# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=77 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 78 --- ## [Do I \*need\* a vacuum breaker in my shower hose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-vacuum-breaker-in-my-shower-hose/1025566)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2025, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-vacuum-breaker-in-my-shower-hose/1025566 "2025-12-09T21:01:32Z")
I replaced the hand-held shower head and its hose in our bathroom the other day. There was a part between the female end of the shower hose and the male fitting projecting from the wall. I removed it, installed the new s… --- ## [What I want, politically](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-i-want-politically/1032108)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2026, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-i-want-politically/1032108 "2026-08-17T04:13:02Z")
Politically, what I want is the maximum opportunity to shape whatever we, plurally, are doing. I don’t want to be the boss of everyone else, or indeed of \*anyone\* else. I just want my participation as one individual to… --- ## [Really weird USPS mailing question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-weird-usps-mailing-question/1026781)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-weird-usps-mailing-question/1026781 "2026-01-20T16:10:39Z")
I’ve posted before about mailing folded self-mailers. In addition to the size and weight requirements for standard mail there is also a limitation on stiffness: the item has to be flexible enough to feed through the mach… --- ## [Possible new rule, or at least strong suggestion, about posting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-new-rule-or-at-least-strong-suggestion-about-posting/1026236)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-new-rule-or-at-least-strong-suggestion-about-posting/1026236 "2026-01-02T02:54:26Z")
In the thread about the 2026 Death Pool it is becoming rather evident that some newbies (and few old timers) do not bother to read anything but the title of the thread. Now, I know about people complaining about the lar… --- ## [Living on a Cruise Ship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-on-a-cruise-ship/1033578)
**Author:** [@aruvqan\_myers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan_myers)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2026, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-on-a-cruise-ship/1033578 "2026-10-05T10:49:32Z")
So I was randomly cycling youtube videos, and one about the vessel The World \[ um, a cruise ship of purchased apartments done condo style\] and I was wondering if one could buy one’s own starlink and provide ones own inte… --- ## [Are there "Germany in WWII" historians that discourage any parallels between Hitler and Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-germany-in-wwii-historians-that-discourage-any-parallels-between-hitler-and-trump/1030313)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-germany-in-wwii-historians-that-discourage-any-parallels-between-hitler-and-trump/1030313 "2026-05-27T14:50:09Z")
I hear historians all the time that draw parallels between early Germany in or right before WWII, and the Trump administration today, in regard to attitudes, words and actions taken by the government and its leaders. Ar… --- ## [How to spot a potential arbitrage bet on the sportsbook apps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-spot-a-potential-arbitrage-bet-on-the-sportsbook-apps/1026037)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2025, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-spot-a-potential-arbitrage-bet-on-the-sportsbook-apps/1026037 "2025-12-27T02:02:31Z")
DISCLAIMER: I’m aware of all of the provisos, addenda, and other errata regarding the perils of trying to beat the sports books via arbitrage bets. I hold no delusions that I can make consistent money at this, and mostly… --- ## [What changed about online gambling apps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-changed-about-online-gambling-apps/1032904)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-changed-about-online-gambling-apps/1032904 "2026-09-09T00:49:46Z")
Here in Texas, I have been seeing television ads for gambling apps like DraftKings. The ads say that the app is now available in all fifty states. In the past, such gambling was only available to those physically prese… --- ## [The hypothesis that our universe is a giant black hole](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hypothesis-that-our-universe-is-a-giant-black-hole/1030869)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2026, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hypothesis-that-our-universe-is-a-giant-black-hole/1030869 "2026-06-14T07:12:10Z")
My understanding is that anything inside an event horizon is swiftly collapsing inwards towards a central singularity (or at least that’s as much as the math can tell us). Since this does not match the observed behavior … --- ## [Elise Stefanik stepping down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elise-stefanik-stepping-down/1025884)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2025, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elise-stefanik-stepping-down/1025884 "2025-12-21T16:25:32Z")
