# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=950 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 951 --- ## [What’s the insult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-insult/974581)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-insult/974581 "2022-11-11T18:43:30Z")
Been watching UK politics through the last few turns. Of course people were insulting each other, and British insults I find both colourful and amusing. But I’m a bit stumped by calling someone a, ‘bellend’. What the de… --- ## [General Relativity and Imaginary Dimensions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-relativity-and-imaginary-dimensions/974316)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-relativity-and-imaginary-dimensions/974316 "2022-11-11T16:38:16Z")
Going over some of my old posts I came across this one: ​ ​​ 2 points in 4-space - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board Now, whether or not Time is or is not imaginary is incidental…but can this four dimens… --- ## [Ukraine, Manafort and “Peace”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-manafort-and-peace/974716)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-manafort-and-peace/974716 "2022-11-11T16:22:07Z")
I’m not sure I understood all the causes of the current conflict in Ukraine until I read this excellent article. I knew bits and pieces but not the bigger picture. Comments welcomed. (Hopefully not paywalled.) is t… --- ## [Help me identify this movie I saw in sixth grade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-movie-i-saw-in-sixth-grade/974715)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-movie-i-saw-in-sixth-grade/974715 "2022-11-11T15:54:38Z")
It wasn’t an “educational” film, but I suspect it was intended to tie in with the unit on Great Britain we were working on at the time: It was filmed in B&W, probably around 1960. A gang of school children (in London, … --- ## [Is it my imagination, or is it tougher to find non-Kosher pickles than regular Kosher pickles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-my-imagination-or-is-it-tougher-to-find-non-kosher-pickles-than-regular-kosher-pickles/924423)
**Author:** [@Anamorphic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anamorphic)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-my-imagination-or-is-it-tougher-to-find-non-kosher-pickles-than-regular-kosher-pickles/924423 "2022-11-11T15:25:33Z")
During the pandemic, I’ve rediscovered my love of a good pickle as comfort food. I’ve sampled many different brands and varieties, and have discovered my favorite, by far, is just a traditional Dill Pickle. I’ll eat a Ko… --- ## [My first poem. Criticism please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-poem-criticism-please/974661)
**Author:** [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-poem-criticism-please/974661 "2022-11-11T14:54:36Z")
I’m not an Emo kid, I am just some guy going through divorce at age 46. I have never written a poem before; and if I could have this would be a sonnet in iambic pentameter, my favourite verse form. But anyway, free-for… --- ## [Ticket for no driver's license](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticket-for-no-drivers-license/974533)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticket-for-no-drivers-license/974533 "2022-11-11T14:11:46Z")
My son was in a minor accident (he was stopped at a red light and rear-ended, 100% the other driver’s fault). He did not have his driver’s license with him, although he is licensed. He showed the officer (Henrico County,… --- ## [Documents on the US assistance to Britain during the Falklands Crisis recorded by the Defense Department](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/documents-on-the-us-assistance-to-britain-during-the-falklands-crisis-recorded-by-the-defense-department/974672)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/documents-on-the-us-assistance-to-britain-during-the-falklands-crisis-recorded-by-the-defense-department/974672 "2022-11-11T13:48:57Z")
Hi everyone, Can anyone tell me where I can find declassified documents on how the Department of Defense assisted the UK militarily and logistically before and during the Falklands war? We can find how the Department of… --- ## [2022 Voter Turnout?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-voter-turnout/974680)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-voter-turnout/974680 "2022-11-11T13:39:42Z")
Do we have any sort of numbers for voter turnout in the recent election? I cannot find them, but then again I have not had my coffee. --- ## [Genie - the "feral" child](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genie-the-feral-child/974659)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genie-the-feral-child/974659 "2022-11-11T13:33:36Z")
There have been a few short threads about Genie, but none recently. I knew a little about Genie, but was reminded of her a few days ago because it was the anniversary of her rescue in 1970. So I read a bit more, includin… --- ## [What time period does "FY2022" mean to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-time-period-does-fy2022-mean-to-you/974398)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-time-period-does-fy2022-mean-to-you/974398 "2022-11-11T13:27:53Z")
