# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1662 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1663 --- ## [What movie would you like to see remade, but better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-would-you-like-to-see-remade-but-better/915072)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 298\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-would-you-like-to-see-remade-but-better/915072 "2020-11-02T16:20:14Z")
Did you ever see a movie and think, “If they only had(more money, a better director, better or different actors, a tighter script) this would have been great!”? My submission would be the first theatrical Hulk movie. Th… --- ## [Any \*expert\* advice re: when to finish a new redwood deck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-expert-advice-re-when-to-finish-a-new-redwood-deck/924495)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-expert-advice-re-when-to-finish-a-new-redwood-deck/924495 "2020-11-02T15:47:01Z")
The deck might be finished by next weekend. Bob Vila says to wait 30 days before finishing. I had read somewhere else (can’t remember where) that it should be several months to give the wood time to dry out. I can’t find… --- ## [Piston-engine efficiency at altitude vs. in ground effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piston-engine-efficiency-at-altitude-vs-in-ground-effect/924505)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piston-engine-efficiency-at-altitude-vs-in-ground-effect/924505 "2020-11-02T15:36:10Z")
We’re watching The Spirit Of St. Louis (1956), and it got me wondering: Is it more efficient fuel-wise to fly at a cruising altitude, or in ground effect? As altitude increases, air density decreases; thus the fuel mixt… --- ## [SwarmZ (zombie tower defense game)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swarmz-zombie-tower-defense-game/924550)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swarmz-zombie-tower-defense-game/924550 "2020-11-02T15:31:37Z")
Use your band of survivors to protect the baby! --- ## [Are there any free VPNs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-free-vpns/924073)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-free-vpns/924073 "2020-11-02T14:59:20Z")
I posted in IMHO about any free VPNs for android but no responses. So now I’m wondering if there are any at all. Don’t mean this as a cross-post since I’m not asking for recommendations, just want to know if there are an… --- ## [How did the mechanics of "Cash Cab" work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-mechanics-of-cash-cab-work/924509)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-mechanics-of-cash-cab-work/924509 "2020-11-02T13:22:56Z")
By “mechanics”, I mean the selecting and screening of contestants, getting their consent to be recorded and broadcast on TV, etc. How do they know that the passengers will be good TV guests? Of course, they could simpl… --- ## [Excess pets in Hawaii](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excess-pets-in-hawaii/924487)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excess-pets-in-hawaii/924487 "2020-11-02T12:19:19Z")
I keep reading about how pet adoptions are way up due to the pandemic. Apparently that doesn’t apply to Hawaii: --- ## [Whatever happened to the chair with a gun pointing at it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-the-chair-with-a-gun-pointing-at-it/924117)
**Author:** [@Honolulu\_Lulu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honolulu_Lulu)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-the-chair-with-a-gun-pointing-at-it/924117 "2020-11-02T12:18:23Z")
Twenty (?) years ago, someone set up a chair with a loaded gun pointing at it. The gun was programmed to fire at some random time withing the next few years. After signing a waiver and paying a fee, one could sit in th… --- ## [Trump has Uncontrollable Fecal Incontinence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-has-uncontrollable-fecal-incontinence/924333)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-has-uncontrollable-fecal-incontinence/924333 "2020-11-02T11:24:49Z")
I got this one from a podcast I listened to at work. A guest on the show used to work on The Apprentice and other Trump media like the beauty pageants. The guest said that Trump wears Depends and has chronic fecal inco… --- ## [This is the title Discourse lets me put in as a MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-the-title-discourse-lets-me-put-in-as-a-mmp/923912)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 270\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-the-title-discourse-lets-me-put-in-as-a-mmp/923912 "2020-11-02T09:31:18Z")
