# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1619 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1620 --- ## [Negative effects of pardons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-effects-of-pardons/927718)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2020, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-effects-of-pardons/927718 "2020-12-12T01:37:34Z")
I have been thinking about the consequences of Trump granting either himself or others pardons. It strikes me as a bad tactical move on his part. If someone is covered by a pardon, then nothing he/she says can be used ag… --- ## [I Don't Understand Some Mod Interventions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-some-mod-interventions/927779)
**Author:** [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-some-mod-interventions/927779 "2020-12-11T23:59:11Z")
Here, a mod admonishes (not warns) a poster about going off topic, characterizing the post as “attempt\[ing\] to derail this thread.” UltraVires’s posted seemed to me to be courteous, very much on-topic, and very much in … --- ## [Pardons for Bribery? What Next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pardons-for-bribery-what-next/926967)
**Author:** [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pardons-for-bribery-what-next/926967 "2020-12-11T23:44:49Z")
Things just got very interesting: Are the line attorneys at the DOJ defying Barr? Or is Barr fully turning on Trump? Or is it someone else entirely whose life is about to be ruined? Either way, this is a brand new … --- ## [What movie has a rolling ball clock mechanism at the beginning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-has-a-rolling-ball-clock-mechanism-at-the-beginning/927824)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-has-a-rolling-ball-clock-mechanism-at-the-beginning/927824 "2020-12-11T22:20:47Z")
Need some help finding a video clip of this. My memory is hazy but IIRC it’s in the beginning of the movie while the title and credits are rolling, and it shows the mechanism of a rolling ball clock. The rolling ball and… --- ## [My Cousin Vinny example cited by Giuliani... did he get it wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cousin-vinny-example-cited-by-giuliani-did-he-get-it-wrong/927656)
**Author:** [@mmmiiikkkeee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mmmiiikkkeee)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cousin-vinny-example-cited-by-giuliani-did-he-get-it-wrong/927656 "2020-12-11T21:40:25Z")
I’m probably late on asking this and may have chosen the wrong forum, but… Rudy Giuliani loosely quoted a scene from “My cousin Vinny” at one of his recent press conferences. It was the scene where a lawyer holds up a … --- ## [What Is This Type Of Puzzle Called? (Example In OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-type-of-puzzle-called-example-in-op/836735)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-type-of-puzzle-called-example-in-op/836735 "2020-12-11T21:20:01Z")
What is this type of puzzle called? It’s where the way the words are arranged visually is itself a clue to the answer. Example: Infini | tive = “Split Infinitive” --- ## [What's wrong with the NCAA's Academic Performance Program? How can we improve it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-the-ncaas-academic-performance-program-how-can-we-improve-it/927808)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-the-ncaas-academic-performance-program-how-can-we-improve-it/927808 "2020-12-11T21:19:18Z")
I heard a story on the radio, there’s a class-action civil rights suit brought by historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA organizes tons … --- ## [Posting questions \[Text Formatting\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posting-questions-text-formatting/927422)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posting-questions-text-formatting/927422 "2020-12-08T02:36:28Z")
How do I get coloured and tiny font? --- ## [Movies with an explicit holiday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-with-an-explicit-holiday/927621)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-with-an-explicit-holiday/927621 "2020-12-11T20:09:16Z")
I’m not talking about the holidays with multiple movies anyone can instantly list (so not Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween and such) but movies that take place on a more obscure one, where being on that holiday is a pl… --- ## [Taylor Swift to rerecord her music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taylor-swift-to-rerecord-her-music/925796)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taylor-swift-to-rerecord-her-music/925796 "2020-12-11T19:44:55Z")
She does not legally own her older albums so her plan is to rerecord all of the music. Sounds like a good plan --- ## [Is this instance of the word 'girls' hate speech?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-instance-of-the-word-girls-hate-speech/927239)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-instance-of-the-word-girls-hate-speech/927239 "2020-12-11T19:42:29Z")
