# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=919 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 920 --- ## [I'm thinking of Grabthar's Hammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-of-grabthars-hammer/978226)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-of-grabthars-hammer/978226 "2023-01-16T18:10:26Z")
What kind was it? Framing, Claw, Rock, Chipping, Sledge? I like to think it was a 24 or 32 oz Ball Peen. What do the Teeming Millions think? --- ## [Is long term weather prediction mathematically impossible ? Are there similar limits to AI and Autonomous systems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-long-term-weather-prediction-mathematically-impossible-are-there-similar-limits-to-ai-and-autonomous-systems/978037)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-long-term-weather-prediction-mathematically-impossible-are-there-similar-limits-to-ai-and-autonomous-systems/978037 "2023-01-16T17:48:03Z")
My introduction to Chaos theory started with Michael Crichton’s book “Jurassic Park” where he explained the Butterfly effect and how Non linear systems are hard to model. Understand that the book was fiction but it inspi… --- ## [Trouble loading G-Mod on Steam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trouble-loading-g-mod-on-steam/978320)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trouble-loading-g-mod-on-steam/978320 "2023-01-16T17:36:40Z")
We’re trying to load G-Mod on Steam on an Acer (Nitro-5) running Windows, but it never finishes loading. Instead, we get a blue screen with a white circle and two white Xs. Underneath that is the loading bar, which nev… --- ## [2022 SDMB Celebrity Death Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/955443)
**Author:** [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Replies:** 1507\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/955443 "2023-01-16T17:25:56Z")
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when we open the window to submit your prognostications. The Rules: You pick 13 celebrities (that’s thirteen, not ten) whom you predict will die within the calendar year 2022… --- ## [Please tell me about home hot water recirculating pumps (for instant hot water)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-about-home-hot-water-recirculating-pumps-for-instant-hot-water/978238)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-about-home-hot-water-recirculating-pumps-for-instant-hot-water/978238 "2023-01-16T16:53:10Z")
I hate having to wait for hot water especially because it wastes water in my ordinarily drought stricken area. This seems like a great solution. Is it? What are the pitfalls? If it matters, my house is on a raised found… --- ## [Is "cracking your fingers" a regional version of "snapping your fingers"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cracking-your-fingers-a-regional-version-of-snapping-your-fingers/978291)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cracking-your-fingers-a-regional-version-of-snapping-your-fingers/978291 "2023-01-16T16:50:20Z")
I heard someone say it, but I just assumed they meant “snapping their fingers” and it’s a regional difference. --- ## [Moderation in the Cat Avatar thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-in-the-cat-avatar-thread/978206)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-in-the-cat-avatar-thread/978206 "2023-01-16T15:40:56Z")
I have a bone to pick with the moderation in the Cat Avatar thread. Did anyone seriously perceive Wolfpup’s playful joking as threadshitting??? Was it reported as threadshitting? Are cats really this thin-skinned that l… --- ## [Quick question-- what was the show about a shop that recovered cursed items?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-what-was-the-show-about-a-shop-that-recovered-cursed-items/978114)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-what-was-the-show-about-a-shop-that-recovered-cursed-items/978114 "2023-01-16T15:09:32Z")
Not Warehouse 13, it was older. and had a girl with big boobs. In a later season, they went back in time and were accused of being witches-- a real jump the shark moment for me. In my head it was paired with the show wit… --- ## [Katie Porter running for Senate in CA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/katie-porter-running-for-senate-in-ca/977975)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/katie-porter-running-for-senate-in-ca/977975 "2023-01-16T14:02:40Z")
Just got an email announcing her run for the Senate. Didn’t see anything online, nor heard that Dianne Feinstein was stepping down. I assume it’s for real, though I thought I would have heard either on the news or from F… --- ## [What's going on with the switch to electric everything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-with-the-switch-to-electric-everything/978168)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-with-the-switch-to-electric-everything/978168 "2023-01-16T13:54:34Z")
