# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=152&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 153 --- ## [S/he was killed twice...when was the last time it wasn't the same person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-he-was-killed-twice-when-was-the-last-time-it-wasnt-the-same-person/1027137)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-he-was-killed-twice-when-was-the-last-time-it-wasnt-the-same-person/1027137 "2026-01-29T21:34:28Z")
I watch episodic mysteries. I’ve seen several where someone was killed and then they found out they were already dead. All the ones I’ve watched recently - from Murder, She Wrote to Death in Paradise, had the killer set … --- ## [Minimum Number of Elements We Could Get By With](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-number-of-elements-we-could-get-by-with/471771)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-number-of-elements-we-could-get-by-with/471771 "2026-01-29T21:22:52Z")
I’ve been reading some physics books with the orgin of life and I got to thinking, what is the minimum number of elements humans would need to have on earth to live. By this I mean, of course we would need elements like… --- ## [One of the signs of the great sickness of our society is that news and current event comedians are more honest and more real about what’s going on than any sort of news station or anyone else is in the mainstream public discourse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-of-the-signs-of-the-great-sickness-of-our-society-is-that-news-and-current-event-comedians-are-more-honest-and-more-real-about-what-s-going-on-than-any-sort-of-news-station-or-anyone-else-is-in-the-mainstream-public-discourse/1027162)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-of-the-signs-of-the-great-sickness-of-our-society-is-that-news-and-current-event-comedians-are-more-honest-and-more-real-about-what-s-going-on-than-any-sort-of-news-station-or-anyone-else-is-in-the-mainstream-public-discourse/1027162 "2026-01-29T20:53:00Z")
I watch very little TV news (only when clips make the sdmb or reddit, basically) and not much more in terms of talk shows or other sort of current events entertainment on TV. So I may be wrong about this. But I used to … --- ## [Was Ilhan Omar going to punch her attacker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-ilhan-omar-going-to-punch-her-attacker/1027120)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-ilhan-omar-going-to-punch-her-attacker/1027120 "2026-01-29T20:46:57Z")
Ilhan Omar was attacked by some nut at a town hall last night (and showed remarkable composure). Gift link: --- ## [Question re: tax deductibility for expense of delivering a large value charitable contribution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-re-tax-deductibility-for-expense-of-delivering-a-large-value-charitable-contribution/1027135)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-re-tax-deductibility-for-expense-of-delivering-a-large-value-charitable-contribution/1027135 "2026-01-29T20:20:44Z")
I have a fountain pen collection, hundreds of pens, with a value in 5 figures. I now want to get rid of most of them. I have (nearly) decided that I don’t want to go through the hassle and anxiety of selling them one at … --- ## [I need a Yehuda Amichai poem in Hebrew!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-yehuda-amichai-poem-in-hebrew/1027160)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-yehuda-amichai-poem-in-hebrew/1027160 "2026-01-29T19:33:48Z")
Hi, friends. I have an opportunity next week to participate in a group reading, and I’ve chosen Yehuda Amichai’s poem “National Thoughts” (“מחשבות לאומיות”). I can’t find a copy in Hebrew (with vowels) online, and only h… --- ## [Why do almost all new clothes smell like chemicals now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-almost-all-new-clothes-smell-like-chemicals-now/1010065)
**Author:** [@craft458](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/craft458)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-almost-all-new-clothes-smell-like-chemicals-now/1010065 "2026-01-29T18:55:38Z")
Why do almost all new clothes smell like chemicals now? I started noticing it during the Covid lockdown but it was only some clothes. Before this, I had never had any clothes smell like chemical. In about the last two ye… --- ## [Epstein showing Michael Wolff the photos of topless females "of uncertain age". Shouldn't Michael Wolff have reported that to law enforcement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epstein-showing-michael-wolff-the-photos-of-topless-females-of-uncertain-age-shouldnt-michael-wolff-have-reported-that-to-law-enforcement/1027133)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epstein-showing-michael-wolff-the-photos-of-topless-females-of-uncertain-age-shouldnt-michael-wolff-have-reported-that-to-law-enforcement/1027133 "2026-01-29T18:43:04Z")
Beginning at about 00:02:06 in this Ben Meiselas video, Michael Wolff recounts how Jeffrey Epstein showed him some photos of topless females “of uncertain age” sitting on Trump’s lap, one or two of which were laughing a… --- ## [Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 2)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 9998\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636 "2026-01-29T18:21:29Z")
