# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=343 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 344 --- ## [Legendary Hoaxer Alan Abel Really Is Dead This Time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legendary-hoaxer-alan-abel-really-is-dead-this-time/821569)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legendary-hoaxer-alan-abel-really-is-dead-this-time/821569 "2025-04-01T16:46:06Z")
Age 94. They’re pretty sure he is dead this time. Obituary here. This is his second obituary of his they’ve run, after having to apologize for the first one, which turned out to be a hoax. --- ## [What might cause an unusually high spike in an electric bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-might-cause-an-unusually-high-spike-in-an-electric-bill/1016429)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-might-cause-an-unusually-high-spike-in-an-electric-bill/1016429 "2025-04-01T16:32:23Z")
I work for a property management company and one of our tenants experienced a huge monthly spike, and is asking for help. Previous months are: September - $14.36 October - $10.40 November - $25.57 December - $23.11 … --- ## [2024-25 Ski and Snowboard thread - Expensive but cheaper than therapy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-25-ski-and-snowboard-thread-expensive-but-cheaper-than-therapy/1008415)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-25-ski-and-snowboard-thread-expensive-but-cheaper-than-therapy/1008415 "2025-04-01T12:50:11Z")
We’re getting closer to first tracks, time to start up the thread for the upcoming season. We’ve bought Indy for another year, and they added a few mountains that we’ll probably be hitting (Mt Abram, Ragged, Middlebury … --- ## [Volcanic Eruption in Iceland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volcanic-eruption-in-iceland/939124)
**Author:** [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volcanic-eruption-in-iceland/939124 "2025-04-01T12:46:29Z")
Here’s the live stream on YouTube --- ## [Why isn't 1 a Prime Number?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-1-a-prime-number/1016346)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-1-a-prime-number/1016346 "2025-04-01T11:26:57Z")
My theory is that it’s just a matter of convenience. It’s easier to say “for every prime number” rather than always having to say “for every prime number except one.” Anyone got a better reason? --- ## [Lice and Scoliosis Days](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lice-and-scoliosis-days/1016304)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 9:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lice-and-scoliosis-days/1016304 "2025-04-01T09:41:31Z")
I was listening to comedy radio, and a comedian was talking about his younger days at school when he was screened for lice and scoliosis. (Joe Matarese joked about how his school just had an “all purpose room” unlike “f… --- ## [Meaning of Freda Payne's song, "Band of Gold"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-freda-paynes-song-band-of-gold/255610)
**Author:** [@AtomicDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AtomicDog)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-freda-paynes-song-band-of-gold/255610 "2025-04-01T08:01:05Z")
Lyrics here I’ve been listening to this song for over thirty years, and I just realized that I don’t know what the hell Freda is singing about. What’s the problem here? Can’t he perform? Is he gay? What? --- ## [The Final Days of ‘Coyote vs. Acme': Offers, Rejections and a Roadrunner Race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-final-days-of-coyote-vs-acme-offers-rejections-and-a-roadrunner-race/997389)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-final-days-of-coyote-vs-acme-offers-rejections-and-a-roadrunner-race/997389 "2025-04-01T06:05:49Z")
The Coyote Vs Acme movie seems to be dead. I never even heard of it until just now. Remarkable that you can make a movie, spend all that money, only to have it dipped in hot acetone. I would have thought you could recapt… --- ## [Anyone having luck accessing https://www.commissaries.com/?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-having-luck-accessing-https-www-commissaries-com/990299)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-having-luck-accessing-https-www-commissaries-com/990299 "2025-04-01T02:18:00Z")
Generally, when I can’t access a website on the less restricted sideof the the Great Firewall, I attribute that to either my VPN not working with that site or the GFW just getting better at what it does. Alas, for the la… --- ## [Looking for a cruise between Seattle and Southern California](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-cruise-between-seattle-and-southern-california/1016227)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-cruise-between-seattle-and-southern-california/1016227 "2025-04-01T00:40:00Z")
