# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=766&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 767 --- ## [MIT Press Has Released 297 Free eBooks, Most Published Very Recently](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mit-press-has-released-297-free-ebooks-most-published-very-recently/988216)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mit-press-has-released-297-free-ebooks-most-published-very-recently/988216 "2023-08-10T23:59:49Z")
A little bit of everything. https://archive.org/details/mit\_press\_open\_access?tab=collection A sample of titles: The Stuff Games Are Made Of Gradient Expectations: Structure, Origins, and Synthesis of Predictive Neur… --- ## [Is there an easy way to drain the soap out of a dishwasher without completing the cycle? Need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-easy-way-to-drain-the-soap-out-of-a-dishwasher-without-completing-the-cycle-need-answer-fast/988285)
**Author:** [@Tarataratara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarataratara)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-easy-way-to-drain-the-soap-out-of-a-dishwasher-without-completing-the-cycle-need-answer-fast/988285 "2023-08-10T23:29:15Z")
My son has learned what happens when you put liquid Dawn in the dishwasher. I have turned off the cycle. It sounds like the water is draining. What now? Thanks. --- ## [Do I need a lawyer to remove the backup executor from my will?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-remove-the-backup-executor-from-my-will/988240)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-remove-the-backup-executor-from-my-will/988240 "2023-08-10T22:17:33Z")
I have named my one and only family member as the executor of my will. (My late husband’s son.) I had named a second person-- a pretty close neighbor, younger than I am-- as the backup/alternate executor in case my steps… --- ## [About how many songs can the average karaoke singer credibly perform?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-how-many-songs-can-the-average-karaoke-singer-credibly-perform/988339)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-how-many-songs-can-the-average-karaoke-singer-credibly-perform/988339 "2023-08-10T21:53:49Z")
Taking into account musical memory of the notes and lyrics (though the lyrics are often on the screen), and physical ability to perform the song, about how many songs can the average karaoke singer credibly perform and m… --- ## [How does the cause of death on a death certificate work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-cause-of-death-on-a-death-certificate-work/986827)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-cause-of-death-on-a-death-certificate-work/986827 "2023-08-10T21:07:49Z")
My father died a few weeks ago, and without question, the gigantic malignant abdominal tumor was what set his demise in motion. However, he died nearly a year after the original tumor removal surgery, and as far as I kno… --- ## [Old, perhaps historic, buildings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-perhaps-historic-buildings/988214)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-perhaps-historic-buildings/988214 "2023-08-10T20:56:11Z")
Do you have really old and historic buildings in your area that are open to public use? This weekend, Vaderling and I made a day trip to Montini Cabin. (link is to a google maps page showing the location of the building… --- ## [Books you wanted to like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-you-wanted-to-like/988211)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-you-wanted-to-like/988211 "2023-08-10T20:49:52Z")
I picked off Throne of Glass on a recommendation and started it this morning. I’m four chapters in and don’t want to keep going. A lot of the book feels like padding, and the main character is just too mercurial. It’s di… --- ## [What is this creature crawling on my utility meter at 5:00 this morning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-creature-crawling-on-my-utility-meter-at-5-00-this-morning/988100)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-creature-crawling-on-my-utility-meter-at-5-00-this-morning/988100 "2023-08-10T20:37:05Z")
Captured on my WYZE camera, which is positioned at the side of my house. Unfortunately it’s B&W footage. If it’s a bug, it’s a BIG one. :open\_mouth: VIDEO --- ## [Tampa mayor catches cocaine in the Florida Keys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tampa-mayor-catches-cocaine-in-the-florida-keys/988335)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tampa-mayor-catches-cocaine-in-the-florida-keys/988335 "2023-08-10T19:22:07Z")
While boating with her family, the mayor of Tampa, Florida caught some cocaine. Some 70 pounds worth. --- ## [Blocking users?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-users/988195)
**Author:** [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-users/988195 "2023-08-10T18:34:47Z")
I thought there was a way to block certain users’ posts, but I can’t find anything about this in the FAQ or elsewhere. It’s just one user whose tasteless jokes and disgusting attempts and humor I’d rather not even see. … --- ## [Weird Quirks You Have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-quirks-you-have/984836)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-quirks-you-have/984836 "2023-08-10T17:59:59Z")
I love these plastic bags from a certain supermarket. I probably pay a tiny bit more just for those bags as opposed to the horrible wal-mart ones. They are so durable and fit perfectly into my small bin that I’ve actuall… --- ## [Mega Millions Madness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mega-millions-madness/988090)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mega-millions-madness/988090 "2023-08-10T17:53:49Z")
Soooooo…Nobody won the Mega Millions, and the jackpot is currently 1.55 BILLION bucks. Just saying that, if I win, I will be buying this place, lock, stock and barrel. Let the sucking up begin! --- ## [Stupidest building design you've experienced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-building-design-youve-experienced/985287)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-building-design-youve-experienced/985287 "2023-08-10T16:35:59Z")
We’ve got threads about stupid product design and stupid software design. There’s gotta be a lot of bad building design out there. Any good stories? --- ## [The Handy Adder (grocery shopping helper)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handy-adder-grocery-shopping-helper/987216)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handy-adder-grocery-shopping-helper/987216 "2023-08-10T14:32:06Z")
I recently had a random memory of my mom using a “Handy Adder” adding machine while we grocery shopped in the 80s. I don’t know if she ever let me use it for her, maybe once. I did pull it out of her purse and play with … --- ## [How did the US Civil Rights movement of the 60s succeed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-us-civil-rights-movement-of-the-60s-succeed/981216)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-us-civil-rights-movement-of-the-60s-succeed/981216 "2023-08-10T14:24:44Z")
