# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1154 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1155 --- ## [Why did Putin demand that Russian gas be paid for in rubles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-putin-demand-that-russian-gas-be-paid-for-in-rubles/961658)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2022, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-putin-demand-that-russian-gas-be-paid-for-in-rubles/961658 "2022-03-31T10:03:18Z")
The article below says that Poland refuses to pay for Russian gas using rubles. Poland notes the terms of the contract does not specify they pay in rubles. Ok, but, presumably, Poland is still paying Russia in some fas… --- ## [New job going so well it has me concerned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-job-going-so-well-it-has-me-concerned/959368)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2022, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-job-going-so-well-it-has-me-concerned/959368 "2022-03-31T07:42:01Z")
Landed a new job about 9 months ago, and by all accounts it seems to be going really well. Decent salary. Good title and role. In many ways, it seems like the perfect job for my 20+ years of professional experience. … --- ## [Let me be real clear: this message board does NOT need conservatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-be-real-clear-this-message-board-does-not-need-conservatives/947474)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 3004\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2022, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-be-real-clear-this-message-board-does-not-need-conservatives/947474 "2022-03-31T04:37:35Z")
It just doesn’t. We don’t need “the other side” of the debate or whatever the hell issue we’re talking about if they are committed to anti-intellectualism and deliberately undermining good faith discussion. Looking at y… --- ## [I pit MordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-mordecaib/946419)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2022, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-mordecaib/946419 "2022-03-31T04:16:59Z")
Since you’re apparently not gonna drop this, I’ll admit it where it isn’t against the rules - I reported you for trying to start a board war within moments of you making that post, since I was already in the thread, and… --- ## [P.1/P.38 holster belt adapter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/p-1-p-38-holster-belt-adapter/962028)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2022, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/p-1-p-38-holster-belt-adapter/962028 "2022-03-31T03:48:32Z")
I have a West German police holster like this one. As you can see in the picture, it doesn’t go onto a belt. This image shows and adapter for an ALICE belt. Am I correct in assuming that the holes in the adapter fit … --- ## [How concerned are you about a cyber-attack, and what safeguards can you take against one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-concerned-are-you-about-a-cyber-attack-and-what-safeguards-can-you-take-against-one/961508)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2022, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-concerned-are-you-about-a-cyber-attack-and-what-safeguards-can-you-take-against-one/961508 "2022-03-31T02:27:12Z")
Lot of talk lately about the likelihood that Putin will greenlight a massive cyberattack on western countries. Not sure what we can do to minimize it. Use my computer less? Back up stuff to the cloud? Back up stuff to a … --- ## [Will Russia go nuclear if they lose the conventional war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-russia-go-nuclear-if-they-lose-the-conventional-war/961624)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2022, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-russia-go-nuclear-if-they-lose-the-conventional-war/961624 "2022-03-31T02:04:06Z")
With the sinking of a Russian cargo / transport ship, and the gains made by Ukraine around Kyiv, it feels like the war has possibly reached a turning point in Ukraine’s favor. Let’s assume this is the case, and over th… --- ## [Do self driving cars have regular cruse control?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-self-driving-cars-have-regular-cruse-control/961890)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2022, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-self-driving-cars-have-regular-cruse-control/961890 "2022-03-31T01:09:57Z")
There are differing models of self driving, from adaptive cruse control to full, and flavors in-between. Do they, or any of them also allow the use of standard cruse control where it holds the speed only? --- ## [Spousal Voting Behavior should be Analyzed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spousal-voting-behavior-should-be-analyzed/961746)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spousal-voting-behavior-should-be-analyzed/961746 "2022-03-30T23:24:42Z")
In recent times, it has been popular to recount and analyze ballots. The one, potentially true, risk of mail-in voting is that it means that people who live together are not guaranteed a private space to vote as they se… --- ## [Freight Trains-Containers-Arizona/California](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freight-trains-containers-arizona-california/961925)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freight-trains-containers-arizona-california/961925 "2022-03-30T22:52:26Z")
