# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=934 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 935 --- ## [Save Los Espookys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/save-los-espookys/973642)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2022, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/save-los-espookys/973642 "2022-12-03T05:53:37Z")
Los Espookys is a show on HBO. Perhaps you heard it was a sort of comedic Mission Impossible of the Paranormal, watched it once and were disappointed because you thought the stunts, set up by the Espooky team for hire to… --- ## [Lets Do Another "What If the USA Stayed Neutral in WW2"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-do-another-what-if-the-usa-stayed-neutral-in-ww2/969000)
**Author:** [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2022, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-do-another-what-if-the-usa-stayed-neutral-in-ww2/969000 "2022-12-03T03:48:24Z")
Cause you all are smart and Im looking for a couple of answers that you don’t normally see in this scenario The setup: For the US to stay neutral we need an altogether different mindset from the Govt. at that point in h… --- ## [So long and thanks for all the rants! (November mini-rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-rants-november-mini-rants/974116)
**Author:** [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Replies:** 222\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2022, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-rants-november-mini-rants/974116 "2022-12-03T02:26:00Z")
Yes, it’s still a little early in my time zone. Oh well. No, you’re not getting rid of me that easily. :wink: My junior cat, as dearly as I love him, has a couple of really obnoxious habits. He likes to walk from the h… --- ## [Why would TV mute inoffensive dialog?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-tv-mute-inoffensive-dialog/975832)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2022, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-tv-mute-inoffensive-dialog/975832 "2022-12-03T02:22:27Z")
I’m watching “Caddyshack” on AMC, a movie that I’m very familiar with, and I’ve noticed that they have muted some dialog but haven’t shortened the movie. For instance, when Judge Smails is golfing, he asks Danny about Ty… --- ## [Lions try a walkabout](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lions-try-a-walkabout/975878)
**Author:** [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2022, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lions-try-a-walkabout/975878 "2022-12-03T02:01:36Z")
New footage reveals how 5 lions escaped their Sydney zoo enclosure | CNN Travel daddy lion and 4 cubs left their enclosure during a roar and snore sleep over at the zoo. --- ## [Dozens injured in Waukesha, WI at Christmas parade: Nov 2021 \[update: 6 dead, over 40 injured\]\[update: trial\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dozens-injured-in-waukesha-wi-at-christmas-parade-nov-2021-update-6-dead-over-40-injured-update-trial/954746)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 297\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2022, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dozens-injured-in-waukesha-wi-at-christmas-parade-nov-2021-update-6-dead-over-40-injured-update-trial/954746 "2022-12-03T00:03:02Z")
I’m hoping that this was the result of a medical incident, but I strongly suspect that it was not. At least 30 are known to be injured; no reports of fatalities yet. --- ## [How did the phrase "double-dollar" arise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-phrase-double-dollar-arise/975901)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-phrase-double-dollar-arise/975901 "2022-12-02T23:29:27Z")
It sounds like something that originated in gambling parlance, now mostly used for things like lottery tickets or scratch-offs. By extension it’s used for things like 2-for-1 sales or matching-fund charities. But I don’t… --- ## [Old Geezers: Did you go through a "I don't want to retire" phase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-geezers-did-you-go-through-a-i-dont-want-to-retire-phase/918107)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-geezers-did-you-go-through-a-i-dont-want-to-retire-phase/918107 "2022-12-02T22:41:35Z")
So my employer made me self quarantine for 10 days (I’m not sick). Been sit’n at the house going absolutely stir crazy. I’m actually jonesing to get back to work now. It’s left me thinking at 50 years old: I don’t want… --- ## [Unexpected IRS letter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-irs-letter/975602)
**Author:** [@drewbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewbert)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-irs-letter/975602 "2022-12-02T22:20:35Z")
Hi all. It’s… uh, been a while. How’s it going? (Mods, move this where appropriate. It’s been so long that last time I was here the forum was called General Questions - I don’t know if this one has a factual answer, so … --- ## [U.S. gun death rates hit highest levels in decades, study says](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-gun-death-rates-hit-highest-levels-in-decades-study-says/975863)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-gun-death-rates-hit-highest-levels-in-decades-study-says/975863 "2022-12-02T21:17:58Z")
