# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=56 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 57 --- ## [Home distilling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-distilling/1029202)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2026, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-distilling/1029202 "2026-04-12T17:31:07Z")
The 5th Circuit just ruled that the 1868 federal law banning home distillation of alcohol is unconstitutional. https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-appeals-court-declares-158-year-old-home-distilling-ban-unconst… --- ## [(Why) do the highest global average temperatures occur in July and August?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-highest-global-average-temperatures-occur-in-july-and-august/1033069)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-highest-global-average-temperatures-occur-in-july-and-august/1033069 "2026-09-17T15:02:52Z")
The World Meteorological Organization says the warmest day in recorded history in terms of global average temperature was 22 July 2024, at 17.15 °C / 62.85 °F. That same press release also gives a few previous record ho… --- ## [Opinions wanted on a contractor’s estimate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-wanted-on-a-contractor-s-estimate/1032097)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-wanted-on-a-contractor-s-estimate/1032097 "2026-08-06T03:35:41Z")
\[Album\] imgur.com I’d like to know what people think of an estimat… --- ## [Hypothesis on the MAGA strategy targeting average investors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothesis-on-the-maga-strategy-targeting-average-investors/1030283)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothesis-on-the-maga-strategy-targeting-average-investors/1030283 "2026-05-29T10:44:31Z")
So the stock market is at all-time highs, and average investors have never been richer. But we all know it’s a bubble, right? On CNBC, the big 7 companies just keep making weird announcements about investing in each oth… --- ## [Have you ever witnessed, or been caught up in, sports violence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-witnessed-or-been-caught-up-in-sports-violence/1030618)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2026, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-witnessed-or-been-caught-up-in-sports-violence/1030618 "2026-06-07T11:05:25Z")
The closest I ever came was at a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium c. 2007. The Cards weren’t playing the Cubs (their biggest rivals, for those who don’t know). Being a Cubs fan, I wore my Cubs shirt anyway. During the gam… --- ## [If you use Linux, watch this now, before June 24!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-use-linux-watch-this-now-before-june-24/1030743)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-use-linux-watch-this-now-before-june-24/1030743 "2026-06-10T22:17:16Z")
Windows Secure Boot Kills Linux on June 24th! (YouTube video) --- ## [Let's Make A Deal- The Covfefe Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-make-a-deal-the-covfefe-edition/1026841)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-make-a-deal-the-covfefe-edition/1026841 "2026-01-21T05:48:42Z")
If Trump was handed over to the highest bidder, where would he end up? --- ## [YouTubers who do free stuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtubers-who-do-free-stuff/1025409)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2025, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtubers-who-do-free-stuff/1025409 "2025-12-05T20:06:02Z")
I have been watching many videos of YouTubers who appear to perform free services for customers they don’t know (at least at first), like Midlife Stockman, Rodan Brothers. Such work can include installing entire new roo… --- ## [RJ Mitte, Walt Jr from Breaking Bad, Dead at 34](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rj-mitte-walt-jr-from-breaking-bad-dead-at-34/1033790)
**Author:** [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rj-mitte-walt-jr-from-breaking-bad-dead-at-34/1033790 "2026-10-13T21:38:58Z")
--- ## [What would WW3 look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-ww3-look-like/1028343)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-ww3-look-like/1028343 "2026-03-11T13:58:45Z")
Continuing the discussion from Is this how WW3 happens?: Pretty sure it won’t be the kind of war my dad fought in. More Cyber? Satellite destruction? Focused attacks on critical infrastructure? Drones? Long range missl… --- ## [Horror anthology movies-From the grand to the good to the grotesque](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horror-anthology-movies-from-the-grand-to-the-good-to-the-grotesque/1033115)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horror-anthology-movies-from-the-grand-to-the-good-to-the-grotesque/1033115 "2026-09-17T18:50:44Z")
