# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=221&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 222 --- ## [Measuring distance on Google Maps: improved version](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-distance-on-google-maps-improved-version/1024056)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-distance-on-google-maps-improved-version/1024056 "2025-10-18T17:22:31Z")
\[I wrote this a couple years ago\] This post is about investigating Google Maps’ accuracy – specifically, how accurately you can measure distances off of it. If you’re not interested in that, no need to read any furth… --- ## [Neil Degrasse Tyson disproves flat earth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neil-degrasse-tyson-disproves-flat-earth/1023501)
**Author:** [@Surfing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surfing)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neil-degrasse-tyson-disproves-flat-earth/1023501 "2025-10-18T17:11:24Z")
Of course the world isn’t flat. However, I’m having trouble understanding this video and how it supposedly proves it. Could someone explain? Tyson video I did a very simple experiment (below) using a cup as the build… --- ## [Describe the most representative photo/image of Uranus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-the-most-representative-photo-image-of-uranus/1023960)
**Author:** [@oligArchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oligArchie)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-the-most-representative-photo-image-of-uranus/1023960 "2025-10-18T12:56:18Z")
I have an image of Uranus in our guest bathroom. No one has ever commented on it. Not that I have a butt-ton of visitors or anything. Which probably explains most of my this problem. The image I have framed and displaye… --- ## [Chess players: do you have a hard time mentally switching between two-dimensional (computer) and three-dimensional (OTB) chess?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-players-do-you-have-a-hard-time-mentally-switching-between-two-dimensional-computer-and-three-dimensional-otb-chess/1023997)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-players-do-you-have-a-hard-time-mentally-switching-between-two-dimensional-computer-and-three-dimensional-otb-chess/1023997 "2025-10-18T12:19:13Z")
I’ve found that I’m much better (not that that’s saying much) playing chess in two dimensions than in three. The setup and the pieces just seem to make more sense to me. Looking at a board in three dimensions messes with… --- ## [An evening with Pavlov’s Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-evening-with-pavlov-s-dog/1024070)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-evening-with-pavlov-s-dog/1024070 "2025-10-18T10:49:14Z")
Back in the mists of time past, many many moons ago, when PT was a callow youth at boarding school with uninformed and unformed musical taste I came across Pavlov’s Dog. My roommate had a turntable, with a modest and ecl… --- ## ["Kryptos" sculpture - Can you decode it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kryptos-sculpture-can-you-decode-it/5279)
**Author:** [@Waneman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waneman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kryptos-sculpture-can-you-decode-it/5279 "2025-10-18T04:51:18Z")
I tried to search the Strightdope messages to see if this subject has been covered. It involves the sculpture in the CIA’s New Headquarters Building Courtyard. Since I know this board is visited by some of the world’s g… --- ## [NFL Week 6](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6/1023746)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6/1023746 "2025-10-18T03:09:05Z")
And then there were none. The Broncos rode into Philadelphia and overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to hand the Eagles their first loss. Then on Sunday night, the Patriots, behind second-year quarterback Drake Maye, s… --- ## [When should you replace a car? (maintenance costs vs purchase/lease costs)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-you-replace-a-car-maintenance-costs-vs-purchase-lease-costs/1023839)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-you-replace-a-car-maintenance-costs-vs-purchase-lease-costs/1023839 "2025-10-18T00:46:33Z")
Financially & practically speaking, is there an “optimal” point at which an already paid-off car should be replaced/traded in for another vehicle? I currently drive a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, and it’s actually been totall… --- ## [I write letters in the wrong order--what gives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-write-letters-in-the-wrong-order-what-gives/317332)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-write-letters-in-the-wrong-order-what-gives/317332 "2025-10-18T00:45:48Z")
This has happened to me since the late 90s, and it usually comes in waves (a bunch at once, then nothing for a long time). When I’m writing by hand, I sometimes write not the next letter but the letter after that. So, I… --- ## [Kerrygold butter tastes like...nothing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kerrygold-butter-tastes-like-nothing/1024009)
