# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=42 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 43 --- ## [10 year old cabot cheddar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-year-old-cabot-cheddar/1024678)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2025, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-year-old-cabot-cheddar/1024678 "2025-11-12T22:44:35Z")
I found a block of ten year old Cabot cheddar cheese at the supermarket the other day. I’m impressed at how good it is. It’s sour and a little crumbly and has a nice cheddar punch. It makes my eyes water just a little. N… --- ## [What will happen if GOP steals the 2026 election? What should happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-if-gop-steals-the-2026-election-what-should-happen/1032891)
**Author:** [@Gordon\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gordon_G)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2026, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-if-gop-steals-the-2026-election-what-should-happen/1032891 "2026-10-23T04:24:34Z")
(Perhaps this belongs in P&E. But it’s a topic likely to provoke anger. I know I’m very unhappy about it.) Some pundits say it will take decades for America to recover from Trump even if Ds sweep the 2026 and 2028 ele… --- ## [Did baseball always have a shortstop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-baseball-always-have-a-shortstop/1031966)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-baseball-always-have-a-shortstop/1031966 "2026-08-02T01:09:19Z")
I mean you have this perfectly symmetrical arrangement of fielders and did someone decide, “Hey let’s add one more.” “Where is he going to stand?” “Anywhere he wants to.” Which brings up the next question - is there a … --- ## [Please help me find this short comic strip from ca.1975](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-find-this-short-comic-strip-from-ca-1975/1025765)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2025, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-find-this-short-comic-strip-from-ca-1975/1025765 "2025-12-19T19:19:37Z")
It’s a two-panel Hagar the Horrible in which Hagar says “There are little flecks of gold in my beard. Don’t they make me look distinguished?” His wife replies deadpan “Those are codfish flakes.” I know it was printed … --- ## [Was Hiroshima necessary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-hiroshima-necessary/1031923)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2026, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-hiroshima-necessary/1031923 "2026-07-28T14:20:19Z")
The options were to the USA (and the Allied powers- which didnt know about the Bomb of course)- Invasion- lots of casualties- Depending on the scope and context, casualty estimates for American forces ranged from 220… --- ## [Why aren't the Epstein victims naming names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-the-epstein-victims-naming-names/1026026)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2025, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-the-epstein-victims-naming-names/1026026 "2025-12-25T01:38:18Z")
(Maybe this question belongs elsewhere, I wasn’t sure where to place it) There are dozens of Epstein victims who are very publicly (and bravely and rightfully) calling for the release of all the files. Why are they not … --- ## [In American public schools, if a child doesn't attend, is she shut out from all of its offerings (better explained in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-american-public-schools-if-a-child-doesnt-attend-is-she-shut-out-from-all-of-its-offerings-better-explained-in-op/1024879)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2025, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-american-public-schools-if-a-child-doesnt-attend-is-she-shut-out-from-all-of-its-offerings-better-explained-in-op/1024879 "2025-11-18T23:12:58Z")
Let’s say that Jenny lives comfortably within the boundaries of where the students at Prototypical Public High School (PPHS) gets its students, so there’s no ambiguity about what school she would attend if her parents en… --- ## [Is there a healthy meal delivery service that you like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-healthy-meal-delivery-service-that-you-like/1026170)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2025, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-healthy-meal-delivery-service-that-you-like/1026170 "2025-12-30T22:28:33Z")
I asked this question a few years ago and didn’t get many answers, so I’m trying again. Mods, feel free to move this elsewhere if appropriate. I’ve focused on eating healthier over the past few years, and I prepare my o… --- ## [Unexpectedly positive experiences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpectedly-positive-experiences/1024345)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2025, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpectedly-positive-experiences/1024345 "2025-11-06T21:37:10Z")
We’ve got threads for things that infuriate you and worst designed products and so on, how about one for the reverse: experiences that turned out better than you expected. I’ll start with my internet service. I recently… --- ## [Claude admitted lying to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/claude-admitted-lying-to-me/1032022)
