# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=901&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 902 --- ## [Cat: destroyer of caulking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-destroyer-of-caulking/979390)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-destroyer-of-caulking/979390 "2023-02-10T20:22:04Z")
My cat has been attacking the caulking in this place. A couple different places in both kitchen and my bathroom. Since I’m renting, I’m going to have to renew that caulking. I’ve never caulked anything, but I don’t think… --- ## [Algorithms that have more (putatively) independent outputs than there are indpendent inputs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/algorithms-that-have-more-putatively-independent-outputs-than-there-are-indpendent-inputs/979535)
**Author:** [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/algorithms-that-have-more-putatively-independent-outputs-than-there-are-indpendent-inputs/979535 "2023-02-10T20:21:16Z")
The question was inspired by a body fat scale, but could apply to other systems too. I’ve tried reading about degrees of freedom in statistics, but I don’t really understand and don’t know how it applies to this question… --- ## [Do electronics work differently in subzero temperatures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-electronics-work-differently-in-subzero-temperatures/979542)
**Author:** [@WellHelloThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WellHelloThere)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-electronics-work-differently-in-subzero-temperatures/979542 "2023-02-10T20:17:07Z")
I own a vehicle bought by my late father. The radio was Sirius Satellite, but it recieves terrestrial radio. It is not a touch screen, but the screen will show which station you are on, and AM or FM. The screen is not op… --- ## [Suggest fitness/home gym equipment for a $75 budget?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-fitness-home-gym-equipment-for-a-75-budget/967213)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-fitness-home-gym-equipment-for-a-75-budget/967213 "2023-02-10T17:44:27Z")
One of my work benefits is that I can get reimbursed for up to $300 of fitness equipment a year, something HR just reminded us of. Although today is the end of the fiscal year the reminder’s a coincidence because we have… --- ## [Is "Muldoon" texas slang, and what does it mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-muldoon-texas-slang-and-what-does-it-mean/457216)
**Author:** [@scrambledeggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scrambledeggs)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-muldoon-texas-slang-and-what-does-it-mean/457216 "2023-02-10T17:36:48Z")
This military officer (now a major) back at the academy would call us ‘muldoons’ if he was being pejorative – but i couldn’t find its exact meaning or etymology on urban dictionary. He was from texas Can anyone from Te… --- ## [Series that were much better in the long run](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/series-that-were-much-better-in-the-long-run/979206)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/series-that-were-much-better-in-the-long-run/979206 "2023-02-10T15:41:29Z")
As we cast about for series that we can stand to watch, the pickings are often slim. We also tend to give up on the ones that don’t grab us right away. One such was Parks and Recreation, which we didn’t stay with after a… --- ## [I pitt D'Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pitt-danconia/735148)
**Author:** [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pitt-danconia/735148 "2023-02-10T15:01:57Z")
from 155 from here, Hillary makes bogus claim of racism in Alabama (about voting and drivers licenses), a thread by everyone elses favorite person, ITR Champion. I do not like him. I do not trust him. I do not know if… --- ## [Why were Google such dicks about this round of layoffs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-google-such-dicks-about-this-round-of-layoffs/978679)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-google-such-dicks-about-this-round-of-layoffs/978679 "2023-02-10T14:43:09Z")
So reading about the round of layoffs at Google, et al. The fact there were big layoffs is not particularly surprising to me, how they were was a little: This seems unnecessarily harsh, and not in line with what I’d e… --- ## [How fast does one die when shot or stabbed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-does-one-die-when-shot-or-stabbed/979358)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-does-one-die-when-shot-or-stabbed/979358 "2023-02-10T13:27:54Z")
My only exposure to watching someone “die” comes from TV and movies where the bad guys will immediately fall dead from a single gunshot or a knife flung into the chest. Of course, if the good guy is hit, he’ll struggle o… --- ## [User D\_Anconia has been banned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/user-d-anconia-has-been-banned/979574)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/user-d-anconia-has-been-banned/979574 "2023-02-10T12:15:44Z")
