# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=155 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 156 --- ## [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… --- ## [Little things that make you smile.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-things-that-make-you-smile/16032)
**Author:** [@mega\_the\_roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mega_the_roo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-things-that-make-you-smile/16032 "2026-01-25T16:40:12Z")
I was driving past a park today when up popped a little brown gopher, and boy, did I smile. There was just something about seeing him there that made me sooooo sickeningly happy. There are tons of things that do this to… --- ## ["Are you dead?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-dead/1026911)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-dead/1026911 "2026-01-25T13:11:50Z")
China’s singles don’t want to die alone–or low-tech for that matter, evidently. I guess “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” doesn’t have the same panache as “你死了吗?” (Nǐ sǐle ma?) Read the rest of the article. It’s morbid… --- ## [Have you heard of Powur (solar panel installation company)? Your experiences with home solar, and some adjacent questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-heard-of-powur-solar-panel-installation-company-your-experiences-with-home-solar-and-some-adjacent-questions/1026983)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-heard-of-powur-solar-panel-installation-company-your-experiences-with-home-solar-and-some-adjacent-questions/1026983 "2026-01-24T20:36:52Z")
A friend of mine is a Big Deal in the Sales Department at Powur, a company that pimps solar power. The way Tom explained it to me is that, the customer pays nothing except for maybe some trivial pieces of electrical equi… --- ## [Math problems that sound hard, but are actually easy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-problems-that-sound-hard-but-are-actually-easy/1026965)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-problems-that-sound-hard-but-are-actually-easy/1026965 "2026-01-24T19:44:55Z")
Multiply together all the prime numbers from 2 up thru n, then add 1 to the result. Show that the final total is never a perfect square. No doubt lots of you know how easy that one is. So, what’s a better example of a p… --- ## [Doc wants me on N/A beer and spirits (any recommendations?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doc-wants-me-on-n-a-beer-and-spirits-any-recommendations/1022691)
**Author:** [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doc-wants-me-on-n-a-beer-and-spirits-any-recommendations/1022691 "2026-01-24T18:52:07Z")
So I went to a gerontologist for the first time, had many body parts scanned, and among his orders was a “Hey, Stay Away From These If You Don’t Want To Get Any Worse” Diet. #1: Alcohol … Cue sad trombone. Now, the s… --- ## [88 Seconds in Greensboro](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/88-seconds-in-greensboro/1026933)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/88-seconds-in-greensboro/1026933 "2026-01-24T17:42:29Z")
Not sure this is the right place for this. I met a young man this week. He is a student at UNCG (University of North Carolina at Greensboro) a middling sort of university. He also grew up in Greensboro and his parents a… --- ## [Korean reunification](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/korean-reunification/686041)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/korean-reunification/686041 "2026-01-24T17:15:40Z")
It’s going to happen eventually, or North Korea is going to implode. German reunification didn’t set that much of an impressive example. Prohibitively expensive and nearing 25 years and there’re still having massive prob… --- ## [New "food court" type places that are popping up around here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-food-court-type-places-that-are-popping-up-around-here/1024973)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-food-court-type-places-that-are-popping-up-around-here/1024973 "2026-01-24T15:43:38Z")
It’s a new concept, at least around here: medium-sized, indoor areas that feature around half-a-dozen restaurants in close proximity. Similar to a mall food court, except that some serve beer, wine, cocktails, etc. Two a… --- ## [Passing counterfeit money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passing-counterfeit-money/1025471)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passing-counterfeit-money/1025471 "2026-01-24T15:04:07Z")
Several times when spending a large bill (my tenant insists on paying me in cash-I feel like a drug dealer) the person at the cash register swipes a marker over the bill. I presume this proves that it is real money. What… --- ## [What is the longest distance pair of acoustic mirrors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-distance-pair-of-acoustic-mirrors/1026930)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-distance-pair-of-acoustic-mirrors/1026930 "2026-01-24T14:21:52Z")
Also known as “whsper dishes” according to Wikipedia, but I have never heard that phrase. This is where a pair of parabolic dishes are set up fairly far apart from each other, and if you talk quietly into one, a person … --- ## [Is there any TV SHOW that we ALL would agree is good (if not great)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-tv-show-that-we-all-would-agree-is-good-if-not-great/1026628)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-tv-show-that-we-all-would-agree-is-good-if-not-great/1026628 "2026-01-24T13:54:15Z")
