# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1298 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1299 --- ## [At what point would you consider dictatorship to be better than democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-would-you-consider-dictatorship-to-be-better-than-democracy/950997)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-would-you-consider-dictatorship-to-be-better-than-democracy/950997 "2021-11-02T17:11:40Z")
Say you have one or more of the following situations: A democracy in which many voters are dangerously ignorant/uneducated and cannot be trusted on to vote for the right anything, or worse yet, malevolent and keep voti… --- ## [\#Psakibombs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psakibombs/952423)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psakibombs/952423 "2021-11-02T15:17:18Z")
I love it when Press Secretary Psaki owns some dumb reporter. Watch as she slams Ted Cruz in her answer. --- ## [Android phone: How do I apply a song to a person as a ringtone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-phone-how-do-i-apply-a-song-to-a-person-as-a-ringtone/953655)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-phone-how-do-i-apply-a-song-to-a-person-as-a-ringtone/953655 "2021-11-02T14:56:06Z")
I’d like to apply a song to a person on my phone as a ringtone. I have searched how to do it and only come up with a zillion apps which you either have to pay for and/or they spam you with ads. I just want 10 seconds o… --- ## [Republicans in Congress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-in-congress/952145)
**Author:** [@StraightTalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StraightTalk)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-in-congress/952145 "2021-11-02T14:49:42Z")
Why is it that all the republicans seem to be doing is asking “Does Joe Biden want it?” If he want’s it, then they say “NO”. Are they even attempting to do the job they were elected to do? --- ## [Sesame Street: Ernie is a total dick!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sesame-street-ernie-is-a-total-dick/953117)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sesame-street-ernie-is-a-total-dick/953117 "2021-11-02T14:35:46Z")
For some reason a bunch of classic Sesame Street clips have been on my YouTube home page. I’m thinking because they’re related to whatever my Grandson was watching. So I watched a few clips. The very early episodes wer… --- ## [Why would the CDC not ask anything about COVID-19?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-the-cdc-not-ask-anything-about-covid-19/953545)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-the-cdc-not-ask-anything-about-covid-19/953545 "2021-11-02T12:24:55Z")
I was called by a pollster the other day, with a survey about the health of Montana residents, in partnership with the CDC. I immediately told her that I’m not in Montana any more (that’s the area code of my cell phone)… --- ## [Is having Covid previously as good a protection as full vaccination?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-having-covid-previously-as-good-a-protection-as-full-vaccination/949405)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-having-covid-previously-as-good-a-protection-as-full-vaccination/949405 "2021-11-02T08:09:53Z")
I have a friend who keeps insisting that having previously had Covid is as good(better I think he said) protection than being fully vaccinated. Is he right? I often find data of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated, but I never … --- ## [What are the rules for the US Supreme Court to decide to hear a case?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-rules-for-the-us-supreme-court-to-decide-to-hear-a-case/953660)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-rules-for-the-us-supreme-court-to-decide-to-hear-a-case/953660 "2021-11-02T06:16:27Z")
I thought it only took two justices to agree that a case should be heard at the US Supreme Court (noo idea where I got that notion). The article below suggests to me it needs something more. So, what is the procedure a… --- ## [People in cultures which commonly have very long names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-in-cultures-which-commonly-have-very-long-names/953466)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-in-cultures-which-commonly-have-very-long-names/953466 "2021-11-02T04:50:18Z")
There are some cultures where it’s very common for people to have very long surnames. People unfamiliar with those cultures often have a hard time pronouncing those names. Not so much that they get the pronunciation wron… --- ## [If a White student claims to be part African-American on his college applications..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-white-student-claims-to-be-part-african-american-on-his-college-applications/685125)
**Author:** [@kstarnes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kstarnes)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-white-student-claims-to-be-part-african-american-on-his-college-applications/685125 "2021-11-02T04:06:26Z")
How can the schools check? Can they accuse you of lying? Can they demand some sort of DNA test? Have you heard about people who have done this? Race is all about self-identification anyhow. I don’t see why you can’t conv… --- ## [Has the word "Egg" been redefined when I wasn't looking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-word-egg-been-redefined-when-i-wasnt-looking/953354)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-word-egg-been-redefined-when-i-wasnt-looking/953354 "2021-11-02T03:12:35Z")
I just saw an advert for a product called “Just Egg”, which they called “The best egg you’ll ever taste”. What confuses me is that they say it is made from plants, and nowhere in the advert or on their website does the … --- ## [I pit CastletonSnob1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-castletonsnob1/953124)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-castletonsnob1/953124 "2021-11-02T00:22:11Z")
How come it’s okay to paint all Southerners with the same awful brush? What the fuck is your problem? --- ## [Is your grocery store becoming more automated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-grocery-store-becoming-more-automated/953380)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-grocery-store-becoming-more-automated/953380 "2021-11-02T00:19:00Z")
I recently noticed that both the Giant and Weis Markets near me are starting to install automated checkout lanes. is this a common occurrence near you? I put this in the QZ since I assumed it was a result of COVID, but i… --- ## [How do animals find their way home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-animals-find-their-way-home/953389)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-animals-find-their-way-home/953389 "2021-11-01T23:27:35Z")
In this MPSIMS thread about mice, we have the following claim: I’m willing to believe that this is true, but my real question is how do they do it? I can imagine an animal like a deer or a bear, or even a squirrel ran… --- ## [Vaxx and non-covid deaths](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaxx-and-non-covid-deaths/953563)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaxx-and-non-covid-deaths/953563 "2021-11-01T22:56:02Z")
