# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=170&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 171 --- ## [Austen-related horse travel speed question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/austen-related-horse-travel-speed-question/809454)
**Author:** [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/austen-related-horse-travel-speed-question/809454 "2026-01-03T15:37:53Z")
I’ve been reading some Austen, and because I’m an engineer, I have a couple technical questions :smiley: In\*\*\* Persuasion\*\*\*, a family group travels from Uppercross to Lyme, a distance of 18 miles. How long would this… --- ## [Why don't Native American Reservations have legalized prostitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-native-american-reservations-have-legalized-prostitution/287016)
**Author:** [@Roland\_Deschain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roland_Deschain)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-native-american-reservations-have-legalized-prostitution/287016 "2026-01-03T14:23:08Z")
I meant to ask this as its own question, but screwed up and put it under the cigerette taxation thread. Anyway, is it because of moral opposition within the Native American cultures (I would think if nothing else that t… --- ## [Shipping cost: why didn't it scale (down) with volumes skyrocketing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-cost-why-didnt-it-scale-down-with-volumes-skyrocketing/1026157)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-cost-why-didnt-it-scale-down-with-volumes-skyrocketing/1026157 "2026-01-03T13:21:43Z")
I clearly remember the younger ME in the late 1990ies when internet-sales started to become a thing: At that time shipping (USPS, FedEx, et al) was fairly inexpensive. As sales took off, my gut feeling was: those shippi… --- ## [27 punch bowls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/27-punch-bowls/1026290)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/27-punch-bowls/1026290 "2026-01-03T12:53:18Z")
I’m perusing the local upcoming auctions. Back in the day, I often went to auctions for cheap fun. I rarely went home with anything but had a good time watching the show. In fact, I went to an auction about 25 years ago … --- ## [2025 Celebrity Still-Dead Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-celebrity-still-dead-pool/1011094)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-celebrity-still-dead-pool/1011094 "2026-01-03T10:22:08Z")
There’s the Celebrity Death Pool and the Celebrity Life Pool - perhaps you’ve participated in these and been disappointed, since you got few or no hits, while others who pile on with the easy picks always seem to rack up… --- ## [Uploaded image in the Pluribus thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uploaded-image-in-the-pluribus-thread/1026146)
**Author:** [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uploaded-image-in-the-pluribus-thread/1026146 "2026-01-03T08:17:38Z")
Continuing the discussion from Pluribus (New Vince Gilligan show on AppleTV): It looks like that image “https://boards.straightdope.com/uploads/short-url/6syxF52b7EjKny9emsRohg6cjLi.jpeg” was somehow uploaded by the the… --- ## [Quordle, for people who find Wordle to be too easy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quordle-for-people-who-find-wordle-to-be-too-easy/980931)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 2859\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quordle-for-people-who-find-wordle-to-be-too-easy/980931 "2026-01-03T04:48:12Z")
Daily Quordle 409 :red\_square::nine: :five::seven: :yellow\_square::white\_large\_square::white\_large\_square::white\_large\_square::white\_large\_square: :yellow\_square::white\_large\_square::white\_large\_square:… --- ## [YouTuber builds a camera that films light at 2 billion fps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtuber-builds-a-camera-that-films-light-at-2-billion-fps/1026292)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtuber-builds-a-camera-that-films-light-at-2-billion-fps/1026292 "2026-01-03T03:50:24Z")
Okay I just had to share this astonishing video. Dr Brian Haidet, who runs the AphaPhoenix YouTube channel, built this camera to observe light bouncing off mirrors. The video shows how he made it (and there’s a more tech… --- ## [Buying a level 2 charging station for an electric car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-level-2-charging-station-for-an-electric-car/1026018)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-level-2-charging-station-for-an-electric-car/1026018 "2026-01-03T02:08:12Z")
So … I’m about to buy an electric car. Which means i will need to charge it. And I’d like to have a level 2 charger in my garage. I have a suitable outlet. Where’s does one buy the charger? What should i be looking for?… --- ## [Has anyone bought an Apple Vision Pro?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-bought-an-apple-vision-pro/997137)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-bought-an-apple-vision-pro/997137 "2026-01-02T23:36:16Z")
I’m not a techie and don’t usually pay attention to the latest toys, but this one intrigues me. Has anyone bought one and can give us a review? --- ## ["Matching" funds (longish)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matching-funds-longish/1026159)
