# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1613 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1614 --- ## [HBO Max launch thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hbo-max-launch-thread/854571)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hbo-max-launch-thread/854571 "2020-12-17T07:14:15Z")
HBO Max launched today. Here’s a look at everything that’s available right now: HBO Max I spent all day watching shows on HBO Max. While I’m disappointed by the lack of old Cartoon Network shows, there’s still MORE tha… --- ## [Why invert bottle before opening?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-invert-bottle-before-opening/928094)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-invert-bottle-before-opening/928094 "2020-12-17T07:03:53Z")
This past Saturday, my (semi)local Carrefour started selling Bundaberg ginger beer, the non-alcohol type. on the label just above the brand name is smaller print: “Invert bottle before opening”. What purpose does that se… --- ## [Banks prefer empty storefronts to lower rents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banks-prefer-empty-storefronts-to-lower-rents/927959)
**Author:** [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banks-prefer-empty-storefronts-to-lower-rents/927959 "2020-12-17T04:42:59Z")
I read an article the other day that mentioned one reason why so many storefronts/commercial spaces are empty is that banks prefer vacancies to lowered rent - but the article didn’t go on to explain a reason for this pre… --- ## [Swalwel and the CCP who loved me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swalwel-and-the-ccp-who-loved-me/928222)
**Author:** [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swalwel-and-the-ccp-who-loved-me/928222 "2020-12-17T04:26:42Z")
I’m putting this here because all the crickets and shut down elsewhere. This should be a investigation . If it ok then ok. But it’s a concern with all the other CCP interference. Eric Swalwell under fire for connection t… --- ## [Where can I find a simple SpO2 monitor bracelet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-a-simple-spo2-monitor-bracelet/927758)
**Author:** [@CraftE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CraftE)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-a-simple-spo2-monitor-bracelet/927758 "2020-12-17T03:20:27Z")
Hello, this is my first time posting on Straight Dope so I do apologize if I have posted this question in the wrong category. So long story short, my grandmother uses an oxygen tank 24/7 and she is in search for a simpl… --- ## [What kind of hoodie/sweater/sweatshirt(?) is Trevor Noah wearing in this interview?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-hoodie-sweater-sweatshirt-is-trevor-noah-wearing-in-this-interview/928218)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-hoodie-sweater-sweatshirt-is-trevor-noah-wearing-in-this-interview/928218 "2020-12-17T02:29:46Z")
Trevor Noah interviewed President Obama the other day and, perhaps I am alone here, but I kind of liked the sweater-sweatshirt-hoodie he was wearing. Here is the interview to see the sweater. What is that kind of cloth… --- ## [Plumbing question, initial water pressure is very high and then back to normal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-initial-water-pressure-is-very-high-and-then-back-to-normal/928133)
**Author:** [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-initial-water-pressure-is-very-high-and-then-back-to-normal/928133 "2020-12-17T01:44:05Z")
This has been happening for a few months. When the water is first turned on it comes out at very high pressure, and then after a few seconds returns to normal pressure. I’ve never had a problem with low water pressure in… --- ## [FAA starts Boeing 737 Max test flights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/faa-starts-boeing-737-max-test-flights/913691)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/faa-starts-boeing-737-max-test-flights/913691 "2020-12-17T00:14:28Z")
Today, the 737 MAX has returned to the sky, albeit only for test flights. Still, that’s a major milestone in getting the plane recertified. In another thread many months ago, which I can’t seem to find now, I predict… --- ## [Is Facebook a Doomsday Machine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-facebook-a-doomsday-machine/928090)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-facebook-a-doomsday-machine/928090 "2020-12-16T23:42:57Z")
Question prompted by this Atlantic article The Atlantic allows four free articles per month to non-subscribers. Read the whole article (which is really long) for context, but here is the crux: … … The social web i… --- ## [Educate Me on LED Replacements for Fluorescent Bulbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-on-led-replacements-for-fluorescent-bulbs/926205)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-on-led-replacements-for-fluorescent-bulbs/926205 "2020-12-16T22:32:01Z")
