# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=35 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 36 --- ## [Dan Simmons has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dan-simmons-has-died/1028140)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2026, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dan-simmons-has-died/1028140 "2026-03-04T16:16:41Z")
The Hyperion Cantos is still one of my favorite book series. Too bad he turned into such a nutjob douchebag in later years. --- ## [When (and why) did home HVAC change the way return air is handled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-did-home-hvac-change-the-way-return-air-is-handled/1032305)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2026, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-did-home-hvac-change-the-way-return-air-is-handled/1032305 "2026-08-24T01:48:28Z")
My parent’s 2-story w/basement house (furnace in the basement) (built in 1942) has a supply and a return duct in every room, which makes the ducting massively complicated. My split-level house in Arizona (built in 1970) … --- ## [How does food poisoning work? How does your body "know" so quickly something is wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-food-poisoning-work-how-does-your-body-know-so-quickly-something-is-wrong/1026543)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2026, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-food-poisoning-work-how-does-your-body-know-so-quickly-something-is-wrong/1026543 "2026-01-11T23:21:07Z")
I was on a trip a week ago and got food poisoning. At least, it sure seemed like it (first time for me for food poisoning). I ate something and 3-4 hours later I was hugging a toilet and that continued for several hour… --- ## [Smokers: How did you find your favorite brand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smokers-how-did-you-find-your-favorite-brand/1030439)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2026, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smokers-how-did-you-find-your-favorite-brand/1030439 "2026-06-01T11:17:26Z")
As someone who’s never smoked and never wants to pick up the habit, I’m nevertheless fascinated by the amount of different brands of cigarettes, and the loyalty that people seem to have to their particular type. So, I’d… --- ## [Who are some famous people from your state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-some-famous-people-from-your-state/1028651)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-some-famous-people-from-your-state/1028651 "2026-03-29T00:14:25Z")
Every year Mrs. H’s friend, a third grade teacher, has the kids research a famous Missourian, and every year the same handful of names comes up: Walt Disney, Omar Bradley, Edwin Hubble, etc. I, however, was born and rai… --- ## [Do you prefer Chain link or wood privacy fences?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-prefer-chain-link-or-wood-privacy-fences/1033714)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-prefer-chain-link-or-wood-privacy-fences/1033714 "2026-10-15T20:09:26Z")
Simple question. Chain link or privacy fences? I have always lived in homes with chain link. I like being able to have a (almost) unobstructed view. Chain link lasts for decades. My family bought a newer home with a w… --- ## [More month than money? (monthly expenses; budgeting; easy expenses tracking?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-month-than-money-monthly-expenses-budgeting-easy-expenses-tracking/1028468)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-month-than-money-monthly-expenses-budgeting-easy-expenses-tracking/1028468 "2026-07-08T18:43:48Z")
Do you use an expense tracking app? Or, how do you keep track of your expenses? Do you even keep track? My wife and I are retired and we’re doing okay financially. But we like to track our expenses. We’ve tried differen… --- ## [Should I write an online review in this situation? (details inside)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-write-an-online-review-in-this-situation-details-inside/1031368)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-write-an-online-review-in-this-situation-details-inside/1031368 "2026-07-08T14:27:46Z")
Over the past six years, I have used a local design-build firm to remodel my house. They did my kitchen, guest bath and laundry room. They also have done other work for me like exterior painting and a deck rebuild. When… --- ## [Equivalents in other languages of "Eagle-Eyed" (someone with sharp vision)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equivalents-in-other-languages-of-eagle-eyed-someone-with-sharp-vision/1028964)
**Author:** [@LAphofol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LAphofol)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2026, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equivalents-in-other-languages-of-eagle-eyed-someone-with-sharp-vision/1028964 "2026-04-10T03:37:33Z")
Hi everyone, I’m new to this forum, which I discovered while wandering around the Internet looking for equivalents of French idioms. I actually came across this thread, which helped me find equivalents in many other la… --- ## [July 4, 1776 is a weird date to assign as "America's Birthday"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-4-1776-is-a-weird-date-to-assign-as-americas-birthday/1030461)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2026, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-4-1776-is-a-weird-date-to-assign-as-americas-birthday/1030461 "2026-05-30T15:29:59Z")
