# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=658 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 659 --- ## [What's with the people who only sell phone cases at kiosks at the mall/tourist places?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-people-who-only-sell-phone-cases-at-kiosks-at-the-mall-tourist-places/995520)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-people-who-only-sell-phone-cases-at-kiosks-at-the-mall-tourist-places/995520 "2024-01-05T14:06:29Z")
Are there REALLY that many people who desperately need a new phone case right that second? --- ## [After the war in Ukraine is over, can the west use the frozen russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-the-war-in-ukraine-is-over-can-the-west-use-the-frozen-russian-assets-to-help-rebuild-ukraine/962754)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-the-war-in-ukraine-is-over-can-the-west-use-the-frozen-russian-assets-to-help-rebuild-ukraine/962754 "2024-01-05T13:35:45Z")
What happens with all the frozen assets, seized yachts, oligarch mansions, etc. after the war? Seven countries have frozen assets barring Russia from at least $284 billion. After the war is over, can that money be … --- ## [I wrote some music that made me cry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wrote-some-music-that-made-me-cry/995526)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wrote-some-music-that-made-me-cry/995526 "2024-01-05T12:43:07Z")
Pretty much just what the subject says. I wrote a piece for violin and piano today called “Habitat Loss” for a composition competition. And as I was listening I just burst into tears. … And no it wasn’t because it was … --- ## [We 99ers--a Straight Dope Longtimers Poll & Scrapbook.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-99ers-a-straight-dope-longtimers-poll-scrapbook/236587)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-99ers-a-straight-dope-longtimers-poll-scrapbook/236587 "2024-01-05T09:15:42Z")
We 99ers–we who joined the SDMB back in 1999. How many there were, and how few left. Some died, & shall always miss them. Other were banned, and are missed to greater or lesser degrees. Most just…vanished. Alive? Dea… --- ## [Questions about signing up for medicare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-signing-up-for-medicare/995573)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-signing-up-for-medicare/995573 "2024-01-05T07:14:19Z")
I will be turning 65 at the end this month and have a few questions about Medicare. I have decided to sign up for parts A, B, and D. Here are my questions: Part D is provided via private insurance, correct? Can I sig… --- ## [High-bypass turbofan design: why the longer outer duct on later designs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-bypass-turbofan-design-why-the-longer-outer-duct-on-later-designs/995585)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-bypass-turbofan-design-why-the-longer-outer-duct-on-later-designs/995585 "2024-01-05T02:58:50Z")
Looking at this line drawing of the evolution of the 747, a particular detail of the engines caught my eye. Moving from the earliest model (the 747-100) down to the latest (the 747-8), it appears the outer nacelle, whic… --- ## [The Miselucidation of Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-miselucidation-of-whack-a-mole/995332)
**Author:** [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-miselucidation-of-whack-a-mole/995332 "2024-01-05T01:51:56Z")
As continued from the Request: don’t put ChatGPT or other AI-generated content in non-AI threads: No, because the answer you gave was wrong. Not just subtly wrong, but blatantly, egregiously, obviously wrong by inspec… --- ## [Another list to drive clicks: Rolling Stone's top 150 Scifi movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-list-to-drive-clicks-rolling-stones-top-150-scifi-movies/995542)
**Author:** [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-list-to-drive-clicks-rolling-stones-top-150-scifi-movies/995542 "2024-01-05T01:43:13Z")
I think I’d like to try watching through this list in 2024. There are lots on here I’ve always meant to see, some I have seen, and a few I dread rewatching. Below are the top 11, because this list finally recognizes Sta… --- ## [PSA: Library bars exist. Also general library fan thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psa-library-bars-exist-also-general-library-fan-thread/995615)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psa-library-bars-exist-also-general-library-fan-thread/995615 "2024-01-05T01:34:04Z")
London has 16 - yes 16 - library bars. I want to go to all of them. Library cafes are also a thing (so is Barnes and Noble) which is all manner of awesome. Post your library pics here and have a library directory on t… --- ## [Can A Car's Airbag Be Activated By A Pedestrian Kicking The Front Of The Car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-cars-airbag-be-activated-by-a-pedestrian-kicking-the-front-of-the-car/995504)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-cars-airbag-be-activated-by-a-pedestrian-kicking-the-front-of-the-car/995504 "2024-01-05T01:32:33Z")
