# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=666 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 667 --- ## [Top 10 Movies of 2023 - my list and open discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-10-movies-of-2023-my-list-and-open-discussion/994715)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2023, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-10-movies-of-2023-my-list-and-open-discussion/994715 "2023-12-24T04:11:19Z")
I made a Top 10 list this year, something I don’t always do. I just felt like I had an easier time ranking movies this year and there were some clear stand-outs that were exceptional. As always, there are movies I have y… --- ## [Solar Energy question?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-energy-question/994914)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-energy-question/994914 "2023-12-23T23:04:37Z")
If a skyscraper were built to generate its own power and hopefully more would it be best at this time to simply cover it in solar panels, or could a different system possibly be incorporated such as an out shell that col… --- ## [Origin of "Ignore alien orders" phrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-ignore-alien-orders-phrase/212389)
**Author:** [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-ignore-alien-orders-phrase/212389 "2023-12-23T22:51:27Z")
Just what the subject says. I’ve Googled my butt off, but I can’t track down the origin of this phrase. Does anyone have the answer? --- ## [My epiphany about eating and weight loss (pretty long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-epiphany-about-eating-and-weight-loss-pretty-long/994596)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-epiphany-about-eating-and-weight-loss-pretty-long/994596 "2023-12-23T22:25:41Z")
About a year ago, my A1C rose from pre-diabetic, usually around 6.0 to 6.2, to diabetic at 6.6. This, combined with a previous episode of atrial flutter (which was corrected) jolted me into the realization that I could n… --- ## [Head hair on a young man](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-hair-on-a-young-man/994966)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-hair-on-a-young-man/994966 "2023-12-23T21:13:08Z")
Son-of-a-wrek thinks he is going bald. He is going prematurely grey. Like his Dad did. As a teen he had a thick shock of blond hair. He went to the Marines and that left pretty quickly. After his time he grew it out s… --- ## [Most successful siblings (of 3 or more) in sports history](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-successful-siblings-of-3-or-more-in-sports-history/993926)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-successful-siblings-of-3-or-more-in-sports-history/993926 "2023-12-23T20:34:45Z")
Watching 2 of the 3 Hughes brothers playing for the NJ Devils recently made me consider this question. Quinn, Jack and Luke were all drafted in the top 7 of the NHL draft and off to great starts to their hockey careers,… --- ## [POLL: What is your net worth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-is-your-net-worth/921114)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-is-your-net-worth/921114 "2023-12-23T20:05:38Z")
poll You can include house equity without subtracting the mortgage amount - “I put down 120k on my home and it’s worth $80k more now == +$200k”. If you have student or car/boat/whatevs loans, subtract those if substantia… --- ## [Billionaire income tax?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billionaire-income-tax/994864)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billionaire-income-tax/994864 "2023-12-23T18:26:34Z")
For anyone who knows about economics maybe you can explain something for me? There’s a lot of criticism of billionaires not paying taxes lately for good reasons, but the typical response is often something like, well th… --- ## [News stories about Congress members who take credit for programs that they voted against](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/news-stories-about-congress-members-who-take-credit-for-programs-that-they-voted-against/995050)
**Author:** [@2outta3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2outta3)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/news-stories-about-congress-members-who-take-credit-for-programs-that-they-voted-against/995050 "2023-12-23T18:01:53Z")
Over the past couple of years I’ve seen a number of stories identifying individuals who are doing this when giving speeches to their supporters. Has this become more widespread in recent years or is it just the result of… --- ## [20 years later, Joel Schumacher apologizes for Batman & Robin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-years-later-joel-schumacher-apologizes-for-batman-robin/788829)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-years-later-joel-schumacher-apologizes-for-batman-robin/788829 "2023-12-23T17:31:44Z")
Fantastic interview at VICE with Batman & Robin director Joel Schumacher: :stuck\_out\_tongue: He seems like a cool guy. --- ## [Fly through AI space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fly-through-ai-space/994972)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fly-through-ai-space/994972 "2023-12-23T16:33:09Z")
