# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=907&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 908 --- ## [How do you shut your brain off when trying to sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-shut-your-brain-off-when-trying-to-sleep/978582)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2023, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-shut-your-brain-off-when-trying-to-sleep/978582 "2023-02-02T02:22:13Z")
I try to tell myself a story and bore myself to sleep but it’s often not effective. What works, if anything, for you? --- ## [Critique this PC build](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2023, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106 "2023-02-02T01:21:34Z")
I think my old PC is starting to fail. I am going to build a Raptor Lake (Gen. 13) rig and was hoping to wait 6 more months so I could have more options. I typically build a machine to last for years for $2000 or less.… --- ## [What did “f” and “g” stand for on old HP calculators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-f-and-g-stand-for-on-old-hp-calculators/977452)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2023, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-f-and-g-stand-for-on-old-hp-calculators/977452 "2023-02-02T00:36:26Z")
On many old HP calculators, there were f and g buttons that would change the function of the key pressed. The f key was yellow and the g key was blue. What did f and g stand for? --- ## [Verifying a life insurance amount](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verifying-a-life-insurance-amount/979001)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2023, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verifying-a-life-insurance-amount/979001 "2023-02-02T00:13:34Z")
My mom just passed away and my son is a beneficiary of a life insurance policy she had. The amount seems low ($3K) and it started me thinking: how do you know you are not being scammed by a life insurance payout? Insur… --- ## [Monetary value of Dodo breeding pair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monetary-value-of-dodo-breeding-pair/416140)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2023, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monetary-value-of-dodo-breeding-pair/416140 "2023-02-02T00:11:45Z")
Supposing I could resurrect the Dodo, but it costs money to do so. Is there any economic incentive to do it? How much do you think I’d get for it? --- ## [What is an element?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-an-element/974067)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-an-element/974067 "2023-02-01T22:07:33Z")
I’ve seen various defnitions for an element (eg. arsenic) Are all of the following acceptable definitions? 1. An element is an atom with a specific number of protons, neutrons and electrons. 2. An element is a molecu… --- ## [TV antenna question, what do I need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-antenna-question-what-do-i-need/978665)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-antenna-question-what-do-i-need/978665 "2023-02-01T20:38:53Z")
I am at a long range from TV stations, Every stations is in the purple or blue color on Antenna web (longest 2 categories, Medium directional w/pre amp and large directional w/ preamp). However using rabbit ears I can m… --- ## [Goddamn Facebook scammers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goddamn-facebook-scammers/979144)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goddamn-facebook-scammers/979144 "2023-02-01T20:38:12Z")
They apparently got an auntie of mine, because “she” sent me a Messenger scam that’s apparently been popular in the last year. I didn’t know about it, so I, like a moron, clicked the link. It showed what appeared to be a… --- ## [Low note on No Scrubs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-note-on-no-scrubs/979073)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-note-on-no-scrubs/979073 "2023-02-01T20:24:54Z")
In another thread, someone asks what everyone tests their new headphones on. One of the songs I check is No Scrubs, by TLC. It has an extremely low note at around the 1:52 mark of this video (cued up to 1:51): … --- ## [Jan. 28, 1986 - Lest We Forget](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jan-28-1986-lest-we-forget/978964)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jan-28-1986-lest-we-forget/978964 "2023-02-01T20:20:17Z")
Richard Scobee Michael Smith Ronald McNair Judith Resnick Ellison Onizuka Christa McAuliffe Gregory Jarvis And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high un… --- ## [Cindy Williams has passed away at 75](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cindy-williams-has-passed-away-at-75/979079)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cindy-williams-has-passed-away-at-75/979079 "2023-02-01T19:47:07Z")
Most people know her from Laverne and Shirley. Her family has announced she has passed away after a brief illness. Her career got an early boost with American Graffiti. I also recall her part in Coppola’s The Conversa… --- ## [Are there "permanent" granite countertop sealers that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-permanent-granite-countertop-sealers-that-work/979077)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-permanent-granite-countertop-sealers-that-work/979077 "2023-02-01T18:09:41Z")
We’re considering granite countertops for our bathroom remodel, but not if we have to seal it every year. 10 years ago, we put in granite in our previous home and sealed it with a product called “SenGuard” that was supp… --- ## [Why can’t I set my iPhone like a radio alarm clock,](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-t-i-set-my-iphone-like-a-radio-alarm-clock/977480)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-t-i-set-my-iphone-like-a-radio-alarm-clock/977480 "2023-02-01T17:39:27Z")
Radio alarm clocks have been around for decades. For much of my life, I woke up to my local public radio station. Now I have an iPhone. It has a clock. It has alarms of various kinds. It can play my local public radio s… --- ## [Jobs with limited social contact--Suggestions on how to find one](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-with-limited-social-contact-suggestions-on-how-to-find-one/978236)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-with-limited-social-contact-suggestions-on-how-to-find-one/978236 "2023-02-01T17:38:24Z")
I’m looking for a new, second career. I’d prefer one that requires a college degree, and tends to limit social contacts. After all these years on one such job, I find that agreeable. I left the old one because of commu… --- ## [An Ohio home school marches to a faster pace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-ohio-home-school-marches-to-a-faster-pace/979169)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-ohio-home-school-marches-to-a-faster-pace/979169 "2023-02-01T17:22:15Z")
