# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=452&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 453 --- ## [Test drive etiquette when selling a used car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-drive-etiquette-when-selling-a-used-car/1008780)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-drive-etiquette-when-selling-a-used-car/1008780 "2024-10-23T15:36:46Z")
It’s been a long time since I sold a used car to a stranger. I tend to keep vehicles for a long time, and my last two used vehicles I sold to a nephew and a friend, respectively. My wife asked me “do we let people take a… --- ## [What will it take to allow Cuba to prosper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-it-take-to-allow-cuba-to-prosper/980491)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-it-take-to-allow-cuba-to-prosper/980491 "2024-10-23T13:55:32Z")
Is the Castro family lock a given? Who is in the wings that could lead the country out of communism? --- ## [Caffeine in Zero-Sugar Sunkist Orange Soda](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeine-in-zero-sugar-sunkist-orange-soda/1009069)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeine-in-zero-sugar-sunkist-orange-soda/1009069 "2024-10-23T13:41:19Z")
How can I find out the caffeine content of Sunkist Zero Sugar Orange soda. The 12 oz can I’m drinking from says it has 19 mg. The box the cans came in says there is none. Online sources report both and also report 57 mg… --- ## [Bad parenting moments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-parenting-moments/1009005)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-parenting-moments/1009005 "2024-10-23T12:41:16Z")
Back in the day when drive-ins were still a thing, our local was offering a double feature with Milo and Otis being the first movie off the rank. Bundled the four little kids into the station wagon with blankets, pillow… --- ## [What % of extra money would it cost to make all new construction 99% hurricane-proof?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-of-extra-money-would-it-cost-to-make-all-new-construction-99-hurricane-proof/1009065)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-of-extra-money-would-it-cost-to-make-all-new-construction-99-hurricane-proof/1009065 "2024-10-23T07:53:25Z")
I read this article the other day that inspired this post: How to Build a Hurricane-Proof House | WIRED Humanity was unwilling or unable to do what was needed 30+ years ago to keep the planet cold-ish, and the warmer pl… --- ## [How do I recover files from a damaged portable hard drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-recover-files-from-a-damaged-portable-hard-drive/1009047)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-recover-files-from-a-damaged-portable-hard-drive/1009047 "2024-10-23T06:15:06Z")
I have a portable hard drive I’ve been using for backing up files. It appears to have become damaged. I bought a new portable hard drive and I’ve attempted to transfer the files from the old portable to the new one. Tha… --- ## [Attention Kmart shoppers: The last full-size Kmart in the mainland United States is closing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-kmart-shoppers-the-last-full-size-kmart-in-the-mainland-united-states-is-closing/1007644)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attention-kmart-shoppers-the-last-full-size-kmart-in-the-mainland-united-states-is-closing/1007644 "2024-10-23T03:20:38Z")
i know a certain departed doper is somewhere rejoicing over this but I find this a bit sad …although I remember the last few years of our poor kmart … --- ## [Antenna length for remote control lighting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antenna-length-for-remote-control-lighting/1009079)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antenna-length-for-remote-control-lighting/1009079 "2024-10-23T02:26:51Z")
My front porch light switch is operated by a Heath Zenith system that has a battery operated motion sensor/transmitter. You can place the sensor anywhere within range and it turns the porch lights on with motion after da… --- ## [Does anyone remember elementary school movie projects with built-in screens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-remember-elementary-school-movie-projects-with-built-in-screens/1009003)
**Author:** [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-remember-elementary-school-movie-projects-with-built-in-screens/1009003 "2024-10-23T01:49:19Z")
Today I was thinking of 1970s AV equipment. We certainly had free-standing film projectors that projected to screens in front of the room (to screens that pulled down, or mobile screens), but I’m recalling something a b… --- ## [Are AI-generated submissions slowing down the publication process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ai-generated-submissions-slowing-down-the-publication-process/1009035)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ai-generated-submissions-slowing-down-the-publication-process/1009035 "2024-10-23T00:50:53Z")
