# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=60 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 61 --- ## [Alan Greenspan has Died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-greenspan-has-died/1031101)
**Author:** [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-greenspan-has-died/1031101 "2026-06-24T02:16:23Z")
--- ## [Need answer fast ..pizza dough inquiry {No Longer Urgent}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-answer-fast-pizza-dough-inquiry-no-longer-urgent/1033064)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-answer-fast-pizza-dough-inquiry-no-longer-urgent/1033064 "2026-09-18T23:41:51Z")
Mid-dau has a pizza dough left over from a couple days ago. She has, at this hour decided she had to use it. We’ve already had supper(beans and greens and cornbread, if you wanna know). She rolling it out now. She says… --- ## [Please tell me this isn't generated by AI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-generated-by-ai/1031660)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2026, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-generated-by-ai/1031660 "2026-07-16T13:45:37Z")
She is beautiful and a fantastic singer! :smiling\_face\_with\_three\_hearts: --- ## [Bar stool preferences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bar-stool-preferences/1028410)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2026, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bar-stool-preferences/1028410 "2026-04-03T02:42:35Z")
There are two main types of bar stools - with or without backrests. There are three mechanisms - fixed, swivel freely and swivel but spring loaded to return to center. What is your preference? I prefer a backrest for m… --- ## [Mall cop pseudo-military gear: kevlar or cosplay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mall-cop-pseudo-military-gear-kevlar-or-cosplay/1027260)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mall-cop-pseudo-military-gear-kevlar-or-cosplay/1027260 "2026-02-01T21:43:42Z")
I’ve noticed at two stores that the clothing of their hired security has more of a military feel. Specifically, the vests are bulky and look like they might be intended to protect against shrapnel. The ICE crew has a sim… --- ## [Anyone remember movie serials?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-remember-movie-serials/1029550)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-remember-movie-serials/1029550 "2026-04-26T15:54:49Z")
And bonus points if you actually saw on or more in the theater instead of on television. I have seen so many over the years, but I think my favorite was Blackhawk starring Kirk Alyn (who I think was better in this than … --- ## [End of Year, or Year of Ends, Or Ends over the Year, Article. (Warning--Naughty)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-year-or-year-of-ends-or-ends-over-the-year-article-warning-naughty/1026328)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-year-or-year-of-ends-or-ends-over-the-year-article-warning-naughty/1026328 "2026-01-06T16:24:06Z")
Well, it’s the end of the Year. Or, at least one of them in the article, is the End of the Year. Note–non-pron, if not quite safe for work. --- ## [AI "security incidents" and other adventures in misalignment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-security-incidents-and-other-adventures-in-misalignment/1033470)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-security-incidents-and-other-adventures-in-misalignment/1033470 "2026-10-07T20:25:37Z")
Remember how in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Jim Kirk rewires the Kobayashi Maru scenario because he wants a different outcome? We cheered him on, right? I certainly did! Because I trusted his goals were aligned to ou… --- ## [Monthly Photo Competition #45 – August, 2026 – “Hot”: Poll added](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-45-august-2026-hot-poll-added/1032167)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-45-august-2026-hot-poll-added/1032167 "2026-09-01T11:17:07Z")
This is the monthly photo competition thread for August, 2026. The topic this month is “Hot” chosen by WildaBeast. One entry per person per month. In this thread, please post only your photo and, if you like a brief tit… --- ## [Personality Type: What D&D Alignment Would This Be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/personality-type-what-d-d-alignment-would-this-be/1030083)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/personality-type-what-d-d-alignment-would-this-be/1030083 "2026-05-23T00:47:12Z")
Someone who wants to do good for themselves and others, and doesn’t really care about following the rules in order to do so. But! also believes that most others are basically too dumb to be allowed to act similarly, and … --- ## [Barron Trump calls police for friend being assaulted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barron-trump-calls-police-for-friend-being-assaulted/1026924)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2026, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barron-trump-calls-police-for-friend-being-assaulted/1026924 "2026-01-22T20:57:20Z")
