# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1259 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1260 --- ## [Iran wants to ban cat ownership, but isn't that against Islam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-wants-to-ban-cat-ownership-but-isnt-that-against-islam/955971)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-wants-to-ban-cat-ownership-but-isnt-that-against-islam/955971 "2021-12-14T15:20:24Z")
According to recent news from Iran The law, named \[Protection of the Public’s Rights Against Animals\], was proposed by 75 hardliner legislators and introduced in November, described people living with animals as a “des… --- ## ["Tis the season for sickeningly sweet holiday commercials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tis-the-season-for-sickeningly-sweet-holiday-commercials/955790)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tis-the-season-for-sickeningly-sweet-holiday-commercials/955790 "2021-12-14T14:56:48Z")
Mostly insincere glurge, like the little girl who saves her snowman’s head, the old lady who overcomes her hesitation and gives a guy a pair of gloves, the woman across the street who sends her neighbor a birdfeeder. Now… --- ## [If China had been more open at the beginning of the pandemic, how would it have mattered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-china-had-been-more-open-at-the-beginning-of-the-pandemic-how-would-it-have-mattered/954054)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-china-had-been-more-open-at-the-beginning-of-the-pandemic-how-would-it-have-mattered/954054 "2021-12-14T13:42:19Z")
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw many in the administration complaining that China was not being open with the world. AFAIK, this is still the case. My question is, if China had opened up the doors to t… --- ## [Actors who are seen as often "playing themselves"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-seen-as-often-playing-themselves/955873)
**Author:** [@BigDfromLA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigDfromLA)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-seen-as-often-playing-themselves/955873 "2021-12-14T13:17:34Z")
Certain actors are often considered to be “playing themselves” in many of their roles. It seems to be somewhat insulting because it implies a limit in range and that they can only play roles that fit their perceived selv… --- ## [East Coast Coach Trip Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/east-coast-coach-trip-questions/955943)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/east-coast-coach-trip-questions/955943 "2021-12-14T12:53:40Z")
I’m in my mid-60s and my wife is in her mid-50s. We’re both capable of lots of walking and live in the US Northwest. I’ve done a lot more traveling than she has, but it was mostly work-related travel with weekends off, a… --- ## [So is Luann about to lose her virginity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-luann-about-to-lose-her-virginity/626844)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 297\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-luann-about-to-lose-her-virginity/626844 "2021-12-14T12:43:22Z")
Or will she get busted by her parents first? Either way, \[del\]will there\[/del\] how much moral outrage will there be? --- ## [2024 Speculation (the utterly pointlessness and futility of making the effort to see beyond the horizon and view that which is beyond the curvature of the earth \[time wise\])](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-speculation-the-utterly-pointlessness-and-futility-of-making-the-effort-to-see-beyond-the-horizon-and-view-that-which-is-beyond-the-curvature-of-the-earth-time-wise/955931)
**Author:** [@Temporary\_Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Temporary_Name)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-speculation-the-utterly-pointlessness-and-futility-of-making-the-effort-to-see-beyond-the-horizon-and-view-that-which-is-beyond-the-curvature-of-the-earth-time-wise/955931 "2021-12-14T04:47:38Z")
It is obviously far too early for meaningful predictions, but . . . The Republicans are going to do whatever they are going to do, does not matter! Who the GOP will run is not a consideration and neither is what GOP el… --- ## [Tell me about Butcher Box](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-butcher-box/956007)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-butcher-box/956007 "2021-12-14T03:21:19Z")
So I see the advert, and look it up online…where I find out absolutely nothing about what is offered and what the costs might be. The only way to get info apparently is to give them your email address and start the proc… --- ## [If you had COVID and lost your sense of smell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-had-covid-and-lost-your-sense-of-smell/947594)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-had-covid-and-lost-your-sense-of-smell/947594 "2021-12-14T01:42:26Z")
Was the loss gradual, sudden, or somewhere in between? --- ## [I got the arse from my job today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-the-arse-from-my-job-today/955434)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-the-arse-from-my-job-today/955434 "2021-12-14T01:32:45Z")
