# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=393&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 394 --- ## [Is this a legally binding offer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-legally-binding-offer/1012681)
**Author:** [@HMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMC)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-legally-binding-offer/1012681 "2025-01-16T23:44:54Z")
Not looking for legal advice, as I plan on just ignoring this letter, but found it really strange and wondering if there were some legal ramifications to it. A local real estate company sent me a letter in the mail, in … --- ## [Medium/long term impact of LA-wildfires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medium-long-term-impact-of-la-wildfires/1012973)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medium-long-term-impact-of-la-wildfires/1012973 "2025-01-16T23:07:48Z")
Hi, In order to keep any med/long term impacts out of current threads, what are your thoughts on the impact of the LA-wildfires? a few from top of my mind: rennaisance of Home Office? new building codes (no more wood… --- ## [A thread for Rudy {Rudy Giuliani}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-rudy-rudy-giuliani/989355)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1017\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thread-for-rudy-rudy-giuliani/989355 "2025-01-16T22:12:41Z")
Thought I would start a thread specifically about Rudy’s litigation woes. Sounds like he’s in financial troubles. Un-indicted co-conspirator One in Washington, indicted co-conspirator in Georgia, defendant in four, coun… --- ## [POTS Party, anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pots-party-anyone/1002989)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pots-party-anyone/1002989 "2025-01-16T22:06:34Z")
That’s Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome - Wikipedia I’ve vented about some of the symptoms in the weight loss and Ozempic threads, and looked around the boards and ha… --- ## [Double indemnity life insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-indemnity-life-insurance/1013044)
**Author:** [@Yelnick\_McWawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yelnick_McWawa)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-indemnity-life-insurance/1013044 "2025-01-16T21:57:21Z")
What’s the point of double indemnity life insurance from the insured’s point of view? If I’m the breadwinner and I want to make sure my family has a future, does it make any difference to them (financially) if die of a … --- ## [Why aren't abandoned cars exploding in the LA fires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-abandoned-cars-exploding-in-the-la-fires/1012746)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-abandoned-cars-exploding-in-the-la-fires/1012746 "2025-01-16T20:38:28Z")
I’m watching ABC news coverage of the LA Fires. They reported from a street where drivers were stuck in traffic, fleeing the advancing fire. Drivers had to abandoned the cars and run for their lives. The cars were badl… --- ## [Airplanes facing each other a runway, is that normal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplanes-facing-each-other-a-runway-is-that-normal/1012979)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplanes-facing-each-other-a-runway-is-that-normal/1012979 "2025-01-16T20:02:19Z")
When I pulled up the Google Earth map of the Hong Kong airport, (maybe this link will work), I noticed that there were multi-engine jets facing each other at opposite ends of the runway. Is this normal? It seems unsafe… --- ## [Is Trump’s “Loose Cannon” mentality working?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-s-loose-cannon-mentality-working/1013014)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-s-loose-cannon-mentality-working/1013014 "2025-01-16T19:49:01Z")
As we know from his first term, he can blather on about ideas and projects, and not follow up at all. He just moves on to the next crazy idea, with no explanation of what he said in the past. But his comment that there… --- ## [Charter Membership -- Maintain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charter-membership-maintain/1000567)
**Author:** [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charter-membership-maintain/1000567 "2025-01-16T19:35:33Z")
I’ve not renewed my Charter Membership since migrating to this crappy software. I think I’m due, and I’ve gone through every option in my profile. It’s one of the few things I pay for on the internet, and I’d like to ma… --- ## [Pain Management in a world without NSAIDS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pain-management-in-a-world-without-nsaids/1012110)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pain-management-in-a-world-without-nsaids/1012110 "2025-01-16T19:32:32Z")
Before writing my O.P., a nod to the accepted norms regarding any medically related question here: I am aware that soliciting medical advice on the SDMB is in no way a sound approach and speaking directly with a medical… --- ## [The universe: infinite or finite](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-universe-infinite-or-finite/1012942)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-universe-infinite-or-finite/1012942 "2025-01-16T19:17:03Z")
