# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=371&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 372 --- ## [Is this a good lease deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-good-lease-deal/1014288)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-good-lease-deal/1014288 "2025-02-19T13:25:43Z")
I’m completely new to leases and I’d like to ask you experts your opinion. I just received this lease deal for a new 2025 car: Market value $73,225 Dealer discount $5075 Tint $574 (I’m going to remove this) Rebates $8… --- ## [Intentionally distorted flags as backdrops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intentionally-distorted-flags-as-backdrops/1014464)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intentionally-distorted-flags-as-backdrops/1014464 "2025-02-19T12:05:40Z")
So Wikipedia tells me that when French politicians attend photo ops with a national flag standing in the background, that flag will often have a white stripe that’s much narrower than the blue and red ones. The reason is… --- ## [Feel the bullet before hearing the gunshot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feel-the-bullet-before-hearing-the-gunshot/1014377)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feel-the-bullet-before-hearing-the-gunshot/1014377 "2025-02-19T10:36:40Z")
After a random search for the “speed of a bullet at impact 50 feet away”, I noticed that the speed of a bullet can be 2x to 3x the speed of sound. So I wondered if folks who have, unfortunately, been shot actually feel … --- ## [What is the best possible non-insane/non-evil explanation for Trump's efforts so far?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-possible-non-insane-non-evil-explanation-for-trumps-efforts-so-far/1014420)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-possible-non-insane-non-evil-explanation-for-trumps-efforts-so-far/1014420 "2025-02-19T10:12:09Z")
Inspired by this comment in the “compendium” thread: Assume you are in a debate, and are assigned the position of defending this administration’s efforts so far. Likely not anything that could be persuasively expresse… --- ## [How much firepower would be required to reduce the faces on Mt. Rushmore to rubble?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-firepower-would-be-required-to-reduce-the-faces-on-mt-rushmore-to-rubble/1014132)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-firepower-would-be-required-to-reduce-the-faces-on-mt-rushmore-to-rubble/1014132 "2025-02-19T05:38:36Z")
Let’s say Dr. Evil gets in into his head to destroy Mt. Rushmore because reasons. Could he pull it off with a single, well-aimed tomahawk missile? Or would it require an entire barrage (as in, dozens)? --- ## [How do writers come up with names for their characters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-writers-come-up-with-names-for-their-characters/1014079)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-writers-come-up-with-names-for-their-characters/1014079 "2025-02-19T04:10:12Z")
I know, there are probably as many different answers as authors. But I don’t know any authors to ask. Do they just pick names out of a random list? Do they try to pick names that somehow match the character’s personali… --- ## [The Postmaster General](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-postmaster-general/1011473)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-postmaster-general/1011473 "2025-02-19T04:01:23Z")
He’s been in the news lately, and seeing him always makes me wonder: why does he even want that job? Was it just to somehow hamstring the post office in trump’s favor? I guess mission accomplished- he’s in office. So why… --- ## [How am I supposed to open this package?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-am-i-supposed-to-open-this-package/1014472)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-am-i-supposed-to-open-this-package/1014472 "2025-02-19T01:58:51Z")
\[Album\] imgur.com I received these delicious Swiss chocolates in a… --- ## [Window & Door Trim, Dealing with a Gap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/window-door-trim-dealing-with-a-gap/1014087)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/window-door-trim-dealing-with-a-gap/1014087 "2025-02-19T01:40:45Z")
Hi Folks I’m redoing a room, and the plasterers left all the walls 1/16 to 1/4 proud of the windows and doors. So as I go to hang the moldings I have to deal with this. If I pull them tight in the window frame the gap j… --- ## [Santorini Earthquakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorini-earthquakes/1014255)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorini-earthquakes/1014255 "2025-02-19T01:28:30Z")
I’m interested to hear what information and opinions folks can share about this situation. Some reports are showing over 10k earthquakes in less than three weeks. I’ve done my best to collect information and there seem… --- ## [JD Vance Discussion Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jd-vance-discussion-thread/1005892)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 838\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jd-vance-discussion-thread/1005892 "2025-02-19T01:23:28Z")
