# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1997 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1998 --- ## [Thank you NFL for instituting “Steelers Rule”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-you-nfl-for-instituting-steelers-rule/848315)
**Author:** [@Isosleepy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isosleepy)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-you-nfl-for-instituting-steelers-rule/848315 "2020-02-28T19:06:27Z")
The NFL will now have 7 teams from each conference in the playoffs - a move clearly designed to make sure the Steelers make playoffs every year. Excellent! Perhaps this was done as a make-good for reinstating Miles Gar… --- ## [How would you perform this calculation regarding all potential book combinations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-perform-this-calculation-regarding-all-potential-book-combinations/848577)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-perform-this-calculation-regarding-all-potential-book-combinations/848577 "2020-02-28T19:00:52Z")
Let’s say you wanted to write every possible 200 page book in existence. That’s about 50,000 words, maybe 300,000 characters. Excluding capitalization and only using letters, numbers and common punctuation. I’m guessing… --- ## [On becoming obsessed with something](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-becoming-obsessed-with-something/848222)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-becoming-obsessed-with-something/848222 "2020-02-28T19:00:30Z")
The story of all the great artists, scientists and leaders seems to begin with being obsessed with something. Stories of “I read every book about X”, “Got up early every morning to do blah”, " Faced rejection day after … --- ## [Induction pan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-pan/848667)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-pan/848667 "2020-02-28T19:00:18Z")
What is an induction pan? My friends got me a frying pan, its hard to say, its written in Spanish. It says for use with an induction stove, but I have a regular electric stove. can I use it? --- ## [During unstable stock market times, what percentage of trading is 'computer generated'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-unstable-stock-market-times-what-percentage-of-trading-is-computer-generated/848652)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-unstable-stock-market-times-what-percentage-of-trading-is-computer-generated/848652 "2020-02-28T18:51:19Z")
For days like yesterday or as today is becoming, can we estimate the dollar value percentage of Wall Street (and other markets’) transactions that are being directly made by humans as opposed to being computer/program ge… --- ## [Ask The Australian Gun Owner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-australian-gun-owner/350922)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-australian-gun-owner/350922 "2020-02-28T18:38:13Z")
Well, there have been more than a few firearm related threads on the SDMB of late, so I thought I’d create another one… :wink: I post on a number of Military Surplus Firearms Collector’s boards, and the amount of ignor… --- ## [Tom Brady open to leaving New England](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-brady-open-to-leaving-new-england/848626)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-brady-open-to-leaving-new-england/848626 "2020-02-28T18:35:10Z")
Why not try something else? Can’t say I blame him. I think the quality of the OL would be a big issue for him to look at. And not far behind is the WR/TE group. --- ## [How Does/Did One Become a German Army Officer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-did-one-become-a-german-army-officer/848638)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-did-one-become-a-german-army-officer/848638 "2020-02-28T18:34:55Z")
I am an American. I sort of suppose an Army officer graduates from West Point, goes through ROTC at university, or is promoted from the ranks via Officer Candidates’ School. (I am an ROTC graduate, and I taught at OCS.) … --- ## [SARS, Corvid-19, and professional mor(t)ality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sars-corvid-19-and-professional-mor-t-ality/848368)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sars-corvid-19-and-professional-mor-t-ality/848368 "2020-02-28T18:27:01Z")
There are many reasons to love my city, Toronto. As I’ve gotten older (and a lot wiser) one reason stands out over and over again - Toronto is as diverse a city as there is on the earth, and maybe the most diverse. Over … --- ## [New DLC is out for Master of Magic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-dlc-is-out-for-master-of-magic/848645)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-dlc-is-out-for-master-of-magic/848645 "2020-02-28T18:19:19Z")
