# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=128&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 129 --- ## [Print-on-demand hardcover books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/print-on-demand-hardcover-books/1028328)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/print-on-demand-hardcover-books/1028328 "2026-03-10T22:15:34Z")
I wanted a print copy of The Maltese Falcon with the original published text and spellings (apparently some “corrections” had worked their way into the published versions over the years) and I found one that I thought wa… --- ## [People who define things strictly (in everyday settings) - what's your motivation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-define-things-strictly-in-everyday-settings-whats-your-motivation/1028157)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-define-things-strictly-in-everyday-settings-whats-your-motivation/1028157 "2026-03-10T20:23:43Z")
Sort of related to this earlier thread (about people correcting other people when it’s probably unnecessary); a related behaviour I have observed is arguing over definitions. Why do you do it? I’m specifically talking … --- ## [OK, USPS. Consider buying a map? Compass? Divining rod?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-usps-consider-buying-a-map-compass-divining-rod/1028067)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-usps-consider-buying-a-map-compass-divining-rod/1028067 "2026-03-10T19:57:38Z")
The item in question is an elderly laptop computer. The destination is Long Island, New York. It was shipped USPS with tracking. They should have issued this package a tourist visa and then it could at least be collec… --- ## [Do you buy extended warranties and service contracts ? This one car, but in general](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-buy-extended-warranties-and-service-contracts-this-one-car-but-in-general/1028296)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-buy-extended-warranties-and-service-contracts-this-one-car-but-in-general/1028296 "2026-03-10T19:57:30Z")
Just bought my wife’s new car, an Ioniq5 SEL. And of course have the final pitches that you’d think I’d have been ready for (but wasn’t) hard selling the various products. Easy no on the “gap coverage”, extra insurance … --- ## [Fuck the Chicago Cubs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-chicago-cubs/1023142)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-chicago-cubs/1023142 "2026-03-10T19:42:01Z")
I have been a huge Cubs fan since moving to Chicago over twenty years ago, but last Friday the team informed me that it no longer desires my support. It did so by holding a moment of silence and lowering the flags to hal… --- ## [When it is said a war costs (say) $1 billion per day is that above and beyond the cost of just having a military? Or is that about consumables?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-it-is-said-a-war-costs-say-1-billion-per-day-is-that-above-and-beyond-the-cost-of-just-having-a-military-or-is-that-about-consumables/1028306)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-it-is-said-a-war-costs-say-1-billion-per-day-is-that-above-and-beyond-the-cost-of-just-having-a-military-or-is-that-about-consumables/1028306 "2026-03-10T19:30:35Z")
Massive war price tag could be a massive problem for GOP leaders Republicans on Capitol Hill are preparing to confront a staggering price tag for the war in the Middle East after closed-door briefings this week detail… --- ## [How do people "disappear?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-disappear/1027477)
**Author:** [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-disappear/1027477 "2026-03-10T19:28:35Z")
The Savannah Guthrie’s Mom case got me thinking about something else. More than a half-million people “disappear” in this country every year. The vast majority are eventually found, alive or not, but there’s a small nu… --- ## [Where did steak fries go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-steak-fries-go/1028159)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-steak-fries-go/1028159 "2026-03-10T19:15:53Z")
Those potato-length wedges with seasoned crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors seemed to be ubiquitous at restaurants in the 90s. They are perfectly balanced between a thinner french fry and a baked potato. I can’t remem… --- ## [Privileges One Receives When They Hit 50](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privileges-one-receives-when-they-hit-50/1027844)
**Author:** [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privileges-one-receives-when-they-hit-50/1027844 "2026-03-10T19:06:09Z")
I’m about to turn fifty in the USA. I’m planning to get some shots (pneumococcal, shingles and RSV) for which I’ll be eligible. Which things did you get when you turn fifty in your life? --- ## [What movie prop would you like to own (and not sell for a profit)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-prop-would-you-like-to-own-and-not-sell-for-a-profit/1028155)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-prop-would-you-like-to-own-and-not-sell-for-a-profit/1028155 "2026-03-10T18:54:24Z")