Horror anthology movies are movies that contain multiple short horror stories, usually wrapped around a connected storyline that usually ends with the principal characters meeting their final fate. A decent list of such … --- ## [Shipping cost: why didn't it scale (down) with volumes skyrocketing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-cost-why-didnt-it-scale-down-with-volumes-skyrocketing/1026157)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-cost-why-didnt-it-scale-down-with-volumes-skyrocketing/1026157 "2026-01-03T13:21:43Z")
I clearly remember the younger ME in the late 1990ies when internet-sales started to become a thing: At that time shipping (USPS, FedEx, et al) was fairly inexpensive. As sales took off, my gut feeling was: those shippi… --- ## [Songs that don't have the obvious title because it was already taken by another song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-dont-have-the-obvious-title-because-it-was-already-taken-by-another-song/1027688)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-dont-have-the-obvious-title-because-it-was-already-taken-by-another-song/1027688 "2026-02-18T06:48:15Z")
There are thousands of examples of different songs with the same name, and we’ve done many threads about them, but this is kind of the opposite situation. For instance, the obvious title for the Clash song “Train In Vain… --- ## [Pre-op live!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pre-op-live/1030280)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pre-op-live/1030280 "2026-05-23T17:16:44Z")
Ask me anything. I’m waiting on the big show. Surgeon is late. No explanation. I’m all fasted, not easy. Took a whole day in hospital. I’ve had the pre-op shot. So I’m a bit out of control. Don’t be alarmed if I fall … --- ## [Salt-free or low salt diets suck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salt-free-or-low-salt-diets-suck/1030335)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salt-free-or-low-salt-diets-suck/1030335 "2026-06-06T17:34:48Z")
Because I have probable Meniere’s disease, I’m advised to follow a low-salt regime. I’ve never really liked super-salty foods, and salt my cooking less than is advised in recipes, but now I’m cutting even that back. Bu… --- ## [Is there any love for Werther's Caramel candy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-love-for-werthers-caramel-candy/1029518)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-love-for-werthers-caramel-candy/1029518 "2026-04-25T20:31:04Z")
Werther’s has expanded their products. There are many varities of either hard candy or soft chewy candy. They offer sugar free too. I usually buy Werther’s original candy or Werther’s Caramel Coffee hard candy. I enjoy… --- ## [Ancient catastrophes reimagined in fiction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-catastrophes-reimagined-in-fiction/1027287)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-catastrophes-reimagined-in-fiction/1027287 "2026-02-05T00:34:43Z")
I was reading the Great Debates thread Did effects of the changes in climate as the glaciers receded result in highly distorted biblical accounts in the book of Genesis? and the discussion turned to the Zanclean Flood, a… --- ## [Does anyone here live in Milan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-live-in-milan/1028349)
**Author:** [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2026, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-live-in-milan/1028349 "2026-04-03T18:45:16Z")
I know this is a very long shot, but I don’t belong to any other communities with people from countries and cities all over the world. My daughter and I went to a few Olympics events last month. We stayed in about eight… --- ## [The intersection between politics and personal finance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-intersection-between-politics-and-personal-finance/1029099)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2026, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-intersection-between-politics-and-personal-finance/1029099 "2026-04-10T15:16:01Z")
As I’ve mentioned in other threads, I’ve got some cash savings that I’d like to do more with, still being a decade plus away from retirement age. I’ve been planning on putting a chunk into my Vanguard index fund, as o us… --- ## [What I've Learned from Caustic Reviews of My Book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ive-learned-from-caustic-reviews-of-my-book/1033435)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ive-learned-from-caustic-reviews-of-my-book/1033435 "2026-10-02T16:48:49Z")
(the first book, GenderQueer) Most of the non-warm reactions come from people seeing me as kin to incels. Or at least to men’s rights folks. They aren’t entirely wrong. It’s part of why I thought it so important to s… --- ## [Where can I find helpful tips on changing fundamental habits / qualities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-helpful-tips-on-changing-fundamental-habits-qualities/1024764)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2025, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-helpful-tips-on-changing-fundamental-habits-qualities/1024764 "2025-11-20T15:49:24Z")
