# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=656 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 657 --- ## [What's in the toll plaza service buildings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-in-the-toll-plaza-service-buildings/995614)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-in-the-toll-plaza-service-buildings/995614 "2024-01-08T20:56:44Z")
They are the smallish buildings at one end of the row of tollbooths. Anyone been in one? Some are larger and have a mini highway patrol station and others might have a garage and parking area to stage snow removal equip… --- ## [Anyone using Amazon Household?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-using-amazon-household/995743)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-using-amazon-household/995743 "2024-01-08T20:23:09Z")
My wife and I have separate Amazon accounts and we each have a Prime subscription. I think we can save $139/year by dropping one of the Prime subscriptions and sharing Prime via a Household thingie. I’ve read through the… --- ## [Presents that totally failed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presents-that-totally-failed/992871)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 254\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presents-that-totally-failed/992871 "2024-01-08T20:08:54Z")
What presents have you given/gotten/witnessed that TOTALLY failed at achieving the intended happiness/gratitude/appreciation/other pleasant result for the recipient? Note: the present must have honestly been meant to be… --- ## [Does part of the NYC pizza taste come from the fact that slices are typically reheated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-part-of-the-nyc-pizza-taste-come-from-the-fact-that-slices-are-typically-reheated/992762)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-part-of-the-nyc-pizza-taste-come-from-the-fact-that-slices-are-typically-reheated/992762 "2024-01-08T19:48:43Z")
NYC pizza is very well known and people enjoy its unique taste. I’ve seen articles which attribute the taste to something about the water, the sauce, or something like that. But one other unique aspect of NYC pizza is th… --- ## [Brian DePalma's "Carrie": great movie and adaptation... except for the ending](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brian-depalmas-carrie-great-movie-and-adaptation-except-for-the-ending/995786)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brian-depalmas-carrie-great-movie-and-adaptation-except-for-the-ending/995786 "2024-01-08T19:13:38Z")
(topic deleted by author) --- ## [Shiny-headed gentlemen of the Dope, advice please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shiny-headed-gentlemen-of-the-dope-advice-please/993491)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shiny-headed-gentlemen-of-the-dope-advice-please/993491 "2024-01-08T19:20:52Z")
I’m 46. I’ve been bald on top for at least 20 years, but my hair still grows on the back and sides. I generally have Mrs Snowman buzz it with a trimmer (guard off) every three weeks or so, when I start to go a bit Hulk H… --- ## [The legality possessing or acquiring Apollo moon rocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-legality-possessing-or-acquiring-apollo-moon-rocks/995179)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-legality-possessing-or-acquiring-apollo-moon-rocks/995179 "2024-01-08T19:13:37Z")
This thread had its origins as an on-topic reply by @Schnitte in the missing artworks and treasures thread, responses to which veered off into a hijack on the legality of owning or acquiring moon rocks. The conversation… --- ## [Who says hoo in the hootin boob tube?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-says-hoo-in-the-hootin-boob-tube/995781)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-says-hoo-in-the-hootin-boob-tube/995781 "2024-01-08T19:11:30Z")
I’m gonna ruin a tiny bit of TV for you, because once you notice it you can’t un-notice it. When a TV show (or movies, I suppose, but I really notice it with shows) wants to let you know that the characters are outside … --- ## [Surprising cameos in movies or TV shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surprising-cameos-in-movies-or-tv-shows/682437)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surprising-cameos-in-movies-or-tv-shows/682437 "2024-01-08T17:25:28Z")
That “obscure movies” thread had a reference to Ron Jeremy in a mainstream picture, which made me think of this. So, what are some of yours? Here are two that immediately come to mind for me: “Calendar Girls”: The mo… --- ## [Presenting via "Microsoft Teams" live event. What am I in for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presenting-via-microsoft-teams-live-event-what-am-i-in-for/995667)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presenting-via-microsoft-teams-live-event-what-am-i-in-for/995667 "2024-01-08T16:10:28Z")
