# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1257 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1258 --- ## [I made fairly drinkable non-alcoholic wine today by accident](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-fairly-drinkable-non-alcoholic-wine-today-by-accident/956130)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2021, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-fairly-drinkable-non-alcoholic-wine-today-by-accident/956130 "2021-12-16T03:02:07Z")
But almost burnt the house down (not really). I like to ‘de-alcoholize’ wine used in cooking if the wine is added late and alcohol is undesired in the recipe. I do this by boiling it till it’s volume is reduced about 1… --- ## [Why are these ice sphere presses so expensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-these-ice-sphere-presses-so-expensive/955460)
**Author:** [@Arcite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arcite)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2021, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-these-ice-sphere-presses-so-expensive/955460 "2021-12-16T02:37:37Z")
I believe I first came across these ice sphere presses in a gift catalog, but I’ve looked them up online and there are any number of different manufacturers and sites that sell them. https://www.williams-sonoma.com/prod… --- ## [What's the largest living animal species that could still plausibly be undiscovered yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-largest-living-animal-species-that-could-still-plausibly-be-undiscovered-yet/954098)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2021, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-largest-living-animal-species-that-could-still-plausibly-be-undiscovered-yet/954098 "2021-12-16T00:56:07Z")
Small undiscovered species, such as insects, are a dime a dozen; entomologists find new bugs all the time. But are we at a point now where no living species as large as an elephant could still yet be undiscovered on Ear… --- ## [Any species of creature where the act of mating does not require a physiological change (in males)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-species-of-creature-where-the-act-of-mating-does-not-require-a-physiological-change-in-males/956058)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2021, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-species-of-creature-where-the-act-of-mating-does-not-require-a-physiological-change-in-males/956058 "2021-12-16T00:41:09Z")
In humans and other creatures I can think of, the male reproductive organ is not in a position to mate while going about ordinary non-mating activities, and undergoes a physiological change in order to enable this. But i… --- ## [Dallas- Founded By Followers Of Cthulhu?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dallas-founded-by-followers-of-cthulhu/956085)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2021, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dallas-founded-by-followers-of-cthulhu/956085 "2021-12-16T00:38:47Z")
Lovecraft confined his fiction largely to the New England region because that’s where he lived and what he knew. The film Dagon (actually an adaptation of The Shadow Over Innsmouth) moved the locale to a poor fishing … --- ## [Low-key positions like "judge of elections" are important, and Republicans are running for them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-key-positions-like-judge-of-elections-are-important-and-republicans-are-running-for-them/955901)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2021, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-key-positions-like-judge-of-elections-are-important-and-republicans-are-running-for-them/955901 "2021-12-16T00:37:13Z")
This NYT article points out that, up until very recently, elected positions like “judge of elections” were all but anonymous and scarcely anyone knew or cared about them, but now Republicans are running for those positio… --- ## [Youtube eliminates dislike counter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-eliminates-dislike-counter/955405)
**Author:** [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-eliminates-dislike-counter/955405 "2021-12-15T23:45:04Z")
I knew this was in the works, but they just made it live a day or two ago. Where before Youtub would display a counter of both likes and dislikes, now they are only showing the likes count. It’s a free product so they ca… --- ## [Warring Cats!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warring-cats/956117)
**Author:** [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warring-cats/956117 "2021-12-15T23:35:12Z")
Five months ago we adopted a kitten to be a companion and playmate for our 8 year-old cat, who we had also adopted as a kitten. Both males. He was accustomed to having another cat as a companion, but that cat went to k… --- ## [Nanny States and Covid Vaccines: Hijack of NZ smoking thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nanny-states-and-covid-vaccines-hijack-of-nz-smoking-thread/956018)
