# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=154&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 155 --- ## ["No onions" lentil soup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-onions-lentil-soup/1000263)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2026, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-onions-lentil-soup/1000263 "2026-01-27T01:36:58Z")
Next month, I’m going to an event where there will be 40-50 people hanging out and playing games all weekend. It’s glorious. There’s an industrial kitchen on-site, and I’ve signed up to make lunch one day. My plan is to… --- ## [What targets in the US should be prioritized by a conquering force?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-targets-in-the-us-should-be-prioritized-by-a-conquering-force/1026365)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-targets-in-the-us-should-be-prioritized-by-a-conquering-force/1026365 "2026-01-26T23:53:53Z")
Aliens, supervillains or some other force far more powerful than any real world entity decide they want to invade and conquer the US as effectively and efficiently as possible. They don’t want to conquer a wasteland and … --- ## [Hunter S. Thompson's Quasi-Suicide Note](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hunter-s-thompsons-quasi-suicide-note/320676)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hunter-s-thompsons-quasi-suicide-note/320676 "2026-01-26T23:39:05Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050908/ap\_en\_ot/people\_thompson I think if he knew it would be published he’d have done it differently. But here’s part of the last communique we have from the gonzo journalist. --- ## [Looking for input on Super Automatic Espresso Machines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-super-automatic-espresso-machines/1023560)
**Author:** [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-super-automatic-espresso-machines/1023560 "2026-01-26T23:27:43Z")
I am considering getting a fancy new coffee maker that has loads of bells and whistles and I would love to get some input. Super Automatic Espresso Machines will grind the beans, fresh, and brew the coffee (or espresso… --- ## [Bad bad bad Orphan flap jacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-orphan-flap-jacks/1026962)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-orphan-flap-jacks/1026962 "2026-01-26T23:06:24Z")
I watched my Mid-dau flap jacks this morning. Her boys standing by with plates in hand, Oliver Twist like. Two come off the griddle first, kinda quick like. She has a plate on her left. She plops them, two on the spatu… --- ## [Our house - Should we stay or should we go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-house-should-we-stay-or-should-we-go/1026973)
**Author:** [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-house-should-we-stay-or-should-we-go/1026973 "2026-01-26T20:58:45Z")
We live in what is, in some ways, my dream house. It’s a 2 story brick house built in 1874. In other words, it’s 152 years old, about a 100 years older than I will be in June. It’s beautiful with a ‘grand staircase’, … --- ## [Gun range ear muffs question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-range-ear-muffs-question/1026986)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-range-ear-muffs-question/1026986 "2026-01-26T20:10:26Z")
My wife is about to become a shooter. I’ve shot for… 50 years. So we are going to a gun range and going to rent a gun or two for her to try out. We will get a single lane as I’m going to keep a very close eye on her. S… --- ## [What, or who, defines horror? Discussion of genre components, literary or cinematic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-or-who-defines-horror-discussion-of-genre-components-literary-or-cinematic/1026988)
**Author:** [@APackof19menthols](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/APackof19menthols)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-or-who-defines-horror-discussion-of-genre-components-literary-or-cinematic/1026988 "2026-01-26T18:33:07Z")
Seeing as this is to some extent opinion placed i’m placing it here, part of me expects it to be moved. Onto the meat of it: What defines horror as such? In literature and movies we are aware that the intention is, of c… --- ## [My dog has an "old dog" thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dog-has-an-old-dog-thing/1027034)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dog-has-an-old-dog-thing/1027034 "2026-01-26T18:06:42Z")
So, my best friend, who I found at a “Mega-adoption Event” at the fairgrounds in 2018, and is currently aged between 10 & 11, has developed a muscle atrophy on the left side of her skull. The vet says it is usually caus… --- ## [Any Pentagon watchers here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pentagon-watchers-here/1026858)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-pentagon-watchers-here/1026858 "2026-01-26T14:45:39Z")