I agreed to talk about a subject, and then learned it would be via a Microsoft Teams live event. I’ve never used it before, and neither have the people I’m working with on this. Can anybody tell me what to expect? I’m a… --- ## [Happy holidays!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-holidays/995003)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-holidays/995003 "2024-01-08T12:26:18Z")
Well, I’m about to leave and start my two week winter break but, before I do, I have to wish my SDMB family all the best! Have a blessed holiday season! I love my boardies!! :heart: :kiss: :100: --- ## [AI entering the real world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-entering-the-real-world/995739)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-entering-the-real-world/995739 "2024-01-08T11:52:14Z")
Here’s a thread for sitings of generative AI or LLMs in the real world. I’ve been using ChatGPT and Copilot for work for months now, and I’ve seen Midjourney style art in cheap ads. And I’m sure AI is replacing algorithm… --- ## [David Soul-Dead at 80](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/david-soul-dead-at-80/995665)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/david-soul-dead-at-80/995665 "2024-01-08T05:44:53Z")
Already noted in the 2024 Death Pool thread. --- ## [Annoying song that is just "BUZZZZZ" for the last 2-3 minutes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-song-that-is-just-buzzzzz-for-the-last-2-3-minutes/995670)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-song-that-is-just-buzzzzz-for-the-last-2-3-minutes/995670 "2024-01-08T03:25:54Z")
I’m at the gym and there is some annoying song that must be popular or was recently. The last few minutes just seems to be a constant one note buzz. There is a light drum track in the background and an occasional vocal… --- ## [What is this Japanese horror movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-japanese-horror-movie/995747)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-japanese-horror-movie/995747 "2024-01-08T01:52:54Z")
I just finished watching this on the Roku channel American Horrors. It is a Japanese period piece with drawings of one-eyed, one-legged, long tongued tree shaped creatures that come to life and hop around, and a gang o… --- ## [(Old) Happy New Year 2024 MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-happy-new-year-2024-mmp/995435)
**Author:** [@Kitten\_Mitten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitten_Mitten)\ **Replies:** 424\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-happy-new-year-2024-mmp/995435 "2024-01-08T01:45:29Z")
Wishing all our dear Mumpers the happiest of New Years! :clinking\_glasses: :fireworks: :confetti\_ball: :tada: Any resolutionaries up in this mug? I’m done with resolutions, too old for them. Need to get to bed as soon… --- ## [Is there a driving route from Chicago to Miami that avoids Atlanta (but adds little extra time)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-driving-route-from-chicago-to-miami-that-avoids-atlanta-but-adds-little-extra-time/995199)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-driving-route-from-chicago-to-miami-that-avoids-atlanta-but-adds-little-extra-time/995199 "2024-01-08T01:33:57Z")
My sister and BiL frequently drive from Chicago to Florida (Sarasota). My sister said most of the drive is fine but every time Atlanta ruins her day. She says it is a nightmare driving through it (which is always durin… --- ## [Trump off of ballots - implications and thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-off-of-ballots-implications-and-thoughts/995704)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-off-of-ballots-implications-and-thoughts/995704 "2024-01-08T00:50:07Z")
I have heard, in the media, two basic thoughts on this. One, that he shouldn’t be on a ballot because of Jan 6, and the other, that the voters should be the ones to decide. I’m Canadian so I don’t have a direct dog in t… --- ## [Are casinos allowed to accept wagers that would exceed what they would be capable of paying out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-casinos-allowed-to-accept-wagers-that-would-exceed-what-they-would-be-capable-of-paying-out/995676)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-casinos-allowed-to-accept-wagers-that-would-exceed-what-they-would-be-capable-of-paying-out/995676 "2024-01-07T23:08:40Z")
This could go into either FQ or Game Room: I recall reading a news article about how Leicester City winning the Premier League championship (8 years ago) had been considered such an unlikely outcome that the betting odd… --- ## [TV veterinarian shows -- when things get really real](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-veterinarian-shows-when-things-get-really-real/995661)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-veterinarian-shows-when-things-get-really-real/995661 "2024-01-07T21:51:00Z")
