# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=25 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 26 --- ## [Purposeful Social Infiltration in Different Circles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/purposeful-social-infiltration-in-different-circles/1028275)
**Author:** [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2026, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/purposeful-social-infiltration-in-different-circles/1028275 "2026-05-26T23:36:51Z")
I socialize with groups I don’t identify. The dissonance sure could be too much sometimes. The fun group I attend is a general 12 Step meeting next door to my place. No one suspects I’m a dry and I think I’m a little bad… --- ## [Movies where characters learn a foreign language all too quickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-where-characters-learn-a-foreign-language-all-too-quickly/1031107)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2026, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-where-characters-learn-a-foreign-language-all-too-quickly/1031107 "2026-07-20T13:38:31Z")
I just recently watched Robinson Crusoe (1997 Pierce Brosnan) and thought, how awfully quickly Friday learned English. He even learned the word “spirit”. Another example, in my dive into old movies, Enemy Mine (1985) c… --- ## [Every human invention from this point on will only be an improvement or innovation of an existing product](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-human-invention-from-this-point-on-will-only-be-an-improvement-or-innovation-of-an-existing-product/1029783)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2026, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-human-invention-from-this-point-on-will-only-be-an-improvement-or-innovation-of-an-existing-product/1029783 "2026-05-24T17:50:35Z")
It’s looking doubtful at this point that there will ever be another true groundbreaking big new invention of the scale of the airplane, submarine, nuclear reactor, printing press, automobile, telephone, engine, radio, co… --- ## ["Something went wrong, try again later"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-went-wrong-try-again-later/1030238)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-went-wrong-try-again-later/1030238 "2026-05-23T09:40:09Z")
This is a rant about the trend in user interface design to make error messages vague to the point of being unusable. I decided last week that I felt like going to Sonic to eat. If your immediate reaction to that is “wel… --- ## [Perhaps not all publicity is good publicity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perhaps-not-all-publicity-is-good-publicity/1024914)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2025, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perhaps-not-all-publicity-is-good-publicity/1024914 "2025-12-01T15:41:59Z")
So much of the local paper is not worth reading these days. Until I ran across THIS little nugget: So many questions. What kind of dog? Did they actually post the recording or share it with someone? Was there enou… --- ## [Has anyone spoken with the Trump lovers in their life since the election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-spoken-with-the-trump-lovers-in-their-life-since-the-election/1034528)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2026, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-spoken-with-the-trump-lovers-in-their-life-since-the-election/1034528 "2026-11-08T21:13:05Z")
There are not too many Republicans (that I know of) in my life. One is my brother, who doesn’t like or support Trump, but voted for him in 2024 (“Trump is an ass, but Biden’s mind has slipped away”) and has apparently be… --- ## [Fixed wing vs rotary wing - Pilot’s position](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixed-wing-vs-rotary-wing-pilot-s-position/1027186)
**Author:** [@Lord\_Mondegreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Mondegreen)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2026, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixed-wing-vs-rotary-wing-pilot-s-position/1027186 "2026-04-27T15:14:40Z")
I have only ever flown fixed wing aircraft. They are generally flown from the left hand seat. I have noticed that helicopters are generally flown from the right hand seat. Does anyone know the historical reason for thi… --- ## [Was Ilhan Omar going to punch her attacker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-ilhan-omar-going-to-punch-her-attacker/1027120)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-ilhan-omar-going-to-punch-her-attacker/1027120 "2026-01-29T20:46:57Z")
Ilhan Omar was attacked by some nut at a town hall last night (and showed remarkable composure). Gift link: --- ## [I wake up every morning and](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wake-up-every-morning-and/1030798)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2026, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wake-up-every-morning-and/1030798 "2026-07-16T17:54:48Z")
First thing is checking the time on the clock in the kitchen, and if it is earlier than 4am, I head to the bathroom for a wee, and then back to bed. BUT, if it is later than 4am, I also wee, but then bung the kettle on,… --- ## [How would the card-game con in The Sting work in real life? (Open spoilers for 50-year-old movie)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-card-game-con-in-the-sting-work-in-real-life-open-spoilers-for-50-year-old-movie/1028937)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2026, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-card-game-con-in-the-sting-work-in-real-life-open-spoilers-for-50-year-old-movie/1028937 "2026-04-19T21:45:08Z")
