# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=945&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 946 --- ## [Qatar World Cup: Good Return on Investment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qatar-world-cup-good-return-on-investment/976030)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2022, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qatar-world-cup-good-return-on-investment/976030 "2022-12-17T03:01:23Z")
I have read Qatar spent between 300 and 400 billion dollars to host the World Cup. I have seen it claimed this is more than all the modern Olympics put together. They built seven state of the art stadia. Attracted the… --- ## [Nuclear fusion product](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-fusion-product/976484)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2022, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-fusion-product/976484 "2022-12-17T02:49:09Z")
In the NYT article about the new breakthrough in fusion research, it says … Blockquote Out flowed a flood of neutron particles — the product of fusion — which carried about 3 megajoules of energy, a factor of 1.5 in en… --- ## [Football punt strategy, the bouncing bomb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/football-punt-strategy-the-bouncing-bomb/975619)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2022, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/football-punt-strategy-the-bouncing-bomb/975619 "2022-12-17T00:08:07Z")
Has any team every used an intentional squib punt to try to get the ball to hit a player on the opposing team while they are running back to the returner to block? I’ve seen this happen accidentally a few times and I’ve … --- ## [Would increasing life costs in order to increase salaries make sense? Example of Switzerland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-increasing-life-costs-in-order-to-increase-salaries-make-sense-example-of-switzerland/976486)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-increasing-life-costs-in-order-to-increase-salaries-make-sense-example-of-switzerland/976486 "2022-12-16T23:33:20Z")
No matter how many cities and countries I’ve looked at, the same cost to salary “balance” keeps appearing, it’s either high expenses and high salaries or low expenses with low salaries, but overall the percentage of how … --- ## [Moderation in the "Trump makes major announcement \[...\]" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-in-the-trump-makes-major-announcement-thread/976670)
**Author:** [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-in-the-trump-makes-major-announcement-thread/976670 "2022-12-16T21:50:04Z")
It might be something is wrong with my imagination, but I cannot see how mentioning the blockchain involved in Trump’s scam promotes the grift any more than having an active and alive thread on the topic. --- ## [Rutherford Falls (streaming TV series)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rutherford-falls-streaming-tv-series/941185)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rutherford-falls-streaming-tv-series/941185 "2022-12-16T19:52:11Z")
Have any of you seen Rutherford Falls? It’s a sitcom on the Peacock streaming service, starring Ed Helms, who created and produced the show along with Michael Schur (whom you might remember from shows like The Office, Pa… --- ## [Does the placebo effect work for bodybuilding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-placebo-effect-work-for-bodybuilding/976646)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-placebo-effect-work-for-bodybuilding/976646 "2022-12-16T19:50:00Z")
If you inject a bodybuilder with saline and tell him it’s steroids, will it cause him to get bulkier? I assume this has never been done in a double-blind clinical trial because this use of steroids is illegal. So answer… --- ## [Any HVAC experts? I need advice (Draft Inducer & Pressure switch)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hvac-experts-i-need-advice-draft-inducer-pressure-switch/976662)
**Author:** [@superwombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superwombat)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hvac-experts-i-need-advice-draft-inducer-pressure-switch/976662 "2022-12-16T19:46:51Z")
I have a Carrier HK06WC069 that is failing to start its heat cycle, the draft inducer spins, then I get a blink code 23, Pressure Switch Stuck Open. I can pinch the pressure switch’s rubber hose a few times and hear the… --- ## [Why "Irish Free State"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-irish-free-state/976508)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-irish-free-state/976508 "2022-12-16T18:25:00Z")
I’m curious about the origins of the name “Irish Free State”, which was used between 1922 and 1937. Skimming Wikipedia on the establishment of the State, the Anglo-Irish Treaty and so on, I don’t see any explanation for… --- ## [Greeting People after starting conversations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greeting-people-after-starting-conversations/976625)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greeting-people-after-starting-conversations/976625 "2022-12-16T18:04:42Z")
Hi SD, I notice that if I start a conversation with someone for the first time in a given day, I have to greet them. If circumstances require that our first exchange is not a greeting, I will at the first opportunity g… --- ## [2022 US Senate Races](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-us-senate-races/922327)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 1169\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-us-senate-races/922327 "2022-12-16T17:34:36Z")
I spent some time this morning wading through the Wikipedia article on the next US Senate elections. It looks very favorable to the Democrats. Let me try to explain why. Thirty-four Seats are up this cycle. Twenty are … --- ## [What is your experience with emdr?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-experience-with-emdr/976541)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-experience-with-emdr/976541 "2022-12-16T16:04:06Z")
Someone mentioned it to me last night and I am intrigued. That said, the skeptic in me is hesitant. The therapy for me would be more for anger over things from my childhood rather than ptsd or physical abuse. --- ## [Army investigating soldiers who posed in dog bondage masks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-investigating-soldiers-who-posed-in-dog-bondage-masks/976596)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/army-investigating-soldiers-who-posed-in-dog-bondage-masks/976596 "2022-12-16T15:59:46Z")
\-=Link=- I suppose it is some retired someone who is into cosplay and perhaps discipline. Worth a look at the photo. --- ## [Could a criminal taunt the police till the statute of limitations is over, living abroad, and get away with it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-criminal-taunt-the-police-till-the-statute-of-limitations-is-over-living-abroad-and-get-away-with-it/976583)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-criminal-taunt-the-police-till-the-statute-of-limitations-is-over-living-abroad-and-get-away-with-it/976583 "2022-12-16T12:40:37Z")
A offshoot of the thread, Why don’t rich people run to a country with no extradition if they know US authorities are about to arrest them?’ Why don't rich people run to a country with no extradition if they know US autho… --- ## [The Dragon Prince on Netflix (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dragon-prince-on-netflix-open-spoilers/821374)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dragon-prince-on-netflix-open-spoilers/821374 "2022-12-16T11:55:23Z")
