# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=343&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 344 --- ## [April Fools pranks - the good, the bad, and the ugly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/april-fools-pranks-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/1016449)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2025, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/april-fools-pranks-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/1016449 "2025-04-03T07:49:10Z")
I’ll share an ugly one. I once worked with a man (married) and a woman (engaged) who became good friends. Both are good people. A third person thought it would be amusing one April 1 to spread the rumor that she was preg… --- ## [RIP Val Kilmer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-val-kilmer/1016494)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2025, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-val-kilmer/1016494 "2025-04-03T04:02:35Z")
I am shocked to hear this. I did not know he was sick. I remember as a kid I wanted to be friends with Chris Knight in Real Genius. RIP. --- ## [Four U.S. Soldiers Apparently Dead in Training Accident in Lithuania](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-u-s-soldiers-apparently-dead-in-training-accident-in-lithuania/1016149)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2025, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-u-s-soldiers-apparently-dead-in-training-accident-in-lithuania/1016149 "2025-04-03T03:20:07Z")
The rumors are that they drove the vehicle into a swamp and drowned. Can anyone find any official Army statement about this? --- ## [Monthly Photo Competition #28 – March, 2025 – “Gritty” -- Poll Added](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-28-march-2025-gritty-poll-added/1015036)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2025, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-28-march-2025-gritty-poll-added/1015036 "2025-04-03T01:44:31Z")
This is the monthly thread for March, 2025. The topic this month is “Gritty”, chosen by @minor7flat5. Please post only your photo and, if you want, a title in this thread. Any other text belongs in the rolling discussio… --- ## [March on with your bad self (plant your March mini rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/march-on-with-your-bad-self-plant-your-march-mini-rants/1014973)
**Author:** [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Replies:** 279\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2025, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/march-on-with-your-bad-self-plant-your-march-mini-rants/1014973 "2025-04-03T00:13:02Z")
Who gives their spouse sick with a debilitating cancer diagnosis their marching orders? Shape up or ship out? I get she’s pissed about it but don’t blame him for puking up and being a couch potato with chemo fog. 37 ye… --- ## [Science Fiction novel where Earth isn't united](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-fiction-novel-where-earth-isnt-united/1016366)
**Author:** [@LoneRhino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LoneRhino)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-fiction-novel-where-earth-isnt-united/1016366 "2025-04-02T23:05:18Z")
Is there a novel that has humans in space, with FTL, and dealing with aliens that still has different countries on Earth? --- ## [Do Win 11 computers come with something like Office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-win-11-computers-come-with-something-like-office/1016313)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-win-11-computers-come-with-something-like-office/1016313 "2025-04-02T22:16:51Z")
My Win 10 box has trouble starting every week or so and I suspect it won’t last long. I’m perfectly happy with Win 10 although it will not be supported for much longer. I have Office 2003 (no, not a typo) on CD. I use Wo… --- ## [So I Finished Reading East of Eden](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-finished-reading-east-of-eden/1016521)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-finished-reading-east-of-eden/1016521 "2025-04-02T21:58:41Z")
I’m feeling lazy today, so I’m just cutting and pasting the review I wrote over at Goodreads. (I hope that’s okay according to board rules. It is my own work, just copied from another website.): This book kept my inter… --- ## [AI transforming work and work-life (actual examples?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-transforming-work-and-work-life-actual-examples/998292)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-transforming-work-and-work-life-actual-examples/998292 "2025-04-02T21:45:34Z")
Lots of tea-leaf and other esotheric opinion pieces by the usual suspects (McK. et al) on how AI will impact our work life. (I could recall wrongly - but there were reports that 40% of jobs will be strongly impacted in … --- ## [Settle a mechanics question argument for me please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settle-a-mechanics-question-argument-for-me-please/1016401)
