Issue: April 14, 2026

My bro love love LOVES car racin – but oh BOY has he sure had some words ’bout this year’s F1 rules! I guess there were changes to how the racers are allowed to recharge their cars’ batteries, or somethin? “Energy management” is the phrase I keep seein every time I look up an article about the sitch.

I can’t say I super duper followed it all. But I DO know that my bro’s not the only one unhappy with the rules. What Red Bull driver is reportedly considerin retiring from F1 at the close of this year? It’d be kinda a big deal since this fella’s only 28 years old & is a four-time world champ – so, not exactly a great look for the sport if he bows out, y’know?

Since my bro loves the theatre (that’s how he spells it) & also usin big long weird words – & since it’s also date-appropriate – can ya tell me what 14-letter participle was the word in Tom Taylor’s play Our American Cousin that the jerkface John Wilkes Booth waited for as his cue to go & shoot Honest Abe? (I won’t be super picky on spelling, just try & get 14 letters in there.) The word fills in this blank:

Don't know the manners of good society, eh? Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal – you ______________ old man-trap!

It might not seem it now, but that was a real knee-slapper of a line back in the 1860’s, lemme tell ya! That’s why Booth chose it: all the laughter served as cover for him to do his dirty & dastardly deed.