# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=636&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 637 --- ## [Why did someone put kalonji seeds in my luggage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-someone-put-kalonji-seeds-in-my-luggage/996940)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-someone-put-kalonji-seeds-in-my-luggage/996940 "2024-02-06T23:40:00Z")
I traveled to Nepal this week, and for some reason my suitcase took a detour through Manila and Seoul. When I finally retrieved it yesterday and unpacked, I found two packages of kalonji seeds in my bag. They were all th… --- ## [Unique flying "monster" fossil found on Isle of Skye](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unique-flying-monster-fossil-found-on-isle-of-skye/997178)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unique-flying-monster-fossil-found-on-isle-of-skye/997178 "2024-02-06T23:28:14Z")
I’m not specifically on the lookout for dinosaur stories in the UK, it just happens! First, there was the Dorset fossil, now a new pterosaur on Skye! --- ## [Why are these locomotives emitting smoke intermittently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-these-locomotives-emitting-smoke-intermittently/997193)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-these-locomotives-emitting-smoke-intermittently/997193 "2024-02-06T20:30:59Z")
Referencing this video of a train starting from a dead stop on an uphill grade: Starting around 1:30, there are several points at which the locomotives put out large amounts of dense black smoke. At one p… --- ## [Has Nikki Haley mentioned what type of fertility treatments she undertook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-nikki-haley-mentioned-what-type-of-fertility-treatments-she-undertook/993550)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-nikki-haley-mentioned-what-type-of-fertility-treatments-she-undertook/993550 "2024-02-06T20:14:03Z")
\[This is a factual question, but obviously of political import, hence its placement here vs. Factual Questions\] Nikki Haley recently talked about her fertility challenges: ‘Michael and I struggled to have children of … --- ## [Chest/Ribs and a Fall. Thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chest-ribs-and-a-fall-thoughts/997144)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chest-ribs-and-a-fall-thoughts/997144 "2024-02-06T19:07:16Z")
I’m struggling with the best title. A week ago I fell on some ice while I was taking out the barrels for trash day. The barrel went on its side and I landed on it, with the corner of it hitting me in (or me hitting it) … --- ## [Bathroom design at the Super Bowl venue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-design-at-the-super-bowl-venue/997101)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-design-at-the-super-bowl-venue/997101 "2024-02-06T18:08:12Z")
A good article about how the 297 bathrooms are designed there and other modern faculties. But I got a chuckle about the “cost” of going to the bathroom: “Long lines for the restroom are what architects call a “friction … --- ## [New Social Security Card! How should I sign it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-social-security-card-how-should-i-sign-it/997153)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-social-security-card-how-should-i-sign-it/997153 "2024-02-06T17:26:40Z")
I haven’t had a social security card in decades, and gave up on getting Real ID with my last driver’s license as a result. (I have a passport, so this is a nuisance, but not really limiting.) But they’ve changed the rule… --- ## [The letter K in Latin kalendae](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-letter-k-in-latin-kalendae/49203)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-letter-k-in-latin-kalendae/49203 "2024-02-06T17:06:27Z")
To this day, the Romance languages and Irish avoid using the letter\* K\*. They always use C (or “qu” in certain cases) to spell the /k/ sound. The reason for this is that the ancient Romans decided not to use K in Latin, … --- ## [Was Captain Harry S. Truman fighting anywhere near the 369th regiment at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-captain-harry-s-truman-fighting-anywhere-near-the-369th-regiment-at-the-meuse-argonne-offensive-in-1918/997189)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-captain-harry-s-truman-fighting-anywhere-near-the-369th-regiment-at-the-meuse-argonne-offensive-in-1918/997189 "2024-02-06T16:57:36Z")
Was Captain Harry S. Truman fighting anywhere near the 369th regiment at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in WWI? Did the Battery D of the 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division\*\* . witness black soldiers in combat? --- ## [Was there any alphanumerical designation for Black labor battalions in World War I? Was there any military alphanumerical designation for non-White soldiers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-any-alphanumerical-designation-for-black-labor-battalions-in-world-war-i-was-there-any-military-alphanumerical-designation-for-non-white-soldiers/997192)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-any-alphanumerical-designation-for-black-labor-battalions-in-world-war-i-was-there-any-military-alphanumerical-designation-for-non-white-soldiers/997192 "2024-02-06T16:47:06Z")