**Author:** [@MonkeysBrother](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeysBrother)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matching-funds-longish/1026159 "2026-01-02T23:13:53Z")
I want to pit fake matching funds. Seems these days almost every fund raising request I get tells me how I’m going to double or triple (or more) my impact!! I used to think these were real, that someone was matching my d… --- ## [What if you DON'T pass that gas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-you-dont-pass-that-gas/1026216)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-you-dont-pass-that-gas/1026216 "2026-01-02T21:33:46Z")
What if the human body doesn’t fart, poot, bubble, puff, or eliminate air? Make a Raspberry. Lay an egg. Step on a frog or loose floorboard. Sit close to the Labrador dog or Grandma.(:wink: ) Rev the motor. Blow stank. … --- ## [If/when Trump and Musk fall out, what will it be over? The results?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-when-trump-and-musk-fall-out-what-will-it-be-over-the-results/1014346)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 445\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-when-trump-and-musk-fall-out-what-will-it-be-over-the-results/1014346 "2026-01-02T20:38:23Z")
A speculation thread that could potentially be a little lighter than most. As has been observed many times, Trump and Musk are very similar in many ways. They are both rich, powerful, arrogant, and self-centered, with h… --- ## [The elephant in the room. 4063 active members](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-elephant-in-the-room-4063-active-members/788139)
**Author:** [@steatopygia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steatopygia)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-elephant-in-the-room-4063-active-members/788139 "2026-01-02T19:12:55Z")
Anyone concerned? Not an appropriate question? --- ## [Campbell's exec: our soup is shit for poor people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/campbells-exec-our-soup-is-shit-for-poor-people/1025131)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/campbells-exec-our-soup-is-shit-for-poor-people/1025131 "2026-01-02T18:16:50Z")
I always appreciate truth in advertising. Other bigwigs at Campbell’s might not agree. As part of a wrongful termination suit, a former employee has produced recordings of his boss, a VP of information technology, shari… --- ## [Well. the great Turkey slaughters of Thanksgiving and Christmas weren't successful genocides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-the-great-turkey-slaughters-of-thanksgiving-and-christmas-werent-successful-genocides/1026142)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-the-great-turkey-slaughters-of-thanksgiving-and-christmas-werent-successful-genocides/1026142 "2026-01-02T17:37:52Z")
A minute ago I heard a strange sound and thought “Was that a…?” but heard nothing more and dismissed it. But then it came again and I started working my way around the house, peering out each window in turn. And there… --- ## [Signs a Coworker is Going to be a Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signs-a-coworker-is-going-to-be-a-problem/1026190)
**Author:** [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signs-a-coworker-is-going-to-be-a-problem/1026190 "2026-01-02T17:15:22Z")
There are two statements I’ve heard from people I’ve worked with that were always indicative there was going to be a problem. The first is whenever I hear someone tell me they’re there to work and not make friends. Whi… --- ## [Your Top Ten Books of 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-books-of-2025/1026177)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-books-of-2025/1026177 "2026-01-02T17:06:35Z")
Last year’s thread: Best books of 2024 Doesn’t matter when they were published, but you read 'em and loved 'em in 2025. And please tell us, in a sentence or two, why you liked 'em. --- ## [Custard the Dragon, and the Missing Stanza](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/custard-the-dragon-and-the-missing-stanza/1014429)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/custard-the-dragon-and-the-missing-stanza/1014429 "2026-01-02T16:57:39Z")
I’m teaching a poetry unit to my fourth graders, and as part of the unit, I give them a selection of 20 poems to choose from (or they can bring in their own) to learn, interpret, and perform before the class. It’s a fun … --- ## [Clean energy for the world based on using large capacitors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clean-energy-for-the-world-based-on-using-large-capacitors/1026244)
**Author:** [@bodangus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bodangus)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clean-energy-for-the-world-based-on-using-large-capacitors/1026244 "2026-01-02T14:58:58Z")
Yeah I guess, based on the Ark of the Covenant. Is the problem the unreliability of individual environments and Earths atmosphere or is it possibly the oil indu$try not liking the idea? Maybe some other reason, like rel… --- ## [China wants you to unwrap that rascal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-wants-you-to-unwrap-that-rascal/1026265)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-wants-you-to-unwrap-that-rascal/1026265 "2026-01-02T13:40:45Z")
