# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=339 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 340 --- ## [My friend made a weird observation about license plates in movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-made-a-weird-observation-about-license-plates-in-movies/166122)
**Author:** [@Trigonal\_Planar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trigonal_Planar)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-made-a-weird-observation-about-license-plates-in-movies/166122 "2025-04-07T21:42:12Z")
My friend claims that he has observed the license plate initials “PCE” show up in movies unusually often; Can anyone confirm or deny this? Is he just crazy, or, indeed, are these initials used for a purpose?? --- ## [Exponent rules: what am I doing wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exponent-rules-what-am-i-doing-wrong/1016742)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exponent-rules-what-am-i-doing-wrong/1016742 "2025-04-07T21:17:36Z")
(Urgh, I am not getting markup to work, so apologies for the clumsy notation) So one of the exponent rules is for powers of a power: A^(b)^(c) = A^(b×c). Clearly this works; for example 3^9 equals 3×3×3×3×3×3×3×3×3 whic… --- ## [Is it true that the latest version of Covid will show up negative on a test strip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-the-latest-version-of-covid-will-show-up-negative-on-a-test-strip/1003002)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-the-latest-version-of-covid-will-show-up-negative-on-a-test-strip/1003002 "2025-04-07T19:13:39Z")
Family member has Covid-type symptoms but has shown up negative on a test strip. Flu like symptoms but with sore throat and cold type feeling mixed in. Is this what the latest variant is like? --- ## [Mechanism of a Measles death](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mechanism-of-a-measles-death/686908)
**Author:** [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mechanism-of-a-measles-death/686908 "2025-04-07T18:35:36Z")
I’ve been tempted to ask this question for a long time - up until recently because of what I’ve read about Native-Americans/First Nations meeting up with Europeans for the first time and the rather unpleasant consequence… --- ## [German seated weddings: a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-seated-weddings-a-thing/1016552)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-seated-weddings-a-thing/1016552 "2025-04-07T16:38:44Z")
In episode 4 of the German remake of Ghosts, they host a wedding. The bride and bride walk down the aisle, pass on either side of a pair of chairs, and sit down for the ceremony. The fact that a single one of them didn’t… --- ## [So actually it's just fine to link to hate speech {This is not accurate}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-actually-its-just-fine-to-link-to-hate-speech-this-is-not-accurate/1016692)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-actually-its-just-fine-to-link-to-hate-speech-this-is-not-accurate/1016692 "2025-04-07T16:30:14Z")
After reporting a post for linking to anti-trans hate speech (aka a US government communication, but it really was that bad) in the Pit, @Miller told me that since the poster was not endorsing said hate speech, no mod ac… --- ## [Goodbyyyyyyye, Mr. Wilson! \[Dennis the Menace actor Jay North has died.\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbyyyyyyye-mr-wilson-dennis-the-menace-actor-jay-north-has-died/1016713)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbyyyyyyye-mr-wilson-dennis-the-menace-actor-jay-north-has-died/1016713 "2025-04-07T16:18:19Z")
He died at 73, of colorectal cancer. --- ## [chatGPT is a fucking liar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chatgpt-is-a-fucking-liar/1016559)
**Author:** [@longtry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longtry)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chatgpt-is-a-fucking-liar/1016559 "2025-04-07T15:27:15Z")
Alright, it started innocently enough. I asked o3-mini to determine who’s right in a debate. It just sounded more and more wrong until I grew totally suspicious and asked the last question. It took the AI 57 seconds “thi… --- ## [Methotrexate to adaliumumab/Enbrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/methotrexate-to-adaliumumab-enbrel/1016522)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/methotrexate-to-adaliumumab-enbrel/1016522 "2025-04-07T14:24:20Z")
For several years I have been taking methotrexate for my arthritis. Certain numbers in my labs have started to rise and my doctor is talking about switching me to adalimumab (Humira?) or Enbrel. I have pushed off on swit… --- ## [Is the US banking system "backward"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-banking-system-backward/1016579)
**Author:** [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-banking-system-backward/1016579 "2025-04-07T14:21:58Z")
From Debit card: PIN or no PIN? - #42 by Tripler The following was a reply to a post that described writing checks for items like PBS memberships that need the membership slip mailed back with the payment. Is it reall… --- ## [(Old) Another lost great idea in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-another-lost-great-idea-in-the-mmp/1016391)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 358\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-another-lost-great-idea-in-the-mmp/1016391 "2025-04-07T13:30:38Z")
