# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1545 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1546 --- ## [Generating "free" energy from vehicle traffic. I am skeptical. (Physics related.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generating-free-energy-from-vehicle-traffic-i-am-skeptical-physics-related/932040)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2021, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generating-free-energy-from-vehicle-traffic-i-am-skeptical-physics-related/932040 "2021-02-17T03:34:48Z")
It’s called a “Traffic Turbine.” It spins due to the wind generated by busses passing near it. The turbine spins a generator. Some claim the energy is essentially free, since the wind from the bus is wasted energy. I do… --- ## [When to replace furnace/AC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-to-replace-furnace-ac/933067)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2021, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-to-replace-furnace-ac/933067 "2021-02-17T02:58:12Z")
We were discussing potential upcoming expenses, and my wife suggested possibly needing to replace our AC and maybe furnace. They both seem to still work, tho they make a little noise when turning on/off and when running… --- ## [Best Frank Sinatra album?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-frank-sinatra-album/932920)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2021, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-frank-sinatra-album/932920 "2021-02-17T02:12:10Z")
Let’s assume I only have space to download one of Frank’s albums. Which would you recommend, and why? \[Side bar\] Discourse sez: "Your topic is similar to… Would a ‘binational’ or ‘one-state solution’ be best for Isra… --- ## [Musings on retirement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musings-on-retirement/932255)
**Author:** [@mandala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mandala)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musings-on-retirement/932255 "2021-02-16T23:55:49Z")
I still have about 15 years of work life left, and assuming I don’t get laid off, I intend to work until I hit 60. Not a day more, and I will probably be laid off much before then. Retirement is a large gray area, howev… --- ## [I am going for a Lasik today, in 2 hours in fact. \[2007 thread update\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-going-for-a-lasik-today-in-2-hours-in-fact-2007-thread-update/387541)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-going-for-a-lasik-today-in-2-hours-in-fact-2007-thread-update/387541 "2021-02-16T23:08:06Z")
I am a little nervous, but after 24 years of wearing glasses, I am looking forward to no more glasses. I am an excellent candidate for 20/20 correction. The Intralase procedure is supposed to prevent night blindness. I … --- ## [Ukraine releases Giuliani call to officials to get Bidens investigated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-releases-giuliani-call-to-officials-to-get-bidens-investigated/932566)
**Author:** [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-releases-giuliani-call-to-officials-to-get-bidens-investigated/932566 "2021-02-16T22:57:45Z")
The Ukraine has released a transcript of a call by Donald Trump’s then lawyer Rudy Giuliani on behalf of his client to two Ukrainian officials to try to have Joe Biden and his son Hunter’s business dealings investigated … --- ## [Truth Seekers; New Amazon TV series starring Nick Frost & Malcolm McDowell 10/30/2020 \[No Spoilers\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/truth-seekers-new-amazon-tv-series-starring-nick-frost-malcolm-mcdowell-10-30-2020-no-spoilers/924209)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/truth-seekers-new-amazon-tv-series-starring-nick-frost-malcolm-mcdowell-10-30-2020-no-spoilers/924209 "2021-02-16T22:46:32Z")
New Comedy Horror coming to amazon Prime tomorrow. I’ve been looking forward to this since I saw it on Prime as coming soon. The show was created by Frost & Simon Pegg. Simon will apparently have a small role in it. It… --- ## [Space Sweepers on Netfix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-sweepers-on-netfix/932479)
**Author:** [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-sweepers-on-netfix/932479 "2021-02-16T22:43:37Z")
Watched it last night and if you want a great space opera romp with a big dose of comedy and a touch of live action anime, this is it Slightly silly and touching, I really enjoyed it! What say you , Dopers? --- ## [Reports of the demise of the GOP are greatly exaggerated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reports-of-the-demise-of-the-gop-are-greatly-exaggerated/932462)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reports-of-the-demise-of-the-gop-are-greatly-exaggerated/932462 "2021-02-16T22:04:40Z")
Perhaps I’ve been watching too much MSNBC and PBS, but over and over I hear stories with the common thread: “well, obviously, the Republican Party is in shambles, with a permanent chasm between the loonies and the establ… --- ## [2021 Golden Globe Nominations Announced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2021-golden-globe-nominations-announced/932137)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2021-golden-globe-nominations-announced/932137 "2021-02-16T21:54:47Z")