**Author:** [@SmallTownGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmallTownGuy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settle-a-mechanics-question-argument-for-me-please/1016401 "2025-04-02T21:43:38Z")
Hello! I’m a maths tutor, so this isn’t asking for help to complete homework. One of my students is also studying physics, and asked me about the problem shown on page 24 on the following link: He, myself and just a… --- ## [Daniel Kahneman has died, and I remember reading him and thinking he was wrong. What do you think?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daniel-kahneman-has-died-and-i-remember-reading-him-and-thinking-he-was-wrong-what-do-you-think/999516)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daniel-kahneman-has-died-and-i-remember-reading-him-and-thinking-he-was-wrong-what-do-you-think/999516 "2025-04-02T21:01:04Z")
It was his book “Thinking Fast and Slow”, I believe, where he stated that humans are risk averse. He claimed they fear and mourn a financial loss (say, 100$) double as much as they rejoyce the same financial gain (cite i… --- ## [Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (SPOILER THREAD)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-spoiler-thread/837646)
**Author:** [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Replies:** 216\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-spoiler-thread/837646 "2025-04-02T20:54:05Z")
No spoilers until the second post! --- ## [ENROUTE surgical nutrition program](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enroute-surgical-nutrition-program/1016469)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enroute-surgical-nutrition-program/1016469 "2025-04-02T19:52:42Z")
Mrs. Martian is having knee replacement in a couple of weeks and her surgeon is recommending the ENROUTE surgical nutrition program. The program consists of twice daily shakes to be consumed for the two weeks before and … --- ## [3/31/2025: Sen. Cory Booker has embarked on a filibuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-31-2025-sen-cory-booker-has-embarked-on-a-filibuster/1016430)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-31-2025-sen-cory-booker-has-embarked-on-a-filibuster/1016430 "2025-04-02T19:31:19Z")
As of now (6:42PM Central time) he’s on the Senate floor talking about the Medicare and Medicaid cuts. You can see this on C-SPAN 2, by whatever route you may be able to access it. --- ## [Children, Today's Lesson: Loss and Grief](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-todays-lesson-loss-and-grief/1016527)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-todays-lesson-loss-and-grief/1016527 "2025-04-02T19:31:29Z")
Setting the Scene: If K-8 education was a sport, then the March IAR testing window would be our playoffs. Good or bad, fair or unfair, the IAR is how the educational worthiness of a school/district is judged by the sta… --- ## [Long Island serial killer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-island-serial-killer/1016536)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-island-serial-killer/1016536 "2025-04-02T19:18:51Z")
Recently I learned that Rex Heuermann has yet to go to trial I just watched the new Netflix 3 part series: \*Gone Girls\* : The Long Island Serial Killer. And I was shocked to learn that Rex has yet to stand trial for his… --- ## [Kavanaugh assassination attempt thwarted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kavanaugh-assassination-attempt-thwarted/965955)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kavanaugh-assassination-attempt-thwarted/965955 "2025-04-02T18:21:15Z")
I checked and only only found a thread in Factual Questions about the reasoning for the attempted murder charge, but if I missed another, please merge or delete this as warranted. Armed Man Traveled to Justice Kavanaugh… --- ## [Can You Guess This Three Letter Word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-guess-this-three-letter-word/1016364)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-guess-this-three-letter-word/1016364 "2025-04-02T17:34:26Z")
As you can see the first in the list looks like a bear cub so the answer is cub and the second looks like the sun so the answer is sun. This was designed for young kids so… --- ## [Bible literacy in the days of illiteracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-literacy-in-the-days-of-illiteracy/1016267)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-literacy-in-the-days-of-illiteracy/1016267 "2025-04-02T17:02:14Z")
How familiar was the average Christian of the contents of the Bible back when most people couldn’t read Latin, let alone read at all? Would they be familiar with all the stories, even the more salacious ones? Would they… --- ## [How ill equipped are we to start a rapid reindustrialization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-ill-equipped-are-we-to-start-a-rapid-reindustrialization/1016434)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-ill-equipped-are-we-to-start-a-rapid-reindustrialization/1016434 "2025-04-02T17:01:10Z")
It seems to me we would have a shortage of engineers, mill rights, machinests etc. I know a lot of that is easier and quicker than it used to be but it is still a gigantic undertaking. --- ## [Ford fuse follies \[long\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ford-fuse-follies-long/1016458)
