Straight Dope Message Board http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb en Thu, 23 May 2013 18:15:03 GMT vBulletin 60 http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/misc/rss.jpg Straight Dope Message Board http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb I hope this is a deer bone http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691811&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 17:53:37 GMT We live in Western Montana at the edge of a national forest, and we see lots of wildlife while out on walks. A few days ago while hiking my dog brought back a bone he had found somewhere. I took a mammology class in college many years ago, so I thought it looked a lot like a tibia bone,... We live in Western Montana at the edge of a national forest, and we see lots of wildlife while out on walks. A few days ago while hiking my dog brought back a bone he had found somewhere.

I took a mammology class in college many years ago, so I thought it looked a lot like a tibia bone, although it didn't look much like other deer bones I have seen in the past.

We see White Tailed Deer almost every day here, so that's what I assumed it was from. I just want to make sure it's not a human bone, which I don't think it is.

So is this a deer bone or from some other animal? I searched the intertubes and couldn't find a perfect match.

BTW I am letting my dog chew on it since it's extremely hard and looks weathered (as opposed to fresh).

The bone is about 7 inches long and about 5/8th of an inch wide. Here are a few pics:

pic1

pic2

pic3

pic4 ]]> General Questions dolphinboy http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691811 Book ID thread http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691810&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 17:45:54 GMT This should be fun. My memories of this are so vague I’m not sure if I’ll recognize the book even if I find it, but I figure no harm in asking.

This was one of three children’s books I read in approximately 1980. One I don’t recall. One had something about a hotel and a ravine. The third is the one I’m actually looking for. The books were all written by the same woman.

I recalled the name of the book as Bell, Book, and Candle, but that may not be accurate. The plot involved some kids who snuck out at night to hold an exorcism (or was it a séance?) in a domed building. This might have been a state capitol building or even the US Capitol Building.

Anyone? ]]> Cafe Society Dung Beetle http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691810 What do you add to your oatmeal to make it not so boring? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691809&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 17:41:25 GMT My father had heart problems most of his life so one of the many things I do to control my cholesterol is make oatmeal part of my diet... omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, etc. But it does get a little boring. Lets face it, oatmeal isn't exactly the party-in-your-mouth experience like say, bacon. Usually I add cinnamon and raisins but now that's getting a little boring. So, what do you add to your oatmeal to jazz it up a little, while still keeping it healthy? ]]> Cafe Society standingwave http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691809 <![CDATA[Whew! I'm still young enough to be called "dear" by a little old lady!]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691808&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 17:38:58 GMT I was going into a building and a little old lady (white hair, kerchief, cane) was just coming out. I opened the rather heavy doors for her.

She smiled and said "Thank you dear, I really appreciate it."

I've still got it! I look young enough to be called "dear"! ]]> Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) Northern Piper http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691808 Juvenile Superman questions http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691807&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 17:35:36 GMT As my GF and I were watching the Man of Steel trailer preceding Star Trek Into Darkness, it made me wonder how Superman shaves (did Jor-el toss a "super grooming kit" into the escape pod?). A quick Googling informed me that this was actually addressed in the comics (he burns it off by bouncing his heat-vision off a piece of glass from the ship).

However, this of course led to other questions about the everyday logistics of super-dom. Does Superman have to eat? Does his super stomach acid just obliterate all human food? If not, does Superman poop, and if so, is super-poop indestructible? If so, what does he do with it? Does it come out like a rocket? Does he have a super-toilet capable of containing and disposing of super-poop?

Yes, I do have a lot of free time! ]]> Cafe Society DCnDC http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691807 Toe Jam Football http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691806&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 17:30:32 GMT Not buying Cecil's explanation that toejam football is the grotty stuff between ones toes that when rolled between ones fingers forms an ellipsoid football.

Why would an Englishman write about an ellipsoid football? He wouldn't, because to an Englishman a football is round; i.e. a soccer ball.

Toejam football (imo) is what one gets playing soccer barefoot. ]]> Lukeinva http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691806 Master Chef! http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691805&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 17:22:13 GMT Master Chef is back!


Let's get things going...


The girl with long black hair who keeps saying: "People don't expect me to be a good cook because I'm so pretty." Yeah, she needs to go.

Also, that lady who made that dish that had her breast milk in it? What the fuckity fuck?!! :D:D ]]> Cafe Society Shakes http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691805 <![CDATA[The "written by a coked up orangutan" thread]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691804&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:06 GMT Hey how ya doin that yours? mind if a have a little taste? got any bananas? no, i'm really not hungry I just like bananas know what I'm sayin? goddam the females over there sure got some sloped foreheads huh? am I right or am I right? I bet they can care for and socialize their young, ya know what I mean? mind if I have a little more of that? oh yaaaa, that hits the spot. did I ever tell you about that nest I built in that tree that time? let's go out, you wanna go out? got any more of that? ]]> Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) HotDogWater http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691804 Workplace, but not really griping http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691803&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 16:41:26 GMT I can remember hearing business advice in the past that when you want to float a new idea at a staff meeting, you should first run it by a coworker or two. The idea is to have them poke some holes in it and get those fixed before you present it to the boss around the conference table, and also to... I can remember hearing business advice in the past that when you want to float a new idea at a staff meeting, you should first run it by a coworker or two. The idea is to have them poke some holes in it and get those fixed before you present it to the boss around the conference table, and also to know that you have a few supporters of your idea in the meeting.