This is not political and has nothing to do with the President The internet brings unique challenges. How do you react after witnessing a crime remotely? Perhaps in another country? It can be complicated to call emerge… --- ## [How do you feel about people who walk around and hangout throughout various stores?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-people-who-walk-around-and-hangout-throughout-various-stores/1029126)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2026, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-people-who-walk-around-and-hangout-throughout-various-stores/1029126 "2026-04-09T04:00:10Z")
Even though I shop at various stores, I’ve noticed that younger people, especially high schoolers and college students, enjoy hanging out at Target, malls, outlets, etc. since I always notice groups of them walking aroun… --- ## [White House Correspondents Dinner redux](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-correspondents-dinner-redux/1031903)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2026, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-correspondents-dinner-redux/1031903 "2026-07-26T00:17:51Z")
Continuing the discussion from Shots fired at White House Correspondents Dinner (Breaking News Thread): The rescheduled dinner is taking place tonight. I was watching the awards and it was hilarious seeing Trump squirm … --- ## [How To Use Expensive Soy Sauce](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-expensive-soy-sauce/1026131)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2025, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-expensive-soy-sauce/1026131 "2025-12-29T22:31:48Z")
I love soy sauce. Specifically Kikkoman. I put it on all manner of things. My wife knows this, and for Christmas she gave me a bottle of double-brewed soy sauce from some fancy importer of Japanese foods. It’s amazing- … --- ## [R.I.P. Tom Stoppard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-i-p-tom-stoppard/1025244)
**Author:** [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2025, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-i-p-tom-stoppard/1025244 "2025-12-02T23:07:35Z")
He will be missed. --- ## [How does Global Entry facial recognition work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-global-entry-facial-recognition-work/1024303)
**Author:** [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2025, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-global-entry-facial-recognition-work/1024303 "2025-10-26T23:06:05Z")
Just went through GE at LAX. In less than 1 second it has my original picture on the screen to compare to the current shot. Do they coordinate with the airlines so they have a limited data set or is the system really m… --- ## [Gallium and its role in geo-politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallium-and-its-role-in-geo-politics/1025136)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2025, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallium-and-its-role-in-geo-politics/1025136 "2025-11-30T01:55:37Z")
I heard a talk by James Kenneth Galbraith, son of economist John Kenneth Galbraith, today. One of his points was that gallium is essential to electronics, chips, etc. It is obtained as a byproduct from making aluminum. C… --- ## [For the first time in over 35 years, I have no cats in my home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-first-time-in-over-35-years-i-have-no-cats-in-my-home/1024290)
**Author:** [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2025, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-first-time-in-over-35-years-i-have-no-cats-in-my-home/1024290 "2025-10-27T19:02:26Z")
Our dear Kit-Kat rested on Wednesday evening at the kitty ER after an unexpectedly long bout of throwing up. She was alive when we started driving; 10 minutes later she likely had already died as we hurried up to the cou… --- ## [Have I been hacked? (strange message that came through my car speakers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-i-been-hacked-strange-message-that-came-through-my-car-speakers/1025672)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-i-been-hacked-strange-message-that-came-through-my-car-speakers/1025672 "2025-12-14T18:23:32Z")
I came home from an errand just now. I had been listening to a podcast through the car speakers from my phone connected via Bluetooth / Apple CarPlay. After I had parked in the garage, stopped the podcast, but before I t… --- ## [US travel insurance advice for elderly couple traveling to US from UK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-travel-insurance-advice-for-elderly-couple-traveling-to-us-from-uk/1027764)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-travel-insurance-advice-for-elderly-couple-traveling-to-us-from-uk/1027764 "2026-02-19T13:47:29Z")
So my mom (83) and dad (82) are coming to visit me in the US in a couple of months. They are both healthy for their age and can manage the trip fine They are trying to get travel health insurance, an increasingly diffic… --- ## [Christmas Party at Work - Need to Make a Food Common to Finland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-party-at-work-need-to-make-a-food-common-to-finland/1025137)
**Author:** [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2025, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-party-at-work-need-to-make-a-food-common-to-finland/1025137 "2025-11-27T18:45:14Z")
My agency is having a Round the World Christmas Party. My group was assigned to make something common to Finland. I know next to nothing about Finland other than it’s location on the map and some WW II history. I am g… --- ## [Back Pain - ideas needed, thank you. :)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-pain-ideas-needed-thank-you/1033546)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2026, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-pain-ideas-needed-thank-you/1033546 "2026-10-09T01:03:05Z")
