# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1187 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1188 --- ## [What ex soviet states does Putin have power/influence over, and how](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ex-soviet-states-does-putin-have-power-influence-over-and-how/960061)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ex-soviet-states-does-putin-have-power-influence-over-and-how/960061 "2022-02-25T16:51:18Z")
So my understanding is Putin is wanting to bring back the USSR. He has militarily invaded Chechnya, Georgia and Ukraine. But aside from military invasion, I get the impression that Putin seems good at getting Russia fri… --- ## [Ultimate Fate of Cryogenics Movement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultimate-fate-of-cryogenics-movement/959974)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultimate-fate-of-cryogenics-movement/959974 "2022-02-25T16:49:29Z")
In case you don’t know, the Cryogenics movement means freeze you now, revive you later. Of course the person does have to be dead first (don’t want to make a mistake there :wink: ). Anyway, I have wondered for some time… --- ## ["Come over between 9 and 10" - when do you arrive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/come-over-between-9-and-10-when-do-you-arrive/959817)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/come-over-between-9-and-10-when-do-you-arrive/959817 "2022-02-25T15:42:46Z")
There could be any number of answers here: Friend, family, acquaintance, or stranger? Business or pleasure? Meal, party, or just hanging out? Picking up or dropping off something? Helping with a project or chore? Setti… --- ## [Cave Canem (Posting Beware of the Dog Signs)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cave-canem-posting-beware-of-the-dog-signs/643583)
**Author:** [@qualityleashdog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qualityleashdog)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cave-canem-posting-beware-of-the-dog-signs/643583 "2022-02-25T13:38:10Z")
Should they be placed? I remember a faint sign on a telephone pole when I was a child, it was of the classic orange on black, but faded out. I asked why it was not renewed, and my grandmother told me that placing such … --- ## [Gary Brooker of Procul Harum dies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gary-brooker-of-procul-harum-dies/959980)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gary-brooker-of-procul-harum-dies/959980 "2022-02-25T13:32:09Z")
Great singer and songwriter. Most notably “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. --- ## [Android phone might have a virus. Anyone know how to get rid of it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-phone-might-have-a-virus-anyone-know-how-to-get-rid-of-it/960050)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-phone-might-have-a-virus-anyone-know-how-to-get-rid-of-it/960050 "2022-02-25T06:59:39Z")
Hello Everyone, I have a Nord 100 Android running Android 11. I believe I’ve got a virus or malware and none of the anti virus programs are detecting anything. What is happening is that randomly no matter what app I’m … --- ## [Worst Cooks in America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-cooks-in-america/960081)
**Author:** [@StraightTalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StraightTalk)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-cooks-in-america/960081 "2022-02-25T04:51:16Z")
I LOVE Marti an Peachez (the drag queens). They are loud and proud and unafraid to be who they are. I’m jealous because I struggle with that. --- ## [How many US deaths do you expect in early 2022?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-us-deaths-do-you-expect-in-early-2022/954423)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-us-deaths-do-you-expect-in-early-2022/954423 "2022-02-25T03:50:50Z")
Last winter, in spite of mask mandates, in spite of limits to how many people were supposed to gather for the holidays, just under 100,000 Americans died in January (99,998 subtracting Snowboarder\_Bo’s January 1 cumulati… --- ## [Spoiler me(GoT)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spoiler-me-got/960060)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spoiler-me-got/960060 "2022-02-25T01:49:46Z")
I’ve been watching Game of Thrones since June. Only on Season 6, last few episodes. Tired of waiting. Tell me what all happens. Thank you.:european\_castle: --- ## [What would you choose as your "message painting"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-choose-as-your-message-painting/959949)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-choose-as-your-message-painting/959949 "2022-02-25T01:48:11Z")
Inspired by these threads, I was curious what Dopers would choose from any painting in the art world to hang behind them at their first televised speech as World Boss. I feel like Saturn Devouring His Son would certainl… --- ## [Ok, so why does my new USB memory drive have a FEMALE port?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-why-does-my-new-usb-memory-drive-have-a-female-port/960079)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-why-does-my-new-usb-memory-drive-have-a-female-port/960079 "2022-02-25T01:37:42Z")