Last night, I had an inspired idea for today’s MMP. This morning, nothing. But all the geezers here will understand. and probably the rest of you, too. Happy Moanday! --- ## [Who else doesn't use Applications or Documents folder as the OS expects you to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-else-doesnt-use-applications-or-documents-folder-as-the-os-expects-you-to/1016683)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-else-doesnt-use-applications-or-documents-folder-as-the-os-expects-you-to/1016683 "2025-04-07T06:10:13Z")
Let’s start with /Applications — I download a diskimage of a new application and mount it, and it comes with a convenient “hey just drag me into this here alias of your Applications folder and you’re all set up!” GUIfie… --- ## [Trying to connect behavior to evolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-connect-behavior-to-evolution/1016566)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-connect-behavior-to-evolution/1016566 "2025-04-07T06:09:53Z")
I have started a few threads on this in the past that did not go over too well. This is a slightly different angle. I am more interested in genetic changes as opposed to genetic expression. However I would like to draw a… --- ## [Pronouncing "Content", a woman's name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronouncing-content-a-womans-name/1016670)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronouncing-content-a-womans-name/1016670 "2025-04-07T02:15:34Z")
My G-G-G-G Grandmother was Content Barnes. I have never heard this name spoken. Is it pronounced conTENT like the “satisfied” word or CONtent? --- ## [Color me bland!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/color-me-bland/1016678)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/color-me-bland/1016678 "2025-04-07T00:47:35Z")
What is the blandest food I can eat? Backstory: I’ve been having stomach issues. This is not good for a brittle diabetic. I fly around on my glucose levels like a trapeze artist. I can’t be barfing. It throws every… --- ## [Have EU countries moved to ban Amazon over Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-eu-countries-moved-to-ban-amazon-over-trump/1016663)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-eu-countries-moved-to-ban-amazon-over-trump/1016663 "2025-04-07T00:09:46Z")
Have EU countries moved to ban Amazon over Trump? As I recall, Bezos has helped to fund Trump. Have there been/will there be blocks for Amazon, internationally? --- ## [What movie or tv show is the song “Don’t Dream It’s Over” from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-or-tv-show-is-the-song-don-t-dream-it-s-over-from/1016714)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-or-tv-show-is-the-song-don-t-dream-it-s-over-from/1016714 "2025-04-06T23:58:05Z")
I understand it was a popular song in the 1980s, my lost decade for music, but I’m familiar with it from the soundtrack to something I’ve watched many times. What am I thinking of? Opening myself up here to ridicule for… --- ## [I'm a co-author of a journal article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-co-author-of-a-journal-article/963937)
**Author:** [@Kelevra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kelevra)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-co-author-of-a-journal-article/963937 "2025-04-06T22:18:41Z")
I’m pretty excited about it. There are 9 co-authors of this paper and the primary did about 90% of the writing, but there are 1 or 2 sentences of mine in it! So an odd thing. Ever since it came out I’ve been getting r… --- ## [Could someone identify this classical tune please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-someone-identify-this-classical-tune-please/1016706)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-someone-identify-this-classical-tune-please/1016706 "2025-04-06T22:06:37Z")
Yes. Me again. Could someone tell me where this tune comes from. It’s a famous classical piece. https://onlinesequencer.net/4568745 Thanks ! --- ## [Invention of the telephone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invention-of-the-telephone/1015525)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invention-of-the-telephone/1015525 "2025-04-06T21:58:50Z")
American mythology holds that Alexander Graham Bell was the one and only inventor of the telephone. But history is full of examples of inventions that happened in multiple places at about the same time. Was he really the… --- ## [My computer mouse is acting up - what happened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-computer-mouse-is-acting-up-what-happened/1016665)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-computer-mouse-is-acting-up-what-happened/1016665 "2025-04-06T21:40:43Z")