Link. Sort of. It’s based on a mod that’s been around for years, apparently, but now the developer is being paid for their work. I never played it with the mod, but I played the CRAP out of MoM back in the day. I’ll pr… --- ## [Interesting details about ST:PICARD i haven't seen discussed. BIG TIME SPOILERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-details-about-st-picard-i-havent-seen-discussed-big-time-spoilers/848533)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-details-about-st-picard-i-havent-seen-discussed-big-time-spoilers/848533 "2020-02-28T17:43:36Z")
The personalized pop-up ads that they thought were amusing or at worst slightly annoying. Raffi’s was an invitation to a drug den. The level of insidiousness for this neutral zone planet to have that level of info on a … --- ## [Online magazine subscription packages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-magazine-subscription-packages/848566)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-magazine-subscription-packages/848566 "2020-02-28T17:39:30Z")
Is there such a thing as an online service that, for a fee, allows access to a variety of magazines and newspapers? I’m finding that more and more online media has subscription limitations (eg “you’ve just read your last… --- ## [What causes grooves in (big) toenails?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-grooves-in-big-toenails/848660)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-grooves-in-big-toenails/848660 "2020-02-28T17:16:28Z")
Every so often I get kind of a groove/indentation in one of my toenails, of my big toes. They’re perpendicular to the toes, and as the nail grows out they make their way along until they get clipped. Question is what ca… --- ## [PLAY THIS GAME, GET FREE MONEY! - What's the scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/play-this-game-get-free-money-whats-the-scam/848655)
**Author:** [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/play-this-game-get-free-money-whats-the-scam/848655 "2020-02-28T17:06:28Z")
I couldn’t find an existing thread and this isn’t about a specific game per se. I’ve been seeing a lot of ads recently (on other game apps) for apps that purport to pay out free money to PayPal accounts or in Amazon vou… --- ## [Do you believe that Bernie will beat Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-bernie-will-beat-trump/848441)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-bernie-will-beat-trump/848441 "2020-02-28T16:55:41Z")
I originally considered “can” instead of “will” in the title but I don’t want to cloud this thread with “If such and such happens”, then he “can” win. I want to know if you think that he will beat Trump. So look into y… --- ## [Why do new cars shutoff at intersections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-new-cars-shutoff-at-intersections/848058)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-new-cars-shutoff-at-intersections/848058 "2020-02-28T16:39:26Z")
A few months ago I rented a car for a business trip. It started shutting off at intersections. Then, it would start agin when I went “what the hell?” and took my foot off the brake. Why? What’s the reason? --- ## [Why are they called smart phones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-they-called-smart-phones/848232)
**Author:** [@Yakamaniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yakamaniac)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-they-called-smart-phones/848232 "2020-02-28T16:38:54Z")
The cellular telephone was a device for transmitting and receiving voice calls using radio signals. What people are carrying around today are not phones, they are palm top computers that have the ability to emulate or p… --- ## [How do you hold your hot dog?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-hold-your-hot-dog/848612)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-hold-your-hot-dog/848612 "2020-02-28T15:53:56Z")
I was reading a thread about hot dogs in Cafe Society, and it made me think of something I’ve wondered about. I grew up holding hot dogs on buns like a sandwich: top bun on top, dog in the middle, bottom bun on the botto… --- ## [Shouldn’t the number of Coronavirus infections be increasing much more aggressively?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldn-t-the-number-of-coronavirus-infections-be-increasing-much-more-aggressively/848647)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldn-t-the-number-of-coronavirus-infections-be-increasing-much-more-aggressively/848647 "2020-02-28T15:41:06Z")
Over the last week, the number of reported 2019-nCov infections has slowed considerably, staying in the low 80k’s. While the WHO estimates says it’s R0 is probably around 2 (1.4-2.5) other studies average around 3.5. … --- ## [Clip-on yellow glasses over transition lenses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clip-on-yellow-glasses-over-transition-lenses/848518)