User D\_Anconia or D’Anconia has been banned. He has had 4 warnings since July 2021 and 6 more in the 3 years before that. More importantly he has had a pair of 1 week suspensions for trolling, and for hijacking a threa… --- ## [On Hiring A Housesitter/Petsitter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-hiring-a-housesitter-petsitter/979533)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-hiring-a-housesitter-petsitter/979533 "2023-02-10T11:16:20Z")
Mrs. H and I are thinking of hiring a housesitter/petsitter for when we go on vacation for a few days this summer. Our cats are high-maintenance and we don’t really have any family nearby who can look after them. So we’r… --- ## [E-whiteboard hardware / software recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-whiteboard-hardware-software-recommendations/979506)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-whiteboard-hardware-software-recommendations/979506 "2023-02-10T02:12:09Z")
My new job is almost fully remote. Since I will be conducting many online meetings, I’ve decided that I need to be able to draw on a whiteboard, and annotate documents, in a clear way within meetings. There seem to be a… --- ## ["Hold Onto My Fur" by The Kiffness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hold-onto-my-fur-by-the-kiffness/979539)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hold-onto-my-fur-by-the-kiffness/979539 "2023-02-10T01:00:39Z")
This is just too good not to share. An amazing use of inspiration to make a very cool song. In order to make this into a thread, anybody like any other songs in a similar style? Take a simple meme or short… --- ## [Chess etiquette question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-etiquette-question/977198)
**Author:** [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-etiquette-question/977198 "2023-02-10T00:57:21Z")
In a serious in person tourney situation….what would happen if I did the following: Moved a piece in what looks like a blunder but as soon as I took my hand off made a “disgusted with myself noise and sighed”. With my … --- ## [What Are Your Favourite Language Families?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favourite-language-families/979424)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favourite-language-families/979424 "2023-02-10T00:55:47Z")
The question is in the title. A couple of remarks, though. You can choose up to 5 families. The poll was limited to 20 items, so I had to make choices. Sorry if your favourite isn’t in there, but you can pick “oth… --- ## [The Big Book of Regional Brands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-book-of-regional-brands/977867)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-book-of-regional-brands/977867 "2023-02-10T00:38:29Z")
There should be (or may already be but I’ve never run across it) a reference guide to all the brands that are ubiquitous in one part of the country and virtually unknown anywhere else. This is so I don’t feel left out wh… --- ## [Straight Dope 1/27/2023: Could artificial intelligence replace journalists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-1-27-2023-could-artificial-intelligence-replace-journalists/978896)
**Author:** [@Cecil\_Adams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cecil_Adams)\ **Replies:** 183\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-1-27-2023-could-artificial-intelligence-replace-journalists/978896 "2023-02-10T00:35:36Z")
Could artificial intelligence replace journalists? You think the main threat from artificial intelligence is that it will destroy humanity? Obviously you’re not a journalist. On hearing that the AI R&D lab OpenAI had la… --- ## [An Egyptian immigrant to Canada tells of her first encounter with snow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-egyptian-immigrant-to-canada-tells-of-her-first-encounter-with-snow/979015)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-egyptian-immigrant-to-canada-tells-of-her-first-encounter-with-snow/979015 "2023-02-10T00:23:40Z")
Just a nice story I thought I would share: --- ## [Bickering about Biden and Buy American](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bickering-about-biden-and-buy-american/979493)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bickering-about-biden-and-buy-american/979493 "2023-02-09T23:46:46Z")
I’m curious as to what Dopers think of this Atlantic article. It basically says America has woken to two problems over the last decade: making stuff overseas leads to loss of manufacturing jobs, and supply chains can be… --- ## [Jens Stoltenberg NATO Secretary General, good or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jens-stoltenberg-nato-secretary-general-good-or-not/975158)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jens-stoltenberg-nato-secretary-general-good-or-not/975158 "2023-02-09T23:41:53Z")
Jens Stoltenberg was urged to prolong his NATO leadership last year (While at the same time having basically accepted the position of Central Bank chief of Norway), and he accepted another term. The pressure to continue … --- ## [Unusual Musical Notations You Have Come Across](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-musical-notations-you-have-come-across/979425)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-musical-notations-you-have-come-across/979425 "2023-02-09T22:39:27Z")