There was an article in the Economist about how vaxxed people have a lower death rate than unvaxxed from things other than covid. This was based on a CDC report. The article is paywalled (I only read a summary) and I can… --- ## [What Happens When A Car Sits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-car-sits/953189)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-car-sits/953189 "2021-11-01T22:54:37Z")
We have a 2002 Mazda Protege. It has been sitting outside for many months now. The battery needs a jump, and when I did that, the car started but I found the alternator instantly seized up. We could smell the burning rub… --- ## [I Could Use Some Cheering Up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-could-use-some-cheering-up/953485)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-could-use-some-cheering-up/953485 "2021-11-01T22:04:15Z")
A few months back, I got a job. I am now part of the monstrous machinery of disincentives that keep people from getting the unemployment benefits they deserve. Obviously, I hate the job. But it pays very well and I’m wor… --- ## [No Covid mention in the obits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-covid-mention-in-the-obits/953587)
**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-covid-mention-in-the-obits/953587 "2021-11-01T21:36:16Z")
It can’t be denied that Covid has been the main contributing factor in many people’s deaths. But aside of only a handful of instances it doesn’t get mentioned as such in local obituaries. I know frequently people do no… --- ## [Source of alcohol in spirit drinks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-of-alcohol-in-spirit-drinks/952446)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-of-alcohol-in-spirit-drinks/952446 "2021-11-01T20:32:34Z")
How does it matter if the C2H5OH alcohol was made by fermenting sugarcane, corn mash, potatoes , barley, oats or any other organic matter. The end product is ethyl alcohol which is distilled out. Water, colour, botanical… --- ## [Building an ark in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-an-ark-in-the-mmp/953153)
**Author:** [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Replies:** 300\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-an-ark-in-the-mmp/953153 "2021-11-01T19:02:26Z")
Yesterday, 24 Oct 2021, was officially the wettest single day in Sacramento history, with 5.31 inches of rain in that calendar day. It’s still coming down pretty hard too. As I mentioned in the previous MMP, Sacramento c… --- ## [Unwanted Ads: Consumer Backlash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unwanted-ads-consumer-backlash/953464)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unwanted-ads-consumer-backlash/953464 "2021-11-01T18:54:35Z")
There have been times when I’ve been so annoyed by unwanted ads that the only reason I wanted to remember the company was so that I could intentionally avoid it even if I did want the kind of product they sell. I’m wonde… --- ## [Changing a land parcel shape/size (combining & splitting)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-a-land-parcel-shape-size-combining-splitting/953527)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-a-land-parcel-shape-size-combining-splitting/953527 "2021-11-01T18:42:42Z")
I know MMMV based on state/county but I’m wondering if there are a few general rules. And yes I will talk to TPTB before I buy the land. I am looking at picking up 2 unimproved parcels totaling 3.4 acres of residential… --- ## [Inter-lock breathalyzer industry is a scam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-lock-breathalyzer-industry-is-a-scam/953343)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-lock-breathalyzer-industry-is-a-scam/953343 "2021-11-01T18:16:55Z")
I drink. I have trouble stopping. I’m concerned for my safety so I decided to have a voluntary inter-lock put on my vehicle. There are all kinds of handheld devices for about $40. Looking at the ignition mounted models… --- ## [Could Wankel engines make a comeback?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-wankel-engines-make-a-comeback/953526)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-wankel-engines-make-a-comeback/953526 "2021-11-01T17:54:49Z")
This article popped up on Facebook today. Unfortunately it seems the information is in a video, and I’m not in the mood to watch videos. So I found this article: Not much more information, but the two articles ind… --- ## [Can any charger charge any device these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-charger-charge-any-device-these-days/953502)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-charger-charge-any-device-these-days/953502 "2021-11-01T17:46:00Z")
I see this was asked before here but over 10 years ago and things have changed so, asking again. It has become increasingly common for cell phones to not ship with a charger so you have to get your own. But, not all ch… --- ## [Now that the dust has settled on the Trump's Russia Hoax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-the-dust-has-settled-on-the-trumps-russia-hoax/952952)
**Author:** [@Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-the-dust-has-settled-on-the-trumps-russia-hoax/952952 "2021-11-01T17:14:33Z")
What does it look like actually happened? Who does it look like the major players and what does it appear they did? --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - October 2021 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-october-2021-edition/951764)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-october-2021-edition/951764 "2021-11-01T16:40:47Z")
My apologies, I forgot. In my defence, I’ve been busy with real life and fighting a sinus infection. I love plants… until they actively try to kill me via my sinuses. In other news, Halloween is upon us. And I have hun… --- ## [Questions about the Mona Lisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-mona-lisa/953435)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-mona-lisa/953435 "2021-11-01T16:16:48Z")
When the Mona Lisa was exhibited at the National Gallery how was it presented to viewers? Did they stand facing it? pass by it"? How close was it to those viewing it? Was there any connection between America’s foreign p… --- ## [Billionaires- they're not like us](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billionaires-theyre-not-like-us/953388)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billionaires-theyre-not-like-us/953388 "2021-11-01T16:13:20Z")
Especially not like me. I don’t even understand how they happen. With me, the closer I came to a billion, the less I would be able to focus on work, or amassing more. I look at Zuck, in his suit taking shit off of congre… --- ## [Anyone play around with Van De Graaff generators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-play-around-with-van-de-graaff-generators/953598)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2021, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-play-around-with-van-de-graaff-generators/953598 "2021-11-01T15:39:20Z")
Thinking about making one of these my next “I’m bored in the middle of a pandemic” purchase. Had my eyes on this one Or this one The first one seems to be better reviewed, but isn’t 325 KV getting close to where the… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1297) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1299)