Elise Stefanik, a Republican representative from upstate New York, has announced that she’s bowing out of the race for the Republican nomination for governor of New York, as well as that she will not seek re-election to … --- ## [Discouraging copper-stealing -- how does it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discouraging-copper-stealing-how-does-it-work/1031058)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discouraging-copper-stealing-how-does-it-work/1031058 "2026-06-21T16:27:38Z")
A PG&E substation in Berkeley has a sign on the fence saying it uses “Proof Positive copper with TraceID technology”. Does that mean a scrap dealer can examine offered copper hoping to learn where it came from? Or that t… --- ## [Duolingo chess](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duolingo-chess/1024835)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duolingo-chess/1024835 "2025-12-15T15:04:33Z")
Hi, everyone. I’ve been learning chess with Duolingo for about a month now. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the pros and cons about it. Let me start by saying that I’ve never had any formal training or teaching in c… --- ## [How to pronounce Thebes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pronounce-thebes/1026558)
**Author:** [@Jarragum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jarragum)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2026, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pronounce-thebes/1026558 "2026-01-11T21:17:21Z")
My question is not new. I just wanted to answer someone’s question about how to pronounce Thebes but I couldn’t find it after I signed up. --- ## [What does either mean in this marriage law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-either-mean-in-this-marriage-law/1032119)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-either-mean-in-this-marriage-law/1032119 "2026-08-06T00:53:51Z")
In a thread about marriages, @robby linked to a 1970s Texas law that gave a long list of who may perform marriages. It ended with this line: YOU, ОR EITHER OF YOU, ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO JOIN In the Holy Union of Mat… --- ## [Hayden AL -- why all the exclaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hayden-al-why-all-the-exclaves/1026114)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2025, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hayden-al-why-all-the-exclaves/1026114 "2025-12-29T09:50:22Z")
Hayden AL is a town north of Birmingham. It seems to be composed of one main section and dozens of exclaves, including some within the neighboring town of Smoke Rise. The red dotted lines are the town boundaries. So w… --- ## [Question about an "American Experience" episode that aired on PBS a while back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-an-american-experience-episode-that-aired-on-pbs-a-while-back/1028095)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2026, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-an-american-experience-episode-that-aired-on-pbs-a-while-back/1028095 "2026-03-02T13:50:23Z")
I don’t remember the title, but it aired on my local PBS station in recent months and I DVR’ed it and watched it within the past few months. It was about mid-1960s and early 1970s civil rights and allowing blacks to vot… --- ## [Can a modern jet liner land without the tailplane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-modern-jet-liner-land-without-the-tailplane/1024686)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2025, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-modern-jet-liner-land-without-the-tailplane/1024686 "2025-11-09T15:09:58Z")
Can something like an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737 be flown at all, in the absence of the horizontal and vertical tail surfaces? Not just failure of the control surfaces, but removal of the tail. Let’s assume the least-… --- ## [Has anyone attended the New Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-attended-the-new-ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey-circus/1026935)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-attended-the-new-ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey-circus/1026935 "2026-01-24T00:55:33Z")
It started back up in 2023, and apparently it is sans animal acts, clowns or ringmaster. What does it have, and is it any good? --- ## [The\_Librarian has trouble reading](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-librarian-has-trouble-reading/1028394)
**Author:** [@Humbagger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Humbagger)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-librarian-has-trouble-reading/1028394 "2026-03-12T17:29:32Z")
@the\_librarian Yes. Those are the rules of the message board you are currently using and that you should have read. Or maybe the trouble isn’t with the reading, but the next part after that? --- ## [The (still) unknown origin of 'dogs' meaning 'feet.'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-still-unknown-origin-of-dogs-meaning-feet/1025122)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2025, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-still-unknown-origin-of-dogs-meaning-feet/1025122 "2025-12-22T07:45:21Z")