I find myself on Interstate 8 between Phoenix and LA on a fairly regular basis. Paralleling the interstate I see very long trains with sea containers, some heading east and some west. I figure the containers heading eas… --- ## [Condo Building-Dallas-Sun Reflection Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condo-building-dallas-sun-reflection-problem/961922)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condo-building-dallas-sun-reflection-problem/961922 "2022-03-30T22:46:26Z")
A few years ago I saw a program (Engineering Catastrophes, maybe) about a condo tower from which the sun radiated in all directions. While the glass helped to reduce interior temperatures in the building, it was at the e… --- ## [Would you cruise today, this week, this month?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-cruise-today-this-week-this-month/958153)
**Author:** [@dummygladhands71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dummygladhands71)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-cruise-today-this-week-this-month/958153 "2022-03-30T22:24:51Z")
We are. And I don’t feel unsafe doing so. We’ll be tested 2 days prior and tested again at the pier. The ship will be sailing at 50% capacity. We’re to be masked aside from eating or drinking or in our staterooms. And al… --- ## [Is (cable) TV trying to replicate the "binge watch" style with their scheduling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cable-tv-trying-to-replicate-the-binge-watch-style-with-their-scheduling/961966)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cable-tv-trying-to-replicate-the-binge-watch-style-with-their-scheduling/961966 "2022-03-30T22:18:08Z")
So I haven’t had cable TV in years, but I moved somewhere that it’s included, so I figured what the hell and have the TV on in the background sometime. Unlike years ago, most channels are running long marathons of the s… --- ## [IMHO, college shouldn't be all about academics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imho-college-shouldnt-be-all-about-academics/961837)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imho-college-shouldnt-be-all-about-academics/961837 "2022-03-30T22:11:18Z")
Even though it’s important to graduate with a respectable GPA. However, everyone is different when it comes to their own college experience, which means that there’s nothing wrong with focusing more on academics, despit… --- ## [Musical Experiences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musical-experiences/961941)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musical-experiences/961941 "2022-03-30T21:54:30Z")
I’ve never shared this before. I’m 48. I was a huge Pink Floyd fan as a kid. Significant, I think, because I was 10 years too young for them, in a sense. I was about 20 years old (so ca. 1993), and stoned as could be. … --- ## ["Florida's Vaccine Policy without saying it was to basically deny minorities vaccines"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/floridas-vaccine-policy-without-saying-it-was-to-basically-deny-minorities-vaccines/961953)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/floridas-vaccine-policy-without-saying-it-was-to-basically-deny-minorities-vaccines/961953 "2022-03-30T21:50:14Z")
I’m listening to an older political podcast from around the time the first wave of vaccines were being distributed around the country and the hosts are from Florida and for some reason there’s a lot of talk about minorit… --- ## [Question about aging: does eye color inevitably fade away, or has cataract surgery changed that?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-aging-does-eye-color-inevitably-fade-away-or-has-cataract-surgery-changed-that/961961)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-aging-does-eye-color-inevitably-fade-away-or-has-cataract-surgery-changed-that/961961 "2022-03-30T20:35:04Z")
Even as a callous young person, I saw the aesthetic value of many of the consequences of aging. Crows’ feet and other wrinkles are lovely in their own way, age spots are interesting, weight gain/redistribution only merit… --- ## [If you could set a difficult Wordle word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-set-a-difficult-wordle-word/960446)
**Author:** [@QMatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QMatic)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-set-a-difficult-wordle-word/960446 "2022-03-30T18:41:03Z")
If you could set the day’s Wordle and you wanted to make it challenging what word would you choose? I was thinking about EERIE. It’s not too obscure but double letters can be a challenge so three Es and the I might send … --- ## [Who do you despise on YOUR side of the political spectrum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-you-despise-on-your-side-of-the-political-spectrum/961717)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-you-despise-on-your-side-of-the-political-spectrum/961717 "2022-03-30T18:36:15Z")