A brief (as in, 5-10 seconds) ad for some streaming series appears in my ads from time to time. It shows a man sitting in a car and a pedestrian angrily approaches it. The pedestrian then kicks the car in just the right … --- ## [Ferrari - The Movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ferrari-the-movie/995425)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ferrari-the-movie/995425 "2024-01-04T23:37:36Z")
Great/interesting film. Ferrari’s wife, as part of their financial arrangement, insisted his biological son never use the Ferrari surname. The film didn’t specifically say he agreed or disagreed. However, during the film… --- ## [Do they show replays of disgraced players?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-show-replays-of-disgraced-players/995146)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-show-replays-of-disgraced-players/995146 "2024-01-04T22:53:53Z")
I was watching the Monday Night game and they showed some replays of previous games on Xmas. That got me to thinking, do they ever show great plays by OJ Simpson or Pete Rose and the like during regular football or baseb… --- ## [Just how badly is downtown San Francisco doing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-how-badly-is-downtown-san-francisco-doing/984775)
**Author:** [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-how-badly-is-downtown-san-francisco-doing/984775 "2024-01-04T21:30:20Z")
I’ve been seeing a lot of news articles recently about how deserted downtown San Francisco is with post-pandemic work-from-home, including how many stores are closing for lack of office-worker customers, I’m in Chicago.… --- ## [Covid-19 Thread: 2023 Breaking News](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-thread-2023-breaking-news/977610)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-thread-2023-breaking-news/977610 "2024-01-04T20:10:07Z")
Since we have a new year, perhaps a new Covid-19 Breaking News edition. Previous editions were started by Snowboarder\_Bo, but he seems to have left Straight Dope. A new variant \[XBB.1.5\] rapidly increasing: --- ## [The handcycle is dead, long live the handcycle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handcycle-is-dead-long-live-the-handcycle/995466)
**Author:** [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handcycle-is-dead-long-live-the-handcycle/995466 "2024-01-04T19:45:25Z")
In short, my now previous bike had several failures that left me stranded. Fortunately, the person I coach with was able to get me home but I don’t want to have to depend on him as he’s regularly out of town. The new bi… --- ## [Somebody forgot to tell me a new "Amazing Race" has started!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somebody-forgot-to-tell-me-a-new-amazing-race-has-started/992134)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somebody-forgot-to-tell-me-a-new-amazing-race-has-started/992134 "2024-01-04T19:15:53Z")
While watching football on Sunday, I saw a brief promo for a new “Amazing Race”. I told my wife “Hey, a new Amazing Race starts this week!” Then I pulled up the DVR to make sure it was set to record, and I discovered it … --- ## [Is adding preferred pronouns to the chat boxes possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-adding-preferred-pronouns-to-the-chat-boxes-possible/995336)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-adding-preferred-pronouns-to-the-chat-boxes-possible/995336 "2024-01-04T18:00:17Z")
OK theres a debate about using pronouns here and a debate on doing this from a year ago … but what im asking is can the option get done technically on the board or will ya have to rewrite stuff ? --- ## [How many of these 20 best Sight and Sound films have you seen? How many have you heard of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-these-20-best-sight-and-sound-films-have-you-seen-how-many-have-you-heard-of/995524)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-these-20-best-sight-and-sound-films-have-you-seen-how-many-have-you-heard-of/995524 "2024-01-04T17:50:51Z")
Sight and sound is a magazine published by the British Film Institute. Starting in 1952, and continuing once every 10 years, they poll and publish their list of the Greatest Films of All Time based on critics and film pr… --- ## [Another reason I'm glad the "holiday season" is over](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-reason-im-glad-the-holiday-season-is-over/995528)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-reason-im-glad-the-holiday-season-is-over/995528 "2024-01-04T17:09:28Z")
During late November and all of December, my email was swamped with spam emails, 30 and 40 a day. I guess those folks had to finance their Christmas presents somehow. It stopped abruptly on Christmas Eve, down to fewer t… --- ## [Noise abatement: basketball and kids screaming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noise-abatement-basketball-and-kids-screaming/822631)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noise-abatement-basketball-and-kids-screaming/822631 "2024-01-04T16:32:12Z")
