# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1495 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1496 --- ## [MLB: 3,000 hit club and at-bats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-3-000-hit-club-and-at-bats/939516)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-3-000-hit-club-and-at-bats/939516 "2021-04-07T21:12:40Z")
Why is it that the number of at-bats needed to reach 3,000 hits is unknown for certain batters? In this list: 3,000 Hits Club | Baseball Almanac There are some batters from the earlier part of the last century, such as… --- ## [Methods for two people to communicate without being noticed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/methods-for-two-people-to-communicate-without-being-noticed/939489)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/methods-for-two-people-to-communicate-without-being-noticed/939489 "2021-04-07T21:01:24Z")
For fiction’s sake: What are suitable methods for two people, in close proximity, to communicate with each other without those around them noticing? (the consequences are dire if found out) The one that came to mind w… --- ## [Does anyone remember sonic booms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-remember-sonic-booms/938275)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-remember-sonic-booms/938275 "2021-04-07T20:53:13Z")
I was born in 1962 and grew up in the Chicago suburbs. About the time I was 5 or 6, I remember it being not commonplace but not all that unusual to hear a boom in the sky, and my 5 or 6 (or whatever) year old friends wou… --- ## [The "Just Offscreen" issue in Movies (BTTF as an example)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-just-offscreen-issue-in-movies-bttf-as-an-example/939384)
**Author:** [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-just-offscreen-issue-in-movies-bttf-as-an-example/939384 "2021-04-07T20:18:09Z")
If the audience can’t see something, we tend to assume that it’s not there - or that the characters can’t see it either, and once you start noticing this, it makes a lot of movies inadvertently funny, as characters get s… --- ## [Need info on a business](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-info-on-a-business/939559)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-info-on-a-business/939559 "2021-04-07T19:54:25Z")
A friend of mine was contacted by a company called “Star Talent Entertainment” based in NYC, supposedly run by a “Ron Smith”, and she can’t seem to find any information about it. Not interested in any companies with jus… --- ## [How do I found out if a book or author is really a best-seller?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-found-out-if-a-book-or-author-is-really-a-best-seller/939436)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-found-out-if-a-book-or-author-is-really-a-best-seller/939436 "2021-04-07T19:09:10Z")
Question is in the thread title. --- ## [RIP Frank Jacobs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-frank-jacobs/939553)
**Author:** [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-frank-jacobs/939553 "2021-04-07T18:33:55Z")
Frank Jacobs, longtime writer for Mad magazine, has passed away at 92. He was the one who wrote most of the song and poem parodies. --- ## [Your Mount Rushmore of post-1976 American Conservatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-mount-rushmore-of-post-1976-american-conservatives/933253)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-mount-rushmore-of-post-1976-american-conservatives/933253 "2021-04-07T17:00:19Z")
I have gained control of the largest hill in Florida and, as a celebration of my achievement, will sculpt a Mt Rushmore of modern (post 1976) conservatives. I am open to suggestions! 1976 because it seems to be a good d… --- ## [Is there a deep state or cabal \[spelling corrected\] that is controlling the government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-deep-state-or-cabal-spelling-corrected-that-is-controlling-the-government/938336)
**Author:** [@Jillwood77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jillwood77)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-deep-state-or-cabal-spelling-corrected-that-is-controlling-the-government/938336 "2021-04-07T16:11:17Z")
Is there a deep state or cobel that is controlling the government? Yes controlling both parties? The reason I ask is many threads here talk about political lobbying the act of giving money to politicians. And the politic… --- ## [In Chess Notation, How Is It Recorded When A Player's Clock Runs Out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-chess-notation-how-is-it-recorded-when-a-players-clock-runs-out/939390)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-chess-notation-how-is-it-recorded-when-a-players-clock-runs-out/939390 "2021-04-07T16:07:14Z")
