# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=367 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 368 --- ## [Whatsapp for overseas travel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatsapp-for-overseas-travel/1014457)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2025, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatsapp-for-overseas-travel/1014457 "2025-02-23T08:08:48Z")
I’ll be in Europe (from the US) in a few months with my phone. I’m exploring possible ways to keep in touch back home without incurring a lot of costs. Someone said use WhatsApp. I understand I just need to have inter… --- ## [Evaporative cooling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evaporative-cooling/1014455)
**Author:** [@oligArchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oligArchie)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2025, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evaporative-cooling/1014455 "2025-02-23T03:38:51Z")
I keep a dish of water outside on the back deck for the birds/squirrels. Currently, there’s a layer of ice forming on the surface of the dish, but ambient temp is 39F on the nearby thermometer. Is evaporative cooling cau… --- ## [CFMs- 3 blade box fan vs 5 blade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cfms-3-blade-box-fan-vs-5-blade/1014531)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2025, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cfms-3-blade-box-fan-vs-5-blade/1014531 "2025-02-23T03:00:44Z")
Recently “inherited” an older 20"(?) box fan. It has 3 larger (surface area) metal blades. My newer 20" box fan has 5 smaller (surface area) plastic blades. Got me thinking… if the motors are running at the same RPMs is … --- ## [How long to wait for a possibly questionable check to clear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-to-wait-for-a-possibly-questionable-check-to-clear/1014641)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2025, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-to-wait-for-a-possibly-questionable-check-to-clear/1014641 "2025-02-23T01:28:31Z")
I deposited a check in my credit union savings account. The check is legitimate but the issuing company is a little weird, and I’m afraid that at some point they might tell their bank that the check is improper or someth… --- ## [NEW Stupid Republican Idea of the Day (Part 3)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-3/986588)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 9999\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-3/986588 "2025-02-22T21:08:05Z")
Continuing the discussion from NEW Stupid Republican Idea of the Day (Part 2) - #10006 by eschereal. Previous discussions: NEW Stupid Republican Idea of the Day (Part 1) NEW Stupid Republican Idea of the Day (Part 2) --- ## [Odd Euphemisms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-euphemisms/955745)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-euphemisms/955745 "2025-02-22T19:36:19Z")
Watching the ball game when a commercial came on for tampons. It stood out only because they used a thin red liquid to show their product’s absorbency rather than the puzzling turquoise one. The next commercial feature… --- ## [Fifty Years Overdue: I Pit Plaza House for 'Greatest Hits of the 30s'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifty-years-overdue-i-pit-plaza-house-for-greatest-hits-of-the-30s/1014655)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifty-years-overdue-i-pit-plaza-house-for-greatest-hits-of-the-30s/1014655 "2025-02-22T18:39:39Z")
When I was 9 or 10 my dad bought a set of “greatest hits” records from a company apparently called Plaza House. Greatest Hits of the 30s, Greatest Hits of the 40s, and a double album Greatest Hits of the 50s/60s. I’ll … --- ## [Giant, carved, wooden forks and spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-carved-wooden-forks-and-spoons/1014405)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-carved-wooden-forks-and-spoons/1014405 "2025-02-22T18:23:31Z")
I’ve occasionally wondered what the deal was with giant, carved, wooden forks and spoons. \[NB: The ones pictured are 30 inches. The ones I recall were about 24 inches.\] As you all know, my dad was a Naval officer in t… --- ## [When was pinball popular?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-pinball-popular/1014066)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-pinball-popular/1014066 "2025-02-22T17:54:49Z")
I’m reading Haruki Murakami’s Pinball 1973 and now I’m wondering about when pinball was actually popular. My “back of my mind” assumption before starting the book was that pinball was mostly a 1970s thing. Looking this… --- ## [Jonathan Pie on Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jonathan-pie-on-trump/1014671)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jonathan-pie-on-trump/1014671 "2025-02-22T17:49:03Z")
Not sure where to put this, and I hope the Reddit link is OK. https://www.reddit.com/r/law/comments/1iviynd/uks\_jonathan\_pie\_on\_trump\_and\_the\_art\_of\_the\_deal/ --- ## [Canadian Art Question?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-art-question/1014594)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-art-question/1014594 "2025-02-22T15:43:54Z")
