# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=664 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 665 --- ## [VR Games discussion thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-games-discussion-thread/932572)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-games-discussion-thread/932572 "2023-12-27T17:07:24Z")
We’ve had some scattered threads a little bit about VR, but I’d be interested in discussing the games that are available. I suspect there are a lot of new VR users who got an Oculus Quest 2 recently (including myself). … --- ## [Was this compliment inappropriate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-compliment-inappropriate/994817)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-compliment-inappropriate/994817 "2023-12-27T16:46:06Z")
Our municipal building closes at 9pm after night court is concluded. There is a woman, “Sylvia”, who cleans in the building from 11pm-3am. On rare occasion she accidentally locks herself out of the building while taking… --- ## [What is the longest lasting power supply we can practically make for an interstellar space probe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-lasting-power-supply-we-can-practically-make-for-an-interstellar-space-probe/994992)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-lasting-power-supply-we-can-practically-make-for-an-interstellar-space-probe/994992 "2023-12-27T16:36:27Z")
RTG or solar or other? What are the practical limits of how long we can expect we could make it last. I’m talking about power supply only. If we needed one to last 400-500 years is that remotely possible? Also regard… --- ## [The Deradicalization of the Palestinians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-deradicalization-of-the-palestinians/995194)
**Author:** [@InfraBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InfraBlue)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-deradicalization-of-the-palestinians/995194 "2023-12-27T15:30:32Z")
On Monday Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in the Wall Street Journal an opinion piece (paywalled) about Israel’s three prerequisites for peace, the third of which is the deradicalization of Palestinian society, saying that chil… --- ## [How many people here can pronounce Chamois, the material and common purpose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-here-can-pronounce-chamois-the-material-and-common-purpose/994889)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-here-can-pronounce-chamois-the-material-and-common-purpose/994889 "2023-12-27T13:56:58Z")
I LMAO just now. The Van Morrison classic Google Saint Dominic’s Preview lyrics The default lyrics say --- ## [Which would cause you more grief?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-would-cause-you-more-grief/995121)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-would-cause-you-more-grief/995121 "2023-12-27T13:27:08Z")
Apologies for a downer thread on xmas, but it came up today… One of my daughter’s nieces died last year after a couple of years of life spent in and out of hospital. Today her grandfather posted something on FB about h… --- ## [(Great) Britain becoming the UK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-britain-becoming-the-uk/995157)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-britain-becoming-the-uk/995157 "2023-12-27T11:28:07Z")
I feel I’ve noticed a trend of the term “(Great) Britain”, or the corresponding adjective, being increasingly replaced by “UK” in British usage. Yes, I know, strictly speaking Great Britain is only the island on which En… --- ## [Christmas Eve - for the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-eve-for-the-sdmb/995093)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-eve-for-the-sdmb/995093 "2023-12-27T06:19:31Z")
Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday evening. For those that observe the Holiday, Have a Merry Christmas --- ## [A Pleasant Surprise: I got a Turkey Dinner for Christmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pleasant-surprise-i-got-a-turkey-dinner-for-christmas/995111)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pleasant-surprise-i-got-a-turkey-dinner-for-christmas/995111 "2023-12-27T05:49:19Z")
As many of you know, I like to play horse racing. While we do have live racing locally, we also have a race book at the track, where I can wager on anything that’s running in North America, even if they’re not running l… --- ## [What did you buy today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-you-buy-today/995020)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-you-buy-today/995020 "2023-12-27T05:00:38Z")
A Snickers bar? A new car? Something in between? List some or all of today’s purchases, online, in-person, whatever. Today I bought: 7 lbs. of kielbasa A carrot cake A red velvet cake A block of buffalo cheddar chees… --- ## [Any benefit to paying down a large credit card balance before year-end?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-benefit-to-paying-down-a-large-credit-card-balance-before-year-end/995166)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-benefit-to-paying-down-a-large-credit-card-balance-before-year-end/995166 "2023-12-27T01:54:47Z")