Or vice-versa. Please note the word “cruise” in the title. If it involves planes, trains or automobiles please take it elsewhere-We would like to travel by ship. Doing an online search is next to impossible becau… --- ## [Unpack for me the recurrent trope about 'runaway vehicle, accelerator stuck'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unpack-for-me-the-recurrent-trope-about-runaway-vehicle-accelerator-stuck/1016122)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unpack-for-me-the-recurrent-trope-about-runaway-vehicle-accelerator-stuck/1016122 "2025-03-31T23:51:10Z")
I understand the danger inherent in a short couple of seconds where one’s accelerator sticks at a bad time and you’re (of course) not expecting that; that’s not the scenario I’m talking about. No, I mean this kind of th… --- ## [Converting .pdf maps to a different format for editing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-maps-to-a-different-format-for-editing/1016399)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-maps-to-a-different-format-for-editing/1016399 "2025-03-31T23:42:22Z")
I want to take several maps that I have in .pdf form (see https://topobuilder.nationalmap.gov/) and stitch them together in a big powerpoint file. (I recognize there may be other programs, but I’m not familiar with the… --- ## [Marine le Pen found guilty of embezzlement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marine-le-pen-found-guilty-of-embezzlement/1016405)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marine-le-pen-found-guilty-of-embezzlement/1016405 "2025-03-31T20:41:03Z")
Well, hopefully it stands and her influence in France is kept to a minimum. A bit of good news. The article seemed to have changed as I created the post. --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - March 2025 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-march-2025-edition/1014943)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-march-2025-edition/1014943 "2025-03-31T19:39:45Z")
March! And it’s already in the 60F/mid teens C, I am a tad concerned for summer… So Whatcha all readin’? On Kindle: The Clackity by Lora Senf. It’s a YA horror/fantasy about a traumatized girl having to go on a quest, … --- ## [Mountain Lion/Cougar on mountain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mountain-lion-cougar-on-mountain/1016256)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mountain-lion-cougar-on-mountain/1016256 "2025-03-31T19:07:05Z")
There is a Mountain Lion somewhere behind my house. My dogs where going ape shit and I went out and called them in. Oh my. The Mountain Lion scream is bone chilling. Really. At first I thought it was a woman screaming, … --- ## [Trump releasing files on JFK assassination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-releasing-files-on-jfk-assassination/1013330)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-releasing-files-on-jfk-assassination/1013330 "2025-03-31T18:22:11Z")
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/trump-is-no-hero-for-releasing-jfk-assassination-files-says-jfk-s-grandson/ar-AA1xNcMw?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a2d277ce1fe846d3a89f955462ddaf2c&ei=13 What’s wrong with this? He di… --- ## [EMT and Ambulances in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emt-and-ambulances-in-the-us/985660)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emt-and-ambulances-in-the-us/985660 "2025-03-31T18:07:16Z")
Was watching old episodes of Last Week Tonight, and in season eight (2021) there is a discussion of EMS services, EMTs and ambulances in the United States. Being a paramedic is a difficult job in many ways - physically… --- ## [Aging and time perception](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aging-and-time-perception/1015646)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aging-and-time-perception/1015646 "2025-03-31T17:47:58Z")
For some random reason the topic of Captain Kangaroo came up tonight. I used to watch it as a kid. I was thinking about Mr. Greenjeans, you know that really old sidekick of his. Well, I just did the math… I’m 25 years o… --- ## [Help me settle a bet: More electromagnetic radiation inside a room from a cell phone, the sun, or something else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-settle-a-bet-more-electromagnetic-radiation-inside-a-room-from-a-cell-phone-the-sun-or-something-else/1016146)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-settle-a-bet-more-electromagnetic-radiation-inside-a-room-from-a-cell-phone-the-sun-or-something-else/1016146 "2025-03-31T16:40:02Z")
We recently went to a fun science trivia night at the local brewery, and one of the questions was: Sitting in this room right now, what is the single most powerful source of electromagnetic radiation you are receiving? … --- ## [West Side Story (1961)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-side-story-1961/980371)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-side-story-1961/980371 "2025-03-31T13:48:14Z")
West Side Story (1961) is on TCM now. I wonder if Kim Wilde cribbed Kids In America from America? :notes: I like to be in America/Okay by me in America :notes: vs. :notes: We’re the kids in America (Woah)/We’re the ki… --- ## [Regrets, I've had a few](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regrets-ive-had-a-few/1016392)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regrets-ive-had-a-few/1016392 "2025-03-31T13:27:49Z")