**Author:** [@MuleSkinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MuleSkinner)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2026, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/claude-admitted-lying-to-me/1032022 "2026-08-03T22:42:54Z")
Before someone mentions it, no, I’m not making financial decision based on what AI tells me. Claude outright lied to me and admitted it. Bold part is me. I’m using voice to text to write to Claude so my part isn’t perfe… --- ## [Lawyer caught using AI-hallucinated cites when defending a disciplinary hearing for using AI-hallucinated cites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawyer-caught-using-ai-hallucinated-cites-when-defending-a-disciplinary-hearing-for-using-ai-hallucinated-cites/1024471)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2025, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawyer-caught-using-ai-hallucinated-cites-when-defending-a-disciplinary-hearing-for-using-ai-hallucinated-cites/1024471 "2025-11-04T00:38:49Z")
At a seminar I attended recently on “AI for lawyers” a speaker claimed there was a case in the US where a lawyer got caught filing a brief that contained AI-hallucinated citations - but then in his submission in the resu… --- ## [Navel Oranges are so much better today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navel-oranges-are-so-much-better-today/1031861)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2026, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navel-oranges-are-so-much-better-today/1031861 "2026-07-25T00:42:36Z")
I quit buying oranges for several years. Peeling was such a chore and I disliked the bitter, thick white stuff. I’ve bought Navel Oranges (every week) from Walmart this summer. They peel easily. There’s no need to score… --- ## [Why do Arkansas and Lousiana both have Ouachita counties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-arkansas-and-lousiana-both-have-ouachita-counties/1031395)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-arkansas-and-lousiana-both-have-ouachita-counties/1031395 "2026-07-08T04:54:17Z")
Or parish as the case may be. Beck? --- ## [Pronunciation question: "Gemini"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-question-gemini/1033667)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2026, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-question-gemini/1033667 "2026-10-12T21:15:00Z")
On the flight back from London last weekend, I watched the movie “First Man” with Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong. The movie was about the Gemini and Apollo missions up to and including the moon landing. One thing I could… --- ## [When do you like to get on the road (or otherwise start your travels?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-do-you-like-to-get-on-the-road-or-otherwise-start-your-travels/1025207)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2025, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-do-you-like-to-get-on-the-road-or-otherwise-start-your-travels/1025207 "2025-12-01T03:07:26Z")
My husband and I tend to be early starters when we have the option. Back in the days when we had to drive to Florida to see his parents, we’d be on the road in the dark of the morning, and do the same for the return trip… --- ## [Speed of light=time stands still?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-of-light-time-stands-still/1031271)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-of-light-time-stands-still/1031271 "2026-07-08T12:15:46Z")
In this video, Neil DeGrasse Tyson describes the photon as timeless…experiencing no passage of time as it transverses distance. Why Photons Experience No Time :atom\_symbol: #space #timeexploration #universe #cosmicexplo… --- ## [Does this girl have male dna according to a blood test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-girl-have-male-dna-according-to-a-blood-test/1027437)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2026, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-girl-have-male-dna-according-to-a-blood-test/1027437 "2026-02-08T19:20:45Z")
Short YouTube video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/J1iaCxsaLzs?si=LKV0ybIGXkxLmyaw Summary is she received a liver transplant and because of some details discussed in the video, she has her donors blood. Since her don… --- ## [How high would Watergate rank if it were a Trump scandal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-would-watergate-rank-if-it-were-a-trump-scandal/1024930)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2025, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-would-watergate-rank-if-it-were-a-trump-scandal/1024930 "2025-12-27T19:09:31Z")
Let’s say that something like Watergate happened, exactly down to details, in the Trump presidency - a break-in, a cover-up, etc. Something bad enough to topple Nixon. Out of all the countless Trump misdeeds, where woul… --- ## [Water mains in cities in India?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-mains-in-cities-in-india/1030153)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2026, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-mains-in-cities-in-india/1030153 "2026-05-18T17:07:05Z")
The Big Thirst, by Charles Fishman, copyright 2011: “India’s economy has grown between 5 and 9 percent per year in the last five years, a stunning rate of modernization. And yet, not one of India’s major cities provides… --- ## [Ex-military Dopers, what kind of illegal orders are you confident your peers would have disobeyed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ex-military-dopers-what-kind-of-illegal-orders-are-you-confident-your-peers-would-have-disobeyed/1026865)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2026, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ex-military-dopers-what-kind-of-illegal-orders-are-you-confident-your-peers-would-have-disobeyed/1026865 "2026-01-22T21:29:36Z")