Continuing the discussion from Who will be Trump's running mate? (J. D. Vance Has Been Chosen): Per mod suggestion, this is a new thread for all topics surrounding Donald Trump’s running mate. --- ## [Why did democrats lose so many presidential votes in 2024 in safe democratic states](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-democrats-lose-so-many-presidential-votes-in-2024-in-safe-democratic-states/1013851)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-democrats-lose-so-many-presidential-votes-in-2024-in-safe-democratic-states/1013851 "2025-02-19T01:09:20Z")
Examples: California 2024 Dem - 9 million votes 2024 Trump - 6 million votes 2020 Dem - 11 million votes 2020 Trump - 6 million votes New York 2024 Dem - 4.6 million votes 2024 Trump - 3.6 million votes 2020 Dem… --- ## [Can we consider allowing direct image uploads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-consider-allowing-direct-image-uploads/1013213)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-consider-allowing-direct-image-uploads/1013213 "2025-02-19T01:03:38Z")
(Not sure if this belongs here or ATMB… please move if needed) I was wondering… is there a reason we don’t allow direct image uploads? I know you can link to images hosted off-forum, but that’s quite a lot of hassle com… --- ## [Linking to hate speech, the Journey Continues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linking-to-hate-speech-the-journey-continues/1013506)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linking-to-hate-speech-the-journey-continues/1013506 "2025-02-19T00:43:34Z")
Continuing the discussion from Linking to hate speech, again: I fully acknowledge that the prior thread went off track, but the question is still pertinent. And the last time it came up, it was similarly closed withou… --- ## [Question about Eyesafe 2.0 certification for laptops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-eyesafe-2-0-certification-for-laptops/1014474)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-eyesafe-2-0-certification-for-laptops/1014474 "2025-02-19T00:27:14Z")
According to Lenovo’s Product Specifications Reference, the display on the Thinkpad T16 Gen 2 (AMD, build your own) can be upgraded to low blue light Eyesafe certified 2.0. I purchased this upgrade. It’s my understanding… --- ## [A.I. artist claims people are stealing his work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-i-artist-claims-people-are-stealing-his-work/1008373)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-i-artist-claims-people-are-stealing-his-work/1008373 "2025-02-19T00:15:42Z")
So does this guy have a legitimate complaint that he should receive a copyright on his artwork? The article seems pretty dismissive of the idea and he sounds like a tool, but I don’t know a lot about the settled law. --- ## [New laptop quandary and query](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-laptop-quandary-and-query/1014460)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-laptop-quandary-and-query/1014460 "2025-02-18T23:51:22Z")
I’ve replaced my aging and failing HP laptop with a new one. That’s the good news. The changeover was very easy, as the new computer basically ‘sees’ whatever is on the old one and installed it. The problem is in gettin… --- ## [What's this (probably a children's song)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-probably-a-childrens-song/1014470)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-probably-a-childrens-song/1014470 "2025-02-18T22:15:46Z")
I’m trying to find the rest of the lyrics and where they come from. The tune is classical (just heard it play but no ID given), and the song may be from “Snow White” (maybe the dwarfs sang it?). Here is what I remember (… --- ## [What other part time jobs should Trump take?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-part-time-jobs-should-trump-take/1014353)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-part-time-jobs-should-trump-take/1014353 "2025-02-18T21:42:50Z")
Apparently being the president of the United States of America leaves you with a lot of spare time: Trump made chair of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Our local Dairy Queen starts hiring for the summer in Apri… --- ## [What’s your best serious life advice right now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-your-best-serious-life-advice-right-now/1014218)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-your-best-serious-life-advice-right-now/1014218 "2025-02-18T21:37:33Z")
Something I alluded to in a previous thread of mine that’s kind of at the heart of a lot of what I’ve been interested in here. A Pit thread inspired me to ask directly. Suppose someone in your life who you care about de… --- ## [Rasmussen called last night](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rasmussen-called-last-night/1014453)
