# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1489 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1490 --- ## [Let's do this criminal thing "out in the desert"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-do-this-criminal-thing-out-in-the-desert/939043)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2021, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-do-this-criminal-thing-out-in-the-desert/939043 "2021-04-14T02:47:24Z")
As a trope in movies and tv shows (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Casino, etc.) it seems as if one lives in a western state like Nevada, Arizona, or New Mexico, people can do anything they want, up to and including murd… --- ## [Nice Little Things](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-little-things/939752)
**Author:** [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2021, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-little-things/939752 "2021-04-14T02:42:44Z")
When someone is genuinely excited to see you When it’s warm enough out to open the windows When you and an animal can communicate and understand each other. Like you’re a whole different species, but you can still spea… --- ## [WWII in HD -- that little girl!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-in-hd-that-little-girl/519490)
**Author:** [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2021, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-in-hd-that-little-girl/519490 "2021-04-14T02:23:18Z")
I recorded History Channel’s WWII in HD and am still in the process of watching the episodes. It’s not a blow-by-blow historical account, it’s more like a mood piece using video and voiceovers, but it’s compelling. The… --- ## [What are some examples of companies that have successfully pivoted? How about some that have failed in trying to pivot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-examples-of-companies-that-have-successfully-pivoted-how-about-some-that-have-failed-in-trying-to-pivot/939620)
**Author:** [@Delayed\_Reflex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Delayed_Reflex)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2021, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-examples-of-companies-that-have-successfully-pivoted-how-about-some-that-have-failed-in-trying-to-pivot/939620 "2021-04-14T01:58:51Z")
Reading this thread on Blockbuster made me wonder whether there are that many big companies that have successfully pivoted and had a major overhaul of their business model, and how many companies have attempted a pivot a… --- ## [Liz Wheeler has some wacky gun stats, from where?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liz-wheeler-has-some-wacky-gun-stats-from-where/939920)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2021, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liz-wheeler-has-some-wacky-gun-stats-from-where/939920 "2021-04-14T01:20:23Z")
I was just exposed today to a Liz wheeler/OAN video on Facebook dated March 2017. It’s called “Why Women Deserve the Right to an AR15”. In the video, she slings around some truly bizarre statistics with robust and twink… --- ## [Help me identify a title sequence from a movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-a-title-sequence-from-a-movie/939912)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-a-title-sequence-from-a-movie/939912 "2021-04-13T20:46:55Z")
The details are pretty vague; it was shown late at night and this was several years ago so it would have been network / basic cable. All I can remember is a shot of a sunny field, possibly with wind blowing. The thing th… --- ## [Chess Players: When & How Did You Learn To Play?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-players-when-how-did-you-learn-to-play/939394)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-players-when-how-did-you-learn-to-play/939394 "2021-04-13T21:23:56Z")
I learned in the basement of the orphanage where I lived. I finished a math test early, so the teacher sent me downstairs to pound erasers, and I got to know the friendly janitor, who was obsessed with chess. Joking asi… --- ## [Moving: Flat rate or by weight? (Need advice ASAP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-flat-rate-or-by-weight-need-advice-asap/939852)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-flat-rate-or-by-weight-need-advice-asap/939852 "2021-04-13T21:05:37Z")
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, my wife and I will be moving from Atlanta to the Boston area in a few weeks. I’m about to book the moving company and after my last nightmare experience three years ago, I’m worried about sel… --- ## [Everyone knows that the moon has craters, right? But when was the last one recorded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everyone-knows-that-the-moon-has-craters-right-but-when-was-the-last-one-recorded/939807)
**Author:** [@Forever77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Forever77)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everyone-knows-that-the-moon-has-craters-right-but-when-was-the-last-one-recorded/939807 "2021-04-13T20:28:27Z")
Plus has anyone even seen the dark side of the moon? Do we even know how many craters are on the dark side of the moon? --- ## [Insults in the pit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insults-in-the-pit/939770)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insults-in-the-pit/939770 "2021-04-13T20:23:55Z")
