# Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 2) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 16, 2024, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636 "2024-02-16T02:56:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 495
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9883 "2026-01-19T20:07:45Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > I’m not sure what “fortunate” means in this poll. For example, I am in a very comfortable financial position, but that is due to decades of my hard work and careful money management, not to any strokes of good luck. Am I fortunate? Yes. mmm ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9884 "2026-01-19T21:05:52Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > Siblings / children: other = none > > Extended family: other. Yep. Only child, and my extended family is some cousins I call once a year to wish Merry Christmas. My Dad was a great man- Scout leader, VFW officer, WW2 veteran (volunteered Dec 6th 1941, stayed in for sometime after the war ended), etc. Mom had depression, which she self medicated with alcohol, which killed her when I was in my early 20s. But otherwise a good mother. Worked almost her whole life. We have still some tri-tip which i will fry up and serve over rice. My Doctor says I am very healthy for my age. My retirement pays all the bills. We own our home, with not a huge mortgage. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9885 "2026-01-19T22:40:24Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > I’m not sure what “fortunate” means in this poll. For example, I am in a very comfortable financial position, but that is due to decades of my hard work and careful money management, not to any strokes of good luck. Am I fortunate? Every successful person I’ve ever heard answer this question says they are not just fortunate, they are incredibly lucky. Except you-know-who. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9886 "2026-01-19T23:17:41Z")
Maybe the problem is in thinking that “being fortunate” is somehow the opposite of things like hard work and careful management—that you have what you have _either_ because you worked hard for it or because it was handed to you. I have seen this attitude before, in discussions of “privilege”: “I’m not privileged: I worked really hard to get where I am today.” To say that you are fortunate does not imply that you didn’t earn what you have. But you are fortunate to have had the opportunities and the abilities to do hard work that resulted in such rewards. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2026, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9887 "2026-01-20T05:53:25Z")
MLK day: other. I was off from work, which meant that I was free to attend a funeral, and the post-funeral lunch. I was planning to attend the wake on Sunday afternoon, and then dinner with the bereaved family. My original MLK plans were to just stay home and relax. But the weather was too bad to drive to the wake on Sunday. So I did the stay home and relax thing on Sunday. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2026, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9888 "2026-01-20T18:12:54Z")
My life is a mixed bag. I had the mother from hell and a very unstable and abusive childhood, and I haven’t been very fortunate in terms of my mental health, as well as some other health issues. But I met the love of my life at age 19 and we are celebrating 20 years together this year. We’ve been more fortunate financially than a lot of people. We adore our son. He’s challenging but he’s brilliant and sincere and creative. No siblings. My grandparents were wonderful grandparents, plus my Aunt is my best friend. If I didn’t have them I probably would not have been as resilient. I’m not optimistic about dinner tonight. Our oven is broken. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2026, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9889 "2026-01-20T18:30:42Z")
My life has been an ongoing tragedy since the minute I was born. And it has not let up throughout my adult years. But I have been blessed with a sense of humor which has helped me survive this long. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9890 "2026-01-21T04:23:24Z")
Some of the shows i have not seen enough of to vote. House had moments, but his unending and disgusting sexual harassment of Cuddy was too much. I do sometimes watch YT shorts of him working the clinic, however. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9891 "2026-01-21T05:30:57Z")
Like the Movie poll, I only considered shows which I’ve watched enough of to have an opinion on. I downvoted _Breaking Bad_ and _Game of Thrones_ for similar reasons: the shows center on terrible people doing terrible things, and are very graphically violent, two things which I simply don’t enjoy, at all. (And, yes, that means that I don’t like nor enjoy most modern dramatic series.) ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9892 "2026-01-21T14:55:33Z")
There were twice as many shows that I couldn’t comment on as I haven’t watched, or even heard of them as I downvoted. Also, Night Court & Tonight Show should specify which version/host; not so much a Jimmy Fallon fan but I liked Carson & Leno. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9893 "2026-01-21T15:59:31Z")