In The Sting, Gondorff plays poker against Lonnegan. Lonnegan uses a pre-stacked deck to deal himself four nines. Lonnegan is dealt a Full House, which he knows will lose, and then bim bam boom, he has four Jacks and tak… --- ## [Liquor store boxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquor-store-boxes/1030121)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquor-store-boxes/1030121 "2026-05-22T14:59:02Z")
I’m clearing stuff out of my basement and back room and putting things into storage. As part of this project, I’m using a lot of boxes. My usual practice in the past when I needed boxes was to visit local liquor stores … --- ## [So how do fire departments work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-fire-departments-work/1029711)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-fire-departments-work/1029711 "2026-05-06T15:04:11Z")
I’ve never been a firefighter. I have no idea how it works. Take a volunteer fire department in a small town. Is there always at least one person on duty? Or are there times when the station is empty? There’s a fire in… --- ## [Neighborly situation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighborly-situation/1031899)
**Author:** [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2026, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighborly-situation/1031899 "2026-08-04T10:59:46Z")
My neighbor loves mowing the yard so he voluntarily mows about 5-6 lawns in our neighborhood including mine. They’ve even gotten him a riding mower even though we live in little postage stamp sized lots. This is his thir… --- ## [What common thing did you invent or conceive of before it was known or commercialized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-common-thing-did-you-invent-or-conceive-of-before-it-was-known-or-commercialized/1029911)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-common-thing-did-you-invent-or-conceive-of-before-it-was-known-or-commercialized/1029911 "2026-05-13T18:55:12Z")
In other words, are/were there commonly used things that you had conceived of long before they appeared in common use? For example, in my case, in the mid 1970s when I was doing yardwork, I started putting a portable ca… --- ## [Non-political discussion thread about Trump logic and what happens inside Trump's brain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-political-discussion-thread-about-trump-logic-and-what-happens-inside-trumps-brain/1029340)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2026, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-political-discussion-thread-about-trump-logic-and-what-happens-inside-trumps-brain/1029340 "2026-04-27T19:29:55Z")
Wanted to have a non-political discussion about Trump. If we set politics aside, a lot of Trump’s thought processes are fascinating to delve into, albeit very embarrassing and peculiar. To cite one example: When Trump … --- ## [Why couldn't the nuns go to Maria's wedding? (Sound of Music)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-couldnt-the-nuns-go-to-marias-wedding-sound-of-music/1025946)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2026, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-couldnt-the-nuns-go-to-marias-wedding-sound-of-music/1025946 "2026-01-05T05:26:37Z")
Watching The Sound of Music for the umpteenth time triggered this questions (which is not about the movie, per se: ) Maria walks to the cathedral with all her nun friends, into an alcove behind a fence She then goes t… --- ## [Woohoo, I just won $300,000 and a new Tesla](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woohoo-i-just-won-300-000-and-a-new-tesla/1026421)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2026, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woohoo-i-just-won-300-000-and-a-new-tesla/1026421 "2026-01-08T16:11:58Z")
I know it’s true, because Elon texted me personally. Eat my dust suckers! Ha ha Sadly, I read up on this and lots of people have gotten taken by this scam. Unbelievable and these vermin (the scammers) deserve to rot in … --- ## [What is Your Favorite Thing About Living in America (USA)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-thing-about-living-in-america-usa/1026764)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-thing-about-living-in-america-usa/1026764 "2026-02-01T02:29:14Z")
What is your favorite thing about living in the United States? For me, it is that it is acceptable to start up a conversation with a random stranger about any mundane topic. Whether you are standing in line in the stor… --- ## [What a turkey: November mini-rants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-a-turkey-november-mini-rants/1034334)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-a-turkey-november-mini-rants/1034334 "2026-11-09T02:04:42Z")
Starting because I had a rant I just discovered, but no thread to put it in. A church friend of my uncle has been coming over to clean for me every three months for a couple of years now. I paid her in cash today as usu… --- ## ['Get smart!' \[Jewish phrase\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-smart-jewish-phrase/1030961)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2026, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-smart-jewish-phrase/1030961 "2026-07-18T13:25:44Z")