I’m 61, and for the first time ever, I was sacked from my job today. Well, technically I was made redundant (sales have been shite for the industry, no fault of employees yada yada) but still, I am 61 and have no job. I… --- ## [Theoretical variant that isn't so deadly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-variant-that-isnt-so-deadly/955888)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2021, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-variant-that-isnt-so-deadly/955888 "2021-12-14T00:23:21Z")
with omicron out there starting to appear to be less deadly (stay tuned for more data) I got to thinking: If a highly infectious variant appeared that really wasn’t that bad, what would the CDC et al. do as far as urgin … --- ## [Geometry buffs: Pls explain this "How many triangles" puzzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geometry-buffs-pls-explain-this-how-many-triangles-puzzle/955860)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geometry-buffs-pls-explain-this-how-many-triangles-puzzle/955860 "2021-12-13T23:01:10Z")
I keep seeing this pop up on my FB feed. To me, I only see 4. But the answers in the comments are all over the place. So what am I missing here? --- ## [Do you have a whole-house power monitoring system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-whole-house-power-monitoring-system/955914)
**Author:** [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-whole-house-power-monitoring-system/955914 "2021-12-13T22:47:02Z")
I recently installed this device (there are several alternatives out there, but this is a relatively inexpensive one). It installs in your breaker box, and measures full house power, as well as several (8 to 16) channel… --- ## [Coast Guard rescue attempt 50 metres from edge of Niagara](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coast-guard-rescue-attempt-50-metres-from-edge-of-niagara/955911)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coast-guard-rescue-attempt-50-metres-from-edge-of-niagara/955911 "2021-12-13T22:51:35Z")
I don’t think anyone has posted this? A few days ago, witnesses in Niagara, NY, saw a black sedan floating down the Niagara river towards the fall; it got hung up on something about 50 metres from the edge of the falls… --- ## [How Guilty is Alice Sebold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-guilty-is-alice-sebold/956005)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-guilty-is-alice-sebold/956005 "2021-12-13T22:28:54Z")
Anthony Broadwater spent 16 years in prison for a famous rape he didn’t commit. The Lovely Bones author, Alice Sebold has issued an apology to Mr Broadwater. Should she do more? Apparently, Ms Sebold identified Mr Broa… --- ## [Why do we value infants (and hypothetical future ones) over adults?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-value-infants-and-hypothetical-future-ones-over-adults/955910)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-value-infants-and-hypothetical-future-ones-over-adults/955910 "2021-12-13T21:13:14Z")
Infants are nonsapient, and some of them don’t even have the ability yet to recognize their own toes. They can’t speak, and they’re not learned. Fetuses don’t even have that much going for them. At least infants can l… --- ## [Where do you go to talk about 'Old People's Problems'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-go-to-talk-about-old-peoples-problems/955986)
**Author:** [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-go-to-talk-about-old-peoples-problems/955986 "2021-12-13T20:45:24Z")
I love this place. I love you people. And I’ve been here long enough that I can play out how a topic will go with pretty high fidelity. So where do you cover topics similar to the following? It’s one thing to talk about… --- ## [What’s the difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-difference-between-dubai-and-abu-dhabi/955952)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-difference-between-dubai-and-abu-dhabi/955952 "2021-12-13T19:39:59Z")
What’s the difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi? The people in Dubai don’t like the Flintstones, but the people in Abu Dhabi do. :rofl::grinning\_face\_with\_smiling\_eyes: --- ## [How might "service animals" legally and morally be limited to actual service animals performing a service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-might-service-animals-legally-and-morally-be-limited-to-actual-service-animals-performing-a-service/955581)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-might-service-animals-legally-and-morally-be-limited-to-actual-service-animals-performing-a-service/955581 "2021-12-13T19:21:02Z")
I moved into my community with the assurance that pets were not allowed, but it turned out that was a meaningless promise–anyone who wanted a dog or cat or rhinoceros could simply classify it as a 'service" animal or eve… --- ## [Ah, the joys of home ownership](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ah-the-joys-of-home-ownership/948206)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ah-the-joys-of-home-ownership/948206 "2021-12-13T19:16:45Z")
