# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=991&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 992 --- ## [How strong does something have to be to count as "persecution?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strong-does-something-have-to-be-to-count-as-persecution/973388)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strong-does-something-have-to-be-to-count-as-persecution/973388 "2022-10-19T14:35:49Z")
There are some Christians in the United States who are convinced that persecution of Christians is a thing in America. There’s a spectrum, of course. If someone is being beheaded for their religious beliefs, then they a… --- ## [Why the expression "The birds and the bees"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-expression-the-birds-and-the-bees/973446)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-expression-the-birds-and-the-bees/973446 "2022-10-19T12:57:58Z")
I have been asking me this question for a long time. What do birds and bees together have to do with reproduction? The only interaction they have is that some birds eat bees and that a bird can be stung by a bee. Now in … --- ## [Non-American Dopers, what is your country's bullshit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-american-dopers-what-is-your-countrys-bullshit/966101)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-american-dopers-what-is-your-countrys-bullshit/966101 "2022-10-19T07:28:32Z")
As an American, I am proud of my country’s many strong attributes. However, there are things for which I am quite frustrated and embarrassed. I consider these items my country’s bullshit. For this discussion, I am def… --- ## [Weird wi-fi router stuff!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-wi-fi-router-stuff/959534)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-wi-fi-router-stuff/959534 "2022-10-19T06:27:29Z")
Just replaced my home wifi router. It’s a Netgear unit. Does what it’s supposed to for the most part. Bizarrely, there are two websites that can’t be accessed (carbonite backup service and Fidelity investments) for no… --- ## [Join the Navy or Air Force: how long before you get to fly "normal" duty in a fighter/transport/cargo aircraft?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/join-the-navy-or-air-force-how-long-before-you-get-to-fly-normal-duty-in-a-fighter-transport-cargo-aircraft/972836)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/join-the-navy-or-air-force-how-long-before-you-get-to-fly-normal-duty-in-a-fighter-transport-cargo-aircraft/972836 "2022-10-19T05:06:09Z")
Suppose I join the US Navy or Air Force in my early 20s with a college degree but no aviation experience. How long before I’m a full-fledged pilot who can fly combat air patrols in a fighter jet, or fly a transport/tank… --- ## [What do I have here? Refrigerated, month-old whipping cream solidified in bottle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-have-here-refrigerated-month-old-whipping-cream-solidified-in-bottle/973421)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-have-here-refrigerated-month-old-whipping-cream-solidified-in-bottle/973421 "2022-10-19T04:05:05Z")
I have a bottle of this in my fridge–great in coffee. Bought new, the sell-by date is 9/19/22 (a month ago tomorrow). It’s non-homogenized and low-temp pasteurized. I hadn’t used it in a week or so-- been off coffee f… --- ## [Chess: How great a materiel disadvantage for a grandmaster to be at even odds against a novice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-how-great-a-materiel-disadvantage-for-a-grandmaster-to-be-at-even-odds-against-a-novice/973137)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-how-great-a-materiel-disadvantage-for-a-grandmaster-to-be-at-even-odds-against-a-novice/973137 "2022-10-19T01:43:31Z")
Let’s say Magnus Carlsen went up against some amateur novice, and Carlsen agrees to go with a materiel disadvantage. How much would it have to be to be a fair 50/50 battle? Would Carlsen have to go without his queen, bo… --- ## [Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) - Dead at 72](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robbie-coltrane-hagrid-dead-at-72/973262)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robbie-coltrane-hagrid-dead-at-72/973262 "2022-10-19T01:38:10Z")
Breaking story. No cause of death yet. --- ## [Astronaut Jim McDivitt (Gemini 4, Apollo 9) has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronaut-jim-mcdivitt-gemini-4-apollo-9-has-died/973447)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronaut-jim-mcdivitt-gemini-4-apollo-9-has-died/973447 "2022-10-19T01:26:06Z")
James McDivitt was 93. He flew with Ed White on Gemini 4, and with David Scott and Rusty Schweickart (both still living) on Apollo 9. “Apollo 9 was his last trip to space. Despite his instrumental role in propelling NAS… --- ## [MLB - Dropped 3rd strike](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-dropped-3rd-strike/973464)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2022, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-dropped-3rd-strike/973464 "2022-10-19T00:23:12Z")