And to encourage you to do the deed commando, there’s a balloon of a tax rate on the raincoat. Mind you, China still has a limit on the number of children people may have.. There are some exceptions as was the case wit… --- ## [What is your opinion on strictness in parents? How strict should parents be and what is just absurd?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-opinion-on-strictness-in-parents-how-strict-should-parents-be-and-what-is-just-absurd/1025680)
**Author:** [@lilybug0309](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lilybug0309)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-opinion-on-strictness-in-parents-how-strict-should-parents-be-and-what-is-just-absurd/1025680 "2026-01-02T13:23:07Z")
I have some views on what rules I believe there should be for children. My parents are overly strict, I am 17 and not allowed to go on a date without my parents being there, so I was wondering what other people believe t… --- ## [How long could the U.S. last against an enemy of collective nations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-the-u-s-last-against-an-enemy-of-collective-nations/388404)
**Author:** [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-the-u-s-last-against-an-enemy-of-collective-nations/388404 "2026-01-02T10:36:26Z")
Let’s say that every other nation that has an army that is worth a damn suddenly decided to collectively attack the U.S. How much of a fight could the U.S. put up. Would it possibly survive? How long would the US. last? … --- ## [Critique this Trump Third Term plan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-trump-third-term-plan/1024418)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-trump-third-term-plan/1024418 "2026-01-02T04:35:59Z")
Note: For the sake of this thread, let’s assume that the 22nd Amendment means exactly what it says - that Trump can serve a third term as long as he is not directly elected to a third term. I know we debate that in othe… --- ## [Possible new rule, or at least strong suggestion, about posting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-new-rule-or-at-least-strong-suggestion-about-posting/1026236)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-new-rule-or-at-least-strong-suggestion-about-posting/1026236 "2026-01-02T02:54:26Z")
In the thread about the 2026 Death Pool it is becoming rather evident that some newbies (and few old timers) do not bother to read anything but the title of the thread. Now, I know about people complaining about the lar… --- ## [Freak injuries and ER visits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freak-injuries-and-er-visits/1026123)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freak-injuries-and-er-visits/1026123 "2026-01-02T02:51:22Z")
Most of us have been to the ER for serious reasons (us or relatives), but how many of you have wrestled with your blankets at 4:30 am and as a result jammed your thumbnail into your eye? (raises hand shamefully) Around… --- ## [Oklahoma student invokes Christian beliefs in college essay, gets failing grade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oklahoma-student-invokes-christian-beliefs-in-college-essay-gets-failing-grade/1025443)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oklahoma-student-invokes-christian-beliefs-in-college-essay-gets-failing-grade/1025443 "2026-01-02T02:36:55Z")
I don’t see that the Dope has weighed in on this, although it has been popping up on social media lately. In short, a university student in Oklahoma was assigned to respond to a reading assignment regarding bullying and… --- ## [What other ways (besides the ones humans used) could a specific species become dominant on a planet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-ways-besides-the-ones-humans-used-could-a-specific-species-become-dominant-on-a-planet/1025831)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-ways-besides-the-ones-humans-used-could-a-specific-species-become-dominant-on-a-planet/1025831 "2026-01-02T02:18:42Z")
Just a daydreamy, science-fictiony sort of thought, inspired by the Fermi Paradox (why we have not conclusively met any aliens who have traveled here). Humans conquered this planet without direct coordination among them… --- ## [Are you known by your legal name, or a diminuitive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-known-by-your-legal-name-or-a-diminuitive/1026069)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-known-by-your-legal-name-or-a-diminuitive/1026069 "2026-01-02T01:46:35Z")
My legal name is David. I hate it. I am much happier when people call me just plain Dave. That’s me. My mother hated that, but that’s how my friends called me, how my teachers called me at school, how everybody calle… --- ## [Wireless meat thermometers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-meat-thermometers/1026211)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-meat-thermometers/1026211 "2026-01-02T00:06:46Z")
Continuing the discussion from Can this overcooked roast be saved?: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=169&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=171&state=watching)