ThinkingGuy

Licensed US amateur operator here. In general the FCC regulations allow you to listen on whatever frequencies you like, EXCEPT the cellular frequencies (This dates back to the analog era, before cellular traffic was encrypted). Some jurisdictions may also have restrictions on, for example, using a police scanner in a vehicle, that would restrict listening (even though most of that traffic is now also encrypted).

Looks like it would be hard to close the door (ramp?) behind you when you leave for work.

This is the way.

They don't last as long anymore and are more difficult to repair.

It's an acronym in which neither 'P' stands for 'privacy'

This reminds me something my the teacher of my university public speaking class told us (in the context of doing research): No matter how trivial, esoteric or obscure the topic, there is someone on earth who has devoted their entire career to studying it.

I've told my family that if I'm ever in a hospital bed due and seemingly unresponsive due to injury or illness, to check whether I'm not trying to communicate (using eye movements, finger twitches, or whatever) in morse code.

Could this be a possible factor in the reduction in violent crime (at least in some countries)?