# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1233 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1234 --- ## [What IS it with Republicans and not wanting to get vaccinated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-republicans-and-not-wanting-to-get-vaccinated/954004)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 315\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-republicans-and-not-wanting-to-get-vaccinated/954004 "2022-01-10T00:08:28Z")
As of today, 5.05 million people worldwide, including 754,000 people in the United States, have died from coronavirus, with domestic cases well above 45 million. And we’ve got one of the two major political parties in t… --- ## [Your prized possessions, after you die](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-prized-possessions-after-you-die/955594)
**Author:** [@PozhanPop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PozhanPop)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-prized-possessions-after-you-die/955594 "2022-01-09T20:04:01Z")
There are things that I have lusted after in the 80s that I finally managed to own in the 2000s. Synthesizers, Cassette decks, Turntables, Heavy Amplifiers and Speakers. Then there are my LPs, Books and CDs. DVDs. Th… --- ## [Lost Passport Question (TV Show Related, not Real Life)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-passport-question-tv-show-related-not-real-life/957176)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-passport-question-tv-show-related-not-real-life/957176 "2022-01-09T18:41:33Z")
Based on a plot device in a show. Suppose a person arrives in the US, having somehow lost his passport between the time he boards the plane and the time he arrives at US customs. In the show that inspired the question, … --- ## [Fighting "Mark of the Beast" vaccine hesitancy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-mark-of-the-beast-vaccine-hesitancy/953149)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-mark-of-the-beast-vaccine-hesitancy/953149 "2022-01-09T18:00:12Z")
My landlady is an evangelical Christian, and part of the reason she doesn’t want to get the vaccine is because she sees a lot of similarities between it and the Mark of the Beast in Revelation. What do I even say to tha… --- ## [Looking for an all AND non terrain vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-all-and-non-terrain-vehicle/957475)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-all-and-non-terrain-vehicle/957475 "2022-01-09T17:40:14Z")
So I was watching the Wacky Races the other morning and I see Professor Pat Pending’s “Convert-A-Car”, which got me wondering: There are cars that can float like a boat, and there are cars that can fly like a plane, but… --- ## [Highway Thru Hell Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/highway-thru-hell-question/957469)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/highway-thru-hell-question/957469 "2022-01-09T16:52:57Z")
The segments end when the jobs are completed. There’s nothing about who actually pays for the various services provided. Anyone knows who pays the towing companies? --- ## [Question for those working from home. Have your waking hours changed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-those-working-from-home-have-your-waking-hours-changed/957234)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-those-working-from-home-have-your-waking-hours-changed/957234 "2022-01-09T16:36:27Z")
I’ve been working from home since March 2020. I never set an alarm for work anymore, but I get up earlier than I used to. I would say that I sleep better not caring when I get up. But I have to force myself to stay in be… --- ## [Battery life--much improved for cars, but not for phones and laptops. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-life-much-improved-for-cars-but-not-for-phones-and-laptops-why/957093)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-life-much-improved-for-cars-but-not-for-phones-and-laptops-why/957093 "2022-01-09T16:15:33Z")
This thread is inspired by a scene I saw recently in a doctor’s waiting room: there was only one electric outlet, but 4 people wanting to charge their devices. It was comical, but also a bit ugly, to see 4 adults fight… --- ## [Could a variant emerge that keeps us perpetually sick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-variant-emerge-that-keeps-us-perpetually-sick/957438)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-variant-emerge-that-keeps-us-perpetually-sick/957438 "2022-01-09T15:55:53Z")
The conventional wisdom and experience tells us that viruses weaken over time, in terms of being deadly to their host. The strains that kill off their host are eventually crowded out by the ones that keep the host alive… --- ## [Movie quote: "I'm a concierge" in a NY accent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-quote-im-a-concierge-in-a-ny-accent/957436)
