# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=459&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 460 --- ## [Looking for Jabba the Hutt concept art and/or vintage magazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-jabba-the-hutt-concept-art-and-or-vintage-magazine/1008704)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-jabba-the-hutt-concept-art-and-or-vintage-magazine/1008704 "2024-10-13T16:16:39Z")
There was a magazine that came out at the time of Return of the Jedi that had lots of “making of” and EU info (before there was an EU). One thing I remember about it is that it included several early concept images for … --- ## [Can the U.S. President Order Reimbursement of Generator Purchases?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-u-s-president-order-reimbursement-of-generator-purchases/1008675)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-u-s-president-order-reimbursement-of-generator-purchases/1008675 "2024-10-13T16:05:04Z")
Donald Trump today pledged a tax credit for the full cost of generators purchased since September 1 in states hit by natural disasters: Newsweek quoting Truth Social: Is there any emergency provision, in current law, … --- ## [Going from 550 Mbps down to 50 Mbps…how bad will it really be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-from-550-mbps-down-to-50-mbps-how-bad-will-it-really-be/977699)
**Author:** [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-from-550-mbps-down-to-50-mbps-how-bad-will-it-really-be/977699 "2024-10-13T16:04:06Z")
Just bought a new condo and the ATT cable, internet, and phone are included in the assessment. It’s 190 units in two buildings. They said high speed and frankly I didn’t question it. Till today when I started the activa… --- ## [The CPAP racket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cpap-racket/1007480)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cpap-racket/1007480 "2024-10-13T15:45:35Z")
Does anyone understand why CPAP machines are so difficult to get, are so expensive, are such a pain in the ass? To get mine (my insurance will cover one machine every five years) , I’ve got to go through the testing (a p… --- ## [The most expired product you will use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-expired-product-you-will-use/1007567)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-expired-product-you-will-use/1007567 "2024-10-13T15:00:06Z")
My wife will throw away anything she sees that is after its sell-by date. I will use things that are many, many months expired, depending on the product. Today I needed some thermally-conductive epoxy. I bought this box… --- ## [California bans legacy admissions - why do private colleges have to obey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-bans-legacy-admissions-why-do-private-colleges-have-to-obey/1008304)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-bans-legacy-admissions-why-do-private-colleges-have-to-obey/1008304 "2024-10-13T13:41:35Z")
Here’s a gift article from today’s NYT. It reports on the state of California now banning legacy admissions even for private colleges. Aren’t private institutions exempt from this type of thing, in the same way that pri… --- ## [I blew up a Toastmasters group last night](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-blew-up-a-toastmasters-group-last-night/918672)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 239\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-blew-up-a-toastmasters-group-last-night/918672 "2024-10-13T11:33:58Z")
Just gonna put this in the Pit, even though it isn’t really aimed at anyone or anything… it’s too political for MPSIMS, not debatey enough for GD, and even though it’s political in nature, not really suitable for P&E… so… --- ## [Mods splitting threads leaving someone as "OP"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-splitting-threads-leaving-someone-as-op/1008699)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-splitting-threads-leaving-someone-as-op/1008699 "2024-10-13T01:54:08Z")
Mild Pitting of Beck - The BBQ Pit - Straight Dope Message Board This happens quite a lot. One particular mod does it far more than others but it’s not just him, several others do it too. A mod in his opinion decides a… --- ## [Where was this thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-was-this-thread/1008680)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-was-this-thread/1008680 "2024-10-12T23:10:03Z")
About how a new feature of Windows, that if not disabled, logs everything that appears on your screen, utterly trashing privacy such as medical records. But I can’t find a combination of search terms that brings it up. I… --- ## [What is this room in the White House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-room-in-the-white-house/1008696)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-room-in-the-white-house/1008696 "2024-10-12T22:19:46Z")
Here. Obviously a dining room, but not THE dining room – I’ve seen pictures of THE White House dining room and that ain’t it. Almost certainly not the POTUS’ private dining room in his quarters, because no civilian is g… --- ## [That '90s Show {Debut Jan 19,2023}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-90s-show-debut-jan-19-2023/977173)