The TV downvote poll is one of the few that I didn’t just vote on as close as possible to my answer. There were some I liked but didn’t love. There were no shows that I specifically disliked. There were some that I am familiar with but didn’t love or hate. I certainly can’t say l loved them all. I also don’t think _Masterpiece Theater_ and _Mystery!_ belong since they are not actual TV series. They are just frameworks where multiple separate shows have been broadcast. It’s like asking back in the day if you liked the _CBS Late Movie._ Depends on the movie. I’ve liked some shows on _Mystery!_ and have had no interest in watching some others. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9894 "2026-01-21T17:42:24Z")
I had to think about the age range question. I think it varies a lot. I know a gay guy who has always been attracted to old guys. He told me recently, “I’m finally old enough that I’m attracted to some men my age”. I think money is often a factor, but not usually directly. Not, “i want his money”, more, “that guy is attractive because he dresses well and does cool things (that cost money) and can take care of me”. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9895 "2026-01-21T18:02:48Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I know a day guy who has always been attracted to old guys. Well he certainly gets a good look at them in the sunlight. mmm ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9896 "2026-01-21T18:06:08Z")
Fixed. 🥺 ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9897 "2026-01-21T18:23:33Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > the shows center on terrible people doing terrible things, and are very graphically violent, two things which I simply don’t enjoy, at all. And this is why I don’t put much stock in the “audience rating” on sites like Rotten Tomatoes, IMDB, etc. I’m not accusing _you_ of doing this, but too many people will give a show a negative rating on those sites simply because they personally dislike something about it. But personally not liking something doesn’t mean that thing is _bad_, and it doesn’t mean _I_ won’t like it. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9898 "2026-01-21T19:49:16Z")
I have no idea what percentage of the time money is involved in deciding to have a relationship with someone much older or younger; other than that I’m sure it’s neither zero nor 100%. But “sometimes, but I don’t know how often” isn’t an option, so I didn’t vote. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9899 "2026-01-21T19:53:09Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Like the Movie poll, I only considered shows which I’ve watched enough of to have an opinion on. > > I downvoted _Breaking Bad_ and _Game of Thrones_ for similar reasons: the shows center on terrible people doing terrible things, and are very graphically violent, two things which I simply don’t enjoy, at all. (And, yes, that means that I don’t like nor enjoy most modern dramatic series.) I down voted _Breaking Bad_ for exactly that reason. But i liked _Game of Thrones_. I think it had enough characters that i liked to keep me engaged. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9900 "2026-01-21T19:54:01Z")
I felt like thorny did and didn’t vote. I’d also point out it’s somewhat confusing that “A great deal of the time” is offered as an intermediate choice between “about 50-50” and “Most of the time”. Hard to figure out how that works mathematically. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9901 "2026-01-21T19:57:03Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > But i liked _Game of Thrones_. I think it had enough characters that i liked to keep me engaged. For me, I had attempted to read _A Game of Thrones_, years before the TV series. It’s one of the rare novels I was unable to finish; it’s full of, as I mentioned about the TV show, “horrible characters doing horrible things,” and every time a possibly-sympathetic character showed up, they were either killed or tortured in short order. I couldn’t stand it. So, I was predisposed to not like the TV series; my sister convinced me to try it, but I ran into the same problems as I had with the book. I’d mentioned, in the Cafe Society thread on the “is there a movie which we can all agree is at least ‘good,’” that there are some movies which I can try to objectively assess as being “well done,” even if I personally don’t enjoy them, because I don’t care for the subject matter. Arguably, _GoT_ and _Breaking Bad_ could fall into that same camp for me: I recognize that they are well-crafted\* and well-acted, but I don’t enjoy them. However, the poll here didn’t ask that; it asks, “What TV show(s) would you say you dislike (thumbs-down)?” And I can honestly say that I _dislike_ those two series. \*- Except, apparently, for the final season of _GoT_, which was, by every account I’ve read, awful. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/9902 "2026-01-21T19:59:49Z")
My then daughter in law suggested i just skip some of the sections in the book. Like all the ones about the guy who really got off on torture. But i started the books after watching most of the show, and never finished the books. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636.md?page=494) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636.md?page=496)