Enjoy this bit of AI generated space animated art. AI Manifest: The Most Beautiful Space Visualization on the Internet | 4K UHD | 24 FPS (youtube.com) --- ## [Covid Related: Canadian soldier pleads guilty to two counts of prejudice to good order and discipline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-related-canadian-soldier-pleads-guilty-to-two-counts-of-prejudice-to-good-order-and-discipline/993151)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-related-canadian-soldier-pleads-guilty-to-two-counts-of-prejudice-to-good-order-and-discipline/993151 "2023-12-23T14:08:31Z")
While in uniform, released video criticizing mandatory Covid vaccines for serving military. Will likely be dismissed from the reserves. --- ## [Why is VPN so heavily advertised on YouTube?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vpn-so-heavily-advertised-on-youtube/994845)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-vpn-so-heavily-advertised-on-youtube/994845 "2023-12-23T12:33:49Z")
Is the market really so big for VPN services? Or is it because it’s something that is easier to sell than other products? --- ## [Ack! My fingers!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ack-my-fingers/994938)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ack-my-fingers/994938 "2023-12-23T06:50:31Z")
TL; DR: I lost a fingernail because I am Gen-X. Friendly warning for anyone who might use a hand mixer: Attach the beaters first. Then plug it in. A few nights ago, I was making Christmas cookies and needed the hand mix… --- ## [Single Combat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-combat/641893)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-combat/641893 "2023-12-23T06:06:10Z")
Relating to this thread: Has an important battle ever been decided by single combat? - The Straight Dope I just thought I’d point out another example of a duel not taking place, although offered by one side: BBC NEWS | … --- ## [Can you freeze cooked chow mein? Need answer pretty fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-freeze-cooked-chow-mein-need-answer-pretty-fast/994682)
**Author:** [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-freeze-cooked-chow-mein-need-answer-pretty-fast/994682 "2023-12-23T06:06:02Z")
This aternoon, the staff at my apartments brought in a whole big pile of chow mein, rice, something I didn’t recognize, and pita bread for us residents. I got there when it was almost over and there was a donkey load of … --- ## [Relativity/though experiment question (hypothetical)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relativity-though-experiment-question-hypothetical/994642)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relativity-though-experiment-question-hypothetical/994642 "2023-12-23T05:39:24Z")
A question posed on another forum asked, “If two spaceships were travelling side by side, 100 yards apart going 99% of the speed of light, would they be able to look through the portholes and see each other?” It was ans… --- ## [Bookbinders' forums, outside of reddit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bookbinders-forums-outside-of-reddit/995011)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bookbinders-forums-outside-of-reddit/995011 "2023-12-23T03:45:14Z")
Are there any bookbinders’ message boards or forums, outside of reddit? I’m especially interested in any place that welcomes people who are new to the craft and who have lots of questions about tools and supplies. --- ## [My phone messed up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-phone-messed-up/995022)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-phone-messed-up/995022 "2023-12-23T03:31:07Z")
My phone reset or something and I lost access to the Dope. It did the same to my e mail. I had forgotten my passwords as i stay logged in. I recharged my phone and now its ok. I can’t do without my Dope! --- ## [The mmm songs also-ran poll. Here’s your chance to get your forgotten songs some votes. Please see the RULES in the OP {POLLS ADDED}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mmm-songs-also-ran-poll-here-s-your-chance-to-get-your-forgotten-songs-some-votes-please-see-the-rules-in-the-op-polls-added/994823)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mmm-songs-also-ran-poll-here-s-your-chance-to-get-your-forgotten-songs-some-votes-please-see-the-rules-in-the-op-polls-added/994823 "2023-12-23T03:21:51Z")
(From a suggestion by @Moonrise) Now that all the polls are posted (except for the Grandaddy of all Song Polls, which will commence later this week), let us take this opportunity to vote for our most glaring omissions. … --- ## [What happened to the lakes at what is now Mexico City?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-lakes-at-what-is-now-mexico-city/994338)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2023, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-lakes-at-what-is-now-mexico-city/994338 "2023-12-23T01:11:08Z")
