# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=128&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 129 --- ## [In ancient times how did they prevent people from misrepresenting themselves (e.g. "Hello, I am the king of Someplace You Never Heard Of") and commiting fraud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-ancient-times-how-did-they-prevent-people-from-misrepresenting-themselves-e-g-hello-i-am-the-king-of-someplace-you-never-heard-of-and-commiting-fraud/1027174)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2026, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-ancient-times-how-did-they-prevent-people-from-misrepresenting-themselves-e-g-hello-i-am-the-king-of-someplace-you-never-heard-of-and-commiting-fraud/1027174 "2026-03-13T00:41:40Z")
It seems it would be fairly trivial in the past (especially ancient past) when the whole world was not known and communication over long distances were slow at best (if it even existed). How was it someone didn’t just r… --- ## [The Trump Recession](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-recession/1014592)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 524\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-recession/1014592 "2026-03-12T23:30:59Z")
I’m surprised that the stock markets aren’t anticipating a recession in the next few months. Everything Trump/Musk are doing should cause a reduction in economic activity: firing lots of workers, reducing government spen… --- ## [State retiree health plan tries to screw us over](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-retiree-health-plan-tries-to-screw-us-over/1028374)
**Author:** [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-retiree-health-plan-tries-to-screw-us-over/1028374 "2026-03-12T23:21:20Z")
I’m pretty hot at the moment. I’m the husband of a State (I will keep them anonymous) retiree and, as a dependent, I’m covered under her Medicare PPO. Cost is minimal and coverage is excellent. (I think she had the le… --- ## [These 3 words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-3-words/1028286)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-3-words/1028286 "2026-03-12T22:45:15Z")
No. Not bad, bad, bad​:grin: But: Flex Argos Goat What do they mean in modern parlance? --- ## [Going from no running at all, to suddenly doing 3-4 miles, am I risking injury?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-from-no-running-at-all-to-suddenly-doing-3-4-miles-am-i-risking-injury/1028215)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-from-no-running-at-all-to-suddenly-doing-3-4-miles-am-i-risking-injury/1028215 "2026-03-12T17:44:59Z")
I am a veritable couch potato, but recently a friend invited me to join her jogging group. Normally, I am too much of a slug to even bother going outside for neighborhood walks, but I thought, “Well, I am prediabetic, ha… --- ## [The\_Librarian has trouble reading](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-librarian-has-trouble-reading/1028394)
**Author:** [@Humbagger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Humbagger)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-librarian-has-trouble-reading/1028394 "2026-03-12T17:29:32Z")
@the\_librarian Yes. Those are the rules of the message board you are currently using and that you should have read. Or maybe the trouble isn’t with the reading, but the next part after that? --- ## [Hot sauce thread (2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-sauce-thread-2026/1028339)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-sauce-thread-2026/1028339 "2026-03-12T14:57:19Z")
Rather than resurrect one of the decade-old threads, I’m starting a new one for discussing hot sauce. I looked up the Scoville units for these three hot sauces: Yucatan Sunshine Habanero: ~7,600 – 9,500 SHU Tapatio: ~… --- ## [Thanks, Mr.President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanks-mr-president/1028383)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanks-mr-president/1028383 "2026-03-12T13:55:43Z")
Now I have a mental disorder because I’m dyslexic. You, Mr. Trump have a mental disorder. It’s called “stooopidity” --- ## [How are particularly horrific criminals treated by the other inmates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-particularly-horrific-criminals-treated-by-the-other-inmates/593329)
**Author:** [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-particularly-horrific-criminals-treated-by-the-other-inmates/593329 "2026-03-12T12:31:29Z")
Look up the comments section to any news story about a particularly horrific criminal (Levi Aron, Anders Behring Breivik), and you’ll find plenty of comments along the lines of “this creep won’t last a week in jail, the … --- ## [The\_Librarian has been suspended for 7 days](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-librarian-has-been-suspended-for-7-days/1028391)
