# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1179 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1180 --- ## [Cell phone video three panels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-video-three-panels/960546)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-video-three-panels/960546 "2022-03-06T23:48:54Z")
Cell phone video I’ve seen on the news and you tube have a focused picture in the middle, and out of focus pictures on either side. What causes that? --- ## [How do I block Thug Life notifications on Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-block-thug-life-notifications-on-facebook/960553)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-block-thug-life-notifications-on-facebook/960553 "2022-03-06T23:08:21Z")
I have a friend that plays “Thug Life” and, while I want to get other messages from her, I don’t want to receive all the “Thug Life” notifications. There is no option to block “Thug Life” on these notifications or repor… --- ## [How do people who kiss on-screen avoid falling in love?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-who-kiss-on-screen-avoid-falling-in-love/960357)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-who-kiss-on-screen-avoid-falling-in-love/960357 "2022-03-06T19:44:17Z")
Maybe I’m immature for my age, but if a woman smiles at me in a certain way, I can’t stop thinking about her for a week. How in the world do actors who kiss on-screen avoid falling in love? --- ## [Life Insurance Companies: How Do You Choose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-insurance-companies-how-do-you-choose/960380)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-insurance-companies-how-do-you-choose/960380 "2022-03-06T19:01:37Z")
How do you pick an insurance company to buy a whole life policy for a child? Are all policies equal? Do all whole life policies earn value? And, are all life insurance companies the same? What should you watch out for? … --- ## [Do People Go Out for a Punch Up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-go-out-for-a-punch-up/960282)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-go-out-for-a-punch-up/960282 "2022-03-06T18:38:30Z")
I sometimes listen to documentaries while I work. One was about alcohol problems in Britain and it showed a guy lazing in a tube train seat telling the interviewer, “Yeah, goin’ for a drink, and maybe a punch up later…” … --- ## [Balancing side quests against roll playing in computer RPGs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balancing-side-quests-against-roll-playing-in-computer-rpgs/960036)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balancing-side-quests-against-roll-playing-in-computer-rpgs/960036 "2022-03-06T18:24:30Z")
I’m playing Mass Effect 1 at the moment, the legendary edition. I was surprised to find I’d got to a very significant main story mission after only playing for 10 hours. I’m sure it took a lot longer way back when I firs… --- ## [Will Ukraine be the next East/West Germany?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-ukraine-be-the-next-east-west-germany/960421)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-ukraine-be-the-next-east-west-germany/960421 "2022-03-06T17:44:15Z")
Let’s assume the war in Ukraine drags on for 6-8 months, and for some reason, the Russians are unable to capture Kyiv and force Ukraine to capitulate. Let’s also assume that Zelensky is still alive and well. Putin sees a… --- ## [By the time Omicron subsides, what percentage of humans do you think will never have had COVID?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-the-time-omicron-subsides-what-percentage-of-humans-do-you-think-will-never-have-had-covid/957068)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-the-time-omicron-subsides-what-percentage-of-humans-do-you-think-will-never-have-had-covid/957068 "2022-03-06T16:58:56Z")
I’m wondering how specific we can get with all the “with how contagious Omicron is, everyone’s gonna get it eventually” theory. --- ## [Let’s talk chicken stock](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-s-talk-chicken-stock/958694)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-s-talk-chicken-stock/958694 "2022-03-06T15:23:54Z")
I made a batch of it over the weekend and just heated up and enjoyed a big mug of it. So, so good on a cold winter day. My method is, my wife brings home rotisserie chickens when she shops at Costco. I’ll freeze the lef… --- ## [Somebody please explain a NY Times mini puzzle crossword answer that I don't understand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somebody-please-explain-a-ny-times-mini-puzzle-crossword-answer-that-i-dont-understand/960500)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somebody-please-explain-a-ny-times-mini-puzzle-crossword-answer-that-i-dont-understand/960500 "2022-03-06T14:53:56Z")