As some of you may recall, last year I completed work on the manuscript of a novel. Since that time, I have submitted it to four publishers in Canada, all of which publish fiction, the first one around early August of la… --- ## [You're Aileen Cannon. What are the downsides of a directed verdict?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-aileen-cannon-what-are-the-downsides-of-a-directed-verdict/985483)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2024, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-aileen-cannon-what-are-the-downsides-of-a-directed-verdict/985483 "2024-10-23T00:17:35Z")
I think we’ve lost the thread here on what’s going on in Aileen Cannon’s mind. As I understand it, the judge in this case has the ability to issue a directed verdict of “Not Guilty”, notwithstanding the jury’s decision o… --- ## [The Poetry of Donald J. Trump - Special Summer Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-special-summer-edition/1003319)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poetry-of-donald-j-trump-special-summer-edition/1003319 "2024-10-22T23:39:18Z")
Our nation’s poet has offered us another glimpse of his special genius. This time he has chosen a nature theme. Where there’s so much water, you don’t know what to do with it. You know, it’s called rain. It rains a l… --- ## [Does The Department Of Motor Vehicles Deserve Its Terrible Reputation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-department-of-motor-vehicles-deserve-its-terrible-reputation/1008977)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-department-of-motor-vehicles-deserve-its-terrible-reputation/1008977 "2024-10-22T20:38:38Z")
Disclaimer- I have never had a driver’s license. My only dealings with the DMV involve obtaining, renewing, and changing the address on a state issued non-driver ID. The state was supposed to send me a voter registratio… --- ## [I am scared for Pennsylvania (presidential election)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-scared-for-pennsylvania-presidential-election/1008972)
**Author:** [@Happytree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happytree)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-scared-for-pennsylvania-presidential-election/1008972 "2024-10-22T19:55:59Z")
I am starting this thread in the pit because it is just me shouting at a wall maybe: I am scared as a pennsylvania voter. Scared of what i see outside my own door everyday. My caddy corner neighbor has a freshly painted… --- ## [Is Venus's surface heated more from above or below?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-venuss-surface-heated-more-from-above-or-below/1009031)
**Author:** [@EdwardFound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardFound)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-venuss-surface-heated-more-from-above-or-below/1009031 "2024-10-22T19:38:08Z")
When googling the cause for Venus’s high surface temperature I find only one explanation: solar energy trapped by the greenhouse effect from Venus’s thick, CO2 atmosphere. But the surface of Venus also receives heat fro… --- ## [Why were the Chernobyl control rods tipped with graphite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-the-chernobyl-control-rods-tipped-with-graphite/1008953)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-the-chernobyl-control-rods-tipped-with-graphite/1008953 "2024-10-22T17:43:54Z")
A question I have after finishing my annual rewatch of Chernobyl. The simplified reason given for the reactor exploding is that when they SCRAMed the reactor, reactivity went up instead of down because the control rods w… --- ## [My theory about what's going on with Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-theory-about-whats-going-on-with-trump/1008968)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-theory-about-whats-going-on-with-trump/1008968 "2024-10-22T15:26:02Z")
This is not as “out there” as some people may think. I honestly think the guy has a urinary tract infection. Those can do dreadful things to the mentation of a senior citizen, with few or no other symptoms. I don’t wa… --- ## [NFL 2024-25: Week 7](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-7/1008831)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-7/1008831 "2024-10-22T14:55:33Z")
Last week the Niners beat the Seahawks and lead the NFC West with a 3-3 record. The Bears, Packers, and Lions all won; everybody in the NFC North is over .500. The Bucs put 51 on the board as the Saints dropped their 4th… --- ## [Wet perogies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-perogies/1009028)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-perogies/1009028 "2024-10-22T14:44:51Z")
I usually get Sophies Choice. I use them quickly. This time I waited over a week. When I opened the package they were wet, as drops of water all over and in the package. I hope this doesn’t mean anything was wrong wit… --- ## [Jacksonville, FL Mayor Deegan critical of Trump, MAGA demands apology and resignation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jacksonville-fl-mayor-deegan-critical-of-trump-maga-demands-apology-and-resignation/1008938)