My normal payment cycle includes me paying down my credit cards at the beginning of the month. However, I built up some large balances this past month, so that got me wondering if there is any benefit to paying them dow… --- ## [Steam Trolls Players With Bans Wrapped Up Like Christmas Presents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-trolls-players-with-bans-wrapped-up-like-christmas-presents/995143)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-trolls-players-with-bans-wrapped-up-like-christmas-presents/995143 "2023-12-27T00:26:30Z")
Link Video game companies have gotten very creative when it comes to punishing cheaters, from cutting their parachutes’ strings in Call of Duty to blowing them up in Grand Theft Auto Online. But Valve just set a new be… --- ## [Ivy and the Chocolate covered Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivy-and-the-chocolate-covered-cherry/995073)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2023, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivy-and-the-chocolate-covered-cherry/995073 "2023-12-27T00:01:21Z")
She likes to torment me. I can’t have that. She should not have it. She begs to differ. They are the cheapo ones. Not the fancy brand. These are $2 in the store. Still I want one. So… I plead and promise to be good.… --- ## [How does someone with no business acumen get to be the richest person in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-someone-with-no-business-acumen-get-to-be-the-richest-person-in-the-world/974903)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 517\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-someone-with-no-business-acumen-get-to-be-the-richest-person-in-the-world/974903 "2023-12-26T23:27:24Z")
The collapse of Twitter will be a classic case study for MBA students someday. How did a guy who doesn’t understand where Twitter’s value is, gutted the company, and destroyed its brand and integrity get to be so wealthy… --- ## [How much physical force can you use to evict a trespasser?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-physical-force-can-you-use-to-evict-a-trespasser/995190)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-physical-force-can-you-use-to-evict-a-trespasser/995190 "2023-12-26T22:18:21Z")
Obviously this depends heavily on jurisdiction according to state law, but can anyone give examples? The problem today is that the pat answer “call the police” isn’t always workable. Removing homeless persons, public dru… --- ## [Switching from natural gas dryer to electric dryer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-from-natural-gas-dryer-to-electric-dryer/994849 "2023-12-26T21:08:36Z")
I know there have been threads about this before, but they all seem to focus on costs – startup costs for switching, and long-term costs for using. I don’t care about those things so much. Which is environmentally bet… --- ## [On Re-reading all of Robert Heinlein via The Virginia Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-re-reading-all-of-robert-heinlein-via-the-virginia-edition/637729)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 770\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-re-reading-all-of-robert-heinlein-via-the-virginia-edition/637729 "2023-12-26T20:09:39Z")
As some of you may remember last year I purchased The Virginia Edition. TVE is a complete Heinlein. And they mean complete. All the books, stories, screenplays, essays, and letters available that were written by the ol… --- ## [Peter Zeihan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-zeihan/995187)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-zeihan/995187 "2023-12-26T19:18:33Z")
So about a year ago, I started seeing this guy everywhere. He’s apparently some geopolitical expert. I enjoy his videos. But I question the certainty with which he makes his claims. For instance, he has a number of v… --- ## [Recycling old car model names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-old-car-model-names/995068)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-old-car-model-names/995068 "2023-12-26T17:52:11Z")
Dodge/Chrysler/Stellantis has recently revived the name Hornet for a compact hatchback/SUV. What other Model Names do you think they should bring back? Rambler? Coronet? Polara? --- ## [Is anyone else having a less than festive Christmas holiday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-having-a-less-than-festive-christmas-holiday/995113)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-having-a-less-than-festive-christmas-holiday/995113 "2023-12-26T15:50:56Z")
I’m addressing this to those who celebrate. Anyway, I am, and I know a lot of other people are, and TBH, there’s more to it than my father’s death a few months ago. Even though I’m a Christian, it just seems like anoth… --- ## [Four chord question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-chord-question/994455)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-chord-question/994455 "2023-12-26T15:17:11Z")