**Author:** [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kerrygold-butter-tastes-like-nothing/1024009 "2025-10-17T23:40:47Z")
I recently bought some Kerrygold butter from Trader Joe’s and it has no flavor. It doesn’t even taste like butter, it just tastes like airy grease. I was lead to believe this was one of the best butters in the world, b… --- ## [Safe smoke creation (Halloween costumes)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safe-smoke-creation-halloween-costumes/1023957)
**Author:** [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safe-smoke-creation-halloween-costumes/1023957 "2025-10-17T22:12:16Z")
My 8 year old son wants a Halloween costume: a dragon. Because in my normal life I am a programmer nerd, I enjoy chances to explore my more creative side. So I am going to build him a back-pack mounted dragon costume, I … --- ## [Drafts Option is Missing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drafts-option-is-missing/1024069)
**Author:** [@De\_La\_Rue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/De_La_Rue)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drafts-option-is-missing/1024069 "2025-10-17T21:58:50Z")
What happened to the draft option when composing? Now when I click on “Discard”, I only get the option to discard or cancel. --- ## [Diane Keaton RIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diane-keaton-rip/1023887)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diane-keaton-rip/1023887 "2025-10-17T21:43:53Z")
--- ## [How to stop an illegal war before it starts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-an-illegal-war-before-it-starts/1024035)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-an-illegal-war-before-it-starts/1024035 "2025-10-17T20:45:54Z")
Trump has unilaterally declared war on Venezuela – attacking boats in the Caribbean, covert CIA activity, and he’s apparently “thinking” (I use the term advisedly) of sending in the military. None of this has been with … --- ## [Heart and Soul on the radio](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-and-soul-on-the-radio/1023964)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-and-soul-on-the-radio/1023964 "2025-10-17T20:40:35Z")
I’m in the local pharmacy picking up a couple refills, and like many companies do, they have a radio station playing songs quietly on the PA system. A new tune starts and my initial reaction is “Ha! They’re riffing on … --- ## [High crimes not crimes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-crimes-not-crimes/1024031)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-crimes-not-crimes/1024031 "2025-10-17T20:38:31Z")
I’m seeking a law-informed answer here, not a debate, and maybe this has been answered here already. I find two references in the Constitution to potential illegal activity committed by a president. First, Article I se… --- ## [Product polling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/product-polling/1024066)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/product-polling/1024066 "2025-10-17T20:34:29Z")
Do independent polling houses exist where they decide what they want to poll based on the projected value of the poll they are going to conduct? --- ## [California passes law against using AI to replace actors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-passes-law-against-using-ai-to-replace-actors/1023924)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-passes-law-against-using-ai-to-replace-actors/1023924 "2025-10-17T18:43:00Z")
So you can’t use AI to stick in, say, Marlon Brando. You can use someone who’s deceased (or presumably still alive) with their prior permission. Thoughts? A good idea? A desperately-needed bill? --- ## [We'll be there between 1pm and 3pm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-be-there-between-1pm-and-3pm/1023893)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-be-there-between-1pm-and-3pm/1023893 "2025-10-17T16:34:00Z")
We all know this bullshit. But OK, that’s a reasonable window. Then "We’ll be there between 11:30 and 3:30. Umm. Ok… 3:30 rolls past… We’ll be there by 5:30! Me “Fuck it” my wife head out to a bar/restaurant we want t… --- ## [Movie buildings of the future](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-buildings-of-the-future/1024020)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-buildings-of-the-future/1024020 "2025-10-17T14:11:08Z")
Just a slight venture into the future, and swinging doors have practically disappeared. It’s all sliding doors. When is this going to happen irl? I’m tired of using a doorknob like some kind of animal. --- ## [What is the break even time for "auto stop"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-break-even-time-for-auto-stop/1023995)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-break-even-time-for-auto-stop/1023995 "2025-10-17T14:00:25Z")