Witty title: It’s HalloHaunuThanksChristKwazaavus, Charlie Brown! A MMP. Although there will be no broadcast of the Peanuts holiday specials this year(Thanks, AppleTV and 2020! :face\_with\_symbols\_over\_mouth:). But it’… --- ## [Headphone Recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headphone-recommendations/834515)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headphone-recommendations/834515 "2020-11-02T09:12:54Z")
Hi all, I am looking for recommendations for a headphone purchase. I would like to spend no more than $200 (Canadian). I like listening to talk radio and metal and grunge at fairly high volumes and, since this is for my… --- ## [Stormwater -- Drilling for a PVC snap-on Tee fitting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stormwater-drilling-for-a-pvc-snap-on-tee-fitting/922673)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stormwater-drilling-for-a-pvc-snap-on-tee-fitting/922673 "2020-11-02T07:19:32Z")
I can get a snap-on T fitting for my stormwater drain: it seems to be a fairly standard part: https://www.holmanindustries.com.au/product/storm-pvc-snap-tee/ I can snap it on, and I know how to cement PVC, but I don’t k… --- ## [Accountants: How does a company account for an ongoing lawsuit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accountants-how-does-a-company-account-for-an-ongoing-lawsuit/841225)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2019, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accountants-how-does-a-company-account-for-an-ongoing-lawsuit/841225 "2019-10-04T23:49:23Z")
100% hypothetical. A publicly traded company is being sued for $100M. Do they make an accounting entry for the potential liability, or is there no entry until the case is settled or adjudicated? Seems like a big chunk to… --- ## [Cool cat behavior](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-cat-behavior/924513)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-cat-behavior/924513 "2020-11-02T06:16:46Z")
My cats have always liked my son but tend to favor me. For some reason, at 21, my son has decided he wants to take part in feeding the cats. Since he’s done this, they tend to favor him more. They have now since taken t… --- ## [New Windows laptop, want to use Windows Fresh Start tool, but](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-windows-laptop-want-to-use-windows-fresh-start-tool-but/924395)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-windows-laptop-want-to-use-windows-fresh-start-tool-but/924395 "2020-11-02T05:33:31Z")
I have a fresh laptop in which I want to create a clean slate. This link: Fresh Start …tells me about the Fresh Start tool. Sounds great, but it seems to delete Microsoft Edge. My question: How will I access the inte… --- ## [Another ‘what is this’ question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-what-is-this-question/923969)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-what-is-this-question/923969 "2020-11-02T05:19:07Z")
I was hiking in Los Flores Ranch Park (California) and came across this thing: (Sorry, the pic is rotated left) Anyway the pipe is about 5 or 6 inches in diameter and about 16 to 25… --- ## [How can a two headed snake manage to live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-two-headed-snake-manage-to-live/923973)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-two-headed-snake-manage-to-live/923973 "2020-11-02T05:08:16Z")
The story, here. The two-headed snake was the result of two monozygotic twins failing to separate. In the wild two heads are not better than one because they tend to make different decisions that will affect the animal’… --- ## [What's Trump's October Surprise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-trumps-october-surprise/915544)
**Author:** [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Replies:** 416\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-trumps-october-surprise/915544 "2020-11-02T02:22:49Z")
So obviously Trump’s odds are not looking good right now. But there’s a long way to go until the election, and Trump isn’t going to meekly shuffle off into that good night. More importantly, there are plenty of powerfu… --- ## [Facebook question-](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-question/924228)
**Author:** [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-question/924228 "2020-11-02T00:53:02Z")
I keep getting a message at the bottom of the feed that says: Something Went Wrong This may be because of a technical error that we’re working to get fixed. Try reloading this page. It won’t scroll down any farther. … --- ## [California's wealth tax proposal. Thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-wealth-tax-proposal-thoughts/924169)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-wealth-tax-proposal-thoughts/924169 "2020-11-02T00:42:42Z")
California wants to tax the assets of those in California at 0.4% with a worth of $30M or more. What’s wrong with taxing the rich? Maybe a few things. The Legislative summary states “The tax takes into account all ass… --- ## [A Crosswords Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-crosswords-thread/916245)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-crosswords-thread/916245 "2020-11-02T00:06:30Z")