While sight-reading the famous 1st movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, I came across a notation that left me stumped. The piece is in C-sharp minor, so it has four sharps, namely F♯, C♯, G♯ and D♯ but at one point… --- ## [The daily Show guest host tryouts. Who is your favorite so far? (Post Trevor Noah)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-daily-show-guest-host-tryouts-who-is-your-favorite-so-far-post-trevor-noah/979540)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-daily-show-guest-host-tryouts-who-is-your-favorite-so-far-post-trevor-noah/979540 "2023-02-09T21:37:23Z")
Here’s a link for the line up. Those that have appeared and scheduled to appear: 'Daily Show' host: See the guest lineup after Trevor Noah departure Vote your fave so far: poll Chelsea is my fave so far. --- ## [What Are Your Handwriting Quirks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-handwriting-quirks/979409)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-handwriting-quirks/979409 "2023-02-09T19:53:56Z")
Inspired by this thread. I use the capital N and capital R instead of lowercase. The reason is that my handwriting is borderline illegible under the best of circustances, and my lowercase r’s and lowercase n’s would be … --- ## [In the multiverse model, how is matter created for all the countless universes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-multiverse-model-how-is-matter-created-for-all-the-countless-universes/979275)
**Author:** [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-multiverse-model-how-is-matter-created-for-all-the-countless-universes/979275 "2023-02-09T19:23:54Z")
I think this is the proper forum. And I am fascinated by physics, though I am a dunce (comparatively speaking). So, any physics mavens who deign to respond, please do so as if you’re explaining calculus to a kindergart… --- ## [Who would beat somebody in front of a camera?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-beat-somebody-in-front-of-a-camera/979084)
**Author:** [@cincinnatus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cincinnatus)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-beat-somebody-in-front-of-a-camera/979084 "2023-02-09T19:06:36Z")
This doesn’t go along exactly with the Memphis murder of the young man. What I would like is some perspective from knowledgeable folks here on those who perpetrate such public crimes in front of a camera they are wearin… --- ## [Straight Dope 1/20/2023: Have baby boomers wrecked the planet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-1-20-2023-have-baby-boomers-wrecked-the-planet/978508)
**Author:** [@Cecil\_Adams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cecil_Adams)\ **Replies:** 225\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-1-20-2023-have-baby-boomers-wrecked-the-planet/978508 "2023-02-09T17:45:48Z")
Have baby boomers wrecked the planet? Eh, I’m not saying we didn’t scuff it up some. I feel bad about the Amazon rain forest, and the grandkids have been on my case about letting pollution in Asia get so gross. But give… --- ## ["Living"-British Movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-british-movie/979496)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-british-movie/979496 "2023-02-09T17:38:13Z")
This is a British independent film that really touched my heart. I’m not ashamed to say that the ending made me weep, and the movie had a lot of meaning to it. I highly recommend it! --- ## [Do you prefer mythology or monster of the week episodes (not just for X-files)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-prefer-mythology-or-monster-of-the-week-episodes-not-just-for-x-files/979165)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-prefer-mythology-or-monster-of-the-week-episodes-not-just-for-x-files/979165 "2023-02-09T17:21:05Z")
The terms were originally applied to X-files, but they can apply to a lot of procedurals and detective shows. The various iterations of Law & Oder and NCIS, for example, can be broken down into the two types of episodes… --- ## [Dick Cheney = Admiral Christopher Pike?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dick-cheney-admiral-christopher-pike/955677)
**Author:** [@Ssounder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ssounder)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dick-cheney-admiral-christopher-pike/955677 "2023-02-09T16:24:56Z")
I have been wondering what life is like for Dick Cheney. His health issues are fairly well known. One of the worst I personally have ever heard of: 5 heart attacks, blood clots etc. A total heart transplant in 2012. Fol… --- ## [The incredible volume of my hot water pipes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-incredible-volume-of-my-hot-water-pipes/979502)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-incredible-volume-of-my-hot-water-pipes/979502 "2023-02-09T13:53:58Z")
I know a few things for certain. My hot water heater keeps water very, very hot My hot water heater is, like, 15 feet from my shower 1/2 copper pipes seem pretty small And yet, based on what I estimate is the flow rat… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=900&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=902&state=muted)