“Auto stop” is a car feature that turns the engine off when you stop the car (for example at a red light) and restarts it when you come off the brake or hit the gas, automatically, to save gasoline. How long does a stop… --- ## [9" x 18" (?) film camera for panoramas, 20? years ago -- heard of it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-x-18-film-camera-for-panoramas-20-years-ago-heard-of-it/1024028)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-x-18-film-camera-for-panoramas-20-years-ago-heard-of-it/1024028 "2025-10-17T13:30:21Z")
Someone built it, with a custom-designed lens (don’t recall the focal length) and a vacuum plate to hold the film flat. One seemingly-odd feature: one lens element was just a flat piece of glass, planar on both sides. Th… --- ## [How does someone establish ownership of a cemetery plot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-someone-establish-ownership-of-a-cemetery-plot/1022899)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-someone-establish-ownership-of-a-cemetery-plot/1022899 "2025-10-17T11:27:43Z")
My parents bought cemetery plots (1980’s) for themselves and me in a very large cemetery. They’re buried a few rows away from my grandparents. My mom’s sister’s extended family is also buried there. I didn’t receive any… --- ## [Tomiichi Murayama, Former Prime Minister of Japan, dies at 101 years old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomiichi-murayama-former-prime-minister-of-japan-dies-at-101-years-old/1024047)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomiichi-murayama-former-prime-minister-of-japan-dies-at-101-years-old/1024047 "2025-10-17T07:25:49Z")
Japan ex-PM Murayama, famous for WWII apology, dies aged 101 Here is the full text in English of the famous apology. That site is from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The speech is dated 15 August 1995. --- ## [Hurry, I need help what should I eat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurry-i-need-help-what-should-i-eat/1016630)
**Author:** [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurry-i-need-help-what-should-i-eat/1016630 "2025-10-17T03:03:17Z")
should I eat nachos(alone) or the sandwich with chips and apple! I know the nachos wont fill me up ut they taste good, the sandwich meal will what should I pick?!! --- ## [Halloween - how do I make a horn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halloween-how-do-i-make-a-horn/1024021)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halloween-how-do-i-make-a-horn/1024021 "2025-10-17T02:56:04Z")
My neighbor got new carpet. Carpet comes rolled on 10’ cardboards tubes (think very heavy duty paper towel tubes); I kept one of the tubes. I have a room over the garage & a lederhosen shirt. My plan is to convert tha… --- ## [Source of Texas execution drug?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-of-texas-execution-drug/1024013)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2025, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-of-texas-execution-drug/1024013 "2025-10-16T21:03:55Z")
Where does Texas acquire the Pentobarbital it uses for executions? I was under the impression that pharmaceutical companies frown on the use of their products for executions. --- ## [Some American tourists are flagjacking; Canadians are not amused](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-american-tourists-are-flagjacking-canadians-are-not-amused/1023323)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2025, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-american-tourists-are-flagjacking-canadians-are-not-amused/1023323 "2025-10-16T20:07:01Z")
“Flagjacking” is the term used for American tourists who sew a Maple Leaf on their gear and pretend to be Canadians, to avoid the stigma of being an American abroad. The practice was common in the early 2000s, then decl… --- ## [My tv won't turn on with the remote control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-tv-wont-turn-on-with-the-remote-control/1023933)
**Author:** [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-tv-wont-turn-on-with-the-remote-control/1023933 "2025-10-16T19:28:22Z")
I was gifted a big Toshiba tv about 3 years ago, it is hooked up to basic cable. The cable box lights up, the internet on my laptop is working, but the tv won’t turn on with the remote control. I have tried everything.… --- ## [Medicare yet again. I get so confused](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-yet-again-i-get-so-confused/1023951)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2025, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-yet-again-i-get-so-confused/1023951 "2025-10-16T19:24:56Z")
66 year old man with wife turning 67 soon. Work for an organization with a “qualified plan” and last year opted to not sign up, keeping our BCBS plan as insurance. Now the company is switching to Imagine360 which despite… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=220&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=222&state=tracking)