**Author:** [@The\_Man\_In\_Black](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Man_In_Black)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clip-on-yellow-glasses-over-transition-lenses/848518 "2020-02-28T15:37:19Z")
Years ago I had a pair of clip-on yellow glasses (claimed to be for night driving. Not sure if they actually helped with that though) that I would wear over my prescription glasses out in the woods, hiking and such. I … --- ## [Secret clearance. What's all involved with obtaining one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-clearance-whats-all-involved-with-obtaining-one/848476)
**Author:** [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-clearance-whats-all-involved-with-obtaining-one/848476 "2020-02-28T15:34:39Z")
I’m interviewing for a job this week that requires a secret clearance. What all is involved and what should I be aware of/look out for? Thanks in advance. --- ## [Clicking on the wrong thing on Amazon, Oh No!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clicking-on-the-wrong-thing-on-amazon-oh-no/848602)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clicking-on-the-wrong-thing-on-amazon-oh-no/848602 "2020-02-28T15:14:30Z")
You see a picture of something. Your not sure what it is, or perhaps think it’s something different then what it is. Being a man and liking manly things, I click on and find out that instead of a trailer hitch or wood … --- ## [Tropic of Sir Gallahad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-of-sir-gallahad/9550)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-of-sir-gallahad/9550 "2020-02-28T15:06:53Z")
This lyric, from an oldie by “America” has always bugged me. What does this mean? “The Tropic of Sir Gallahad”? {I understand “Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn’t already have…”} “They’re coming to… --- ## [Capturing audio from Flash video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capturing-audio-from-flash-video/507372)
**Author:** [@stanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stanger)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capturing-audio-from-flash-video/507372 "2020-02-28T14:52:36Z")
OK, there is a short ad I have seen that is done in Adobe Flash Player. It has a musical audio loop that plays in the background that is catchy and I would like to capture it. Anybody know a way of capturing audio that … --- ## [Quandary Need Opinion/ Advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quandary-need-opinion-advice/848599)
**Author:** [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quandary-need-opinion-advice/848599 "2020-02-28T11:05:13Z")
I work for older retired people who for whatever reason, some have checked out of reality. This is hard to discuss. Anyway I’ll call her Ann, late seventies, widowed, not real close with her daughter. Right now she is s… --- ## [Microwave vs electric kettle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-vs-electric-kettle/848406)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-vs-electric-kettle/848406 "2020-02-28T11:03:53Z")
It’s a deary, rainy Sunday here and I’m in the mood for hot cocoa. Wanting to at least appear “green,” which is more efficient and uses less electricity - zapping the two mugs of water in the micro or heating the water w… --- ## [Audiophiles: Are aftermarket DACs of any use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audiophiles-are-aftermarket-dacs-of-any-use/848627)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audiophiles-are-aftermarket-dacs-of-any-use/848627 "2020-02-28T07:33:38Z")
I recently moved and I am trying to setup my new place the way I always wanted (within reason) with good audio and video and whatnot. I keep running across many places selling aftermarket DACs (digital audio converter).… --- ## [Clannad Farewell Tour](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clannad-farewell-tour/848631)
**Author:** [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clannad-farewell-tour/848631 "2020-02-28T06:17:13Z")
And I am GOING. So very excited!! For those interested, here’s the schedule: https://www.clannad.ie/ They’re starting in Belfast tomorrow, and finishing in St. John’s, CA, on Oct 22. --- ## [Tell me about your skydiving experiences (especially first-timers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-skydiving-experiences-especially-first-timers/848345)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-skydiving-experiences-especially-first-timers/848345 "2020-02-28T05:44:17Z")
Yeah, I’m tossing around the idea of leaping out of a mechanically sound aeroplane. I’d love to hear stories and advice\*, good and bad. mmm \*even if the advice is “don’t be a fool” --- ## [No congestion pricing in NYC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-congestion-pricing-in-nyc/848526)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-congestion-pricing-in-nyc/848526 "2020-02-28T04:57:23Z")
NYC was about to introduce congestion pricing in Manhattan below 59th St. next year. For some reason they need permission from the federal highway administration (why?). Which they had assumed would be automatic. But … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1996) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1998)