# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=603&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 604 --- ## [Happy Houdini's Birthday!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-houdinis-birthday/999362)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2024, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-houdinis-birthday/999362 "2024-03-26T00:21:22Z")
Harry Houdini, 1874–1927 https://youtu.be/rwvkwtsEpkg Anybody remember the SNL vigil on Halloween 1977? --- ## [Plays (and movies) where an important character never appears](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plays-and-movies-where-an-important-character-never-appears/997022)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2024, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plays-and-movies-where-an-important-character-never-appears/997022 "2024-03-26T00:11:02Z")
There seem to be several of these. Some character – usually very important to the plot – is spoken about, referred to, and described so well (sometimes better than characters appearing onstage) that they are clearly majo… --- ## [Guacamole--what is it good for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guacamole-what-is-it-good-for/997043)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2024, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guacamole-what-is-it-good-for/997043 "2024-03-26T00:09:20Z")
While I enjoy it as chip dip as well as smear on sandwiches and burgers, there must be others uses. Any suggestions? maybe merge with sauces? Thanks! --- ## [Parliamentary dormitories in Sweden?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parliamentary-dormitories-in-sweden/999207)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parliamentary-dormitories-in-sweden/999207 "2024-03-25T22:37:01Z")
Last night I came across this video on YouTube and fell down a rabbit hole. So Sweden gives MPs free flats if they don’t already live in Stockholm, but it’s basically student housing. Some flats are even in the Riksdag i… --- ## [Why are western European countries suddenly riled up for a possible conflict?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-western-european-countries-suddenly-riled-up-for-a-possible-conflict/998502)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-western-european-countries-suddenly-riled-up-for-a-possible-conflict/998502 "2024-03-25T22:21:09Z")
The war in Ukraine didn’t start this year, it didn’t start the previous year, but all the way in early 2022, a month and a half after 2021 ended, so in term of politics and news, it’s nothing new. In early 2022. Russia … --- ## [How to get more subscribers and views on YouTube?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-more-subscribers-and-views-on-youtube/999317)
**Author:** [@SaSaLeLe2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaSaLeLe2011)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-more-subscribers-and-views-on-youtube/999317 "2024-03-25T21:24:46Z")
I have a channel with well over 600 subscribers called PopCatAnimations. I only get views from the youtube shorts I post and not my main content. --- ## [Interstellar meteor signal may have been a truck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interstellar-meteor-signal-may-have-been-a-truck/999340)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interstellar-meteor-signal-may-have-been-a-truck/999340 "2024-03-25T18:21:08Z")
In June 2023 Avi Loeb—a theoretical physicist at Harvard University—mounted a $1.5-million expedition to find pieces of the meteor. Loeb has been the leading proponent of the notion that this meteor was indeed interstel… --- ## [Weird showbiz conspiracies/theories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-showbiz-conspiracies-theories/998699)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 210\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-showbiz-conspiracies-theories/998699 "2024-03-25T17:57:05Z")
I figure TV and movies are full of odd situations and people as is, so logically strange stories would grow like weeds. Feel free to report or discuss any that you’ve heard or suspected. Proof is obviously not required a… --- ## [All in on self checkout...now you self checkers are fired! \[Target, Walmart, etc.\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-in-on-self-checkout-now-you-self-checkers-are-fired-target-walmart-etc/999089)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-in-on-self-checkout-now-you-self-checkers-are-fired-target-walmart-etc/999089 "2024-03-25T17:02:25Z")
Here’s a thread that’s been running for the past couple of years regarding shoppers opinions on self check out proliferation at big chains like Walmart and Target. Primary reason stores implemented these options was d… --- ## [Which of these three western states would be the best to hide in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-three-western-states-would-be-the-best-to-hide-in/998931)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-three-western-states-would-be-the-best-to-hide-in/998931 "2024-03-25T16:44:29Z")
I had an idea for a slasher film where a serial killer goes on a rampage in Las Vegas and gets defeated in typical fashion but manages to escape. I also had an idea for a sequel where they continue their evil activities … --- ## [So… IS Apple a monopoly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-apple-a-monopoly/999181)
