# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1048 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1049 --- ## [“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” - still true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-sufficiently-advanced-technology-is-indistinguishable-from-magic-still-true/968030)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-sufficiently-advanced-technology-is-indistinguishable-from-magic-still-true/968030 "2022-07-22T19:38:06Z")
In 1962, in his book “Profiles of the Future: An Inquiry into the Limits of the Possible”, science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke formulated his famous Three Laws, of which the third law is the best-known and most widel… --- ## [How to use my "use-or-lose" annual leave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-my-use-or-lose-annual-leave/968351)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-my-use-or-lose-annual-leave/968351 "2022-07-22T19:24:46Z")
I didn’t take any leave last year, so I’ve hit my annual leave accrual cap already, which means I’m already in a use-or-lose situation. I work four 9-hour days, and one 4-hour day every week. Two of the 9-hour days and t… --- ## [Live PD returns as On Patrol: Live](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/live-pd-returns-as-on-patrol-live/968379)
**Author:** [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/live-pd-returns-as-on-patrol-live/968379 "2022-07-22T18:17:39Z")
Fans of Live PD, which formerly aired on A&E before being canceled in 2020, may be happy to learn the show is being resurrected as On Patrol:Live on the Reelz cable channel tonight, July 22. Dan Abrams will once again ho… --- ## [Guaranteed Income for Life Plans - Yea or nay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guaranteed-income-for-life-plans-yea-or-nay/968328)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guaranteed-income-for-life-plans-yea-or-nay/968328 "2022-07-22T17:57:14Z")
I have an annuity ( I know, I know) and my new advisor is suggesting I flip over to one of these plans. Lower fees and no more than 10% loss in any year but gains are also capped. I’m not sure at what level. His internet… --- ## [Your Life. In Chart Form](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-life-in-chart-form/968288)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-life-in-chart-form/968288 "2022-07-22T17:19:42Z")
I enjoyed this tidbit from Bored Panda. Some amusing charts from someone who clearly has too much time on their hands. --- ## [Was Cheers the first show to use the phrase “little black book?”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-cheers-the-first-show-to-use-the-phrase-little-black-book/968316)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-cheers-the-first-show-to-use-the-phrase-little-black-book/968316 "2022-07-22T17:13:08Z")
This question is surprisingly difficult to answer using Google, mostly because there was a 2004 movie by the name Little Black Book. The question is about the actual term, since the concept itself obviously predates Che… --- ## [The Googol to 1 gear ratio machine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-googol-to-1-gear-ratio-machine/968182)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-googol-to-1-gear-ratio-machine/968182 "2022-07-22T16:22:34Z")
There are a total of 100 gears in this machine, with each gear pair having a reduction of 1 to 10, so for every 10 revolutions, the gear next in line makes one rotation, and so forth. So for the last gear to spin one tim… --- ## [Unusual car problems you had?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-car-problems-you-had/967817)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-car-problems-you-had/967817 "2022-07-22T15:22:18Z")
I had a drive shaft break off. Also my hood flew up , I was able to pull over without wrecking. Car Battery was stolen. --- ## [Data encryption and LastPass Emergency Access](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/data-encryption-and-lastpass-emergency-access/968341)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/data-encryption-and-lastpass-emergency-access/968341 "2022-07-22T14:49:25Z")
If you use LastPass to store your passwords and such, there is an option called Emergency Access - you nominate another person who will be able to access your data (main use case is after you have died) - you specify a w… --- ## [Adjusting HVAC vent covers (most efficient position)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adjusting-hvac-vent-covers-most-efficient-position/968322)
**Author:** [@Jingleheimer-Schmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jingleheimer-Schmidt)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adjusting-hvac-vent-covers-most-efficient-position/968322 "2022-07-22T14:42:25Z")
The adjustable part of my HVAC vent covers are horizontal flaps, which are controlled by a small lever. Horizontal meaning when considering them from side-to-side, but their position from front-to-back can range from ver… --- ## [Why is Trump popular with some Latinos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-trump-popular-with-some-latinos/920231)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-trump-popular-with-some-latinos/920231 "2022-07-22T14:20:01Z")