**Author:** [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-quote-im-a-concierge-in-a-ny-accent/957436 "2022-01-09T09:00:44Z")
I saw the word “concierge” recently and it reminded me of a movie quote, but I forget what movie it was. It was definitely a comedy from the 80s at the very latest. A woman who is working at a hotel says something like… --- ## [Electric cars are the future. Is producing electricity to charge them cleaner than gasoline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-cars-are-the-future-is-producing-electricity-to-charge-them-cleaner-than-gasoline/956684)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-cars-are-the-future-is-producing-electricity-to-charge-them-cleaner-than-gasoline/956684 "2022-01-09T08:49:45Z")
I presume it is since the big push is for electric vehicles. My brother-in-law is a pretty big believer in the future of electric vehicles. He has tested a Tesla(he does not own one) and was apparently really impressed. … --- ## ["Japan was willing to surrender throughout all of 1945, but only with the gurantee their Emperor would remain"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japan-was-willing-to-surrender-throughout-all-of-1945-but-only-with-the-gurantee-their-emperor-would-remain/956267)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japan-was-willing-to-surrender-throughout-all-of-1945-but-only-with-the-gurantee-their-emperor-would-remain/956267 "2022-01-09T08:12:34Z")
I’ve head the above statement at various points in my life (including from my College History Professor) but it’s also one of those things I can’t find any attribution for. It’s generally used as part of the “Anti-Atomic… --- ## [Can republicans really just declare themselves the winner in state elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-republicans-really-just-declare-themselves-the-winner-in-state-elections/956683)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-republicans-really-just-declare-themselves-the-winner-in-state-elections/956683 "2022-01-09T06:22:00Z")
so I know Republicans in state governments are taking power away from the secretary of state to give it to the (republican) legislature to oversee elections. can the gop legislature just hand elections to Republicans ba… --- ## [Odd iPhone situation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-iphone-situation/957401)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-iphone-situation/957401 "2022-01-09T05:06:42Z")
I’m out and about right now and my iPhone is acting like it has a very poor (no) cellular signal. I thought it might be due to weather related stuff (aka it’s snowing). At locations where I normally have great cellular… --- ## [Is this etymology for cheerio correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-etymology-for-cheerio-correct/955009)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-etymology-for-cheerio-correct/955009 "2022-01-09T04:25:58Z")
I just read a factoid about the etymology of the word cheerio and I’m dubious. It claimed the word has nothing to do with cheer. It’s supposedly originated in a period when well-to-do people rode around in sedan chairs … --- ## [What are the chances I have Covid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-i-have-covid/957394)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-i-have-covid/957394 "2022-01-09T04:25:49Z")
I’m asking because my wife and I somewhat disagree. Please provide a percentage likelihood. Here are the facts: I’m 3x vaxxed, got my booster just about 1 month ago. On Thursday the 30st my son started coughing a little… --- ## [Peter Bogdanovich - Dead at 82](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-bogdanovich-dead-at-82/957337)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-bogdanovich-dead-at-82/957337 "2022-01-09T04:15:50Z")
Link Of natural causes at his home in LA. I really liked some of his work. --- ## [What are the laws that legally keeps the IRS from just sending everyone a bill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-laws-that-legally-keeps-the-irs-from-just-sending-everyone-a-bill/957170)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-laws-that-legally-keeps-the-irs-from-just-sending-everyone-a-bill/957170 "2022-01-09T04:11:17Z")
I mean, what are the specific laws that TurboTax and the other accounting companies supposedly lobby Congress to retain? What were their original purpose? Is that purpose obsolete these days? --- ## [RIP Peter Bogdonavitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-peter-bogdonavitch/957468)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-peter-bogdonavitch/957468 "2022-01-09T02:43:32Z")
The Last Picture Show will always be in maybe my top 20. Targets was interesting; heh - funky acting he did in it. --- ## [Question about needle sticks for IV or blood draw](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-needle-sticks-for-iv-or-blood-draw/957383)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-needle-sticks-for-iv-or-blood-draw/957383 "2022-01-09T01:32:20Z")