**Author:** [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-librarian-has-been-suspended-for-7-days/1028391 "2026-03-12T12:17:51Z")
For a continued pattern of attacking/insulting other users outside of the Pit, The\_Librarian has been suspended for 7 days. Links to Warnings: --- ## [WTF is going on with my computer mouse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-going-on-with-my-computer-mouse/1028366)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-going-on-with-my-computer-mouse/1028366 "2026-03-12T11:53:05Z")
All right, this is weird. Booted up my computer today, and the mouse didn’t work at all. Didn’t matter where I plugged it in. Restarting did nothing. Okay, I think, I must have a dead mouse. Plugged in my son’s brand-… --- ## [META AI Smart Glasses may be a bit too smart](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meta-ai-smart-glasses-may-be-a-bit-too-smart/1028362)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meta-ai-smart-glasses-may-be-a-bit-too-smart/1028362 "2026-03-12T07:34:53Z")
Meta sued over AI smart glasses’ privacy concerns, after workers reviewed nudity, sex, and other footage | TechCrunch " Meta is facing a new class action lawsuit over its AI smart glasses and their lack of privacy, afte… --- ## [I guess we're striking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-guess-were-striking/1028375)
**Author:** [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-guess-were-striking/1028375 "2026-03-12T04:26:31Z")
I’ve never taken part in a strike before. I’m not sure how I feel about it. I teach part-time, but my position is permanent and safe. I’ve been at PCC for 14 years. I have what’s called a “multi-year contract.” Basica… --- ## [How foolish would I be to keep a realistic-looking toy BB gun at home to deter intruders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-foolish-would-i-be-to-keep-a-realistic-looking-toy-bb-gun-at-home-to-deter-intruders/1028324)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-foolish-would-i-be-to-keep-a-realistic-looking-toy-bb-gun-at-home-to-deter-intruders/1028324 "2026-03-11T23:48:50Z")
I’m pretty sure this idea has significant downside, but wanted the Dopers to give the harsh feedback anyway. Blast away at me (no pun intended…..okay, maybe it was.) First off, a real handgun costs $400-900, and I don’t… --- ## [Sunday Mar 8 Doonesbury Strip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunday-mar-8-doonesbury-strip/1028368)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunday-mar-8-doonesbury-strip/1028368 "2026-03-11T23:26:53Z")
For those who weren’t aware, Trudeau is still making new Sunday strips. GoComics I’m confused; is Trudeau mocking Minneapolis protesters or supporting them? --- ## [When did "Daffy" Duck undergo a personality change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-daffy-duck-undergo-a-personality-change/1028372)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-daffy-duck-undergo-a-personality-change/1028372 "2026-03-11T23:10:28Z")
Daffy Duck was originally, well, Daffy. Madcap; looney; an agent of chaos. But by the Chuck Jones era he was completely different: Now he was a vainglorious narcissist who existed to be the butt-monkey of whichever featu… --- ## [By Grabthar's hammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-grabthars-hammer/1028358)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-grabthars-hammer/1028358 "2026-03-11T23:00:08Z")
The first time you watched Galaxy Quest, either in a theatre or at home, when Laredo is easing the NSEA Protector out of the space dock and it begins to drift to the left, did YOU try some body English to assist him as … --- ## [Giving to street entertainers in an increasingly cashless society](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-to-street-entertainers-in-an-increasingly-cashless-society/1028277)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-to-street-entertainers-in-an-increasingly-cashless-society/1028277 "2026-03-11T22:57:11Z")
How are buskers and other street entertainers fairing in an increasingly cashless society? Are they hurting, adapting or some combination? --- ## [What specific kind of landline phone do I need in this situation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-specific-kind-of-landline-phone-do-i-need-in-this-situation/1028337)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-specific-kind-of-landline-phone-do-i-need-in-this-situation/1028337 "2026-03-11T22:32:19Z")
First, thanks in advance for any answers. I won’t be able to check this thread for a while. This phone is for my elderly mom who lives 2,000 miles away and whose support network doesn’t include any technical-minded peop… --- ## [Our Entire News Was the Weather](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-entire-news-was-the-weather/1028365)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-entire-news-was-the-weather/1028365 "2026-03-11T19:46:10Z")