**Author:** [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nanny-states-and-covid-vaccines-hijack-of-nz-smoking-thread/956018 "2021-12-15T23:22:03Z")
Thing is that many Republicans are becoming anti-vaccine and anti-mask thanks to that kind of mentality. In other news I see that there is a lot of federal help going to the tornado disasters in Kentucky, even if that wi… --- ## [Why are you supposed to give gas during revmatch downshifting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-you-supposed-to-give-gas-during-revmatch-downshifting/955955)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-you-supposed-to-give-gas-during-revmatch-downshifting/955955 "2021-12-15T22:49:13Z")
I might be completely wrong, but this is how I understood what revmatch downshifting is: You press the clutch Bump the accelerator lightly change the gear down let go of the clutch Let’s say I’m driving 50km/h and I’m… --- ## [You Tube has logged 1 TRILLION views of Minecraft videos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-tube-has-logged-1-trillion-views-of-minecraft-videos/956091)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-tube-has-logged-1-trillion-views-of-minecraft-videos/956091 "2021-12-15T22:39:20Z")
I’m not quite sure what to think about that, if it’s a good thing, a bad thing, or somewhere in between. --- ## [Note to self: install Christmas inflatables before onset of Saskatchewan permafrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/note-to-self-install-christmas-inflatables-before-onset-of-saskatchewan-permafrost/956087)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/note-to-self-install-christmas-inflatables-before-onset-of-saskatchewan-permafrost/956087 "2021-12-15T22:35:54Z")
Chilblained fingers. Cold knees from kneeling in snow. Stake for laser light snapped off. Broken hammer from trying to pound tent stakes into permafrost. Snoopy & Woodstock now flying, and Kevin standing tall. Mrs P… --- ## [What would be the best way to "deal" with a superhuman who's invulnerable but can still be "taken down"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-way-to-deal-with-a-superhuman-whos-invulnerable-but-can-still-be-taken-down/956026)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-way-to-deal-with-a-superhuman-whos-invulnerable-but-can-still-be-taken-down/956026 "2021-12-15T22:35:29Z")
In fiction there’s a ton of characters who are basically invulnerable but also you can still restrain if you try hard enough since they’re still “just human” (Wolverine, Jason Vorhees, Deadpool etc) they either have supe… --- ## [Fuck you fucking scammers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-fucking-scammers/954962)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-fucking-scammers/954962 "2021-12-15T22:21:26Z")
My elderly mother in law just fell victim to the classic “Send is a check to cover insurance for Publisher’s Clearinghouse” blah blah blah scam shit and bullshit. The POS convinced her that he’s a good Christian man and … --- ## [Crocodiles munchin' on missionary luncheon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crocodiles-munchin-on-missionary-luncheon/956124)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crocodiles-munchin-on-missionary-luncheon/956124 "2021-12-15T22:04:12Z")
Isn’t there a song with that line? --- ## [Ghostbusters Afterlife trailer #2 \[spoilers for movie\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghostbusters-afterlife-trailer-2-spoilers-for-movie/947430)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghostbusters-afterlife-trailer-2-spoilers-for-movie/947430 "2021-12-15T21:06:08Z")
Looks interesting. I hope Covid doesn’t ruin it. Edit: here’s trailer #1 --- ## [Billboards and the First Amendment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billboards-and-the-first-amendment/955524)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billboards-and-the-first-amendment/955524 "2021-12-15T20:59:20Z")
We just got back from a drive to look at a billboard we’d heard about. It’s located along a highway that goes through a small town with a reputation. I was sure what I’d heard was exaggeration or hyperbole, but it turn… --- ## [Glass that keeps pictures from fading in the sun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glass-that-keeps-pictures-from-fading-in-the-sun/956068)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glass-that-keeps-pictures-from-fading-in-the-sun/956068 "2021-12-15T20:40:31Z")
Is there a way to tell if the glass over a painting is the UV blocking glass? Something that can be done from home without taking it to a frame shop to check? May require some specialized equipment to look at the light … --- ## [The argument "Republicans dangle Roe in front of their base but don't want to overturn" doesn't make sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-argument-republicans-dangle-roe-in-front-of-their-base-but-dont-want-to-overturn-doesnt-make-sense/950040)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-argument-republicans-dangle-roe-in-front-of-their-base-but-dont-want-to-overturn-doesnt-make-sense/950040 "2021-12-15T20:36:52Z")