I recently read Conquistador, about Cortes’ conquest of the Aztec empire. I hadn’t realised that the Aztec cities were built on and around a major lake system. So what happened to the lakes? Mexico City isn’t on lakes … --- ## [Should I call out my friend's lack of professionalism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-call-out-my-friends-lack-of-professionalism/994934)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-call-out-my-friends-lack-of-professionalism/994934 "2023-12-22T23:19:04Z")
I frequently network with people looking for new jobs – both formally through a vocational organization and informally through personal and professional connections. IOW, I’m introduced to “Bill,” who’s looking for a new… --- ## ["Different Drum": Most clichés in a song ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-drum-most-cliches-in-a-song/835255)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-drum-most-cliches-in-a-song/835255 "2023-12-22T22:55:38Z")
What is the world’s record for highest density of idioms or clichés in a song or poem? I nominate Linda Ronstadt’s hit song Different Drum. I show the first four stanzas below with clichés and idioms colored red. Can … --- ## [The mmm songs Wild Card & Also-Ran poll. Let’s get some of these high vote-getters into our final music poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mmm-songs-wild-card-also-ran-poll-let-s-get-some-of-these-high-vote-getters-into-our-final-music-poll/994988)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mmm-songs-wild-card-also-ran-poll-let-s-get-some-of-these-high-vote-getters-into-our-final-music-poll/994988 "2023-12-22T21:46:19Z")
(From suggestions by @Moonrise and @peccavi) Now that all the individual letters are all settled, let us take this opportunity to shoehorn in some wild card and also-ran entries. These are the top vote-getters from the … --- ## [LOTR: Return of the King movie 20th anniversary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-return-of-the-king-movie-20th-anniversary/994941)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-return-of-the-king-movie-20th-anniversary/994941 "2023-12-22T19:59:53Z")
The US debut was Dec 17, 2003, and I meant to post on that date but like Butterbur one thing drove out another and I forgot. I will re-watch the extended addition sometime soon. Though I’m not happy with some things (ar… --- ## [Attorneys -am I being patient enough and when is it time to hire somebody else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attorneys-am-i-being-patient-enough-and-when-is-it-time-to-hire-somebody-else/994779)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attorneys-am-i-being-patient-enough-and-when-is-it-time-to-hire-somebody-else/994779 "2023-12-22T19:06:36Z")
I can’t get into specific details. My mother had a very good corporate tax attorney that setup her LTD and Trust for her medical practice. That was in the early 1990’s. Wells Fargo handles most of it now, but they won’t… --- ## [Any way to reset the default thread pointer to a given date?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-to-reset-the-default-thread-pointer-to-a-given-date/994940)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-to-reset-the-default-thread-pointer-to-a-given-date/994940 "2023-12-22T18:25:05Z")
When an older thread is rezzed, it invariably points either to the first post (if I never viewed it before, or it predates the switchover from vBulletin–I think on that latter score), or to whichever post I had last read… --- ## [Oldest surviving Best Actor Oscar winner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-surviving-best-actor-oscar-winner/994995)
**Author:** [@bryanmaguire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bryanmaguire)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-surviving-best-actor-oscar-winner/994995 "2023-12-22T18:06:46Z")
Watching West Side Story. George Chakiris is still live at the age of 91. He won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the role of Bernardi. Is he the oldest surviving best actor oscar winner. Male/ female lead/supportin… --- ## [What it should be a better term \[moving pictures\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-it-should-be-a-better-term-moving-pictures/990606)
**Author:** [@Amber13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amber13)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-it-should-be-a-better-term-moving-pictures/990606 "2023-12-22T17:01:23Z")
All artificial images are made out of still images such as single man-made images like drawings, painting and photographs, comics and sketches/multiple drawings are multiple man-made still images in one image,but there’s… --- ## [Autobattler Games](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/autobattler-games/994890)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2023, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/autobattler-games/994890 "2023-12-22T16:47:52Z")
So I have heard about this genre of games where, by my understanding (and please correct me if I am wrong), you essentially program your moves in advance and then let it fly and hope to do better than your opponent. I t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=665) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=667)