I hear that NY wants to ban gas home appliances including gas stoves and dryers. Recently gas stoves have been questioned about causing health problems, but I am at a loss of banning gas dryers, so I’ll make that my pos… --- ## [Housecat behavior question -- no longer using the litter box](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/housecat-behavior-question-no-longer-using-the-litter-box/978070)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/housecat-behavior-question-no-longer-using-the-litter-box/978070 "2023-01-16T10:02:08Z")
We have three cats: two females that were born July 2021 and that we acquired as kittens in September 2021. Both are spayed and have had all vaccines/boosters. They were litter box trained before we got them. We also ha… --- ## [The Master (2012 film) -- Open Spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-master-2012-film-open-spoilers/635574)
**Author:** [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-master-2012-film-open-spoilers/635574 "2023-01-16T09:58:25Z")
I’m surprised there isn’t a thread on this movie yet. Anyway, the rest of the OP in the next post, to avoid hover spoilers. --- ## [The Mayfair Witches (AMC series)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mayfair-witches-amc-series/977955)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mayfair-witches-amc-series/977955 "2023-01-16T09:54:16Z")
Just finished watching the first episode of the second series in AMC’s Anne Rice universe and I’m pretty hooked in so far. I was concerned when I first heard they’d be adapting these books, since they’re pretty problemat… --- ## [What is the name of this song?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-this-song/978290)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-this-song/978290 "2023-01-16T04:05:59Z")
One neat thing about the radio in my car is that it will display the song titles and band names of whatever is being played at that moment. I recently heard this song again for the first time in many years and learned t… --- ## [Formula 1 2022](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/formula-1-2022/961292)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 272\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/formula-1-2022/961292 "2023-01-16T01:07:06Z")
Interesting news out of Las Vegas about a potential race. Anyway, here’s a 2022 thread as Bahrain testing begins. --- ## [What actor has portrayed the death of the same character the most times? (spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-actor-has-portrayed-the-death-of-the-same-character-the-most-times-spoilers/978125)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-actor-has-portrayed-the-death-of-the-same-character-the-most-times-spoilers/978125 "2023-01-16T01:06:46Z")
I am just pointing out that unless we are nitpicking about multiverses, Patrick Stewart holds the record in my mine. We have seen him die as Charles Xavier three times: He dies in X-men 3 He dies in Logan He dies in D… --- ## [Songs that appear to borrow phrases from each other](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-appear-to-borrow-phrases-from-each-other/978285)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2023, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-appear-to-borrow-phrases-from-each-other/978285 "2023-01-16T00:19:45Z")
It’s no secret that there are a lot of songs that borrow from previous ones. A well-documented example is “Hatikvah”, the national anthem of Israel. It is a variation of a song that goes back at least to the Renaissance,… --- ## [What is the historical origin of the US debt ceiling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-historical-origin-of-the-us-debt-ceiling/978284)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-historical-origin-of-the-us-debt-ceiling/978284 "2023-01-15T22:44:23Z")
I appreciate that there’s a lot of politics about the debt ceiling, but I’m hoping we can keep this as a factual issue: When did the debt ceiling get created, and what was its purpose at that time? --- ## [Internet Searches You Regret](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-searches-you-regret/978117)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-searches-you-regret/978117 "2023-01-15T20:01:44Z")
Over in this thread, the topic of an alleged murderer who supposedly Googled how to get away with it came up, and we’re talking about internet searches we’ve made that we regret. I feel like the thread is being hijacked,… --- ## [Actress portrays her moods and thoughts in very funny Skits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actress-portrays-her-moods-and-thoughts-in-very-funny-skits/978247)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actress-portrays-her-moods-and-thoughts-in-very-funny-skits/978247 "2023-01-15T18:42:26Z")