**Author:** [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-90s-show-debut-jan-19-2023/977173 "2024-10-12T22:09:50Z")
A day or two ago, I learned about That '90s Show: unlike That '80s Show, it’s a direct spin-off of That '70s Show – including many of the same characters/cast members – and will focus on the teenage daughter of Eric and … --- ## [Aurora Borealis (Austral) southern hemisphere - red?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aurora-borealis-austral-southern-hemisphere-red/1008656)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aurora-borealis-austral-southern-hemisphere-red/1008656 "2024-10-12T21:04:12Z")
Hi there, a few pics on Auroras borealis from the southern tip of South-America (Punta Arenas, Chile): Here a few - current - pics (note: this is not sunset, but an aurora at midnight) … --- ## [The individual contribution limit to a campaign is $3300...right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-individual-contribution-limit-to-a-campaign-is-3300-right/1008690)
**Author:** [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-individual-contribution-limit-to-a-campaign-is-3300-right/1008690 "2024-10-12T20:21:06Z")
I made two $500 donations and then went all in on a bulk $2300 donation to max out so I could disengage a little from the election with a clear conscience. After the first $500 donation, the texts and emails from the Har… --- ## [Voting in several States](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-in-several-states/1008510)
**Author:** [@FrenchDunadan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrenchDunadan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-in-several-states/1008510 "2024-10-12T20:18:55Z")
Hello there, I am from Europe and kind of curious on the American way of elections. Suppose Joe Average is a resident in Georgia. He’s voting there in anticipated vote for candidate K in September .What prevent him of … --- ## [Explain these crossword puzzle clues/answers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-these-crossword-puzzle-clues-answers/1008602)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-these-crossword-puzzle-clues-answers/1008602 "2024-10-12T20:08:51Z")
For reference, this was probably published in 2019. The title is “Words of Introduction” by Brendan Emmett Quigley, edited by Will Shortz. 84 Across Clue: A brace Answer: 72 Down Clue: Have way too much of. Answ… --- ## [Does the strength of a hurricane over the water affect its impact on land?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-strength-of-a-hurricane-over-the-water-affect-its-impact-on-land/1008582)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-strength-of-a-hurricane-over-the-water-affect-its-impact-on-land/1008582 "2024-10-12T19:55:52Z")
Milton is currently a category 5 hurricane over the warm and deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It is predicted to hit the west coast of Florida as a category 3 which implies wind speeds between 111 - 129 miles/hour. Doe… --- ## [RIP Ethel Kennedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-ethel-kennedy/1008661)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-ethel-kennedy/1008661 "2024-10-12T19:34:57Z")
She was 96. --- ## [Alec Salmond charged with 14 crimes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alec-salmond-charged-with-14-crimes/828338)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alec-salmond-charged-with-14-crimes/828338 "2024-10-12T19:03:32Z")
BBC story here. Mr Salmond used to be a local MP and MSP, though not my MP or MSP. I’m no fan of Salmond. I’ve written adversely about him in previous threads. I was delighted to see him ousted as MP. But this stinks o… --- ## [Singular, Plural, and Numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singular-plural-and-numbers/1008605)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singular-plural-and-numbers/1008605 "2024-10-12T19:02:59Z")
Using copy and paste this morning I had to change “… 1 hour …” to “… 0.5 hours … .” However, if I had changed the 1 to ½ it would have remained “ … hour … .” Also, why is it that we say “1 mile” but we say “1.0 miles”?… --- ## [Private helicopter pilot not allowed to fly rescues in Helene disaster zone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-helicopter-pilot-not-allowed-to-fly-rescues-in-helene-disaster-zone/1008419)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-helicopter-pilot-not-allowed-to-fly-rescues-in-helene-disaster-zone/1008419 "2024-10-12T18:30:57Z")
This is from the N.Y. Post, but seems to be a legit and accurate story. A private citizen (an experienced firefighter and ex-sheriff) who owns his own helicopter flew over the flooded area, found and rescued several d… --- ## [Can a bar and a dispensary be in the same building if there are two addresses? suite A and B?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-bar-and-a-dispensary-be-in-the-same-building-if-there-are-two-addresses-suite-a-and-b/1008613)
