# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=162&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 163 --- ## [How does operating an unprofitable business as a tax write-off work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-operating-an-unprofitable-business-as-a-tax-write-off-work/1026053)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-operating-an-unprofitable-business-as-a-tax-write-off-work/1026053 "2026-01-15T20:42:07Z")
If one operates a business that loses money, you’re entitled to declare the loss against your overall tax liability. What I may be misunderstanding is the practice of deliberately maintaining such a liability– or even go… --- ## [NYTimes: Trump supporter focus group's ongoing and updated score card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nytimes-trump-supporter-focus-groups-ongoing-and-updated-score-card/1026690)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nytimes-trump-supporter-focus-groups-ongoing-and-updated-score-card/1026690 "2026-01-15T20:40:48Z")
The NYTimes checks in periodically with this specific group of trump supporters and asks them how they think the president is doing on a variety of current topics and issues. I’ve read all the articles since the series … --- ## [Most likely outcome of the Ukraine–Russia conflict in 10 years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-likely-outcome-of-the-ukraine-russia-conflict-in-10-years/1001925)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-likely-outcome-of-the-ukraine-russia-conflict-in-10-years/1001925 "2026-01-15T20:07:02Z")
We’ve had a few prior threads about the possible outcomes or end games of the conflict in Ukraine, but AFAIK no poll about the long-term outlook. So here’s my question to everyone: based on your knowledge today, which o… --- ## [The psychology of giving to charities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-psychology-of-giving-to-charities/1025630)
**Author:** [@mglambo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mglambo)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-psychology-of-giving-to-charities/1025630 "2026-01-15T19:05:59Z")
I run a 501c3 non-profit. Our mission is getting underprivileged and/or handicapped children as well as adults into the outdoors for adventure. Folks that ordinarily are housebound or otherwise do not get outside. Monda… --- ## [New CBS News Anchor not doing so well](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-cbs-news-anchor-not-doing-so-well/1026692)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-cbs-news-anchor-not-doing-so-well/1026692 "2026-01-15T17:40:44Z")
MAGA-Coded CBS Anchor Pleads With Viewers After Ratings Collapse It seems that this politically motivated hire for The CBS Evening News anchor position may be a wee bit out of his depth. " CBS Evening News’ MAGA-coded f… --- ## [What science fiction story is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-science-fiction-story-is-this/1026682)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-science-fiction-story-is-this/1026682 "2026-01-15T16:34:28Z")
I read a science fiction short story online years ago. It was about a young boy that randomly gained the ability to transmute things and he accidentally transmutes his family and does the same to the different authoritie… --- ## [John Rolfe and tobacco](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-rolfe-and-tobacco/1026686)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-rolfe-and-tobacco/1026686 "2026-01-15T15:47:32Z")
I read a book some time ago –I think this may have been Charles Mann’s 1493, but I don’t have it here so I may be mistaken—that made a claim along the lines of how Rolfe risked his life to steal the tobacco seeds he took… --- ## [2025 SDMB Photo of the Year poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-sdmb-photo-of-the-year-poll/1026431)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-sdmb-photo-of-the-year-poll/1026431 "2026-01-15T15:16:29Z")
This thread is to determine the 2025 SDMB Photo of the Year. These photos are the winners of our 2025 monthly contests. Please vote for your 3 favorite photos - you must vote for 3 - using whatever criteria you feel is … --- ## [RIP Bob Weir](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-bob-weir/1026546)
**Author:** [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-bob-weir/1026546 "2026-01-15T14:52:39Z")
Announcement on his website Sad news indeed. RIP Bob. I wasn’t a huge fan but really enjoyed the Grateful Dead shows I saw in the 80s. --- ## [Q for people with tattoos: Would you have any interest in having your tattooed skin preserved? Displayed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-for-people-with-tattoos-would-you-have-any-interest-in-having-your-tattooed-skin-preserved-displayed/1026598)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-for-people-with-tattoos-would-you-have-any-interest-in-having-your-tattooed-skin-preserved-displayed/1026598 "2026-01-15T14:49:45Z")
