# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=421&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 422 --- ## [Space Shuttle parking when not in use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-shuttle-parking-when-not-in-use/1011332)
**Author:** [@KCB615](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KCB615)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-shuttle-parking-when-not-in-use/1011332 "2024-12-08T04:21:26Z")
At any one time, NASA had, at most, four space shuttle orbiters: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, and Atlantis. Endeavor came online after the loss of Challenger, and there were no replacements for Columbia. They only ge… --- ## [Lightning striking ocean water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-striking-ocean-water/1011158)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-striking-ocean-water/1011158 "2024-12-08T04:10:07Z")
The ocean covers a good 3/4s of our planet’s surface. Salt water is a good electrical conductor. When lightning strikes somewhere on Earth, logically, a high probability will be the surface if oceanwater. How does a l… --- ## [Can this ornament be fixed? If so, how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-this-ornament-be-fixed-if-so-how/773422)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-this-ornament-be-fixed-if-so-how/773422 "2024-12-08T03:39:53Z")
I have a Christmas ornament that was given to me many years ago. It’s of the shuttlecraft from the original Star Trek show. You plug it into the socket that held a Christmas light, and it lights up. There’s a button o… --- ## [Luke I am your whatever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luke-i-am-your-whatever/1011240)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luke-i-am-your-whatever/1011240 "2024-12-08T03:21:21Z")
Star Wars. When it was first shown, was anyone so into the plot and drama that they actually gasped at that “I am your father” line? I guess it was supposed to be some dramatic reveal, but did anybody really care? --- ## [Left handed dentists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-handed-dentists/1011263)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-handed-dentists/1011263 "2024-12-08T02:06:40Z")
It occurred to me that I always see dentists in films and TV set up on the right side of the patient. So I asked my oral surgeon if left handed dentists set up on the left side. Turns out indeed they do. In fact, at the … --- ## [Anybody listen to Joe Bonamassa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-listen-to-joe-bonamassa/546565)
**Author:** [@drumfun101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drumfun101)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-listen-to-joe-bonamassa/546565 "2024-12-07T23:56:31Z")
He’s a blues rocker discovered by BB King… good stuff… --- ## [We've enrolled my Mom in hospice (Mom passed Dec 3, 2024)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weve-enrolled-my-mom-in-hospice-mom-passed-dec-3-2024/1010935)
**Author:** [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weve-enrolled-my-mom-in-hospice-mom-passed-dec-3-2024/1010935 "2024-12-07T23:46:46Z")
Mom and Dad are both fairly private people who don’t post on social network, so I can’t really write this on my Facebook account. So I thought I’d lean on my fellow Dopers to go through my thoughts and have a little pla… --- ## [What the Heck were the Greek Pyramids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-were-the-greek-pyramids/1011322)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-were-the-greek-pyramids/1011322 "2024-12-07T21:29:18Z")
Apparently, Greece has several small stone Pyramids, Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age. Sometimes called the Pyramids of Argolis, their purpose is unknown. But unlikely to be tombs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek… --- ## [Which Non-US Currency is the most CRYPTO/ Crash Proof...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-us-currency-is-the-most-crypto-crash-proof/1011303)
**Author:** [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-us-currency-is-the-most-crypto-crash-proof/1011303 "2024-12-07T21:15:21Z")
It has been stated the the US gold reserve will be sold off under Trump to buy ‘CRYPTO’ ( a brand of scratchy toilet paper ). Obviously there must be other currencies to invest in which will be crash-proof, crash-resis… --- ## [Is the rule of law dead in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-rule-of-law-dead-in-the-us/1011272)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-rule-of-law-dead-in-the-us/1011272 "2024-12-07T20:08:07Z")