I know we’re about 249 years too late, but with all of the hullaballoo concerning the 250th anniversary of … something … later this summer, I’m reminded of what a horrible choice of dates July 4 1776 is. For one, nothin… --- ## [Is humanity now going through a genetic diversity bottleneck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-humanity-now-going-through-a-genetic-diversity-bottleneck/1026288)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-humanity-now-going-through-a-genetic-diversity-bottleneck/1026288 "2026-01-21T15:01:14Z")
Through the 20th century with both the great expansion of the total number of living humans and far greater opportunities for populations to mix, it would have looked like genetic diversity had never been wider. But in t… --- ## [Legal authority of US government in post-WW2 Japan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-authority-of-us-government-in-post-ww2-japan/1029514)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2026, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-authority-of-us-government-in-post-ww2-japan/1029514 "2026-04-27T10:40:42Z")
Unless I’m mistaken on one or more facts, after the unconditional surrender of Japan in August 1945, and the subsequent deposing and execution for war crimes of Japan’s top leaders, Japan more or less did not possess an … --- ## [Movie actor with over 100 credits in serious films, who is most famous for two of the all time great comedy movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-actor-with-over-100-credits-in-serious-films-who-is-most-famous-for-two-of-the-all-time-great-comedy-movies/1033277)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-actor-with-over-100-credits-in-serious-films-who-is-most-famous-for-two-of-the-all-time-great-comedy-movies/1033277 "2026-09-23T20:02:30Z")
Take a guess, let us know how many of the hints you needed. Please put your answer in a spoiler if the hints unspoiled. Feel free to talk about him if you can avoid his name for the first 10 posts. After 10, no issue. … --- ## [Jeopardy! Season 43 (started September 14, 2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeopardy-season-43-started-september-14-2026/1033216)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeopardy-season-43-started-september-14-2026/1033216 "2026-11-07T03:24:10Z")
This is the thread to discuss season 43 of Jeopardy! Brian --- ## [Brakes or Gearbox?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brakes-or-gearbox/1030921)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brakes-or-gearbox/1030921 "2026-06-22T10:24:13Z")
When I learned to drive, some 60+ years ago, I was taught to use gears to help with braking. Brakes back then were not that great, so changing down to slow down was considered good practice. Some twenty years later, whe… --- ## [Any Old School AOL'ers Still Around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-old-school-aolers-still-around/1025306)
**Author:** [@slkaopi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slkaopi)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2025, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-old-school-aolers-still-around/1025306 "2025-12-11T01:08:46Z")
Something made me think about the old message boards today and I couldn’t help but wonder if any of my old friends were still around? I signed back up using my OG screen name. The only ones I can remember off the top o… --- ## [Anyone follow a non Gregorian calendar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-follow-a-non-gregorian-calendar/1026247)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2026, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-follow-a-non-gregorian-calendar/1026247 "2026-01-22T13:26:46Z")
Random NYE (or New Years Day) musing on the ubiquity of the Gregorian calendar. Does anyone actually follow a non Gregorian calendar? As in not just know what Gregorian date a particular festival or holy month falls on, … --- ## [Using AI in 2026 - specific funny experiences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-ai-in-2026-specific-funny-experiences/1031158)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2026, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-ai-in-2026-specific-funny-experiences/1031158 "2026-10-12T08:54:58Z")
Figuring AI is part of the future, I have been mucking about with Claude. This has increased my concern for AI as well as appreciate it as a helpful tool. The weaknesses are obvious. Every answer is delivered with con… --- ## [NFL Week 12](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-12/1024956)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2025, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-12/1024956 "2025-11-26T01:44:07Z")
There were two huge wins last Sunday: The Rams edged the Seahawks to take the NFC West lead, and the Broncos took firm control of the AFC West with their 8th straight win, a victory over the Chiefs. KC is 5-5 and in seri… --- ## [What can stop the GOP from filling Supreme Court vacancies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-stop-the-gop-from-filling-supreme-court-vacancies/1029216)