To make a long story short, I’ve always been inclined towards inertia in my life. I prefer to stay still and save effort; this plus a habit of impulsiveness and a general problem with motivation has caused issues in vari… --- ## [$20 solar cell-phone chargers -- everyone should have one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-solar-cell-phone-chargers-everyone-should-have-one/1033914)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2026, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-solar-cell-phone-chargers-everyone-should-have-one/1033914 "2026-10-18T12:40:50Z")
Everyone who wants to be prepared for days-long power outages, I mean. In the old days, phones still worked when the power was out – now they don’t. So you need your own power source to be able to communicate at all. Do … --- ## [Olde-Fashioned script on Japanese book cover](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olde-fashioned-script-on-japanese-book-cover/1030166)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2026, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olde-fashioned-script-on-japanese-book-cover/1030166 "2026-05-20T23:02:35Z")
What is the final word? 下編 ?? Wikipedia says this story was originally published in ten installments, but the pictured cover is from a three-volume edition? --- ## [ComEd FUBAR](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comed-fubar/1029316)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comed-fubar/1029316 "2026-04-22T16:12:20Z")
So, our 800 students were halfway through the process of scanning into school when, without warning, we lost all electrical power. Other than the few battery powered emergency lights and our UPS backed up servers and sw… --- ## [Do British people have the most words for “stupid”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-british-people-have-the-most-words-for-stupid/1024704)
**Author:** [@Shitrisk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shitrisk)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2025, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-british-people-have-the-most-words-for-stupid/1024704 "2025-11-13T08:40:42Z")
But then they just have one word for smart. “Brilliant”. Like it’s just a matter of candlepower. --- ## [Why is this considered a thread shit and not just a benign hijack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-this-considered-a-thread-shit-and-not-just-a-benign-hijack/1028536)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2026, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-this-considered-a-thread-shit-and-not-just-a-benign-hijack/1028536 "2026-03-20T00:54:39Z")
In this thread, @aruvqan\_myers has had their post (#14) hidden and labeled as a “thread shit” by @puzzlegal. I’ve always thought that a “thread shit” has to contain something antagonistic toward the topic. For example,… --- ## [An interesting unit of measurment - the denier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-unit-of-measurment-the-denier/1024674)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-unit-of-measurment-the-denier/1024674 "2025-11-11T21:42:26Z")
I bought something made of 600D cloth and searched to see exactly what that meant. It is the abbreviation for 600 denier fabric, a rather tough outdoor rated cloth. A denier unit means each strand of yarn weighs 1 gram p… --- ## [Where Can I Get a Watchband Replaced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-a-watchband-replaced/1030979)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-a-watchband-replaced/1030979 "2026-06-19T11:40:25Z")
A simple one for you all. The wristband of my Casio watch broke. I would like to replace it. In most countries the jewelry shop will do this for you with a smile. Here I cannot even find a display full of plastic watchba… --- ## [Humidifier recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humidifier-recommendations/1027036)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humidifier-recommendations/1027036 "2026-01-28T13:31:11Z")
I bought this Honeywell humidifier some months ago and it really is not getting the job done. Given how simple its operation is it is weirdly expensive too. I wouldn’t mind if it got the job done but I can barely tell … --- ## [How can I buy large frame reading glasses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-buy-large-frame-reading-glasses/1032540)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-buy-large-frame-reading-glasses/1032540 "2026-08-27T19:44:51Z")
My head is larger than average. The inexpensive ball caps never fit. Even with the adjustable band completely unsnapped. Reading glasses are tight. The spring hinge breaks within 4 to 6 weeks. The leg breaks off soon af… --- ## [Well, at least they were trying. (Old comics public service page.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-at-least-they-were-trying-old-comics-public-service-page/1026915)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2026, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-at-least-they-were-trying-old-comics-public-service-page/1026915 "2026-01-23T18:58:14Z")
I saw this in Detective Comics 266 from 1959, thought it was unintentionally hilarious. (Uploaded to Imagr and Imagebb. Hop… --- ## [William Stevenson, 77, ex-husband of Jill Biden, arrested for 1st-degree murder of wife](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/william-stevenson-77-ex-husband-of-jill-biden-arrested-for-1st-degree-murder-of-wife/1027350)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/william-stevenson-77-ex-husband-of-jill-biden-arrested-for-1st-degree-murder-of-wife/1027350 "2026-02-05T03:14:58Z")