Anyway, I did this. I have an idea for updating an outdated procedure and the coworker thought it sounded great. Fast forward to the meeting where I start to explain my idea and she interrupts with "what moejoe is trying to say..." uses the word "we" a lot, and basically takes over the whole presentation but doesn't explain it well at all.

I did regain the floor and continue my pitch and it went well. I've been invited to write up the proposal and move forward with the change so it all ended well. What I'm wondering now is if I should mention the issue to the coworker or just avoid sharing ideas with her in the future. She's in her early 20s, so while maybe she should know better by now she's also pretty new to work/meeting etiquette. It's a small team and she seemed like a good choice for brainstorming, but I've only been here a year so I'm still not sure if she's a snake or just clueless.

So...speak up or learn from my mistake? ]]> In My Humble Opinion (IMHO) moejoe http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691803 <![CDATA[If we have sticky threads, can't we have hot, sticky threads?]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691802&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 16:28:48 GMT Just asking.

I guess this should really go in ATMB. If someone with the powah has the gonads to move there, you're a braver primate than moi. :) ]]> In My Humble Opinion (IMHO) deltasigma http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691802 Please help ID this scy-fy movie http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691801&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 16:25:32 GMT When I saw this flick on TV, I tuned in late, and the signal went off before it finished. It is old, possible B&W.
Apparently if you are rich you could change your identity. Complete with plastic surgery, documents, Phd's, whatever you requested. Some people visited their old life, families, etc. and wanted to return. In order to return to your old life, you had to find a certain number of people to sign up for the change of identity. And there was a room full of people on telephones trying to round up future clients. Then the signal went out, and I don't know how it ends. Or maybe that was the end, but there were no credits after and the screen had no picture. Thanks for your help. ]]> Cafe Society harmonicamoon http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691801 Your favoriate James Bond theme song http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691800&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 16:22:18 GMT I have a Shirley Bassey CD with her rendition of "Goldfinger" on it, and I like it a lot. It's been a while since I heard some of the other Bond themes, but even so I'd have to say this one is probably my favorite.

A close second is Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill".

Which ones are at the top of your list? ]]> Cafe Society Machine Elf http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691800 Question about business perception http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691799&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 16:13:27 GMT I could make this a poll, but I'd rather leave the discussion open.

If you were a business inclined to use a local provider for creative support services - loosely: printing, web design, photography, video, editorial, presentation, trade show support, etc. - would you be most attracted to and initially impressed by:
  1. A sharp, glass-front walk-in in a slightly dingy but high-exposure strip mall;
  2. A small room with direct outside entrance in a high-profile professional building;
  3. A reasonably new, mid-sized professional space within a mid-profile professional campus.
All are about the same net cost; the need is for high local visibility and then setting the right expectations with the initial visit. ]]> In My Humble Opinion (IMHO) Amateur Barbarian http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691799 Benedict Cumberbatch: Attractive??? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691797&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 15:51:49 GMT I keep seeing this in the entertainment rags, and all I can say is... ...really?! bleh. He looks like an iguana! I keep seeing this in the entertainment rags, and all I can say is...

...really?! bleh. He looks like an iguana! ]]> Cafe Society amaguri http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691797 been meaning to post about procrastination http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691796&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 15:47:45 GMT for a long time. no, really. anyone found a way to cut back on this stupid behavior? I say this as someone who JUST did some stuff that could have and should have been done DAYS ago. it would have made the last few days much easier and it only took about 30 minutes. I hate it that I put off... for a long time. no, really.

anyone found a way to cut back on this stupid behavior? I say this as someone who JUST did some stuff that could have and should have been done DAYS ago. it would have made the last few days much easier and it only took about 30 minutes.

I hate it that I put off doing things that I actually want to get done. anyone have a good strategy? tell me now, don't put it off! ]]> Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) JackieLikesVariety http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691796 How long do you keep leftover food? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691795&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 15:40:19 GMT We had pizza delivered on Sunday. Today is Thursday, and I'm eating the last of the leftovers. If I didn't eat it today (four days after delivery), I probably would toss it. In other words, I would discard refrigerated food not eaten after four days.