This one will be slightly long, so please bear with me. Mods, please move to a different forum if appropriate, but I thought Great Debates would work best given the specific aspect of the question I’d like to focus on. … --- ## [Do I REALLY have to deal with this crap for another 10 - 15 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-deal-with-this-crap-for-another-10-15-years/987934)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-deal-with-this-crap-for-another-10-15-years/987934 "2023-08-10T13:50:10Z")
I’ve been working since I was 15, and in the full-time workforce since 1990 (with a brief break for grad school). The only break of more than a week or two was for recovery from a very nasty concussion that left me dizzy… --- ## [RIP Rodriguez](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-rodriguez/988333)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-rodriguez/988333 "2023-08-10T11:53:12Z")
Probably best known elsewhere for the documentary Searching For Sugar Man rather than his music, but he was a legend here. --- ## [Why exactly are there so many celebrity "mental health" podcasts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-exactly-are-there-so-many-celebrity-mental-health-podcasts/988352)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-exactly-are-there-so-many-celebrity-mental-health-podcasts/988352 "2023-08-10T10:47:28Z")
It seems like when a celebrity has a podcast there’s two default options, an interview podcast where they interview their celebrity friends, or a “mental health” podcast, former Royals Harry and Meghan had a mental healt… --- ## [This early TV remote worked without a battery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-early-tv-remote-worked-without-a-battery/988102)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-early-tv-remote-worked-without-a-battery/988102 "2023-08-10T08:22:09Z")
Did anyone have this remote? The buttons struck an aluminium rod in the device which produced an ultrasonic sound that communicated with the television. No batteries required - ingenious! --- ## [I'm trying to flag a post, but I cannot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-trying-to-flag-a-post-but-i-cannot/988349)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-trying-to-flag-a-post-but-i-cannot/988349 "2023-08-10T07:58:23Z")
I selected “Something Else,” and typed the reason why in the resulting explanation box, but I cannot seem to post it. All I get over the “Submit” button is a red circle with a slash, and nothing happens when I click. W… --- ## [Are vintage cars exempt from seat belt laws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vintage-cars-exempt-from-seat-belt-laws/988134)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vintage-cars-exempt-from-seat-belt-laws/988134 "2023-08-10T07:50:46Z")
I’m not sure when seat belts became standard equipment. I remember my dad installing them in his new cars. He actually removed the old seat belts before trading in the old car. The old belts got installed in his new car. … --- ## [Irrational language pet peeves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irrational-language-pet-peeves/988273)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irrational-language-pet-peeves/988273 "2023-08-10T05:26:25Z")
These always peeve me: an open mic, instead of an open mike in synch, instead of in sync Yes, yes, I know there are perfectly cromulent reasons for the former usages, there are rational reasons for them, but dammit! … --- ## [How can I fix this fingernail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-fix-this-fingernail/955864)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-fix-this-fingernail/955864 "2023-08-10T03:19:36Z")
Minor but annoying problem. One of my fingernails appears to have a permanent split in it. I trim it back and file it down as far as I can, but under magnification I can still see the split. I keep filing it as it grows … --- ## [NFL 2023 Off-Season Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2023-off-season-thread/979801)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 520\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2023-off-season-thread/979801 "2023-08-10T02:34:00Z")
Rather than posting this in the Super Bowl thread, I thought I’d start up a general post-season thread. To no one’s surprise, the Raiders released Derek Carr today, just prior to a deadline at which Carr would have been… --- ## [Why are unhappy Mother-in-Law stories almost always about the \*grooms\* mother?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-unhappy-mother-in-law-stories-almost-always-about-the-grooms-mother/988150)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-unhappy-mother-in-law-stories-almost-always-about-the-grooms-mother/988150 "2023-08-09T23:46:56Z")
Why are Mother-in-Law jokes/stories almost always about the groom’s mother? poll I’ve noticed that overwhelmingly complaints about Mothers-in-Law are about the groom’s mother. What causes this? Okay, they’re also almo… --- ## [Patrick O’Brian at Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-o-brian-at-trump/988274)
**Author:** [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-o-brian-at-trump/988274 "2023-08-09T22:57:20Z")
I sincerely hope someone understands this story. It’s terribly inside baseball in nature, but I know some folks will get it, and will enjoy the telling. I am a local news videographer in our nation’s capital. Last week,… --- ## [If Trump wins before trial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-trump-wins-before-trial/987437)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-trump-wins-before-trial/987437 "2023-08-09T22:52:29Z")
If Trump were to win election before he’s tried for his current federal indictments, and for whatever reason doesn’t pardon himself, could the trial resume on Jan 20,2029? The statute of limitations doesn’t apply to som… --- ## [No UPS strike (tentative settlement)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-ups-strike-tentative-settlement/987588)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-ups-strike-tentative-settlement/987588 "2023-08-09T22:50:55Z")
Not much to add, there is a tentative settlement agreed for a 5-year deal, which must be ratified by the union members. The agreement covers 340,000 workers. Story here. --- ## [Optimal desk lighting for home desktop PC setup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimal-desk-lighting-for-home-desktop-pc-setup/988154)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimal-desk-lighting-for-home-desktop-pc-setup/988154 "2023-08-09T21:04:29Z")
How are your eyes? I’ve recently read about eye strain from imperceptibly flickering LED bulbs and blue light from PC monitors. I know I need to improve the very bright lighting in my home office, especially given that I… --- ## [Is this a legit reason to request medical accommodation at work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-legit-reason-to-request-medical-accommodation-at-work/987983)
**Author:** [@mandala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mandala)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-legit-reason-to-request-medical-accommodation-at-work/987983 "2023-08-09T18:50:18Z")
I have suffered chronic depression for decades. I have taken a whole laundry list of anti-depressants over the years, and most have been unhelpful at best. Not to say I am not functional (and I am definitely not suicida… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=765&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=767&state=tracking)