**Author:** [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rasmussen-called-last-night/1014453 "2025-02-18T21:36:05Z")
Yes - I still have a landline. Not just because I’m an old fart; I work in telecom, and I know how reliable wireless lines are. Also, polling operations call landlines. Last night, Rasmussen called, and I got the oppo… --- ## [EU and open Norway-Sweden border](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-and-open-norway-sweden-border/1014330)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-and-open-norway-sweden-border/1014330 "2025-02-18T21:05:31Z")
There was (is I guess) concern about the open border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and the fact that only the latter is in the EU. This problem already existed with the Norway-Sweden border. How did they hadn’t … --- ## [Leonard Peltier Up for Parole (for Murder of 2 FBI Agents in 1975--American Indian Movement)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leonard-peltier-up-for-parole-for-murder-of-2-fbi-agents-in-1975-american-indian-movement/1002742)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leonard-peltier-up-for-parole-for-murder-of-2-fbi-agents-in-1975-american-indian-movement/1002742 "2025-02-18T21:00:32Z")
Two other Native American men (Robert Robideau and Dino Butler) who fired at the agents were tried in 1976 and found not guilty by reason of self-defense. Peltier fled to Canada before the trial. He was eventually extr… --- ## [Coffee is literally Magic!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-is-literally-magic/1014166)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-is-literally-magic/1014166 "2025-02-18T20:28:12Z")
You take a bean and heat it. Then you crush it into powder. You then filter hot water through the powder until there is a fluid unfused with the powder. You then extract out the used up powder. You drink the resulting li… --- ## [Name the perfect movie to see with a date on Valentine's Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-perfect-movie-to-see-with-a-date-on-valentines-day/1014293)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-perfect-movie-to-see-with-a-date-on-valentines-day/1014293 "2025-02-18T19:32:28Z")
I can think of three: Lady and the Tramp, American Graffiti, and Zefferelli’s Romeo and Juliet. --- ## [Worst Texas poker hand is 2 and 7?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-texas-poker-hand-is-2-and-7/1014243)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-texas-poker-hand-is-2-and-7/1014243 "2025-02-18T18:33:48Z")
OK, like a good boy scout I did a search and found this explanation from 2005. The problem is that it is entirely posted by people who obviously have a good understanding of Texas Hold Em poker, which I do not. I’m an en… --- ## [I may have saved a life yesterday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-may-have-saved-a-life-yesterday/1014418)
**Author:** [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-may-have-saved-a-life-yesterday/1014418 "2025-02-18T18:21:28Z")
Yesterday on my ride, I spotted far ahead a person sprawled on the sidewalk. At first I thought it was a homeless person taking a nap but a moment later I registered the wheelchair against the curb and the direction he w… --- ## [Early cultural references to Star Trek?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-cultural-references-to-star-trek/1014398)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-cultural-references-to-star-trek/1014398 "2025-02-18T18:05:39Z")
I just watched the wedding episode of I Dream of Jeannie from December 2nd 1969, and as an excuse for Jeannie destroying cameras (because genies don’t show up on film) they blame an “anti-photo phaser”. While it doesn’t … --- ## [Misunderstanding on purpose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misunderstanding-on-purpose/1014416)
**Author:** [@vbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vbob)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misunderstanding-on-purpose/1014416 "2025-02-18T18:04:51Z")
My father claimed that one of the early 20th century US Presidents had a ‘Misunderstander-in-Chief’ whose job was to preview various proclamations and put the worst possible construction on them - presumably so they coul… --- ## [Who still watches NASCAR?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-still-watches-nascar/1014438)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-still-watches-nascar/1014438 "2025-02-18T15:39:20Z")
So, more to clear the disgusting stench of the NFL out of my mouth than anything, I decided to record the Daytona 500 and watch as much as I could. Here’s what I recall: An extremely crowded and busy pit row. Some pre… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=370&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=372&state=tracking)