Like if White’s clock runs out, and Black has plenty of material on the board and could win, the game is awarded to Black. But how is this written in the notation? --- ## [Using the Copyright Symbol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-copyright-symbol/939397)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-copyright-symbol/939397 "2021-04-07T15:50:52Z")
BTW this question also applies to the trademark and patent symbol. Would it be appropriate to use it on these boards, when using a copyrighted term? Here’s the symbol: ©. I actually think I may have done this, used ©, … --- ## [Did Cullen Hoback Identify the "Q" of "QAnon"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-cullen-hoback-identify-the-q-of-qanon/939529)
**Author:** [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-cullen-hoback-identify-the-q-of-qanon/939529 "2021-04-07T15:48:43Z")
I found this Anderson Cooper interview with Cullen Holbeck fascinating. Has anyone been following Cullen Holback in his efforts of identify the source of “QAnon”? That smile got me. That’s the smile of a liar who thinks… --- ## [Despite hearing this on NPR, I can't stop disinfecting!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/despite-hearing-this-on-npr-i-cant-stop-disinfecting/929210)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/despite-hearing-this-on-npr-i-cant-stop-disinfecting/929210 "2021-04-07T15:48:38Z")
It’s a habit now…muscle memory. --- ## [Mitch tells Big Corps to back off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-tells-big-corps-to-back-off/939505)
**Author:** [@Dandan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dandan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-tells-big-corps-to-back-off/939505 "2021-04-07T15:40:05Z")
Sorry I don’t know how to open a new thread with the terrific-looking box/link - gonna have to go with this simple link: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/05/mitch-mcconnell-voting-restrictions-corporate-amer… --- ## [Cool words that don't exist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-words-that-dont-exist/932391)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-words-that-dont-exist/932391 "2021-04-07T14:23:14Z")
Partly inspired by the ‘cool words’ thread, and partly mothered by the necessity to invent some nonsense for my scambaiting activities, I’m interested to hear some words that sound like they could exist, but don’t. Back… --- ## [Oh joy... a double scoping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-joy-a-double-scoping/855594)
**Author:** [@pythonzzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pythonzzz)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-joy-a-double-scoping/855594 "2021-04-07T13:47:30Z")
Lucky me, gotta go in for a endoscopy and a colonoscopy - been putting it off for a few years(54 now) but need to be screened because of family history(paternal aunt with a full colostomy, first cousin with fatal colon c… --- ## [Laptop computers and failing batteries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-computers-and-failing-batteries/939449)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-computers-and-failing-batteries/939449 "2021-04-07T13:39:15Z")
We have a laptop that’s about three years old and the battery is starting to fail. When plugged in, does a laptop still require a functioning battery or can we continue to use it even if the battery is completely dead? --- ## [Can't take a photo of my Drivers License on my Phone, is this an actual feature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-take-a-photo-of-my-drivers-license-on-my-phone-is-this-an-actual-feature/939374)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-take-a-photo-of-my-drivers-license-on-my-phone-is-this-an-actual-feature/939374 "2021-04-07T13:25:37Z")
I needed to take a photo of my Drivers License with REAL ID features for verification purposes. I’m using a two year old Samsung Galaxy but whenever I tried to take a picture of the front my phone would freeze and the ph… --- ## [Carrot cake for Easter - why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carrot-cake-for-easter-why/939344)
**Author:** [@KCB615](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KCB615)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carrot-cake-for-easter-why/939344 "2021-04-07T12:20:38Z")
Why is carrot cake an Easter dessert of choice? Don’t get me wrong, it’s one of my favorite baked goods, and I make it year round. I’m happy to have an occasion where it’s a focus food. Why, though, is it associated with… --- ## [How to write a bibliographic cite for multiple USGS topo maps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-write-a-bibliographic-cite-for-multiple-usgs-topo-maps/939194)
**Author:** [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-write-a-bibliographic-cite-for-multiple-usgs-topo-maps/939194 "2021-04-07T12:03:12Z")
I’m finishing up writing a book and I’m doing my bibliography. I’ve come across something that I can not seem to find a way to write the source for. I am dealing with small cemeteries and sometimes they come up on the US… --- ## [Did Mrs. Fairfax know about Bertha Mason Rochester?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-mrs-fairfax-know-about-bertha-mason-rochester/584921)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-mrs-fairfax-know-about-bertha-mason-rochester/584921 "2021-04-07T08:23:31Z")