I have an ASUS laptop which has worked well for several years. Today the mouse (cable connected) would not move the screen icon at all - although the mouse wheel worked. Also clicking the mouse worked too. I used the c… --- ## [Why the global rise of autocracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-global-rise-of-autocracy/1016584)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-global-rise-of-autocracy/1016584 "2025-04-06T19:07:36Z")
US, Turkey, Hungary, Venezuela, (partly) Poland, Serbia, of course Russia, El Salvador\*, Argentine\*, partly Germany and Italy as well all make/made a huge turn towards autocracy (A.). I understand El Salvador and Argent… --- ## [What to do for a watch that has been overwound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-for-a-watch-that-has-been-overwound/1016607)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-for-a-watch-that-has-been-overwound/1016607 "2025-04-06T15:04:29Z")
I’m putting this here instead of Factual Answers, because there is going to be more than one answer in general, one of which will probably be my solution, and actually, more than one might work, and some spitballing of “… --- ## [Is a rifle more accurate than an SMG in equivalent barrel length?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-rifle-more-accurate-than-an-smg-in-equivalent-barrel-length/1016560)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-rifle-more-accurate-than-an-smg-in-equivalent-barrel-length/1016560 "2025-04-06T03:58:45Z")
For example let’s say you have a short barreled AR-15 style rifle, 7 inch barrel. You can have it in its default 5.56mm or change out the upper with a conversion kit to make it 9mm. At close to mid range, which round w… --- ## [Pans, stones, pots. Bread Extremism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pans-stones-pots-bread-extremism/1016611)
**Author:** [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2025, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pans-stones-pots-bread-extremism/1016611 "2025-04-06T02:11:58Z")
From an off topic post I made to one of @Beckdawrek’s post… I am an amateur baker. I have baked bread in ovens - electric, coal and wood-fire. I’ve baked bread in a tin can inside the coals of a bonfire. I’ve baked in a… --- ## [Do you routinely Turn off lights at Home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-routinely-turn-off-lights-at-home/1016618)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2025, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-routinely-turn-off-lights-at-home/1016618 "2025-04-05T19:00:01Z")
Simple Question. I’m curious if attitudes have changed with energy saving lighting. Do you routinely Turn off lights at Home? poll --- ## [Doper parents, how would you respond to this situation (14-year-old daughter refuses to see male doctor)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-parents-how-would-you-respond-to-this-situation-14-year-old-daughter-refuses-to-see-male-doctor/1016352)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2025, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-parents-how-would-you-respond-to-this-situation-14-year-old-daughter-refuses-to-see-male-doctor/1016352 "2025-04-05T17:08:08Z")
This is not my problem; I have no kids and never have. But I do like to read advice columns because I like to read about other people’s problems. Anyway, a parent wrote in to Slate’s Care & Feeding. The article is behin… --- ## [How would an apportioned Federal direct tax work today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-apportioned-federal-direct-tax-work-today/1016632)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2025, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-apportioned-federal-direct-tax-work-today/1016632 "2025-04-05T16:46:16Z")
That is, outside of the exception for income tax carved out by the Sixteenth Amendment. In particular I’m unclear how the apportionment part would work. If the federal government were to actually pass a head tax for exam… --- ## [Advent of Code 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advent-of-code-2024/1010675)
**Author:** [@RollOutTheBarrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RollOutTheBarrel)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2025, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advent-of-code-2024/1010675 "2025-04-05T15:08:03Z")
Advent of Code is an Advent calendar of programming challenges held from December 1st through December 25th each year. The first event was in 2015, and I’ve been participating since 2020. I thought this year it would be … --- ## [Incredibly cheap things you do to save questionable money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incredibly-cheap-things-you-do-to-save-questionable-money/1016404)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2025, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incredibly-cheap-things-you-do-to-save-questionable-money/1016404 "2025-04-05T14:32:54Z")
Inspired by the squeezing toothpaste tube thread. Yes, I press toothpaste tubes against the edge of the bathroom counter to squeeze out every last molecule of toothpaste. Why? Mostly because I was raised in a household r… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=338) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=340)