I understand that if someone tells someone to ‘get smart’ (Jewish phrase), he’s saying, ‘You’re being an idiot. Look at the situation like you’re n intelligent person.’ (More or less.) I’m not Jewish, but I get the jo… --- ## [Is Russia indefensible except by preemptive aggression?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-russia-indefensible-except-by-preemptive-aggression/1033662)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2026, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-russia-indefensible-except-by-preemptive-aggression/1033662 "2026-10-27T20:13:01Z")
I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube videos, most notably by Sarah Paine, who put forward a “geography is destiny” argument with regards to Russian culture and geopolitical outlook. Paine for example argues that Russia is… --- ## [How active is the Dope these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-active-is-the-dope-these-days/1025768)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2025, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-active-is-the-dope-these-days/1025768 "2025-12-29T13:01:13Z")
Compared to the last few years? It seems like it’s mostly Trump most of the time, and there seems to be less activity outside the Trump threads. Am I imagining things? --- ## [What Powers a TV's video When Streaming direct from a Desktop PC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-powers-a-tvs-video-when-streaming-direct-from-a-desktop-pc/1030007)
**Author:** [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2026, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-powers-a-tvs-video-when-streaming-direct-from-a-desktop-pc/1030007 "2026-05-31T01:22:51Z")
Hi. I’m trying to figure out what TV to buy (probably a 55" 4K QLED) and might have a million questions at some point. But for right now I’d like to know about what happens when I send a signal directly from my desktop P… --- ## [My Weird Commercial crushes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-weird-commercial-crushes/1029439)
**Author:** [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-weird-commercial-crushes/1029439 "2026-04-25T20:22:21Z")
Over the years I have developed weird crushes on actresses in commercials. At one point I was devoted to Flo from Progressive (Stephanie Courtney), which has waned a bit as she has matured, but I am delighted that she s… --- ## [Ontario, California warehouse torched by employee who filmed himself doing it (4/2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ontario-california-warehouse-torched-by-employee-who-filmed-himself-doing-it-4-2026/1029137)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2026, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ontario-california-warehouse-torched-by-employee-who-filmed-himself-doing-it-4-2026/1029137 "2026-04-14T19:29:19Z")
His excuse was that he wasn’t paid enough. A 1-million-square-foot warehouse has been totaled, along with the contents, and thankfully none of the 20 employees were injured, including the arsonist. https://ktla.com/new… --- ## [Discuss & Rate Female ADAs from the Jack McCoy Era of the Original "Law & Order" \[spoilers\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discuss-rate-female-adas-from-the-jack-mccoy-era-of-the-original-law-order-spoilers/1024903)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2026, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discuss-rate-female-adas-from-the-jack-mccoy-era-of-the-original-law-order-spoilers/1024903 "2026-01-10T04:39:01Z")
My Roku TV has one whole channel devoted to the original Law & Order. Yup, 24/7. Around the clock. :face\_with\_spiral\_eyes: It may not include the new re-boot with a white-haired Jack McCoy. I have white hair, but I’m no… --- ## [Driving a rental car to Canada - anything I should beware of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-a-rental-car-to-canada-anything-i-should-beware-of/1030551)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2026, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-a-rental-car-to-canada-anything-i-should-beware-of/1030551 "2026-07-12T02:07:11Z")
My wife and I are taking our grandson on vacation next month. We are flying into Seattle and then planning on renting a car and driving up to Vancouver BC for a few days. I’m assuming this kind of crossing-the-border thi… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - January 2026 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-january-2026-edition/1026156)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-january-2026-edition/1026156 "2026-02-05T17:46:48Z")
Another year has passed, another 100+ books read, discuseed, maybe thrown across the room… I hope everyone who celebrated a holiday in December had a happy holiday, and that the rest of you who didn’t celebrate had some … --- ## [How would I address my niece in Japanese?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-i-address-my-niece-in-japanese/1029483)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2026, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-i-address-my-niece-in-japanese/1029483 "2026-04-30T05:17:55Z")
The Japanese word for “niece” is mei. So let’s say my niece is Suta. Would I address her as Suta-chan (leaving out the mei)? Or Suta-mei? Or Suta-mei-chan? --- ## [Sometimes, things do improve!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-things-do-improve/1030548)