The title says it all. Mrs. Fairfax doesn’t say anything to Jane before the wedding, but what housekeeper doesn’t know everything that goes on in the house she manages? StG --- ## [MPAA numbers on movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mpaa-numbers-on-movies/46023)
**Author:** [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2012, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mpaa-numbers-on-movies/46023 "2012-10-30T08:47:13Z")
At the end of a movie, after ALL the credits have run, you’ll see a stylized Mercator globe with a film reel in the middle. Above it is a number and below is the name, “Motion Picture Association of America”. Is there a … --- ## [Question about broken links](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-broken-links/939511)
**Author:** [@mordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mordecaiB)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-broken-links/939511 "2021-04-07T06:06:21Z")
IIRC, all links to SDMB threads were broken when we switched to Discourse and this can’t be fixed. Is this correct? Part of the reason I ask this is because, at least as far back as 2015, old posts sometimes have the D… --- ## [Is skywriting still a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-skywriting-still-a-thing/939332)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-skywriting-still-a-thing/939332 "2021-04-07T05:15:19Z")
In the 70’s and 80’s, i could see a couple of writings per year. I don’t think I’ve seen one in 25 years but I’ve lived in rural areas all that time so very few people would see the message. Do they still happen over big… --- ## [Train engines running in reverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/train-engines-running-in-reverse/939481)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/train-engines-running-in-reverse/939481 "2021-04-07T04:47:09Z")
Here’s a quick one I’ve always wondered. Can a train running backward go as fast as one going forward? I’ve often seen a second or third engine in the middle or the end and can it running so I assume direction doesn’t ma… --- ## [Colonoscopy follow up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonoscopy-follow-up/932687)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonoscopy-follow-up/932687 "2021-04-07T02:10:22Z")
Three years ago I had a colonoscopy, routine for men of my age, and apart from some polyps that they removed, all was fine. I just had a phone call asking me back for a follow-up. In view of all the COVID stuff I was a … --- ## [Gallup, New Mexico is on lockdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallup-new-mexico-is-on-lockdown/853014)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2021, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallup-new-mexico-is-on-lockdown/853014 "2021-04-07T00:26:25Z")
The Navajo Nation has a very high per capita rate of known COVID, and authorities have decided to restrict travel in and out of this city. Here’s a condensed verion. You can still drive through Gallup on I-40, but … --- ## [Use of which vs that](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-which-vs-that/939486)
**Author:** [@Gymnopithys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gymnopithys)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2021, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-which-vs-that/939486 "2021-04-06T22:13:17Z")
In this sentence, which is the correct use: Species which/that have been regarded as varieties turn out to be new species. (need answer fast) --- ## [USS Johnston wreckage mapped and filmed at 21,180ft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uss-johnston-wreckage-mapped-and-filmed-at-21-180ft/939358)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2021, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uss-johnston-wreckage-mapped-and-filmed-at-21-180ft/939358 "2021-04-06T20:53:15Z")
I’ve read about The Battle of Leyte Gulf. Historical books about WWII are a favorite of mine. Halsey had been lured away chasing Ozawa’s carrier force. A small escort force was left behind to guard ships in Leyte Gulf. … --- ## [When did titles stop being yellow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-titles-stop-being-yellow/939469)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2021, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-titles-stop-being-yellow/939469 "2021-04-06T19:52:15Z")
For the longest time credits and titles on TV and movies were usually in yellow text. Around when did this finally die out? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1494) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1496)