For much of this year, the commission's reason for blocking the iPhone was that its built-in mapping capabilities violate a South Korean rule requiring the use of domestic technology for location-based services in cellphones.

WSJ: South Korea Clears Way for iPhone Sales

Harry Reid, the party's leader in the Senate, complains, not without reason, that blocking legislation by filibuster has become a Republican reflex.

ECONOMIST: And not about to rush to the polls in November, either

Blocking spam bots seems the most logical reason.

FORBES: Connect

One other reason why more and more people reach for the ad-blocking software has to do less with how the ads look and more with where the ads appear.

FORBES: Why Banner Ads Aren't More Lovable

But, desperate to keep upstarts from siphoning off their most desirable patients, they are getting laws passed to stomp out the specialty hospital business. (Ostensible reason: Doctors should not be motivated by profit.) Established providers are also blocking rules that would compel disclosure of infection rates.

FORBES: Hospitals' Nightmare

Ichiro brought up one of the catching position's most notorious jobs as reason why his 5-foot-11, 170-pound body wouldn't be suitable: blocking the plate from a charging runner.

WSJ: Those Wacky Yankee Lineups