Was there any alphanumerical designation for Black labor battalions in World War I? Was there any military alphanumerical designation/category for non-White soldiers ? I couldn’t find any online. --- ## [What books I read as a kid should I revisit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-books-i-read-as-a-kid-should-i-revisit/995439)
**Author:** [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-books-i-read-as-a-kid-should-i-revisit/995439 "2024-02-06T02:38:14Z")
Primarily inspired by the discussion in the “what were you THINKING?” pit thread, I wondered if I should read Heinlen as an adult. I read most of his stuff as a kid, but have never gone back to it. Which got me thinking … --- ## [How many States can disqualify Trump before his campaign can't win?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-states-can-disqualify-trump-before-his-campaign-cant-win/995316)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-states-can-disqualify-trump-before-his-campaign-cant-win/995316 "2024-02-06T02:18:15Z")
Arizona and Maine are presumably off the table unless the US Supreme court interferes. I think a lot of states have been waiting for the first bricks to fall. There could be several more that disqualify Trump’s eligibili… --- ## [There will be a note added to John Cage's "Organ2/ASLSP" on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-will-be-a-note-added-to-john-cages-organ2-aslsp-on-monday-feb-5-2024/997140)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-will-be-a-note-added-to-john-cages-organ2-aslsp-on-monday-feb-5-2024/997140 "2024-02-06T01:56:31Z")
John Cage wrote Organ2/ASLSP “As Slow As Possible” in 1987. While a typical performance lasts around an hour, there have been performances that extend to the 14 hour mark. On September 5th, 2001, St. Burchardi church i… --- ## [Amazon Prime is going to start charging for streaming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-is-going-to-start-charging-for-streaming/990688)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-is-going-to-start-charging-for-streaming/990688 "2024-02-06T00:51:59Z")
“Just” $2.99/month, or ads included if you don’t want to pay for it, but it feels like the opening of the door for a service that has always touted its streaming as an included benefit. It’s not clear if I have to s… --- ## [Campaign Finance Question – need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/campaign-finance-question-need-answer-fast/996992)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2024, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/campaign-finance-question-need-answer-fast/996992 "2024-02-06T00:03:07Z")
Ok, yeah, “need answer fast” is /s , if the mods want to change that. On another thread, I saw someone suggest that they would like to see \[some candidate\] spend money they do not really have to, to get re-elected, and … --- ## [It's Pączki time! Yay!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-paczki-time-yay/710883)
**Author:** [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-paczki-time-yay/710883 "2024-02-05T23:59:25Z")
I had never heard of Pączki before moving to Michigan. They are, basically, filled Polish donuts. But much, much better than regular jelly-filled doughnuts. Made (if done traditionally) with grain alcohol, brandy or rum. … --- ## [Paxlovid rebound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paxlovid-rebound/974726)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paxlovid-rebound/974726 "2024-02-05T23:11:06Z")
The official numbers say you are only about 4% likely to have a rebound after paxlovid. But anecdotally, it seems much higher. So i thought I’d poll this group, and see what our collective anecdotes say. poll --- ## [Private Pike has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-pike-has-died/997157)
**Author:** [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-pike-has-died/997157 "2024-02-05T21:35:48Z")
Ian Lavender, the youngest and last surviving member of the cast of Dad’s Army, one of the best TV comedies ever made, has died aged 77. I’m not sure if it ever reached the US in any notable way, but is still being play… --- ## [Going to San Antonio. What should I do there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-san-antonio-what-should-i-do-there/996916)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-san-antonio-what-should-i-do-there/996916 "2024-02-05T20:51:01Z")
I’m going specifically to see the eclipse but, while I’m there, what else should I see/do? Which section of the river walk should I do? Should I go see the Alamo? I love museums/nature/geology. --- ## [Frontline - Democracy on Trial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontline-democracy-on-trial/997060)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frontline-democracy-on-trial/997060 "2024-02-05T20:22:31Z")
I just wanted to pop in and recommend this week’s Frontline. It walks through the Election Interference case against Trump in clear detail and presents it in a way that really connects all the dots. While I never doubted… --- ## [Big Legged Women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-legged-women/85621)
