d see a lot of TV ads for Broadway shows. One was a fairly typical overview of the plot and characters, and my memory is that it was some kind of comedy, maybe set in a… --- ## [Rock, stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-stone/979017)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-stone/979017 "2023-02-12T21:55:20Z")
Rock and stone are two synonyms, right? Or… are they? Over the years as I kept learning languages I kept noticing a pattern: most languages have one word consistently translated as “rock” and a different word consistent… --- ## [I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'; RIP Burt Bacharach](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-never-gonna-stop-the-rain-by-complainin-rip-burt-bacharach/979532)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-never-gonna-stop-the-rain-by-complainin-rip-burt-bacharach/979532 "2023-02-12T21:50:21Z")
Burt Bacharach has died. He was 94. --- ## [Woo Hoo - I scared a spammer!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woo-hoo-i-scared-a-spammer/979536)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woo-hoo-i-scared-a-spammer/979536 "2023-02-12T21:42:01Z")
We have been getting daily calls from marketers that show up on the caller ID as “Spam risk”. We have hung up, ignored them and shouted into the phone so far. Today I answered the phone and began slowly speaking in my be… --- ## [I've got to stop reading those articles which show crazy texts from dating apps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-stop-reading-those-articles-which-show-crazy-texts-from-dating-apps/979659)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-stop-reading-those-articles-which-show-crazy-texts-from-dating-apps/979659 "2023-02-12T21:30:02Z")
The idea is too long to fit into a subject title. But some entertainment-style news sources show text threads that women\* receive from creepy people once they use a dating app. God, the crazy, abusive crap that women r… --- ## [Immune deficiency due to repeated covid infection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immune-deficiency-due-to-repeated-covid-infection/979308)
**Author:** [@metonymic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/metonymic)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immune-deficiency-due-to-repeated-covid-infection/979308 "2023-02-12T21:05:14Z")
One of my friends has become increasingly concerned about the effects of covid infection and re-infection on the immune system and I don’t feel like I have a very good understanding of the current science/knowledge, so I… --- ## [Why no microwave ovens for lefties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-microwave-ovens-for-lefties/979591)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-microwave-ovens-for-lefties/979591 "2023-02-12T20:09:16Z")
I moved into a new apartment at the beginning of this month (February 2023, for all you internet archeologists in the far future). It’s a nice little place, with the standard kitchen appliances built in. I have a concern… --- ## [Google Streetview -- how quickly updated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-streetview-how-quickly-updated/979038)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-streetview-how-quickly-updated/979038 "2023-02-12T19:07:57Z")
How quickly do the pictures taken by the Google Streetview car get uploaded to GoogleMaps? --- ## [I can confirm that milk relieves the burn of chili in the eye](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-can-confirm-that-milk-relieves-the-burn-of-chili-in-the-eye/979654)
**Author:** [@Amikejo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amikejo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-can-confirm-that-milk-relieves-the-burn-of-chili-in-the-eye/979654 "2023-02-12T18:07:00Z")
First I tried rinsing it out with water which made it much much worse. Dabbed milk onto some paper towel and stuck that on the eye. Worked wonders. --- ## [Good morning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-morning/979622)
**Author:** [@JimNightshade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimNightshade)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-morning/979622 "2023-02-12T17:19:40Z")
All the best. --- ## [Looking for Malian profanity (preferably not in French)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-malian-profanity-preferably-not-in-french/979648)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-malian-profanity-preferably-not-in-french/979648 "2023-02-12T12:43:53Z")
As in, from Mali, the country. Population 24 million, more than 13 languages having some form of official status—out of 80 spoken—aside from the official language, French. For a creative project of mine, I’m looking for… --- ## [Vincent theme not working?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vincent-theme-not-working/979546)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vincent-theme-not-working/979546 "2023-02-12T06:43:51Z")
When I came to the forums today, my theme had changed. I had Vincent but now it’s the Dark theme. I tried changing the theme and then selecting Vincent again but it defaults back to Dark. I restarted my laptop but tha… --- ## [How much energy to read/write a hard drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-energy-to-read-write-a-hard-drive/979646)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-energy-to-read-write-a-hard-drive/979646 "2023-02-12T06:19:34Z")
To write a bit to a hard drive, the read-write head has to be supplied with one or more bursts of electrical current in order to change the state of magnetization on the surface of the hard drive’s platter. It takes som… --- ## [Best ways to use up a pint of heavy whipping cream](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-ways-to-use-up-a-pint-of-heavy-whipping-cream/978312)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-ways-to-use-up-a-pint-of-heavy-whipping-cream/978312 "2023-02-12T05:28:21Z")
We’ve got an unopened pint of heavy whipping cream in the fridge left over from the holidays. It’s expiration date is at the end of the week, and I’d like to use it up on something rather than pitch it. Could beat it an… --- ## [3D figures, .stl files and copyright](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-figures-stl-files-and-copyright/979636)
**Author:** [@mordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mordecaiB)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-figures-stl-files-and-copyright/979636 "2023-02-12T02:23:15Z")
I got myself a 3D printer a few months ago. Still haven’t set it up, too much stuff going on. :slightly\_frowning\_face: I have been looking around various sites at what files are available for printing. I could name hund… --- ## [Billy Collins Live CD](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-collins-live-cd/979223)