**Author:** [@hideousidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hideousidiot)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2026, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-stop-the-gop-from-filling-supreme-court-vacancies/1029216 "2026-04-17T18:13:45Z")
Here’s a scenario, far from improbable: Dems flip the Senate in the fall of 2026, and Alito and Thomas immediately announce their retirements. The GOP majority, in office from Election Day through the New Year, rushes t… --- ## [How to protect my 401k and 403b from the upcoming bear-market crash under Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-protect-my-401k-and-403b-from-the-upcoming-bear-market-crash-under-trump/1030793)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-protect-my-401k-and-403b-from-the-upcoming-bear-market-crash-under-trump/1030793 "2026-06-12T21:51:07Z")
I have about $120,000 in a Fidelity 401k and $3,000 in an Empower 403b (the 403b was begun only just a few months ago.) I fully expect that Trump is going to lead the nation into a big economic slump sooner or later. Is… --- ## [Hypothetical: what does President Vance do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-what-does-president-vance-do/1024989)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2025, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-what-does-president-vance-do/1024989 "2025-11-20T23:57:26Z")
Let’s pretend that Trump doesn’t finish his term due to health reasons, impeachment, or whatever fantasy you want to entertain. Vance is now the President. What do you think his agenda will be? Right now, he just echoes… --- ## [The movie Send Help is a must watch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-movie-send-help-is-a-must-watch/1030101)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-movie-send-help-is-a-must-watch/1030101 "2026-05-17T15:47:08Z")
Just finished the movie Send Help. I’m still thinking about it. Hulu. I’ll try not to ruin the plot. A woman and her asshole boss are stranded on an island. The woman knows how to survive, the boss is clueless. They ha… --- ## [What is a nothing Burger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-nothing-burger/1027933)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2026, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-nothing-burger/1027933 "2026-03-04T01:07:42Z")
I asked this on my Facebook account, but I did not feel satisfied with the answers given considering what I have seen and read here. On facebook, I asked about how it’s connected to Donald Trump. How and why and what th… --- ## [The incompatibility of invisibility with vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-incompatibility-of-invisibility-with-vision/1026802)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-incompatibility-of-invisibility-with-vision/1026802 "2026-01-20T19:34:34Z")
I think there have been several fictional works that directly addressed the issue that if a person were rendered invisible, they would be unable to see, because vision requires light to be focused by their eyes’ lens and… --- ## [Time Person of the Year 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-person-of-the-year-2025/1025386)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-person-of-the-year-2025/1025386 "2025-12-12T19:22:55Z")
I knew I forgot to do something this year, what with my move from San Francisco to Las Vegas…it’s time for my annual Time Person of the Year thread. I was about to claim that “nobody really stood out” - then I did a lit… --- ## [End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-birthright-citizenship-for-territories-act/1032012)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-birthright-citizenship-for-territories-act/1032012 "2026-08-01T20:15:35Z")
Representative Morgan Griffith, a Virginia Republican, has introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act. It would would amend federal laws that grant U.S. citizenship at birth to people born in Puerto Ri… --- ## [Red-eyed robots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-eyed-robots/1034246)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2026, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-eyed-robots/1034246 "2026-11-05T12:55:56Z")
Where did this this thing in books, movies and television where having robots having red eyes means that they are evil or are turning evil come from? Secondary question: What idiotic engineer keeps giving them red eyes… --- ## [The solution for the "Liberals fall in love, conservatives fall in line" problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-solution-for-the-liberals-fall-in-love-conservatives-fall-in-line-problem/1033087)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-solution-for-the-liberals-fall-in-love-conservatives-fall-in-line-problem/1033087 "2026-09-17T16:26:32Z")
Quite possibly the single biggest factor that lost the 2016 and 2024 elections for the Democrats (and also came within a whisker of losing 2020 as well) was the “Democrats fall in love, Republicans fall in line” phenomen… --- ## [How can psoriasis medication cause suicidal thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-psoriasis-medication-cause-suicidal-thoughts/1033039)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-psoriasis-medication-cause-suicidal-thoughts/1033039 "2026-09-19T06:46:29Z")