For many years, the story has been that it was Cockney Rhyming Slang for “dog’s meat.” The august OED, however, throws some cold water on that idea more or less saying that It has been suggested that this is short for … --- ## [How long would ice last in orbit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-ice-last-in-orbit/1031310)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2026, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-ice-last-in-orbit/1031310 "2026-07-02T11:58:45Z")
Let’s imagine that the Artemis astronauts had a train-style toilet that dumped into space. Actually, we don’t have to imagine that; Apollo and Artemis both vented urine to vacuum. Videos show a coruscating rush of glitte… --- ## [Packed food in suitcase on plane](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packed-food-in-suitcase-on-plane/1029111)
**Author:** [@Lushka1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lushka1953)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packed-food-in-suitcase-on-plane/1029111 "2026-04-08T17:17:02Z")
I’m traveling by plane to visit family and want to bring their favorite dish (Greek spanakopita). It would be frozen and packed in my suitcase. Is this acceptable by airlines? --- ## [I can't buy from France. Thanks, Don](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-buy-from-france-thanks-don/1030539)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2026, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-buy-from-france-thanks-don/1030539 "2026-06-06T05:58:06Z")
I found some small parts I need for a French rifle. When I go and try to set up an account to pay at one company, the USA is not even on the list of countries to choose from. I found the part at a second company that I h… --- ## [Clue online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clue-online/1025444)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2025, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clue-online/1025444 "2025-12-06T08:05:19Z")
I recently got a vintage 1990s Clue game. (My wife says not to call things from the ‘90s ‘vintage’.) Clue is a game for a minimum of three players, I don’t think my wife is interested in playing it, and I haven’t playe… --- ## [The Union was able to draft slaves in the Civil War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-union-was-able-to-draft-slaves-in-the-civil-war/1031753)
**Author:** [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2026, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-union-was-able-to-draft-slaves-in-the-civil-war/1031753 "2026-07-23T12:37:31Z")
I’ve been doing some genealogical research in some local papers. I found a draft list from The Valley Register of Middletown Maryland from May 20, 1864. I was just skimming the list to see what names I may know, when at … --- ## ["Wmic bios get serialnumber" is Officially Dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wmic-bios-get-serialnumber-is-officially-dead/1032325)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2026, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wmic-bios-get-serialnumber-is-officially-dead/1032325 "2026-08-13T15:12:25Z")
Well, Windows, in its not so infinite wisdom, has removed “wmic” from the command that allows you to get the serial number of your computer in case the label on the back is illegible or completely worn off. I did a quic… --- ## [Vagrancy laws– cash requirement to avoid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vagrancy-laws-cash-requirement-to-avoid/1029431)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2026, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vagrancy-laws-cash-requirement-to-avoid/1029431 "2026-04-23T22:44:52Z")
At one point especially in the post-Civil War South there were vagrancy laws, for example the one in Virginia passed in 1866. I thought that at least some of these laws specified a dollar amount of cash one could be in p… --- ## [Moderators and assumptions of good/bad faith](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderators-and-assumptions-of-good-bad-faith/1030760)
**Author:** [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2026, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderators-and-assumptions-of-good-bad-faith/1030760 "2026-06-09T07:30:20Z")
Before I get started, let me make it clear that I am not arguing about whether or not the Mod Note against me was appropriate. This more nuanced, and thus takes a while to articulate. (I have made it as short as I can wi… --- ## [Factory Vacpak Refrigerated beef is not good for 3 months is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factory-vacpak-refrigerated-beef-is-not-good-for-3-months-is-it/1027505)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2026, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factory-vacpak-refrigerated-beef-is-not-good-for-3-months-is-it/1027505 "2026-02-09T20:57:27Z")
So I was at Meijer yesterday, looking for meat bargains. Nothing seemed good at all until I saw refrigerated brisket(whole)(fresh, not corned) for $3.99 a pound, and on a whim, grabbed one. I had no idea what to do with… --- ## [Trump solving eight wars - Has he done anything at all remotely close to this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-solving-eight-wars-has-he-done-anything-at-all-remotely-close-to-this/1027119)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-solving-eight-wars-has-he-done-anything-at-all-remotely-close-to-this/1027119 "2026-01-29T12:20:54Z")