I’m curious: if Kegbreath was removed, how far down would we have to go to find someone serious and relatively nondangerous? I still consider the boat strikes murder and hope anybody in that chain would have to answer fo… --- ## [Married Men of the 'Dope: Did you ask your future wife's dad for permission to marry her?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/married-men-of-the-dope-did-you-ask-your-future-wifes-dad-for-permission-to-marry-her/1026433)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/married-men-of-the-dope-did-you-ask-your-future-wifes-dad-for-permission-to-marry-her/1026433 "2026-01-26T13:06:53Z")
I know that in the West, this used to be a pretty big thing, although of course it’s fallen by the wayside in recent decades. Nevertheless, it still goes on. I did not ask Mrs. H’s father for permission. Though they wer… --- ## [Has there ever been an economic crash that didn't involve speculation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-an-economic-crash-that-didnt-involve-speculation/1026987)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-an-economic-crash-that-didnt-involve-speculation/1026987 "2026-01-26T06:28:26Z")
I’m not an economist (if I was, I could probably answer this question myself) so I may not be using the right term. When I say speculation, I’m talking about buying a thing with the intent of selling that same thing at a… --- ## [Scammers calling to non english speaking countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scammers-calling-to-non-english-speaking-countries/1026830)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scammers-calling-to-non-english-speaking-countries/1026830 "2026-01-26T06:27:26Z")
Got yet another scam call today. Usually I’ll just hang up but this time I decided to waste the guy’s time. Scammer: (Has Indian accent. Says that he is from “TV services” and then asks for my name) Scammer: What is y… --- ## [I was 9 in 1967 and I think I saw a huge asteroid in the sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-9-in-1967-and-i-think-i-saw-a-huge-asteroid-in-the-sky/501122)
**Author:** [@wonder9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonder9)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-9-in-1967-and-i-think-i-saw-a-huge-asteroid-in-the-sky/501122 "2026-01-26T05:42:27Z")
Or around 1967. I was wondering if anyone could help me identify this memory I have. I was playing with a bunch of kids in my front yard near Washington DC. As near as I can remember, I was about 9. And looking at Google… --- ## [(Old) Mist and Murk in the MMP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-mist-and-murk-in-the-mmp/1026814)
**Author:** [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Replies:** 347\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-mist-and-murk-in-the-mmp/1026814 "2026-01-26T03:44:49Z")
Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 7c/44f with a predicted high of 8c/47f and cloudy. Weather app says “This is the perfect fucking day to stay the fuck inside and try a new hobby. May I fucking suggest witchcraft?” In… --- ## [What limits Trump...according to Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limits-trump-according-to-trump/1026520)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limits-trump-according-to-trump/1026520 "2026-01-26T02:53:39Z")
President Donald Trump reportedly told The New York Times that his “own morality” serves as the thing that could potentially limit his global powers – adding that he doesn’t “need international law.” Trump says his ‘own… --- ## [Is the New York Times Pro-Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-york-times-pro-trump/1003509)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 660\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-york-times-pro-trump/1003509 "2026-01-26T01:54:02Z")
I am seeing multiple claims, in other Politics & Elections threads, that the New York Times is pro-Trump. As a near-lifelong subscriber, I find this ludicrous but worth exploration. Here is an Editorial Board article fro… --- ## [Today I begin my 90th trip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-i-begin-my-90th-trip/1026938)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-i-begin-my-90th-trip/1026938 "2026-01-26T01:20:00Z")
around the sun. Never imagined I’d make it so far. --- ## [Is there a tool to translate foreign language podcasts? -\>history buffs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-tool-to-translate-foreign-language-podcasts-history-buffs/1027004)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-tool-to-translate-foreign-language-podcasts-history-buffs/1027004 "2026-01-25T22:38:56Z")
Hi there, just wondering if there is a tool that translates (directly or indirectly via transcription) foreign language podcasts? Reason I am asking, I know there are a lot of history buffs in the SDMB, and I found one… --- ## [Where do ICE agencies get their "leads"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-ice-agencies-get-their-leads/1026975)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-ice-agencies-get-their-leads/1026975 "2026-01-25T22:05:10Z")
I assume they have a squad meeting with today’s targets spelled out. Where does the list of supposed illegals come from? --- ## [Spotify suggestions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spotify-suggestions/1027020)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spotify-suggestions/1027020 "2026-01-25T21:48:55Z")