One of the side-effect warnings one sees in TV ads for prescription psoriasis medication is “May cause suicidal thoughts.” This boggles my mind. The larger question is really: how can any external agent generate though… --- ## [Your Favorite Singer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-singer/1027063)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-singer/1027063 "2026-01-28T04:06:34Z")
Who’s your favorite singer? I’m defining “favorite” as the person whose voice and phrasing most reliably provides you with pleasure. My own favorite is Willie Nelson. I’m not a huge fan, but — more than anyone else — he… --- ## [The Taj Mahal (some questions)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-taj-mahal-some-questions/1025922)
**Author:** [@saucywench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saucywench)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2025, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-taj-mahal-some-questions/1025922 "2025-12-28T00:54:13Z")
I happened to be flipping around and caught the last hour, or so, of The Bucket List movie. In one scene Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson are walking in front of the Taj Mahal. As they walk around, the hills and landsca… --- ## [Do we know where the term “white” as synonym for “Caucasian” originated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-know-where-the-term-white-as-synonym-for-caucasian-originated/1031469)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-know-where-the-term-white-as-synonym-for-caucasian-originated/1031469 "2026-07-09T11:38:00Z")
A Twitter post claims that the phrase “white people” to refer to Caucasians generally is a relatively modern American invention. It feels at least sensible to me, but do we know either way? --- ## [Looking for an internet clock for seniors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-internet-clock-for-seniors/1026220)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-internet-clock-for-seniors/1026220 "2026-01-24T04:36:24Z")
Amazon and Google search has not helped me, or perhaps I’m using the wrong search terms. Here’s the situation…I have some good friends and neighbors, a couple in their 90’s. They often have medical or other appointment… --- ## [November 22, 1963 - John F Kennedy assassinated in Dallas, Texas - 62 years ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/november-22-1963-john-f-kennedy-assassinated-in-dallas-texas-62-years-ago/1025054)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/november-22-1963-john-f-kennedy-assassinated-in-dallas-texas-62-years-ago/1025054 "2025-11-25T11:20:21Z")
It’s that anniversary again. Where were you? Were you born yet? Were your parents born yet? I was a sophomore in geometry class at Madonna High School (not there any more) in Niagara Falls, New York. I’m not there any m… --- ## [88 Seconds in Greensboro](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/88-seconds-in-greensboro/1026933)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/88-seconds-in-greensboro/1026933 "2026-01-24T17:42:29Z")
Not sure this is the right place for this. I met a young man this week. He is a student at UNCG (University of North Carolina at Greensboro) a middling sort of university. He also grew up in Greensboro and his parents a… --- ## [BMalion has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bmalion-has-died/1030815)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2026, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bmalion-has-died/1030815 "2026-06-12T22:39:55Z")
I’m very sorry to report that my friend Brian, a longtime Doper, died at 10:10pm EST yesterday in a nursing home just west of Cleveland, Ohio. His MS hit him hard in recent years, and he had various health problems whic… --- ## [Does anyone understand DoorDash and other companies DoubleDash Strategy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-understand-doordash-and-other-companies-doubledash-strategy/1027345)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2026, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-understand-doordash-and-other-companies-doubledash-strategy/1027345 "2026-02-06T17:07:45Z")
I’ve tried to ignore this issue for as long as possible. I use DoorDash. It’s the most most popular delivery/shopper Service in my small Town. Today, I was out of Refresh Optive Eyedrops. I used Doordash to order from … --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - September 2026 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-september-2026-edition/1032704)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-september-2026-edition/1032704 "2026-10-01T01:13:26Z")
As August winds down, there is only ONE question on the mind of all North Americans: “Can we just cool down already?!” And if everything would stop burning that would be great too!!! Inerestingly, this has been the worst… --- ## [ACA goes away, health insurance company has nothing to say?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-goes-away-health-insurance-company-has-nothing-to-say/1025649)