Yes, I know gun threads have been done to death on this message board. I am adding this because it is a new, and comprehensive data point (see article below). The U.S. gun death rate last year hit its highest mark in … --- ## [Just testing out polls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-testing-out-polls/975423)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-testing-out-polls/975423 "2022-12-02T21:13:22Z")
poll --- ## [Christine McVie has died (of Fleetwood Mac) \[30 Nov 2022\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christine-mcvie-has-died-of-fleetwood-mac-30-nov-2022/975820)
**Author:** [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christine-mcvie-has-died-of-fleetwood-mac-30-nov-2022/975820 "2022-12-02T21:12:05Z")
I am seeing reports online that Christine McVie (of Fleetwood Mac) has died, at age 79. :cry: --- ## [Alternate NATO alphabet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-nato-alphabet/975636)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-nato-alphabet/975636 "2022-12-02T20:46:35Z")
I was at the airport the other day, and there was a tram to take passengers from one terminal to the next. At each spot, a recorded voice would say “Next stop A gates, A as in Alpha”. And so on, with “B as in Bravo”, “… --- ## [Is it more environmentally friendly to put food scraps down the garbage disposal or to put them in the kitchen trash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-more-environmentally-friendly-to-put-food-scraps-down-the-garbage-disposal-or-to-put-them-in-the-kitchen-trash/975828)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-more-environmentally-friendly-to-put-food-scraps-down-the-garbage-disposal-or-to-put-them-in-the-kitchen-trash/975828 "2022-12-02T19:33:26Z")
I’m in California if it matters. Please keep discussions about composting or other methods out of this thread --- ## [My Android Clock Alarm doesn't play through bluetooth. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-android-clock-alarm-doesnt-play-through-bluetooth-why/975841)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-android-clock-alarm-doesnt-play-through-bluetooth-why/975841 "2022-12-02T19:17:56Z")
I just tested this again to confirm. Set timer to 45 seconds. It paused my bluetooth music (earbuds) and the alarm sounded through the phone speaker. I could barely hear the muffled alarm. Only because I was listening fo… --- ## [Why is the audio quality of my own voice in a recorded Zoom video (MP4) worse than other participants' audio quality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-audio-quality-of-my-own-voice-in-a-recorded-zoom-video-mp4-worse-than-other-participants-audio-quality/975827)
**Author:** [@TheUser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheUser)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-audio-quality-of-my-own-voice-in-a-recorded-zoom-video-mp4-worse-than-other-participants-audio-quality/975827 "2022-12-02T18:48:29Z")
There’s a mystery that’s been puzzling me for a few months now. When I participate in Zoom calls, I record the call into an MP4 video file for later playback. During the live session, the people on the other side assure… --- ## [Quick DVD player question--need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-dvd-player-question-need-answer-fast/975894)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-dvd-player-question-need-answer-fast/975894 "2022-12-02T18:23:14Z")
It was fine Monday. Had a hard time loading Wednesday, then kept listing the disc as “incorrect disc”. Now, it cannot read the disc at all. Canned air to clear the dust does not help. I am correct in assuming that I … --- ## [Thirteen Views of a Cardboard City](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thirteen-views-of-a-cardboard-city/975797)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thirteen-views-of-a-cardboard-city/975797 "2022-12-02T18:15:39Z")
In this short story, William Gibson describes… well, the title says it all. Does anyone know more about this story? Did Gibson ever visit the cardboard city in person? Were any of the artworks or persons described in the… --- ## [Explain The Masked Singer to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-masked-singer-to-me/975918)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-masked-singer-to-me/975918 "2022-12-02T18:17:36Z")
I know it’s a bunch of celebrities singing while wearing costumes which conceal their identities. But even after reading the Wikipedia article, I’m not sure how the competition aspect works. I see that the judges and th… --- ## [Botticelli, Nov. 2022](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-nov-2022/974093)
**Author:** [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Replies:** 366\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-nov-2022/974093 "2022-12-02T18:06:30Z")
New month. I am M --- ## [Should the GOP send thought and prayers that Trump is convicted and imprisoned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-gop-send-thought-and-prayers-that-trump-is-convicted-and-imprisoned/975435)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-gop-send-thought-and-prayers-that-trump-is-convicted-and-imprisoned/975435 "2022-12-02T17:53:58Z")