If you could possess any simple movie prop (and not the thing it is supposed to represent on screen), what one thing would you like to have? For me, it would be a particular racing trophy from a particular movie. … --- ## [Why are Marines (US) not "soldiers"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-marines-us-not-soldiers/1023254)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-marines-us-not-soldiers/1023254 "2026-03-10T16:54:13Z")
I was out with some friends and one of them is a former Marine. I called him a soldier and he took exception to that. He was polite, probably a common mistake, but he made it clear he was not a “soldier.” I have no do… --- ## [Who will be the first Trump cabinet member to leave after he's inaugurated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-the-first-trump-cabinet-member-to-leave-after-hes-inaugurated/1011122)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-the-first-trump-cabinet-member-to-leave-after-hes-inaugurated/1011122 "2026-03-10T16:43:41Z")
Either by choice or otherwise. We’ve already seen the fall of Matt Gaetz, but I don’t count him here, as neither he nor Trump had actually taken office yet. I predict RFK Jr. will be the first to go. Ideologically, he’… --- ## [PBS-the Count of Monte Cristo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pbs-the-count-of-monte-cristo/1028320)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pbs-the-count-of-monte-cristo/1028320 "2026-03-10T16:42:32Z")
I knew the vague plot of the book (never read it), but the series still pulled me in quickly. Apparently some characters have been snipped out, but all in all I found it engaging and fun. Jeremy Irons had a surprisingly … --- ## [Washing machine (front loader) repair question – balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-front-loader-repair-question-balance/1028318)
**Author:** [@oligArchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oligArchie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-front-loader-repair-question-balance/1028318 "2026-03-10T15:22:23Z")
Our front loader Whirlpool duet washer (~18 years old) has started whopping and stomping around the laundry room. I replaced the 3 damper/shock-absorber things over the weekend, but that didn’t make any change to the pro… --- ## [The Poetry of Donald J. Trump -- "Walking around with no legs" edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-walking-around-with-no-legs-edition/1028334)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-walking-around-with-no-legs-edition/1028334 "2026-03-10T15:19:33Z")
I couldn’t believe that he actually said that, so I had to check out the actual transcript (link at bottom). He did. There are clearly no limits on what he will say. Trump news conference at Trump National Doral, March… --- ## [Are there any commercially sold canned foods that cannot be simply opened and eaten safely/healthfully if the situation demands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300 "2026-03-10T14:36:59Z")
I’m not going full on prepper, but I’m starting to think about building up a several month’s worth stash of food – the state of the world and climate irregularities and all. And giving the current inflation, the can of … --- ## [Your experiences with portable air cleaners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-experiences-with-portable-air-cleaners/1028299)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-experiences-with-portable-air-cleaners/1028299 "2026-03-10T14:08:53Z")
How have you faired with portable air purifiers, both good and bad? How noisy and/or functional is/are the one(s) you’ve got? For the record, we just ordered a MOOKA HKB320F for a decent price…I hope, and it should arr… --- ## [Why Scooby-Doo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-scooby-doo/759731)
**Author:** [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-scooby-doo/759731 "2026-03-10T14:08:24Z")
How did Scooby-Doo, of all possible properties, manage to survive for so long? Over the years it’s had countless soft reboots, hard reboots, reimaginings, and live action adaptations. Hell, there was a (surprisingly good… --- ## [Why don't the Clipboard contents persist in Microsoft Excel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-clipboard-contents-persist-in-microsoft-excel/1028163)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-clipboard-contents-persist-in-microsoft-excel/1028163 "2026-03-10T13:37:19Z")
Every day of my life I copy something in Excel, either from a cell or from the formula bar. Half the time when I go to paste it, the Clipboard is empty and nothing happens. I’m aware that Excel treats the cell contents … --- ## [Photograph: is this AI generated? retouched?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photograph-is-this-ai-generated-retouched/1028313)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photograph-is-this-ai-generated-retouched/1028313 "2026-03-10T13:17:47Z")
I saw the picture below of Honor Elizabeth Waino, 1973-2001 on Quora (it’s also on Facebook) and somehow it didn’t look consistent with that era, as well as not quite like other pictures of her? From the more genuine-lo… --- ## [How do some luchadores manage to keep their masks for years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-some-luchadores-manage-to-keep-their-masks-for-years/1028325)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-some-luchadores-manage-to-keep-their-masks-for-years/1028325 "2026-03-10T10:09:02Z")