Mother Nature went berserk last night from Chicagoland down to middle Illinois, western Indiana, and especially Jasper County, IN. We had what looks like (preliminary guess) an EF3 tornado that was actually on the groun… --- ## [Poorly describe a movie plot as a Reddit AITA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poorly-describe-a-movie-plot-as-a-reddit-aita/1022644)
**Author:** [@Reeses\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeses_Monkey)\ **Replies:** 273\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poorly-describe-a-movie-plot-as-a-reddit-aita/1022644 "2026-03-11T17:45:57Z")
New game! Take a movie you like and describe the plot as if you were a character writing a post in the Reddit forum Am I The Asshole? Like so: My son is a slacker. He and his dipshit friend are convinced they can start … --- ## [Holy shit, I watched Trump's speech from Davos and he is insane!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-shit-i-watched-trumps-speech-from-davos-and-he-is-insane/1026916)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-shit-i-watched-trumps-speech-from-davos-and-he-is-insane/1026916 "2026-03-11T16:05:58Z")
I don’t know what to add. My jaw is on the floor. How is he still President. He gave this speech to the leaders of the world! Fuck. --- ## [The Union's in a state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unions-in-a-state/1027923)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 350\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unions-in-a-state/1027923 "2026-03-11T15:59:22Z")
In less than 24 hours, the State of the Union address should begin. Feel free to vent here about anything connected with it. For non-BBQ PIT-esque commentary, feel free to make them in 2026 State of the Union thread in … --- ## [GoT: is the red wedding scene connected to Catherine de' Medici?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-is-the-red-wedding-scene-connected-to-catherine-de-medici/1028370)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-is-the-red-wedding-scene-connected-to-catherine-de-medici/1028370 "2026-03-11T15:34:40Z")
I’ve been watching this show called The Serpent Queen. Which is about Catherine de’ Medici. There is a scene in one of the episodes that is almost exactly like game of thrones Red wedding scene. I was just wondering if… --- ## [Megan 2.0 (sequel)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/megan-2-0-sequel/1028336)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/megan-2-0-sequel/1028336 "2026-03-11T14:49:51Z")
I finally saw Megan 2.0 last night and, unlike many other sequels, it was significantly better than the original. The original was essentially the hackneyed “child’s toy turns evil” theme and looks like a low budget mov… --- ## [What would WW3 look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-ww3-look-like/1028343)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-ww3-look-like/1028343 "2026-03-11T13:58:45Z")
Continuing the discussion from Is this how WW3 happens?: Pretty sure it won’t be the kind of war my dad fought in. More Cyber? Satellite destruction? Focused attacks on critical infrastructure? Drones? Long range missl… --- ## [Recreational and Competitive Sailing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recreational-and-competitive-sailing/1028342)
**Author:** [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recreational-and-competitive-sailing/1028342 "2026-03-11T12:21:11Z")
I’m a sailing addict and after some looking, I wasn’t able to find any threads about either recreational sailing or racing. So to kick things off… I’ve been sailing since before I could ride a bike. My best friend’s fa… --- ## [RIP Country Joe, from Country Joe and The Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-country-joe-from-country-joe-and-the-fish/1028302)
**Author:** [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-country-joe-from-country-joe-and-the-fish/1028302 "2026-03-11T10:23:51Z")
I know very, very little about him. My only real connection is from the Woodstock album that a college friend and I played regularly for 4 years. Specifically the last few seconds of Rock and Soul Music (cued up to tha… --- ## [Hulk, Namor ownership](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hulk-namor-ownership/1028359)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hulk-namor-ownership/1028359 "2026-03-11T09:37:18Z")
I understand that Marvel/Disney can’t make solo movies about the Hulk or the Sub-Mariner because Universal owns the film rights to those characters. But isn’t there a requirement that Universal make a new movie about the… --- ## [Optical illusion or clickbait](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optical-illusion-or-clickbait/1028309)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optical-illusion-or-clickbait/1028309 "2026-03-11T07:50:40Z")
Both lines are moving smoothly at the same rate. Or so is the claim. I’m sure it’s true but I can’t think of a way to test. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=127&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=129&state=watching)