Continuing the discussion from Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 1) - #10003 by squeegee. Previous discussions: Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 1) --- ## [Great TV series that are only available on DVD](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-tv-series-that-are-only-available-on-dvd/1017456)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-tv-series-that-are-only-available-on-dvd/1017456 "2026-01-29T18:06:19Z")
What TV series are worth owning on disc because they’re not available on any channel, streaming service, and can’t be bought digitally? Examples China Beach Andy Richter Controls the Universe Rocky & Bullwinkle Wond… --- ## [Pick a sandwich please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-sandwich-please/1027131)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-sandwich-please/1027131 "2026-01-29T18:05:50Z")
Sandwich 1: Sesame seed bun, deli ham, slice of smoked Gouda cheese, (canned) pineapple slice, Sriracha dredge over the pineapple and a touch of mayo. Sandwich 2: Sesame seed bun, cream cheese, pickled jalapenos, swee… --- ## [There is a mouse in this house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-mouse-in-this-house/1027056)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-mouse-in-this-house/1027056 "2026-01-29T15:23:38Z")
At least one, but probably more. I lived in Arizona my entire life. I have never ever seen a mouse in any house or apartment that I’ve lived in. It’s a new experience for me. I’m renting a room here now in Buffalo, New… --- ## [Is there a better way to browse library apps (Libby, Hoopla, etc.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-better-way-to-browse-library-apps-libby-hoopla-etc/1027141)
**Author:** [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-better-way-to-browse-library-apps-libby-hoopla-etc/1027141 "2026-01-29T14:46:16Z")
Ok, a true first-world problem. I’m a little embarrassed to even ask… Is there a better way to browse library apps (Libby, Hoopla, etc.)? For example a web site that mirrors their index? Or am I missing a way to browse … --- ## [Want to protest a Trump appearance, without having to be there? Do this!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/want-to-protest-a-trump-appearance-without-having-to-be-there-do-this/1027025)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/want-to-protest-a-trump-appearance-without-having-to-be-there-do-this/1027025 "2026-01-29T12:59:49Z")
Two days from now, January 27, 2026, the Dumpster is planning to make an appearance in the Des Moines suburb of Clive, Iowa. You can do what I did: register for a “ticket” with no intention of attending, a la the infamo… --- ## [Must-do things in London or within an afternoon’s drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-do-things-in-london-or-within-an-afternoon-s-drive/1025314)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-do-things-in-london-or-within-an-afternoon-s-drive/1025314 "2026-01-29T12:40:55Z")
When Mrs. Homie and I have some money, we’re doing to do a once in a lifetime dream trip to England and Wales. We’ll start in Wrexham for a day or two and then on to London, where we’ll stay based for 8-10 days. We’d lik… --- ## [Trump solving eight wars - Has he done anything at all remotely close to this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-solving-eight-wars-has-he-done-anything-at-all-remotely-close-to-this/1027119)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-solving-eight-wars-has-he-done-anything-at-all-remotely-close-to-this/1027119 "2026-01-29T12:20:54Z")
Basically what the title asks. He keeps stating that he has solved eight wars and IMHO he has solved nothing. At the same time, MSM reporters never call him on it and he just keeps on saying it. So, realistically, has h… --- ## [Compound words that make you say "What?!" including ones that make you wince \[ spun off from What Were You THINKING Pit thread \]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compound-words-that-make-you-say-what-including-ones-that-make-you-wince-spun-off-from-what-were-you-thinking-pit-thread/1027104)
**Author:** [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compound-words-that-make-you-say-what-including-ones-that-make-you-wince-spun-off-from-what-were-you-thinking-pit-thread/1027104 "2026-01-29T10:32:02Z")
And me. And it’s a good one; I sure do see a lot of that lately (mostly not here.) --- ## [General Question for Mods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-question-for-mods/1027136)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-question-for-mods/1027136 "2026-01-29T09:51:29Z")
I asked a mod this privately, who agreed it was something that needed to be brought up generally before I did it, so the mods would understand what was supposed to be happening. I want to post in probably MPSIMS, or may… --- ## [NPR Revives a Forgotten Superhero](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/npr-revives-a-forgotten-superhero/937709)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/npr-revives-a-forgotten-superhero/937709 "2026-01-29T04:34:00Z")
Now that he’s fallen into the Public Domain, National Public Radio (or, rather, Planet Money at NPR) has decided to claim MicroFace as their own. They’re having a comic book made up, and you can pre-order it https:… --- ## [Were the covid numbers fudged to get additional disaster relief funding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-covid-numbers-fudged-to-get-additional-disaster-relief-funding/1027121)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-covid-numbers-fudged-to-get-additional-disaster-relief-funding/1027121 "2026-01-29T03:45:05Z")
