# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1607 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1608 --- ## [I wonder if discobot could be used like Xiaoice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wonder-if-discobot-could-be-used-like-xiaoice/928261)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wonder-if-discobot-could-be-used-like-xiaoice/928261 "2020-12-22T18:16:10Z")
You don’t know who Xiaoice is? Neither did I until I read this article and I must say, it was the most disconcerting thing I have read for a while. Xiaoice is “an artificial intelligence-driven chat bot that’s redefining… --- ## [What Happens if Trump Sets Up a Second White House at Mar-a-Lago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-sets-up-a-second-white-house-at-mar-a-lago/928338)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-sets-up-a-second-white-house-at-mar-a-lago/928338 "2020-12-22T17:44:44Z")
What if Trump tries to pull a Rome/Avignon type of thing and sets up another Presidency at Mar-a-Lago or wherever. Can they arrest him then? Please, please, please? Or would they just hem and haw like usual, and shrug… --- ## [Conversation stoppers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversation-stoppers/928497)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conversation-stoppers/928497 "2020-12-22T17:41:31Z")
Like “What if there were no hypothetical situations?” Got any more? --- ## [Couple of interesting things seen after finishing Fallout New Vegas again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couple-of-interesting-things-seen-after-finishing-fallout-new-vegas-again/928492)
**Author:** [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couple-of-interesting-things-seen-after-finishing-fallout-new-vegas-again/928492 "2020-12-22T17:30:38Z")
Finished for the Legion this time. Sat through the credits this time… The Doc at Goodsprings is played by Colonel Tigh from NuBSG! They got Monte Markham to play President Kimball?? Kind of a waste since he only got ab… --- ## [Har Mar Superstar - Mailman!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/har-mar-superstar-mailman/928592)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/har-mar-superstar-mailman/928592 "2020-12-22T16:46:04Z")
I’ll admit it - I’d never heard of him until today, when this story showed up on my Facebook feed. Wiki makes it sound like he’s rather, ahem, colorful. He can’t do his usual shtick right now, so he might as well per… --- ## [Brooke Houts, now don't swat me for this](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brooke-houts-now-dont-swat-me-for-this/928545)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brooke-houts-now-dont-swat-me-for-this/928545 "2020-12-22T16:15:11Z")
There’s a YouTuber named Brooke Houts that in big big trouble but not legally apparently. She will not face animal cruelty charges for swatting her dog on a video she mistakenly uploaded to her channel. And I can breat… --- ## [Question about dimensional tolerances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-dimensional-tolerances/928423)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-dimensional-tolerances/928423 "2020-12-22T15:31:42Z")
Let’s say the print tolerance for the length of a widget is 6.660 inches to 6.665 inches. A micrometer with a resolution of 0.0001 inches measures the length of a widget. It is 6.6652 inches. Is the widget out-of-spec? --- ## [Nothing on your permanent record](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nothing-on-your-permanent-record/928646)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nothing-on-your-permanent-record/928646 "2020-12-22T15:04:59Z")
I’ve recently noted a couple of moderator actions (most recently in Politics) saying something like, “This is just a warning, and will not go on your permanent record.” I’m imagining this is intended as tongue-in-cheek,… --- ## [Kevin Greene (former NFL linebacker) dies at 58](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kevin-greene-former-nfl-linebacker-dies-at-58/928580)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kevin-greene-former-nfl-linebacker-dies-at-58/928580 "2020-12-22T14:35:15Z")
Hall of Famer Kevin Greene, who had a fifteen-year career in the NFL as a linebacker, with the Rams, Steelers, 49ers, and Panthers, died today at age 58. No cause of death was immediately released. Greene had 160 sacks… --- ## [Explain wifi signal, cell towers, bars on phone, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-wifi-signal-cell-towers-bars-on-phone-etc/928281)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-wifi-signal-cell-towers-bars-on-phone-etc/928281 "2020-12-22T14:22:45Z")
I ask because I am having trouble getting my Ring doorbell to display video. The wifi signal - the half-rainbow logo - indicates the strength of the signal from my router to the device (phone, laptop, etc.), correct? T… --- ## [Solstices, Perihelion and Aphelion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solstices-perihelion-and-aphelion/928547)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solstices-perihelion-and-aphelion/928547 "2020-12-22T14:07:47Z")