Hayley Morris is so funny and creative. I think she’s had theatre training. These skits were posted during lockdown. I guess it was her way to pass the time. Hayley has such a vivid and hilarious imagination. The costum… --- ## [What's The Motivation For YouTubers To Produce Shorts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-motivation-for-youtubers-to-produce-shorts/978217)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-motivation-for-youtubers-to-produce-shorts/978217 "2023-01-15T18:26:14Z")
I understand why YouTube is pushing for this kind of content – more ads with less minutes devoted to content. Profit! But what is the benefit to the YouTubers themselves? Of the hundred or so I subscribe to, about half s… --- ## [Strange Collections people have](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-collections-people-have/976464)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-collections-people-have/976464 "2023-01-15T17:37:33Z")
A friend invited us over this past weekend for a holiday open house. They moved in a few months ago and so it was a combined housewarming/holiday get together. On the invitation it said, “come see our nutcrackers, we h… --- ## [Jeff Beck RIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeff-beck-rip/978061)
**Author:** [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeff-beck-rip/978061 "2023-01-15T17:35:11Z")
Jeff Beck, legendary rock guitarist and musician, dead at 78 :pensive: Another of the old gods gone. Thanks for the great music, Jeff. --- ## [Secrets from pets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secrets-from-pets/976942)
**Author:** [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secrets-from-pets/976942 "2023-01-15T16:58:33Z")
So a few years ago, my wife received a modest inheritance, and she used it to buy a small vacation house. It’s about an 11 hour drive from our home, and she will use it several times a year, and I will go once or twice a… --- ## [The Menu (No Real Spoilers in the OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-menu-no-real-spoilers-in-the-op/977951)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-menu-no-real-spoilers-in-the-op/977951 "2023-01-15T13:16:27Z")
This is already on HBO Max so I watched it. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I liked it. I will say, I don’t think it’s a movie that is meant to be taken literally and is more about evoking a feeling. Also if you li… --- ## [How come Iggy Pop is that fit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-iggy-pop-is-that-fit/560611)
**Author:** [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-iggy-pop-is-that-fit/560611 "2023-01-15T10:19:50Z")
Just happened on a vid of Iggy Pop half naked on stage. I of course had seen him many times in that state (or naked), but here , with the lighting, it was really striking. This guy has an incedible body, not muscular ugl… --- ## [Does the insanity defense ever work in one of the ways used in Law & Order?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-insanity-defense-ever-work-in-one-of-the-ways-used-in-law-order/978075)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-insanity-defense-ever-work-in-one-of-the-ways-used-in-law-order/978075 "2023-01-15T06:17:38Z")
Inspired by the thread on the movie / TV characters who might actually be villains. One of the ways that the insanity defense is frequently used on L&O seems to go like this. Bad Guy kills or rapes someone. They are s… --- ## [Mel Brooks’ History of the World, Part 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mel-brooks-history-of-the-world-part-2/952710)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mel-brooks-history-of-the-world-part-2/952710 "2023-01-15T04:30:46Z")
:smiley: :rofl: :joy: I have seen Part 1 more than I’ve seen any other movie; it is comedy genius from start to finish. I am very happy to see Mr. Brooks’ return to comedy! --- ## [The Pale Blue Eye on Netflix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pale-blue-eye-on-netflix/978231)
**Author:** [@Hermione1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermione1)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pale-blue-eye-on-netflix/978231 "2023-01-15T04:05:54Z")
I watched this last night with a fellow history-and-lit geek. (She’d read the Louis Bayard novel it was based on; I hadn’t. It had been a while for her so she didn’t remember all the details.) I liked it overall, though… --- ## [NOW what's up with Facebook? {‘slideshow’ mode?}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-whats-up-with-facebook-slideshow-mode/978216)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2023, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-whats-up-with-facebook-slideshow-mode/978216 "2023-01-15T02:38:21Z")
Recently, facebook has been doing something annoying; and it’s especially bad this morning. As I scroll through the page, it suddenly goes into some sort of ‘slideshow’ mode. If something looks interesting, I can’t rea… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=918) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=920)