# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1101 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1102 --- ## [HIPAA Laws and Gun Control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipaa-laws-and-gun-control/965112)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipaa-laws-and-gun-control/965112 "2022-05-26T17:06:06Z")
I’ve heard HIPAA laws are a major stumbling block with regard to government entities looking into a person’s background when trying to determine if that person should or should not be allowed to purchase/own a firearm. T… --- ## [Can a mechanic refuse to "release" my car due to lack of a part?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-mechanic-refuse-to-release-my-car-due-to-lack-of-a-part/964570)
**Author:** [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-mechanic-refuse-to-release-my-car-due-to-lack-of-a-part/964570 "2022-05-26T16:49:43Z")
So our car got rear-ended sitting at a red light a couple of months ago (grrrrrr). We went through all the insurance rigamarole and brought the car to the dealer service center where we bought it. (It was 100% the other … --- ## [Can you remember the end of this little joke?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-remember-the-end-of-this-little-joke/965087)
**Author:** [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-remember-the-end-of-this-little-joke/965087 "2022-05-26T15:03:14Z")
I can’t remember the end of it, I think it might have been a Rodney Dangerfield joke. “I told her this morning, make me late for work…so she\_\_\_\_\_”. insinuating he wanted some fooling around, but instead she did someth… --- ## [Pronouns in bio question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronouns-in-bio-question/958704)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronouns-in-bio-question/958704 "2022-05-26T14:26:08Z")
By now I think we’re all accustomed to seeing folks who put pronouns in their bio, for whatever reason. She/her, he/him, they/them, etc. I understand what motivates people to designate “he” or “she” or “they”, but I … --- ## [Station 19 S5 E17 "The Road You Didn't Take" is must-watch TV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/station-19-s5-e17-the-road-you-didnt-take-is-must-watch-tv/965120)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/station-19-s5-e17-the-road-you-didnt-take-is-must-watch-tv/965120 "2022-05-26T14:24:33Z")
My mother told me, without telling me what it was about, that I needed to watch Season 5, Episode 17 of the ABC show Station 18, available to watch on Hulu. I had never seen the series before, or even heard of it. I wa… --- ## [Leveling patio blocks and preventing weeds in seams without herbicides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leveling-patio-blocks-and-preventing-weeds-in-seams-without-herbicides/964994)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leveling-patio-blocks-and-preventing-weeds-in-seams-without-herbicides/964994 "2022-05-26T13:00:49Z")
So I’m expanding my firepit with an already existent supply of 8"x8" blocks. I started with the easiest side. I turned the dirt over and tried to smooth, I didn’t do the best job. I first laid down landscaper (weed blo… --- ## [Engineering for different countries / cultures - examples](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engineering-for-different-countries-cultures-examples/964653)
**Author:** [@Limmin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Limmin)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engineering-for-different-countries-cultures-examples/964653 "2022-05-26T11:59:04Z")
I’m about two weeks away from defending my PhD dissertation, and my mind is wandering a bit today, but hopefully in a therapeutic manner. I’ve had a couple of thoughts over the years that, when merged together, might ma… --- ## [Is there a way to turn my PC into a PS2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-turn-my-pc-into-a-ps2/964639)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-turn-my-pc-into-a-ps2/964639 "2022-05-26T11:03:15Z")
I have a PS2 game I’ve been jonesing to play. Unfortunately, it won’t play on my PS4. Is there a way I could play it on my PC? (I have a hard copy of the game) --- ## [Can sleep prevent me from feeling head trauma?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-sleep-prevent-me-from-feeling-head-trauma/965107)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-sleep-prevent-me-from-feeling-head-trauma/965107 "2022-05-26T10:14:04Z")
As described in the MMP thread, I dreamed that I rolled off of bed, and woke up to find that I’d actually done it. But I wasn’t in any pain (except for scraping my elbow on the carpet when I landed), so I apparently didn… --- ## [Will Hawaii be a good place to be after the political implosion of the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-hawaii-be-a-good-place-to-be-after-the-political-implosion-of-the-us/963908)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2022, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-hawaii-be-a-good-place-to-be-after-the-political-implosion-of-the-us/963908 "2022-05-24T01:27:30Z")