“Dissident Homeschool” shut down for Nazi indoctrination. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2023/02/01/neo-nazis-in-ohio-how-a-homeschool-group-slipped-through-the-cracks/69856280007/ “Democratic lawmakers w… --- ## [How much would it cost to buy an island?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-it-cost-to-buy-an-island/978324)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-it-cost-to-buy-an-island/978324 "2023-02-01T17:20:45Z")
Assume I’m stupidly wealthy and want my own Greek island. Is there a way to figure out the price tag and whom to approach? --- ## [Using birth dates or addresses in PIN codes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-birth-dates-or-addresses-in-pin-codes/978614)
**Author:** [@Knighted\_Vorpal\_Sword](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knighted_Vorpal_Sword)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-birth-dates-or-addresses-in-pin-codes/978614 "2023-02-01T17:15:27Z")
I have a relative with numerous cards - credit cards, government program cards, etc. All of these cards share one thing in common - they all have the same PIN code. Not only the same PIN code, but the 4 digit code is bir… --- ## [All blue-eyed people share one common ancestor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-blue-eyed-people-share-one-common-ancestor/979066)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-blue-eyed-people-share-one-common-ancestor/979066 "2023-02-01T16:30:13Z")
This can’t possibly be true. This would mean that the blue-eye mutation happened only ONCE in all of the history of homo sapiens. What am I missing here? --- ## [I'm Sick--rather poorly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-sick-rather-poorly/975210)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-sick-rather-poorly/975210 "2023-02-01T15:52:00Z")
Nose runny, bad cough, phlegm. Used to have a sore throat. I went to the doctor Monday. Tested negative for COVID Tested negative for Flu. Negative for strep. Up to date on all vaccines, including COVID, flu & Pneumo… --- ## [Do You Know Anyone Proud They Don’t Read Books?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-anyone-proud-they-don-t-read-books/978780)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-anyone-proud-they-don-t-read-books/978780 "2023-02-01T15:09:15Z")
This Atlantic article made me wonder about people who brag about not reading books. Do you know many such people? Obviously, some struggle with dyslexia, others prefer different things, there may be issues of class, ed… --- ## [lime Kool-Aid and baloney](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lime-kool-aid-and-baloney/56070)
**Author:** [@Bachor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bachor)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lime-kool-aid-and-baloney/56070 "2023-02-01T15:04:19Z")
I remember hearing about this combination as a kid but can’t remember the context. Any ideas? thanks! --- ## [How did they build brick skyscrapers so straight and square before things like computerized laser levels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-they-build-brick-skyscrapers-so-straight-and-square-before-things-like-computerized-laser-levels/979118)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-they-build-brick-skyscrapers-so-straight-and-square-before-things-like-computerized-laser-levels/979118 "2023-02-01T13:23:52Z")
If you’ve been to an old city like New York, DC, Chicago, etc, you’ll see lots of very tall buildings made with bricks. These buildings seem to be very straight and square even though they are dozens of stories high. H… --- ## [Is it considered poor form to squeeze your lemon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093)
**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093 "2023-02-01T13:19:48Z")
In a restaurant, in your iced tea, using your fingers. --- ## [? On Freedom of Expression](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-freedom-of-expression/979019)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-freedom-of-expression/979019 "2023-02-01T12:35:34Z")
For these questions I’ll be referring to both oral and written expression. IANAL but understand a governmental agency cannot fine or imprison someone for freely expressing criticism of the government or it’s policies or … --- ## [Anyone want to help RushGeekKid celebrate his 18th birthday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-want-to-help-rushgeekkid-celebrate-his-18th-birthday/975655)
**Author:** [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-want-to-help-rushgeekkid-celebrate-his-18th-birthday/975655 "2023-02-01T11:02:43Z")
First and foremost I am not asking for money. My son, a 2004 doperbaby, will be celebrating his 18th birthday December 26th. I know I don’t post a whole lot but a lot of what I’ve posted has been about him over the year… --- ## [Who's up for a whale sandwich?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-up-for-a-whale-sandwich/978831)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-up-for-a-whale-sandwich/978831 "2023-02-01T08:38:11Z")
A Japanese whale monger, desperate to prop up sales despite the fact that most brick-and-mortar stores don’t want to carry their product, has resorted to selling whale meat from vending machines: Even if you’re able t… --- ## [Movies you saw in Jr. High/High School](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-you-saw-in-jr-high-high-school/912713)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-you-saw-in-jr-high-high-school/912713 "2023-02-01T06:42:05Z")
I mean movies that teachers showed you in class. There was one in particular that really struck me that we saw in 9th grade, putting that 1973-1974. It was a film demonstrating how terrible prejudice is. It was in bla… --- ## [Is there a way to connect wireless headphones to this not-very-new TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-connect-wireless-headphones-to-this-not-very-new-tv/978974)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-connect-wireless-headphones-to-this-not-very-new-tv/978974 "2023-02-01T05:02:03Z")
My mom has this TV: Sony KDL-32BX320 She wats to know if there’s some way to connect wireless headphones to it. (If it helps, it has a Roku connected to it.) Anyone have any ideas? --- ## [NHL: January 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-january-2023/977543)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-january-2023/977543 "2023-02-01T03:58:37Z")
How far downhill has the Winter Classic gone? Rather than being on National television, it’s on TNT and the same usual suspects. Get your credit cards out to buy yet another limited jersey if you’re a Bruins or Pens fan,… --- ## [Let the water wars begin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-the-water-wars-begin/978900)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2023, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-the-water-wars-begin/978900 "2023-02-01T03:24:27Z")
NYT article. Bottom line is that all of those states who share the Colorado River water were given 60 days to figure out how to share the resource. They didn’t bother, so now the government is going to do it for them. Th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=906&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=908&state=tracking)