In my old age, I’m having regrets. Not rug rats, I’ve had those, but reconsiderations of my past behavior, for purely selfish reasons: there were older people in my life whom I couldn’t stand and I let my contempt for th… --- ## [Is this the longest running thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-the-longest-running-thread/1016314)
**Author:** [@D.E.S.K.Top668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D.E.S.K.Top668)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-the-longest-running-thread/1016314 "2025-03-31T13:18:31Z")
Yes, this thread was started by me. Help me stock the ultimate (fictional) library I have been away for several years and, coming back, I was amazed that it still has recent replies So, not the most popular or most vie… --- ## [Plot hole in "Road to Perdition" ruined the movie for me (SPOILERS!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plot-hole-in-road-to-perdition-ruined-the-movie-for-me-spoilers/119238)
**Author:** [@Jadis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jadis)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plot-hole-in-road-to-perdition-ruined-the-movie-for-me-spoilers/119238 "2025-03-31T12:39:05Z")
I saw RTP over the weekend, and not only was I disappointed with the utterly predictable story, I found myself downright pissed off over what I consider to be a key plot hole. I’ll insert spoiler space, just in case… L… --- ## [An iPod that had been underwater for five years helps solve an attempted murder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-ipod-that-had-been-underwater-for-five-years-helps-solve-an-attempted-murder/1016254)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-ipod-that-had-been-underwater-for-five-years-helps-solve-an-attempted-murder/1016254 "2025-03-31T11:36:28Z")
Apple should make a whole ad campaign around this story! The iPod in question was found in the Thames and contained evidence about a shooting by the members of a gang of thieves. --- ## [Is there a female incel equivalent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-female-incel-equivalent/1015877)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-female-incel-equivalent/1015877 "2025-03-31T08:56:44Z")
ISTM that to whatever degree that 80 20 is true (or experienced as true) it is true in both heterosexual directions. There are likely a minority of women whose attentions a majority of single and looking men are competin… --- ## [(Old) Fun Facts in the MMP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fun-facts-in-the-mmp/1016018)
**Author:** [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Replies:** 374\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fun-facts-in-the-mmp/1016018 "2025-03-31T07:00:18Z")
Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 8c/46f with a predicted high of 12c/54f and partly cloudy. Weather app says “Asking someone to be fucking positive about the weather is like asking them to fucking smile more. It’s fuc… --- ## [Did people die in large numbers of dysentery on the Oregon trail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-people-die-in-large-numbers-of-dysentery-on-the-oregon-trail/1015913)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-people-die-in-large-numbers-of-dysentery-on-the-oregon-trail/1015913 "2025-03-31T05:16:59Z")
As made famous by the computer game But did people die of dysentery a lot on the Oregon Trail? I imagine they died of lots of other things but I thought dysentery was only… --- ## [Anyone have "easy" kids? Perfect parents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-easy-kids-perfect-parents/1015026)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-easy-kids-perfect-parents/1015026 "2025-03-31T01:35:32Z")
If so, how do you define/explain it? My eldest daughter (the only of 3 of our kids to propagate) is going through stuff with her 2 kids - ages 5 and 10. Nothing terribly horrible - just strikes me as the kinda shit we … --- ## [Photo editing: Yes, it's appropriate and here's why](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photo-editing-yes-its-appropriate-and-heres-why/1016329)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photo-editing-yes-its-appropriate-and-heres-why/1016329 "2025-03-31T01:09:24Z")
I have occasionally encountered someone who boasts that they use the images right out of their camera, never do any editing to it. I don’t bother to argue the point – you do you. But I definitely employ my editing soft… --- ## [Bulldozer drivers--what can you see from the driver's seat? (Rachel Corrie)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bulldozer-drivers-what-can-you-see-from-the-drivers-seat-rachel-corrie/162260)
**Author:** [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bulldozer-drivers-what-can-you-see-from-the-drivers-seat-rachel-corrie/162260 "2025-03-31T00:06:42Z")
Please, no debates as to whether Rachel Corrie was right or wrong. Link to news story. My question is, how much can a bulldozer driver see from the driver’s seat? I’ve never driven one myself. Is it possible he simpl… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=342) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=344)