Late in December 2025, Linda Stevenson, 64, was found nonresponsive at her home, and later pronounced dead. Today, her husband, who was married to Jill Biden in the early 1970s, was arrested for her murder. Further det… --- ## [US Post Offices "RUR. STA."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-post-offices-rur-sta/1025287)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2025, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-post-offices-rur-sta/1025287 "2025-12-02T22:37:51Z")
Am doing some research on small US towns and their post offices. In the process it’s not unusual to see post office names of the format: Marmarth Rur. Sta. (1974-Date) (in Slope County ND) Which follows chronologicall… --- ## [Plumber wants to hang on-demand hot water heater off a brick wall -- good idea? (do not need fast answer)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumber-wants-to-hang-on-demand-hot-water-heater-off-a-brick-wall-good-idea-do-not-need-fast-answer/1030449)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumber-wants-to-hang-on-demand-hot-water-heater-off-a-brick-wall-good-idea-do-not-need-fast-answer/1030449 "2026-05-29T09:50:11Z")
We’ve used this same firm for at least 10 years to maintain our current boiler, which has a small tank at the bottom and so sits on the ground. It looks like we’ll need a replacement soon, and of course we want to put it… --- ## [Which to visit: Istanbul or Petra and Amman?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-to-visit-istanbul-or-petra-and-amman/1026801)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2026, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-to-visit-istanbul-or-petra-and-amman/1026801 "2026-01-23T18:52:10Z")
We have just booked a Viking river cruise in Egypt, and are considering two extensions, but we can’t afford both. So if you have been to these places, which would you recommend: three days in Istanbul or four days in Jor… --- ## [Problem Employees: Are HR Departments Better at Policing Their Own?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-employees-are-hr-departments-better-at-policing-their-own/1024738)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2025, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-employees-are-hr-departments-better-at-policing-their-own/1024738 "2025-11-14T20:49:45Z")
Continuing the discussion from That’s funny. Which raises the question of whether HR departments are any more effective at disciplining or firing their own problem children than they are at disciplining or firing othe… --- ## [How do I quote someone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-quote-someone/1025069)
**Author:** [@craft458](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/craft458)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2026, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-quote-someone/1025069 "2026-08-12T00:00:11Z")
When I hit reply to someone what they said does not pop up in my post. Am I missing something? --- ## [Confirmation of poorly-covered news story requested. ICE invades a Foreign Consulate. T/F](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confirmation-of-poorly-covered-news-story-requested-ice-invades-a-foreign-consulate-t-f/1027238)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2026, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confirmation-of-poorly-covered-news-story-requested-ice-invades-a-foreign-consulate-t-f/1027238 "2026-02-03T18:41:47Z")
YouTube video asserts that four ICE agents may have forced entry into the Ecuadorian Consulate in Minneapolis. But I have found nothing in mainstream media. Can the SDMB confirm? --- ## [Iran 10 point proposal: thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-10-point-proposal-thoughts/1029152)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2026, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-10-point-proposal-thoughts/1029152 "2026-04-10T02:32:30Z")
Is this serious or just an opening gambit? I can’t see the US agreeing to most of this. As far as I can see, it amounts to “give us everything we want, admit you were wrong, and go away.”. (Admittedly rather of an ove… --- ## [So I have Breast Cancer. What should I know or expect in the next weeks or months?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-have-breast-cancer-what-should-i-know-or-expect-in-the-next-weeks-or-months/1032421)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2026, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-have-breast-cancer-what-should-i-know-or-expect-in-the-next-weeks-or-months/1032421 "2026-08-21T13:40:06Z")
Hi everyone, The title pretty much tells you what I am looking for. I know we have some folks here who have been through this, so advice would be very appreciated. I’m waiting for a consultation with the surgeon to di… --- ## [Sets vs. Plain-language Groups](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sets-vs-plain-language-groups/1030636)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2026, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sets-vs-plain-language-groups/1030636 "2026-06-15T09:28:58Z")