Trump started his campaign by denigrating Mexicans and remains fairly unpopular there. On the other hand, some countries are reliably pro-American and pro-Conservative. Many Latin American countries are religious - esp… --- ## [Ikea Billy Bookcase with bowed sides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ikea-billy-bookcase-with-bowed-sides/968342)
**Author:** [@Jingleheimer-Schmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jingleheimer-Schmidt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ikea-billy-bookcase-with-bowed-sides/968342 "2022-07-22T13:36:17Z")
BILLY Bookcase, white, 31 1/2x11x79 1/2" - IKEA I have one of these. The way this is made is that the sides are not attached to the shelves other than to the middle (non-adjustable) shelf. They are also not attached to … --- ## [If the entire internet where to be printed out in a physical book, how many pages would it be, how much ink would it take, and how physically large would the book have to be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-entire-internet-where-to-be-printed-out-in-a-physical-book-how-many-pages-would-it-be-how-much-ink-would-it-take-and-how-physically-large-would-the-book-have-to-be/968343)
**Author:** [@SmartBulbInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartBulbInc)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-entire-internet-where-to-be-printed-out-in-a-physical-book-how-many-pages-would-it-be-how-much-ink-would-it-take-and-how-physically-large-would-the-book-have-to-be/968343 "2022-07-22T12:15:36Z")
Apparently, there existed a physical Wikipedia at some point. Although this physically copy was only a fraction of the true size of the entire website, it got me thinking: how large of a book would you need to make a phy… --- ## [My Classical Composer Pantheon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-classical-composer-pantheon/961729)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-classical-composer-pantheon/961729 "2022-07-22T11:04:26Z")
For unknown reasons I have made a number of arbitrary decisions which I inexplicably want to share with you. I have constructed a Pantheon consisting of a number of tiers, and have slotted my favourite classical compose… --- ## [Entirely Benign, Appropriate Things That Make You Seethe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entirely-benign-appropriate-things-that-make-you-seethe/943102)
**Author:** [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Replies:** 464\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entirely-benign-appropriate-things-that-make-you-seethe/943102 "2022-07-22T10:40:10Z")
My sunroom is my favorite room in the house. In the summer, I love to hang out in the room in my underwear. Because of the fences, tree cover, etc., you can’t see in from any of my neighbors’ properties except for one.… --- ## [tampons and anuses??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tampons-and-anuses/205936)
**Author:** [@MelCthefirst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MelCthefirst)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tampons-and-anuses/205936 "2022-07-22T10:40:08Z")
Sorry to be so graphic - and I hope I am not being offensive to anyone, this is not my intention. My female friend when in Soho, London, went into a shop to buy some tampons. I don’t know how the topic came up, but my … --- ## [Indiana/Shooting/Firearm Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-shooting-firearm-question/968285)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-shooting-firearm-question/968285 "2022-07-22T08:48:00Z")
Piecing together a few media reports, the “Good Samaritan” who shot and killed the bad guy did so from 30 yards (120’). Further, he fired 10 rounds in 15 seconds, 8 of which hit the target. If all this is accurate this … --- ## [Musical collaborations that never were, but you'd like to hear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musical-collaborations-that-never-were-but-youd-like-to-hear/968242)
**Author:** [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musical-collaborations-that-never-were-but-youd-like-to-hear/968242 "2022-07-22T06:12:43Z")
I did a search on music collaboration and didn’t see anything that quite fit this idea, so I thought I would start this thread. Basic idea is to create a collection of artists, of any era or genre, living or not, that y… --- ## [Whose is The Funniest Stand Up Comedian of All Time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whose-is-the-funniest-stand-up-comedian-of-all-time/77404)
**Author:** [@Wildest\_Bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildest_Bill)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whose-is-the-funniest-stand-up-comedian-of-all-time/77404 "2022-07-22T04:17:46Z")
I would have to say Eddie Murphy back in his Delirous and Raw days. He had so much relatable comedy and he made fun of everyone. Now Carlin is good and he is funny but I think Eddie’s timing, material and delivery are j… --- ## [I pit my conspiracy-theorist landlord](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-conspiracy-theorist-landlord/947611)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-conspiracy-theorist-landlord/947611 "2022-07-22T04:16:50Z")