I can’t say that I’ve heard of even 90% of the movies listed. I don’t usually do a great job of seeing a lot of nominees, but I’m generally aware of their existence. Covid has really eaten into that this year, even tho… --- ## [Toronto Dopers - Jewelry Store that will Deliver by Friday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toronto-dopers-jewelry-store-that-will-deliver-by-friday/933036)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toronto-dopers-jewelry-store-that-will-deliver-by-friday/933036 "2021-02-16T21:40:58Z")
Hi friends- Google is becoming more and more useless, so looking for a store in Toronto that will be able to deliver an item by next weekend. Obviously one that offers nice prices, deals, etc, would be preferred. Looki… --- ## [Anybody use Zwift or similar indoor cycling apps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-use-zwift-or-similar-indoor-cycling-apps/933056)
**Author:** [@kferr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kferr)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-use-zwift-or-similar-indoor-cycling-apps/933056 "2021-02-16T21:19:43Z")
I’ve got a standard turbotrainer but riding indoors is very boring. It looks like Zwift “gamifies” the exercise and might make it more fun. I’d need a new “smart” turbotrainer and it looks like they start at £500 and go … --- ## [Forms for clay models of Star Wars characters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forms-for-clay-models-of-star-wars-characters/932893)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forms-for-clay-models-of-star-wars-characters/932893 "2021-02-16T21:07:10Z")
The Cub is interested in making Star Wars clay models and then painting them. I’ve got a source for modelling clay (not play-doh - real clay) but I’ve not seen any forms for Star Wars characters. Do such things exist? … --- ## [Out of Context Anime Quotes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-context-anime-quotes/933055)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-context-anime-quotes/933055 "2021-02-16T21:00:45Z")
At Christmas we usually visit some old friends of ours. They’re big fans of anime, and while we converse they shut off the TV or internet, but their screen saver is a wonderfully bizarre collection of artwork they’ve gat… --- ## [Coronavirus and Splashing On Some Water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-and-splashing-on-some-water/932560)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-and-splashing-on-some-water/932560 "2021-02-16T20:37:04Z")
First off, you should definitely wash your hands or use hand sanitizers to defeat the Coronavirus. That having been said, it isn’t always possible or practical to do that. Sometimes I’m on the road. And all I can do is … --- ## [Cities With State Names: Any Others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cities-with-state-names-any-others/730335)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cities-with-state-names-any-others/730335 "2021-02-16T20:10:00Z")
Some US cities have the same names as a US state. Some are listed below. Are there any others? Alabama NY Alaska MI California GA California MI California PA Delaware MI Delaware OH Delaware PA Florida OH Geor… --- ## [Ducklo Gotta Go \[White House deputy press secretary\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ducklo-gotta-go-white-house-deputy-press-secretary/932835)
**Author:** [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ducklo-gotta-go-white-house-deputy-press-secretary/932835 "2021-02-16T19:49:23Z")
Another post was closed for lack of a link, so here you go: Biden press staffer suspended following reports he threatened to “destroy” female journalist - CBS News In short, Deputy Press Secretary TJ Ducklo threatened … --- ## [The horned Q-shaman -- what religion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-horned-q-shaman-what-religion/932790)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-horned-q-shaman-what-religion/932790 "2021-02-16T19:41:42Z")
I was just wondering about the weird horned “Q-shaman” – what religion does he belong to? You don’t usually associate the word “shaman” with Christianity. But most of the “Q-crowd” seem to be conservative Christians. So,… --- ## [Why don't television stations have technical difficulties anymore? Also, what was with the Indian?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-television-stations-have-technical-difficulties-anymore-also-what-was-with-the-indian/927825)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-television-stations-have-technical-difficulties-anymore-also-what-was-with-the-indian/927825 "2021-02-16T19:39:33Z")
I think I asked this once before but have forgotten what the responses were: Back in the days prior to everyone having cable every so often in the middle of a program a test screen would pop up claiming technical diffic… --- ## [Is the word "computer" declining in general usage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-computer-declining-in-general-usage/932989)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-computer-declining-in-general-usage/932989 "2021-02-16T19:39:26Z")
