# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=661 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 662 --- ## [Alternatives to... twitter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-twitter/989825)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2024, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-twitter/989825 "2024-01-01T02:32:40Z")
Here we recommend and discuss alternatives to twitter. Straight Dope Message Board. Home of some of the smartest, hippest people on the planet, plus a few total dipsticks. Heavily moderated by internet standards. Host… --- ## [Is Judith Thomson’s abortion analogy valid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-judith-thomson-s-abortion-analogy-valid/994716)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2024, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-judith-thomson-s-abortion-analogy-valid/994716 "2024-01-01T02:32:19Z")
In her essay A Defense of Abortion Judith Thomson uses the example of someone being sick and needing Henry Fonda to touch them to save their life as an example of a need not representing an obligation on someone else’s p… --- ## [Windshield glass scratch repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-glass-scratch-repair/995348)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2024, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-glass-scratch-repair/995348 "2024-01-01T01:46:46Z")
I have some very fine scratches in my windshield that are annoying me. They are usually not visible but when the sun hits just right, they look almost like spider web threads. I bought the car used, so have no idea what … --- ## [Scientists may have found a living tree older than the Methuselah Pine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientists-may-have-found-a-living-tree-older-than-the-methuselah-pine/995401)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2024, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientists-may-have-found-a-living-tree-older-than-the-methuselah-pine/995401 "2024-01-01T01:34:01Z")
Story: Fascinating stuff, whether or not tests confirm the estimated age. However, the article does include a passing comment I find really depressing: the location of these ancient trees has to be kept secret from t… --- ## [Question about football (kinda)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-football-kinda/995145)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2024, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-football-kinda/995145 "2024-01-01T01:31:55Z")
At halftime, what do the people in the stands watch instead of less-agile millionaires yammering away like the folks stuck at home have to? --- ## [Wax museums - what about the bodies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wax-museums-what-about-the-bodies/995421)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wax-museums-what-about-the-bodies/995421 "2023-12-31T21:34:17Z")
Wax museums date back at least until to the 18th century, where famous people, often criminals, were often the subjects. Nowadays, they make the bodies of the wax figures from fiberglass and aluminum, two substances tha… --- ## [Tom Wilkinson has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-wilkinson-has-died/995360)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-wilkinson-has-died/995360 "2023-12-31T21:15:11Z")
Well, damn again. Another one… He was 75. Hell, I’M 75. :slightly\_frowning\_face: If you watch any amount of British TV or movies, he will be familiar to you. His name in the cast usually indicated a quality productio… --- ## [Please help ID this movie. Lili Marlene related. WWII, North Africa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-id-this-movie-lili-marlene-related-wwii-north-africa/995346)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-id-this-movie-lili-marlene-related-wwii-north-africa/995346 "2023-12-31T21:14:06Z")
I don’t have a lot to go on. Plus, my memory could be faulty, or conflating two movies. So I’ll describe it like I remember it, without any modern interpretation. I saw it in probably in the 70s, on Saturday afternoon m… --- ## [Energy needs of UNIVAC type computers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-needs-of-univac-type-computers/993501)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-needs-of-univac-type-computers/993501 "2023-12-31T21:02:09Z")
What are/were the energy needs of the old UNIVAC type computers verses, say, a new iMac? If the difference is a lot, how much less energy will future computers need? --- ## [The local news is interviewing a psychic/medium/pet psychic right now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-local-news-is-interviewing-a-psychic-medium-pet-psychic-right-now/995407)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-local-news-is-interviewing-a-psychic-medium-pet-psychic-right-now/995407 "2023-12-31T20:52:37Z")
They are promoting a psychic event. She will be there as well as an astrologist, a reflexologist, a tarot card reader, etc. This is on a news program. She is now giving a reading to the host. “You are someone who likes… --- ## [Fouled spark plug in engine with 10 minutes total run time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fouled-spark-plug-in-engine-with-10-minutes-total-run-time/995363)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fouled-spark-plug-in-engine-with-10-minutes-total-run-time/995363 "2023-12-31T20:27:10Z")