Is the musical group that recorded the album ‘Revolver’ identical with the set {Harrison, Lennon, McCartney, Starr}? If so, then how can an abstract object (in this case, a set) perform a physical act (record ‘Revolver’… --- ## [Has the NBA changed, or have I changed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-nba-changed-or-have-i-changed/1025174)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-nba-changed-or-have-i-changed/1025174 "2026-04-26T03:06:32Z")
i was a big Celtics fan in the 70s and 80s. Watched them religiously on TV and went to the Garden when I could, to see Havlicek, Cowens, Jo Jo White, Larry Bird, McHale, Robert Parrish, Bill Walton, all those guys. Many… --- ## [How does taste work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-taste-work/1025858)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2025, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-taste-work/1025858 "2025-12-27T12:33:00Z")
How exactly does the sense of taste work? Let’s say you lick a sheet of pure elemental copper. What makes it taste like copper? Is your tongue actually stripping copper atoms off the sheet and somehow analyzing them…? T… --- ## [English sparrows' lack of predators in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-sparrows-lack-of-predators-in-the-us/1028198)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2026, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-sparrows-lack-of-predators-in-the-us/1028198 "2026-03-08T01:48:07Z")
The story goes that someone imported English sparrows to control the insect population. Completely oblivious to the fact that the little birds eat seeds, not mosquitos. But wouldn’t there have been predators in place to … --- ## [Android tablet/Google Play recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-tablet-google-play-recommendations/1024271)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-tablet-google-play-recommendations/1024271 "2026-01-18T05:13:42Z")
Recently I ordered a new Fire tablet online (after I learned Best Buy hadn’t had any for sale for ages, this despite literally the entire line being on open display…I really don’t get modern capitalism at all). I got it … --- ## [Dresden Files #18 Releases 01/20/26 \[Open spoilers starting with post #14\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dresden-files-18-releases-01-20-26-open-spoilers-starting-with-post-14/1026107)
**Author:** [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dresden-files-18-releases-01-20-26-open-spoilers-starting-with-post-14/1026107 "2026-02-24T11:49:30Z")
Answering xtenkfarpl’s question from April, Jim Butcher is set to release book #18 in the Dresden Files series on January 20. The title is Twelve Months. From the Amazon description: Harry Dresden has been through a l… --- ## [AI: Proof and the Pudding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-proof-and-the-pudding/1030008)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2026, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-proof-and-the-pudding/1030008 "2026-06-05T19:08:10Z")
Some doctors often cheer AI for its potential to advance medicine. Though this seems true, one notes that very few new antibiotics have been developed in the last few decades. This has caused concern some resistant inf… --- ## [Izzy left. (Foreign exchange student)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/izzy-left-foreign-exchange-student/1030646)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2026, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/izzy-left-foreign-exchange-student/1030646 "2026-06-07T21:40:59Z")
Our foreign exchange student we’ve been hosting since last August, has left. (Check my posts in recent MMPs for details; I didn’t want to confine this to MMP.) She’s not home yet; in a layover in NYC, but she’s gone from… --- ## [The mysterious Bronze Age Brotlaibidole (bread loaf idols)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mysterious-bronze-age-brotlaibidole-bread-loaf-idols/1027917)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mysterious-bronze-age-brotlaibidole-bread-loaf-idols/1027917 "2026-02-24T21:05:25Z")
Bread loaf idols (Brotlaibidole) are mysterious, fired clay or stone artifacts from the Early Bronze Age (approx. 1750–1550 B.C.) found across Central Europe, from Poland to Italy. Shaped like small loaves, they are cove… --- ## [How did this company get my email address to send me a receipt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-this-company-get-my-email-address-to-send-me-a-receipt/1030264)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-this-company-get-my-email-address-to-send-me-a-receipt/1030264 "2026-05-22T12:25:02Z")
I had a mobile mechanic come to my house today to work on my car. I paid by credit card and the tech said he would send me a receipt. I expected to get it by text, since that is how we communicated, but I got it by ema… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=55&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=57&per_page=50)