In Tuesday night’s Yankees-Cleveland game, the Cleveland catcher dropped a 3rd strike, but the batter didn’t realize it, and headed to the dugout without the catcher making any play on him. The announcer mentioned that h… --- ## [Drone Jammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drone-jammer/973399)
**Author:** [@Ssounder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ssounder)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drone-jammer/973399 "2022-10-18T22:03:02Z")
Continuing the discussion from Russia invades Ukraine {2022-02-24}: --- ## [Blast from the Past - Home Decor, 70s edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blast-from-the-past-home-decor-70s-edition/973391)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blast-from-the-past-home-decor-70s-edition/973391 "2022-10-18T21:34:16Z")
So over on Buzzfeed, someone’s idea of ‘boho’ decor is a blast from the 60s and 70s. Macrame hangings, plant holders and the ilk. Wall art - those groupings of items \[like a set of mirror moons, or framed canvas wall a… --- ## [Taste and smell wiped out. Ugh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taste-and-smell-wiped-out-ugh/967420)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taste-and-smell-wiped-out-ugh/967420 "2022-10-18T20:29:17Z")
I finally caught this thing last week after what, 2 years? Vaxxed and boosted. I’ve travelled a fair amount for work over this period so it was bound to get to me eventually. My case has been pretty mild, stuffy nose,… --- ## [Why did a “check emissions system” sign go on? (Scenario in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-a-check-emissions-system-sign-go-on-scenario-in-op/973295)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-a-check-emissions-system-sign-go-on-scenario-in-op/973295 "2022-10-18T20:09:33Z")
A few weeks ago, I drove my car into Manhattan for a concert. I parked in a typical multi-floored parking garage that requires a car elevator in order to maximize the space available. All the cars are valeted by the at… --- ## [How do Covid vaccines work with a child who is about to turn 12?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-covid-vaccines-work-with-a-child-who-is-about-to-turn-12/973400)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-covid-vaccines-work-with-a-child-who-is-about-to-turn-12/973400 "2022-10-18T19:36:32Z")
I will discuss with our pharmacist or doctor and am not relying on the Straight Dope to be my medical advisory team. I am curious, however, how this situation would work. My son is about to turn 12. He has had three Cov… --- ## [Is there a sport/game in which an average person could win at least 1 out of a 100 against a top 10 player?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-sport-game-in-which-an-average-person-could-win-at-least-1-out-of-a-100-against-a-top-10-player/973103)
**Author:** [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-sport-game-in-which-an-average-person-could-win-at-least-1-out-of-a-100-against-a-top-10-player/973103 "2022-10-18T18:47:50Z")
Is there a sport or a game out there in which an average person with a weeks worth of training could beat a world top ten player in that sport or game at least once out of 100 times? For example, would I as an average p… --- ## [L.A. City Council mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-city-council-mess/973125)
**Author:** [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/l-a-city-council-mess/973125 "2022-10-18T18:47:19Z")
Splitting off from when this incident was mistakenly put in a pit thread about Republicans: and Basically, leaders of LA City Council caught on tape disparaging African-American voters, members, and member’s child. … --- ## [Page inaccessible via notifications menu](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/page-inaccessible-via-notifications-menu/973454)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/page-inaccessible-via-notifications-menu/973454 "2022-10-18T18:17:44Z")
I’ve found a consistent error in the site. I can access this page “Why are Italian-American names so badly mispronounced, even by their owners? - #170 by Dr.Drake”, by directly going to the url. But if I try to access t… --- ## [Job interview today - wish me luck!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-interview-today-wish-me-luck/972763)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-interview-today-wish-me-luck/972763 "2022-10-18T18:17:12Z")
I’ve been working for my current employer for ~10 years, but recently have decided to explore some other options; both for some increased job satisfaction and opportunity for increased compensation. I applied for a job … --- ## [Why are Italian-American names so badly mispronounced, even by their owners?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-italian-american-names-so-badly-mispronounced-even-by-their-owners/295660)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-italian-american-names-so-badly-mispronounced-even-by-their-owners/295660 "2022-10-18T18:12:03Z")
