# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1731 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1732 --- ## [Do actors in commercials have the right to refuse to act out a script?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-actors-in-commercials-have-the-right-to-refuse-to-act-out-a-script/914552)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-actors-in-commercials-have-the-right-to-refuse-to-act-out-a-script/914552 "2020-09-03T01:00:29Z")
I don’t mean to have some kind of power to rewrite it, I just mean whether they can say “nope, I’m out, you can keep your pay”. Or once they are contracted to do a series of commercials, do they have to play out whateve… --- ## [What is the angle for these fake entries to my web sites contact page?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-angle-for-these-fake-entries-to-my-web-sites-contact-page/919658)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-angle-for-these-fake-entries-to-my-web-sites-contact-page/919658 "2020-09-03T00:41:50Z")
I have a web site for one of my jazz groups, and it has a Contact page where you can send us a message and optionally sign up for our mailing list. Over the last few months I have gotten maybe four spammy messages. But t… --- ## [Trump's unexplained visit to Walter Reed medical center - Pence put on standby](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-unexplained-visit-to-walter-reed-medical-center-pence-put-on-standby/919543)
**Author:** [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-unexplained-visit-to-walter-reed-medical-center-pence-put-on-standby/919543 "2020-09-03T00:34:51Z")
According NYT reporter Michael Schmidt’s book, when Trump was hospitalized in Walter Reed last November, Pence was was in standby to assume role of Commander-in-Chief in case Trump had to be anesthetized. Trump tweete… --- ## [Anyone race slot cars in the 60s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-race-slot-cars-in-the-60s/919453)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-race-slot-cars-in-the-60s/919453 "2020-09-03T00:27:40Z")
You raced at places with a track , not at home. You paid by the hour. The cars were about 6 inches long. I got a car for Christmas around 68. I think they did not last long when people bought smaller cars and t… --- ## [Got lots of dolls - have to sell. Where?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-lots-of-dolls-have-to-sell-where/919567)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-lots-of-dolls-have-to-sell-where/919567 "2020-09-03T00:21:16Z")
Not me, actually, but a close friend. Her mother passed away last month and an inventory of the house uncovered lots of dolls. I quote: From ‘fashion’ dolls to designer fine bisque Baby dolls, brides, nursery rhymes, fai… --- ## [Trump won’t cooperate with the rest of the world on a coronavirus vaccine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-won-t-cooperate-with-the-rest-of-the-world-on-a-coronavirus-vaccine/919562)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-won-t-cooperate-with-the-rest-of-the-world-on-a-coronavirus-vaccine/919562 "2020-09-02T22:53:42Z")
Maybe this would be better off in the Quarantine Zone, but I need to use some language here. This goddamned motherfucking shitstain of a barely-human piece of fetid garbage is putting the lives of every American at risk… --- ## [Avengers preorder game problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avengers-preorder-game-problem/919569)
**Author:** [@ollie73082](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ollie73082)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avengers-preorder-game-problem/919569 "2020-09-02T21:58:54Z")
Has anyone with a PS4 preordered the avengers game yet? It comes out 9/4 but the digital exclusive and some deluxe versions were supposed to be playable 9/1. I preordered the deluxe edition this morning (9/1) and it’s co… --- ## [How can I best help my granddaughter? She may be dyslexic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-best-help-my-granddaughter-she-may-be-dyslexic/919565)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-best-help-my-granddaughter-she-may-be-dyslexic/919565 "2020-09-02T21:45:18Z")
Hi everyone, I suspect that my granddaughter may be dyslexic and she may even have some learning disabilities. The school situation is so messed up right now so I know that may complicate matters, but can anyone give m… --- ## [Lithgow is just a passable Churchil in "The Crown"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lithgow-is-just-a-passable-churchil-in-the-crown/919476)
**Author:** [@Aji\_de\_Gallina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aji_de_Gallina)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lithgow-is-just-a-passable-churchil-in-the-crown/919476 "2020-09-02T21:17:37Z")
John Lithgow is a great actor with lots of range. Having said that his Churchill in “The Crown” is just passable. He always looks like Lithgow playing Churchill, he never quite embodies him like Oldman in “Darkest Hour.… --- ## [Questions about Car Theft (modern vehicles with transponder keys)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-car-theft-modern-vehicles-with-transponder-keys/919618)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-car-theft-modern-vehicles-with-transponder-keys/919618 "2020-09-02T21:05:45Z")