Years ago, I saw a humorous image by a Canadian artist that showed the Canada-US border. The Canadian side was full of snow and had an igloo, a Canadian flag and perhaps a saluting Mountie. I can’t remember the America… --- ## [United Healthcare has taken note of numerous critiques of its business model and is taking steps to correct them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-healthcare-has-taken-note-of-numerous-critiques-of-its-business-model-and-is-taking-steps-to-correct-them/1014216)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-healthcare-has-taken-note-of-numerous-critiques-of-its-business-model-and-is-taking-steps-to-correct-them/1014216 "2025-02-22T15:03:59Z")
By suing. Not by changing its business practices, of course. Just going after the people that put them in a bad light. It’s retained a defamation firm to go after social media posts that put UHC in an unfavourable ligh… --- ## [Fluorouracil treatment SUCKS!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluorouracil-treatment-sucks/1014643)
**Author:** [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluorouracil-treatment-sucks/1014643 "2025-02-22T13:40:28Z")
I got scolded by my dermatologist, as one does when one has worked and played outside in the mountains for almost 60 years. I am a week in to fluorouracil 5% and triamcinolone, and I feel like I’ve tangled with a Portug… --- ## [Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to step down as Leader \[2/28/2024\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242)
**Author:** [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242 "2025-02-22T12:28:21Z")
Wow. --- ## [Is there a way to 'de-stretch' a crocheted piece of clothing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-de-stretch-a-crocheted-piece-of-clothing/1014651)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-de-stretch-a-crocheted-piece-of-clothing/1014651 "2025-02-22T12:22:18Z")
I have a hat that’s special to me. It’s the last thing my mother made for me before she died, over 25 years ago. Objectively it’s nothing special. It’s pretty much a round disk, mostly of double crochet stitches that … --- ## [Asian cuisine: sar gott?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asian-cuisine-sar-gott/1014652)
**Author:** [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asian-cuisine-sar-gott/1014652 "2025-02-22T04:34:47Z")
We found an old Chinese/Hawaiian cookbook with a section on this main ingredient. But Googling fails. Any insight from the teeming millions? --- ## [Have you read the book \_The Righteous Mind\_?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-read-the-book-the-righteous-mind/1014550)
**Author:** [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-read-the-book-the-righteous-mind/1014550 "2025-02-22T02:58:37Z")
Have you heard of or read this book? A few week ago, I finished reading The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. I found it a good introduction to morality and moral psychology, and it is reflective of research in the fiel… --- ## [Security for Elon Musk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-for-elon-musk/1014268)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-for-elon-musk/1014268 "2025-02-22T02:52:00Z")
Does the Secret Service provide protection for Elon Musk when he is performing tasks for the President? Does Elon Musk have his own private security service? Is there a potential conflict between Elon Musk’s private s… --- ## [Another tax question. This one for identity theft victims](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tax-question-this-one-for-identity-theft-victims/1014585)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2025, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tax-question-this-one-for-identity-theft-victims/1014585 "2025-02-22T00:21:14Z")
Mrs Cad got a 1099G. Didn’t think to much about it and didn’t look at it yet but Colorado is warning residents that if you got a 1099G but did not collect unemployment last year, you may be a victim of identity theft. … --- ## [Is Trump a real-life Manchurian Candidate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-a-real-life-manchurian-candidate/1014459)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-a-real-life-manchurian-candidate/1014459 "2025-02-21T21:50:26Z")
Semi-serious question; is Donald Trump a real-life Manchurian Candidate? Given all of the changes he is making, he seems on a path to destroying much of the US government, which might make Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping ve… --- ## [Disinformation and why it's the elephant in the room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disinformation-and-why-its-the-elephant-in-the-room/1014584)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disinformation-and-why-its-the-elephant-in-the-room/1014584 "2025-02-21T21:20:02Z")