Lexar S80 Wanted to back some files on my old PC (for if I spring for a new one). Get the drive today, open the package-only to fin that it is female, not male. Do many devices even come with a male (extruding) port? … --- ## [Are you trying to get better at something as an adult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-trying-to-get-better-at-something-as-an-adult/959371)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-trying-to-get-better-at-something-as-an-adult/959371 "2022-02-25T01:13:28Z")
Wondering if folk would like to share their stories about trying to improve in a specific area as an adult. Maybe continuing adult education, learning a new language, dieting, training for a 5k… For me, it is music. I… --- ## [I've got three days in Atlanta, GA. What do I do with them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-three-days-in-atlanta-ga-what-do-i-do-with-them/958616)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2022, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-three-days-in-atlanta-ga-what-do-i-do-with-them/958616 "2022-02-25T01:03:09Z")
I will be in Atlanta from February 16 through 20. Feb 16 will be taken up with flying from Austin to ATL, then a concert at the Atlanta Symphony Hall (the purpose of the trip). We should have some time on that afternoo… --- ## [My tax accountant has fired me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-tax-accountant-has-fired-me/959274)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-tax-accountant-has-fired-me/959274 "2022-02-24T23:10:15Z")
Several months ago, I got a letter from the accounting firm where I’ve had my taxes (personal, and home-based business) done for the past couple of years stating that they could no longer provide this service for me any … --- ## [Ebikes: how is the speed limit enforced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebikes-how-is-the-speed-limit-enforced/959897)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebikes-how-is-the-speed-limit-enforced/959897 "2022-02-24T22:46:03Z")
No, not the speed limit on the road; the one that says if the bike can go over a specific speed, it’s a motorcycle. In Oregon here, I understand that limit is 21 mph. No doubt it may vary by jurisdiction. Not too long a… --- ## [Learning a language that's very similar to your own...how does that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/learning-a-language-thats-very-similar-to-your-own-how-does-that-work/959609)
**Author:** [@veryfrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/veryfrank)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/learning-a-language-thats-very-similar-to-your-own-how-does-that-work/959609 "2022-02-24T22:28:59Z")
I’ve been wondering about something of late, and thought I’d throw it open to European 'dopers, especially those who speak the Germanic languages. My first language was English, and I grew up on a media diet of Canadian… --- ## [If you are compelled by someone to commit a crime, are you still guilty of the crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-are-compelled-by-someone-to-commit-a-crime-are-you-still-guilty-of-the-crime/960035)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-are-compelled-by-someone-to-commit-a-crime-are-you-still-guilty-of-the-crime/960035 "2022-02-24T22:16:09Z")
We’ve seen this trope many times in movies and on TV. A bad guy points a gun at someone or threatens their family or puts a bomb vest on them (to name a few examples) and tells that person to commit a crime (be it kill … --- ## [Questions about electrical code: grounding ungrounded circuits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-electrical-code-grounding-ungrounded-circuits/959795)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-electrical-code-grounding-ungrounded-circuits/959795 "2022-02-24T22:02:37Z")
Six of the circuits in our 1950s vintage house are fed by 2-conductor fabric-covered cable, but they account for the majority of receptacles in the house. I’d like to get the receptacles grounded for convenience, so we c… --- ## [Backup data against EMP/solar flare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backup-data-against-emp-solar-flare/959958)
**Author:** [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backup-data-against-emp-solar-flare/959958 "2022-02-24T21:36:06Z")
Is it possible to have a backup of important data that can withstand an EMP or similar event (solar flare?). (see an earlier brief thread about these phenomena and their effect on electronics) I came up with this questio… --- ## [Fake Facebook message - link not clicked](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fake-facebook-message-link-not-clicked/960058)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fake-facebook-message-link-not-clicked/960058 "2022-02-24T21:32:37Z")
Yesterday I appeared to receive a message on Facebook from a cousin. ‘She’ was asking weather an award from Costco was legitimate, and there was a link. I replied that it’s certainly a scam, and pointed out that the do… --- ## [How can black holes be sending out jets of energy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-black-holes-be-sending-out-jets-of-energy/960053)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-black-holes-be-sending-out-jets-of-energy/960053 "2022-02-24T20:43:56Z")
