# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=941&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 942 --- ## [A^0 definition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-0-definition/976776)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-0-definition/976776 "2022-12-21T15:06:48Z")
I read on Wikipedia that 0^0 = 1 is a definition. Is that also true for a^0=1, or does it follow from the a^b definition? --- ## [Deep Frying: How much oil do you need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-frying-how-much-oil-do-you-need/976767)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-frying-how-much-oil-do-you-need/976767 "2022-12-21T14:48:38Z")
I almost never deep fry food at home. Mainly because oil disposal is a problem for me. But, I was considering making my own potato chips. Not a lot but enough for a party. How deep does the oil need to be? The potat… --- ## [What were you wrong and right about - predicting future trends in fashion, music, etc.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-wrong-and-right-about-predicting-future-trends-in-fashion-music-etc/976589)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-wrong-and-right-about-predicting-future-trends-in-fashion-music-etc/976589 "2022-12-21T11:18:15Z")
Just searching topics for interesting things to read. And I found the What the Hell Was Wrong with People in the 1970’s? thread. In in there are several predictions about what people would think about 2006 (then curren… --- ## [Happy Gravy Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-gravy-day/976893)
**Author:** [@stui\_magpie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stui_magpie)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-gravy-day/976893 "2022-12-21T11:08:45Z")
--- ## [Film Director Mike Hodges Has Died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/film-director-mike-hodges-has-died/976892)
**Author:** [@TCMF-2L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TCMF-2L)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/film-director-mike-hodges-has-died/976892 "2022-12-21T10:31:02Z")
Mike Hodges has died aged 90. He was the British director of the superb Get Carter (the original starring Michael Caine) plus he also did Flash Gordon (with the soundtrack by Queen.) TCMF-2L --- ## [Will this never end? Seven more days of Xmas! Groan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-this-never-end-seven-more-days-of-xmas-groan/976770)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-this-never-end-seven-more-days-of-xmas-groan/976770 "2022-12-21T06:05:57Z")
I seem to get less tolerant every year of the dreck that bombards from every direction during this season, which I suppose is perfectly in line with being the cranky old atheist that I am. I stay away from stores as much… --- ## [Your favorite lesser-known Christmas recordings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-lesser-known-christmas-recordings/976532)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-lesser-known-christmas-recordings/976532 "2022-12-21T05:51:03Z")
You may interpret “lesser-known” however you like. As a guideline, though, think about that local radio station that plays Christmas music all season, and then think of something you probably won’t hear there. It can be… --- ## [Why do only movies get stars in reviews?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-only-movies-get-stars-in-reviews/976847)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-only-movies-get-stars-in-reviews/976847 "2022-12-21T05:41:42Z")
In my local paper (Washington Post), they review books, restaurants, plays, music, and movies. Only movies get a star rating (1 to 4). Why? IMHO except for the very best or very worst, whether you like a movie (or anyth… --- ## [Favourite characters from Cheers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favourite-characters-from-cheers/976297)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favourite-characters-from-cheers/976297 "2022-12-21T05:34:33Z")
With the recent passing of Kirstie Allie, I thought it might be time to revisit our favourite characters from Cheers. (I’m sure we’ve had similar polls in the distant past, though the results have not survived the trans… --- ## [Fox Purse Art](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-purse-art/976879)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-purse-art/976879 "2022-12-21T05:28:37Z")
Anyone recognize the artist or origin of the artwork on this purse/wallet? It looks like something from DeviantArt or similar. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71otIzWtEDL.AC\_UY625.jpg --- ## [How many days' march would it have been for the Persians from Thermopylae to Athens (ca. 85 miles)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-days-march-would-it-have-been-for-the-persians-from-thermopylae-to-athens-ca-85-miles/976877)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-days-march-would-it-have-been-for-the-persians-from-thermopylae-to-athens-ca-85-miles/976877 "2022-12-21T05:13:21Z")