Ed Sheeran has posted a short video where he says he can play any song using 4 chords. The same 4 chords. Sure, you can get by with a LOT with the I, IV, V, and vi, but what I’m wondering would playing a V7 be considered… --- ## [AC Motor and Fluorescent Lights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ac-motor-and-fluorescent-lights/995125)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ac-motor-and-fluorescent-lights/995125 "2023-12-26T15:05:36Z")
We put a new fridge / freezer unit on the same outlet with a washing machine and a fluorescent light. The fluorescent light (a conventional bulb, low end fixure that is not hard wired - just to add more light in our base… --- ## [Shallots: How many is "one" shallot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shallots-how-many-is-one-shallot/995071)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shallots-how-many-is-one-shallot/995071 "2023-12-26T13:33:26Z")
I was looking at some recipes that call for a shallot (as in one). But, when I went to the store some shallots had two…bulbs…in one single wrapping of the dry “paper” that encases them. Then, I saw other shallots which… --- ## [Legal estate question: Renovations to a condo while it is still part of the estate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-estate-question-renovations-to-a-condo-while-it-is-still-part-of-the-estate/995082)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-estate-question-renovations-to-a-condo-while-it-is-still-part-of-the-estate/995082 "2023-12-26T13:04:28Z")
My wife’s mother died recently. My wife is the executor named in the will, and is the sole heir. We have not yet been to county probate to get a testamentary letter, but have an appointment for Jan 10. My MIL had a condo… --- ## [“Do Not Pass” Truck Squad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-not-pass-truck-squad/994932)
**Author:** [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-not-pass-truck-squad/994932 "2023-12-26T10:42:56Z")
Okay, this was a different experience. On the way to work on the highway, a pack of three trucks with signs facing backward, reading “Do Not Pass” merged on and drove back and forth between lanes, keeping all cars behind… --- ## [Scanning the images from those old plastic 'slide viewers'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scanning-the-images-from-those-old-plastic-slide-viewers/995133)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scanning-the-images-from-those-old-plastic-slide-viewers/995133 "2023-12-26T04:18:52Z")
During some recent cleaning, I found some of those little, single-pic, ‘slide viewers’. (I think that’s what they’re called. Googling that term turns up mostly larger systems that can be loaded with multiple slides which… --- ## [What day is your "Christmas Dinner" on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-day-is-your-christmas-dinner-on/995081)
**Author:** [@dorvann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dorvann)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2023, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-day-is-your-christmas-dinner-on/995081 "2023-12-26T00:19:14Z")
If someone invited to you to “Christmas Dinner” what day would you assume they meant? A Christmas Eve Dinner or A Christmas Day Dinner? My immediate family usually has it on Christmas Eve but at some relatives would … --- ## [Let's share our favorite lasagna recipes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-share-our-favorite-lasagna-recipes/995052)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2023, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-share-our-favorite-lasagna-recipes/995052 "2023-12-25T21:41:59Z")
Hi everyone, I hope you are all enjoying your holiday festivities. I am in charge of the lasagna this year and I need to do two of them. I am fairly practiced at throwing together a basic lasagna, but to be honest, th… --- ## [And a Merry Mari Lwyd to you!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-a-merry-mari-lwyd-to-you/995080)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2023, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-a-merry-mari-lwyd-to-you/995080 "2023-12-25T21:10:54Z")
The Welsh have a holiday tradition from way back in pagan times, a midwinter celebration of wit, banter, poetry slam, and of course feasting and drinking. Folks stick a horse skull up on a pole, decorate it with ribbons… --- ## [KCRW founder Ruth Seymour died on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at the age of 88](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kcrw-founder-ruth-seymour-died-on-friday-dec-22-2023-at-the-age-of-88/995025)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2023, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kcrw-founder-ruth-seymour-died-on-friday-dec-22-2023-at-the-age-of-88/995025 "2023-12-25T20:52:49Z")
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