The US federal government fiscal year runs October - September. Here in Hawaii, almost everyone’s FY is July-June. No issues there. For example, our latest complete fiscal year was July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. To me,… --- ## [Junk Mail Success Rate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/junk-mail-success-rate/973383)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/junk-mail-success-rate/973383 "2022-11-11T12:49:40Z")
Hi Straight Dope, I am wondering what the actual success rate is with physical junk mail? We’re talking credit card offers, loan consolidation offers, life insurance offers, and the like. I never respond to them, but … --- ## [Longest period between total solar eclipses in one place?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-period-between-total-solar-eclipses-in-one-place/974621)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-period-between-total-solar-eclipses-in-one-place/974621 "2022-11-11T12:36:54Z")
When did you last experience a total solar eclipse in your home town? The odds are never…the average time between them in one place is 375 years. But what place on Earth would have the longest gsp? For example, what is … --- ## [Is "Steven" a back-formation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-steven-a-back-formation/974650)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-steven-a-back-formation/974650 "2022-11-11T12:17:22Z")
I’ve been assuming that the given name “Steven” is not so much an alternate spelling of “Stephen,” but a back-formation (and therefore a kind of mistake). Is there any historical support for the notion that “Steve” emer… --- ## [Where are my sunglasses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-my-sunglasses/974656)
**Author:** [@MagicEyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MagicEyes)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-my-sunglasses/974656 "2022-11-11T11:00:57Z")
I can’t find my favorite sunglasses. :worried: They’re very cool vintage Wayfarers, so not easy to replace. I don’t wear them often, and I’m sure I wouldn’t have come home without them, so maybe they’re here somewhere. I… --- ## [Submarine Spy Scandal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/submarine-spy-scandal/952377)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/submarine-spy-scandal/952377 "2022-11-11T10:39:40Z")
Few facts, much speculation at the moment. That should not keep us from figuring this out. A couple of US citizens from Annapolis decided to pass secret submarine stuff to an unnamed country. The unnamed country alerted… --- ## [Am I missing something here? (re: reopening of bars, etc... now)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-missing-something-here-re-reopening-of-bars-etc-now/922356)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 1376\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-missing-something-here-re-reopening-of-bars-etc-now/922356 "2022-11-11T04:02:47Z")
So I’m seeing all sorts of news stories about various states reopening various things- Texas, where I live, is considering reopening bars, for example. And schools have reopened to in-person students, although where I l… --- ## [Is breaking a burner phone effective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-breaking-a-burner-phone-effective/974660)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-breaking-a-burner-phone-effective/974660 "2022-11-11T03:02:02Z")
All of a sudden I just recalled Breaking Bad and how there were scenes of characters using “burner phone,” that is, a pay-as-you-go cellular telephone that you paid for with cash at like a Radio Shack or somewhere. When … --- ## [Are kids using this stuff to get high? Help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-kids-using-this-stuff-to-get-high-help/85528)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-kids-using-this-stuff-to-get-high-help/85528 "2022-11-11T02:31:44Z")
I found a bottle of anbesol and a lighter in my kids coat pocket. He claims he had a sore in his mouth last week, and the lighter was just a show thing, you know, to look cool.:rolleyes: I think he’s full of shit, but I … --- ## [Dan Snyder puts Washington Commanders up for sale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dan-snyder-puts-washington-commanders-up-for-sale/974234)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dan-snyder-puts-washington-commanders-up-for-sale/974234 "2022-11-11T01:22:39Z")
As a lifelong fan of the franchise, he is no doubt the worst owner in the NFL, if not pro sports. It’s been hard cheering for a franchise that continually fails on the field because of the idiocy and cackhandedness of an… --- ## [Looking for a Woodrow Wilson quote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-woodrow-wilson-quote/974725)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-woodrow-wilson-quote/974725 "2022-11-11T01:16:18Z")
