# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1967 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1968 --- ## [Who teaches a new President the job?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-teaches-a-new-president-the-job/849645)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-teaches-a-new-president-the-job/849645 "2020-03-21T12:33:40Z")
Hello Everyone, When a newly elected President takes office Is there a team in place that teaches him the day in and day out of being a President? The position must be overwhelming and I have a hard time believing that … --- ## [Coronavirus--I don't get it.\[hoarding toilet paper\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107)
**Author:** [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Replies:** 287\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107 "2020-03-21T11:35:36Z")
Clarification: I understand this is a highly-contagious upper respiratory infection that can kill. I’m clear on the whole epidemiology of it. I understand why sick people need to be kept separate from healthy people. I… --- ## [So... How does it feel, living in a Stephen King novel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-does-it-feel-living-in-a-stephen-king-novel/849687)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-does-it-feel-living-in-a-stephen-king-novel/849687 "2020-03-21T10:43:43Z")
Gym closed today for at least two weeks. Mayor announced all restaurants and other venues closed at 8pm tonight for two weeks. Grocery stores starting to look pretty bare… Does this sound like The Stand to you? --- ## [Smackie, oh smackie, I need you!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smackie-oh-smackie-i-need-you/849923)
**Author:** [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smackie-oh-smackie-i-need-you/849923 "2020-03-21T07:41:50Z")
Not here, obviously. We have a nice smackie, and he’s very useful, and I use him a lot. But what with the Current Troubles I’ve been posting a lot more on Facebook (ie “at all”), and the lack of a decent :smack: is rea… --- ## [Dopers with siblings: how much were you involved in raising the younger ones...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-with-siblings-how-much-were-you-involved-in-raising-the-younger-ones/486772)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-with-siblings-how-much-were-you-involved-in-raising-the-younger-ones/486772 "2020-03-21T06:38:48Z")
or being raised by the elders? Suggested, obviously, by the lunatic mom of the octuplets. And yes, I am willing to judge her without meeting her, on account of me being a jerk. I have 6 or 7 siblings, depending on how… --- ## [Okay ---I](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i/849833)
**Author:** [@Tatterdemalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tatterdemalion)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-i/849833 "2020-03-21T05:55:47Z")
While reading the latest news, I muttered “Okay boomer” at some of the latest unspecified idiocy on the news. My Google speaker responded, “I’m sorry I don’t understand that.” Seems about right. Well, it seemed pretty… --- ## [All Presidential candidates are dead--Constitutional question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-presidential-candidates-are-dead-constitutional-question/849088)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-presidential-candidates-are-dead-constitutional-question/849088 "2020-03-21T05:32:27Z")
Thinking about how both Trump and Biden/Sanders are old enough to be in the higher risk category for the coronavirus, it made me wonder: the Presidential candidates for both main parties are locked in in the primaries. B… --- ## [Did Dylan or his doctors even figure out how he contracted the lung infection histoplasmosis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-dylan-or-his-doctors-even-figure-out-how-he-contracted-the-lung-infection-histoplasmosis/849598)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-dylan-or-his-doctors-even-figure-out-how-he-contracted-the-lung-infection-histoplasmosis/849598 "2020-03-21T05:08:59Z")
I thought I heard it was from his raising chickens, but I don’t know how accurate that is. --- ## [What is the least the federal government can/will do for “average people” economically?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-least-the-federal-government-can-will-do-for-average-people-economically/849745)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-least-the-federal-government-can-will-do-for-average-people-economically/849745 "2020-03-21T05:03:24Z")
Everyone knows that the economy is going to take a massive hit. This is an election year as well, which shortens the leash ideologically purity has. One of the major parties in command of the country, including the part… --- ## [Effective homemade surgical face masks -- possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effective-homemade-surgical-face-masks-possible/849465)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effective-homemade-surgical-face-masks-possible/849465 "2020-03-21T04:51:00Z")