There is a recurring argument that pops up again and again when abortion is being debated: “Republicans dangle Roe and abortion in front of their voters as a carrot but can’t actually feed them the carrot (ban abortion) … --- ## [What's for lunch today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-for-lunch-today/955854)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-for-lunch-today/955854 "2021-12-15T20:22:36Z")
I’m eating a bowl of what I can only call “accreted” foodstuffs–reheated white rice, spicy cucumber pickles, brined artichoke hearts, and home-pickled daikon with Sriracha. You? --- ## [Wife wants to become a stay at home mom - I'm not comfortable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wife-wants-to-become-a-stay-at-home-mom-im-not-comfortable/954887)
**Author:** [@kwc27](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kwc27)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wife-wants-to-become-a-stay-at-home-mom-im-not-comfortable/954887 "2021-12-15T19:15:25Z")
Been married for seven years in a month. Love my wife to death. She is extremely consistent and a wonderful person/mother. Two kids, five year old daughter, three year old son. Son is ornery, but is he any worse than any… --- ## [Bear Cub vs. Inflatable Reindeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-cub-vs-inflatable-reindeer/955992)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-cub-vs-inflatable-reindeer/955992 "2021-12-15T19:06:51Z")
Who will prevail? --- ## [Question regarding genderless nouns he/they she/they](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-genderless-nouns-he-they-she-they/955825)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-genderless-nouns-he-they-she-they/955825 "2021-12-15T18:39:11Z")
I’ve been coming across many articles (especially in archaeology/anthropology) using terms for the gender of a specimen as ‘they’ in the singular. How would they be used in the singular in a conversation when referring t… --- ## [Khigh Dheigh not of Oriental Ancestry??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khigh-dheigh-not-of-oriental-ancestry/350278)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khigh-dheigh-not-of-oriental-ancestry/350278 "2021-12-15T18:33:14Z")
Khigh Dheigh was the actor who pl;ayed Red Chinese agent Wo Fat on Hawaii Five-0. He also played Judge Dee in the ABC Tv-movie Judge Dee and the Monastery Murders, which I just re-watched. An interesting film, in which a… --- ## [A Very Murray Christmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-very-murray-christmas/739598)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-very-murray-christmas/739598 "2021-12-15T18:32:51Z")
New holiday special on Netflix went up yesterday-- A Very Murray Christmas, starring Bill Murray, George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, David Johansen, Rashida Jones, Amy Poehler, Paul Shaffer (the ultimate accompanist!) and a do… --- ## [What would an ENT say about this ear wax removal tool?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-an-ent-say-about-this-ear-wax-removal-tool/949591)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-an-ent-say-about-this-ear-wax-removal-tool/949591 "2021-12-15T18:30:48Z")
This Bluetooth-enabled gadget has a camera that you can monitor on your phone while you clean your ear and puncture your eardrum. J&J says not to use Q-Tips to do this, presumably for liability reasons. Is this somethin… --- ## [Siberian high temperature certified!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/siberian-high-temperature-certified/956072)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/siberian-high-temperature-certified/956072 "2021-12-15T18:03:55Z")
In another incredible victory for Climate Change: --- ## [Why are cars getting so long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cars-getting-so-long/955983)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cars-getting-so-long/955983 "2021-12-15T17:40:43Z")
A current gen BMW 3 series is pretty much the same length as a 90’s 5 series E34 (4709mm vs 4720) A current gen Skoda Octavia (budget alternative to an A3) is longer than even late 2000’s A4 (B7) and is slowly approachi… --- ## [What's with the Styx hate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-styx-hate/604561)
**Author:** [@enomaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enomaj)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-styx-hate/604561 "2021-12-15T17:00:46Z")
So in the I Hate Beatles Fans thread in the Pit, CheeseDonkey is being castigated for liking them. I get that Domo Arigato is cheesy but Renegade rocks and has one of the great intros in rock music. And you know Babe wa… --- ## [Phone spam protection app for Android](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-spam-protection-app-for-android/955889)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2021, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-spam-protection-app-for-android/955889 "2021-12-15T15:39:01Z")
I’m inundated with phone spam - both text and calls, but especially SMS text. I have a Samsung Galaxy S21. Can anyone recommend a trustworthy app to help block this crap? Thanks. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1256) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1258)