# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1293 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1294 --- ## [Rocket motor thought](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rocket-motor-thought/953707)
**Author:** [@Kedikat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kedikat)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rocket-motor-thought/953707 "2021-11-08T13:40:36Z")
I know there is an immense amount of engineering that goes into the shape of rocket motor nozzles. Maximizing the impulsive force transferred to the vehicle during combustion of the fuel. I am wondering if a sort of fla… --- ## [Why did the British high court refuse to hear the case of an Argentine resident from one of its colonies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-british-high-court-refuse-to-hear-the-case-of-an-argentine-resident-from-one-of-its-colonies/953559)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-british-high-court-refuse-to-hear-the-case-of-an-argentine-resident-from-one-of-its-colonies/953559 "2021-11-08T11:29:24Z")
The UK began re-colonizing the Falkland islands on Jan. 3, 1833. Furthermore, in 1843 Antonio Rivero “El Gaucho” was taken to London to be judged for crimes committed on the islands, but the British high court, despite “… --- ## [Thoughts on sharing sexy selfies on social?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-sharing-sexy-selfies-on-social/953738)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-sharing-sexy-selfies-on-social/953738 "2021-11-08T10:42:01Z")
I follow a former coworker on Instagram. She’s young, brilliant, driven and AFAICT quite successful in her gigs since we last worked together. Her Instagram, of course, isn’t business oriented – it’s about travel and nig… --- ## [HMS\_Irruncible, I have a suggestion for where you can place your concern](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hms-irruncible-i-have-a-suggestion-for-where-you-can-place-your-concern/926299)
**Author:** [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hms-irruncible-i-have-a-suggestion-for-where-you-can-place-your-concern/926299 "2021-11-08T09:50:29Z")
This was originally written as a response to go into ATMB, but with @What\_Exit’s mod note, I chose to place it here instead. Had I started here, I may have tried being a bit less diplomatic, so here’s a “fuck” just to ev… --- ## [Using An Inverted Parabola To Approximate Sine Function](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-an-inverted-parabola-to-approximate-sine-function/953829)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-an-inverted-parabola-to-approximate-sine-function/953829 "2021-11-08T09:28:53Z")
I’m putting this in MPSIMS, because I partly want to share something with you all. But I also have a couple of questions. Anyways, since I took my first class in trigonometry, I have tried to deduce ways of finding valu… --- ## [In previous times, what did people have to keep up-to-date on, such as WRT technology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-previous-times-what-did-people-have-to-keep-up-to-date-on-such-as-wrt-technology/953648)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-previous-times-what-did-people-have-to-keep-up-to-date-on-such-as-wrt-technology/953648 "2021-11-08T06:09:37Z")
I don’t want this to come across as an anti-tech rant, but my wife and I often comment on the challenge of staying abreast with technology developments such as phones, TV, and computers. For just one example, a while ba… --- ## [Can you really end up on the sex offender registry for public urination?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-really-end-up-on-the-sex-offender-registry-for-public-urination/953904)
**Author:** [@GrilledCheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrilledCheese)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-really-end-up-on-the-sex-offender-registry-for-public-urination/953904 "2021-11-08T05:02:23Z")
I sometimes see people question the efficacy and fairness of the sex offender registry by claiming you can be convicted of indecent exposure and required to register merely for being caught urinating in public. If true, … --- ## [Iconic but awful](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iconic-but-awful/952285)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 368\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iconic-but-awful/952285 "2021-11-08T04:16:19Z")
I’m watching John Carpenter’s They Live right now and boy, howdy, is it awful. There are some truly iconic scenes, but the Roddy Piper and his hair are indescribably bad. The make up, the clothes, the sets, the script - … --- ## [Banner Printer Utility](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banner-printer-utility/953955)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banner-printer-utility/953955 "2021-11-08T03:03:31Z")
Well, another day and another proof that my board search cred is in the pits. ISTR that years ago, someone posted a nifty utility program that prints out a banner, but it prints it out in a bunch of letter-size pages tha… --- ## [Iraq's future after US combat mission ends](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraqs-future-after-us-combat-mission-ends/953944)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraqs-future-after-us-combat-mission-ends/953944 "2021-11-08T02:25:56Z")