There are a lot of vet shows out there, on broadcast and cable TV, from the classic All Creatures Great and Small through Dr. Jeff, Dr. Dee, Dr. Oakley, Critter Fixers, The Vet Life – to name just a few. I’ve noticed th… --- ## [More utter stupidity from the NY Times (Fellating Uri Geller)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-utter-stupidity-from-the-ny-times-fellating-uri-geller/986797)
**Author:** [@Tatterdemalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tatterdemalion)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-utter-stupidity-from-the-ny-times-fellating-uri-geller/986797 "2024-01-07T21:35:37Z")
This just crossed my news feed. What the heck is going on here? Does this guy have any critical reasoning skills at all? No I really don’t think there is an end to any “grudge.” Uri Geller is a charlatan, a con man, … --- ## [Is there a way to make a cell phone ring at multiple locations at once?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-make-a-cell-phone-ring-at-multiple-locations-at-once/995654)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-make-a-cell-phone-ring-at-multiple-locations-at-once/995654 "2024-01-07T20:51:35Z")
Like pretty much everyone these days, I’ve had a cell phone for decades at this point. But I’ve never gotten in the habit of carrying it with me around the house. Sometimes it’s in the same room as I am, sometimes it’s … --- ## [Who remembers this ad from the nineties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-remembers-this-ad-from-the-nineties/995740)
**Author:** [@philipdalton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/philipdalton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-remembers-this-ad-from-the-nineties/995740 "2024-01-07T18:41:46Z")
It was basically expressing a young girl’s discontent with hair care routines. “I tried everything, but still I wanted more” was what the narrator said. Then, in the end it was established that the hair care product be… --- ## [How to choose a new pharmacy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-choose-a-new-pharmacy/995551)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-choose-a-new-pharmacy/995551 "2024-01-07T18:32:44Z")
My pharmacy has been growing more miserable by the year, and now is bankrupt, having been caught selling opioids illegally. They tell me my doctors have to issue all new scrips to somebody else. But how to choose a new p… --- ## [No tie games in the NFL this year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-tie-games-in-the-nfl-this-year/995384)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-tie-games-in-the-nfl-this-year/995384 "2024-01-07T18:01:26Z")
Is it rare that there are no tie games this far in the season? --- ## [YouTube recommendations for when you need cheering up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-recommendations-for-when-you-need-cheering-up/960760)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-recommendations-for-when-you-need-cheering-up/960760 "2024-01-07T17:51:55Z")
What are some YouTube genres or content creators that you watch when you need cheering up? Genres: Animal reunions with humans or other animals. Family reunions with humans. First time "blank"ing. Where blank is “hea… --- ## [Contrabass/ double bass instrument question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contrabass-double-bass-instrument-question/995681)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contrabass-double-bass-instrument-question/995681 "2024-01-07T14:32:03Z")
I’ve sampled a lot of YouTube videos featuring these, but the actual low notes the instruments are capable of are rarely used. The double bass for example is shown playing scores that could easily be played on a cello. S… --- ## [Heart rate and fitness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-rate-and-fitness/995686)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-rate-and-fitness/995686 "2024-01-07T07:38:48Z")
Okay, so: I should get about 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week (e.g. here), defined by a vigorous heart rate. For my age, “vigorous” is defined as a minimum of X bps (using a variable to not get personal specifics… --- ## [Is tires = fatigue a word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-tires-fatigue-a-word/995707)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-tires-fatigue-a-word/995707 "2024-01-07T04:07:36Z")
I keep thinking of tires as the round, rubber things on a car. I’ve heard tires = fatigue all my life. It’s not in the directory? What?? No s? --- ## [Aporia (Movie on Hulu)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aporia-movie-on-hulu/995725)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aporia-movie-on-hulu/995725 "2024-01-07T03:15:00Z")
I remember seeing a trailer and thinking it looked interesting. Noticed it was on Hulu and just watched it. It was pretty good. It’s a very low key sci-fi movie about the ethics of changing the past. You have to hand w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=655) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=657)