My sister spent time in the emergency room yesterday. We spent a lot of time talking to our nurse. She told us that during the pandemic, she’d personally seen examples of people dying in car accidents and then being pos… --- ## [Favorite Rum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-rum/1027069)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-rum/1027069 "2026-01-29T03:29:22Z")
Years ago, in the days of the past, one could go into a bar and order a Rum & Coke. For me, if that was my thing, it would be (white) Bacardi and Coke. There was amber Bacardi, and I believe the exact equivalents in Morg… --- ## [How much effort into selling old collectibles (Stamps and Coins)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-effort-into-selling-old-collectibles-stamps-and-coins/1026839)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-effort-into-selling-old-collectibles-stamps-and-coins/1026839 "2026-01-29T02:45:02Z")
Considering the board’s collective age and experience, I figured a few of us have some experience on this subject. I know the demographics for most of these collectors has collapsed, to the point that many collections a… --- ## [In an ideal society, would/should we let people isolate themselves as much as they want?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-an-ideal-society-would-should-we-let-people-isolate-themselves-as-much-as-they-want/1025727)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-an-ideal-society-would-should-we-let-people-isolate-themselves-as-much-as-they-want/1025727 "2026-01-29T02:31:34Z")
Triggered by a side conversation where introverts talked about how much they enjoyed the lockdown era of Covid, even as they realize how that can come off. (I’ve also heard echoes of this in the WFH debate.) in an ideal… --- ## [What the hell happened to Audacity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-happened-to-audacity/1026994)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-happened-to-audacity/1026994 "2026-01-29T02:00:57Z")
I sometimes used Audacity in the 00’s to amplify a weak mp3 audio. I even used Audacity in the early 90’s. I went to get it tonight and the worthless POS snuck MusicHub on my laptop Whatever the hell that is. Damn, ba… --- ## [David Bowie - what am I missing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/david-bowie-what-am-i-missing/1026944)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/david-bowie-what-am-i-missing/1026944 "2026-01-29T01:55:45Z")
I’ve thought about posting this for a while but, being the Dope, I have a feeling I know the answers I’ll get… but I am genuinely asking. I frequently read about what a force he was: And on and on. I’m not knocking … --- ## [Rain, snow, sleet or hail. Oh, hell no](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rain-snow-sleet-or-hail-oh-hell-no/1027134)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rain-snow-sleet-or-hail-oh-hell-no/1027134 "2026-01-29T01:33:44Z")
So no rural mail delivery since the artic dumped here. Not really surprised. Our postal carrier has issues, any way. So mail is a hit or miss. But I look in the paper. Mail delivery is suspended in Arkansas. Sarah, at … --- ## [What is the job of ICE supposed to be (if not what it is doing?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-job-of-ice-supposed-to-be-if-not-what-it-is-doing/825949)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-job-of-ice-supposed-to-be-if-not-what-it-is-doing/825949 "2026-01-29T00:19:49Z")
ISTM there is a major difference between protests against, say, police brutality, and the protests against ICE. With protests against police shooting unarmed black men, the protesters are contending that the police didn’… --- ## [Help, How do I purchase Win 10 Extended updates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-how-do-i-purchase-win-10-extended-updates/1026964)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-how-do-i-purchase-win-10-extended-updates/1026964 "2026-01-28T23:28:50Z")
I installed all the Win 10 updates available. Update sent me to my Microsoft account to purchase another year of support. I logged in and have searched my account page and additional support isn’t there? My only subsc… --- ## [Alex Honnold can climb a half-mile of sheer vertical rock.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-honnold-can-climb-a-half-mile-of-sheer-vertical-rock/829974)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-honnold-can-climb-a-half-mile-of-sheer-vertical-rock/829974 "2026-01-28T19:43:14Z")
I spend a lot of time clicking aimlessly around at YouTube. If I linked to every interesting video I saw, I’d start hundreds of threads! There are many amazing people out there in the world. But Alex Honnold flabberga… --- ## [Fatburger's parent company is in trouble](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatburgers-parent-company-is-in-trouble/1027124)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatburgers-parent-company-is-in-trouble/1027124 "2026-01-28T18:23:09Z")
FAT Brands has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Restaurant franchiser FAT Brands, which owns popular fast-casual chains including Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and Twin Peaks, has filed for bankruptcy amid a mou… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=151&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=153&state=muted)