# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=397 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 398 --- ## [dB question for electrical and audio engineers...and anyone else](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/db-question-for-electrical-and-audio-engineers-and-anyone-else/1012648)
**Author:** [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2025, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/db-question-for-electrical-and-audio-engineers-and-anyone-else/1012648 "2025-01-08T00:12:06Z")
The fire alarm industry uses The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72) as a reference for fire alarm design. In the 2025 edition, NFPA 72 addresses calculations for the maximum length of wire that should be u… --- ## [Used-Car-Buying 101 - need answer soonish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-car-buying-101-need-answer-soonish/1004472)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-car-buying-101-need-answer-soonish/1004472 "2025-01-07T23:52:58Z")
My husband and I have owned a total of 9 cars (I think) in our lives. All of them but the first 2 (his first, and my first) have been bought new. Neither of us were involved in either of those used car purchases. My par… --- ## [Do air freshener gels actually do anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194 "2025-01-07T23:43:35Z")
I mean THESE stupid things. Mrs. Beitz insists on having them in all three of our bathrooms (not in the weird piss closet in the garage, though). I know they’re only a buck but I don’t detect them doing a darn thing. Un… --- ## [Why do military reporters always tell us about companies, battalions, divisions, etc? Why can’t they report the numbers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-military-reporters-always-tell-us-about-companies-battalions-divisions-etc-why-can-t-they-report-the-numbers/1012638)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-military-reporters-always-tell-us-about-companies-battalions-divisions-etc-why-can-t-they-report-the-numbers/1012638 "2025-01-07T23:19:55Z")
a little off topic, but I have a peeve to complain about: Why do military reporters always tell us about companies, battalions, divisions, etc? Why can’t they report the numbers? 200 men, 50 tanks, or 500 vehicles, e… --- ## [Who "decides the (English-language) names of things"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-the-english-language-names-of-things/1012686)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-the-english-language-names-of-things/1012686 "2025-01-07T22:36:42Z")
The talk about Trump wanting to rename the Gulf of Mexico made me think: how are locations given their English-language names? Who decided that “Deutschland” should be “Germany,” or “Nippon” should be “Japan”? --- ## [Doper Parents - have your kids been taught about the 1980s Satanic Panic in school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-parents-have-your-kids-been-taught-about-the-1980s-satanic-panic-in-school/1012027)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-parents-have-your-kids-been-taught-about-the-1980s-satanic-panic-in-school/1012027 "2025-01-07T22:31:57Z")
I was just thinking abbout this after it was mentioned in another thread. This was a period of history that affected media, commerce, government, and even child care. It has/had implications that stretch towards the 1st … --- ## [What We Do in the Shadows Season 6](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-we-do-in-the-shadows-season-6/1009056)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-we-do-in-the-shadows-season-6/1009056 "2025-01-07T22:21:15Z")
Off to a pretty good start. I like . Earlier threads: --- ## [Christmas song you associate with a specific performer / recording](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352 "2025-01-07T21:35:31Z")
For me, a lot of traditional Christmas music is up for grabs, grew up hearing many different performers doing it (“Silent Night”, “The First Noel”, “Jingle Bells”, etc) but there were a handful where I only ever heard on… --- ## [Your top three rock and roll songs of all time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-three-rock-and-roll-songs-of-all-time/1010884)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-three-rock-and-roll-songs-of-all-time/1010884 "2025-01-07T21:34:31Z")
Not three from each era. Not three of each type. Not “some”, the later “some more”. Not albums-songs. Not groups-songs. Not “These aren’t rock and roll, but they are still my favorite”. Definitely not “I just ca… --- ## [How do they teach acting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-teach-acting/1012390)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-teach-acting/1012390 "2025-01-07T21:18:34Z")