The law exists in its application. I know some folks here at the dope can be pedantic, so I want to define my terms. By dead, I don’t mean we live in Somalia or are currently riding historic on the Fury Road; I mean th… --- ## [Is there a humane way to muzzle a human?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-humane-way-to-muzzle-a-human/1011222)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-humane-way-to-muzzle-a-human/1011222 "2024-12-07T19:51:54Z")
Not trying to be a jerk here. I get these police videos on TikTok. There are some jerk cops on there but most of them are just cops trying to do their job. Some of the suspects on there are seen sitting in the back of … --- ## [Odd Windows Issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-windows-issue/1011315)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-windows-issue/1011315 "2024-12-07T19:41:18Z")
I’ve got Windows 11. I just got an Update notice. But the computer won’t update. I tried directly, then went to the Windows Update page. Neither Fox nor Edge works for the update. What gives? --- ## [Range of pH Scale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/range-of-ph-scale/1011271)
**Author:** [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/range-of-ph-scale/1011271 "2024-12-07T18:23:53Z")
Continuing the discussion from The Trump Administration: The Clusterfuck Continues: I thought this was too much of a hijack to continue in the linked thread. This is a common misconception but is nevertheless incorrec… --- ## [Great gift for a young scientist!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-gift-for-a-young-scientist/1011299)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-gift-for-a-young-scientist/1011299 "2024-12-07T17:01:02Z")
After all, life itself is inherently risky, so why not buy them the “most dangerous toy in history?” They can learn all about physics, radiation, and the fun of wearing a lead apron (not included) with Gilbert U-238 Atom… --- ## [So... Do you have any eggs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-do-you-have-any-eggs/1009143)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-do-you-have-any-eggs/1009143 "2024-12-07T16:00:23Z")
I just wanted to share this with you. I’m just back from a week at the German office, where I am quite close with all the people there. I speak just a tiny bit (and that’s not false modesty) of German. Enough to get by,… --- ## [Red Rain Warning for Wales and SW UK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-rain-warning-for-wales-and-sw-uk/1011278)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-rain-warning-for-wales-and-sw-uk/1011278 "2024-12-07T15:49:00Z")
Been here 8+ years and have seem Yellow Rain warnings, Yellow Snow (that’s where the huskies go) and even actual reddish snow (it mixed with dust from the Sahara). I’m south of Bath and to the left of Salisbury and was j… --- ## [January 6...2025, that is](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/january-6-2025-that-is/1011223)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/january-6-2025-that-is/1011223 "2024-12-07T14:18:24Z")
{Note to moderators: feel free to move this to, say, IMHO if it is too much of an “opinion-based topic” for P&E} The electoral college votes will be counted on January 6, 2025, at 1 PM Eastern, as required by Federal la… --- ## [Peak Foliage by year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-foliage-by-year/1011261)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-foliage-by-year/1011261 "2024-12-07T12:39:28Z")
Each year I see reports that say “here’s the best week to see fall colors” with maps of when to go leaf peeping in different areas. I’m curious if these peak weeks have been changing at all due to climate change. Is the… --- ## [What's this on Gidget's butt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-on-gidgets-butt/1011285)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-on-gidgets-butt/1011285 "2024-12-07T12:22:22Z")
Watching Gidget 1x03, The Great Kahuna. Noticed the big white square on the back of her bikini. Looks like a pocket. Did they used to make bikinis with pockets? --- ## [After a person dies, how long is their SSN kept inactive before it can be used again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-a-person-dies-how-long-is-their-ssn-kept-inactive-before-it-can-be-used-again/1010821)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-a-person-dies-how-long-is-their-ssn-kept-inactive-before-it-can-be-used-again/1010821 "2024-12-07T11:49:30Z")
This is a spinoff of the safety-deposit box question. I know that Social Security numbers are rendered invalid for that person upon their deaths, but I’m curious - how long is the number kept dormant, if you will, befor… --- ## [How do I make a Facebook "friend request" just disappear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-a-facebook-friend-request-just-disappear/1011234)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-a-facebook-friend-request-just-disappear/1011234 "2024-12-07T04:52:28Z")