Yes, my confusion and question is what are the solstices. But what really confuses me is how do they relate to the Sun’s perihelion and aphelion? Perihelion is when the Sun is furthest from the earth. Aphelion is when i… --- ## [Apple making an electric car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-making-an-electric-car/928643)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-making-an-electric-car/928643 "2020-12-22T13:53:34Z")
You will have to buy a special $1000 charger for it unlike every other US EV. :slight\_smile: --- ## ["Christmas" music....that isn't Christmas related](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-music-that-isnt-christmas-related/928539)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-music-that-isnt-christmas-related/928539 "2020-12-22T12:19:18Z")
Why do we hear songs such as “My Favorite Things” only at Christmas? Written for the “Sound of Music” in 1959, it wasn’t first put on a Christmas album until 1964. “Parade of the Wooden/Tin Soldiers” was written in 1897… --- ## [Cool Music That You Didn't Know About Before, But Do Now, And Want To Share](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-music-that-you-didnt-know-about-before-but-do-now-and-want-to-share/928572)
**Author:** [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-music-that-you-didnt-know-about-before-but-do-now-and-want-to-share/928572 "2020-12-22T12:18:23Z")
I discovered Shinyribs via Outlaw Country on Sirius. The past couple of weeks, I can’t get enough. Here they are for you. Do you have something new to you that you think others should know about? --- ## [Does a Corona infection reduce your sensitivity to hot food as well as taste and smell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-corona-infection-reduce-your-sensitivity-to-hot-food-as-well-as-taste-and-smell/928399)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-corona-infection-reduce-your-sensitivity-to-hot-food-as-well-as-taste-and-smell/928399 "2020-12-22T09:19:48Z")
Sometimes a Corona infection leaves the patients unable to smell (anosmia) or to taste anything. I was wondering if the sense of hotness (hot like on Scoville, not like °C) is related to taste or to pain, and if it is ta… --- ## [What message would it take to make obesity rates plummet dramatically?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-message-would-it-take-to-make-obesity-rates-plummet-dramatically/841154)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-message-would-it-take-to-make-obesity-rates-plummet-dramatically/841154 "2020-12-22T08:54:43Z")
On the one hand, fat-shaming can make obesity worsen even more. On the other hand, body positivity causes obese people to believe that they are not obese - additional source here. Obesity clearly continues to be preval… --- ## [Winter in Barrow, Alaska](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winter-in-barrow-alaska/925958)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winter-in-barrow-alaska/925958 "2020-12-22T07:23:15Z")
A friend posted one of those “Weird World” images. It shows Barrow (Utqiagvik, to be politically correct), Alaska in darkness, with part of the caption reading “the sun sets November 18 and rises on January 23. Between t… --- ## [Best Overall Fitness App](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-overall-fitness-app/838243)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-overall-fitness-app/838243 "2019-08-07T18:23:39Z")
With my new job I not only have better hours and am closer to home, but I’m perfectly suited to get back to working out after work…yay! Mostly what I’m trying to do is get leaner and make my pants fit again. I’m going t… --- ## [Would you pursue a relationship if your good/best same sex friend said they're in love with you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-pursue-a-relationship-if-your-good-best-same-sex-friend-said-theyre-in-love-with-you/837468)
**Author:** [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-pursue-a-relationship-if-your-good-best-same-sex-friend-said-theyre-in-love-with-you/837468 "2019-08-07T19:04:26Z")
I just watched a Korean drama that seemed like the usual high school group of friends (two guys, two girls), and everyone has a crush on someone in the group storyline. But ended with one of the girls (Yujin) was in love… --- ## [How much would you pay for the Perfect Weight Loss Pill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-you-pay-for-the-perfect-weight-loss-pill/916965)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-you-pay-for-the-perfect-weight-loss-pill/916965 "2020-08-04T19:05:37Z")
Whaddya know? RickPharmaCo has invented the Perfect Weight Loss Pill, which has been dubbed Ricktrex. Ricktrex truly is a miracle of modern science. It is sold in small caplets. If you take a caplet, you will lose eig… --- ## [I Love Christmas Music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-love-christmas-music/562654)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-love-christmas-music/562654 "2020-12-22T06:39:34Z")