**Author:** [@drpepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drpepper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-collins-live-cd/979223 "2023-02-12T01:37:35Z")
Attention poetry-loving Dopers: I am culling the clutter. Have a Billy Collins Live CD, (performance at the Peter Norton Symphony Space in 2005), in the box. The box is not perfect (a couple small bends and rips), the … --- ## [Why is distilled water suddenly so hard to find?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-distilled-water-suddenly-so-hard-to-find/979505)
**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-distilled-water-suddenly-so-hard-to-find/979505 "2023-02-12T00:26:57Z")
Can’t find it anywhere around here in NE WI. Stocks have been sporadic since mid Nov. Local Walmart puts out a pallet of the stuff and it’s gone in minutes, same with other stores. Once in a while I can find a gallon … --- ## [What genre of music is popular with American Football fans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-genre-of-music-is-popular-with-american-football-fans/979575)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-genre-of-music-is-popular-with-american-football-fans/979575 "2023-02-11T22:00:04Z")
It’s been suggested by a co-worker that Super Bowl halftime shows should reflect the tastes of the viewing audience. But what is that preference? Country? Hip-hop? Pop? (As usual with my threads, I’m not entirely sure wh… --- ## [Mystery mail from DMV coming today, should I be worried?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-mail-from-dmv-coming-today-should-i-be-worried/979631)
**Author:** [@ASanders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASanders)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-mail-from-dmv-coming-today-should-i-be-worried/979631 "2023-02-11T20:49:35Z")
I get the USPS Informed Delivery email every morning so I know what’s going to be delivered in the mail that day. This morning’s notice included a very mysterious envelope coming from the DMV. The mysteries: –It’s addre… --- ## [Anthology series (1980s?) Invasion from another planet similar to TZ "Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anthology-series-1980s-invasion-from-another-planet-similar-to-tz-will-the-real-martian-please-stand-up/979596)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anthology-series-1980s-invasion-from-another-planet-similar-to-tz-will-the-real-martian-please-stand-up/979596 "2023-02-11T20:26:30Z")
I had posted this on the IMDB forum, and so far have gotten zip for an answer, which bothers me because those cats are really sharp, and it’s leading me to believe I’ve imagined the whole thing. Anyway, here’s what I re… --- ## [Lego dimensions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lego-dimensions/979632)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lego-dimensions/979632 "2023-02-11T18:16:08Z")
This is an FQ, but I’m putting it in Cafe Society for expanded discussion about making things with Lego®. As everyone probably knows, I have a new nixie tube clock that needs a case. I want something retro/industrial-l… --- ## [Electronics Dopers: Jumper wires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronics-dopers-jumper-wires/979541)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronics-dopers-jumper-wires/979541 "2023-02-11T17:52:26Z")
I bought a nixie tube clock kit a couple/three years ago. One look at it, and it’s more advanced than I can handle. (My experience with electronics is with a Radio Shack 100-in-1 electronics kit, where you attach compo… --- ## [Ever had a dream that actually could pass for a decent story/song/movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-a-dream-that-actually-could-pass-for-a-decent-story-song-movie/979508)
**Author:** [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-a-dream-that-actually-could-pass-for-a-decent-story-song-movie/979508 "2023-02-11T17:05:44Z")
I’m sure we’ve all had those dreams where you THINK it would make a good movie/short story/novel/song…then you think about it or maybe think about telling someone and you realize …‘enh. its a bit crap.’ But have any for… --- ## [Is Biden more successful than Obama was?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-more-successful-than-obama-was/979564)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-biden-more-successful-than-obama-was/979564 "2023-02-11T17:02:08Z")
In the thread on the State of the Union address thread we had the following posts Now I like Biden alright but I don’t see that he has been more effective than Obama. His main accomplishment is the Infrastructure Bil… --- ## [Google Earth -- Is this an ancient impact crater?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-earth-is-this-an-ancient-impact-crater/360153)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-earth-is-this-an-ancient-impact-crater/360153 "2023-02-11T16:24:30Z")
I was exploring southern New Hampshire with Google Earth and came across this structure \[Google Earth required\] in Pawtuckaway State Park that looks strikingly like the ancient remains of a terrestrial impact crater abou… --- ## [Anyone actually been inside a massive data center?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-actually-been-inside-a-massive-data-center/979463)
**Author:** [@joemama24\_98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joemama24_98)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-actually-been-inside-a-massive-data-center/979463 "2023-02-11T16:18:11Z")
I’ve worked in IT and have seen some pretty impressive corporate setups, but not say, AWS or Azure scale. My old company built a new data center in the last decade, but the majority went unused as cloud was more widely … --- ## [According to Classical Athenian law in 399 BC did Socrates have to obey the court summons or could have chosen to ignore it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-classical-athenian-law-in-399-bc-did-socrates-have-to-obey-the-court-summons-or-could-have-chosen-to-ignore-it/979497)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-classical-athenian-law-in-399-bc-did-socrates-have-to-obey-the-court-summons-or-could-have-chosen-to-ignore-it/979497 "2023-02-11T16:06:35Z")
I have read that Socrates chose to go to court. Most websites simply say that he complied with a summons. Did he have a choice ? If he had ignored it would it have meant going into exile? --- ## [What info do y'all have on The National Police Association?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-info-do-yall-have-on-the-national-police-association/979462)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-info-do-yall-have-on-the-national-police-association/979462 "2023-02-11T15:25:57Z")
A lot of my right-leaning friends are singing their praises, but they don’t seem to have page(or even a mention, for that matter) on Wiki. Google says their national headquarters is a P.O. box in Indianapolis, and their… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=898) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=900)