Must’ve overlooked this in the stickies - Can I accuse someone of being a sock in the pit? --- ## [Can a link in a text message contain a virus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-link-in-a-text-message-contain-a-virus/939702)
**Author:** [@Honolulu\_Lulu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honolulu_Lulu)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-link-in-a-text-message-contain-a-virus/939702 "2021-04-13T19:13:43Z")
Like Elaine Benes, I have a common fake name and address that I give to spammers. No house exists at that address. Today, I received a text message, “Dear Daniel” (my fake name), “This is Joey, your delivery guy.” Joey… --- ## [Later by Stephen King - anyone else read this? (closed spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/later-by-stephen-king-anyone-else-read-this-closed-spoilers/938930)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/later-by-stephen-king-anyone-else-read-this-closed-spoilers/938930 "2021-04-13T19:04:16Z")
I was ready to get hurt again. OK, being a bit dramatic, but about a year and a half ago, I treated myself to the latest Stephen King book, specifically the audiobook. I went in unspoiled, didn’t even read the premise, a… --- ## [What are the worst things you do to the environment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-worst-things-you-do-to-the-environment/939581)
**Author:** [@blabbermeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blabbermeister)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-worst-things-you-do-to-the-environment/939581 "2021-04-13T18:56:41Z")
Maybe you feel guilty about it but you do it anyway For example, I don’t cook, so almost everything I eat comes in a plastic container and I put dozens of these in the recycle bin every week. And I know most of them do… --- ## [Regional expressions you didn't always realize were not widespread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-expressions-you-didnt-always-realize-were-not-widespread/930263)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 377\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-expressions-you-didnt-always-realize-were-not-widespread/930263 "2021-04-13T17:22:45Z")
I heard the expression “up north” in a local commercial recently, and it got me wondering how common this expression is in other states. Here in SE Michigan, specifically the greater metropolitan Detroit area, when we sa… --- ## [Math/Probability Question (Percentages Upon Percentages)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-probability-question-percentages-upon-percentages/939794)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-probability-question-percentages-upon-percentages/939794 "2021-04-13T16:40:37Z")
Out of a pool of n white balls, x are chosen at random and painted with a blue dot. Then, from that same pool (which includes the now-painted balls), y are chosen and painted with a red dot. What is the formula to deter… --- ## [What’s with Japanese stuff always listing people’s blood types](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-with-japanese-stuff-always-listing-people-s-blood-types/939893)
**Author:** [@Garak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garak)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-with-japanese-stuff-always-listing-people-s-blood-types/939893 "2021-04-13T16:34:49Z")
Seems like an Asian thing. My wife grew up in asia and kept asking me what my blood type was early on. She was really confused when I kept telling her I don’t know we don’t really emphasize that in America --- ## [Hollywood Cinerama Dome no more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hollywood-cinerama-dome-no-more/939898)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hollywood-cinerama-dome-no-more/939898 "2021-04-13T16:29:48Z")
Pacific Theatres is closing its 500 theatres, and one of them is the Hollywood Cinerama Dome: Celebrities mourn future closure of iconic Cinerama Dome, Arclight Cinemas due to coronavirus pandemic - ABC News (go.com) M… --- ## [How do you get through to a human at the USPS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-get-through-to-a-human-at-the-usps/939881)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-get-through-to-a-human-at-the-usps/939881 "2021-04-13T16:19:28Z")
We’ve installed a cluster box and I need to speak to a human representative regarding setting it up. I feel like I can not defeat the automated system, and brother I’ve tried. Is there a trick? No matter what numbers I … --- ## [Questions about Promising Young Woman (spoilers abound)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-promising-young-woman-spoilers-abound/938346)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-promising-young-woman-spoilers-abound/938346 "2021-04-13T15:45:07Z")
Was there a color coding in her journal, that contained names and tallies? If so, what was the code? (Is there any particular reason she put a scrunchie around her wrist while writing?) What exactly did she do to Madi… --- ## [In the 1980s was Ethiopia or Somalia a US Navy Liberty Port?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-1980s-was-ethiopia-or-somalia-a-us-navy-liberty-port/939885)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-1980s-was-ethiopia-or-somalia-a-us-navy-liberty-port/939885 "2021-04-13T15:45:03Z")
