# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=152&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 153 --- ## [Minute Cryptic - another word game, quite different!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minute-cryptic-another-word-game-quite-different/1024901)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minute-cryptic-another-word-game-quite-different/1024901 "2026-01-30T20:15:48Z")
Minute Cryptic - a new(ish) word game I stole a description from elsewhere: “Minute Cryptic is a bite-sized cryptic crossword designed to be solved in just a few minutes. Each puzzle features a small grid and clever, w… --- ## [Left-handed fountain pen use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-handed-fountain-pen-use/1027153)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-handed-fountain-pen-use/1027153 "2026-01-30T19:15:07Z")
A very dear friend gave me a fountain pen for the holiday. It’s pretty basic, but balances well and has good ink flow. I am left-handed, and although the manufacturer insists that left-handed, people can use these pens, … --- ## [I need to brag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-to-brag/1027194)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-to-brag/1027194 "2026-01-30T18:53:27Z")
I had a physical over the winter break, and since I was just about to turn 59, and had just had an ear infection, so we were talking about my ears, my doctor suggested a baseline hearing test. There are some people with … --- ## [Viral protest songs for the second Trump administration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viral-protest-songs-for-the-second-trump-administration/1027195)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viral-protest-songs-for-the-second-trump-administration/1027195 "2026-01-30T18:36:35Z")
This was uploaded to YouTube eight years ago. It was originally written by Irving Berlin in 1941 about Hitler. For reasons surpassing my understanding, the song “When That Man is Dead and Gone” is once again going viral … --- ## [Changes in literary styles over the centuries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-literary-styles-over-the-centuries/1026451)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-in-literary-styles-over-the-centuries/1026451 "2026-01-30T18:29:06Z")
Continuing the discussion from What was the point of Saruman in LotR?: How have literary styles changes over the centuries? Or even over recent decades? Modern writers and readers seem to prefer stories with tight p… --- ## [Helpful Link--Pew Research](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helpful-link-pew-research/1027203)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helpful-link-pew-research/1027203 "2026-01-30T16:49:01Z")
The Pew Research Center. The SDMB would doubtless like this, for insights. --- ## [How should I store cooked rice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-store-cooked-rice/1027127)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-store-cooked-rice/1027127 "2026-01-30T13:17:35Z")
I couldn’t find any previous posts, so here goes. After I’ve cooked white rice, should I store it immediately after cooking, i.e. warm, or let it cool first before storing? I keep getting different suggestions in Google,… --- ## [Greenland (the movie)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greenland-the-movie/1027151)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greenland-the-movie/1027151 "2026-01-30T05:08:16Z")
My SiL was over last night, and she had never seen the movie, “Greenland”, with Gerard Butler. She really enjoyed it because it stresses the human element in a disaster situation. My question is, has anyone seen “Green… --- ## [Chinese EVs in North America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-evs-in-north-america/1026757)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-evs-in-north-america/1026757 "2026-01-30T03:48:44Z")
Currently, the US has a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs. This is not a tariff set by Trump, but rather Biden. Canada went along in lockstep, so they had a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs too. These high tariffs effectively exclude… --- ## [Kids' games to pass the time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-games-to-pass-the-time/1018442)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-games-to-pass-the-time/1018442 "2026-01-30T03:45:06Z")
Games you can play with little to no equipment, like hide and seek, and on journeys or while waiting for something, like eye spy and 20 questions. Right now my 5 year old daughter likes playing rock paper scissors, and … --- ## [Who was the best actor of Monty Python?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-best-actor-of-monty-python/1027106)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-best-actor-of-monty-python/1027106 "2026-01-30T02:58:11Z")
In alphabetical order: poll IMO, it’s either Cleese or Idle but I’ll give a slight edge to Idle. He seems to have a little more range than Cleese. --- ## [Lesser Known Local Foods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lesser-known-local-foods/1026704)
**Author:** [@superwombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superwombat)\ **Replies:** 245\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lesser-known-local-foods/1026704 "2026-01-30T02:26:12Z")
Philly Cheesesteak. Chicago Deep Dish. New York Pizza. These are some of the heavy hitting famous delicacies based out of a particular locale. What are some others people should know about, and perhaps try if they happe… --- ## [Swamp coolers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swamp-coolers/1027042)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swamp-coolers/1027042 "2026-01-30T02:15:47Z")
I remember living in a concrete open squad bay style barracks during the 80’s that was in the Mojave Desert. There was no air conditioning in the barracks, but they had as I recall something called ‘swamp coolers’ affixe… --- ## [Minnestota Gov Walz will not seek a third term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minnestota-gov-walz-will-not-seek-a-third-term/1026370)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minnestota-gov-walz-will-not-seek-a-third-term/1026370 "2026-01-30T01:15:26Z")
Even though he hasn’t be implicated in the child care scandal\* guess it is too much a distraction. As a MN resident, all I hope is that the My Pillow guy doesn’t win. MN is fairly blue, but we did elect Jesse Ventura s… --- ## [Moderation in the Minnesota shooting thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-in-the-minnesota-shooting-thread/1027111)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-in-the-minnesota-shooting-thread/1027111 "2026-01-30T01:08:04Z")
This isn’t going to be like a mod pitting, I’m not admonishing or being hostile, I’m just trying to be helpful, but since I was noted in that thread that to say anything at all about the relevance of something being in … --- ## [I saw this sign on a counter at a gas station today (Iowa)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-saw-this-sign-on-a-counter-at-a-gas-station-today-iowa/1027108)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-saw-this-sign-on-a-counter-at-a-gas-station-today-iowa/1027108 "2026-01-30T00:36:41Z")
Okay, at the first of the year, SNAP (food stamps) in Iowa stopped paying for certain kinds of junk food. Yes, the decision is controversial, and that’s why a gas station near my home put up a sign listing what is cover… --- ## [A Horror movie franchise is back after 47 years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-horror-movie-franchise-is-back-after-47-years/1027168)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-horror-movie-franchise-is-back-after-47-years/1027168 "2026-01-29T22:43:57Z")
‘Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence’ Gets Teaser Trailer "Anyone for a rousing rendition of “Puberty Love”? :grinning\_face\_with\_smiling\_eyes: --- ## [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 … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=151&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=153&state=watching)