**Author:** [@epbrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-apple-a-monopoly/999181 "2024-03-25T15:44:12Z")
Apple has been getting more and more heat for being a monopoly, mostly due to charging for the App Store service, but I’m just not seeing it. They built the service and charge people to use it to sell products. It seems … --- ## [How does Facebook, Google, etc., take revenue from publishers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-facebook-google-etc-take-revenue-from-publishers/999249)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-facebook-google-etc-take-revenue-from-publishers/999249 "2024-03-25T13:03:11Z")
In the March Harper’s Magazine, their feature Harper’s Index using various numbers to report trends says that Google and Facebook are responsible for losses in the billions to publishers because they are using publishers… --- ## [We the People of the SDMB would like customizeable titles! {Not doing the contest, maybe a Queue}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-the-people-of-the-sdmb-would-like-customizeable-titles-not-doing-the-contest-maybe-a-queue/998847)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-the-people-of-the-sdmb-would-like-customizeable-titles-not-doing-the-contest-maybe-a-queue/998847 "2024-03-25T01:48:32Z")
Link to request Title change An ongoing Pit thread brought up the detail that in the current software, titles, such as Charter Member and various other mentions of note are a matter of manual data entry by our chronical… --- ## [What is Watchdognews dor org?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-watchdognews-dor-org/999293)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-watchdognews-dor-org/999293 "2024-03-25T01:38:00Z")
Here is a link to a ridiculous story associating Bill and Hillary Clinton with the death of the director of the B&H Clinton airport in Little Rock. The guy was killed when he fired on ATF guys breaking down the door of h… --- ## [Does anyone here remember a change happening with the booths at Cheesecake Factory? (circa 2015)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-remember-a-change-happening-with-the-booths-at-cheesecake-factory-circa-2015/999313)
**Author:** [@SaSaLeLe2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaSaLeLe2011)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-remember-a-change-happening-with-the-booths-at-cheesecake-factory-circa-2015/999313 "2024-03-25T01:37:11Z")
When I was about 3, I used to be very scared to go to the cheesecake factory because of the design on the booth, it had red spirals and white bird wings on a pale background, and my 3-year-old mind got creeped out by thi… --- ## [Bourbon Afficianados: What do I have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bourbon-afficianados-what-do-i-have/999206)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bourbon-afficianados-what-do-i-have/999206 "2024-03-25T00:55:31Z")
My wife does not like losing charity auctions. :grin: So, I came home from an event with five bottles of bourbon. In no particular order, I have one bottle each of: Weller Special Reserve Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batc… --- ## [So how do I delete my login? I’m done {Guapo}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-delete-my-login-i-m-done-guapo/999304)
**Author:** [@Guapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guapo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-delete-my-login-i-m-done-guapo/999304 "2024-03-24T23:04:02Z")
So how do I delete my login? I’m done. --- ## [Does your pet know Left from Right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-your-pet-know-left-from-right/999150)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-your-pet-know-left-from-right/999150 "2024-03-24T22:20:26Z")
Our dog Kizzy continues to amaze me. My gf continues to work with her in agility training. One evening a week they go to a class. Kizzy has won enough ribbons in the novice class, that she is now competing in the next… --- ## [Diameter of raw tree trunk for 20m span](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diameter-of-raw-tree-trunk-for-20m-span/999284)
**Author:** [@FirstTimeHere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FirstTimeHere)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diameter-of-raw-tree-trunk-for-20m-span/999284 "2024-03-24T22:03:39Z")
I saw in one heavy looking building main structure of the ceiling made of raw tree trunks. But it was pretty small span. What would be the diameter of the raw trunk for 20m span between walls? Or what are usual maximum s… --- ## [McDonald's POV body camera](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcdonalds-pov-body-camera/999236)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcdonalds-pov-body-camera/999236 "2024-03-24T21:50:56Z")
I find the channel very interesting. I had wondered how McDonald’s fills orders so quickly. The first link is cooking breakfast on the grill. The round eggs are cracked and cooked fresh. The scrambled is already partial… --- ## [Michelle Obama as a candidate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michelle-obama-as-a-candidate/998838)