My wife, Inna, is having back pain. At the bottom of this post are the results of her study. (Sorry for asking you to read.) Questions: Have you (or someone you know) had similar issues? What exercises helped you? Ho… --- ## [What would Russia be like today if the Tsar remained in power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-russia-be-like-today-if-the-tsar-remained-in-power/1032937)
**Author:** [@spacecadet86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spacecadet86)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-russia-be-like-today-if-the-tsar-remained-in-power/1032937 "2026-09-12T15:19:06Z")
Do you see them being better, or worse off? I imagine they would not be anywhere near as bad as they are now. --- ## [The Twin Paradox and Cosmic Inflation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-twin-paradox-and-cosmic-inflation/1034082)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2026, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-twin-paradox-and-cosmic-inflation/1034082 "2026-10-25T09:06:09Z")
Einstein had a famous thought experiment: One twin hopped on a space ship that can go at nearly the speed of light, and the other stays behind on earth. For twenty days or so the first twin is flying at near lightspeed… --- ## [World of Warcraft (WoW) Forever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-of-warcraft-wow-forever/1033833)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2026, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-of-warcraft-wow-forever/1033833 "2026-10-24T17:22:47Z")
A new fork of World of Warcraft (often called WoW) is in beta currently and will go live on November 4. Its intent is something like the original WoW from 2004 for the feel, but with some class changes to make every spec… --- ## [Is it normal to have a sinking feeling in chest while riding an extreme roller coaster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-to-have-a-sinking-feeling-in-chest-while-riding-an-extreme-roller-coaster/1030733)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-to-have-a-sinking-feeling-in-chest-while-riding-an-extreme-roller-coaster/1030733 "2026-06-10T22:54:11Z")
Been riding roller coasters all my life despite having a major fear of heights. My thing though that’s happened all my life is on the ones with deep dives I get a really bad sinking feeling in my chest, like to the point… --- ## [NC's budget and dishonest claims about teacher pay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncs-budget-and-dishonest-claims-about-teacher-pay/1030144)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2026, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncs-budget-and-dishonest-claims-about-teacher-pay/1030144 "2026-05-18T18:57:40Z")
All right, this is a little bit of a vent, but also a specific claim about how things should be reported, so I’m putting it in P&E. North Carolina is the only state without a budget–not because our legislature isn’t mee… --- ## [I have a Sony Hi8 Video camera and I want to transfer my tapes to my Windows computer. How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-sony-hi8-video-camera-and-i-want-to-transfer-my-tapes-to-my-windows-computer-how/1024694)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2025, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-sony-hi8-video-camera-and-i-want-to-transfer-my-tapes-to-my-windows-computer-how/1024694 "2025-11-08T23:38:06Z")
99.99% sure this has been asked before. Camera in question: Camera Outputs: S Video, A/V, RFU DC Computer Inputs: HDMI Need advice on cabling, adaptors, and software. Simpler the better. Thank you in advance, ever… --- ## [Any ideas on how to change this battery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ideas-on-how-to-change-this-battery/1032590)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ideas-on-how-to-change-this-battery/1032590 "2026-09-04T09:47:20Z")
This is a Halloween decoration. I can find no way to open it. The silver in the slit is the battery. If I push on it with an X-acto blade it moves but I can’t force it out. It even tells what kind of replacement battery … --- ## [Classical music that used a blues shuffle beat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-music-that-used-a-blues-shuffle-beat/1031802)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2026, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-music-that-used-a-blues-shuffle-beat/1031802 "2026-07-24T10:32:56Z")
Is there any classical music, say pre-1900, that used that classic blues shuffle beat? I think it’s a triplet beat that skips the middle note of the triplet, right? Or, maybe a 6/8 time signature that skips 2 and 5? A… --- ## [The Phantom Sock and other inanimate objects with minds of their own](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phantom-sock-and-other-inanimate-objects-with-minds-of-their-own/1031005)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phantom-sock-and-other-inanimate-objects-with-minds-of-their-own/1031005 "2026-06-23T21:09:08Z")