**Author:** [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2026, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-things-do-improve/1030548 "2026-06-05T16:42:33Z")
There’s so much in life these days that’s suffering from Enshitification, that we sometimes miss when things actually get better. I thought of this just now, because I just realized it’s been years since I’ve seen a “Re… --- ## [The Dope on Drones: For Discussions on Combat Drones on all Battlefields and civilian Use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dope-on-drones-for-discussions-on-combat-drones-on-all-battlefields-and-civilian-use/1030330)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dope-on-drones-for-discussions-on-combat-drones-on-all-battlefields-and-civilian-use/1030330 "2026-06-21T23:36:39Z")
Drones have likely become a major game changer in a number of fields. Currently, their major breakthrough has been military, but we’ve had discussions about them for last mile delivery, rescue, searches (both manhunts a… --- ## [Legality of signature on U.S. currency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legality-of-signature-on-u-s-currency/1028835)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2026, 9:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legality-of-signature-on-u-s-currency/1028835 "2026-05-07T09:11:24Z")
Someone in The BBQ Pit or Politics & Elections posted that U.S. currency notes must be signed by the Treasurer and the Secretary of the Treasury, and that if the President replaces the signature of the Treasurer, then th… --- ## [Need air-gapped version of Word/Office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-air-gapped-version-of-word-office/1033351)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-air-gapped-version-of-word-office/1033351 "2026-10-02T04:17:14Z")
Just got the unwelcome notice that the 2019 version of Microsoft Word will no longer allow creating or editing Word docs. I suppose if one went through the entire original licensing agreement it would somewhere say the e… --- ## [In US football, why do we never see the "chains" come out to measure if a first down was made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-us-football-why-do-we-never-see-the-chains-come-out-to-measure-if-a-first-down-was-made/1026584)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-us-football-why-do-we-never-see-the-chains-come-out-to-measure-if-a-first-down-was-made/1026584 "2026-01-13T16:14:15Z")
Title kinda says it all: Growing up I recall seeing the measuring sticks come out from sidelines in US football games to see if a first down was made. It was a pretty common thing to see happen. I realized watching ga… --- ## [Worse run NFL teams in last 10 years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worse-run-nfl-teams-in-last-10-years/1028338)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worse-run-nfl-teams-in-last-10-years/1028338 "2026-03-16T17:46:50Z")
I’m posting this in Game Room so that 1. it won’t be lost in Polls, and 2. because it’s sports related. this iss informal poll intended for discussion. Anyhow, here’s my 10, from worst to least worse (relatively speaking… --- ## [A college for "tradwives"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-college-for-tradwives/1028829)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2026, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-college-for-tradwives/1028829 "2026-03-29T03:26:20Z")
I genuinely wondered if this should go somewhere in P&E or not, but decided against it, since you can want to follow a “traditional” lifestyle and not be politically conservative (in the MAGA sense of the word. It’s unsu… --- ## [How does operating an unprofitable business as a tax write-off work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-operating-an-unprofitable-business-as-a-tax-write-off-work/1026053)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-operating-an-unprofitable-business-as-a-tax-write-off-work/1026053 "2026-01-15T20:42:07Z")
If one operates a business that loses money, you’re entitled to declare the loss against your overall tax liability. What I may be misunderstanding is the practice of deliberately maintaining such a liability– or even go… --- ## [What is filling up my Mac hard drive WHILE I am watching it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-filling-up-my-mac-hard-drive-while-i-am-watching-it/1026595)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-filling-up-my-mac-hard-drive-while-i-am-watching-it/1026595 "2026-01-17T23:15:17Z")
Mac Mini. Running OS Sequoia 15.5 250 Gig HDD I have less than 5 Gig left on it- and I don’t keep ANY large files on it. Everything of size lives on a 1 Tb external drive on the desk. I’ve run BOTH of my anti-virus s… --- ## [What is the science behind our love for cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-science-behind-our-love-for-cats/1032855)
**Author:** [@Xarrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xarrot)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-science-behind-our-love-for-cats/1032855 "2026-09-07T21:35:12Z")
Many people love cats (including me), which makes me wonder why, because they don’t hunt, do service animal stuff, or airport stuff like dogs. --- ## [Estate tax? What threshold is too high?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estate-tax-what-threshold-is-too-high/1034100)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2026, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estate-tax-what-threshold-is-too-high/1034100 "2026-11-03T16:44:59Z")
