# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1641 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1642 --- ## [Japanese language: why does "n" sometimes get anglicized into "m"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-language-why-does-n-sometimes-get-anglicized-into-m/924119)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-language-why-does-n-sometimes-get-anglicized-into-m/924119 "2020-11-21T09:53:10Z")
There are a number of Japanese words which, when rendered in Latin script (“romaji”), have an “n” sound that gets translated/rendered as an “m”. A few examples: Tempura; the first kanji character, 天, is “ten” (although… --- ## [Which of these is a better premise for a horror film?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-is-a-better-premise-for-a-horror-film/925815)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-is-a-better-premise-for-a-horror-film/925815 "2020-11-21T09:47:44Z")
Which of these is a better premise for a horror film? 1: A psychopathic alien with a twisted sense of humor forces 100 high schoolers to fight to the death for his amusement. 2: Various monsters wreak havoc on a small … --- ## [Local medical providers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-medical-providers/925507)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-medical-providers/925507 "2020-11-21T09:19:19Z")
When covid first hit, there was drive up testing practically every where. Time goes by, things settle down a bit, and a lot of that drive up testing disappeared. Regular testing as well. There is exactly 1 urgent care … --- ## [Enforcing a vaccination requirement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforcing-a-vaccination-requirement/925909)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforcing-a-vaccination-requirement/925909 "2020-11-21T06:29:18Z")
This started as a hijack of the Breakthrough thread. Assuming that there is an effective and reasonably priced vaccine by spring, countries, states, companies, restaurants, etc. will start requiring proof of vaccination… --- ## [Brits: How is Gillian Anderson's British accent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-how-is-gillian-andersons-british-accent/703039)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-how-is-gillian-andersons-british-accent/703039 "2020-11-21T05:27:18Z")
I always think of her as American as apple pie, in The X-Files and other stuff, but I understand she’s done a lot of British film and TV work since. Listen at 2:53:51 here, for instance: - YouTube What say you? --- ## [Is there a point where we can charge the Trumpists with sedition?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-point-where-we-can-charge-the-trumpists-with-sedition/925603)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-point-where-we-can-charge-the-trumpists-with-sedition/925603 "2020-11-21T05:19:38Z")
Without evidence, Donald Trump is claiming that the recent election has been stolen through fraud. Most likely these claims will not go anywhere and are probably theatre to rile up his base and potentially grift from th… --- ## [Advice for my small modeling clay crafting project](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-my-small-modeling-clay-crafting-project/918716)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-my-small-modeling-clay-crafting-project/918716 "2020-11-21T05:15:30Z")
For emergency lighting, I think I prefer pointing flashlights at the ceiling instead of having a frosted glass lantern at eye level. Flashlights in the ceiling offer zero glare when sitting around a table eating dinner, … --- ## [Teenage girls holding hands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teenage-girls-holding-hands/926092)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teenage-girls-holding-hands/926092 "2020-11-21T05:12:04Z")
Clearly, the threads with the most recorded ‘views’ are the oldest active threads. But amongst active recent threads … it’s clear that what we really like to ‘view’ is threads about “Teenage girls holding hands” --- ## [Do you type on your smartphone with your thumbs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-type-on-your-smartphone-with-your-thumbs/923770)
**Author:** [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-type-on-your-smartphone-with-your-thumbs/923770 "2020-11-21T04:59:54Z")
The other day, my index finger was shaking and I wondered why. I figured out it was because I was using it to type and swipe n my phone. That’s a lot of work for one finger sometimes. When I watch TV shows, when peopl… --- ## [Laser, Paper, Vacuum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-paper-vacuum/925887)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-paper-vacuum/925887 "2020-11-21T04:52:57Z")
While this could be a great variant of Rock-Paper-Scissors, it’s actually a proposed experiment. I learned in cub scouts that fire requires three things: fuel, heat, and oxygen. My question, in short, is what happens wh… --- ## [Will contested elections (long after Election Day) become the norm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-contested-elections-long-after-election-day-become-the-norm/926058)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-contested-elections-long-after-election-day-become-the-norm/926058 "2020-11-21T04:47:56Z")
With the exception of 2000, every single presidential election in modern U.S. history was considered to be, for de facto purposes, over once it was clear that one candidate had hit 270. Although it was known that the sta… --- ## [Crossword clue explanation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossword-clue-explanation/926039)
**Author:** [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossword-clue-explanation/926039 "2020-11-21T03:03:54Z")
The Nov 19, 2020 Vox crossword had a clue “10 Downing Street”. The answer was , which I got by guessing A since I had the rest of the letters. No idea why, though. The only Google reference tying them together are on c… --- ## [Contestant dies after completing “Wipeout” obstacle course](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contestant-dies-after-completing-wipeout-obstacle-course/926085)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contestant-dies-after-completing-wipeout-obstacle-course/926085 "2020-11-21T02:44:14Z")
Every time I tried to watch one of these shows, even the original Japanese ones, I was amazed that no one had snapped their neck or had a serious concussion or something. The “stunts” are almost completely ill-conceiv… --- ## [Emily Murphy and a Writ of Mandamus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emily-murphy-and-a-writ-of-mandamus/925896)
**Author:** [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emily-murphy-and-a-writ-of-mandamus/925896 "2020-11-21T02:18:16Z")
A Writ of Mandamus is : A writ or order that is issued from a court of superior jurisdiction that commands an inferior tribunal, corporation , Municipal Corporation, or individual to perform, or refrain from performing… --- ## [Multiple vaccines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-vaccines/926071)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-vaccines/926071 "2020-11-21T00:57:32Z")