My new leaf blower died after 10 minutes of use and I took it to the warranty service place. They found the spark plug was blackened and fouled and would not ignite the fuel. They replaced it, and now it seems to work OK… --- ## [How does the President have the power to veto a trade commission ruling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-president-have-the-power-to-veto-a-trade-commission-ruling/995183)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-president-have-the-power-to-veto-a-trade-commission-ruling/995183 "2023-12-31T20:05:27Z")
This refers to the Apple watch ban the ITC put into affect on patent infringement grounds. FIrst, I’ll avoid the fact that I don’t understand why this is in the executive branch, where I thought, patent infringement cas… --- ## [The Poetry of Donald J. Trump -- Special Fly Paper Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-special-fly-paper-edition/991708)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-special-fly-paper-edition/991708 "2023-12-31T18:24:24Z")
You knew this was coming, right? Trump speaking in Iowa on October 16, 2023. He was distracted by some flies, which prompted this digression: I didn’t know you had flies here in Iowa I hate flies Now I’ll get in trou… --- ## [SDMB Dopers -please advise how do you retain your basic empathy and humanity in these troubled days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-dopers-please-advise-how-do-you-retain-your-basic-empathy-and-humanity-in-these-troubled-days/994905)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-dopers-please-advise-how-do-you-retain-your-basic-empathy-and-humanity-in-these-troubled-days/994905 "2023-12-31T15:50:41Z")
I don’t think there’s a need to elaborate? The thread title speaks for itself. A brief list of today and everyday’s news… Complete lack of focused National leadership Nasty and even violent National politics Congressi… --- ## [Are car dealers incentivized by the date the deal is signed or the date the car is delivered (need answer fast)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-car-dealers-incentivized-by-the-date-the-deal-is-signed-or-the-date-the-car-is-delivered-need-answer-fast/995369)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-car-dealers-incentivized-by-the-date-the-deal-is-signed-or-the-date-the-car-is-delivered-need-answer-fast/995369 "2023-12-31T09:49:12Z")
Is there any incentive for a new car dealer to cut a deal before the end of the calendar year for a car which has not arrived on the lot yet (and might not arrive for a month or so)? Mrs. Martian is convinced that astoun… --- ## [Small propane tank storage rules](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-propane-tank-storage-rules/995370)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-propane-tank-storage-rules/995370 "2023-12-31T09:45:52Z")
In the below video of a teardrop trailer, the front storage box has both the battery and the propane tank. I do not know if the compartment is vented. Is there some DOT or other rule that would apply here? (OSHA rules… --- ## [Two Christmas gifts that are so awesome, I'm not sure how to react](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-christmas-gifts-that-are-so-awesome-im-not-sure-how-to-react/995242)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2023, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-christmas-gifts-that-are-so-awesome-im-not-sure-how-to-react/995242 "2023-12-31T04:09:30Z")
Well, one was for me and Mr. Rilch. Still mind-blowing, though. So on Christmas morning, I open a box that contains an envelope. I open the envelope, read a few words and start shrieking so loud it’s a good thing we don… --- ## [The Munger Residence Hall Project. Let's talk about it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-munger-residence-hall-project-lets-talk-about-it/953495)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 326\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-munger-residence-hall-project-lets-talk-about-it/953495 "2023-12-30T22:56:56Z")
From the above: A consulting architect on UCSB’s Design Review Committee has quit his post in protest over the university’s proposed Munger Hall project, calling the massive, mostly-windowless dormitory plan “unsuppor… --- ## [Why do some champagne bottles explode/shatter in your hands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-champagne-bottles-explode-shatter-in-your-hands/543047)
**Author:** [@Logical\_Phallacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Logical_Phallacy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-champagne-bottles-explode-shatter-in-your-hands/543047 "2023-12-30T22:14:01Z")
I’ve recently become interested in the art of sabrage, that is, opening champagne (or beer, if you must) with a sabre or chef’s knife. Essentially, the technique involves applying a buncha pressure to the point of stres… --- ## [A murder mystery plot twist I've never seen (possibly open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-murder-mystery-plot-twist-ive-never-seen-possibly-open-spoilers/992691)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-murder-mystery-plot-twist-ive-never-seen-possibly-open-spoilers/992691 "2023-12-30T21:58:08Z")
Has there ever been a book, short story, or film, where the detective investigating the murder turned out to be the murderer? Since the very nature of this question involves spoilers, I’ll invite you to use spoiler tags… --- ## [Buy, Rent, or Online: How do today's college students acquire their textbooks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buy-rent-or-online-how-do-todays-college-students-acquire-their-textbooks/994950)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buy-rent-or-online-how-do-todays-college-students-acquire-their-textbooks/994950 "2023-12-30T21:35:40Z")