So in this thread: @DrDeth said: Wealth taxes are foolish- no nation has them (IIRC a couple tried than got rid of them). But yeah, lets bring back the old Estate tax before the GOP meddled with it. The base Estate … --- ## [Again, Our Mods Can Do Their Job](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/again-our-mods-can-do-their-job/1031696)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/again-our-mods-can-do-their-job/1031696 "2026-07-20T18:46:47Z")
… without fucking Disco robot looking over their shoulders and applying its own filters. When someone posts something objectively hilarious, :laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing: is a perfectly legitimate r… --- ## [Is it legal for me to have a tattoo added to my body after I die?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-for-me-to-have-a-tattoo-added-to-my-body-after-i-die/1032247)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-for-me-to-have-a-tattoo-added-to-my-body-after-i-die/1032247 "2026-08-10T23:24:37Z")
Let’s say I want a small tattoo, non-obscene, added to an arm after I die. Would it be legal for this to happen? --- ## [If I put a Fresnel Lens in front of my solar panels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-put-a-fresnel-lens-in-front-of-my-solar-panels/1026984)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2026, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-put-a-fresnel-lens-in-front-of-my-solar-panels/1026984 "2026-02-12T15:30:06Z")
Let’s say that I put a big Fresnel Lens the ideal number of meters away from my solar panels in the ideal position and at the ideal angle (no, I don’t have solar panels IRL). The focused sunlight then lands on my panels. … --- ## [The Black View of the world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-black-view-of-the-world/1026998)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-black-view-of-the-world/1026998 "2026-02-05T19:49:10Z")
Is there a general Black perception of the world? As in how Black people interact with it, as which is described in a general outline? --- ## [Honda vs. Toyota vs. Nissan vs. Mazda -Which are you and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honda-vs-toyota-vs-nissan-vs-mazda-which-are-you-and-why/1031164)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honda-vs-toyota-vs-nissan-vs-mazda-which-are-you-and-why/1031164 "2026-07-01T18:39:17Z")
Continuing the discussion from Ford vs. Chevrolet vs. Dodge - Which are you and why?: @LSLGuy said ISTM that other than families who worked for the big 3, any brand loyalty in the 1960s-1990s was a form of ancestor wo… --- ## [In your city, and your city only, what are the fanciest restaurants? What are your favorite restaurants (fancy or otherwise)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-city-and-your-city-only-what-are-the-fanciest-restaurants-what-are-your-favorite-restaurants-fancy-or-otherwise/1025029)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-city-and-your-city-only-what-are-the-fanciest-restaurants-what-are-your-favorite-restaurants-fancy-or-otherwise/1025029 "2025-11-25T13:20:59Z")
The Michelin Guide does not cover Springfield, Illinois (regretfully). And if it did, there wouldn’t be a star anywhere in the town anyway. Hell, there might be one or two Bib Gourmands. Nevertheless, the town does have … --- ## [Grooming in public - what's acceptable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grooming-in-public-whats-acceptable/1027729)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grooming-in-public-whats-acceptable/1027729 "2026-02-18T00:30:00Z")
I was setting in a meeting at work the other day and our General Manager starts cleaning between his teeth with a piece of paper - a Post-it note to be precise. It seemed a bit gauche to me. My dad used to do this but he… --- ## [Wulfleet! Or: How far back can you read English?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wulfleet-or-how-far-back-can-you-read-english/1027992)
**Author:** [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2026, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wulfleet-or-how-far-back-can-you-read-english/1027992 "2026-03-01T05:15:21Z")
A fairly amazing piece of writing here, which is not only a decent story in itself but is primarily a fantastic illustration of how the English language has changed over the centuries. How far back in time can you under… --- ## [What is this phenomenon that's adjacent to the Streisand Effect but isn't quite the same thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-phenomenon-thats-adjacent-to-the-streisand-effect-but-isnt-quite-the-same-thing/1030291)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2026, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-phenomenon-thats-adjacent-to-the-streisand-effect-but-isnt-quite-the-same-thing/1030291 "2026-06-08T18:16:27Z")
The Streisand Effect, for those who don’t know, is when an attempt to suppres information itself draws more attention to the information than it would have drawn if there was no attempt to suppress it. Long story short: … --- ## [Euthanasia of a minor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/euthanasia-of-a-minor/1033475)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/euthanasia-of-a-minor/1033475 "2026-10-02T18:16:55Z")
I really do not know if this is the right place for this topic. I also do not know how I feel about it, what my position on it is. One-year-old child in Netherlands euthanized. On one side, I do not want someone, espe… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=24&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=26&per_page=50)