Sometimes my feet get cold, even in the summer. Other times I like to slather lotion thickly on my feet and then put on a fat, fluffy, thick pair of socks. There used to be a pair of socks like that in my life. Here is a… --- ## [Looking for perfect restaurant gift card...sort of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-perfect-restaurant-gift-card-sort-of/1026357)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-perfect-restaurant-gift-card-sort-of/1026357 "2026-01-06T03:15:08Z")
I have a brother-in-law that lives in Connecticut, and for Christmas he gave everyone here in Oregon Texas Roadhouse gift cards. I guess he thought those places were all over the place. Well, they aren’t. What I am loo… --- ## [Bingo squares for tonight's State of the Union Address](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bingo-squares-for-tonights-state-of-the-union-address/1027943)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bingo-squares-for-tonights-state-of-the-union-address/1027943 "2026-03-03T01:51:46Z")
Please share your suggestions to fill the bingo card for Trump’s upcoming State of the Union Address. I don’t really know where to start, so I’ll just hand it over to y’all --- ## [A couple of new moon wallopings caught on video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-new-moon-wallopings-caught-on-video/1024699)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-new-moon-wallopings-caught-on-video/1024699 "2025-11-10T23:02:28Z")
Transient lunar phenomenon events recorded on October 30th and November 1st. --- ## [Agatha Christie: “Captain Arthur Hastings, OBE”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agatha-christie-captain-arthur-hastings-obe/1026180)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2025, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agatha-christie-captain-arthur-hastings-obe/1026180 "2025-12-31T20:49:00Z")
That’s how Hastings describes himself in the foreword to The ABC Murders. Does Christie ever explain how Hastings got his OBE? Or is it just assumed it was something to do with his service in WWI? --- ## [Are prediction markets inherently, fatally corrupt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-prediction-markets-inherently-fatally-corrupt/1031828)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2026, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-prediction-markets-inherently-fatally-corrupt/1031828 "2026-07-22T17:58:00Z")
“Prediction markets” (Kalshi, etc) being a euphemism for “online casino”. In their advertising “trade” is a euphemism for “bet”. It seems to me that any gambling forum that allows bets on activities where the outcome i… --- ## [TIME magazine doesn’t understand Canadian satire; thinks the US Ambassador threatened Parliament with a Patriot missile](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-magazine-doesn-t-understand-canadian-satire-thinks-the-us-ambassador-threatened-parliament-with-a-patriot-missile/1025224)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2025, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-magazine-doesn-t-understand-canadian-satire-thinks-the-us-ambassador-threatened-parliament-with-a-patriot-missile/1025224 "2025-12-01T20:19:41Z")
The Beaverton, a Canadian satire mag, write an article about the US Ambassador to Canada. Trying to think of the most outrageous possible statement, they attributed a fake quote to the US Ambassador: ”‘A Canada that i… --- ## [People who like to practice their pursuasion skills/“recreational gaslighting”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-like-to-practice-their-pursuasion-skills-recreational-gaslighting/1024377)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2025, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-like-to-practice-their-pursuasion-skills-recreational-gaslighting/1024377 "2025-10-29T16:19:02Z")
I have two ex-friends who did this. An example: We were drinking in a bar. I mentioned that I was going to a wedding the next day. He asked me whether I had ordered flowers. Puzzled, I said no. “You have to bring flowe… --- ## [Computers, software and the historic record](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computers-software-and-the-historic-record/1031454)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computers-software-and-the-historic-record/1031454 "2026-08-14T16:26:43Z")
Stone tablets survive millennia after a civilization collapse. Paper records can remain preserved for centuries. There are floppy discs wasting away in a corner of my home office with data from 35 years ago that I can no… --- ## [Christmas tree longevity strategies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-tree-longevity-strategies/1026881)
**Author:** [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2026, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-tree-longevity-strategies/1026881 "2026-01-22T03:39:12Z")
Every year we buy a cut tree, and pay a pretty price for a nicely-shaped Nordmann pine with soft needles. The last couple of years we have noticed that the garden center is shaving down the bottom 6-8 inches of the trunk… --- ## [Are Democratic voters more motivated to vote for something or against something?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-democratic-voters-more-motivated-to-vote-for-something-or-against-something/1028914)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2026, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-democratic-voters-more-motivated-to-vote-for-something-or-against-something/1028914 "2026-04-04T20:14:41Z")