Generally speaking, how long do you keep leftover food before discarding? Assume that any food under consideration still smells "OK" and does not appear to be moldy or otherwise degraded. ]]> Cafe Society Machine Elf http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691795 <![CDATA[Why: "My Neighboor's Ex Wife" ?]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691794&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 15:38:06 GMT In the online comment sections for news articles, some shill always posts
an ad: My Neighboor's ex wife is making x amount from home.
Or: My sister in law's mother works 10 hours per week making x amount.

They want you to believe their schtick and go to the website for more info.
Why not say, "I'm making x amount from home". Why is it they think by saying,
"my neighboor's ex wife" makes there scheme more believable? Wouldn't first person testimonials be more convincing? ]]> General Questions rock party http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691794 Junction without any traffic lights/and signs safer? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691793&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 15:04:22 GMT I was discussing driving styles without someone and I remember an article on the internet about a junction where they removed all the signs and possibly also the traffic lights (not sure about the traffic lights part) and this resulted in fewer accidents. IRC it was in The Netherlands, but I'm not sure. The other person thought it was very interesting and would like to read the article, but I can't find it and can't remember where I read it. It could have been Cracked, but I couldn't find it there.

Can anyone help? ]]> General Questions PookahMacPhellimey http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691793 <![CDATA[Can a gay man [woman] and a straight man [woman] be friends?]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691792&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:43:26 GMT I have a twist on the old “When Harry met Sally” question of whether a man and a woman can be friends. For the record, I happen to agree with the movie, i.e. “no”. If you spend a lot of time with someone and you and that person are in each others' demographic of interest, you should expect that the other person may develop romantic interests. Pretending otherwise is dickish. A girl I knew in college was really close friends with me and several other guys (the school was ~80% men); we all lusted after her and she acted shocked whenever any of us admitted it. Pretty dickish IMHO.

Back when I started grad school in my early 20s, another new student (a man) and I met and we hit it off famously. He was fairly effeminate but the question of whether either of us was gay never came up (initially). I remember thinking that I might be leading him on, but I also felt like that only makes sense if he assumes I'm gay, which I had never indicated that I was. [What a pain it must be to be gay...straight folks at least have probability working for them...].

At first it was fun, we had a lot in common and we commiserated about our stressful courses. It was the best friendship I had ever had up to that point. Interestingly, some mutual friends had asked him whether he was gay and he said no. I never asked him because I guess I didn't care.

Fast forward a few months...the guy has clearly developed a major crush on me. Example: at one point, a very pretty girl in our class mentioned to him that she liked me, and afterwards he freaked out, getting teary and saying how he had “invested so much in our friendship”. I had to cut off contact with him to keep him from hovering around me in class & calling me all the time. But I felt like a dick for leading him on.

Hence, I am amending the previous rule. New rule: Don't become close friends with someone if YOU are in THEIR preferred demographic, even if the opposite doesn't apply and they know it. The heart is a complicated muscle, feelings form even when you don't want them to. Don't be a dick by leading someone on.

This one may be less strict – more true for men than women perhaps? ]]> In My Humble Opinion (IMHO) spazurek http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691792 Wireless Access Point question/problem http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691791&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:40:15 GMT The building I work in is an emergency operations center and is heavily constructed, thus making our wireless range very limited. In order to get wireless reception in some other rooms we added a WAP to our existing wireless router. The problem is that when connecting to the WAP network we are... The building I work in is an emergency operations center and is heavily constructed, thus making our wireless range very limited. In order to get wireless reception in some other rooms we added a WAP to our existing wireless router. The problem is that when connecting to the WAP network we are often unable to connect to the internet even though the computer says we are connected to the network with a maximum strength signal. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Also, and I don't know if its related, streaming video through the WAP seems to be a problem. It buffers forever sometimes and sometimes its fine. There doesn't seem to be a buffering issue when within range of the wireless modem and using that network. The same one year old laptop is being used in all cases. Other laptops have been tried and have the same problem. Any ideas?

As an aside, the county owns and operates the building but won't help us out with technical support even though we are county employees. They don't pay for our internet service nor did they pay for any of the wireless equipment. My work group is not very computer literate so KIS because we are S. ]]> General Questions MikeF http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691791 Another insect ID, please http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691790&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:34:45 GMT In south-central Oklahoma, late afternoon and kind of hot outside when found in middle of road yesterday. Appearance from overhead is kind of millipede-ish, but fewer legs and body segments Rather fast in its crawling and movements and moves in straight line. Has set of pincers on one end that it... In south-central Oklahoma, late afternoon and kind of hot outside when found in middle of road yesterday. Appearance from overhead is kind of millipede-ish, but fewer legs and body segments Rather fast in its crawling and movements and moves in straight line. Has set of pincers on one end that it uses with a 'strike' motion - rears up then snaps 'em at whatever it is aiming at. It is about 2 to 2.5 inches approximately.