Suppose I get the first vaccine that’s available. Then a better vaccine comes out. Is there any advantage (or disadvantage) to getting the second one as well? --- ## [Enameled cast iron Dutch oven - round or oval?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enameled-cast-iron-dutch-oven-round-or-oval/852833)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enameled-cast-iron-dutch-oven-round-or-oval/852833 "2020-11-21T00:42:26Z")
I’m about to buy an enameled Dutch oven; probably a Lodge or Le Creuset, but open to suggestions. And I’ve been looking at the round 6 quart versions and haven’t considered the oval. With a small kitchen we really can on… --- ## [Legal peril faced by Trump after he leaves office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-peril-faced-by-trump-after-he-leaves-office/925254)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-peril-faced-by-trump-after-he-leaves-office/925254 "2020-11-20T23:51:52Z")
It’s basically an accepted truth around here that Trump is fighting to stay in office because of the legal peril he faces once he’s no longer president. But instead of just accepting it, let’s get into specifics. What do… --- ## [Is there a cartoon-finding database](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-cartoon-finding-database/926007)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-cartoon-finding-database/926007 "2020-11-20T23:20:17Z")
…that will allow me to find information about a cartoon based on certain keywords? I remember seeing one when I was a teenager about a little boy who didn’t want to do his homework, and had a daydream about how if he we… --- ## [More GOP Senators Have COVID Than Have Acknowledged That Joe Biden Won](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-gop-senators-have-covid-than-have-acknowledged-that-joe-biden-won/926064)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-gop-senators-have-covid-than-have-acknowledged-that-joe-biden-won/926064 "2020-11-20T22:20:39Z")
--- ## [Thomae's function and continuity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thomaes-function-and-continuity/925833)
**Author:** [@ricksummon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricksummon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thomaes-function-and-continuity/925833 "2020-11-20T21:52:57Z")
Thomae’s function is similar to the Dirichlet function. But, while the Dirichlet function is nowhere continuous, Thomae’s function is continuous at the irrational numbers. The thing is, I just can’t figure out how this… --- ## [Man kinds purpose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-kinds-purpose/925808)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-kinds-purpose/925808 "2020-11-20T19:14:39Z")
I don’t necessarily believe that evolution has any purpose so I will not call this a theory as much as it is a hypothesis but if mankind does have a purpose I think it would simply be to recharge the atmosphere with avai… --- ## [Is the SDMB as active as it is now during non-election years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-sdmb-as-active-as-it-is-now-during-non-election-years/925974)
**Author:** [@CorpusNeptune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CorpusNeptune)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-sdmb-as-active-as-it-is-now-during-non-election-years/925974 "2020-11-20T18:19:25Z")
I joined the Dope when the election and voting was just starting to gain popularity on here (and all social media platforms, really), so I’m wondering if the Dope is as active as it is now during non-election years, or a… --- ## [Fast Food Restaurant buildings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-restaurant-buildings/925665)
**Author:** [@ric62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ric62)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-restaurant-buildings/925665 "2020-11-20T17:52:19Z")
I was thinking about this even before the pandemic, do fast food restaurants need dining rooms that are big as they have been or even at all? Some people used to eat in but then over time most people used and are now us… --- ## [Thanksgiving dinner for two](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanksgiving-dinner-for-two/924116)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanksgiving-dinner-for-two/924116 "2020-11-20T17:49:41Z")
So it looks like Thanksgiving this year is just going to be me and my wife, although we’re renting a house on Martha’s Vineyard as a getaway. While we aren’t planning an extravagant meal I’m planning to do something spec… --- ## [Does anyone here have strong opinions on TV dinners?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-have-strong-opinions-on-tv-dinners/920241)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-have-strong-opinions-on-tv-dinners/920241 "2020-11-20T17:37:57Z")
When I was a college student I subsisted mainly on those cheap $1 Banquet TV dinners, the ones where the mashed potatoes were just a solid block of white paste and the gravy on the meat tasted like brown water, but hey f… --- ## [Hi, I'm Tripler. Let me sell you some coffee!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hi-im-tripler-let-me-sell-you-some-coffee/926046)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hi-im-tripler-let-me-sell-you-some-coffee/926046 "2020-11-20T17:31:43Z")
(Starting a new thread, 'cause I we started with some puns in another one). Hi, I’m Tripler, longtime SDMB member, and when I’m not off deterring the world from nuclear annihilation, I moonlight as President and CEO of… --- ## ['Injecting marijuanas' meme](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/injecting-marijuanas-meme/925991)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/injecting-marijuanas-meme/925991 "2020-11-20T17:09:00Z")
Most of us have probably seen the memes showing the evils of ‘injecting marijuanas’. (It just occurred to me that I haven’t had one of those pop on on Facebook for a couple of years now.) The memes had a quasi-legitima… --- ## [My sister, a pro hoax believer, has Covid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sister-a-pro-hoax-believer-has-covid/915770)
**Author:** [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2020, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sister-a-pro-hoax-believer-has-covid/915770 "2020-11-19T23:44:42Z")
The irony of this is has put an “I told you it was true” smile on many family members. She came down with the symptoms about a week after visiting some cousin’s that live in another part of the state of Washington. I am … --- ## [The Game Awards 2020 Nominees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-game-awards-2020-nominees/925929)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-game-awards-2020-nominees/925929 "2020-11-20T15:29:14Z")
Title says it all. Here are the nominees for the 2020 Game Awards. Opinions? --- ## [Rough idling, Ford Fusion with turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rough-idling-ford-fusion-with-turbo/925914)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rough-idling-ford-fusion-with-turbo/925914 "2020-11-20T15:19:16Z")
I have a 2016 Ford Fusion with turbocharger. It has 75000 miles on it. It is idling rough. Occasionally it almost dies, then recovers and idles OK for a while. When under load, it seems to run well. No hesitation that … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1640) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1642)