The biggest Democratic victory in recent history was 2008, when there was a charismatic black candidate to vote for, a history-making guy. (Of course, Bush and his cronies were very much a legacy to vote against. So that… --- ## [How dramatically would baseball change if you eliminated foul territory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dramatically-would-baseball-change-if-you-eliminated-foul-territory/1026602)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dramatically-would-baseball-change-if-you-eliminated-foul-territory/1026602 "2026-01-13T04:06:47Z")
Let’s create a stadium where the stands crowd up right next to the foul lines, give or take a few feet to allow for first- and third-base basepaths, as well as the batter’s boxes. We are going to all but eliminate caugh… --- ## [Does anyone here practice Jainism or is familiar with its tenets? I have some questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-practice-jainism-or-is-familiar-with-its-tenets-i-have-some-questions/1030792)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2026, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-practice-jainism-or-is-familiar-with-its-tenets-i-have-some-questions/1030792 "2026-06-20T05:16:24Z")
I am a motorcoach operator in Texas. That means I drive a big ol’ bus for a charter company. A couple of weeks ago, I had a truly delightful, but unusual group of passengers. Another driver and I took about 95 Jains f… --- ## [Do Spam Calls Increase with Age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spam-calls-increase-with-age/1032831)
**Author:** [@Tj54](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tj54)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spam-calls-increase-with-age/1032831 "2026-09-06T13:52:46Z")
I recently turned 72 and celebrated my birthday by receiving over 20 spam calls to my cell phone. I expect a few daily, since my number is out there as a Realtor and having another business, but this was over the top. Ev… --- ## [Bath redo. New piping. Hot water recirculating loop, tankless, or keep as was?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bath-redo-new-piping-hot-water-recirculating-loop-tankless-or-keep-as-was/1028675)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2026, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bath-redo-new-piping-hot-water-recirculating-loop-tankless-or-keep-as-was/1028675 "2026-03-23T19:42:17Z")
Mind you the contractor so far has only sprung on us that the now exposing existing pipes are both undersized and galvanized steel, best to replace, albeit not required. But suspect the upgrade options will be presented. … --- ## [Should Trump Officials bother to go before Congress at all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-trump-officials-bother-to-go-before-congress-at-all/1026096)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2026, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-trump-officials-bother-to-go-before-congress-at-all/1026096 "2026-01-01T18:00:37Z")
I am seeing it time and time again-various officials from the Trump Administration go before Congress and either refuse to answer direct questions, lie about those questions, blather on about stuff totally unrelated to t… --- ## [NHL fans: Why was Gretzky so dominant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-fans-why-was-gretzky-so-dominant/1029507)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2026, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-fans-why-was-gretzky-so-dominant/1029507 "2026-05-14T16:43:46Z")
If you look at Wayne Gretzky’s stats during his prime, it looks like somebody was playing a video game on the easy level. In the 1981-82 season, for example, he played in 80 games and scored 92 goals along with 120 assi… --- ## [Yet Another Electrical Question: Cooktops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-electrical-question-cooktops/1032278)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-electrical-question-cooktops/1032278 "2026-08-23T19:06:56Z")
OK. Let’s start with the fact that I am well aware of all the ways this is not up to code. I don’t need that lecture- I didn’t do this, and it’s been this way for literally decades. What I have: Separate electric cookt… --- ## [Give Superman secret EVIL superpowers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-superman-secret-evil-superpowers/1032642)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-superman-secret-evil-superpowers/1032642 "2026-09-03T23:22:14Z")
With great power comes great responsibility; what are some secret powers Superman could have that are so dark that he’s too moral to EVER use? My entry: super-seduction. Superman could turn any woman he chose into his d… --- ## [How much junk is orbiting the Earth, and where is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-junk-is-orbiting-the-earth-and-where-is-it/1031103)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-junk-is-orbiting-the-earth-and-where-is-it/1031103 "2026-06-23T22:29:35Z")
In another FQ thread about sending info centers out in space, it was mentioned as a possibility that rather than repair and refit them we could just let them die and replace them with new ones. Is there reliable data be… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=59&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=61&per_page=50)