Basically what the title asks. He keeps stating that he has solved eight wars and IMHO he has solved nothing. At the same time, MSM reporters never call him on it and he just keeps on saying it. So, realistically, has h… --- ## [Questions about Spacetime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-spacetime/1029993)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2026, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-spacetime/1029993 "2026-05-13T21:06:16Z")
Our reality is essentially four dimensional: left-right by back-front by up-down by before-after. Gravity is described by General Relativity as mass distorting a four dimensional field “called” spacetime. Are th… --- ## [What is name of this legal principle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-name-of-this-legal-principle/1030453)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-name-of-this-legal-principle/1030453 "2026-05-28T18:53:03Z")
I’m blanking on the name of a certain legal principle. I’ll describe a scenario: A city has a noise ordinance. This city is also next door to a noisy Air Force base. The city can’t cite the federal government for violat… --- ## [Bathroom renovation: Any experience with micro-cement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-renovation-any-experience-with-micro-cement/1027200)
**Author:** [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2026, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-renovation-any-experience-with-micro-cement/1027200 "2026-02-02T18:10:46Z")
I have a small bathroom (about 50 sq ft) that I am looking to renovate. It dates from the 1970s and both the floor and walls are tiled. As is common with many places built in the 70s, there is also asbestos under the til… --- ## [Any Pentagon watchers here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pentagon-watchers-here/1026858)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pentagon-watchers-here/1026858 "2026-01-26T14:45:39Z")
I’m curious: if Kegbreath was removed, how far down would we have to go to find someone serious and relatively nondangerous? I still consider the boat strikes murder and hope anybody in that chain would have to answer fo… --- ## [Who is where in “the K shaped economy”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-where-in-the-k-shaped-economy/1026058)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-where-in-the-k-shaped-economy/1026058 "2026-02-23T10:14:53Z")
So allegedly we are in a K-shaped economy. Not sure that’s a new thing? The norm for years at least has been a “hollowing out of the middle” which seems to me to be the same thing? A top group is doing well and a bottom … --- ## [The DNC is broke and in total disarray - NYT](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dnc-is-broke-and-in-total-disarray-nyt/1031932)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dnc-is-broke-and-in-total-disarray-nyt/1031932 "2026-07-26T18:19:27Z")
As happens all to often the Democrats appear poised to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, at least according to this article from today’s NYT - Phone throwing drama at the troubled, broke Democratic Party (free gift… --- ## [Oklahoma state Senate candidate found dead in truck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oklahoma-state-senate-candidate-found-dead-in-truck/1029684)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oklahoma-state-senate-candidate-found-dead-in-truck/1029684 "2026-05-01T02:57:55Z")
Barry Christian, 54, a Republican candidate for the OK state senate, missed a scheduled meeting yesterday and was reported missing. Today he was found dead in the trunk of his own car, which was abandoned on the side of… --- ## [Old Music Friday with Owen Cutts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-music-friday-with-owen-cutts/1025496)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2025, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-music-friday-with-owen-cutts/1025496 "2025-12-08T23:00:48Z")
This gentleman is talented and hilarious. The whole channel is entertaining but the Old Music Fridays are the best. Deep this. (Pink Floyd) Or this. (Dusty Springfield) --- ## [Big power outage in the San Francisco area](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-power-outage-in-the-san-francisco-area/1025907)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2025, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-power-outage-in-the-san-francisco-area/1025907 "2025-12-25T02:06:17Z")
Any Dopers affected by this? It seems to be from an exploded transformer, and there’s no timeline on when power will be restored. https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/power-outage-pge-san-francisco/ --- ## [Executive chef vs regular chef?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/executive-chef-vs-regular-chef/1033236)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/executive-chef-vs-regular-chef/1033236 "2026-09-22T17:47:56Z")
I was watching one of the numerous short videos where Gordon Ramsey is not happy with a meal at a restaurant. In one case after talking to the waitress he exclaims in disgust, “Wait - you have an executive chef on the pr… --- ## [Mass strike/protest in Minnesota for one day, January 23rd](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-strike-protest-in-minnesota-for-one-day-january-23rd/1026861)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-strike-protest-in-minnesota-for-one-day-january-23rd/1026861 "2026-01-21T20:20:39Z")