This story recounts how some astronomers have figured out that a pair of super-massive black holes are orbiting each other and will likely merge 10,000 years from now. But what I don’t get is that the story says that … --- ## [A question about a certain type of rifle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-a-certain-type-of-rifle/959497)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-a-certain-type-of-rifle/959497 "2022-02-24T20:08:05Z")
I have a dachshund named Mauser. He is not named for the German bolt action rifle but for a dog in a story that WAS named for the rifle. I don’t actually know that much about firearms, so if I was to name a dog for an … --- ## [No you don't need my cell phone number!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-you-dont-need-my-cell-phone-number/937756)
**Author:** [@icon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/icon)\ **Replies:** 237\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-you-dont-need-my-cell-phone-number/937756 "2022-02-24T19:15:14Z")
I am tired of everyone wanting my cell phone number, not a “contact number” but specifically my cell phone number. Just the other day I went to order from a favorite restaurant and saw that they now had online ordering… --- ## [Side issues to Gun Owner Liability threads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/side-issues-to-gun-owner-liability-threads/940111)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/side-issues-to-gun-owner-liability-threads/940111 "2022-02-24T19:11:01Z")
Then you are concerned about 17 yos being killed in gang wars? Teens killing themselves? Those are the major causes of child gun deaths. Accidentally being killed with the parents gun is not. None of those have anythi… --- ## [I have $25,000. It's not all that much. But what to do with it? REIT?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-25-000-its-not-all-that-much-but-what-to-do-with-it-reit/959197)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-25-000-its-not-all-that-much-but-what-to-do-with-it-reit/959197 "2022-02-24T19:02:54Z")
I’ve thought about putting the $25,000 in an REIT (real estate investment trust) but I have never done investment before and have no idea how it’s run. I am guessing someone else would manage the REIT for me and I just l… --- ## [Lying about having skills/aptitudes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lying-about-having-skills-aptitudes/960002)
**Author:** [@wolly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolly)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lying-about-having-skills-aptitudes/960002 "2022-02-24T18:15:31Z")
How do you find skills ,aptitudes in certain jobs? Do you just take a material from the internet ,read it and digest it(as in you write everything from that material in a notebook)? I have no idea what to write in a CV … --- ## [Why is dividing by an irrational a no-no in algebra?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-dividing-by-an-irrational-a-no-no-in-algebra/959975)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-dividing-by-an-irrational-a-no-no-in-algebra/959975 "2022-02-24T18:10:09Z")
My online lessons insist that one reformulates answers so there are no irrationals in the divisor. So for example 3/ √2 gets rewritten as 3√2/ 2. Is this just a convention or is there a logical/mathematical reason why on… --- ## [How do you accomplish things when you are very lazy, fatigued,etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-accomplish-things-when-you-are-very-lazy-fatigued-etc/959750)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-accomplish-things-when-you-are-very-lazy-fatigued-etc/959750 "2022-02-24T16:44:28Z")
I have a pretty relaxed job on the railroad, in which I am free every third and fourth day, so even though the salary is not the best, I get loads of free time in which I could do a million things, but I…don’t. I deal w… --- ## [What's your technique for homemade hamburger patties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-technique-for-homemade-hamburger-patties/959981)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-technique-for-homemade-hamburger-patties/959981 "2022-02-24T15:46:18Z")
Tonight I made hamburgers so good they’d bring tears of joy to the eyes of Gordon Ramsay. How do you make a fine hamburger? Here I am not talking about trimmings - that’s a matter of personal preference. I’m taking ab… --- ## [Educate me about burritos, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-about-burritos-please/957849)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 285\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-about-burritos-please/957849 "2022-02-24T15:17:54Z")
While grocery shopping yesterday I happened to notice the rack of tortillas,. and realized I’ve NEVER eaten a burrito. Clearly I should remedy this. The vague impressions I’ve gained over the years is that a burrito is… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1186) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1188)