Not sure this needed a new thread, but I didn’t want to hijack the other one. This thread, but specifically this post: Started me thinking… I googled around and there is no hard consensus as to whether the universe i… --- ## [Struggling financially to make a living](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/struggling-financially-to-make-a-living/1013050)
**Author:** [@SpicyDuckBillyHunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpicyDuckBillyHunt)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/struggling-financially-to-make-a-living/1013050 "2025-01-16T19:14:48Z")
Djimon Hounsou says he is poor essentially. Link https://edition.cnn.com/entertainment/djimon-hounsou-systemic-racism-black-people-african-roots-spc/index.html. What do people think? --- ## [Harley Quinn (the series)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harley-quinn-the-series/848023)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harley-quinn-the-series/848023 "2025-01-16T17:24:27Z")
Nobody here seems to be talking about this, but it is one of my favorite current animated series. It is well-written and hilarious, with bright clean animation and a top-rate voice cast. It makes fun of the superhero gen… --- ## [An unsettling result of using ChatGPT too much](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751)
**Author:** [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-unsettling-result-of-using-chatgpt-too-much/1012751 "2025-01-16T17:19:50Z")
“Sometimes I forget words now. I’m so used to having ChatGPT complete my thoughts that when it’s not there, my brain feels… slower.” Okay, it’s like a lot of other things: don’t use it and it atrophies. But this is … --- ## [Free android sleep tracking apps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-android-sleep-tracking-apps/993969)
**Author:** [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-android-sleep-tracking-apps/993969 "2025-01-16T16:38:55Z")
what have you tried and what works? I am leaning towards SnoreLab based on brief search on reviews. What I really want to know is, do I snore and how big a problem might it be. --- ## [Possible idiom? "out the door at the word Hamlet"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-idiom-out-the-door-at-the-word-hamlet/1012938)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-idiom-out-the-door-at-the-word-hamlet/1012938 "2025-01-16T16:37:53Z")
I got an email the other day that included the line “out the door at the word Hamlet”. From context, I gather that it’s similar to ‘at the drop of a hat’ or ‘at the word go’, meaning a readiness to start with little not… --- ## [Great Movies w/ Singular Character in Solitary Despair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-movies-w-singular-character-in-solitary-despair/1012151)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-movies-w-singular-character-in-solitary-despair/1012151 "2025-01-16T14:28:25Z")
Maybe a better question would be, “Is there a movie like ‘Hunger’”? He’s in every scene. The people he meets along the way aren’t important, and take up no more than a few seconds. He’s a writer who can’t eat because he… --- ## [The sardines are eating the anchovies: Is this an Italian proverb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sardines-are-eating-the-anchovies-is-this-an-italian-proverb/915675)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sardines-are-eating-the-anchovies-is-this-an-italian-proverb/915675 "2025-01-16T14:15:13Z")
Many years ago, I occasionally encountered a middle-aged Italian-American guy who would respond to my query of “What’s up?” with something like “le sarde si mangiano le alici.” I’m not good at Italian grammar, but he sa… --- ## [How should the press/public react to Trump's blathering?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-the-press-public-react-to-trumps-blathering/1012743)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-the-press-public-react-to-trumps-blathering/1012743 "2025-01-16T14:03:12Z")
Right now, the fucking moron isn’t even President yet, but the top 5 threads in P&E include 3 discussing his BS including that Canada should be the 51st state, that we should buy/seize Greenland and/or the Panama Canal, … --- ## [Caulk for concrete floor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caulk-for-concrete-floor/1013012)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caulk-for-concrete-floor/1013012 "2025-01-16T14:01:01Z")
Eh, we are getting pad and carpet installed over a bare concrete floor. It has some cracks in it. They are not getting bigger. The installation is in three days. I’m not worried about the cracks per-se, but the radon ga… --- ## [Doper DVD Collectors--Tell us about your DVD collections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-dvd-collectors-tell-us-about-your-dvd-collections/1012888)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-dvd-collectors-tell-us-about-your-dvd-collections/1012888 "2025-01-16T13:06:00Z")