US combat forces in Iraq (currently numbering about 2500) are scheduled to end their mission by the end of 2021. (Some US troops are expected to remain as “advisors.”) \[Source: CNN\] What do you think will happen in Iraq… --- ## [What happened to Portland, Oregon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-portland-oregon/953410)
**Author:** [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-portland-oregon/953410 "2021-11-08T02:18:19Z")
There are a number of news articles highlighting the recent struggles of the city of Portland, OR. The pandemic, civil unrest, trash everywhere, and homelessness appear to be the top reasons for the city’s tarnished imag… --- ## [Ciao from Italy - a perspective on COVID-19 near the (current) epicenter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ciao-from-italy-a-perspective-on-covid-19-near-the-current-epicenter/849963)
**Author:** [@Ulysses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulysses)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ciao-from-italy-a-perspective-on-covid-19-near-the-current-epicenter/849963 "2021-11-08T01:32:39Z")
Buongiorno mi amici. Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I’m an American living abroad in Italy and finally decided to make my first post to the Dope. I’ve very much enjoyed these boards; they’re informative and have al… --- ## [Is a Statin absolutely necessary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-statin-absolutely-necessary/953762)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-statin-absolutely-necessary/953762 "2021-11-08T00:56:53Z")
I realize you may not be doctors, but I’m wondering if anyone could make a case based on current research for why I’m not a candidate for a statin. My total cholesterol is 356 and my HDL is 78. LDL is 258. I’m female, … --- ## [The Technicalities on Actors' Names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-technicalities-on-actors-names/934051)
**Author:** [@Ptolomy57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ptolomy57)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-technicalities-on-actors-names/934051 "2021-11-08T00:50:54Z")
I was reading how actors and actresses have to register their names with the Actor’s Guild to assure the name is not already in use. For example, I hear Michael J. Fox added the middle initial because there already was a… --- ## [Irish 'dopers (and anyone else of course)....is the reunification of Ireland inevitable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-dopers-and-anyone-else-of-course-is-the-reunification-of-ireland-inevitable/953832)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-dopers-and-anyone-else-of-course-is-the-reunification-of-ireland-inevitable/953832 "2021-11-07T23:54:28Z")
Was in a discussion a few weeks ago with some of my friends from Ireland (they live in County Cork ) and they were saying that they think the reunification is pretty much inevitable due to demographic shifts (I guess a l… --- ## [Headphone wire repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headphone-wire-repair/953808)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headphone-wire-repair/953808 "2021-11-07T23:08:35Z")
I have a pair of Bose Soundsport wired earbuds that I really like – they are the only wired headphones that stay in my ears. So, of course, the wire has gone bad. They have a mic and an inline remote. I cut off the ja… --- ## [Well it's done. (bad, bad, bad time changes)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-its-done-bad-bad-bad-time-changes/953928)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-its-done-bad-bad-bad-time-changes/953928 "2021-11-07T22:58:42Z")
I fell back one hour. Every clock is wrong. No matter. They weren’t ever right in the first place. I spend my days doing math by clocks that are off. I end up using the phone or laptop for very time sensitive stuff. Ya… --- ## [Can one theoretically travel faster than light relativistically?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-theoretically-travel-faster-than-light-relativistically/950057)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 322\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-theoretically-travel-faster-than-light-relativistically/950057 "2021-11-07T22:17:04Z")
Time goes differently for those on the ‘spaceship’ then on earth. For the people on the spaceship would it be possible to travel let’s say 10 light years in less than 10 years ‘ship time’ if traveling near the SoL? --- ## [Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome/953934)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome/953934 "2021-11-07T21:33:28Z")
I realize there’s another thread about this, but it’s five years old, and the membership has shifted a lot since then, so I thought I’d go ahead and start a new one, instead of reviving a zombie. This is the topic for m… --- ## [Is a concrete floor in the garage - colder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-concrete-floor-in-the-garage-colder/953911)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-concrete-floor-in-the-garage-colder/953911 "2021-11-07T20:40:33Z")