Well, you knew it had to be done. Let’s go. mmm (I am still pondering my input) --- ## [Does "White Culture" Exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-white-culture-exist/1026483)
**Author:** [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-white-culture-exist/1026483 "2026-01-24T12:33:48Z")
\[Moderation\] I’ve split this conversation out of the “What Were You Thinking” Pit thread, which was inspired by this post in the “WhiteDate and several other “White” sites scraped for data” thread in P&E. - Miller \[/Mo… --- ## [Man with stolen harp jumps into a lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-with-stolen-harp-jumps-into-a-lake/1026940)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-with-stolen-harp-jumps-into-a-lake/1026940 "2026-01-24T06:15:45Z")
To clarify, he left the harp on shore, along with his clothes. Just a weird random story to amuse folks. --- ## [Looking for an internet clock for seniors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-internet-clock-for-seniors/1026220)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-internet-clock-for-seniors/1026220 "2026-01-24T04:36:24Z")
Amazon and Google search has not helped me, or perhaps I’m using the wrong search terms. Here’s the situation…I have some good friends and neighbors, a couple in their 90’s. They often have medical or other appointment… --- ## [Anyone ever try selling crap from comics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-try-selling-crap-from-comics/1026767)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-try-selling-crap-from-comics/1026767 "2026-01-24T02:56:39Z")
As probably almost all of us know, advertisers in old comics seemed to be very determined to get children to sell all sorts of things around their neighborhood to get cash and prizes. A very few examples picked tonight: … --- ## [Which combination of Cheers and Married With Children co-starring characters do you prefer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-combination-of-cheers-and-married-with-children-co-starring-characters-do-you-prefer/1026853)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-combination-of-cheers-and-married-with-children-co-starring-characters-do-you-prefer/1026853 "2026-01-24T00:55:41Z")
For those of you who like both Cheers and Married With Children, which combination of the two co-starring characters that changed in the middle of their runs do you like better? I was thinking this over the other day, a… --- ## [Has anyone attended the New Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-attended-the-new-ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey-circus/1026935)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-attended-the-new-ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey-circus/1026935 "2026-01-24T00:55:33Z")
It started back up in 2023, and apparently it is sans animal acts, clowns or ringmaster. What does it have, and is it any good? --- ## [Why is she apologizing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-she-apologizing/1026901)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2026, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-she-apologizing/1026901 "2026-01-23T23:20:46Z")
So apparently an adult actress is also a big University of Miami fan, and has been spotted and filmed by ESPN in the stands at a couple of games. Now she’s apologizing… for something(?) because apparently someone was of… --- ## [Is there an image hosting site as good as Imgur that works in the UK (or everywhere)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-image-hosting-site-as-good-as-imgur-that-works-in-the-uk-or-everywhere/1026738)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-image-hosting-site-as-good-as-imgur-that-works-in-the-uk-or-everywhere/1026738 "2026-01-23T23:06:23Z")
In the thread Nobel Peace Prize Announced; It Doesn’t Go to Trump @Peter\_Morris asked: @Darren\_Garrison responded: To not continue this there I wanted to ask here. I get that @Peter\_Morris is frustrated but I gotta… --- ## [F Merrick Garland. (He won't be going after anyone)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-merrick-garland-he-wont-be-going-after-anyone/968190)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 919\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-merrick-garland-he-wont-be-going-after-anyone/968190 "2026-01-23T23:00:44Z")
So basically Garland won’t be going after Trump or anyone related to an election year . Bc he’s worried about optics apparently. I have no fucking words! --- ## [General question moved to IMHO](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-question-moved-to-imho/1026957)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-question-moved-to-imho/1026957 "2026-01-23T21:33:02Z")
My gun question in GQ got moved to IMHO. It was a good question about the mechanics of guns. I don’t really care now. But @puzzlegal that was wrong. It was a factual question. You didn’t understand that. --- ## [Jack Smith's testimony before the House - Jan 22, 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-smiths-testimony-before-the-house-jan-22-2026/1026932)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2026, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-smiths-testimony-before-the-house-jan-22-2026/1026932 "2026-01-23T21:25:19Z")
Continuing the discussion from NEW Stupid Republican Idea of the Day (Part 4): I think this does need its own thread. WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith on Thursday defended his i… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=154) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=156)