Since face masks are so badly needed by health care professionals, but in such short supply, I go to wondering whether it’s possible to make such masks. I suspect that years ago surgical masks were made of fabric and st… --- ## ["Condom search" movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condom-search-movies/849637)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condom-search-movies/849637 "2020-03-21T04:33:43Z")
School Spirit–guy goes in search of a condom, gets killed, comes back as a pervy ghost. Trojan War–Will Friedle spends most of the movie searching for a condom and–in a twist less believable than a horny ghost haunting … --- ## [Andrew Cuomo vs Trump - Address/Response to COVID-19](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andrew-cuomo-vs-trump-address-response-to-covid-19/849805)
**Author:** [@chargerrich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chargerrich)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andrew-cuomo-vs-trump-address-response-to-covid-19/849805 "2020-03-21T04:06:41Z")
I am listening to Cuomo right now with his New York update on the virus and it just reminds me with every word he speaks just how callous, non-presidential and - IMO - unintelligent Trump must be. I am not a New Yorker … --- ## [Can I use my blacklights to kill COVID-19?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-blacklights-to-kill-covid-19/849931)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-my-blacklights-to-kill-covid-19/849931 "2020-03-21T03:38:33Z")
I have several blacklight bulbs (I create fluorescent art) and I’m wondering: can I use them to clean my mail and shoes and things of COVID-19? --- ## [Open Source Ventilators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-source-ventilators/849835)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-source-ventilators/849835 "2020-03-21T03:31:54Z")
So one of the critical items necessary are ventilators, needed for critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 infections. Some companies that don’t normally make ventilators, like Airbus or Rolls-Royce, are investigati… --- ## [Are alternations between shelter in place and free roam going to be a pattern](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-alternations-between-shelter-in-place-and-free-roam-going-to-be-a-pattern/849938)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-alternations-between-shelter-in-place-and-free-roam-going-to-be-a-pattern/849938 "2020-03-21T03:28:59Z")
Anyone know if this idea is true? I heard that one plan is to have people shelter in place for a month or two, then have them roam freely (or at least the low risk people roam freely, ie anyone under age 60 without serio… --- ## [The cast of Father Ted as DC characters.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cast-of-father-ted-as-dc-characters/849922)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cast-of-father-ted-as-dc-characters/849922 "2020-03-21T02:13:07Z")
Yeah I know, I think the quarantine is getting to me. My initial thoughts: Bishop Brennan = Batman Mrs Dougal = Albert Father Dick Burn = Robin Father Ted = Green Lantern Father Stack = Joker Niamh Connolly = Wond… --- ## [When I'm 64, and other reminders that you are old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-im-64-and-other-reminders-that-you-are-old/826788)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 343\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-im-64-and-other-reminders-that-you-are-old/826788 "2020-03-21T01:56:42Z")
I remember when the Beatles first arrive, and I remember hearing this song for the first time and thinking “64 is old!” Well, on December 25th I made it. I am now 64 years old, the subject of a Beatles song. So let’s li… --- ## [GoFundMe campaign for expenses of living with ALS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-campaign-for-expenses-of-living-with-als/847507)
**Author:** [@txobbin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/txobbin)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-campaign-for-expenses-of-living-with-als/847507 "2020-03-21T00:44:26Z")
I have asked for and received permission from TubaDiva and the mods to post this. Thanks, mods! I have a previous thread here: Advice on making a GoFundMe successful please? Two years ago I began having health issues t… --- ## [Stress-related Conditions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stress-related-conditions/849926)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stress-related-conditions/849926 "2020-03-21T00:41:06Z")
Anyone else have illnesses or conditions that get worse under stress? I have three that are really mild, and most of the time I don’t even think about, but for the last week, have been making me miserable. Hypoglycemia… --- ## [Quotation about how tragedy and comedy end](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quotation-about-how-tragedy-and-comedy-end/845221)
**Author:** [@ozziemaland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ozziemaland)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quotation-about-how-tragedy-and-comedy-end/845221 "2020-03-21T00:20:05Z")
Re aphorism attributed by an online blog to Zach Helm in his screenplay for Stranger than Fiction (2006), voiced by the character Professor Jules Hilbert played by Dustin Hoffman: “Every tragedy ends in a death, and eve… --- ## [Will grocery stores become delivery/carry out only as the virus gets worse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-grocery-stores-become-delivery-carry-out-only-as-the-virus-gets-worse/849800)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-grocery-stores-become-delivery-carry-out-only-as-the-virus-gets-worse/849800 "2020-03-20T21:37:42Z")