I was catching up on my notifications when I saw this in ATMB, quoted from some other topic as an example of hate speech: poll ~Max --- ## [Who Is The Intended Audience For "News" Articles About Instagram Models](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-intended-audience-for-news-articles-about-instagram-models/921427)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-intended-audience-for-news-articles-about-instagram-models/921427 "2020-12-11T19:05:43Z")
From time to time I’ll see an article with some title like “Girl-Next-Door Model Tahlia Skines Stuns In Sexy Bikini In Racy Instagram Post.” Oft they’ll be from semi-legitimate news sources, like People or whatever. Who… --- ## [Is listening to people talk about their tattoos the most boring topic ever at public events?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-listening-to-people-talk-about-their-tattoos-the-most-boring-topic-ever-at-public-events/926768)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-listening-to-people-talk-about-their-tattoos-the-most-boring-topic-ever-at-public-events/926768 "2020-12-11T18:42:41Z")
Whenever I’m at a party or public function and someone in the group points out someone’s tattoos and asks them about it, that to me in the most banal conversation because it inevitably results in said person related the … --- ## [Slippery slope vs the Ratchet Effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slippery-slope-vs-the-ratchet-effect/926703)
**Author:** [@FigNorton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FigNorton)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slippery-slope-vs-the-ratchet-effect/926703 "2020-12-11T18:20:38Z")
So, I’m not a fan of “logical fallacies” calls being used as a debate tactic in general. But one that bugs me most is “slippery slope”. I think slippery slopes happen, both for good and ill. I think the studied concept o… --- ## [Worried about my dog, post-pandemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worried-about-my-dog-post-pandemic/927826)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worried-about-my-dog-post-pandemic/927826 "2020-12-11T17:52:13Z")
My dog is a rescue, who had some pretty severe separation anxiety when I first got her, and was on daily Prozac, and trazodone as a PRN. She had to be crated any time she was left alone, because she would be destructive,… --- ## [What kind of gun delivers a recoil like this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-gun-delivers-a-recoil-like-this/925790)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-gun-delivers-a-recoil-like-this/925790 "2020-12-11T15:58:05Z")
Here’s a compilation of clips of a bunch of people shooting a particular rifle: The recoil seems absolutely insane. For comparison, here’s Destin shooting a 50-cal rifle (cued to 4:14): The… --- ## [5 year old not displaying handedness and potential learning delay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-year-old-not-displaying-handedness-and-potential-learning-delay/927662)
**Author:** [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-year-old-not-displaying-handedness-and-potential-learning-delay/927662 "2020-12-11T15:20:17Z")
My son is 5. He has yet to really display a true handedness. We’ve known for a while and have been watching but mostly letting nature take it’s course. Now we are looking at kindergarten in 9 months and realizing that h… --- ## [Did Trump get stuck into the NIST?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-trump-get-stuck-into-the-nist/927820)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-trump-get-stuck-into-the-nist/927820 "2020-12-11T14:54:18Z")
This could be in General Questions, but I figured people here are just as likely to know. Another thread pointed at this link NIST - SRM Order Request System SRM 2387 - Peanut Butter for standard reference peanut butter… --- ## [The head of the NYPD's workplace discrimination office busted and outed as writer for racist cop blog](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-head-of-the-nypds-workplace-discrimination-office-busted-and-outed-as-writer-for-racist-cop-blog/927685)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-head-of-the-nypds-workplace-discrimination-office-busted-and-outed-as-writer-for-racist-cop-blog/927685 "2020-12-11T14:44:43Z")
So, just a typical cop, huh? In messages posted on the website, “Clouseau” referred to Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark as a “gap-tooth wildebeest,” ridiculed Public Advocate Jumaane Williams for having Tourette’s s… --- ## [Black Panther movie (Marvel Cinematic Universe)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-panther-movie-marvel-cinematic-universe/799050)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 547\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-panther-movie-marvel-cinematic-universe/799050 "2020-12-11T14:03:35Z")
New trailer: Looks like a blast to me, though I am an MCU fan. Great fall and winter for superhero and sci-fi fans -- Blade Runner 2049 this month, Thor 3 next month, Star Wars 8 in December, and Black Panther in Feb … --- ## [Towing a vehicle (Toad) behind an RV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-a-vehicle-toad-behind-an-rv/927764)
