# Latest

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=467&state=tracking

[Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md)

**Page:** 468

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## [Furniture with proper names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furniture-with-proper-names/1005925)

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**Author:** [@DooProcess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DooProcess)\
**Replies:** 50\
**Last updated:** [October 1, 2024, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furniture-with-proper-names/1005925 "2024-10-01T02:44:19Z")

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A mention of the “resolute desk” got me thinking that there must be other named pieces of furniture. I imagine that the thrones of several monarchies are named, as well as at least a few other pieces. This is proving to…

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## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - September 2024 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-september-2024-edition/1006488)

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**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\
**Replies:** 59\
**Last updated:** [October 1, 2024, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-september-2024-edition/1006488 "2024-10-01T02:30:09Z")

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The heat has finally broken in the Intermountain West! Daytime temps in the 70&80s (20sC) and nights as low as 50! (10C) I wore shoes to work at 5 am today for the first time since… April? Autumn is coming… Halloween dec…

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## [With friends like this... John Kerry opens mouth, repeatedly chews up to the ankle (likely untrue)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-friends-like-this-john-kerry-opens-mouth-repeatedly-chews-up-to-the-ankle-likely-untrue/1008293)

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**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\
**Replies:** 30\
**Last updated:** [October 1, 2024, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-friends-like-this-john-kerry-opens-mouth-repeatedly-chews-up-to-the-ankle-likely-untrue/1008293 "2024-10-01T02:09:41Z")

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Disclaimer: I can only find this reported on right-wing sources, no centrist or left-oriented sources. Does that mean it didn’t happen? From something called The Independent Sentinel, because I couldn’t find anything be…

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## [Upgrading your IPhone? (Another New One)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upgrading-your-iphone-another-new-one/1007086)

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**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\
**Replies:** 57\
**Last updated:** [October 1, 2024, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upgrading-your-iphone-another-new-one/1007086 "2024-10-01T01:32:26Z")

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The IPhone once seemed like a miraculous device. It still is, but one gets used even to miracles. So were any Dopers impressed by the new camera features, rising generic numbers and “Apple Intelligence” providing beta …

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## [What's the best way to cook this dish I'm going for? (Hamburger helper type meal)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-cook-this-dish-im-going-for-hamburger-helper-type-meal/1007716)

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**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\
**Replies:** 9\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-cook-this-dish-im-going-for-hamburger-helper-type-meal/1007716 "2024-09-30T23:40:47Z")

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Basically a Hamburger Helper type meal. The main ingredients are ground beef, sliced (scalloped?) potatoes in a cheesey sauce. I was thinking simmering the brown ground beef and potatoes in a bechamel sauce and when th…

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## [What's a cool thing about you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-cool-thing-about-you/1004163)

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**Author:** [@EnglishGrey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnglishGrey)\
**Replies:** 186\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-cool-thing-about-you/1004163 "2024-09-30T21:08:11Z")

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Let’s take your kids, partner etc out of the running please :slightly\_smiling\_face:… what is something that you think is cool about you? Something most people don’t know, but is a little cool? For me… I’ve competed in a…

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## [Are skateboarding,Rollerblading, Rollerskating teenagers sports?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-skateboarding-rollerblading-rollerskating-teenagers-sports/1008211)

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**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-skateboarding-rollerblading-rollerskating-teenagers-sports/1008211 "2024-09-30T20:47:33Z")

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I’m trying to talk a relative out of buying rollerblades for the first time. She’s 43! I had my share of falls and injuries at the roller rink. I was in high school and learned a lot of footwork. Cross pulls, pivots, sp…

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## [Back to the Future IV may (or may not) be coming in ‘26 {It's a fake, no further need to post that it is a fake}}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-the-future-iv-may-or-may-not-be-coming-in-26-its-a-fake-no-further-need-to-post-that-it-is-a-fake/1007804)

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**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\
**Replies:** 21\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-the-future-iv-may-or-may-not-be-coming-in-26-its-a-fake-no-further-need-to-post-that-it-is-a-fake/1007804 "2024-09-30T20:46:44Z")

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There are some pretty flashy previews for a 2026 release of Back to the Future, Part 4, starring Tom Holland and directed by Steven Spielberg. There are cameos from the original cast, but this is one of th…

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## [Who should play Tim Walz on SNL?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-play-tim-walz-on-snl/1005355)

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**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\
**Replies:** 81\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-play-tim-walz-on-snl/1005355 "2024-09-30T20:46:25Z")

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Name your best choice. I’ve seen Steve Martin suggested. I can’t think of any myself, but I’m sure you all will have some good ideas.