Spoilering the answer in case anyone wants to do the puzzle themselves: The clue is 12 down, 3 letters, Half of the word "non- union" and the answer is I solved the puzzle with the clues across, which is just as well… --- ## [What are good things for a civilian to have or know in order to help in a war effort?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-things-for-a-civilian-to-have-or-know-in-order-to-help-in-a-war-effort/960551)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-things-for-a-civilian-to-have-or-know-in-order-to-help-in-a-war-effort/960551 "2022-03-06T14:14:40Z")
I lived in Taiwan previously for over a decade and may be moving back this summer (for reasons unrelated to tensions with China.) However, looking at the Ukraine situation, I can’t help but think of how possible it is th… --- ## [Stage-produced sitcoms and scenes set elsewhere](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stage-produced-sitcoms-and-scenes-set-elsewhere/960557)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stage-produced-sitcoms-and-scenes-set-elsewhere/960557 "2022-03-06T13:16:33Z")
This is not one of the big questions of life, only a small thing that I’ve wondered about. As I understand it, the conventional way of producing sitcoms is to record them in front of a live studio audience, where the sta… --- ## [I donated to the Ukraine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-donated-to-the-ukraine/960434)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-donated-to-the-ukraine/960434 "2022-03-06T10:40:04Z")
I’m not rich. I only felt I could manage $250 because of my heath & home repair needs. But I gave. I sent a physical check to the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington DC. Anybody else give? --- ## [Is the war in the Ukraine affecting the Google speed worldwide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-war-in-the-ukraine-affecting-the-google-speed-worldwide/960499)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-war-in-the-ukraine-affecting-the-google-speed-worldwide/960499 "2022-03-06T08:21:37Z")
I’ve always wondered how much conflicts affect the speeds of search engines worldwide, not just in the affected countries. How much is due to heavier than usual trafffic and how much is deliberate meddling by hackers/gov… --- ## [Western hypocricy at its worst](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/western-hypocricy-at-its-worst/960352)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/western-hypocricy-at-its-worst/960352 "2022-03-06T07:26:46Z")
The war in Ukraine didn’t start a week ago, it started almost eight years ago and never ended. Despite the fact that Russia absolutely commited aggression against Ukraine and has zero justifications for any operations o… --- ## [Anyone gotten a book printed? (Short run, color pics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-gotten-a-book-printed-short-run-color-pics/960373)
**Author:** [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-gotten-a-book-printed-short-run-color-pics/960373 "2022-03-06T07:13:45Z")
It’s going to be a birthday present for my mom. But not a surprise. She’s been writing up a history of her life (and her ancestors’). I’ve been editing it and scanning photos from her extensive shoeboxes of yellowing sn… --- ## [Making a 5-sided die with equal probabilities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-5-sided-die-with-equal-probabilities/958739)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-5-sided-die-with-equal-probabilities/958739 "2022-03-06T07:04:40Z")
Imagine a five-sided die in the shape of a pyramid with height H, with four triangular sides and one square base with sides of length B. Further imagine that this pyramid is very tall and narrow, with H/B approaching in… --- ## [Estate Planning & Social Security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estate-planning-social-security/960479)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estate-planning-social-security/960479 "2022-03-06T06:18:32Z")
My mother-in-law (88) is entering her end-of-life stage. We are getting things organized. It seems that the lady never collected Social Security. Family members report to us that she never qualified as she never worked … --- ## [What if Russia uses Tactical Nukes in Ukraine to take out Kyiv?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-russia-uses-tactical-nukes-in-ukraine-to-take-out-kyiv/960325)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-russia-uses-tactical-nukes-in-ukraine-to-take-out-kyiv/960325 "2022-03-06T05:52:43Z")
Let’s say the Russian offensive stalls, due to increased defenses, broken supply lines, demoralized troops, or whatever reason you want. It’s now been two months since Russia crossed over into Ukrainian territory and Put… --- ## [Question: song used in both "Mad Men" and "The Aviator"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-song-used-in-both-mad-men-and-the-aviator/960542)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-song-used-in-both-mad-men-and-the-aviator/960542 "2022-03-06T05:48:25Z")
What is the song played in the Mad Men episode “The Grownups” (during the first dance at the wedding of Roger Sterling’s daughter Margaret)? I believe it’s the same song played in The Aviator, when Hughes takes Katherin… --- ## [Whats the deal with YouTube comments calling everything "underrated"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-youtube-comments-calling-everything-underrated/960433)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-youtube-comments-calling-everything-underrated/960433 "2022-03-06T05:16:10Z")