**Author:** [@Stana\_Claus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stana_Claus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-a-vehicle-toad-behind-an-rv/927764 "2020-12-11T13:25:47Z")
Spinoff from this thread. One of the recommendations was to use a Class A or Class C RV and tow a smaller vehicle (called a Toad in RV lingo) for local transportation after setting up camp. But way back in the days whe… --- ## [Kelly Clarkson Does the Best 'My Grown Up Christmas List'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kelly-clarkson-does-the-best-my-grown-up-christmas-list/927819)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kelly-clarkson-does-the-best-my-grown-up-christmas-list/927819 "2020-12-11T06:02:59Z")
I’ve heard other versions. And apparently the Amy Grant version (with one more lyric added) is what most people use today. But bar none, Kelly Clarkson does the best My Grown Up Christmas List. She just belts it out with… --- ## [Are American movies considered to be a genre in other countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-american-movies-considered-to-be-a-genre-in-other-countries/927584)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-american-movies-considered-to-be-a-genre-in-other-countries/927584 "2020-12-11T10:27:09Z")
Let’s say it’s twenty-five years ago and you walk into a video store. There would be different sections for different genres of movies. You’d have a section for comedies, one for dramas, on for horror, one for action thr… --- ## [Will airline prices go up if the vaccine is wide-spread? Will the vaccine be mandatory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-airline-prices-go-up-if-the-vaccine-is-wide-spread-will-the-vaccine-be-mandatory/927545)
**Author:** [@dummygladhands71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dummygladhands71)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-airline-prices-go-up-if-the-vaccine-is-wide-spread-will-the-vaccine-be-mandatory/927545 "2020-12-11T06:06:39Z")
So it’s me, with 3 vouchers for COVID cancelled trips. Now I am being urged to book my flights for the same events rescheduled in 2021 because “the prices will go up once the vaccine is widespread, buy now!!” And in you… --- ## [Canada has lost a Legal Giant: Joe Arvay, OC, QC - RIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-has-lost-a-legal-giant-joe-arvay-oc-qc-rip/927812)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-has-lost-a-legal-giant-joe-arvay-oc-qc-rip/927812 "2020-12-11T05:47:41Z")
Joe Arvay, Order of Canada, Order of British Columbia, Queen’s Counsel, died of a heart attack suddenly on the weekend, age 71. As this article in the Tyee indicates, if you’re a Canadian, your society has been touched … --- ## [Car 115V output electrical question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-115v-output-electrical-question/927658)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-115v-output-electrical-question/927658 "2020-12-11T05:05:44Z")
I have a 2019 4Runner that has an auxiliary 115V 400 watt output plug for… stuff (never used it) I also have a small compressor that has a 2hp motor that draws 14.5 amps. Could my car at 115V 400 watts power that compr… --- ## [The NBC Grinch Stage Musical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nbc-grinch-stage-musical/927724)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nbc-grinch-stage-musical/927724 "2020-12-11T04:09:19Z")
Watching it right now on NBC. Is it our next Christmas tradition, or the next Star Wars Holiday Special? --- ## [Bill Barr says there was no widespread fraud](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-barr-says-there-was-no-widespread-fraud/926955)
**Author:** [@Kimera757](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimera757)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-barr-says-there-was-no-widespread-fraud/926955 "2020-12-11T03:46:19Z")
According to the Associated Press, I am surprised, considering how desperate Barr seemed previously. Naturally, this attracted opposition: From Rudy Giuliani, of course. I wonder how many die-hard Trumpers in impo… --- ## [NH House Speaker dies of COVID](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nh-house-speaker-dies-of-covid/927789)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nh-house-speaker-dies-of-covid/927789 "2020-12-11T01:31:28Z")
Live Free AND Die might be the new state motto. https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2020/12/10/n-h-house-speaker-dick-hinch-dies-a-week-after-swearing-in? --- ## [All he had to do was present a medal...but noooooo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-he-had-to-do-was-present-a-medal-but-noooooo/927537)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-he-had-to-do-was-present-a-medal-but-noooooo/927537 "2020-12-11T01:29:08Z")
Donald Trump Walked Out of Dan Gable’s Medal of Freedom Ceremony Rather Than Talk to the Press Check out the reaction from the medal recipient :open\_mouth: Donald Trump Walked Out of Dan Gable’s Medal of Freedom Cere… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1618) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1620)