Right now it appears that the GOP is divided enough to guarantee they can not win in 2024. This has them held hostage to Trump. It also means our country is held hostage and does not have a functioning 2 party system. … --- ## [Can I Do This Electrical Thing-Water Heater Recirculating Pump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-do-this-electrical-thing-water-heater-recirculating-pump/975821)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-do-this-electrical-thing-water-heater-recirculating-pump/975821 "2022-12-02T16:36:39Z")
I know, you’re not my electrician, so noted. I’m hoping for someone passingly familiar with electrical codes. My background is in electronics and I am comfortable working with normal house wiring. My water heater runs … --- ## [Dishwashers- What do you think of Bosch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dishwashers-what-do-you-think-of-bosch/974867)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dishwashers-what-do-you-think-of-bosch/974867 "2022-12-02T16:01:04Z")
I just moved and the dishwasher that came with the house is about as thorough and enthusiastic as my teenage son. It doesn’t get much done, and a surprising amount of food is still on the dishes when the cycle is done. I… --- ## [What are the best Van Morrison covers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-van-morrison-covers/975893)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-van-morrison-covers/975893 "2022-12-02T13:35:59Z")
Some singers are hard to cover. There are not many Aretha Franklin covers, for instance, because why should somebody even try? Van Morrison may not be the same kind of force of nature like Aretha (though he’s close), but… --- ## [Share something heartwarming that brings tears to your eyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-something-heartwarming-that-brings-tears-to-your-eyes/975865)
**Author:** [@Didi44](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Didi44)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-something-heartwarming-that-brings-tears-to-your-eyes/975865 "2022-12-02T03:26:34Z")
We all need a good cry every once in a while, especially during these times. So share a video, song or story that has recently brought you good heartfelt tears. Turn on the CC to get the English subtitles. I came across… --- ## [Prevention of cramps in abs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prevention-of-cramps-in-abs/975833)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prevention-of-cramps-in-abs/975833 "2022-12-02T00:21:26Z")
Sometimes I get a really nasty cramp/spasm in an abs muscle just below my rib cage. I don’t mean in the digestive system, I mean the muscles that you use for crunches. Which is why I’m having trouble Googling this. It is… --- ## [The Facts About 10-Year Batteries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-facts-about-10-year-batteries/975811)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2022, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-facts-about-10-year-batteries/975811 "2022-12-02T00:10:27Z")
A question came up in the family: Many smoke alarms these days come with a 10-year battery. We know conventional batteries typically corrode in a year or so. Do these 10-year batteries also corrode in the same time as a … --- ## [What is this musical car horn tune I've heard in old cartoons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-musical-car-horn-tune-ive-heard-in-old-cartoons/975625)
**Author:** [@Hakushon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakushon)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2022, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-musical-car-horn-tune-ive-heard-in-old-cartoons/975625 "2022-12-01T22:51:45Z")
In cartoons of the 1930s (and possibly also the 1940s), I’ve heard the soundtrack use these four notes to represent a car horn: ceGe (in abc notation). The four notes can be heard at the 2:38 mark in this 1938 cartoon: … --- ## [Averaging ratios](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/averaging-ratios/975877)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2022, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/averaging-ratios/975877 "2022-12-01T22:49:27Z")
Let’s say you want to average two speeds. 100 km/h and 150 km/h. You will get 125 km/h But averaging 1/100 h/km and 1/150 h/km results in 0.0083 km/h. Take the inverse and you end with 120 km/h. Why is this different?… --- ## [Let go during mass layoff, told to continue to work because it was a mistake, what do you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-go-during-mass-layoff-told-to-continue-to-work-because-it-was-a-mistake-what-do-you-do/975581)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2022, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-go-during-mass-layoff-told-to-continue-to-work-because-it-was-a-mistake-what-do-you-do/975581 "2022-12-01T20:02:38Z")
Obviously inspired by the recent events at Twitter. It got me thinking, what would I do in that situation? You’re told you will be terminated from your job in 120 days and that you will continue to be paid with the same … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=933) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=935)