From the makers of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Watching the second episode now, but I was not that impressed with the first episode. It was clear they were information dumping on us big time. I did like the line, “Wint… --- ## [What do British folks mean by "Rather!"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-british-folks-mean-by-rather/976575)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-british-folks-mean-by-rather/976575 "2022-12-16T11:29:12Z")
(Mods: Move as needed. I’m hoping it has a factual answer.) When you say “Rather!” in response to someone, is it like saying “Quite so,” “I agree,” “Indeed,” “Yes” or is one of these meanings (or another one) more on th… --- ## [Besides Turkey (and Thanksgiving Fixins) What Foods Are Only/Usually Eaten Seasonally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/besides-turkey-and-thanksgiving-fixins-what-foods-are-only-usually-eaten-seasonally/975456)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/besides-turkey-and-thanksgiving-fixins-what-foods-are-only-usually-eaten-seasonally/975456 "2022-12-16T11:12:40Z")
Turkeys are available year-round in the US, but other than in the form of lunchmeat, I only eat turkey at Christmas and Thanksgiving. Turkey is likely on the menu at many BBQ places, but if I’m at a BBQ place, I’m gettin… --- ## [I want to have a steampunk lamp. But what is steampunk anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452 "2022-12-16T07:32:22Z")
So now that I have moved into my new place and settled down a bit, I want to populate it with knick knacks and furniture that suit my eclectic tastes. And one idea I had was to have a soft-glow table lamp with a steampun… --- ## [Is Anyone Watching 1899? (No spoilers, please)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-watching-1899-no-spoilers-please/976394)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-watching-1899-no-spoilers-please/976394 "2022-12-16T05:26:12Z")
I watched the first episode last night. I’m not sure about it yet. One thing that I absolutely hate is all of the overly loud, irritating mood music throughout the show. But I’m intrigued and will watch more. --- ## [Life Savers candy Christmas book thingy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-savers-candy-christmas-book-thingy/45201)
**Author:** [@Suo\_Na](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suo_Na)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-savers-candy-christmas-book-thingy/45201 "2022-12-16T05:16:59Z")
I need to know, soon, what the flavours are in the Christmas gift book of Life Savers. It doesn’t say on the package, or on the website. Anyone have one on hand? --- ## [Any historical navies that could be considered blue water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-historical-navies-that-could-be-considered-blue-water/975984)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-historical-navies-that-could-be-considered-blue-water/975984 "2022-12-16T05:01:32Z")
The British seemed to have a commanding navy up till at least the war of 1812, perhaps beyond, and would seem to qualify, especially given the time and tech of that day. But do they actually qualify as such? What about… --- ## [Fresh Water Sushi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-water-sushi/976547)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-water-sushi/976547 "2022-12-16T03:59:22Z")
Is there such a thing as using fresh water fish for Sushi? If not, why not? --- ## [Does anyone else here use Alibris, in any capacity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-here-use-alibris-in-any-capacity/976619)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-here-use-alibris-in-any-capacity/976619 "2022-12-16T03:17:19Z")
Alibris is a smaller-than-Amazon website where third-party vendors like me can sell things like books and movies. Anyway, I’m unable to log on, and I contacted them via e-mail and of course got a generic message back sa… --- ## [Colonoscopy Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonoscopy-question/976291)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonoscopy-question/976291 "2022-12-16T02:21:58Z")
Is it ok to have a drink of alcohol the night before a colonoscopy? How about a puff or two of ganja? Thank you, dopers. --- ## [Windows 10 Update Borked My Computer (Need Answer Somewhat Fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-update-borked-my-computer-need-answer-somewhat-fast/976552)
**Author:** [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2022, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-update-borked-my-computer-need-answer-somewhat-fast/976552 "2022-12-16T00:14:34Z")
So, I came home and my computer had a little orange dot in the bottom taskbar, indicating it had installed an update (2022-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5021233)) and would res… --- ## [Should Universities Encourage Gambling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-universities-encourage-gambling/975281)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2022, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-universities-encourage-gambling/975281 "2022-12-15T22:54:33Z")
Was curious about this article\*, which suggests eight US universities accepted millions from sports betting companies in return for promoting them among students. Is this article fair? Is it a reasonable way to help co… --- ## [Why no Help? \[Beatles Movie\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-help-beatles-movie/976420)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2022, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-help-beatles-movie/976420 "2022-12-15T22:32:05Z")
Why is the Beatles’ movie A HARD DAYS NIGHT so readily available (on cable constantly) and their second movie HELP never shown on TV? I see they sell the DVD, so it’s not anything legal, probably. --- ## [Valley of the You're In Trouble](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valley-of-the-youre-in-trouble/938984)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2022, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valley-of-the-youre-in-trouble/938984 "2022-12-15T22:22:39Z")
“Your usefulness is at an end”. --- ## [The lowest place on land](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lowest-place-on-land/976469)
**Author:** [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2022, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lowest-place-on-land/976469 "2022-12-15T21:37:34Z")
As everyone knows, this is the shores of the Dead Sea: 430 m below sea level. But what if we allow the deepest parts of deep lakes? The Dead Sea has a maximum depth of 304 m, which thus is 734 m (2408 ft) below sea lev… --- ## [Well, crap. Now I feel really old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-crap-now-i-feel-really-old/943203)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2022, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-crap-now-i-feel-really-old/943203 "2022-12-15T21:26:05Z")
I was looking for Clarence the 'possum. I walked out to the barn where Son-of-a-wrek was working on a tiller. He had the radio on a classic rock station. He said he saw that 'possum earlier in there. So I’m looking ar… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=944&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=946&state=muted)