In the world of Mexican professional wrestling, called lucha libre, some wrestlers manage to hold onto their precious masks for years, even their entire career, despite the seeming ubiquity of luchas de apuestas matches,… --- ## [Should goals in hockey and soccer be enlarged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-goals-in-hockey-and-soccer-be-enlarged/1028063)
**Author:** [@DtypeJag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DtypeJag)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-goals-in-hockey-and-soccer-be-enlarged/1028063 "2026-03-10T02:47:10Z")
First let me admit I am not a knowledgable fan of either one. That said I couldn’t help noticing that the scores in each were usually very low. I have also noticed some fans complaining about this. When scores are t… --- ## [Fallout New Vegas Mods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-new-vegas-mods/1027278)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-new-vegas-mods/1027278 "2026-03-10T01:45:20Z")
I started writing this in the Fallout 4 modding thread but then I figured I’d better not hijack it. I’ve been watching the Fallout show with my wife, and answering various background questions has gotten me thinking abo… --- ## [Recommend a tire plug kit? (motorcycle rear tire has a nail)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-tire-plug-kit-motorcycle-rear-tire-has-a-nail/1028250)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-tire-plug-kit-motorcycle-rear-tire-has-a-nail/1028250 "2026-03-10T01:33:33Z")
I picked up a nail and want to plug this. The tire is new, with 1,000 miles. What plug kit / repair kit can you recommend? Links appreciated. Thanks! … --- ## [What’s the best way to let someone know about an unintentionally embarrassing email name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-let-someone-know-about-an-unintentionally-embarrassing-email-name/1028281)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-let-someone-know-about-an-unintentionally-embarrassing-email-name/1028281 "2026-03-10T00:01:34Z")
For example, there’s a semi-famous young woman whose work email was her first initial and last name. Her name is Samantha Hart.-you can see the problem. I have a business I use who seem to have a similar issue and I’d li… --- ## [Asking for opinions about a mathematical fact. Why multiplying by zero equals zero?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asking-for-opinions-about-a-mathematical-fact-why-multiplying-by-zero-equals-zero/1007506)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2026, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asking-for-opinions-about-a-mathematical-fact-why-multiplying-by-zero-equals-zero/1007506 "2026-03-09T23:07:34Z")
I am a math moron. Numbers just twist my brain into knots and have since they tried to reach me how to multiply in 3rd grade. (In spite of this, I managed to work as a bookkeeper for years. Successfully. Strange.) In a… --- ## [Karl Marx and Capital](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/karl-marx-and-capital/1028272)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2026, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/karl-marx-and-capital/1028272 "2026-03-09T23:02:30Z")
If you know Karl Marx’s “Capital” only by reputation, what do you think it is about? What would you expect to read about if you picked up a copy? I will be putting this question to a university undergrad seminar and am … --- ## [Has anyone seen either Operation Mincemeat or Schmigadoon! the Broadway show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-seen-either-operation-mincemeat-or-schmigadoon-the-broadway-show/1028310)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2026, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-seen-either-operation-mincemeat-or-schmigadoon-the-broadway-show/1028310 "2026-03-09T22:41:12Z")
We’re going to try and see one of the two in a few months. I’m leaning towards Mincemeat having seen the TV show of Schmigadoon! Mincemeat is London Play, now on Broadway and involves the True Story of an operation to t… --- ## [Solar charging an EV (w/ limited solar)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-charging-an-ev-w-limited-solar/1028301)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-charging-an-ev-w-limited-solar/1028301 "2026-03-09T20:54:13Z")
Hi there, I am analyzing the following scenario: I have a BASIC solar system ( say - it could output 1000w during daytime) - and live in 220v-land I will (eventually) get an EV that can charge from a 220v home-circuit… --- ## [I'm going to Nashville. Never been. What are the must-do's in the city?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-nashville-never-been-what-are-the-must-dos-in-the-city/1028308)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2026, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-nashville-never-been-what-are-the-must-dos-in-the-city/1028308 "2026-03-09T19:41:02Z")
As the title says…I will be in Nashville soon. Any recommendations of what to do? Where to eat? Where to drink (live music is a bonus)? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=127&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=129&state=muted)