I’ve been a DVD collector for quite some time now, and I recently bought a new DVD player from Amazon so I can watch my movies and shows. It even plays CD’s. I have over 350 DVD’s. What DVD’s are in your collections? I … --- ## [How can I stop my lemon tree dying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-stop-my-lemon-tree-dying/1012953)
**Author:** [@Jaguars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaguars)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-stop-my-lemon-tree-dying/1012953 "2025-01-16T11:36:07Z")
I moved into a new house last year and it came with a Lemon tree which I didn’t really think about much until someone pointed out that it was showing signs of nutrient deficiencies in the run up to Christmas. The tree: … --- ## [I come again, humbly, for advice: photo hosting site (with conditions)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-come-again-humbly-for-advice-photo-hosting-site-with-conditions/1006398)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-come-again-humbly-for-advice-photo-hosting-site-with-conditions/1006398 "2025-01-16T05:37:41Z")
I come here a lot for advice, mostly because I don’t know that many people in real life whose opinions I respect. I nearly always get good solutions, so I’m coming to the well again. I want to sell off part of a collect… --- ## [Little Jack Hoffman's TD....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-jack-hoffmans-td/655190)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-jack-hoffmans-td/655190 "2025-01-16T04:17:46Z")
This was on CNN yesterday, and I saw it a couple days ago, and I don’t know why I feel compelled to share what’s almost a cliche with a sports team/players “adopting” or otherwise bringing a small amount of joy into a te… --- ## [Burning Ketones for energy versus Glucose from Glycogen or Gluconeogensis Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burning-ketones-for-energy-versus-glucose-from-glycogen-or-gluconeogensis-question/1013015)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burning-ketones-for-energy-versus-glucose-from-glycogen-or-gluconeogensis-question/1013015 "2025-01-16T02:47:14Z")
I’m going to start this in FQ because I think there is a factual answer and I’m not asking for medical advice. Mods feel free to move it if it really belongs somewhere else. After scouring the Internet I’m having trouble… --- ## [How does China's economic model work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-chinas-economic-model-work/1013027)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-chinas-economic-model-work/1013027 "2025-01-16T02:00:33Z")
So… what exactly is China’s economic model these days, especially from the perspective of the average Chinese citizen? They are not quite communist in the “we all own the means of production” sense, as there’s obviously … --- ## [Do opera singers really not have recordings made specifically to critique their own voice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-opera-singers-really-not-have-recordings-made-specifically-to-critique-their-own-voice/1013024)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2025, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-opera-singers-really-not-have-recordings-made-specifically-to-critique-their-own-voice/1013024 "2025-01-15T23:18:43Z")
This question came to me on watching the 1981 movie Diva, for the umpteenth time, at the local arthouse cinema (screening that movie is a bit of a tradition with German cinephiles on special occasions, such as this year’… --- ## [Doom Piles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doom-piles/1012968)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2025, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doom-piles/1012968 "2025-01-15T22:52:02Z")
No. Not Apocalyptic hemorrhoids. Never heard this term. The Lil’wrekker asked me about my Doom Pile this morning.,(who knew?) She was looking for a particular sweater. I told her go look on the Futon in my room. She… --- ## [Laptop computer question: Windows not starting correctly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-computer-question-windows-not-starting-correctly/1012993)
**Author:** [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2025, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-computer-question-windows-not-starting-correctly/1012993 "2025-01-15T19:57:39Z")
So I’ve got a laptop (HP, running Windows 11) that I bought about 3 or so years ago. The last couple of days, I’d occasionally get a blue screen while browsing, and an error message that says something like “Windows need… --- ## [New Items at IKEA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-items-at-ikea/1012835)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2025, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-items-at-ikea/1012835 "2025-01-15T19:26:39Z")
They have everything now! :grimacing: "According to the reports, soldiers failed to unload part of the train carrying over 1,000 tons of explosives in total, and the anti-tank mines continued to circulate around the co… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=392&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=394&state=muted)