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## [2024 NBA Off-Season Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-nba-off-season-thread/1003011)

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**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\
**Replies:** 35\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-nba-off-season-thread/1003011 "2024-09-30T19:43:35Z")

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With the NBA Finals in the rear-view mirror, and the Boston Celtics winning their 18th championship, it’s now time to look ahead to the NBA’s off-season. Teams can begin negotiating extensions with their own free agents…

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## [Hotkey for signature in outlook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotkey-for-signature-in-outlook/1007383)

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**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotkey-for-signature-in-outlook/1007383 "2024-09-30T18:50:28Z")

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I commonly have to attach my calendar link in emails. I have it as part of my signature, but I commonly need to copy and paste it from my signature for other emails and documents. I want to have a quick hotkey that wil…

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## [Does VP have executive powers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-vp-have-executive-powers/1008205)

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**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\
**Replies:** 18\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-vp-have-executive-powers/1008205 "2024-09-30T18:40:16Z")

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Don’t know if this belongs in FQ or Politics so feel free to move. The reason I ask this question is that GOP is castigating Harris for not doing anything about border issues, but what could she actually have the power o…

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## [(Old) Autumn Equinox - changing colour in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-autumn-equinox-changing-colour-in-the-mmp/1007614)

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**Author:** [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\
**Replies:** 313\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-autumn-equinox-changing-colour-in-the-mmp/1007614 "2024-09-30T18:26:36Z")

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Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 14c/56 f with a predicted high of 15c/59f. and cloudy. Weather app says “I’d love to give you some fucking quotes about clouds and looking on the bright side. But that’s what fucking me…

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## [Kris Kristofferson has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kris-kristofferson-has-died/1008260)

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**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\
**Replies:** 33\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kris-kristofferson-has-died/1008260 "2024-09-30T16:26:29Z")

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I don’t care what anybody says. I liked Heaven’t Gate.

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## [USB ports on new television -- anything I should put in them before hanging television on wall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-ports-on-new-television-anything-i-should-put-in-them-before-hanging-television-on-wall/1007661)

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**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\
**Replies:** 32\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-ports-on-new-television-anything-i-should-put-in-them-before-hanging-television-on-wall/1007661 "2024-09-30T16:14:37Z")

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On our old television set, we don’t have anything plugged into USB ports on back – actually I don’t even know if it has any. But I just ordered a new 65" OLED television from Samsung, to be delivered in a bit over a week…

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## [San Franciscans: Will Hardly Strictly Bluegrass screw up traffic for travelers going north?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/san-franciscans-will-hardly-strictly-bluegrass-screw-up-traffic-for-travelers-going-north/1008203)

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**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/san-franciscans-will-hardly-strictly-bluegrass-screw-up-traffic-for-travelers-going-north/1008203 "2024-09-30T16:08:36Z")

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We’re about to take a trip up to Oregon, and usually pass through San Francisco to do this. We take 19th Street, go through Golden Gate Park, and so on up to the Golden Gate Bridge. Now I see that the Hardly Strictly B…

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## [Am I an extreme outlier because I remember people, faces, places, names from 20-30 years ago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-extreme-outlier-because-i-remember-people-faces-places-names-from-20-30-years-ago/1007740)

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**Author:** [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\
**Replies:** 59\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-extreme-outlier-because-i-remember-people-faces-places-names-from-20-30-years-ago/1007740 "2024-09-30T15:27:28Z")

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I was reading the “Did Kamala Harris Work at McDonalds?” thread and I was absolutely shocked at the number of posters who said they could not remember a single co-worker or manager from most of their high school/summer j…

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## [What's the straight dope on pet shampoos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-pet-shampoos/1007344)

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**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-pet-shampoos/1007344 "2024-09-30T15:00:56Z")

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Last night I did what I thought was a very normal thing – gave my dog a bath using the Herbal Essences shampoo that’s in the shower for washing people hair. My wife was aghast, as evidently it’s “unsafe” to use human sh…

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## [Minor figures who've been portrayed multiple times in film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-figures-whove-been-portrayed-multiple-times-in-film/980605)

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**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\
**Replies:** 75\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-figures-whove-been-portrayed-multiple-times-in-film/980605 "2024-09-30T14:31:45Z")

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So TIL about Charles Lightoller, who led what can only be called an eventful life. He was an officer on the Titanic and then went on to serve in WW1 and piloted a small civilian craft in the Dunkirk evacuation: In the…