Two people I know have had cars stolen recently, and I have a few questions about the possible methods used. Both were late-model, and just disappeared, with no noise or destruction apparent. Apparently both were enter… --- ## [Share your Paradox Grand Strategy victories and defeats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-paradox-grand-strategy-victories-and-defeats/919538)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-paradox-grand-strategy-victories-and-defeats/919538 "2020-09-02T20:49:58Z")
Paradox’s grand strategy games have no win conditions other than “survive a long time” and maybe “drive your enemies before you and hear the lamentations of the etc.” Generally it’s up to the player to decide on goals an… --- ## [Is there a general slowdown in package delivery lately with USPS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-general-slowdown-in-package-delivery-lately-with-usps/917597)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-general-slowdown-in-package-delivery-lately-with-usps/917597 "2020-09-02T20:38:57Z")
Not to get political or anything, but has anyone noticed a slowdown in delivery of packages at the USPS? I have orders on ebay and Amazon, and almost all of them pass their expected delivery dates and the USPS message is… --- ## [Anyone playing "Pull Him Out"? Advice needed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-playing-pull-him-out-advice-needed/919534)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-playing-pull-him-out-advice-needed/919534 "2020-09-02T20:09:03Z")
The Museum that tracks your character’s progress doesn’t show anything beyond Chapter 10-3 (Level 96). At this point the museum upgrades just say “Stay Tuned”, even though the chapters go up to 14-6 (level 167 if I’m cou… --- ## [Do Europeans get mad about Canadians not playing soccer (futball) either?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-europeans-get-mad-about-canadians-not-playing-soccer-futball-either/918570)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-europeans-get-mad-about-canadians-not-playing-soccer-futball-either/918570 "2020-09-02T19:30:11Z")
Whenever the Super Bowl comes around angry Europeans flood the internet with comments about how much “football” sucks and how much better the real “futball” is. Even on the SDMB we get Europeans poking their head into Am… --- ## [What have you accidentally trained your pets to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-you-accidentally-trained-your-pets-to-do/849599)
**Author:** [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-you-accidentally-trained-your-pets-to-do/849599 "2020-09-02T17:34:04Z")
I saw this one on some stolen-from-reddit clickbait listicle (I know, I’m a sucker.) and now I’m bringing it here- what have you taught your pets without meaning to? We had a dog at the shelter a couple years ago, Carlo… --- ## ["The Victim" - Scottish crime miniseries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-victim-scottish-crime-miniseries/919472)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-victim-scottish-crime-miniseries/919472 "2020-09-02T17:20:41Z")
Just watched this four-part miniseries. Along with “Endeavour” it may be the best TV show I’ve seen this year. Kelly MacDonald plays a woman whose young son was murdered many years ago. She is accused of doxxing her son… --- ## [Green #1 by my avatar, what is it for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-1-by-my-avatar-what-is-it-for/919336)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-1-by-my-avatar-what-is-it-for/919336 "2020-09-02T17:18:23Z")
This is the avatar in the upper right corner of all my screens on this site. I have checked messages, notifications, everything I can think of. What are they trying to tell me (and why do they make it so opaque)? --- ## [Help me understand this piece of legislation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-this-piece-of-legislation/919594)
**Author:** [@bryanmaguire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bryanmaguire)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-this-piece-of-legislation/919594 "2020-09-02T16:33:31Z")
I am reading a piece of Wisconsin legislation and i am trying to understand one of the exceptions. it is section 3(c) i am having trouble with. This refers to section s. 941.28 which is about short barrel rifles (SBR) a… --- ## [Mistaking a Parody for the Real Thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mistaking-a-parody-for-the-real-thing/919376)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mistaking-a-parody-for-the-real-thing/919376 "2020-09-02T15:36:05Z")
Complementary to this recent thread. In my case it was the Paul Verhoeven Starship Troopers adaptation. Flipping through the channels one day I came across it, when it was about a third done. I kept wondering why the … --- ## [Employee Appreciation Lunch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/employee-appreciation-lunch/919348)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/employee-appreciation-lunch/919348 "2020-09-02T15:27:16Z")