Although I don’t want to make it the main topic of this thread, I think one of the following is going to happen in the near future in the US (and there is some overlap between them): Civil war of some sort (some would… --- ## [How does Jupiter not pull earth way out of its orbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-jupiter-not-pull-earth-way-out-of-its-orbit/964949)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-jupiter-not-pull-earth-way-out-of-its-orbit/964949 "2022-05-26T09:59:44Z")
Fight my ignorance, please. So I recently read that Jupiter does not orbit the sun. In fact, it orbits a spot outside of the sun called a barycenter. This blows me away. Things that don’t make sense to me about this are… --- ## [Democrats or Republicans get gifted a 535-0 majority in Congress. What happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-or-republicans-get-gifted-a-535-0-majority-in-congress-what-happens/964575)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-or-republicans-get-gifted-a-535-0-majority-in-congress-what-happens/964575 "2022-05-26T08:49:24Z")
Say America wakes up tomorrow morning and - whoa, one party (either the Ds or Rs) now has a 435-0 majority in the House (is it even mathematically a “majority” if the opposition has no seats?) and a 100-0 majority in the… --- ## [What's something that people claim happens a lot, but you have rarely, or never, witnessed it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-something-that-people-claim-happens-a-lot-but-you-have-rarely-or-never-witnessed-it/960965)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 445\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-something-that-people-claim-happens-a-lot-but-you-have-rarely-or-never-witnessed-it/960965 "2022-05-26T08:16:24Z")
The first thing that comes to mind for me is people who say that strangers constantly walk up to them and tell them how well-behaved their kids are. If I’ve ever witnessed that, I’m not aware of it, and I learned not to… --- ## [Grasshopper in my arugula](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grasshopper-in-my-arugula/963444)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grasshopper-in-my-arugula/963444 "2022-05-26T07:25:08Z")
I found an inch and a half long intact grasshopper\* in my tub of brand-named arugula today. What surprises have you found in packaged food? \*Deceased --- ## [Ian McKellan's 83rd birthday is today (Wednesday 5/25)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ian-mckellans-83rd-birthday-is-today-wednesday-5-25/965123)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ian-mckellans-83rd-birthday-is-today-wednesday-5-25/965123 "2022-05-26T04:20:04Z")
Just now discovered this by accident, so a (by now, in your time zone) belated but very sincere happy birthday, honored sir. --- ## [2012 to 2022: ten years here on the Dope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-to-2022-ten-years-here-on-the-dope/964612)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-to-2022-ten-years-here-on-the-dope/964612 "2022-05-26T02:39:30Z")
Ten years ago I found the Dope. I remember Googling something fairly obscure, and Larry Page and Sergey Brin brought me here. I’d never before joined an online forum of any kind, and I jumped right in. I wasn’t smart eno… --- ## [Go-to finance software?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-to-finance-software/965072)
**Author:** [@Llord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llord)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-to-finance-software/965072 "2022-05-26T02:32:59Z")
One family member used x, whilst another used y, my s.o. has tried and suggests Z whilst friends say they used to use \_. you get the idea, im torn and dont really know which apps to use to have a better hold and understa… --- ## [NASA had a good launch today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-had-a-good-launch-today/964721)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-had-a-good-launch-today/964721 "2022-05-26T00:46:59Z")
It was a test of new starliner capsule on a Atlas V rocket. No crew on board. They had earlier failures with this rocket/ capsule --- ## [Is there anything I can do with my in-door trashcans to prevent ants from getting into them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-i-can-do-with-my-in-door-trashcans-to-prevent-ants-from-getting-into-them/964967)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-i-can-do-with-my-in-door-trashcans-to-prevent-ants-from-getting-into-them/964967 "2022-05-26T00:46:40Z")
It’s ant season again and I can already see ant scouts wandering around but not actually finding anything. I always take the normal precautions against ants, take garbage out 3 times a day, put out traps when I see them… --- ## [Would you allow a prospective buyer of your second hand car to insert an odb2 scanner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-allow-a-prospective-buyer-of-your-second-hand-car-to-insert-an-odb2-scanner/965084)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-allow-a-prospective-buyer-of-your-second-hand-car-to-insert-an-odb2-scanner/965084 "2022-05-25T23:44:56Z")