When I’ve been to the grocery store there were endless dozens of people wandering around, and the virus can last in the air for hours. I’m assuming grocery stores are an infection point for the virus to spread. In the U… --- ## [Is there any way to predict how much this coronavirus outbreak will cost the economy overall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-predict-how-much-this-coronavirus-outbreak-will-cost-the-economy-overall/849905)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-predict-how-much-this-coronavirus-outbreak-will-cost-the-economy-overall/849905 "2020-03-20T21:16:40Z")
There are a wide range of things that are going to reduce economic activity and increase costs. Increased welfare (UBI, unemployment, corporate bailouts) Increased health care spending (tons of people in the hospital) S… --- ## [Does Biden have early on set dementia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-biden-have-early-on-set-dementia/848933)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-biden-have-early-on-set-dementia/848933 "2020-03-20T20:57:41Z")
He’s done a couple of flubs with his lines, but some people have said he has obviously early on set dementia, with his light schedule and restricted meet and greets, if this is the case, how is this a good thing when he … --- ## [Why does Target have 20+ cashier lanes if they are only have 1-5 open?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-target-have-20-cashier-lanes-if-they-are-only-have-1-5-open/849445)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-target-have-20-cashier-lanes-if-they-are-only-have-1-5-open/849445 "2020-03-20T20:16:26Z")
I’ve never seen more than 5 lanes open even during the holidays. So why did they design the Super Targets with so many extra lanes? Yes they did add the self service lanes a few years ago, and that helps if you’ve got … --- ## [Virtual Care Anywhere, Please Get Fucked with a Rusty Saw](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virtual-care-anywhere-please-get-fucked-with-a-rusty-saw/849857)
**Author:** [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virtual-care-anywhere-please-get-fucked-with-a-rusty-saw/849857 "2020-03-20T19:03:13Z")
Warning: medium-long and ranty. My temp has been creeping up. It’s only 98.8 — which is a tad warm for me — but it was 98.1 three days ago, and the trend disturbs me. So I checked the emails I’ve been getting from my pr… --- ## [ffmpeg question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ffmpeg-question/847158)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ffmpeg-question/847158 "2020-03-20T18:31:57Z")
I have been using ffmpeg Media Encoder to transcode video into h.265. It has a number of built-in scripts, and the h.265 one has the video quality as -q:v 5. I’m really pleased with that combination of quality vs. size. … --- ## [What happens if you get influenza and SARS-CoV-2 simultatenously?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-you-get-influenza-and-sars-cov-2-simultatenously/849887)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-you-get-influenza-and-sars-cov-2-simultatenously/849887 "2020-03-20T18:22:27Z")
Can one’s body fight both successfully and survive? --- ## [Could a U.S. state decide to close its borders to try to halt Covid-19?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-u-s-state-decide-to-close-its-borders-to-try-to-halt-covid-19/849741)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-u-s-state-decide-to-close-its-borders-to-try-to-halt-covid-19/849741 "2020-03-20T18:21:13Z")
Is there any precedent for that happening? --- ## [We're in the midst of a global pandemic, and some people are still acting like disgusting hogs!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-in-the-midst-of-a-global-pandemic-and-some-people-are-still-acting-like-disgusting-hogs/849907)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-in-the-midst-of-a-global-pandemic-and-some-people-are-still-acting-like-disgusting-hogs/849907 "2020-03-20T17:43:49Z")
I was at a local pharmacy today, waiting my turn in line to check out. I was pleased that they are encouraging proper social distancing by using tape on the floor to show people how much distance they should keep from ea… --- ## [What meaningful differences are there between air fryers and convection ovens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-meaningful-differences-are-there-between-air-fryers-and-convection-ovens/845938)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-meaningful-differences-are-there-between-air-fryers-and-convection-ovens/845938 "2020-03-20T17:18:39Z")
Just that. I have an air fryer. Never had a convection oven. The concept seems the same but don’t have a point of reference. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1966) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1968)