That’s the question. I don’t want to accept it, and I don’t want to delete it. What to do? --- ## [A person fell into a sinkhole. Dumb question about rescue operation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-person-fell-into-a-sinkhole-dumb-question-about-rescue-operation/1011200)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-person-fell-into-a-sinkhole-dumb-question-about-rescue-operation/1011200 "2024-12-07T03:09:41Z")
There are many news stories this week about a 64 year old woman fell into a sinkhole in Pennsylvania. The earliest photos show a small hole, maybe two to three feet in diameter. The rescue operation immediately starts to… --- ## [I Got My Security Deposit Back! Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-my-security-deposit-back-why/1011239)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-my-security-deposit-back-why/1011239 "2024-12-07T02:05:54Z")
Brief recap- I lived with my parents from birth to 1998 or so. I moved into a nice apartment complex in a good, safe neighborhood and close to reliable public transportation. All was well until I discovered several for… --- ## [Great Viewing Conditions for Jupiter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-viewing-conditions-for-jupiter/835318)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-viewing-conditions-for-jupiter/835318 "2024-12-07T00:45:49Z")
Tonight Is the Best Time of the Year to See Jupiter and Its Many Moons: Jupiter will reach opposition the night of June 10, forming a straight line with Earth and the sun Now if only I can only remember to go out an… --- ## [Tsunami Warning for SF Bay. But No Info on Web!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsunami-warning-for-sf-bay-but-no-info-on-web/1011216)
**Author:** [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsunami-warning-for-sf-bay-but-no-info-on-web/1011216 "2024-12-07T00:17:04Z")
I live in San Francisco. My phone just shrieked with an emergency Tsunami warning following a 7.3. quake nearby. I live about 20 ft above sea level. Naturally I’m concerned. So I go online and search every local news si… --- ## [Are you a fan of horror movies/](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-fan-of-horror-movies/1004477)
**Author:** [@f.coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/f.coli)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-fan-of-horror-movies/1004477 "2024-12-06T22:49:29Z")
YouTube has been flooded (seemingly) with videos discussing the recent release of “Longlegs”, and I am wondering, if you enjoy horror movies, do you have regrets when the movie is over? Does every innocuous sound, that … --- ## [Should resumes be on special paper anymore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-resumes-be-on-special-paper-anymore/1011069)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-resumes-be-on-special-paper-anymore/1011069 "2024-12-06T22:20:50Z")
Maybe this belongs in another forum. If so mods, feel free to move it. Back when handing out resumes (1980s & 90s) in person was a thing, you always wanted it on special paper. 24 pound, parchment, cream or grey, etc.… --- ## ["Your body, my choice" - is it really true that gangs of boys are chanting this in schoolyards and other public places?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-body-my-choice-is-it-really-true-that-gangs-of-boys-are-chanting-this-in-schoolyards-and-other-public-places/1010245)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-body-my-choice-is-it-really-true-that-gangs-of-boys-are-chanting-this-in-schoolyards-and-other-public-places/1010245 "2024-12-06T21:40:09Z")
Not being a mom, of tweens or anyone else, I’m personally finding this a little hard to believe, and the whole thing sounds like a meme or an urban legend in the making. Plus, I personally think Nick Fuentes is a troll. … --- ## [Today's Topics of Interest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-topics-of-interest/1011253)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-topics-of-interest/1011253 "2024-12-06T20:54:41Z")
“South Korea Declares Martial Law” “I Pit the Obsession with Trump” “Fascism, Hope(lessness), and Trump’s America” “What the Hell is Happening in Korea” “The French Government Fell Today (12/4/24). Does Anyone Care?… --- ## [.amp in news links?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amp-in-news-links/1011269)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amp-in-news-links/1011269 "2024-12-06T19:57:16Z")
I’ve been noticing this in links to news articles: increasingly, there is “.amp” at some point in the url. I’ve noticed it in CBC, CNN and BBC links. What does it mean? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=420&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=422&state=muted)