Maybe it’s just a subjective perception of mine (plus I live in a non-English-speaking country, so my perspective might be even more biased), but I seem to observe a trend of declining usage of the word “computer” in gen… --- ## [Were these people at risk for a lightning strike?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-these-people-at-risk-for-a-lightning-strike/933030)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-these-people-at-risk-for-a-lightning-strike/933030 "2021-02-16T19:38:39Z")
The first twenty seconds of this video are what I’m interested in: Something similar happened to me a couple of decades ago: we were high up in the Rockies, with weather similar to what is seen in the vide… --- ## [Your ultimate / definitive...\](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-ultimate-definitive-insert-here/932876)
**Author:** [@Didi44](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Didi44)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-ultimate-definitive-insert-here/932876 "2021-02-16T18:03:45Z")
Having just passed my 6th decade on this Earth, I’ve realized I can stop searching/yearning for certain things. I’ve discovered / experienced some things that will never be surpassed in my remaining decades. BTW, I’m a … --- ## [Early 70s German rock (Frumpy and CAN)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-70s-german-rock-frumpy-and-can/933028)
**Author:** [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-70s-german-rock-frumpy-and-can/933028 "2021-02-16T17:26:55Z")
Here are three early-1970s tracks from two German rock bands that came up on YouTube last night. I think they’ll be a nice surprise for anyone here who likes that kind of music and an even nicer surprise for anyone who m… --- ## [Social media trolls. Are you one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-media-trolls-are-you-one/932896)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-media-trolls-are-you-one/932896 "2021-02-16T16:34:40Z")
I think social media trolls are passive-aggressive assholes enabled by the anonymity of social media. Cowards who wouldn’t confront someone in person. In The Pit, it seems like trolling is ‘Let’s gang up on an easy victi… --- ## [How would these bandsaws compare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-these-bandsaws-compare/932789)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-these-bandsaws-compare/932789 "2021-02-16T16:27:51Z")
Option 1 is new for $136: Option 2 is used, the exact same model as advertised here on eBay (though not this particular unit): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Craftsman-10-034-Bandsaw-1-3-H-P-/184627082042?item=18462… --- ## [Where is income tax going to end up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-income-tax-going-to-end-up/932970)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-income-tax-going-to-end-up/932970 "2021-02-16T16:24:08Z")
People were already beginning to work from home before 2020 but the pandemic greatly accelerated the process. And as this becomes more normal, I feel we’re going to see a lot of people seeking a greater divide between th… --- ## [Happy decimalisation day anniversary, U.K.!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-decimalisation-day-anniversary-u-k/932919)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-decimalisation-day-anniversary-u-k/932919 "2021-02-16T15:41:37Z")
15 February 1971 is when the U.K. changed over to decimal based currency, eliminating the shilling. £1 now equalled 100 New Pence. I’ve got quite a collection of coins from around that time period due to family members t… --- ## [Why political forgiveness and cooperation won't be coming any time soon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-political-forgiveness-and-cooperation-wont-be-coming-any-time-soon/931296)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 186\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-political-forgiveness-and-cooperation-wont-be-coming-any-time-soon/931296 "2021-02-16T14:11:52Z")
I see calls for forgiveness and cooperation all over right wing media and from Congresscritters themselves, and I am going to call “bullshit”. I see no proposals to make concessions from those asking for(if not outright … --- ## [What's this pink stuff that collects on contact lens cases and the like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-pink-stuff-that-collects-on-contact-lens-cases-and-the-like/932641)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-pink-stuff-that-collects-on-contact-lens-cases-and-the-like/932641 "2021-02-16T14:00:01Z")
I mostly store my lenses in water, and after a while there’s a pink tinge to it and I give it a more thorough cleaning. Especially on the outside of the case. Question is what that stuff is and whether it’s some sort of … --- ## [I'm thinking it's time to have me an avatar . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-its-time-to-have-me-an-avatar/932929)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2021, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-its-time-to-have-me-an-avatar/932929 "2021-02-16T12:53:15Z")
. . . but I don’t know where to begin with creating one. Do I need to have my image on-line somewhere where I can point Discourse at a URL to get it? Or can I upload it directly from my own computer? What format does … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1544) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1546)