**Author:** [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michelle-obama-as-a-candidate/998838 "2024-03-24T20:36:56Z")
Over on the Nikki Haley Thread there was discussion of a possible crossover to take over from Kamala Harris, and the following ensued: If that happens, he should select Michele Obama. Absolutely. Michelle Obama on … --- ## [Can anyone identify this? Those that speak Japanese would help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-identify-this-those-that-speak-japanese-would-help/999267)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-identify-this-those-that-speak-japanese-would-help/999267 "2024-03-24T20:18:14Z")
It’s about 2 inches in length, 1/2 inch wide. Made of wood. Painted, and the letters are engraved. From Japan. It has a made in Japan sticker on it. Background - My mother was an artist (at times in her life). I found t… --- ## [Please help me understand this SIM card fraud story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-this-sim-card-fraud-story/999281)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-this-sim-card-fraud-story/999281 "2024-03-24T19:06:53Z")
Story out of Toronto. Couple had their cell phone hijacked by fraudsters getting a new SIM card, and then their bank accounts and crypto accounts emptied. Questions: 1 How can someone hijack a phone by buying a new SI… --- ## [Instant Relief from Stress and Anxiety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instant-relief-from-stress-and-anxiety/999054)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instant-relief-from-stress-and-anxiety/999054 "2024-03-24T18:48:47Z")
I just started listening, and do feel a little more relaxed. My belief is that any improvement is worth sharing it to others But I’d like your feedback. Maybe there’s other videos you know about that migh… --- ## [The Princess Bride (book) question -- missing scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-princess-bride-book-question-missing-scene/999250)
**Author:** [@anny\_m](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anny_m)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-princess-bride-book-question-missing-scene/999250 "2024-03-24T17:35:18Z")
It’s been many years since I read The Princess Bride. In the novel, the narrator shortens the supposed source book to “the good parts version” so that his son will enjoy the story, just as his own father did for him. A… --- ## [Mike Pence in 2024-- please tell me it's not happening](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-pence-in-2024-please-tell-me-its-not-happening/924826)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 366\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-pence-in-2024-please-tell-me-its-not-happening/924826 "2024-03-24T14:58:48Z")
Now the it is looking like Biden is going to win (happy dance), this means that Mike Pence will not be the outgoing VP in 2024, and therefore is not likely to be nominated for president. As someone who has lived under h… --- ## [Please help ID this image from Simpsons or Futurama (probably)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-id-this-image-from-simpsons-or-futurama-probably/999260)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-id-this-image-from-simpsons-or-futurama-probably/999260 "2024-03-24T14:05:34Z")
My sustained inability to find this visual gag is getting weird. Spoilered because it’s a bit horrific to type out (CW: animal cruelty), but trust me, it was hilarious: I’d figured it had to be the Titanic episode of F… --- ## [Your Favourite Foods the Morning After the Night Before](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favourite-foods-the-morning-after-the-night-before/999276)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favourite-foods-the-morning-after-the-night-before/999276 "2024-03-24T13:51:33Z")
Inspired by the “Best Fast Food to Eat the Next Day” thread. Back in my undergraduate days, we’d typically opt for Burger King: Whoppers and fries. There were a few exceptions at times, such as when my buddy and I cook… --- ## [I pit Gannett...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-gannett/603544)
**Author:** [@bmasters1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bmasters1)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-gannett/603544 "2024-03-24T04:00:44Z")
…not only in terms of USA Today, but also for what they have done to the other papers that they’ve purchased, like The Greenville News for instance. Why am I pitting Gannett with regard to this paper, you might ask? Wel… --- ## [How is video for political ads obtained?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-video-for-political-ads-obtained/998941)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2024, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-video-for-political-ads-obtained/998941 "2024-03-24T03:00:20Z")
Political Candidate does something in front of news cameras That video shows up in political ads. (First question) Is that actually true, that video from journalists does commonly show up in ads, or is it that the vid… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=602&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=604&state=tracking)