I didn’t want to derail the other thread about restaurants, coupons, and invitations so: What do you think about a boss who announces what he called an “Employee Appreciation Lunch” and then later goes around collecting… --- ## [I'm a Genie. You Get Five Wishes. List them!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-genie-you-get-five-wishes-list-them/918921)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-genie-you-get-five-wishes-list-them/918921 "2020-09-02T14:51:08Z")
Alright, I might as well admit it; I am, in fact, an all-powerful djinn, of uncountable age and incomprehensible power, and I’m going to give YOU, and just you, five wishes. Why five? Well, I thought three seemed a bit… --- ## [Can I put mangos in my butter chicken?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-put-mangos-in-my-butter-chicken/915673)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2020, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-put-mangos-in-my-butter-chicken/915673 "2020-07-20T07:01:02Z")
A couple of weeks ago I bought three mangos for the incredible price of 5 dollars cdn. (Snark intended) Never in my life have I ever bought mangos. I ate one at work, and it was desperately unripened, IMHO. So, I’m mak… --- ## [Why is the mafia opposed to dealing drugs but not murder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-mafia-opposed-to-dealing-drugs-but-not-murder/919560)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-mafia-opposed-to-dealing-drugs-but-not-murder/919560 "2020-09-02T11:06:36Z")
The argument I’ve heard is the US mafia opposes members dealing in drugs because the long sentences of 25 to life are enough to make many members turn states evidence and testify against higher ups in the mafia. But the… --- ## [Where's your TP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-your-tp/919309)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-your-tp/919309 "2020-09-02T10:51:49Z")
Daughter just bought a house and we noticed there’s no TP holder in the bathroom, nor is there evidence (screw holes) that one was ever in there. Maybe the previous owner had a stand-alone holder like we do, or maybe she… --- ## [Botticelli -- Aug 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-aug-2020/916645)
**Author:** [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Replies:** 448\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-aug-2020/916645 "2020-09-02T04:50:50Z")
I am P. Previous thread: --- ## [Well, pretty sure I'm going to lose my job tomorrow...again.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-pretty-sure-im-going-to-lose-my-job-tomorrow-again/853171)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-pretty-sure-im-going-to-lose-my-job-tomorrow-again/853171 "2020-09-02T03:16:19Z")
I was a bit surprised to see a 1:1 meeting appear on my calendar from the head of our North America practice (three levels above me), who I never really deal with day to day. So I casually called up my direct Director w… --- ## [If you're friends with someone and your current friend group doesn't personally know them, do you expect your friend group to be opened minded about meeting them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-friends-with-someone-and-your-current-friend-group-doesnt-personally-know-them-do-you-expect-your-friend-group-to-be-opened-minded-about-meeting-them/919019)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-friends-with-someone-and-your-current-friend-group-doesnt-personally-know-them-do-you-expect-your-friend-group-to-be-opened-minded-about-meeting-them/919019 "2020-09-02T03:04:50Z")
Background: Since I plan on staying at my college this upcoming weekend with some friends of mine (original group), I thought that I would visit some of my other friends as well, even though my original group doesn’t min… --- ## [In British slang, are people from India included in 'Pakis'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-british-slang-are-people-from-india-included-in-pakis/918355)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-british-slang-are-people-from-india-included-in-pakis/918355 "2020-09-02T01:07:56Z")
I’m watching the new season of Endeavor, and in last night’s episode a political candidate was trying to whip up nationalistic fury against foreigners. Primarily he mentions “Asians”, with “Blacks” being very much an af… --- ## [Name the Police](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-police/855918)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-police/855918 "2020-09-02T00:09:45Z")
As an alternative to “abolish the police” or “defund the police”, I think that the best strategy is to be given a mandate that they have to identify themselves. The grand majority of harassment of the black community by… --- ## [Which modern author should a Douglas Adams fan read?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-modern-author-should-a-douglas-adams-fan-read/918332)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2020, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-modern-author-should-a-douglas-adams-fan-read/918332 "2020-09-02T00:02:57Z")
Nowadays I don’t read much fiction, but when I do its usually sci-fi. If I want to read some modern comedy sci-fi, what comes closest (in quality, not necessarily style) to Douglas Adams? I’ve read some Jasper Fforde a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1730) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1732)