If I could remember it precisely I could search for it but I can only remember the gist of it rather than the words. It was something to do with henceforth the common man will be dependent on government to advance his pe… --- ## [I don't care about headphones, but I have too many headphones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-care-about-headphones-but-i-have-too-many-headphones/974358)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-care-about-headphones-but-i-have-too-many-headphones/974358 "2022-11-11T00:32:46Z")
Anybody find that they’ve collected a bunch of something even though they are in no way an enthusiast? My old bluetooth earbuds crapped out a while ago and I just ordered a fancy new set of true wireless buds. I curren… --- ## [My ten-year-old grandson had to go to court today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-ten-year-old-grandson-had-to-go-to-court-today/974243)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-ten-year-old-grandson-had-to-go-to-court-today/974243 "2022-11-11T00:08:37Z")
And I am mad as hell. My daughter and her husband and kids live in Michigan, where marijuana is legal. It is legal for adults. Both my daughter and son-in-law are active partakers of the wacky tobacky. They even grow… --- ## [When ants and termites meet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-ants-and-termites-meet/974713)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2022, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-ants-and-termites-meet/974713 "2022-11-11T00:07:15Z")
… it’s all very orderly and civil. Maybe we can all learn a lesson from the ants and the termites. https://twitter.com/fasc1nate/status/1590736642293534720 (Note: the video is higher quality at source) --- ## [Will Twitter’s new ownership alter the political landscape?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-twitter-s-new-ownership-alter-the-political-landscape/963440)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2022, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-twitter-s-new-ownership-alter-the-political-landscape/963440 "2022-11-10T23:45:37Z")
Mentioned this on another thread, but thought it deserved its own. There’s been plenty of talk up to now about several topics related to Twitter: how Trump’s ban seems to have reduced his reach and influence, and how … --- ## [Math Optimization Question (Find the best restaurant)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-optimization-question-find-the-best-restaurant/974548)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2022, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-optimization-question-find-the-best-restaurant/974548 "2022-11-10T23:44:09Z")
I vaguely remember a question we had on a distant math exam where you had to pick the best restaurant. I think the math showed the best strategy was to try the first 1/e (36%) than pick the next best one. Anyone recall… --- ## [English words with double letters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-words-with-double-letters/974416)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2022, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-words-with-double-letters/974416 "2022-11-10T23:10:50Z")
Double letters in English words: is there any letter that never occurs as a double letter? Obviously, I doubt that “q” is ever doubled, since it’s always followed by a “u”. Here’s a list I’ve made just off the top of … --- ## [Seeing DeSantis as Shemp from the Three Stooges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-desantis-as-shemp-from-the-three-stooges/974666)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2022, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-desantis-as-shemp-from-the-three-stooges/974666 "2022-11-10T23:10:44Z")
This isn’t meant as some dumb joke. I really can’t get over the resemblance and every time I see DeSantis, my brain clicks on Shemp first. He can’t help his face, of course, but why does he style his hair the same? Am I … --- ## [Make iPhone image size (not file size) smaller — need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-iphone-image-size-not-file-size-smaller-need-answer-fast/974704)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2022, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-iphone-image-size-not-file-size-smaller-need-answer-fast/974704 "2022-11-10T21:28:24Z")
I have an image and I need to shrink its size — make it physically smaller while keeping its aspect ratio. How do I do this on an iPhone? My Google-fu isn’t succeeding. Note, I’m not talking about its file size (MB, etc… --- ## [What will we lose by cancelling Amazon Prime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-we-lose-by-cancelling-amazon-prime/972689)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2022, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-we-lose-by-cancelling-amazon-prime/972689 "2022-11-10T21:18:43Z")
So with the increasing Balkanization of streaming services, Mrs. solost and I are reviewing what we subscribe to and looking at some hard choices, because we don’t want to just add and add and eventually be back to cable… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=949) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=951)