Here at the Dope it’s become rather an annual tradition for the oh-so-hip to start at least a few threads announcing one’s contempt for Christmas Music. It starts too early in the year. There are songs I can’t stand. If … --- ## [What John le Carré novel should I read first?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-john-le-carre-novel-should-i-read-first/928476)
**Author:** [@El\_Famous\_Burrito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Famous_Burrito)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-john-le-carre-novel-should-i-read-first/928476 "2020-12-22T04:18:50Z")
Like many of you, I was saddened by the death of John le Carré earlier this month. While I admired him as the anti- (counter-??) Ian Fleming, I’ve not actually read any of this work. Let’s fix that! I’m looking for advi… --- ## [Lego Star Wars Holiday Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lego-star-wars-holiday-special/923488)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lego-star-wars-holiday-special/923488 "2020-12-22T03:16:36Z")
Will this be a bright spot in 2020 or yet another way it sucks? Hard to be worse than the previous one. Brian --- ## ["Non-interference" meaning in a government contract? Need help with contract law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-interference-meaning-in-a-government-contract-need-help-with-contract-law/928564)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-interference-meaning-in-a-government-contract-need-help-with-contract-law/928564 "2020-12-22T03:07:29Z")
If a government contract states that the government may provide certain property to the contractor on a “non-interference” basis, without further stipulating what that means, is there a standard for what this means? Does… --- ## [20% of Americans have had Coronavirus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-of-americans-have-had-coronavirus/928377)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-of-americans-have-had-coronavirus/928377 "2020-12-22T02:53:23Z")
Nobody knows how many cases of Coronavirus there actually are - healthy people don’t get tested. But this interesting approach in The Economist suggests 20% of Americans might have had Covid. An interesting read. --- ## [Help me find a chess video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-a-chess-video/928576)
**Author:** [@bossy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bossy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-a-chess-video/928576 "2020-12-22T01:06:46Z")
I watched a chess video a little while ago that showed a famous chess game but now I can’t find this video any more. What I remember is that approx. 15-20 moves in, the game was completely symmetrical EXCEPT for 1 black… --- ## [Fox News debunking it's own hosts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-debunking-its-own-hosts/928435)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-news-debunking-its-own-hosts/928435 "2020-12-22T00:33:37Z")
Since I suspect most of us self-select towards avoiding Fox News, a bit that may interest us all. While the article doesn’t say so explicitly, I strongly suspect this is an effort to mitigate the probably lawsuits hea… --- ## ["Abhorrence for Lawrence" OR The 0-16 NFL Season Thread (2020 ed.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abhorrence-for-lawrence-or-the-0-16-nfl-season-thread-2020-ed/921916)
**Author:** [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abhorrence-for-lawrence-or-the-0-16-nfl-season-thread-2020-ed/921916 "2020-12-22T00:26:21Z")
We’re three weeks into this weird season of the National Football League. We have six teams at 0-3, and dammit we already have a tie, forcing me to include an extra column already. Our winless contenders: Philadelphia E… --- ## [FSB officer duped by Alexei Navalny, reveals details of assassination attempt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fsb-officer-duped-by-alexei-navalny-reveals-details-of-assassination-attempt/928546)
**Author:** [@SharltoCopley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SharltoCopley)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fsb-officer-duped-by-alexei-navalny-reveals-details-of-assassination-attempt/928546 "2020-12-21T23:45:50Z")
For those interested in the developments of the Alexei Navalny poisoning story (and the investigation ran by Bellingcat and some news agencies), Alexei posted this today. A long phone call in which he pretends to be a na… --- ## [My Brother and Cancer (help needed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-brother-and-cancer-help-needed/848410)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-brother-and-cancer-help-needed/848410 "2020-12-21T23:25:03Z")
My Brother lost hios job several months ago. He was in cancer treatment. And now he’s not. He lives in Florida. He is still up & around, but is tapping his 401k to keep from losing his house. I’m poor, & my Sister w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1606) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1608)