I know we have a sizable number of posters here on the Dope who are ex-Navy, ex-USAF, ex-Army, etc. I’m sure you would have disobeyed illegal orders from a US president or commander - but what about your peers? At the t… --- ## [Question about OP's control over thread's progress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-ops-control-over-threads-progress/1028650)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2026, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-ops-control-over-threads-progress/1028650 "2026-03-23T21:00:54Z")
It is no secret that I have had some confusion over moderation WRT hijacks. Of course, I don’t know how much of that moderation is mod-driven or in response to complaints. And in the past I’ve been told I cannot ask to… --- ## [Kagi, the paid search engine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kagi-the-paid-search-engine/1028654)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2026, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kagi-the-paid-search-engine/1028654 "2026-03-21T18:13:04Z")
This started as a response to an offhand mention of Kagi in another thread, but on consideration, it’s both a potential hijack to that thread and worth a thread of its own. It’s on my “maybe i should buy this” list, so I… --- ## [If your TV remote has preprogrammed buttons for streaming services, how many of them do you use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-tv-remote-has-preprogrammed-buttons-for-streaming-services-how-many-of-them-do-you-use/1031820)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2026, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-tv-remote-has-preprogrammed-buttons-for-streaming-services-how-many-of-them-do-you-use/1031820 "2026-07-26T03:31:45Z")
My Vizio remote has Vudu, Netflix, Amazon, Xumo, Crackle, and I Heart Radio. I use Netflix and Amazon. I have no idea what Vudu, Xumo, and Crackle are. I never use I Heart Radio. --- ## [My cat keeps pulling up the registers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cat-keeps-pulling-up-the-registers/1032187)
**Author:** [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cat-keeps-pulling-up-the-registers/1032187 "2026-08-11T19:23:24Z")
This is Otto. We’ve had him for about two months. Nice boy, but he’s about as sharp as a sack full of wet mice. The last few days, he’s been obsessed with pulling the hea… --- ## [Tea! Beyond the mundane!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-beyond-the-mundane/1026025)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-beyond-the-mundane/1026025 "2026-08-01T02:10:22Z")
OMG so good! My Christmas present to myself was an order of four teas from Harney & Sons Fine Teas. The box arrived today and I’m currently sipping a mug of the New England Breakfast, described by their website as “our … --- ## [The Revolution WILL be Spotified](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-revolution-will-be-spotified/1026500)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-revolution-will-be-spotified/1026500 "2026-01-16T04:10:17Z")
I’ve found myself blasting Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name” in my truck like it’s 1994 the past couple days. Help me flesh out a Spotify playlist of protest/revolution/fuck-the-fascists songs. Don’t car… --- ## [Thwap biscuits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thwap-biscuits/1032817)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thwap-biscuits/1032817 "2026-09-07T20:06:29Z")
You know they come in a cardboard tube you “thwap” it on the edge of the counter to open. What has gone awry? They just don’t seem the same. I’m buying, what I think is a decent brand. We check dates. Use by the time … --- ## [Conservatives are souring on Trump, but does this mean what anyone hopes it means?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-are-souring-on-trump-but-does-this-mean-what-anyone-hopes-it-means/1031247)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-are-souring-on-trump-but-does-this-mean-what-anyone-hopes-it-means/1031247 "2026-06-29T21:36:58Z")
Of course not! But… It’s been getting harder and harder over the last few years for me to keep a pulse on conservative viewpoints; partly because the places I get my information keep getting more polarized and conservat… --- ## [Lolita Express flight logs (Epstein related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lolita-express-flight-logs-epstein-related/1026049)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2025, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lolita-express-flight-logs-epstein-related/1026049 "2025-12-30T01:23:03Z")
What would stop someone from getting on the plane and not signing the book? Or signing a fake name? Airlines have strict rules, of course, but what about private planes? And why should anyone assume there was only one fl… --- ## [Coffee as food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2026, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897 "2026-05-14T23:40:26Z")
I admit I’m a coffee fiend–I used to joke that if I didn’t have water available, I’d just snort the grounds (caffeine cocaine :zany\_face:). Haven’t said that, what about using coffee as something to consume outside of br… --- ## [What do people who have been conversing regularly over decades, have left to talk about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-people-who-have-been-conversing-regularly-over-decades-have-left-to-talk-about/1029973)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2026, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-people-who-have-been-conversing-regularly-over-decades-have-left-to-talk-about/1029973 "2026-05-12T11:47:42Z")