This is pretty mundane, but it really irks me and I see it regularly. Listening to a song on YouTube by a well known band, and in the comments, there’s always some person saying “such an underrated song”. And we’re no… --- ## [Taking your dog out in the snow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-your-dog-out-in-the-snow/958597)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-your-dog-out-in-the-snow/958597 "2022-03-06T04:37:28Z")
poll The Eastern Seaboard is about to get walloped with a winter storm, from freezing in Florida to a blizzard in Boston. National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings in NJ, NY, CT, MA, & ME with anywhere betwe… --- ## [What app do I need to download to get this board on my phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-app-do-i-need-to-download-to-get-this-board-on-my-phone/960475)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-app-do-i-need-to-download-to-get-this-board-on-my-phone/960475 "2022-03-06T03:53:35Z")
Got a new phone. Forgot which app it is. --- ## [What's the science behind impersonating people's voices?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-science-behind-impersonating-peoples-voices/959406)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-science-behind-impersonating-peoples-voices/959406 "2022-03-06T03:51:50Z")
I have a few voices I’m pretty good at impersonating, notably that of Michael Dorn from Star Trek: The Next Generation. What’s the secret to impersonating people’s voices for comedic effect? Listening and matching the … --- ## [Why is a boxing ring called a "ring" when it is square?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-boxing-ring-called-a-ring-when-it-is-square/960466)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-boxing-ring-called-a-ring-when-it-is-square/960466 "2022-03-06T03:24:05Z")
Well the headline sais it all. Was there a time when boxing squares were circular, so that there is some historical reason for calling them boxing rings? Regards Tom. --- ## [Is Kate Mckinnon actually on SNL this season?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kate-mckinnon-actually-on-snl-this-season/954536)
**Author:** [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kate-mckinnon-actually-on-snl-this-season/954536 "2022-03-06T00:25:24Z")
Ok, so I think I’ve seen three episodes this season, certainly the last two, and while Kate is listed in the titles (quite far away weirdly), she’s not been in any sketches or appears at the end. The rest of the cast whi… --- ## [Going forward...how does the invasion of Ukraine change things?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-forward-how-does-the-invasion-of-ukraine-change-things/960496)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2022, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-forward-how-does-the-invasion-of-ukraine-change-things/960496 "2022-03-06T00:07:11Z")
I know there are a ton of Ukraine threads, but I haven’t seen one on this specific topic. Basically, what changes now that this has happened? Some thoughts I’ve had: The west needs to be clear and concise as to the ra… --- ## [Ghosted by pet adoption organization: what happened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghosted-by-pet-adoption-organization-what-happened/960486)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2022, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghosted-by-pet-adoption-organization-what-happened/960486 "2022-03-05T23:59:50Z")
We were looking at adopting a dog that people had to give up, and saw a post on Facebook about just such a dog. We contacted the organization, and filled out an application. Last Thursday the head of the organization c… --- ## [Ukraine attack not working as planned - scenarios?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-attack-not-working-as-planned-scenarios/960188)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2022, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-attack-not-working-as-planned-scenarios/960188 "2022-03-05T00:58:16Z")
Deliberately posting this in IMHO … it seems that the attack on Ukraine is not going according to plans for the russians … I admit the waters are still quite murky to call it but there seems to be patterns forming: .r… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - February 2022 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-february-2022-edition/958722)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2022, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-february-2022-edition/958722 "2022-03-05T21:08:13Z")
Whoop! Almost missed this again! So here we are 2022 and it feels and looks remarkably similar to 2020… Except for the kitten trying to steal my pot pie in my lap. So what are we all reading? On audiobook, I’m reading… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1178) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1180)