About four months ago we had to call out a plumber on a weekend because the toilets wouldn’t flush. He fussed around and snaked the line, pronounced it fixed and charged us $1700. Fast forward to yesterday, when the same… --- ## [These American terrorists can fuck right off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-american-terrorists-can-fuck-right-off/955879)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-american-terrorists-can-fuck-right-off/955879 "2021-12-13T18:39:45Z")
Here’s at least four: Fuck right off, the lot of you. I fear this isn’t the last and not the least we’ll see of these kinds of shenanigans in the US in the coming years. I’ll stay it now, tho: the Right is not going … --- ## [When hunting wild hogs (as part of pest eradication), which is better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-hunting-wild-hogs-as-part-of-pest-eradication-which-is-better/955803)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-hunting-wild-hogs-as-part-of-pest-eradication-which-is-better/955803 "2021-12-13T18:10:31Z")
My husband and I watched a video of hunters trying to take out huge herds of destructive wild pigs. Damn, those things run fast and it’s impossible to shoot more than a few at a time. Given this, which is the better op… --- ## [Question about Healthcare plan open season](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-healthcare-plan-open-season/955966)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-healthcare-plan-open-season/955966 "2021-12-13T17:55:39Z")
I’d really prefer to believe that this has a hard-and-fast answer, but I’m going to err on the side of caution. My daughter will be aging out of her eligibility for coverage by my health insurance in May. For the purpos… --- ## [Something weird- ancient thread in main page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-weird-ancient-thread-in-main-page/955995)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-weird-ancient-thread-in-main-page/955995 "2021-12-13T17:08:08Z")
Is this the place for bug/oddity reports? So I came to the main page(“https://boards.straightdope.com”) and started scrolling down the list of threads on the main page, and saw this thread listed: https://boards.straig… --- ## [How Do You Wash Your Feet in the Shower?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-wash-your-feet-in-the-shower/955588)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-wash-your-feet-in-the-shower/955588 "2021-12-13T15:48:57Z")
Because, true story. When I was younger, and, yes, stronger, more agile (you get the picture :wink: ), I had a method. I’d hop on one leg, as I did the other foot, of course. How I never broke my neck I still don’t know. … --- ## [Quick XP context menu question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-xp-context-menu-question/234829)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2004, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-xp-context-menu-question/234829 "2004-03-17T11:57:40Z")
My boss installed Tweak UI on his XP machine a few days ago and has now noticed that doouble-clicking a folder in the right-hand pane of Windows Explorer doesn’t open it, but launches a search window (this appears to be … --- ## [Molly, Finder Of Lost Phones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/molly-finder-of-lost-phones/953023)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2021, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/molly-finder-of-lost-phones/953023 "2021-12-13T15:21:35Z")
A few days ago I left my phone lying on top of a couple of plastic bins, and then I couldn’t find it. So I went on Google to use the find-my-phone tool which rings the phone until you press the power button. So I follo… --- ## [Help me pick a linux distro](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-linux-distro/232587)
**Author:** [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2004, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-linux-distro/232587 "2004-03-05T09:29:41Z")
I just upgraded one of my computers and I now have enough spare parts laying around to build a linux box for the heck of it. What’s a good starter distro? I’m thinking I want something pretty light. For the most part,… --- ## [WinXP rainbow mouse pointer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winxp-rainbow-mouse-pointer/230168)
**Author:** [@ElwoodCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElwoodCuse)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2004, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winxp-rainbow-mouse-pointer/230168 "2004-02-20T08:35:06Z")
Sometimes in Windows XP, my mouse pointer turns into an animated rainbow (colors cascade inside the pointer shape). It’s not part of any theme I’m using, and it only lasts for a second or two. But I can’t figure out what… --- ## [SpyBot and AdAware can't fix this](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spybot-and-adaware-cant-fix-this/227615)
**Author:** [@DaddyTimesTwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaddyTimesTwo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2004, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spybot-and-adaware-cant-fix-this/227615 "2004-02-06T07:16:30Z")
I’m running XPHome and don’t know what to do next. There is a registry entry and a directory to which I am denied access, so I don’t know what’s in there. SpyBot scanned on reboot, found the same items and still couldn… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1258) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1260)