**Author:** [@Yue\_Han](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yue_Han)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-legged-women/85621 "2024-02-05T19:34:31Z")
I was listening to Led Zep’s Black Dog, and there’s a line: “A big legged woman ain’t got no soul.” I didn’t worry about it, it’s a Zep thing, I thought. Like “a bustle in your hedgerow.” So I’m listening to blues on we… --- ## [Unidentified material of mysterious extraterrestrial origin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unidentified-material-of-mysterious-extraterrestrial-origin/996528)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unidentified-material-of-mysterious-extraterrestrial-origin/996528 "2024-02-05T19:25:27Z")
Let’s say I have a vial of powdery material. I know where it was collected (but that’s classified) but not how it got there. Let’s also say that I have reason to believe that this material did not originate on Earth. W… --- ## [I have to decorate 150 rocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-decorate-150-rocks/997002)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-to-decorate-150-rocks/997002 "2024-02-05T18:26:52Z")
I have to decorate rocks with a fairy theme. The front should have a picture of a fairy and the back will say West Coast Womynsfest 2024. I am hoping I can go to some crafting store and buy something like some sort of p… --- ## [What’s the smallest change you made in your life that made the biggest difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-smallest-change-you-made-in-your-life-that-made-the-biggest-difference/995345)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-smallest-change-you-made-in-your-life-that-made-the-biggest-difference/995345 "2024-02-05T18:14:16Z")
Soon people will be resolving this or that. But small resolutions are the easiest to keep. The article below may or may not inspire you. But it is time to tell the world what worked for you! --- ## [How is Doonesbury liberal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-doonesbury-liberal/995716)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-doonesbury-liberal/995716 "2024-02-05T17:12:32Z")
I got the Doonesbury@50 collection about a month ago (this after reading the 40th anniversary retrospective I bought from Borders Books & Music and completely ignored for several years). I did read maybe two or three boo… --- ## [(Old) There are icebergs in my MMP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-there-are-icebergs-in-my-mmp/996803)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 388\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-there-are-icebergs-in-my-mmp/996803 "2024-02-05T15:40:29Z")
Pulling into Wilhemina Bay for our first photo op this morning. Lots of icebergs of varying sizes and shapes floating by. If you get the chance to cruise here, I can highly recommend it. Happy Moanday! --- ## [Unexpectedly hazardous things](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpectedly-hazardous-things/996936)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpectedly-hazardous-things/996936 "2024-02-05T13:37:10Z")
Things that someone can do 99 times with no problem, and then the 100th time they get killed? Drunk driving seems like an obvious example, but what else? --- ## [What's your opinion on working weekends? Depending on your current and past employment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-opinion-on-working-weekends-depending-on-your-current-and-past-employment/997007)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-opinion-on-working-weekends-depending-on-your-current-and-past-employment/997007 "2024-02-05T13:35:08Z")
Even though I’m still attempting to enjoy my youth before I experience an “I’m too old for this” moment, (I’m 26) I don’t mind working weekends, despite some people & my friends telling me that working weekends suck, eve… --- ## [Travel attractions or events that didn't disappoint](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-attractions-or-events-that-didnt-disappoint/994752)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-attractions-or-events-that-didnt-disappoint/994752 "2024-02-05T11:07:53Z")
In our travels we’ve encountered some attractions that have disappointed, some that were interesting, and some that really knocked it out of the park. What did you experience that went above and beyond your expectations?… --- ## [If the internet went down permanently would it be a net gain, or a net loss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-internet-went-down-permanently-would-it-be-a-net-gain-or-a-net-loss/987580)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-internet-went-down-permanently-would-it-be-a-net-gain-or-a-net-loss/987580 "2024-02-05T07:56:30Z")
Let us say the internet goes down, and can’t be fixed(the reason is unimportant to this conversation). What would the net effect be five, ten, twenty years down the road? How would politics be changed? Would newspaper… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=635&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=637&state=muted)