Maybe sixty decades ago I saw a “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” item about some massively tattoo-ed guy whose skin was removed, preserved somehow, and displayed in a ‘travelling museum” (aka circus side show?) for spectato… --- ## [1950s/1960s: What was it about coffee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1950s-1960s-what-was-it-about-coffee/1026088)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 186\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1950s-1960s-what-was-it-about-coffee/1026088 "2026-01-15T14:20:05Z")
I’m binge-watching “The Dick Van Dyke Show” from the 1960s, and one thing that is striking me is the characters seem to be always drinking coffee at what I would consider odd hours of the day. It’s late at night after a… --- ## [Is the US already post Democracy spin-off from Ice Shooting thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-already-post-democracy-spin-off-from-ice-shooting-thread/1026535)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-already-post-democracy-spin-off-from-ice-shooting-thread/1026535 "2026-01-15T14:05:09Z")
He’s probably the next leader when Trump finally dies and he’s much more dangerous, younger and smarter than Trump. He’s also completely amoral. What he says becomes the official party doctrine and thus our reality, so,… --- ## [The custodians are lying bastards (long and lame)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-custodians-are-lying-bastards-long-and-lame/331253)
**Author:** [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-custodians-are-lying-bastards-long-and-lame/331253 "2026-01-15T13:39:31Z")
This is the third year I’ve been working at this school. Up until now, my blackboards have been cleaned on a pretty regular basis. This year, however, 8 weeks into the school year my board hasn’t been washed once. I p… --- ## [Words with two meanings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-with-two-meanings/1026684)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-with-two-meanings/1026684 "2026-01-15T12:42:29Z")
This is just for fun. I notice that in English there are words which have two (or more?) meanings. For example, resume can mean to start up again or your career details. At my local pharmacy there was a ‘patient discu… --- ## [(Old) Waking up to White Stuff in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-waking-up-to-white-stuff-in-the-mmp/1026360)
**Author:** [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-waking-up-to-white-stuff-in-the-mmp/1026360 "2026-01-15T12:33:58Z")
Morning, mumpers! It’s currently -4c/25f with a predicted high of 0c/32f and mostly sunny. Weather app says “Do you see that fucking bright light outside your window? It’s fucking sunny! Too bad it’s also fucking col… --- ## [Hey, Josh Hawley! Fuck you!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-josh-hawley-fuck-you/930166)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-josh-hawley-fuck-you/930166 "2026-01-15T09:38:46Z")
Lots of people saying “fuck you” to Josh lately. Your deserve this and so much more, Josh. I hope that you, unlike so many of us, get what you deserve. ETA: I just thought we should have central place to collect al… --- ## [Using a video capture card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-a-video-capture-card/1025883)
**Author:** [@Kedikat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kedikat)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-a-video-capture-card/1025883 "2026-01-15T09:29:42Z")
This card. Avermedia GC571 Live Streamer Ultra HD 4K UHD. The user manual is skimpy. It has HDMI in and out. But do I have to use these? I wish to record the horrible time lag my internet is suffering. So I want to just… --- ## [Sports fandoms that go together (or don't)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-fandoms-that-go-together-or-dont/656182)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-fandoms-that-go-together-or-dont/656182 "2026-01-15T09:09:52Z")
I sometimes browse the HF board forums, a hockey message board. I note a lot of posters really love to slam basketball. Why? And more importantly, what sports tend to be followed by the same people? And which rarely … --- ## [History of using color to describe people/race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/history-of-using-color-to-describe-people-race/1025127)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/history-of-using-color-to-describe-people-race/1025127 "2026-01-15T08:45:12Z")
How long have the terms “white” and “black” been used on a global scale to describe people’s skin? What about “red”, “yellow” and “brown”? Who came up with the descriptions? --- ## [Does adding a bay leaf to a recipe really do anything? Anyone wanna go in on a jar with me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-adding-a-bay-leaf-to-a-recipe-really-do-anything-anyone-wanna-go-in-on-a-jar-with-me/1026532)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-adding-a-bay-leaf-to-a-recipe-really-do-anything-anyone-wanna-go-in-on-a-jar-with-me/1026532 "2026-01-15T05:46:10Z")