**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-goes-away-health-insurance-company-has-nothing-to-say/1025649 "2025-12-13T21:52:33Z")
I’m surprised insurance companies don’t seem to be trying to get ahead of what will certainly be backlash directed at them. I get that the situation may still be considered too fluid for them to comment on. OTOH the ACA… --- ## [I have a papercut on my eye and it hurts like hell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-papercut-on-my-eye-and-it-hurts-like-hell/1029002)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2026, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-papercut-on-my-eye-and-it-hurts-like-hell/1029002 "2026-04-05T04:45:39Z")
I already called my ophthalmologist, and spoke with a nurse (or possibly a doctor) who asked a bunch of questions and said to just keep my fingers out of the eye and let it heal, and only come in if it turns red or my vi… --- ## [Niche topic: has anyone tried the new oddball (but delicious-sounding) Oreos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/niche-topic-has-anyone-tried-the-new-oddball-but-delicious-sounding-oreos/1032529)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2026, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/niche-topic-has-anyone-tried-the-new-oddball-but-delicious-sounding-oreos/1032529 "2026-08-28T03:54:29Z")
I saw these in an ad sidebar someplace and checked Google. Summary from Gemini: New Limited-Time Flavors Banana Pudding: Features sweet banana and vanilla pudding creme between two vanilla wafer cookies. Deep Fried: … --- ## [Fallout New Vegas Mods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-new-vegas-mods/1027278)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-new-vegas-mods/1027278 "2026-03-10T01:45:20Z")
I started writing this in the Fallout 4 modding thread but then I figured I’d better not hijack it. I’ve been watching the Fallout show with my wife, and answering various background questions has gotten me thinking abo… --- ## [What if Shakespeare were discovered today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-shakespeare-were-discovered-today/1028473)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2026, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-shakespeare-were-discovered-today/1028473 "2026-03-22T20:19:43Z")
Suppose there were an alternate history Earth, very much like ours, but with one difference. In this world, Shakespeare decided to pursue a career as a merchant, instead of a poet. Many phrases that Shakespeare invente… --- ## [Name that medication](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-that-medication/1026715)
**Author:** [@Bishop5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bishop5)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-that-medication/1026715 "2026-01-20T14:07:19Z")
How do they come up with names for new medications? Most of them look like someone grabbed a random handful of letter tiles. --- ## [January 1, 2026 is Public Domain day for 1930](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/january-1-2026-is-public-domain-day-for-1930/1026101)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2026, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/january-1-2026-is-public-domain-day-for-1930/1026101 "2026-01-01T22:42:16Z")
Last year I started a thread: January 1, 2025 is Public Domain day for 1929. Time to update. Copyright law today puts anything that is over 95 years old into public domain. For ease of handling, all of 1929 1930 goes in… --- ## [Our house - Should we stay or should we go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-house-should-we-stay-or-should-we-go/1026973)
**Author:** [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-house-should-we-stay-or-should-we-go/1026973 "2026-01-26T20:58:45Z")
We live in what is, in some ways, my dream house. It’s a 2 story brick house built in 1874. In other words, it’s 152 years old, about a 100 years older than I will be in June. It’s beautiful with a ‘grand staircase’, … --- ## [Does the Lincoln Tunnel really carry 1850 buses into NY in four hours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-lincoln-tunnel-really-carry-1850-buses-into-ny-in-four-hours/1031863)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2026, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-lincoln-tunnel-really-carry-1850-buses-into-ny-in-four-hours/1031863 "2026-08-05T22:26:59Z")
That’s what its Wikipedia article says: 1850 buses, 70000 passengers between 6 and 10 AM, which is a bus every eight seconds. Can that be right? --- ## [Taylor Gosnell, another mother who tried to murder her children](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taylor-gosnell-another-mother-who-tried-to-murder-her-children/1033448)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taylor-gosnell-another-mother-who-tried-to-murder-her-children/1033448 "2026-10-02T17:32:52Z")
In this new (near me) case, it is a three-year-old and a six-year-old, which she stabbed but both survived. One may need an arm amputation. https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/spartanburg-county-mother-accused-of-attac… --- ## [Tell me your hypocrisies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-hypocrisies/1034075)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-hypocrisies/1034075 "2026-11-07T23:55:26Z")
Tell me, dear Dopers, how are you secretly a traitor to your own causes? What deeply held convictions do you profess, yet fail to live up to? Which “do as I say, not as I do”-isms are you most guilty of? How ashamed of … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=34&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=36&per_page=50)