How many days’ forced march would it have been for the Persians from Thermopylae to Athens (ca. 85 miles). One day or less? --- ## [What's the earliest (calendar date) you know of someone in your social circle getting a vasectomy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-earliest-calendar-date-you-know-of-someone-in-your-social-circle-getting-a-vasectomy/976816)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-earliest-calendar-date-you-know-of-someone-in-your-social-circle-getting-a-vasectomy/976816 "2022-12-21T04:41:32Z")
I was on newspapers.com reading 1940s and 1950s articles about vasectomies. Some were Q&As. But many said it was difficult to get one without a medical cause (and some politicians wanted to make it a crime for doctors d… --- ## [Help with understanding a relativity video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-understanding-a-relativity-video/976824)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-understanding-a-relativity-video/976824 "2022-12-21T03:24:25Z")
The specific part is here and deals with the Schwarzchild metric and curvature of space-time. Here is the trouble I’m having with it. Two bodies are side by side near a gravitational body, one in freefall (inertial) an… --- ## [Hit songs of the '60s through the '80s that didn't endure - and do you think they should have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-songs-of-the-60s-through-the-80s-that-didnt-endure-and-do-you-think-they-should-have/976509)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-songs-of-the-60s-through-the-80s-that-didnt-endure-and-do-you-think-they-should-have/976509 "2022-12-21T03:22:02Z")
I’m thinking of songs that made it high on the charts, maybe even stayed there for weeks, but just don’t get remembered. Aren’t often played on classic rock/oldies/whatever-you-call-it stations and even moreso, aren’t us… --- ## [Help me buy a travel computer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-travel-computer/976820)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-travel-computer/976820 "2022-12-21T02:33:16Z")
About ten years ago, I bought an MS Surface to travel with. At the time, my son worked at MS and I was able to get a substantial discount. It is now having trouble holding power and I am afraid the battery is coming to… --- ## [Henry Cavill out in latest DC shakeup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/henry-cavill-out-in-latest-dc-shakeup/976585)
**Author:** [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/henry-cavill-out-in-latest-dc-shakeup/976585 "2022-12-21T02:29:53Z")
Looks like James Gunn really is wiping the slate clean over at DC Studios – after previously announcing that they would not be moving forward with a third Wonder Woman movie, yesterday Gunn and Cavill himself confirmed t… --- ## [Other than enjoying the elements, is there anything that makes outdoors running better than indoors treadmilling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-than-enjoying-the-elements-is-there-anything-that-makes-outdoors-running-better-than-indoors-treadmilling/976747)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-than-enjoying-the-elements-is-there-anything-that-makes-outdoors-running-better-than-indoors-treadmilling/976747 "2022-12-21T01:51:14Z")
Been looking to get into the gradual habit of jogging/running 2-3 miles a day. I cannot see any advantage that outdoors running has over treadmilling, unless one particularly enjoys the scenery or wants exposure to the e… --- ## [Recommend a treadmill for me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-treadmill-for-me/976861)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-treadmill-for-me/976861 "2022-12-21T00:45:57Z")
I’m redoing my basement, and when I’m done it will be air conditioned and ventilated and better lit. And have room for a treadmill. I know nothing about treadmills. My goal isn’t to run. I want to walk. Probably with a … --- ## [Interesting little math/probability game/puzzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-little-math-probability-game-puzzle/976863)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-little-math-probability-game-puzzle/976863 "2022-12-21T00:11:18Z")
You’re playing a game. The way it works is that there are a fixed number of predefined values “available” in the game. For instance, “0,100,200”. You always “own” exactly one of these values, and are randomly assigned on… --- ## [The 452-millionth "help me remember a movie" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-452-millionth-help-me-remember-a-movie-thread/976821)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-452-millionth-help-me-remember-a-movie-thread/976821 "2022-12-20T22:21:04Z")
It was probably a rom-com of some kind. Set in modern times (i.e., not a period piece). In an American city. The hero was not a sophisticated guy but a gentle, shy sort of fellow (I think). The only scene I remember is … --- ## [Family fun: Scumbag Christmas Playlist!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-fun-scumbag-christmas-playlist/976724)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-fun-scumbag-christmas-playlist/976724 "2022-12-20T22:11:01Z")