It seems to me this actually happens more with Italian names than with others. Granted, we Americans tend to have a hard time with foreign names, but with all the experience of Italian immigration in the early XX centu… --- ## [What's the deal with Trump and Windmills?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-trump-and-windmills/973398)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-trump-and-windmills/973398 "2022-10-18T18:04:43Z")
According to this tweet… “Whoever does public relations work for this garbage has done an incredible job,” Trump says, after a long rant about wind turbines getting a “puff piece” on 60 Minutes. There are few constants … --- ## [Static Electric Spark from Cup of Soda?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/static-electric-spark-from-cup-of-soda/720281)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/static-electric-spark-from-cup-of-soda/720281 "2022-10-18T17:58:09Z")
It seems to me to happen all the time: I’ll buy a soda at a fast food place, where the cup is made of plastic. I’ll fill it with soda at a fountain. I’ll start to sip…and get a tiny little zap on my lip. Is this just… --- ## [McDonald's introduces strawless lids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcdonalds-introduces-strawless-lids/972150)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcdonalds-introduces-strawless-lids/972150 "2022-10-18T17:30:31Z")
Basically like the coffee lids with an added bump to latch your lip on. They may replace straws but I don’t think they will replace the straw experience. --- ## [Judy Tenuta has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judy-tenuta-has-died/972857)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judy-tenuta-has-died/972857 "2022-10-18T17:01:18Z")
She was only 65. In case you’ve forgotten her: --- ## [What is the name of this movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-this-movie/973424)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-this-movie/973424 "2022-10-18T16:06:21Z")
American movie, horror or psychological drama, from the 90s. Two little girls raised by a schizophrenic (or “just” bipolar?) mother in some backwater town, the older girl hallucinates about angels and demons, and there i… --- ## [Scam or possibly real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-or-possibly-real/973384)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-or-possibly-real/973384 "2022-10-18T16:05:08Z")
I know, I know… if you have to ask. But I thought I’d run it past you guys. It does seem like if it was real they would mention what it’s about? Got this today: --- ## [Insular Cases (US citizenship for American Samoans)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insular-cases-us-citizenship-for-american-samoans/973406)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insular-cases-us-citizenship-for-american-samoans/973406 "2022-10-18T15:57:40Z")
I am hearing for the first time about the Insular Cases, 100 year old legal statutes about the citizenship status of people born in the US territories. Apparently, the rules varied from one territory to another, but as i… --- ## [Lowell returns to merit based admissions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lowell-returns-to-merit-based-admissions/973434)
**Author:** [@damuriajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/damuriajashi)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lowell-returns-to-merit-based-admissions/973434 "2022-10-18T15:57:39Z")
Previously posted in an incorrect forum tldr. Lowell (a San Francisco based magnet school) changed its admissions to a lottery system during the pandemic and then kept the admissions system in place to promote divers… --- ## [Lowell returns to merit based admissions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lowell-returns-to-merit-based-admissions/973431)
**Author:** [@damuriajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/damuriajashi)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lowell-returns-to-merit-based-admissions/973431 "2022-10-18T14:59:45Z")
--- ## [Non-US, English-Speaking Dopers: Do You Grind Your Cannabis Or Mince It?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-us-english-speaking-dopers-do-you-grind-your-cannabis-or-mince-it/973337)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2022, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-us-english-speaking-dopers-do-you-grind-your-cannabis-or-mince-it/973337 "2022-10-18T14:57:05Z")
I’ve come to learn, through watching some British, Australian, and NZ YouTube content that the American term “ground beef” confuses you people (you say “minced beef” or, in NZ, just “mince”). Seems like grinding is done … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=990&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=992&state=watching)