I just read about the ever-increasing cost of college textbooks as some STEM texts are now priced well north of 400 USD. Questions: I know students can purchase texts from the campus bookstore and e-stores, but genera… --- ## [Holiday Disasters, anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holiday-disasters-anyone/995230)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holiday-disasters-anyone/995230 "2023-12-30T21:28:56Z")
I thought I was batting 1.000. One of my responsibilities was setting up our big boat cooler with layers of ice and drinks for our xmas eve party. I had an inoffensive lager for my sister’s husband, a session IPA for … --- ## [Straight Dope 2/24/2023: What are the chances artificial intelligence will destroy humanity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-2-24-2023-what-are-the-chances-artificial-intelligence-will-destroy-humanity/980302)
**Author:** [@Cecil\_Adams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cecil_Adams)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-2-24-2023-what-are-the-chances-artificial-intelligence-will-destroy-humanity/980302 "2023-12-30T20:22:36Z")
What are the chances artificial intelligence will destroy humanity? What, you thought the worst that could happen was a search engine declares its love for you? Then you haven’t been following the AI news very closely –… --- ## [“Ten Charts That Defined 2023”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-charts-that-defined-2023/995283)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-charts-that-defined-2023/995283 "2023-12-30T19:53:39Z")
A list of infographics that do a decent job of summing up the year in politics and economics. --- ## [Why Not View "Super Wealthy" as "Super Greedy", not "Super Successful"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-view-super-wealthy-as-super-greedy-not-super-successful/283824)
**Author:** [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Replies:** 225\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-view-super-wealthy-as-super-greedy-not-super-successful/283824 "2023-12-30T18:02:52Z")
Why is it admirable for Mr./Ms. X to pay their employees peanuts in order to retain earnings for themselves? Wouldn’t they be more worthy of respect if they chose to share the profits with the employees who earned them? … --- ## [If super-strong acids like sulfuric acid could be ingested without harm, would they taste extremely sour?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-super-strong-acids-like-sulfuric-acid-could-be-ingested-without-harm-would-they-taste-extremely-sour/995295)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-super-strong-acids-like-sulfuric-acid-could-be-ingested-without-harm-would-they-taste-extremely-sour/995295 "2023-12-30T17:30:05Z")
I’m assuming that the more intense an acid is, the sourer it tastes, such that lemon juice doesn’t burn our mouths but already registers as pretty strong on the sour-o-meter. What would things like nitric acid, sulfuric … --- ## [Has anyone been following events in China recently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-been-following-events-in-china-recently/952420)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-been-following-events-in-china-recently/952420 "2023-12-30T16:47:44Z")
Just curious if anyone else has been following events in China over the last year or so and is starting to worry about it (or has another take on things). Here is what I’ve seen. Recently, China has had another season … --- ## [Ain't that sweet? Dammit, cat, stop it!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aint-that-sweet-dammit-cat-stop-it/995027)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aint-that-sweet-dammit-cat-stop-it/995027 "2023-12-30T16:12:18Z")
Your cat’s annoying adorable habits? Adorably annoying? The Merc (Freddie Mercury) wants me to pay attention to him and stretches out his left foreleg to pat me gently with his paw, touching my arm or face. With his c… --- ## ["Short Cord Instructions": Do extension cords exist that are safe to use with high wattage appliances (e.g., a microwave)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-cord-instructions-do-extension-cords-exist-that-are-safe-to-use-with-high-wattage-appliances-e-g-a-microwave/995076)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-cord-instructions-do-extension-cords-exist-that-are-safe-to-use-with-high-wattage-appliances-e-g-a-microwave/995076 "2023-12-30T14:12:53Z")
I’ve always heard that it’s risky to use extension cords with high wattage appliances like vacuum cleaners, space heaters, and microwave ovens. But does this conventional wisdom apply to all extension cords, or only th… --- ## [Tom Smothers has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-smothers-has-died/995239)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-smothers-has-died/995239 "2023-12-30T12:23:36Z")
Damn. I loved their show, and Tommy was my favorite of the two. Some of you (who are old enough) may remember that there was a musicians’ strike one year, which left the show without its musical backup. So The Beatle… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=660) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=662)