Weirdly, where it 'strikes' at something and lands a blow, it leaves an oily-looking blackish 'wetness' that has a scent(?) that made my Chihuahua pull back as far as leash allowed. Maybe a blistering agent or such?? Offensive to dogs, to say the least, and dog wanted to get away badly! You can see the goo it left on stick in pic 1 (with the arrows). I had to use a stick to hold it still for pictures and every time I got it close (gently, for what its worth) it struck at it a couple times then tried running away. Energetic little critter, for sure. Many thanks...

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3 ]]> General Questions Ionizer http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691790 mmmm - haggis chips! http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691788&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:31:09 GMT A new taste treat! Mackies of Scotland (http://www.mackies.co.uk/potato_crisps/flavours/haggis_cracked_black_pepper.aspx) puts out haggis and cracked black pepper potato chips! (or crisps, if you prefer) Bought a bag last night while grocery shopping; was crunching away on them when I came... A new taste treat!

Mackies of Scotland puts out haggis and cracked black pepper potato chips! (or crisps, if you prefer)

Bought a bag last night while grocery shopping; was crunching away on them when I came home. Mrs Piper tried one and said, "They really do taste like haggis!" ]]> Cafe Society Northern Piper http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691788 Making a statement, then invoking the Fifth Amendment (IRS): legal? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691787&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:25:18 GMT Yesterday Lois Lerner, head of the IRS division overseeing exemptions, appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform committee. She read a statement and then invoked the Fifth Amendment. The statement is here: Members of this committee have accused me of providing false information... Yesterday Lois Lerner, head of the IRS division overseeing exemptions, appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform committee. She read a statement and then invoked the Fifth Amendment. The statement is here:

SPOILER:
Members of this committee have accused me of providing false information when I responded to questions about the IRS processing of applications for tax exemption. I have not done anything wrong, I have not broken any laws, I have not violated any IRS rules and regulations, and I have not provided false information to this or any other congressional committee.

And while I would very much like to answer the committee's questions today, I've been advised by my counsel to assert my constitutional right not to testify or answer questions related to the subject matter of this hearing. After very careful consideration, I have decided to follow my counsel's advice and not testify or answer any of the questions today.

Because I'm asserting my right not to testify, I know that some people will assume that I have done something wrong. I have not. One of the basic functions of the Fifth Amendment is to protect innocent individuals, and that is the protection I am invoking today.


1) To me, at least, this seems like having your cake and eating it too. Under oath, she can present evidence and make assertions to influence a jury/legally authorized questioners, and then avoid cross-examination.

2) A Congressional hearing, I'm guessing, follows different rules than a court trial. Would this affect the matter? ]]> General Questions Leo Bloom http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691787 Energy / Mass Equivalence http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691786&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:20:31 GMT I have a question regarding the famous equation E = mc2. I have always taken it to mean that mass could be viewed to simply be a type of energy and under the right conditions other energy could be converted to mass just as mass could be converted to other energy. Most books and articles about... I have a question regarding the famous equation E = mc2.

I have always taken it to mean that mass could be viewed to simply be a type of energy and under the right conditions other energy could be converted to mass just as mass could be converted to other energy. Most books and articles about Special Relativity seem to say exactly the same thing.

In another physics thread, I noticed that this interpretation is not shared by everyone, but I did not want to hijack things there any further. So now my question: is mass just another form of energy? If not, I would appreciate a cite, because I simply cannot find anything that contradicts my interpretation, but I am aware that I may be subconsciously preselecting what I look at.

Oh, and I decided to celebrate my 100th post by creating my very first thread. :) ]]> General Questions Bremidon http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691786 Do you name your vehicles? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691785&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:16:33 GMT Are you in the habit of giving your vehicles names? I've got a cute little 4 door hatchback named "Ex"(can you guess the make and model? :D) ]]> In My Humble Opinion (IMHO) Czarcasm http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691785 2013 as imagined in 1988 http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691784&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:13:10 GMT On April 3, 1988, the Los Angeles Times Magazine published a 25-year look ahead to 2013. Some of it is very accurate, some of it....not so much. We were really obsessed with robots back then, weren't we?!

http://documents.latimes.com/la-2013/ ]]> Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) sandra_nz http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691784 <![CDATA[For the love all that's holy, being stupid is NOT an accident]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691783&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:03:31 GMT This boy died tragically. But it wasn't an accident. He didn't slip and fall through the collar. He didn't slip and fall off the side.

Quote:
A Kentucky high school football player known as a "jokester" was strangled by a dog lead he put around his neck while playing with friends at the start of summer vacation, just hours after finishing his freshman year.

Tony Conley, 16, died near his home in Estill County in eastern Kentucky on Friday when he apparently jumped off an outdoor deck staircase and the dog lead tightened around his neck, county Coroner Tony Murphy said Monday.
Where is the accident? I see stupidity, but being stupid != accident. Why aren't they calling it a senseless suicide? He jumped. He didn't slip, get nudged, or anything else.