I’m making a big pot ‘o chili and the recipe calls for one bay leaf (optional). I thought I had a container of leaves, but I must have tossed it out at some point because it was probably a decade old. While at the store… --- ## [Are there any real places named \[Someone's\] \[Some Intangible Thing\] like Ryan's Hope or Evelyn's Despair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-real-places-named-someones-some-intangible-thing-like-ryans-hope-or-evelyns-despair/1026118)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-real-places-named-someones-some-intangible-thing-like-ryans-hope-or-evelyns-despair/1026118 "2026-01-15T02:34:39Z")
A video game I play has various places here and there across the map that follow the naming convention of assigning some intangible concept to a person. Like Dunelle’s Kindness or something similar. I know that around t… --- ## [Normans Rare Guitars sold and will continue operations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normans-rare-guitars-sold-and-will-continue-operations/1026702)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normans-rare-guitars-sold-and-will-continue-operations/1026702 "2026-01-15T02:19:56Z")
Norman’s Rare Guitars has been a important music shop in the LA Area for decades. Most of the great guitarists like Joe Bonamassa, Billy Strings, Dave Grohl shop at Normans. The shop has a youtube channel that features … --- ## [Technical Writing/Technical Communication](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-writing-technical-communication/1026678)
**Author:** [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-writing-technical-communication/1026678 "2026-01-15T02:04:26Z")
Hey, question for folks out there - if I were looking for good examples of really excellent technical storytelling… or resources for principles and guidelines for doing good technical storytelling; where would I look? A… --- ## [Yiddish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yiddish/1772)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yiddish/1772 "2026-01-15T02:03:58Z")
\>Tzi redst di yidish, Rowan? Talk to me!! I need the practice.\< --Olentzero \>\>Taka, Ich sproyk’n a bissl Yiddish; Ich ken nisht leyn’n oider shrayb’n af Yiddish. Mein Doda Chana hot Yiddish fir a loshen irshten, un zi … --- ## [Heated Rivalry.. Won't someone think of the sportsball!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heated-rivalry-wont-someone-think-of-the-sportsball/1026677)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heated-rivalry-wont-someone-think-of-the-sportsball/1026677 "2026-01-15T02:02:52Z")
(in Games Room as interested in IRL sports side not what happens in the show) So there is lots of buzz around this Heated Rivalry, HBO show online. As I understand it, the premise is two star ice hockey players on oppos… --- ## [I wish posters would stop using the term "MAGAt"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577 "2026-01-15T01:29:56Z")
This has been bothering me for some time. I’m not calling out any specific posters. The term is used by many in every political thread. And everyone knows what it means. They may not put much thought into it (Dopers?!… --- ## [Why is the Princess Bride (movie) held to such high esteem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-princess-bride-movie-held-to-such-high-esteem/1026266)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-princess-bride-movie-held-to-such-high-esteem/1026266 "2026-01-15T00:39:10Z")
Tried watching it today, and, meh. The book was fantastic, but for reasons the movie didn’t even begin to explore. But the film… meh. Is it a “catch it at the right age” thing? A nostalgia thing? Other? --- ## [Straight-lined international and interior borders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-lined-international-and-interior-borders/1012484)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-lined-international-and-interior-borders/1012484 "2026-01-14T23:31:48Z")
Most borders between countries (and many internal borders as well) follow natural landmarks, such as bodies of water or heights of land. However - North America, Australia, and the leftovers from the post-WW1 Ottoman br… --- ## [Cracker Barrel changes logo and stock declines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cracker-barrel-changes-logo-and-stock-declines/1022371)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 410\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cracker-barrel-changes-logo-and-stock-declines/1022371 "2026-01-14T22:27:58Z")
I don’t have a horse in this race. It is interesting that people care enough to hurt the stock’s value. I’ve never liked having to walk through the store aisles to reach the restaurant. But that’s their branding. A coun… --- ## [Things I learned about shopping this week](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-i-learned-about-shopping-this-week/1026644)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-i-learned-about-shopping-this-week/1026644 "2026-01-14T21:28:46Z")
Ever since the pandemic I have shopped less overall and mostly online. The YouTube algorithm decided to send me information about shopping and apparently there is a lot I don’t know. First, I had heard of buy now pay la… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=161&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=163&state=watching)