**Author:** [@DaveUnknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveUnknown)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jacksonville-fl-mayor-deegan-critical-of-trump-maga-demands-apology-and-resignation/1008938 "2024-10-22T13:36:03Z")
Jax Mayor Deegan, on a London radio show, criticized Trump’s immigration policies claiming his plans amount to a 'concentration camp type situation. MAGA is outraged, demanding an apology and her resignation ‘in disgrac… --- ## [Hamas attacks Israel, October 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hamas-attacks-israel-october-2023/991234)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 569\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hamas-attacks-israel-october-2023/991234 "2024-10-22T13:01:46Z")
Hamas claims to have captured some soldiers. From the article: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “we are at war, and we will win it” as the country’s air force began striking Hamas targets in Gaza on Sat… --- ## [Does double jeopardy apply in case of private prosecution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-double-jeopardy-apply-in-case-of-private-prosecution/1008945)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-double-jeopardy-apply-in-case-of-private-prosecution/1008945 "2024-10-22T11:45:41Z")
Suppose I committed a crime in a jurisdiction that allows private prosecution. I could now clandestinely collaborate with an accomplice who brings a criminal case against me via private prosecution and intentionally cond… --- ## [Looking for an old digital watch make/model](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-old-digital-watch-make-model/1008986)
**Author:** [@Ferris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferris)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-old-digital-watch-make-model/1008986 "2024-10-22T07:07:35Z")
I can’t remember much about my first LCD watch, but most likely Casio and it was a stainless steel case, produced some time between 1976 to 1979. Had an alarm, a light button and its most notable feature was four distinc… --- ## [Movie: Miller’s Girl - Open spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-miller-s-girl-open-spoilers/1009048)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-miller-s-girl-open-spoilers/1009048 "2024-10-22T03:59:06Z")
Has anyone seen this. We just watched it and we were blown away. It’s getting mixed reviews but I think some reviewers didn’t understand it. I think the writing is delicious. The film talks a lot about heros and villa… --- ## [Harold and the Purple Crayon trailer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harold-and-the-purple-crayon-trailer/999144)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2024, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harold-and-the-purple-crayon-trailer/999144 "2024-10-22T02:16:08Z")
What the hell is this? Who greenlit this? What on earth is going on here? --- ## [Trying to frame a problem ( springs)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-frame-a-problem-springs/1009023)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2024, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-frame-a-problem-springs/1009023 "2024-10-21T23:17:33Z")
Suppose I have a coiled spring. The spring is 3 ft long with 2 coils per ft, total of 6 coils. When I compress the spring the coil has a slight amount of twist say about 45 degrees at the top coil. If I made that same sp… --- ## [Can anyone ID this skit or short?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-id-this-skit-or-short/1009034)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2024, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-id-this-skit-or-short/1009034 "2024-10-21T21:43:32Z")
Listening to a podcast jogged a memory I had of skit or short I saw when I was kid. The skit was with puppets and was about a community of birds all with pun names (I think). They were like fairy tale birds where they ar… --- ## [Doing Cologuard again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doing-cologuard-again/1003833)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2024, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doing-cologuard-again/1003833 "2024-10-21T19:57:56Z")
I did this test once back in, oh, early 2021 I think. My doc says that due to my age and my redundant bowel, it’s time to do it again. It seems a bit early to me, but whatever. So as soon as the caffeine kicks in and … --- ## [I Have Finally Found the Ultimate Pizza Toppings Combination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-finally-found-the-ultimate-pizza-toppings-combination/1008913)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2024, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-finally-found-the-ultimate-pizza-toppings-combination/1008913 "2024-10-21T18:57:31Z")
After almost 50 years on this planet, I’ve finally found the perfect pizza toppings combination : Tomatoes Parmesan Gorgonzola Chorizo ('nduja for a gourmet version) Bacon Egg That’s it. Perfection. If I’m feelin… --- ## [Can you have too many cookbooks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-have-too-many-cookbooks/1008965)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-have-too-many-cookbooks/1008965 "2024-10-21T18:49:42Z")
I love to cook and bake. But when I moved three years ago I thinned out my collection as moving books is a pain in the…butt. Now I deeply regret it. As I see it you can’t have too many cookbooks, even if you make onl… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=451&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=453&state=muted)