Are we calling it an accident so his parents won't have to think about how their son is dead because they couldn't be bothered explaining to him that you don't jump from structures with things tied around your neck?

I was 4 years old when I learned that dog collars + porches + fall= dead puppy :(.

So yeah, I agree tragic, senseless, but I just cannot grasp the use of the word accident.

Murder Suspect: Yeah, I pointed the gun at her. Yeah, I pulled the trigger. But it was an accident. I didn't mean for the bullet to actually kill her! ]]> The BBQ Pit Zyanthia http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691783 <![CDATA[The electronics of amp & guitar volume controls]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691782&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 13:57:37 GMT My question is about how the combination of a volume control on a guitar and the volume control on an amp contribute to the final amplified signal. There is a lot of setup here with the questions at the end. (I once took EE 101 and that's as far as I got--Kirchoff's current law, transistor analysis. So answer like I'm a dumb musician.)

A guitar pickup produces a signal induced by the vibration of the conductive string in the magnetic field of a magnet wrapped with a wire coil. The signal is modulated by the volume control, which is a potientometer used as a variable resistor (I think). I guess the way it works is to add resistance to the raw signal, thereby reducing the amplitude of the signal.

I have no idea what the volume control on an amp does, whether it limits the final signal, limits the input signal, or whether it somehow boosts the power being delivered by the amp, all the way up to 11.

I have noticed that if I crank the amp volume up and reduce the volume at the guitar, the signal coming out of the speakers is very clean, and has a more acoustic quality to it. If I max out the volume on the guitar, and reduce the volume at the amp correspondingly to produce the same volume at the speaker, the sound at the speaker has more of an electric quality with more distortion.

This particular rig is a carved-top archtop guitar (Hofner New President) and a Roland Cube XL80 (solid state) amp.

1. Does a volume control on a guitar change the signal characteristics other than the level of the signal? Is the signal coming past the volume control distorted in any way that would be detectable to a listener? Seems odd that reducing the resistance would increase the perceived distortion.

2. Seems counterintuitive that I could get a cleaner sound from an amp by turning the volume up. What happens electronically when I turn the volume up on an amp? Does the input signal level somehow "drive" the amp more?

This is a factual question about electronics rather than a question about artistic aspects of music so I put it here rather than Cafe Society. I'm open to a change in forum if the mods so deem. ]]> General Questions CookingWithGas http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691782 <![CDATA[Canada's Mounties: Upholding the law for 140 years and counting]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691781&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 13:52:03 GMT www.google.ca has a doodle today to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, originally called the North-West Mounted Police. The Mounties were founded by the Canadian government in 1873 (http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/hist/ori-deb/debuts2-eng.htm), to assert Canadian... www.google.ca has a doodle today to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, originally called the North-West Mounted Police.

The Mounties were founded by the Canadian government in 1873, to assert Canadian sovereignty over the west, chase out Yankee whiskey traders, and to provide law and order in advance of settlement, preventing the Indian wars that had happened in the US. The need and urgency for the police force was spurred by news reaching Ottawa of a massacre of Assiniboine by American whiskey traders in the Cypress Hills Massacre in the spring of 1873.

Organized in 1873, the first 300 Mounties started out in the spring of 1874, on the March West. One group of 150 went over the Dawson Trail in Ontario and Manitoba, and the other 150 went via Chicago.

From that beginning, the Mounties have provided policing services throughout Canada for 140 years.

Their motto: "Maintiens le Droit." ("Uphold the Law.") ]]> Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) Northern Piper http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691781 So, would it kill you to accept same-sex marriage? Huh - apparently, it would. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691780&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 13:39:11 GMT A far-right activist/writer in France was so upset over the adoption of same-sex marriage that he committed suicide by shooting himself in front of the high alter of Notre-Dame in Paris. Really. Well-known French far-Right historian commits suicide at Notre Dame altar in gay marriage protest... A far-right activist/writer in France was so upset over the adoption of same-sex marriage that he committed suicide by shooting himself in front of the high alter of Notre-Dame in Paris.

Really.

Well-known French far-Right historian commits suicide at Notre Dame altar in gay marriage protest

Quote:
A well-known French far-Right historian committed suicide at the altar of Notre Dame Cathedral Tuesday by shooting himself in the mouth in an apparent protest against gay marriage.

Dominique Venner, 78, a former Right-wing activist known in France for his political essays, posted a note on his blog dated yesterday, attacking a law passed by the Socialist government last week allowing same-sex marriage and adoption, which he called “vile.”

Police also found a handwritten note by his body, the contents of which were not known last night.