Continuing the discussion from Questions about anti-vaxxers and the COVID future: This is exactly the impression I had. Military can’t refuse vaccines that are approved. I tried to get out of taking Malaria Pills when … --- ## [Mourning/grieving period for pets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mourning-grieving-period-for-pets/939816)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mourning-grieving-period-for-pets/939816 "2021-04-13T15:40:38Z")
Sprinning off from this thread: Our dog died Some people aren’t dog people or even pet people. Maybe they wonder what the big deal is if your pet dies. You and the pet don’t plan a future together or have a deep discu… --- ## [Anonymous lawsuits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-lawsuits/939862)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-lawsuits/939862 "2021-04-13T14:55:32Z")
If a lawyer files a civil suit on behalf of an anoymous client, at what point do they need to reveal to the court the identity of the plaintiff? Immediately, or at some later point? (If the latter, then it would seem a l… --- ## [Patrick Melrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-melrose/814555)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-melrose/814555 "2021-04-13T13:35:05Z")
Anybody else watching it? The first ep’s focus was dark, very dark humor. The second which was primarily PM as a young boy was even darker and alot less funny. I like it and will continue watching. --- ## [Measures a nation would take to prop up its currency during wartime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measures-a-nation-would-take-to-prop-up-its-currency-during-wartime/939857)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measures-a-nation-would-take-to-prop-up-its-currency-during-wartime/939857 "2021-04-13T13:19:44Z")
Let’s say that Russia invaded Poland. Poland does not use the euro; it uses the zloty, its own currency. A war would likely cause a severe recession and loss of faith in the domestic currency. What measures is a nation … --- ## [What Does ½ Really Round Off To?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-really-round-off-to/939533)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2021, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-really-round-off-to/939533 "2021-04-12T03:04:31Z")
Believe it or not, it’s vexed me for years. A number like 1.5 could really round off to either 1 or 2. I remember in grade school, we were taught that it rounds off to 2. No explanation was ever given though (which is w… --- ## [Car people, need your advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-people-need-your-advice/939765)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-people-need-your-advice/939765 "2021-04-13T12:42:39Z")
I went to check my oil the other day and the dipstick did not slide out easily as it normally does. I tugged, jiggled, and twisted (big mistake) it, only to have the plastic ring snap off in my hand. Didn’t these used to… --- ## [The Science of Dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-science-of-dreams/937678)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-science-of-dreams/937678 "2021-04-13T12:41:27Z")
(I assume IMHO is the proper place for this. For as you shall see, I am expecting some replies to be subjective and based on your opinion.) I have been studying dreams for some time now, i.e., my dreams. And there is a … --- ## [Origin in the "mock crying" gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-in-the-mock-crying-gesture/939562)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-in-the-mock-crying-gesture/939562 "2021-04-13T12:23:04Z")
You know, this gesture: Where does that come from, exactly? Nobody actually cries like that, do they? --- ## [Question on vaccine effect on variant spread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-vaccine-effect-on-variant-spread/934146)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-vaccine-effect-on-variant-spread/934146 "2021-04-13T12:14:28Z")
From my understanding, fear of COVID variants is the worry that one could spread widely enough to equal 2020, totally untouched by current vaccines. I know that makes common sense, and I know a lot of very smart people a… --- ## [How compulsively do you hit "save" when working at your computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-compulsively-do-you-hit-save-when-working-at-your-computer/939720)
**Author:** [@blabbermeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blabbermeister)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2021, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-compulsively-do-you-hit-save-when-working-at-your-computer/939720 "2021-04-13T11:15:22Z")
I’m still in 1980’s mode, pressing Ctrl-S after practically every sentence. Computers don’t crash all the time like they used to! And yet I can’t get out of the habit. What about you, are you a compulsive “saver” or do y… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1488) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1490)