**Author:** [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ford-fuse-follies-long/1016458 "2025-04-02T15:51:04Z")
I tow a trailer with my Ford Transit van. On a recent stop in eastern Tennessee I noticed that the trailer tail lights had gone dark. Investigation showed that this was due to a short in the trailer that had apparently… --- ## [Is there any way to determine how much tariffs are costing me personally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-determine-how-much-tariffs-are-costing-me-personally/1016515)
**Author:** [@RAWDuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RAWDuke)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-determine-how-much-tariffs-are-costing-me-personally/1016515 "2025-04-02T14:06:31Z")
I know there will be plenty of stories about how much this car costs this year as opposed to last. We always get news about gas prices changing due to various circumstances. If there’s a change or addition to sales tax… --- ## [Making Chili Colorado for the first time this weekend!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-chili-colorado-for-the-first-time-this-weekend/1016211)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-chili-colorado-for-the-first-time-this-weekend/1016211 "2025-04-02T13:57:49Z")
Just got my dried pasilla, guajillo, and ancho chilies, along with some Mexican oregano, delivered after 2 1/2 long weeks of waiting (Amazon really drags their heels when you don’t subscribe to Prime). Been reading or vi… --- ## [How does --ICE-- select their "people of interest"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-ice-select-their-people-of-interest/1016492)
**Author:** [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-ice-select-their-people-of-interest/1016492 "2025-04-02T12:33:06Z")
There doesn’t seem to be a lot of transparency on how this agency selects people who they want to arrest or detain. Especially if they’re legal immigrants or ordinary citizens. It appears to be random yet targeted, if yo… --- ## [Apparently, you are only allowed 10 reports per month {Note: this is of course not accurate}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apparently-you-are-only-allowed-10-reports-per-month-note-this-is-of-course-not-accurate/1016406)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apparently-you-are-only-allowed-10-reports-per-month-note-this-is-of-course-not-accurate/1016406 "2025-04-02T11:51:29Z")
I reported a post for violating the “Don’t be a jerk” rule. I was then told by What\_Exit that I was over-reporting and it was becoming a problem. I went back through my history for March and I had reported 10 posts tot… --- ## [Classical music performance as an exercise in memorization](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-music-performance-as-an-exercise-in-memorization/1016142)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-music-performance-as-an-exercise-in-memorization/1016142 "2025-04-02T10:50:08Z")
We saw a Performance on Sunday of Beethoven’s piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”). And while I was of course impressed by the skill and talent of the pianist, and genius of Beethoven… I am always struck by the fact that the… --- ## [Please welcome our new moderator, ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-welcome-our-new-moderator-parallellines/1016239)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-welcome-our-new-moderator-parallellines/1016239 "2025-04-02T10:10:45Z")
I’m pleased to announce that ParallelLines has agreed to help moderate Great Debates and Politics & Elections. He’s still getting used to the chain mail and accidentally banned Kazakhstan during mod practice but we’re co… --- ## [The new google AI programs Gemini 2.5 and deep research are really nice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-google-ai-programs-gemini-2-5-and-deep-research-are-really-nice/1016482)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-google-ai-programs-gemini-2-5-and-deep-research-are-really-nice/1016482 "2025-04-02T04:10:32Z")
I’m behind the curve of keeping up with AI, but I’m seeing really good results with Gemini 2.5 and Deep research. This is totally worth the $20 a month. This is the first AI subscription I’ve paid for, and its well worth… --- ## [They still don't know if the Loch Ness Monster is real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-still-dont-know-if-the-loch-ness-monster-is-real/195938)
**Author:** [@Vision\_of\_Love](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vision_of_Love)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-still-dont-know-if-the-loch-ness-monster-is-real/195938 "2025-04-02T02:52:00Z")
With all the technology of today, why are people still unsure of whether or not there is a creature swimming in a lake? How big is this lake anyway? Isn’t there any way of scanning the lake all the way through using sona… --- ## [Paycheck deposit automation across several banks and accounts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paycheck-deposit-automation-across-several-banks-and-accounts/1016447)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paycheck-deposit-automation-across-several-banks-and-accounts/1016447 "2025-04-02T02:45:19Z")
I recently started a new job, and with it comes a predictable paycheck. I would like to split the incoming money across several accounts and banks, such as two joint accounts I hold with my partner and several personal … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=342&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=344&state=tracking)