Does anyone know the best way to block the noise of a basketball bouncing on cement, and kids screaming? My next-door neighbors are very loud outside my bedroom window. My windows are single-pane. At this link, https:… --- ## [Answering machines in US TV shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/answering-machines-in-us-tv-shows/995556)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/answering-machines-in-us-tv-shows/995556 "2024-01-04T16:30:12Z")
A staple of US TV shows is a scene where person B is calling person A’s home phone. Either person A is blowing B off so deliberatley leaves the phone unanswered, (until B says something interesting, at which A pretends t… --- ## [LEGO are pretty bad, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lego-are-pretty-bad-right/981716)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lego-are-pretty-bad-right/981716 "2024-01-04T16:28:02Z")
(Apologies if I’ve already made this rant here, I searched and I don’t think I have). Back in my day, Legos were toy bricks that you could build whatever you wanted with. The instruction book came with some suggestions… --- ## [Why do houses explode?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-houses-explode/995491)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-houses-explode/995491 "2024-01-04T15:32:27Z")
The obvious answer to the subject line involves the ignition of flammable material, almost always an accumulation of natural gas or propane inside the home. But is there a common point of failure that is frequently poin… --- ## [Is there a danger that Ukraine could eventually be overwhelmed by the vastly larger population of Russia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-danger-that-ukraine-could-eventually-be-overwhelmed-by-the-vastly-larger-population-of-russia/994695)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-danger-that-ukraine-could-eventually-be-overwhelmed-by-the-vastly-larger-population-of-russia/994695 "2024-01-04T14:52:42Z")
Is their a danger that Ukraine could eventually be overwhelmed by the vastly larger population of Russia? It happened to Hitler in Berlin. All that was left to fight were WWI vets and Hitler Youth. The Soviet forces ate… --- ## [What If...? (Disney+ Series) \[Open Spoilers After First Post\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-disney-series-open-spoilers-after-first-post/948478)
**Author:** [@gdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gdave)\ **Replies:** 371\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-disney-series-open-spoilers-after-first-post/948478 "2024-01-04T14:32:58Z")
What If…? is a new animated series on Disney+. Based on the Marvel comic of the same name, each episode is going to examine what if some key even in the Marvel Cinematic Universe occurred differently. The first episode p… --- ## [Can I sell my cable box?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-sell-my-cable-box/995465)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-sell-my-cable-box/995465 "2024-01-04T14:15:33Z")
Not that I’m going to. Just wondering. One of my U-verse boxes went to shit and A.T.&T. is shipping me a new one. I got an email that said " Your new equipment is on the way and should be arriving soon. There’s no need… --- ## [(Lie about) Your Internet Fame](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lie-about-your-internet-fame/995436)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lie-about-your-internet-fame/995436 "2024-01-04T12:31:53Z")
I invented Captchas! --- ## [Are the rules for introducing defensive evidence more lenient than for introducing prosecutorial evidence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-rules-for-introducing-defensive-evidence-more-lenient-than-for-introducing-prosecutorial-evidence/988488)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-rules-for-introducing-defensive-evidence-more-lenient-than-for-introducing-prosecutorial-evidence/988488 "2024-01-04T11:24:16Z")
AIUI, the defense has significant advantages in any criminal case, due to the presumption of innocence and burden being on the prosecution. One factor is that the prosecution has tough rules to meet in terms of evidence… --- ## [Do you need to replace brake rotors when replacing brake pads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-to-replace-brake-rotors-when-replacing-brake-pads/989380)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-to-replace-brake-rotors-when-replacing-brake-pads/989380 "2024-01-04T11:13:42Z")
It’s been a number of years since I installed new brake pads on a car as a do-it-yourselfer, and I always just used new pads and didn’t do anything with the rotors. I just had a safety inspection, and they told me the br… --- ## [Are zoot suits still banned in Los Angeles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-zoot-suits-still-banned-in-los-angeles/994948)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-zoot-suits-still-banned-in-los-angeles/994948 "2024-01-04T10:49:08Z")
‘It is illegal to wear a zoot suit in Los Angeles.’ (Unless you’re a performer.) This has been claimed on several ‘weird laws that still exist’ sites. Question: Is the zoot suit ban still on the books? If not, when w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=657) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=659)