I had a colonoscopy (my 3rd) yesterday, in a location and with staff that were new to me, and not only did they get the IV in on the first try (I’m a difficult subject so that was a nice thing) the nurse used lidocaine o… --- ## [What's wrong with me? I'm finding Doctor Who boring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-me-im-finding-doctor-who-boring/957046)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-me-im-finding-doctor-who-boring/957046 "2022-01-09T01:04:29Z")
I used to be a big fan, from Tom Baker on. But BBC-America has filled its programming the past week with Nu-Who and I try watching it, but I find myself drifting off. It isn’t just the baddies, though Daleks and Cyberm… --- ## [Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) game question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-of-the-rings-online-lotro-game-question/957448)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-of-the-rings-online-lotro-game-question/957448 "2022-01-08T23:03:23Z")
I’ve been playing LOTRO for many years now and recently decided to continue with my highest level character (a level 137 Captain.) Sadly the weapon system has changed and I’m struggling to understand how to create a high… --- ## [Starfleet Battles, anyone? (Tabletop version)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starfleet-battles-anyone-tabletop-version/956750)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starfleet-battles-anyone-tabletop-version/956750 "2022-01-08T22:49:18Z")
Throwing a line in the water to see what nibbles. Cleaning out one of my old totes in my closet, I came across a box set of Starfleet Battles with a binder of the 2012 SIlver Anniversary ruleset (printed out from the PD… --- ## [Weirdest belief/idea you've encountered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdest-belief-idea-youve-encountered/956485)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdest-belief-idea-youve-encountered/956485 "2022-01-08T20:05:30Z")
This is jumping a little off of the “Weird thing you’ve personally witnessed” thread. And by “weird” I mean a misheard or misunderstood idea they really believe. I’m not counting religious beliefs unless they’re apparen… --- ## [Fighting Illini -- why no controversy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-illini-why-no-controversy/957285)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-illini-why-no-controversy/957285 "2022-01-08T19:51:56Z")
I recently learned that “Illini” is the name of a federation of indigenous people in the Illinois area, and therefore “fighting Illini”, the UI mascot, is really no different from the Braves, Indians, or Redskins. Has t… --- ## [Today is the 30th Anniversary of the Lions' last playoff win](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-the-30th-anniversary-of-the-lions-last-playoff-win/957270)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-the-30th-anniversary-of-the-lions-last-playoff-win/957270 "2022-01-08T19:40:09Z")
Not only their LAST playoff win, but their ONLY postseason victory since they won their last league championship in 1957. Does any other old-school, founding franchise in a major league sport have more of a legacy of fut… --- ## [The New Coke fiasco, and the current standing between Coke and Pepsi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-coke-fiasco-and-the-current-standing-between-coke-and-pepsi/956935)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-coke-fiasco-and-the-current-standing-between-coke-and-pepsi/956935 "2022-01-08T19:36:02Z")
Rather than hijack the thread about alcoholic beverages, I decided to start this one. Here’s the wikipedia link about the episode. I get the basics of what happened. I lived through it, and count myself among those … --- ## [StarLink and the Chinese space station](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starlink-and-the-chinese-space-station/956924)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starlink-and-the-chinese-space-station/956924 "2022-01-08T18:50:36Z")
I’ve seen a lot of stuff from the CCPs state-run media and official diplomatic messages about this, but I haven’t seen a lot from other sources. Does anyone know what the straight dope is on this event? The Chinese are… --- ## [Squid Game: Korean series on Netflix (Spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squid-game-korean-series-on-netflix-spoilers/951443)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squid-game-korean-series-on-netflix-spoilers/951443 "2022-01-08T17:11:39Z")
Binged the whole 1st season this weekend and enjoyed the show. I don’t know how to classify this show. It’s not sci-fi. Everything on it is contemporary and totally within todays tech. It’s not really horror, despi… --- ## [I got Covid for Christmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-covid-for-christmas/957043)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-covid-for-christmas/957043 "2022-01-08T16:28:07Z")
Well, a few days later. My dumb older son who refused to get vaxxed started showing symptoms Tuesday. He’s been pretty sick with a high of 101.5 temp. Test showed positive. He’s getting better now but still hacking. My y… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1232) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1234)