So I’m with family and we are drinking, putting up Christmas decorations, and thinking about an appropriate (ie, dark and evil, because that’s who we are) Christmas playlist. In other words, a Christmas playlist where so… --- ## [Why do all gas stoves/ranges have a big griddle down the middle now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-all-gas-stoves-ranges-have-a-big-griddle-down-the-middle-now/976292)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-all-gas-stoves-ranges-have-a-big-griddle-down-the-middle-now/976292 "2022-12-20T21:43:25Z")
I am choosing a new range for my kitchen remodel and the nicer ones all have a griddle. What does it do that I can’t do in a regular pan or on my outdoor grill? It seems to me like it would be a bitch to clean and it wou… --- ## [Most popular sausage where you live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-popular-sausage-where-you-live/976305)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-popular-sausage-where-you-live/976305 "2022-12-20T19:44:52Z")
Or perhaps the most iconic. Here in Cleveland it has to be Polish kielbasi and the numerous ethnic variations - Slovenian, Hungarian, Ukrainian - all good. --- ## [What happened to my favorite Pop Tarts flavor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-my-favorite-pop-tarts-flavor/976339)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-my-favorite-pop-tarts-flavor/976339 "2022-12-20T18:33:19Z")
I rarely ever eat Pop Tarts toaster pastries these days, but they were pretty common when I was a kid. We actually used to toast them—I think these days most people eat them cold right out of the box. In a fit of nostal… --- ## [If all of the salt in concentrated deposits was added to the oceans, how much would the salinity increase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-of-the-salt-in-concentrated-deposits-was-added-to-the-oceans-how-much-would-the-salinity-increase/976737)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-of-the-salt-in-concentrated-deposits-was-added-to-the-oceans-how-much-would-the-salinity-increase/976737 "2022-12-20T18:03:49Z")
If we somehow collected up all of the accessible concentrated deposits of salt in and on the land, and put it in the sea, how much more salty would the sea be. Of course this question probably can’t be answered with pre… --- ## [What are the most traditional Italian pasta sauces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-most-traditional-italian-pasta-sauces/976758)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-most-traditional-italian-pasta-sauces/976758 "2022-12-20T15:06:23Z")
I will start by sharing with you a few very pretty examples of potentially sketchy advertising. In the 90s, there was a series of ads for a pasta sauce called Classico. It showed beautiful, sunlight-filled scenes from th… --- ## [Exercising against the floor jacks supporting our house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercising-against-the-floor-jacks-supporting-our-house/976755)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercising-against-the-floor-jacks-supporting-our-house/976755 "2022-12-20T14:33:19Z")
Yes, I know this sounds bonkers but I want to know if it’s very very safe to lightly lean against one of my basement floor jacks (which are set in concrete at the base and hold up one of several structural I-beams, up to… --- ## [English grammar. Do you say "each of the ring parts projects/project"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-grammar-do-you-say-each-of-the-ring-parts-projects-project/976833)
**Author:** [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-grammar-do-you-say-each-of-the-ring-parts-projects-project/976833 "2022-12-20T14:17:23Z")
In written (not spoken) English what do you use, “projects” or “project”? Is it different for spoken English? poll --- ## [Tips on cleaning more regularly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-cleaning-more-regularly/976736)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-cleaning-more-regularly/976736 "2022-12-20T14:12:35Z")
I’m getting my first condo in the new year. With that comes the weight of certain responsibility…like cleaning. I’ve never been the best at keeping up at it; I’m a procrastinator at heart, and don’t usually think of cle… --- ## [Explain how rich people think](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-how-rich-people-think/974435)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-how-rich-people-think/974435 "2022-12-20T13:42:26Z")
I do not get the motivation of billionaires like Musk and possibly Trump. They seem to spend their entire lives trying to add to their fortunes at the expense of others, which doesn’t make any sense to me. I retired the … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=940&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=942&state=tracking)