**Author:** [@HeatherRae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeatherRae)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-bar-and-a-dispensary-be-in-the-same-building-if-there-are-two-addresses-suite-a-and-b/1008613 "2024-10-12T16:48:07Z")
Wanting to open a bar beside a dispensary and can not find info on the rules. --- ## [Doritos dust makes mice transparent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doritos-dust-makes-mice-transparent/1008670)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doritos-dust-makes-mice-transparent/1008670 "2024-10-12T13:51:15Z")
Ok, it’s not really “dust”, but that sounds a lot catchier, right? And who knows what other mysteries of the universe can be unlocked with snack foods? --- ## [To Serve Man - A Modest Proposal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-serve-man-a-modest-proposal/1008549)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-serve-man-a-modest-proposal/1008549 "2024-10-12T03:44:24Z")
I’m guessing the people who open this thread know what To Serve Man is all about. If not, here’s a brief summary. Suppose the Kanamits had demonstrated their advanced technology for a few months, ending food shortages, … --- ## [Vice-Presidential culinary question: What is "hotdish" in Minnesota?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vice-presidential-culinary-question-what-is-hotdish-in-minnesota/1005398)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vice-presidential-culinary-question-what-is-hotdish-in-minnesota/1005398 "2024-10-12T03:24:33Z")
Question re Tim Walz: he apparently won the “Minnesota Congressional Delegation HotDish-off” contest three years running, with his “New Ulm Hotdish”. Please elaborate for a puzzelled Canuck: what is “hotdish”, please? … --- ## [Can someone help me remember the name of this damn tv show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-help-me-remember-the-name-of-this-damn-tv-show/1008628)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-help-me-remember-the-name-of-this-damn-tv-show/1008628 "2024-10-12T03:12:18Z")
thanks to the linked below thread I can remember part of the show but I can’t remember the damn name of it I can remember more of the character he was sort of state marshall type that was hired by the "vigilante commi… --- ## [In your ideal electorate, what % of the voters would be conservatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-ideal-electorate-what-of-the-voters-would-be-conservatives/1007689)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-ideal-electorate-what-of-the-voters-would-be-conservatives/1007689 "2024-10-12T01:29:15Z")
Suppose you could go into the settings of the U.S. electorate (or whichever other nation’s voting base that you want to change, assuming it lies on a left-right spectrum), kind of like a computer’s program. Right now, A… --- ## [Low Carb Spaghetti noodles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-spaghetti-noodles/1008568)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-spaghetti-noodles/1008568 "2024-10-12T01:28:55Z")
Told by doctors to cut the carbs. Are there low-carb spaghetti noodles out there, and which are the best in both carbs and taste? --- ## [What kind of internet upload speeds do ISPs offer corporations like Netflix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-internet-upload-speeds-do-isps-offer-corporations-like-netflix/1008664)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-internet-upload-speeds-do-isps-offer-corporations-like-netflix/1008664 "2024-10-12T00:59:38Z")
Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, amazon prime, etc are uploading tens of millions of videos simultaneously. Where do they get the upload speed? To my knowledge, the fastest upload speed is google fiber at 1Gbps, but even that is a … --- ## [Any prepared meal services that offer low sodium meals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-prepared-meal-services-that-offer-low-sodium-meals/1008219)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-prepared-meal-services-that-offer-low-sodium-meals/1008219 "2024-10-12T00:30:15Z")
I was recently put on a low-sodium diet, and, like a lot of people in this thread I was surprised, dismayed, alas even flabbergasted :slight\_smile: at how difficult it is. I’m looking for a prepared-meal service that of… --- ## [Suggestions for wording by lines in a book with primary and secondary authors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-wording-by-lines-in-a-book-with-primary-and-secondary-authors/1008654)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2024, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-wording-by-lines-in-a-book-with-primary-and-secondary-authors/1008654 "2024-10-11T23:11:01Z")
A lengthy explanation of my question begins in the third paragraph, for those of you who are so bored/such speedy and avid readers that you want to know details. But seriously, don’t bother. My question boils down to thi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=458&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=460&state=muted)