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## [Could the Soviet Union have survived if Gorbachev wasn't in charge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-soviet-union-have-survived-if-gorbachev-wasnt-in-charge/1007178)

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**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\
**Replies:** 44\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-soviet-union-have-survived-if-gorbachev-wasnt-in-charge/1007178 "2024-09-30T13:09:25Z")

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I just watched the series on the BBC by Adam Curtis called Trauma Zone, and I feel part of the reason why the USSR collapsed the way it did was partly based on the naivete of Gorbachev himself, being born in the Soviet s…

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## [Will Automatization bring factories back to USA/Europe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-automatization-bring-factories-back-to-usa-europe/1008240)

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**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-automatization-bring-factories-back-to-usa-europe/1008240 "2024-09-30T13:09:19Z")

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random shower thought: the main reason nearly all production went overseas (SE-Asia, mostly) - is that they have very low labor cost, compared to US/Eu. Q: If automatization cought on on a wider scale, will we see (au…

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## [Are "artisanal" items in tourist areas mass produced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-artisanal-items-in-tourist-areas-mass-produced/1007273)

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**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\
**Replies:** 26\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-artisanal-items-in-tourist-areas-mass-produced/1007273 "2024-09-30T12:50:34Z")

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We just returned from a trip to Kenya. As we drove around, we stopped at several gift shops (they have rest rooms, and the roads have no rest areas.) The shops all had carved masks and animals, and beadwork items. Eac…

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## [If the US is a net energy exporter, why can’t we control gas prices better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-us-is-a-net-energy-exporter-why-can-t-we-control-gas-prices-better/1007629)

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**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\
**Replies:** 20\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-us-is-a-net-energy-exporter-why-can-t-we-control-gas-prices-better/1007629 "2024-09-30T12:05:38Z")

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If you live in the US, you’ve seen wild fluctuations in what you pay for gas over the years. Eta: pressed “send” too soon. But hopefully the OP question is clear

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## [A Day in Berlin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-day-in-berlin/1005858)

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**Author:** [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\
**Replies:** 52\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-day-in-berlin/1005858 "2024-09-30T11:55:22Z")

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Hey there. Due to changes in plans for the Nordic cruise my wife and I are taking next month, we have suddenly found ourselves with 36 hours in Berlin - checking in on the evening of September 29th, spending an entire …

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## [Test for image posting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-for-image-posting/925570)

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**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\
**Replies:** 42\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-for-image-posting/925570 "2024-09-30T11:06:49Z")

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## [Watching golf today - some questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watching-golf-today-some-questions/1008263)

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**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watching-golf-today-some-questions/1008263 "2024-09-30T07:43:05Z")

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I was at a bar so no sound. But from the graphics shown I guess they were playing “who wins each hole” instead of overall score. At one hole, maybe the last one, Kim hits a putt that misses. The other player walks over…

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## [Actuarial early retirement pension factors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actuarial-early-retirement-pension-factors/1008244)

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**Author:** [@Richardpurvey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richardpurvey)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actuarial-early-retirement-pension-factors/1008244 "2024-09-30T03:42:58Z")

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Why can’t ALL actuarial early retirement pension factors be calculated accurately instead of only discrete accurate factors being tabulated with ‘in-between’ ones being interpolated?

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## [09/28/24 SNL Cold Open](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/09-28-24-snl-cold-open/1008214)

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**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\
**Replies:** 13\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/09-28-24-snl-cold-open/1008214 "2024-09-30T02:56:25Z")

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A lot has gone down since SNL was last live. Pretty sure tonight’s cold open will somehow involve Trump. What will it be? Ear diaper? Haitian restaurant? Cheap watches?

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## [Name that story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-that-story/401120)

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**Author:** [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-that-story/401120 "2024-09-30T02:14:00Z")

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I think it was a short story and not a book, kind of Lovecraftian, there’s this young feller that lives in a castle or mansion with a butler (maybe), pretty miserable existence IIRC. Seems he decides to climb a tree or a…

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## [I'm going to a Mario Bros party!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-a-mario-bros-party/1008213)

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**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-a-mario-bros-party/1008213 "2024-09-30T01:53:12Z")

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I got invited to a coworkers Mario Brothers party and I’m ridiculously excited. She has 1985 super mario brothers and her old nintendo for it. I have a 1986 mario brothers thermos that I’ll be drinking wine from. Oh and …

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