Mr Venner calmly walked to the altar in the choir area and shot himself with a Belgian-made Herstal automatic pistol, according to Europe 1 radio.
]]> Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) Northern Piper http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691780 Excel Question regarding multiple lists http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691779&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 13:18:08 GMT Excel Question: I am trying to create dependent drop down list containing unique distinct values in multiple rows and columns. So for instance, I have multiple lists saved in my excel workbook; but I only want a certain list to appear depending on what the user selects. IE, If in cell B1, a... Excel Question:

I am trying to create dependent drop down list containing unique distinct values in multiple rows and columns. So for instance, I have multiple lists saved in my excel workbook; but I only want a certain list to appear depending on what the user selects. IE, If in cell B1, a user selects "Director” and in cell C1, a user selects “Critical Element 1A”, in cell D1 I only want the Director Critical Element 1A list to be available for the user.

Thanks ]]> General Questions No Wikipedia Cites http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691779 Could Lincoln Have Used Drones to Fight the Rebellion? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691778&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 13:10:41 GMT If it's okay for Lincoln to send the armed forces to kill 260,000 American citizens, without trial, just because they put on the Confederate gray and pointed muskets at us, then what is all the whining about what Pres. Obama has done?

He had evidence that Anwar al-Awlaki was engaged in planning attacks against the U.S. He wasn't just talkin' smack, he was helping to plan attacks. No jury decided it was true, any more than they provided a jury trial for each rebel soldier (each a U.S. citizen!) at Gettysburg 150 years ago. ]]> Great Debates 6079smithW http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691778 Help me become a GOT addict http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691777&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 12:59:58 GMT I've seen a few odd episodes of Game of Thrones. I want to jump in with two feet and start with season 1 episode 1. I have netflix. What the best way to get caught up? I'm not a fan of Amazon, their proprietary player gliches on me. Hulu? ]]> Cafe Society Vitalis Kissmeoff http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691777 Concrete vs Pavers. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691776&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 12:26:34 GMT As part of the purchase agreement for my house the former owners agreed to put in a new driveway with out choice of pavers or concrete. I like the looks of pavers, but I'm worried about their long term durability- will I be constantly pulling up weeds, sweeping in new sand, etc. Do pavers hold up for many decades like concrete does or do they need to be redone periodically? I'm thinking non-permeable pavers might be better because they're placed closer together? ]]> In My Humble Opinion (IMHO) Mdcastle http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691776 Has a Federal law ever been suspended? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691774&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 11:25:05 GMT Let's say enough legislators thought that the likely cost of Obamacare was way more than they expected and they didn't like the IRS involvement in the administration.

Could they suspend further implementation until those things were changed?

I think the trick (in general) would be to have clear triggers or some entity they all trusted to "certify" that the goals had been accomplished.

I think you get the idea ..... has anything like that happenned before or do you know of any reasons why it couldn't? Not why it won't or shouldn't, please. ]]> General Questions What the .... ?!?! http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691774 Interesting Penology Conundrum in England http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691772&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 09:56:48 GMT A triple child killer who impaled his victims on spiked garden railings had his cloak of anonymity lifted yesterday in a major victory for ‘open justice’. David McGreavy – dubbed the Monster of Worcester – had used human rights law to claim the public should be kept in the dark about his bid to... A triple child killer who impaled his victims on spiked garden railings had his cloak of anonymity lifted yesterday in a major victory for ‘open justice’.
David McGreavy – dubbed the Monster of Worcester – had used human rights law to claim the public should be kept in the dark about his bid to move to an open jail.
But, after a legal challenge by the Daily Mail and other newspapers, the High Court quashed the secrecy order.
It removes the chilling prospect of the public not knowing if one of the most dangerous men in Britain is close to being released.
Last night, Dorothy Urry, the mother of his three victims, called for criminals to be banned from exploiting the Human Rights Act and said it was vital that Press freedom to report the workings of the criminal justice system be protected.
Her plea came as police seek to impose draconian restrictions on the identification of suspects.
‘Why shouldn’t criminals be named,’ asked Mrs Urry. ‘We don’t know who we’re walking next to these days – the public has a right to know.
'If he was to move next door, you would have to know exactly who and what he was. It may stop people doing what he did if they knew how it ruined lives.”
McGreavy, now 62, committed one of the most horrific crimes of the past 40 years when, on Friday April 13, 1973, he murdered the three children of Mrs Urry – who was then known as Elsie Ralph – and her husband Clive.
He was a lodger with the couple and had been babysitting at their Worcester home when the youngest child, nine-month-old Samantha, began crying for her bottle.
McGreavy went berserk, battering Samantha to death. Her brother Paul, four, was strangled and Dawn, two, had her throat cut. Police found their mutilated bodies impaled on a neighbour’s railings.
He was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 20 years. Since this term expired, he has been trying to secure his freedom but has yet to be released by the Parole Board.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz2U6jiXtD0
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook


Ignoring the fact that he committed a terrible crime, it is an interesting conundrum for English Justice.