Leftie here. I hate Al Sharpton with the heat of a million suns–he’s just a lying, disingenuous, illiterate, demagogic race-baiter who, unfortunately, I often agree with on many issues. Always makes me question my own op… --- ## [Cockatiel Has Bad Hair Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cockatiel-has-bad-hair-day/298660)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cockatiel-has-bad-hair-day/298660 "2022-03-30T17:57:39Z")
I have these two cockatiels, Sidney and Sushine. Sunshine is a rather typical cockatiel, with the “wild” color scheme and the hyperkinetic somewhat bratty personality (with a hefty dose of charm when he wants something)… --- ## [Let's have a nice debate about race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-have-a-nice-debate-about-race/961990)
**Author:** [@Blue\_Thunderbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Thunderbird)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-have-a-nice-debate-about-race/961990 "2022-03-30T16:57:04Z")
Let this be a nice one. :slightly\_smiling\_face: --- ## [Let's Debate Race!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-debate-race/961982)
**Author:** [@Blue\_Thunderbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Thunderbird)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-debate-race/961982 "2022-03-30T15:57:02Z")
I would like to debate race. We should not think for a moment that the internet prohibits this (Reno v ACLU, 521 US 844), or that we must agree with laws we believe are wrong. I’ll take all you suckers on with one hand… --- ## [A term for the opposite of "In medias res"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-term-for-the-opposite-of-in-medias-res/961949)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-term-for-the-opposite-of-in-medias-res/961949 "2022-03-30T15:20:18Z")
In medias res is where the story opens in the middle of action. Is there a term for when it ends in the middle of action? It happens in some movies, but I’m thinking more of episodic stories such as TV. Say that when the… --- ## [The diffident British stance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-diffident-british-stance/961817)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-diffident-british-stance/961817 "2022-03-30T15:11:48Z")
In reply to Haig’s report that Thatcher has decided to use force to expel the Argentinians on the Falklands, President Reagan mentioned that: It’s my guess from the diffident British stance that any compromise on Thatch… --- ## [Allow your dash cam to record audio?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/allow-your-dash-cam-to-record-audio/961907)
**Author:** [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/allow-your-dash-cam-to-record-audio/961907 "2022-03-30T14:51:28Z")
Do you / should you allow your dash cam to record audio? After a couple of recent very close calls (likely by drivers on phones) I just got my first dash cam. Playing around learning to use it I am somewhat uncertain ho… --- ## [Weird Al wishes Eric Idle a Happy Birthday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-wishes-eric-idle-a-happy-birthday/961974)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-al-wishes-eric-idle-a-happy-birthday/961974 "2022-03-30T14:00:37Z")
--- ## [Recommend a free VPN for Android tv?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-free-vpn-for-android-tv/923976)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-free-vpn-for-android-tv/923976 "2022-03-30T13:58:39Z")
Well, I guess the title is pretty much it. Looking to use it for Locast. Thanks in advance. --- ## [What Will “Food Shortages” Look Like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-food-shortages-look-like/961695)
**Author:** [@Dr.Conrad\_Shadowdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Conrad_Shadowdale)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-food-shortages-look-like/961695 "2022-03-30T12:40:37Z")
The President said that we’ll have Food Shortages, as a result of the Russian sanctions and ongoing supply chain issues. Having seen shortages of toilet paper, sanitary wipes, flour and a host of other things over the p… --- ## [Looking for a French TV series/movie equivalent of 'Blackadder' or 'Fawlty Towers'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-french-tv-series-movie-equivalent-of-blackadder-or-fawlty-towers/961889)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-french-tv-series-movie-equivalent-of-blackadder-or-fawlty-towers/961889 "2022-03-30T10:47:51Z")
Hi I’m looking for a French TV series/movie equivalent of ‘Blackadder’ or ‘Fawlty Towers’(very different settings of course). I’ve seen some hilarious French comedies over the years and some set in medieval France. Sa… --- ## [Why did my Wikipedia font display get small?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-wikipedia-font-display-get-small/961954)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2022, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-wikipedia-font-display-get-small/961954 "2022-03-30T10:39:18Z")
I have no idea what I did, but the font size on my Wikipedia pages jsut got small. I’d like to make it bigger again - I find the small font hard to read. Any suggestions what I did? I’m using Chromebook. (It’s not af… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1153) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1155)