An odb2 scanner is a standard tool that connects to a little port under your dashboard somewhere. It tells the user various details from the car computer, including any error codes or warnings. Is this a legitimate tool… --- ## [Invent a Disease](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invent-a-disease/964897)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invent-a-disease/964897 "2022-05-25T22:34:54Z")
People sometimes claim that doctors or drug companies just invent new diseases. Now it’s your turn! Carpool Tunnel Syndrome: A fear of being in close quarters with loud, screaming children. Tackycardia: Elevated heart… --- ## [What pizza topping is weirdest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-pizza-topping-is-weirdest/964651)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-pizza-topping-is-weirdest/964651 "2022-05-25T22:29:50Z")
What topping that others think is odd would you be willing to eat on your pizza? I’m going to say broccoli. --- ## [Roasted radishes - anyone else try them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roasted-radishes-anyone-else-try-them/965053)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roasted-radishes-anyone-else-try-them/965053 "2022-05-25T21:38:12Z")
I like radishes, and had heard raves about this variation, so I tried it. Maybe I did something wrong, but the results were meh. I did eat them, but I don’t think I’ll be making them again. Anyone else have similar ex… --- ## [Buying Digital Copies of Movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-digital-copies-of-movies/964812)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-digital-copies-of-movies/964812 "2022-05-25T21:12:56Z")
I use Plex, which is a media server that allows me to watch movies and listen to music that I own (which is to say, I have the associated files stored on my computer) from anywhere. I use it almost exclusively for music,… --- ## [Minority rule](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minority-rule/965068)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minority-rule/965068 "2022-05-25T21:12:27Z")
At the risk of being obvious, it seems to me that it is little noted how connected attempts at minority rule in the U.S. are to the shifts in demographics. I mean, people have connected them, but not nearly enough nor fl… --- ## [What is a "combination" in train lingo speak?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-combination-in-train-lingo-speak/965040)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-combination-in-train-lingo-speak/965040 "2022-05-25T20:41:55Z")
I listened to The Wabash Cannonball yesterday. It includes these words: What is a “combination”, as used in this context? --- ## [Is name, rank and serial number really something only given by POW in movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-name-rank-and-serial-number-really-something-only-given-by-pow-in-movies/964548)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-name-rank-and-serial-number-really-something-only-given-by-pow-in-movies/964548 "2022-05-25T19:06:14Z")
This guy on Quora who appears to have been a German Army conscript and later a mercenary in the various Balkan wars says. I saw my share of captured enemy soldiers, but I never saw anyone reciting his name, rank or num… --- ## [Creative Vandalism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creative-vandalism/961774)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creative-vandalism/961774 "2022-05-25T18:03:23Z")
This set of creatively vandalized signs made me chuckle. Can you think of any good ones you’ve seen? --- ## [Game Suggestions 2022](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-suggestions-2022/964931)
**Author:** [@Llord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llord)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-suggestions-2022/964931 "2022-05-25T17:51:01Z")
Been in a real slump the last couple years when it comes to games. I can like the look of a game but may never buy it or if I do I only then play it a handful of times before I lose the desire to play, not that its the g… --- ## [What is a mutual fund?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-mutual-fund/236272)
**Author:** [@Carlos619](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carlos619)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-mutual-fund/236272 "2022-05-25T17:09:03Z")
All I know is that they are a pool of stocks that people invest in. I’m trying to figure out how a mutual fund is managed. Who oversees the capital coming in and out of the fund. How are taxes involved? THANKS [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1100) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1102)