Some instances that made me look anew at this puzzling question these last days: a newspaper article mentioning a regular at the Hofbräuhaus in Munich, one of the 600-odd who have a locker for their personal stein, who… --- ## [I'm taking another Amtrak adventure. Also, seeking tips for Glacier National Park](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-taking-another-amtrak-adventure-also-seeking-tips-for-glacier-national-park/1031695)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-taking-another-amtrak-adventure-also-seeking-tips-for-glacier-national-park/1031695 "2026-08-16T20:19:57Z")
I enjoyed my last Amtrak trip so much, I decided to take another one. This time, I booked a whole vacation package to Glacier National Park through Amtrak Vacations. Besides the trains, the package includes a stay at t… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - November 2025 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-november-2025-edition/1024462)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2025, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-november-2025-edition/1024462 "2025-12-05T15:30:59Z")
As my four year old once famously said \*HAPP HOWWEEN! GIMMIE CHEEZ!” (Said 4 year old is almost 30 now, but still enjoys cheese especially the queso version of it.) Final quarter of 2025 is upon us, up North the nights … --- ## [Do busy restaurants deliberately slow down service at busy times (better explained in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-busy-restaurants-deliberately-slow-down-service-at-busy-times-better-explained-in-op/1030132)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-busy-restaurants-deliberately-slow-down-service-at-busy-times-better-explained-in-op/1030132 "2026-05-17T20:44:54Z")
Tonight Mrs. H and I ate at a favorite restaurant that is always quite busy, particularly on Saturday nights during tourist season (like tonight). We expected a wait, but we noticed that while customers were waiting for … --- ## [Usb c to headphone jack](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-c-to-headphone-jack/1029267)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-c-to-headphone-jack/1029267 "2026-04-21T21:35:07Z")
I want to be able to plug my phone into existing, standard speaker systems. The simplest way to do that is to get a usb c to headphone cable. Or just an adapter, as i have a number of headphones to headphone cables. Ada… --- ## [Dragonsweeper - an addictive Minesweeper-type game with fantasy elements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dragonsweeper-an-addictive-minesweeper-type-game-with-fantasy-elements/1030303)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2026, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dragonsweeper-an-addictive-minesweeper-type-game-with-fantasy-elements/1030303 "2026-07-15T01:32:24Z")
Just wanted to share a surprisingly addictive free browser game I discovered recently. If you’ve played Minesweeper, you know the basic concept - you’re clicking on boxes to try to clear a tile-based map without stepp… --- ## [So I did a thing (Dog adoption)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-did-a-thing-dog-adoption/1030531)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-did-a-thing-dog-adoption/1030531 "2026-06-11T17:41:30Z")
My niece called and said the mother of a patient in their clinic had a 2 year old doberman, and it was just too much work for her and the dog needed a new home. The dog was overweight and just kept as an outside dog, wit… --- ## [Related places with four compass-point names (explained better in the OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/related-places-with-four-compass-point-names-explained-better-in-the-op/1026652)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/related-places-with-four-compass-point-names-explained-better-in-the-op/1026652 "2026-01-14T15:34:05Z")
There’s North Dakota and South Dakota, but no East Dakota or West Dakota or just plain Dakota. Are there any groups of related nearby places that consist of a North X, East X, South X, and West X? On New York’s Long Is… --- ## [Presidential cognitive exams. To whom do they report?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-cognitive-exams-to-whom-do-they-report/1028844)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-cognitive-exams-to-whom-do-they-report/1028844 "2026-04-09T23:00:50Z")
Should a President fail such an exam, to whom do those giving the exam report? I know there is a constitutional amendment providing a way for the cabinet? Congress? to remove the President if he is incompetent, but I do… --- ## [Death and his scythe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-and-his-scythe/1030072)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-and-his-scythe/1030072 "2026-05-28T18:13:14Z")
I was perusing the OOTS the thread and ran across this It got me thinking - why carry a scythe? Because it’s badass? Because he is a reaper of souls? Death takes you by touching you, I thought. Why the need for tool,… --- ## [Best ambient music for masking conversation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-ambient-music-for-masking-conversation/1030315)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-ambient-music-for-masking-conversation/1030315 "2026-05-27T04:03:50Z")