I have no aspirations to learn acting, but I’m fascinated by how intangible it is. For drawing, there are objective skills you can teach, like perspective, proportion, and color theory. Draw a line that looks like that … --- ## [The ethics of health insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ethics-of-health-insurance/1011177)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 357\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ethics-of-health-insurance/1011177 "2025-01-07T21:17:36Z")
Continuing the discussion from UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in Manhattan \[2024-12-04\]: So … United healthcare has a very bad reputation, and perhaps that’s true of it. But as best as i can tell, the people who inv… --- ## [FOMO & Navigating the Dope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fomo-navigating-the-dope/1012594)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fomo-navigating-the-dope/1012594 "2025-01-07T20:24:35Z")
Not sure if this is the right forum. Move if necessary. What is your method/procedure for making fairly sure you sweep through the board and see the stuff that you are interested in? (FOMO = “fear of missing out”) Durin… --- ## [Capitalism leads to Fascism leads to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capitalism-leads-to-fascism-leads-to/1012602)
**Author:** [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capitalism-leads-to-fascism-leads-to/1012602 "2025-01-07T20:22:29Z")
Not sure if this belongs in FQ. I’ve been reading that late-stage Capitalism often leads to Facism. When that has been the case historically, what comes after Facism? --- ## [German speakers: Um berufen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-speakers-um-berufen/236843)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-speakers-um-berufen/236843 "2025-01-07T19:23:23Z")
I came across this phrase in a Jeeves and Wooster story. It’s obviously an idiom, and my German dictionary and several online translation services have not been very helpful. Here’s the context: Bertie, speaking to his … --- ## [Death: Have you ever "missed it by that much"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-have-you-ever-missed-it-by-that-much/1011986)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-have-you-ever-missed-it-by-that-much/1011986 "2025-01-07T18:03:12Z")
December, 1988. I was coming back from a wedding in Delhi, flying Pan Am via Frankfurt to New York. Arrived in Frankfurt late in the afternoon, rushed to the next gate and was ready to load. No time to get a paper. T… --- ## [Driving in California—Jeep Version](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-in-california-jeep-version/1012669)
**Author:** [@Bob\_Blaylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Blaylock)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-in-california-jeep-version/1012669 "2025-01-07T17:51:01Z")
Right, @Seanette? --- ## [How will the Republicans demonize Kamala Harris?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-republicans-demonize-kamala-harris/1004698)
**Author:** [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Replies:** 333\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-republicans-demonize-kamala-harris/1004698 "2025-01-07T17:09:59Z")
I’ve said for years now that one of the biggest problems for Democratic Presidential candidates is that the Republicans spend years, or even decades, talking crap about them, mostly made up crap, that eventually culminat… --- ## [Atrial tachycardia … anyone else here got it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atrial-tachycardia-anyone-else-here-got-it/1012541)
**Author:** [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atrial-tachycardia-anyone-else-here-got-it/1012541 "2025-01-07T16:26:35Z")
Because I found out today that’s what I’ve got. Would love to hear stories about how other folks deal with it. I’m glad it’s not afib, but it still ain’t fun. Currently the doctor has me on metoprolol (a total of 125mg … --- ## [When you hear the phrase form ("Person) and the (x)" what does it bring to mind?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-hear-the-phrase-form-person-and-the-x-what-does-it-bring-to-mind/1012557)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-hear-the-phrase-form-person-and-the-x-what-does-it-bring-to-mind/1012557 "2025-01-07T15:34:16Z")
Triggered by the thread “Lucy Worsley and the princes in the towers” I automatically thought of Harry Potter titles before thinking of it fitting Indiana Jones titles, too. poll --- ## [Futurama - was Nibbler's shadow in original airing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/futurama-was-nibblers-shadow-in-original-airing/1012527)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/futurama-was-nibblers-shadow-in-original-airing/1012527 "2025-01-07T15:19:07Z")
(Spoilers I guess). We later learn that Nibbler nudged Fry into the cryo chamber, and we see that in a flashback. but was Nibbler’s shadow there in the original airing? Well someone got hold of a promo tape and went to … --- ## [Recommend me some history books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-some-history-books/1012641)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-some-history-books/1012641 "2025-01-07T14:37:42Z")