Background : We live in the Houston, TX area where temperatures goes below freezing a couple of times a year (not counting last snowmageddon). Our frost line is less than 6 inches deep (https://charlesandhudson.com/wp-… --- ## [Aaron Feuerstein dies at 95 (business owner who paid employees after the building burned)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aaron-feuerstein-dies-at-95-business-owner-who-paid-employees-after-the-building-burned/953919)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aaron-feuerstein-dies-at-95-business-owner-who-paid-employees-after-the-building-burned/953919 "2021-11-07T20:05:28Z")
The company he owned, Malden Mills, has since been sold, but PolarTec fleece is still American-made. He sounded like a good and humble man. --- ## [What Do Multiple Commas Mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-multiple-commas-mean/950947)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-multiple-commas-mean/950947 "2021-11-07T19:28:27Z")
I think I’ve seen it on these boards, but many other places too. At first I thought it was a typo. But I’ve seen it so many times, I don’t know anymore. Multiple commas, almost like ellipses points with periods, but wi… --- ## [Political parties representing ideologies as opposed to individuals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-parties-representing-ideologies-as-opposed-to-individuals/953857)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-parties-representing-ideologies-as-opposed-to-individuals/953857 "2021-11-07T17:40:46Z")
A Reddit user said this, and I thought it was interesting: The entire problem is the US system that individuals opposed to ideologies run for office. Where I live in the Netherlands individuals are expendible and on… --- ## [I'm here now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-here-now/953335)
**Author:** [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-here-now/953335 "2021-11-07T17:01:23Z")
I don’t know if anyone has really noticed, but I’ve kinda/sorta been on hiatus. I had several “events” back to back, and simply did not have any brains or effort to come to SDMB and play. I had a colonoscopy. Not my fir… --- ## [Looking for a US fast-food prices time series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-us-fast-food-prices-time-series/953938)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-us-fast-food-prices-time-series/953938 "2021-11-07T16:29:07Z")
This article contains a plot showing time series for fast-food average hourly wage and fast-food prices. The article sites DOL, and I’m assuming this is part of the CPI basket, but I can’t find the series on prices. I kn… --- ## [How does one get gasoline in 2050 for your 2030 vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-gasoline-in-2050-for-your-2030-vehicle/947571)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-gasoline-in-2050-for-your-2030-vehicle/947571 "2021-11-07T14:55:52Z")
I’ve become aware that gasoline and diesel powered vehicles are on their way out. what happens to the infrastructure of gas stations when fewer petrol powered vehicles are on the road. Do we wind up having to go to Wal… --- ## [What’s the risk I’d damage my iPad using it as a makeshift photography light box?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-risk-i-d-damage-my-ipad-using-it-as-a-makeshift-photography-light-box/953929)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-risk-i-d-damage-my-ipad-using-it-as-a-makeshift-photography-light-box/953929 "2021-11-07T14:41:11Z")
I know this sounds a bit crazy, but hear me out… :grinning: I want to do some macro still life photography. One of the subjects I want to experiment with is a pile of coarse-grain salt. I want a dark, reflective surface… --- ## [What is the most complicated piece of music written, for multiple instruments, which could be played by the composer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-complicated-piece-of-music-written-for-multiple-instruments-which-could-be-played-by-the-composer/947707)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-complicated-piece-of-music-written-for-multiple-instruments-which-could-be-played-by-the-composer/947707 "2021-11-07T13:47:02Z")
… not at the same time, obviously. Backdrop: I was listening to one of Mozart’s piano concertos… I think 23, in A-minor… when I wondered Can Wolfie play this piece for all instruments it is written for? We already know … --- ## [The Biden Administration - the first 1,500 days \[NOT an Afghanistan discussion\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 1456\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057 "2021-11-07T13:19:00Z")
Okay, I’m gonna do it. The clusterfuck is over and will be dismantled. What will take its place? What will Biden do? What should he do? What do you want him to do? President-elect Joe Biden is planning to quickly si… --- ## [Can You Get Demoted In Your Chess Title?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-demoted-in-your-chess-title/953841)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-demoted-in-your-chess-title/953841 "2021-11-07T12:28:07Z")
Let’s say I achieve an ELO of 2400, and qualify for the International Master ranking. Am I now “IM HeyHomie” for the rest of all time? If my play slips and my ELO goes down to, say, 2200, am I demoted to Master? If I sin… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1292) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1294)