The conversation is occurring on the other side of my window and I want to study. I put this in FQ because I think there is at least a quasi-scientific answer to my inquiry. There are a number of companies producing whi… --- ## [May I reintroduce myself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-i-reintroduce-myself/1029962)
**Author:** [@BomTek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BomTek)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2026, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-i-reintroduce-myself/1029962 "2026-10-18T20:22:53Z")
I’m not sure if I’m even on my very first account here or one I made later, but I’ve been a Doper for maybe 20 years, I think? I even attended a Dopefest made up of two entire human beings in Afghanistan in 2011-ish. Ton… --- ## [Do you think the democrats can ever build a coalition of ~80-85 million voters in presidential elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-democrats-can-ever-build-a-coalition-of-80-85-million-voters-in-presidential-elections/1031442)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-democrats-can-ever-build-a-coalition-of-80-85-million-voters-in-presidential-elections/1031442 "2026-07-31T04:06:29Z")
And about ~55-60 million votes in midterm elections? Those are roughly the numbers the democrats need to win federal elections (the numbers needed to win state and local elections are much lower, and its important to vo… --- ## [I'm sorry what is the point of signing the national anthem if you never show the signer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-sorry-what-is-the-point-of-signing-the-national-anthem-if-you-never-show-the-signer/1032944)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-sorry-what-is-the-point-of-signing-the-national-anthem-if-you-never-show-the-signer/1032944 "2026-09-13T14:49:15Z")
So I’m currently watching the Seahawks preseason game. For the national anthem they had someone sign it as another guy plays guitar. The thing is though, not once did they ever have the signer center camera. It was the … --- ## [What does "a bit after x" mean to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-bit-after-x-mean-to-you/1030409)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-bit-after-x-mean-to-you/1030409 "2026-05-28T15:37:17Z")
Inspired by a YouTube video I watched, if someone said, “I’ll be there a bit after 5”. How far after 5 would that cover? If they came at 5:20 would that be more than “a bit”. What does “a bit” in regards to time mean to … --- ## [Raccoon breaks into liquor store and samples the wares](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raccoon-breaks-into-liquor-store-and-samples-the-wares/1025381)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2025, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raccoon-breaks-into-liquor-store-and-samples-the-wares/1025381 "2025-12-08T16:51:31Z")
I thought about posting this in Cafe Society, but decided it fit better here. And it passed out right next to the toilet! They are smart creatures, after all. --- ## [Do you suffer from Visual Snow Syndrome?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-suffer-from-visual-snow-syndrome/1031849)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-suffer-from-visual-snow-syndrome/1031849 "2026-08-23T21:09:28Z")
poll I recently watched a video about Visual Snow Syndrome, where your vision is overlaid with a noisy pattern similar to a detuned TV or film grain. It dances on your vision at all times, but it’s often easier to notice… --- ## [Is the single best language for a career in game programming C++?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-single-best-language-for-a-career-in-game-programming-c/1026782)
**Author:** [@Nublette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nublette)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-single-best-language-for-a-career-in-game-programming-c/1026782 "2026-01-20T13:52:04Z")
The title pretty much sums up the gist of my question. Basically, I am looking to get into video game programming. I asked ChatGPT and it, summed up, pointed me to C++ as the dominant language to learn. So, what is your… --- ## [Adopting a new pet after losing one](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-new-pet-after-losing-one/1029582)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2026, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-new-pet-after-losing-one/1029582 "2026-05-10T18:42:42Z")
How soon to adopt a new best friend is such an individual choice, isn’t it? For me, the balm for having to say goodbye to a feline friend is to go get another rescue from my favorite shelter. But for others, I’m sure it’… --- ## [What one particular song best represents a particular country in your opinion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-one-particular-song-best-represents-a-particular-country-in-your-opinion/1024812)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2025, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-one-particular-song-best-represents-a-particular-country-in-your-opinion/1024812 "2025-11-15T03:12:34Z")
Please note the three aspects contained in that question. One song. One country. Your opinion. The only way to get that wrong is if you skip any of those three aspects just to shoehorn your pick. If you pick a “used-t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=41&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=43&per_page=50)