I’m not sure if this is the right forum. If the mods want to move it to Mundane Pointless Stuff I Share or even the Pit, that’s fine… I put it here because it is about a protest which I feel is a political one. Apparent… --- ## [What is Hot Pot, exactly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-hot-pot-exactly/1029039)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2026, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-hot-pot-exactly/1029039 "2026-04-06T12:42:07Z")
I know what it is in general terms— a big pot of hot broth at a communal table where the diners add various ingredients to cook in the broth, and share the results. My son, who at a young age is already more well-travel… --- ## [Another obscure song search](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-obscure-song-search/1026210)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2026, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-obscure-song-search/1026210 "2026-01-04T17:00:24Z")
I hear a clip of what must be an older techno type song played occasionally at sporting events and don’t know how to find it. It’s almost like a soccer type chant but starts with what sounds like either a chorus humming… --- ## [Is Jason Isbell a pretentious jerk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jason-isbell-a-pretentious-jerk/1026164)
**Author:** [@CettoMekko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CettoMekko)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2025, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jason-isbell-a-pretentious-jerk/1026164 "2025-12-30T23:13:17Z")
I noted in a FB discussion that Jason Isbell was said to be a pretentious and self-righteous jerk. I suspect that those commenters based their remarks on their disagreement with his politics. What have you heard from cre… --- ## [The new World Cup commercial with Owen Wilson and Sofia Vergara](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-world-cup-commercial-with-owen-wilson-and-sofia-vergara/1027863)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2026, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-world-cup-commercial-with-owen-wilson-and-sofia-vergara/1027863 "2026-02-22T01:05:20Z")
Is the Spanish spoken in the commercial grammatically correct? In the ad, Sofia Vergara is teaching Owen Wilson how to say his name. They both say “Mi nombre es Owen.” My high school Spanish teacher taught us that the… --- ## [Former FLDS town "supervised" from polygamous theocracy into a "normal" town](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-flds-town-supervised-from-polygamous-theocracy-into-a-normal-town/1027241)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2026, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-flds-town-supervised-from-polygamous-theocracy-into-a-normal-town/1027241 "2026-02-04T03:32:40Z")
Thought this was a really interesting AP story: Polygamous sect's sway has dwindled in twin towns on Arizona-Utah line. Residents enjoy new freedoms A town formerly under the control of the Fundamentalist Church of Latt… --- ## [Do you ever find your heart breaking over a, well, manufacturer's problems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-find-your-heart-breaking-over-a-well-manufacturers-problems/1029109)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-find-your-heart-breaking-over-a-well-manufacturers-problems/1029109 "2026-04-08T12:10:10Z")
This is about a food at the bottom, so I guess it belongs here, though it feels more like MPSIMS to me. A long-term friend’s daughter’s business is teetering on the edge. I’ve know her since she was 12. She’s always … --- ## [The Brink of War…Accurate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brink-of-war-accurate/1032414)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2026, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brink-of-war-accurate/1032414 "2026-08-20T01:32:32Z")
As I find the subject matter interesting I very much enjoyed it. Good glimpse into history. I am curious, however, much license, if any, was taken? Is anyone who was present at the Reagan/Gorbachev meetings even alive?… --- ## [RIP Bob Mackie, 87](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-bob-mackie-87/1033061)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-bob-mackie-87/1033061 "2026-09-15T19:02:57Z")
Bob Mackie, fashion designer to the stars, dies at 87 | AP News You could very narrowly define Bob Mackie’s career by his work on the Carol Burnett Show (including the famous Gone with the Wind parody), but he dressed s… --- ## [Whistle Blowers - General Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whistle-blowers-general-question/1030037)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2026, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whistle-blowers-general-question/1030037 "2026-05-14T22:36:30Z")
I’m watching a “whistle blower” testify before Congress. He’s a federal employee. The subject he’s speaking to is irrelevent to my question. I know there are whistleblower “protections,” but what really happens when he/… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=76&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=78&per_page=50)