Life sentences in England have what are termed tariffs or minimum terms. These are set at a level decided by the judge for retribution, discouragement of others and safety of the community. A domestic anger murder might rsult in a tariff of 10-14 years, a mass sex murdered, child killer for sexual motives, police killer etc might attract a tariff of 40 years to whole life.

This man had a tariff of 20 years and since then the parole board considers that he no longer should be held in prison for any tariff reason. To leave prison it is necessary that a lifer be transferred slowly back to the community and this involves transition through a Category D Open Prison, visits out, then residence in a bail hospital.

Because of his notoriety it has been impossible to place him in a Cat D prison without placing him at risk. So he is stalled. The European Court of Human Rights have found (in the case of indeterminate sentences) that the Prison service owes a duty of care to allow prisoners' progression to freedom if that is what the law calls for. The prison service cannot currently comply with the rules and the law.

Additionally the man was previously protected from general identification by a court order stopping the press covering his story. That has now been overturned. That will now require a new identity be created for him at the cost of many hundreds of thousands of pounds, and a correctly formatted gagging order on the press.

The question is:

How should the prison service act to allow his release? ]]> Great Debates Pjen http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691772 What is the point of abridged fiction books? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691771&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 09:37:05 GMT I was in an op shop the other day and they had several of the Readers Digest Condensed Book volumes on the shelves. I knew they'd been popular a while back but I had no idea they'd released so many of them.

Anyway, seeing them all got me wondering - I've often wondered what the point of an abridged edition of a fiction book actually is. I get an "edited highlights" version of weighty non-fiction books on technical or historical or esoteric subjets, but a John Grisham or Catherine Cookson novel?

They're not especially hefty to begin with, so what's the point in abridging them, even for an anthology? ]]> Cafe Society Martini Enfield http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691771 80-year-old Japanese man becomes oldest to climb Mount Everest http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691768&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 07:10:10 GMT "An 80-year-old Japanese man on Thursday became the oldest man to reach the top of Mt. Everest, officials said.

Yuichiro Miura reached the top of Everest Thursday morning with his physician son Gota, mountaineering official Gyanendra Shrestha said from the base of Everest.

Miura's achievement eclipses that of a Nepali man who climbed Everest at age 76 in 2008."

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/23/wo...ord/?hpt=hp_t3 ]]> Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) PastTense http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691768 <![CDATA["Pushing" an age origin (he's pushing 30)]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691767&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 07:09:20 GMT What is the origin of saying "he's pushing x years old"? Like "he's pushing 30" or "she's pushing 40"? ]]> General Questions CheeseDonkey http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691767 Colonoscopies http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691766&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 07:08:58 GMT Are they necessary/a good idea or a scam? I'm curious if anyone knows much about them and colon cancer in general as I've read conflicting reports about them,--and lots of other medical procedures--and I wonder if they're worth the :( discomfort.

Am I asking for medical advice? No, I've already got that from my pcp, just curious what people think about colonoscopies in general. There are so many medical tests these days, and they get more numerous and expensive by the year. ]]> General Questions john b. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691766 Rioting in Sweden! http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691765&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 07:00:56 GMT I'm sorry about the exclamation mark in the topic header, I am trying to sell this as an interesting story just so I can get someone else to discuss it with. It probably doesn't warrant an exclamation mark. I think a fair description of the dignity of the issue would be "very trivial" but also interesting in a way.

There are riots in the capital of Sweden. Based on just the information you gained by checking the article linked in a casual manner, what would you say are the answers to these questions, IF if you feel they were answered of course.

1. Who is rioting?
2. Why are they rioting?
3. Where are they rioting?

Also feel free to elaborate and speculate. I'm incredibly curious to find out the impression this news leaves on people outside Sweden, and will explain more later if you're interested. Thanks! ]]> Great Debates Stoneburg http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691765 Bug I found http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691763&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 05:25:07 GMT _Main_ > _About This Message Board_">) still sports a coding that links it to "http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/forumdisplay.php?f=15" instead of the new...]]> Clicking the word "Main" in the header that shows what forum you are in ("Straight Dope Message Board > Main > About This Message Board">) still sports a coding that links it to "http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/forumdisplay.php?f=15" instead of the new "http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/" address. ]]> About This Message Board Snowboarder Bo http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691763 How do you not realize you have cirrhosis http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691762&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 04:46:36 GMT Reading news recently, I read about a musician who died of cirrhosis. What surprised me is that the article stated that he had no idea he had it until the end of his life. How on earth is that possible? Do symptoms not present sometimes? A quick check of Wikipedia shows dozens of symptoms and... Reading news recently, I read about a musician who died of cirrhosis. What surprised me is that the article stated that he had no idea he had it until the end of his life. How on earth is that possible?

Do symptoms not present sometimes? A quick check of Wikipedia shows dozens of symptoms and also states that they may not be present. But for NONE of them to be present? Seems crazy.