Where people can post and solve crossword puzzles. Does it sound like fun? I’ve just made a first crossword puzzle and I will post it right away. I look forward to your complete or partial solutions. ACROSS 1. The… --- ## [Actors that turned down roles that made another actor famous](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-that-turned-down-roles-that-made-another-actor-famous/846075)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-that-turned-down-roles-that-made-another-actor-famous/846075 "2020-11-01T23:43:24Z")
Inspired by this thread. Frank Sinatra turned down dirty Hally Callahan, which became Clint Eastwood’s iconic role. Robert Redford turned down the role of Benjamin Braddock in Th Graduate because he didn’t think he coul… --- ## [Am I becoming agoraphobic, claustrophobic or something new?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-becoming-agoraphobic-claustrophobic-or-something-new/924458)
**Author:** [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-becoming-agoraphobic-claustrophobic-or-something-new/924458 "2020-11-01T23:26:57Z")
I am very uncomfortable in stores or other enclosures with people. Perfectly fine at home or in empty buildings. I’m OK in a masked crowd of people walking around a botanical garden at our own pace, but totally not OK in… --- ## [Books on your parents' shelves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-on-your-parents-shelves/924409)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-on-your-parents-shelves/924409 "2020-11-01T23:02:02Z")
I was interested in the now movie Rebecca, largely because that is a book I grew up with. My mom was quite a reader. Tho the home I grew up in didn’t have TONS of bookshelves, there was one wall w/ quite a few books (m… --- ## [A rhyme for ‘fitful’](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rhyme-for-fitful/924496)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rhyme-for-fitful/924496 "2020-11-01T22:06:33Z")
Asking for a friend, they are getting a rescue dog, and wish to change the name. But the people who fostered the animal for 10 months, dubbed them fitful! A name they don’t fancy, but don’t want to confuse the dog too, t… --- ## [Along the line for Thanksgiving for two](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/along-the-line-for-thanksgiving-for-two/924479)
**Author:** [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/along-the-line-for-thanksgiving-for-two/924479 "2020-11-01T20:39:28Z")
In the olden days when you could have more than just you immediate bubble, what was the largest number of people you had over for Turkey. One time We had 24. --- ## [Spirit of St. Louis signatures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spirit-of-st-louis-signatures/924504)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spirit-of-st-louis-signatures/924504 "2020-11-01T19:44:04Z")
We’re watching The Spirit Of St. Louis (1956). A scene shows builders of the aircraft signing the inside of the starboard cowl panel. Did they actually do this? If so, are there any photos? (The inside of the propell… --- ## [How many Dopers did we lose to death over the years-without knowing it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-dopers-did-we-lose-to-death-over-the-years-without-knowing-it/923643)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-dopers-did-we-lose-to-death-over-the-years-without-knowing-it/923643 "2020-11-01T19:42:57Z")
Often one will come in and announce their disease, either expressing a hope to defeat it, or telling everybody that it likely is terminal. When the day comes, a relative or friend will often post and let us know. I jus… --- ## [Where do trees get their mass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-trees-get-their-mass/923297)
**Author:** [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-trees-get-their-mass/923297 "2020-11-01T19:12:23Z")
I mean I have a vague concept of how Trees convert sunlight to energy through photosynthesis using CO2+Sunlight releasing O2. As well as consuming water and nutrients. But my understanding is that the majority of the wat… --- ## [Question on a cell-phone charging port aka USB issues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-a-cell-phone-charging-port-aka-usb-issues/924433)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-a-cell-phone-charging-port-aka-usb-issues/924433 "2020-11-01T19:00:22Z")
I’ve had a few phones now that over time will not charge unless you put pressure on the cable in a certain direction. Not seeing the internals it is almost as if there is a small break and that you are using the cable t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1661) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1663)