I know they exist. But when you buy them and take them home, is it just a fluorescent-tube shaped LED-based device that goes in to the same receptable that a real fluorescent tube would go into, or does it require adapt… --- ## ["Laundry Stripping" - hooey or real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laundry-stripping-hooey-or-real/927486)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laundry-stripping-hooey-or-real/927486 "2020-12-16T22:05:40Z")
(inspired by this thread) I stumbled across this technique a couple months back and have not been inspired to give it a try. One description Supposedly, soaking your clothing etc. in a tub full of hot water, and borax… --- ## [If Covid-19 happened 100 years ago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-covid-19-happened-100-years-ago/928080)
**Author:** [@CrazyFoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyFoo)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-covid-19-happened-100-years-ago/928080 "2020-12-16T20:22:26Z")
If this pandemic occurred in 1920 instead of this year, how many more deaths would there have been? How much worse would it get? We would have no hope for a vaccine in 1920, what does the final outcome look like 100 year… --- ## [African-American Female Joker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/african-american-female-joker/926804)
**Author:** [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/african-american-female-joker/926804 "2020-12-16T19:40:53Z")
I’ve never been a big comic book fan and rarely read them. With that said, I stumbled across this (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hihosilverworks/birth-of-a-joker-a-dc-fancomic/description) and really like the ide… --- ## [Covid Christmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-christmas/928149)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-christmas/928149 "2020-12-16T19:24:18Z")
I spent Thanksgiving alone, though I did zoom with my family. I did do a food swap with a friend. Anyhow, My sister (who isolated extra long as she was expecting a new grandchild) has invited me for Christmas if I so de… --- ## [Red Dead Redemption](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-dead-redemption/853031)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-dead-redemption/853031 "2020-12-16T19:19:52Z")
I just finished Red Dead Redemption 2. I think I hit 96% completion in story mode. I doubt I’ll go back and grind for 100%. Overall I would say it’s one of the best games I’ve played. It’s exactly my kind of game, long s… --- ## ["See" (with Jason Mamoa) on Apple tv is pretty good if you can get past the first two or three episodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/see-with-jason-mamoa-on-apple-tv-is-pretty-good-if-you-can-get-past-the-first-two-or-three-episodes/928193)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/see-with-jason-mamoa-on-apple-tv-is-pretty-good-if-you-can-get-past-the-first-two-or-three-episodes/928193 "2020-12-16T18:49:02Z")
Premise: In the distant future, all humans are blind. Except for a couple of kids (Jason’s kids). Now Jason has to fight to protect them from the others as the are sure anyone who can see is a witch. Episode one, about … --- ## [Dolly Parton starts her day at 3 AM](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dolly-parton-starts-her-day-at-3-am/928042)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dolly-parton-starts-her-day-at-3-am/928042 "2020-12-16T18:50:31Z")
She will be 75 next month. My fav quote of hers is “Takes a lot of money to look this cheap” Also some trivia she has been married to her husband for over 50 years and he has seen her in concert once. She recorded … --- ## [Arrests made in Gretzky theft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrests-made-in-gretzky-theft/928134)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrests-made-in-gretzky-theft/928134 "2020-12-16T18:37:26Z")
Brantford Police launched an investigation and say they quickly discovered that several of the missing items had likely been sold to various collectors across Canada. Police say that a three-month investigation ident… --- ## [Are we on the verge of another cold war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-on-the-verge-of-another-cold-war/928148)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-on-the-verge-of-another-cold-war/928148 "2020-12-16T17:54:54Z")
But with China this time, not Russia. I keep hearing in the news on how China’s military is being beefed up at an alarming pace, and the U.S. is… very concerned. Not just because of what China is doing, but with the sta… --- ## [Making a Windows 7 laptop "safe"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-windows-7-laptop-safe/923274)