It seems to me that much of the media is still unwilling to confront the information landscape in which we find ourselves. A lot of people seem to get their “news” and general understanding of the world just from their p… --- ## [Song from 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Where've I heard it before?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-from-nightmare-before-christmas-whereve-i-heard-it-before/292205)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-from-nightmare-before-christmas-whereve-i-heard-it-before/292205 "2025-02-21T20:50:13Z")
I heard it on a TV show tonight (100 best cartoons, Channel 4, UK) and I instantly recognised it. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard the same basic tune in 'live action (meaning not cartoon) kids film from about the 1980s. T… --- ## [Is there a term for the dialect or accent in English in which a typically one-syllable word becomes two syllables?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-the-dialect-or-accent-in-english-in-which-a-typically-one-syllable-word-becomes-two-syllables/1013578)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-the-dialect-or-accent-in-english-in-which-a-typically-one-syllable-word-becomes-two-syllables/1013578 "2025-02-21T20:32:20Z")
A specific example is a certain type of accent, of which I think the Northern Irish accent is an example, where words such as ‘home’ become ‘hey-ome’. Or a youtuber whose channel I follow-- I can’t identify specific acce… --- ## [No more Stray Cat Strut?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-stray-cat-strut/1014525)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-stray-cat-strut/1014525 "2025-02-21T19:28:40Z")
Brian Setzer says he can no longer play guitar. “Towards the end of the last Stray Cats tour I noticed that my hands were cramping up,” Setzer wrote. “I’ve since discovered that I have an auto-immune disease. I canno… --- ## ["Gold is a hedge against inflation." Meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gold-is-a-hedge-against-inflation-meaning/1010458)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gold-is-a-hedge-against-inflation-meaning/1010458 "2025-02-21T19:04:58Z")
Subject line is pretty much my question. Suppose I’m concerned about inflation eroding my purchasing power, and want to protect how many Egg McMuffins I can buy with my best egg. Why would I choose gold over, say, bonds… --- ## [Old box fan, still running!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-box-fan-still-running/1014537)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-box-fan-still-running/1014537 "2025-02-21T18:38:00Z")
I posted a question in Factual Questions about an old “ZERO” brand 20" box fan that came from my elderly aunt’s estate. More related to MPSIMS I have been pondering about the history of this fan. It has my grandpa’s name… --- ## [StarDate's Sandy Wood to Retire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stardates-sandy-wood-to-retire/837505)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stardates-sandy-wood-to-retire/837505 "2025-02-21T17:58:59Z")
StarDate’s Sandy Wood to Retire — spaceref.com, dated 01 Jul 2019 Any other fans of StarDate here? StarDate plays on my local news radio station (KCBS 740AM, San Francisco) every morning @0952. I’ve enjoyed her presenta… --- ## [In your experience, how often does 'Why don't you just...' actually mean 'I have not fully grasped the problem'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-experience-how-often-does-why-dont-you-just-actually-mean-i-have-not-fully-grasped-the-problem/1014411)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-experience-how-often-does-why-dont-you-just-actually-mean-i-have-not-fully-grasped-the-problem/1014411 "2025-02-21T14:47:08Z")
In your experience, when you are describing a situation, perhaps not even soliciting a advice, but someone offers it anyway, and that advice begins with something like “Why don’t you just…” (or “You should just…”, or pre… --- ## [The Onion-proofing of the President of the United States](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-onion-proofing-of-the-president-of-the-united-states/1014180)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-onion-proofing-of-the-president-of-the-united-states/1014180 "2025-02-21T06:22:07Z")
How the flying fuck can you parody the Prez when he takes Official Action to promote plastic straws?Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws – The White House --- ## [Where is the S.S. United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-s-s-united-states/958834)
**Author:** [@RadioWave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadioWave)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-s-s-united-states/958834 "2025-02-21T05:49:13Z")
Ever since I built a model of the ocean liner S.S. United States way back in olden days, I’ve been in love with the ship. It and the S.S. Normandie are simply magnificent pieces of machinery harking back to a golden age… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=366) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=368)