So, how does your average Joe-beer-lover know if they have it or not? Does a routine physical's blood work test it?

It made me think back to my days as a professional drinker (I think it was called college) where I had 4-8 drinks per day every day. It's been years since then, and I probably have 4-6 drinks per week now; always beer (which is still too much per most doctors). ]]> General Questions CanTak3 http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691762 Can the abdominal muscles compress the stomach? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691761&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 04:44:35 GMT I was reading in Anatographica about how toning the abdominal muscles keeps the belly from sagging by holding the digestive organs in place. That got me thinking-if the abs receive a great deal of toning, can they hinder the digestive system by pushing against the stomach or other organs? Does the... I was reading in Anatographica about how toning the abdominal muscles keeps the belly from sagging by holding the digestive organs in place. That got me thinking-if the abs receive a great deal of toning, can they hinder the digestive system by pushing against the stomach or other organs? Does the stomach have room to expand or do the various muscles find each other competing for limited abdominal space? ]]> General Questions jhankin1 http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691761 Numbness in arms and legs, causes? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691760&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 04:25:10 GMT Hello Everyone,

Sometimes when I sit with my leg elevated or it's just positioned the right way it will "go to sleep", meaning it will become numb and tingly. Until the numbness goes away it's very difficult to walk on it and quite entertaining to those song to see me attempting to walk. Of course I've had on occasion my arm or hand do the same thing. What caused this? My thought is that it is either from putting pressure on a nerve or restricting blood flow to the offending appendage. So, which one is it, blood or nerve?:confused: ]]> General Questions obbn http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691760 Soldier Hacked to Death in London Street http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691759&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 04:05:42 GMT Breaking News on BBC. Story here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22630303). Bizarre. Onlookers thought two men were trying to help the guy, then noticed they were hacking him. And BBC TV is saying instead of the fleeing, they hung around and seemed to be waiting for police to arrive. Then walked... Breaking News on BBC. Story here.

Bizarre. Onlookers thought two men were trying to help the guy, then noticed they were hacking him. And BBC TV is saying instead of the fleeing, they hung around and seemed to be waiting for police to arrive. Then walked toward police arms hanging down but holding a gun, so police shot and wounded them. Before police arrived, they unleashed a diatribe on a camera against the British government, waving bloodied hands. ]]> Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) Siam Sam http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691759 <![CDATA[Which edition of D&D should be on my executive bookshelf?]]> http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691757&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 03:55:19 GMT So I'm moving up in the world, and am now a VP. So I have an office, and it has a bookshelf. One of the things I've noticed is that a lot of executives miss the opportunity to send a clear message with the contents of their bookshelves.

Not me.

I want to let my gamer freak flag fly. So, Dopers, tell me: Which version of D&D should I have on my bookshelf? Please feel free to make the case for your choice below.

Note that I'm not including OD&D because I don't have that one - I started late, with first edition AD&D. And I'm not including 3.0, because 3.5 is just better. Feel free to disagree with me. ]]> The Game Room Brainiac4 http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691757 Where to get polarized sunglasses film? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691756&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 03:52:25 GMT I'm trying to fab some flip-up goggles for Burning Man using welding goggles. I'd like to get some high quality adhesive polarized film that I can use for sunglass material that will properly protect my eyeballs for whatever the prevailing USA standards are.

I'd like something with the attenuation level of Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

Would something like this work?

http://www.dougdeals.com/p-11068-new...Fa9eQgoduVIAqg

or this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-NITTO-...063#vi-content

Would the stated 44% transmission level work for sunglasses?

What are the relevant properties that I should be concerned with (UVB blocking, I guess)?

Would the clear lenses in the goggles typically be inherently UVB blocking? ]]> General Questions Darryl Lict http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691756 can anyone help with book title / author? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691755&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 03:51:49 GMT Having read a few threads, and seen how brilliant you guys are, thought I would try my luck, hoping someone can help.. I read a novel, but cant remember the author or title.. Brief synopsis is that Ireland was invaded (i *think* by cubans), and the plan to free the country involves a young... Having read a few threads, and seen how brilliant you guys are, thought I would try my luck, hoping someone can help..

I read a novel, but cant remember the author or title..

Brief synopsis is that Ireland was invaded (i *think* by cubans), and the plan to free the country involves a young girl called maeve, who is crowned as queen, and goes round the celtic regiments of britain and recruits troops to fight and reclaim ireland...

It includes a scotish general called Stewart (surname), And i *think* that Croke Park was used as an internment camp...

I REALLY want to read it again, but google isnt helping :( ]]> Cafe Society PaulBUK http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691755 Blacklights and cat pee http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691754&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 03:51:36 GMT Does anyone here have experience or recommendations for using blacklights to find cat urine? Does anyone here have experience or recommendations for using blacklights to find cat urine? ]]> General Questions Bitterham http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=691754