So I very rarely use Spotify, but I need to land on a music streaming service instead of bouncing around all the place. However, I have noticed that when I’m using data (versus WiFi), like in the car, service gets really… --- ## [Cherry, Cherry baby! {Cherry wood rolling pin}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cherry-cherry-baby-cherry-wood-rolling-pin/1026970)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cherry-cherry-baby-cherry-wood-rolling-pin/1026970 "2026-01-25T20:55:51Z")
I bought my Mid-dau a new Cherry wood rolling pin. Does it need seasoning? Anyone know? --- ## [Net cost or benefit of a successful assassination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/net-cost-or-benefit-of-a-successful-assassination/1004862)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/net-cost-or-benefit-of-a-successful-assassination/1004862 "2026-01-25T20:20:15Z")
Suppose the shooter had not missed and Trump could no longer run. There is a host of possible outcomes, including the removal of the cult leader, his possible martyrdom, vengeful violence on the part of MAGATs and so on… --- ## [Help me understand how to calculate social security benefits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-how-to-calculate-social-security-benefits/1027014)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-how-to-calculate-social-security-benefits/1027014 "2026-01-25T20:10:06Z")
Several years ago, I used the Social Security Administration’s “anypia” tool: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/anypia/download.html I tried using it again recently, but it’s inscrutable and has really abysmal documentation, an… --- ## [Around the world in (just over) 40 days - under sail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/around-the-world-in-just-over-40-days-under-sail/1027012)
**Author:** [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/around-the-world-in-just-over-40-days-under-sail/1027012 "2026-01-25T19:39:50Z")
Accomplished by Sodebo, a 105-ft trimaran. The time was 40:10:46 over 45,568 km, for an average speed of 54 kph / 33.5 mph / 29.17 kts. This beat the previous (2017) record by over 12 hours. A time under 40 days looke… --- ## [Ever had a product where they drastically changed the standards, but maintained the same designations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-a-product-where-they-drastically-changed-the-standards-but-maintained-the-same-designations/1026950)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-a-product-where-they-drastically-changed-the-standards-but-maintained-the-same-designations/1026950 "2026-01-25T18:03:47Z")
I think the classic example would be womens’ clothing, where what used to be a size 6 is now a size 2 or whatever. Same amount of fabric covers the same amount of body, but the purchaser can think she now fits into a sm… --- ## [Assume the Dalai Lama dies. What happens next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assume-the-dalai-lama-dies-what-happens-next/1026980)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assume-the-dalai-lama-dies-what-happens-next/1026980 "2026-01-25T17:56:11Z")
Note: This is hypothetical; the Dalai Lama is still very much alive. But he turned ninety last year, which means his passing would have to be expected within the next few years. My guess is that this will lead to diplom… --- ## [Any Biblical Greek experts? A Revelation 5:13 question: first person vs third person plural](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-biblical-greek-experts-a-revelation-5-13-question-first-person-vs-third-person-plural/1026993)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-biblical-greek-experts-a-revelation-5-13-question-first-person-vs-third-person-plural/1026993 "2026-01-25T17:27:43Z")
Greek verb conjugation is way above my pay grade. To very roughly paraphrase, Revelation 5:13 says ‘I heard \[every creature in Heaven and Earth\] saying….’ Is there anything in the Greek of this that indicates whether t… --- ## [Spinoff of a spinoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinoff-of-a-spinoff/1026467)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinoff-of-a-spinoff/1026467 "2026-01-25T17:22:44Z")
Watched ABC’s 20/20 Golden Girls anniversary show last night. Did a Wikipedia search just to refresh my memory about the show and it had 2 spinoffs, “The Golden Palace” which I kind of remember, “Empty Nest” that I do r… --- ## [Songs that on the surface sound one way, but are actually not](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-on-the-surface-sound-one-way-but-are-actually-not/1026905)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-on-the-surface-sound-one-way-but-are-actually-not/1026905 "2026-01-25T17:01:05Z")
Of course we all know that Born in the USA- often thought as a paean to American patriotism is anything but. But I was listening to Crow’s song “All I Wanna do” with the great chorus of 'Cause all I wanna do is have so… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=153&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=155&state=muted)