**Author:** [@GnuMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GnuMe)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-windows-7-laptop-safe/923274 "2020-12-16T16:42:20Z")
I have a Dell Lattitude E7440 that is all the computer I will need for a long time. I basically use Chrome, Thunderbird (email) and OpenOffice for spreadsheets. I need a new battery which looks to be $50 investment. I… --- ## [Test unexpected link](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-unexpected-link/928102)
**Author:** [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-unexpected-link/928102 "2020-12-16T16:39:32Z")
This is only a test of posting a link without actually linking to it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here\_Technologies --- ## [Shipping an antique washstand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-an-antique-washstand/928158)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-an-antique-washstand/928158 "2020-12-16T16:35:38Z")
Looking for advice for shipping an antique wash stand topped with marble. I know next to nothing about the piece, it’s age, anything; this piece is similar, but without the ‘backsplash’ … --- ## [The Grinch on NBC, 11/27/2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-grinch-on-nbc-11-27-2020/926514)
**Author:** [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-grinch-on-nbc-11-27-2020/926514 "2020-12-16T16:02:00Z")
Just a heads up. Chuck Jones’ animated holiday classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, featuring Boris Karloff as the narrator, airs on NBC, tomorrow, Nov. 27, 2020 at 8:00 PM EST and 7:00 CST. That’s one that Apple di… --- ## [Identify this wooden contraption](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-wooden-contraption/928101)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-wooden-contraption/928101 "2020-12-16T15:15:22Z")
Unknown use. Possibly a mold for bricks/blocks? Found in central South Carolina. pics --- ## [Help me choose an iPad, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-an-ipad-please/928037)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-an-ipad-please/928037 "2020-12-16T15:11:15Z")
I have a very good friend. For decades I’ve not charged him for my time, because he’s a friend and we set up time outside of my normal working hours. Once or twice a year he gives me a “thank you gift” that I really ap… --- ## [Is this an actual film I'm remembering? Couple on an island are haunted by a dead seal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-an-actual-film-im-remembering-couple-on-an-island-are-haunted-by-a-dead-seal/928140)
**Author:** [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-an-actual-film-im-remembering-couple-on-an-island-are-haunted-by-a-dead-seal/928140 "2020-12-16T14:50:34Z")
That’s what I remember. Or at least there’s a couple that spend time near a beach somewhere. But there’s definitely a dead seal there, in one shot the woman turns around, sees the seal’s corpse in front of her and screa… --- ## [Please recommend some cool manga for my teenage son](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-cool-manga-for-my-teenage-son/843301)
**Author:** [@Mr.Baggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Baggins)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-cool-manga-for-my-teenage-son/843301 "2020-12-16T13:56:53Z")
So, the boy is already 16 and I can’t decide what to get him for Christmas. Lately he’s gotten into anime and manga; sad to say work keeps me from staying on top of what’s new. So, I tought I’d ask for some suggestions. … --- ## [Oh, these bad, bsd, bad Doper dreams.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-these-bad-bsd-bad-doper-dreams/852713)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-these-bad-bsd-bad-doper-dreams/852713 "2020-12-16T13:09:26Z")
Yes, it happened again. I have a very active dream life. Busy beck lives a vicarious life in her dream-land everynight. I’ve told you all before, my penchant for reading the whole bodies of threads and posts of a given… --- ## [Watching old classic tennis matches on tv](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watching-old-classic-tennis-matches-on-tv/928143)
**Author:** [@chasole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chasole)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watching-old-classic-tennis-matches-on-tv/928143 "2020-12-16T00:06:16Z")
This is more of an observation that older tennis fans may relate. Its that time of year when the tournaments are done, and the Tennis Channel broadcasts classic matches from yesteryear; Sampras, Agassi, Conners, Borg, Mc… --- ## [Endeavour - Season Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endeavour-season-seven/918748)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endeavour-season-seven/918748 "2020-12-16T12:38:38Z")
For those who have enjoyed the series so far, season seven is airing on Sundays on PBS. All the main characters are back, including Thursday, Bright and Strange. Episode one left some questions hanging, even though the m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1612) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1614)