I love him to death, I really do. He and his family have been very good to us for about 10 years. But my landlord is a major conspiracy-theorist. It was cute (albeit stupid) when it was stuff like “ancient aliens”, bu… --- ## [Can Win PC or Mac Cast content to a Smart TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-win-pc-or-mac-cast-content-to-a-smart-tv/968294)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-win-pc-or-mac-cast-content-to-a-smart-tv/968294 "2022-07-22T04:03:27Z")
I use my my Android phone constantly Casting content from YouTube,A&E, and movies played on VLC media player. I’ve noticed content from YouTube and Paramount+ etc. doesn’t seem to reach my phone. I think it’s a network… --- ## [What was your least favorite car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-least-favorite-car/968177)
**Author:** [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-least-favorite-car/968177 "2022-07-22T03:35:07Z")
An insurance ad I saw earlier today which was attempting to induce some nostalgia (hey, remember your first car??) got me started thinking about this. My first car was kind of a POS (a 1983 Dodge Charger), but it wasn’… --- ## [Pitting Biden and Anyone Else Not Supporting Immediate Expansion of the Supreme Court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-biden-and-anyone-else-not-supporting-immediate-expansion-of-the-supreme-court/967532)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-biden-and-anyone-else-not-supporting-immediate-expansion-of-the-supreme-court/967532 "2022-07-22T02:37:17Z")
The Supreme Court, in the last week, has declared war on America. They must be stopped. A simple majority vote of both houses of Congress can add four, or six, or twelve, new Supreme Court justices and restore a Court … --- ## [Looking for a definition for "impress forcibly"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-definition-for-impress-forcibly/968082)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-definition-for-impress-forcibly/968082 "2022-07-22T02:34:08Z")
i coudn’t find any definition for “impress forcibly”. Would instill fear/strike fear in/ intimidate be apt or too harsh? Is the phrase meant to be used in a milder sense? --- ## [Bench seats in cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bench-seats-in-cars/968280)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bench-seats-in-cars/968280 "2022-07-22T00:56:00Z")
What was the last American vehicle that still had bench seats in front? --- ## [Does "Unsubscribe" mean anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-unsubscribe-mean-anything/968258)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-unsubscribe-mean-anything/968258 "2022-07-22T00:54:33Z")
Somehow, my email address has apparently been sold to all sorts of “health” companies and I’m being bombarded with offers to give me a massive penis (thanks, no) or cure my thyroid problems the natural way (what thyroid … --- ## [A town of 10 (maybe in the Northeast) that holds the very first Presidential vote of the season at 12:01am (or something like that, my recall is fuzzy)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-town-of-10-maybe-in-the-northeast-that-holds-the-very-first-presidential-vote-of-the-season-at-12-01am-or-something-like-that-my-recall-is-fuzzy/968332)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-town-of-10-maybe-in-the-northeast-that-holds-the-very-first-presidential-vote-of-the-season-at-12-01am-or-something-like-that-my-recall-is-fuzzy/968332 "2022-07-22T00:52:45Z")
Does any of this ring a bell? I seem to recall it being like a cute and folksy “production” (and if I remember right, it’s an annual thing for this small town) where they’re allowed to hold the country’s very first Presi… --- ## [James Remar role in City on a Hill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/james-remar-role-in-city-on-a-hill/968355)
**Author:** [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/james-remar-role-in-city-on-a-hill/968355 "2022-07-21T23:53:51Z")
Just binge-watched City on a Hill Season 1 and James Remar was listed but not IDed in the credits for several episodes. I did not recognize him at all. Anyone know what role he played? --- ## [Unsafe working conditions? Take it or leave it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsafe-working-conditions-take-it-or-leave-it/968011)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsafe-working-conditions-take-it-or-leave-it/968011 "2022-07-21T23:48:41Z")
My adult daughter, who has a mild learning disability, as been employed as a bus aide for about a year. The job suits her almost perfectly as she has a license but doesn’t drive. She gets picked up and dropped off in fro… --- ## [Zack Snyder Justice League cut](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zack-snyder-justice-league-cut/854418)
**Author:** [@Aquadementia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aquadementia)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zack-snyder-justice-league-cut/854418 "2022-07-21T23:33:54Z")
The stars have aligned and Warner Bros. will give the fans what they have been asking for, a directors cut of Justice League by Zack Snyder. I’m going to call this good news. I think this is an achievable project giv… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1047) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1049)