I did this back just before Covid and got some great suggestions, but that was a long time ago so I’m hoping folks have some new ideas for me. What I don’t like: overly general surveys (“history of Ireland”, etc.), mil… --- ## [Calculating an RMD from an inherited IRA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-an-rmd-from-an-inherited-ira/1012631)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-an-rmd-from-an-inherited-ira/1012631 "2025-01-07T12:55:13Z")
I have an inherited IRA, and due to recent IRS rule changes, this is the first year that a required minimum distribution (RMD) will actually be required. There are calculators out there hosted by various investment inst… --- ## [Could Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) have received an OBE/et al...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-phil-lynott-thin-lizzy-have-received-an-obe-et-al/1012416)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-phil-lynott-thin-lizzy-have-received-an-obe-et-al/1012416 "2025-01-07T11:22:52Z")
To their credit, many British entertainers and such have turned down the offers of OBE’s or whatever - some medal from the Crown. I’ve no problem with Paul McCartney conspicuously wearing the OBE as a member on Sgt. Pep… --- ## [How Common Are Fatal Wild Animal-On-Human Attacks In (Western) Europe? Japan? Australia/NZ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-are-fatal-wild-animal-on-human-attacks-in-western-europe-japan-australia-nz/1000242)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-are-fatal-wild-animal-on-human-attacks-in-western-europe-japan-australia-nz/1000242 "2025-01-07T09:45:01Z")
In the US, you’re far more likely to be killed by a domesticated animal than a wild one. Nevertheless, I’d say we maybe lose 10-12 people per year from a combination of mountain lion attacks, bear attacks, shark attacks,… --- ## [Am I old or just not stupid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-old-or-just-not-stupid/1012445)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-old-or-just-not-stupid/1012445 "2025-01-07T06:46:59Z")
I was at a Subway yesterday and the guy working the counter was not brilliant, but a step or two above some of the people I’ve had to deal with when ordering a sandwich. So he get’s out a paper bag for my sandwiches and… --- ## [Historians’ Single Greatest Mistake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historians-single-greatest-mistake/1012632)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historians-single-greatest-mistake/1012632 "2025-01-07T06:08:04Z")
A respectable historian once defined the field of history as that of trained people seeking to learn what probably happened in the past, implying (I think) that they have posited certain truths and agreed on them that tu… --- ## [2025 House Speaker election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-house-speaker-election/1012245)
**Author:** [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-house-speaker-election/1012245 "2025-01-07T03:41:16Z")
When the new members of Congress convene on January 3, their first order of business will be to elect a new speaker. Y’all remember how much fun that was last time? Assuming that Matt Gaetz does as he says he will and … --- ## [Songs known today which will still be played in 50 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-known-today-which-will-still-be-played-in-50-years/1011989)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-known-today-which-will-still-be-played-in-50-years/1011989 "2025-01-07T03:05:06Z")
This has almost certainly been discussed before, so if a mod wants to merge it into an existing topic, no worries. I’ve been playing as a hired-hand bass player in a Modern Country band for quite a while. And it seems … --- ## [Cabo San Lucas lodging recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cabo-san-lucas-lodging-recommendations/1011370)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cabo-san-lucas-lodging-recommendations/1011370 "2025-01-07T03:04:51Z")
Hey all, any recommendations on hotels/resorts/places to stay in Cabo? I have a Chinese lady friend now living in Toronto that wants somewhere warm, and I’ll be in San Diego this weekend. So, Cabo is convenient for me a… --- ## [Do singers know when they shouldn't?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-singers-know-when-they-shouldnt/1012502)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-singers-know-when-they-shouldnt/1012502 "2025-01-07T02:58:54Z")
In a brief aside in the latest MMP thread I mentioned about how we had gone to a concert with primarily music by Gershwin and Ellington, and how the opera singer they brought in was the wrong choice of voice for that sor… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=396) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=398)