# Let me make your arbitrary decisions for you **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 5, 2003, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247 "2003-05-05T19:01:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/81 "2003-05-07T17:20:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by White Lightning \* > \*\*Listen to voicemails or read emails? Please. \*\* Read email. ---
**Author:** ![\_Deep\_F\_ied](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/7cd45c/32.png) [@\_Deep\_F\_ied](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Deep_F_ied)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/82 "2003-05-07T17:27:21Z")
Finish all the work for the day and remain busy or leave some for swing shift and slack off reading SDMB? ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/83 "2003-05-07T17:28:25Z")
Mustard or ketchup on my frank? ---
**Author:** ![Spiff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiff/32/9852_2.png) [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/84 "2003-05-07T17:29:25Z")
Its or it’s? ---
**Author:** ![\_Deep\_F\_ied](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/7cd45c/32.png) [@\_Deep\_F\_ied](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Deep_F_ied)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/85 "2003-05-07T17:32:40Z")
oooh…some one just brought in a bag of Hershey’s Miniatures! Which two should I grab: Krackel, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, or Mr. Goodbar? (please don’t say one of each as the bowl is right by my boss’s desk and I don’t want to be thought of as a pig.) ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/86 "2003-05-07T18:28:29Z")
It occurs to me we could make this self-sustaining, like a penny jar: answer the question above yours, then ask a new one. So: Go for a Krackel. There are proportionally fewer of them than any of the other kinds, and thus they are more likely to vanish first. THEN make up errands that’ll take you pass the desk mulitple times and score the others. 😉 Should I watch “Enterprise” or “American Idol” tonight? ---
**Author:** ![White\_Lightning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@White\_Lightning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/White_Lightning)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/87 "2003-05-07T18:42:33Z")
Ketchup doesn’t belong on hot dogs. That one doesn’t count as there’s clearly a right and wrong answer. ---
**Author:** ![a35362](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/88 "2003-05-07T18:43:50Z")
I say watch _Enterprise_. I went to the video store last night. Which of these five movies should I watch tonight? _An American Werewolf in London_ _Backtrack_ (a thriller I’ve never heard of with Jodie Foster and Dennis Hopper) a Russian film called _Burnt by the Sun_ _Dumbo_ _Help!_ (tried it once before and couldn’t understand a word they were saying) ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/89 "2003-05-07T19:02:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by «Ðëëp¤F®ïêd»™ \* > \*\*Finish all the work for the day and remain busy or leave some for swing shift and slack off reading SDMB? \*\* It appears that you’ve gone ahead and made that decision for yourself. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by StarvingButStrong \* > \*\*We could make this self-sustaining, like a penny jar: answer the question above yours, then ask a new one. \*\* > –\> I don’t have a problem with that. The pressure’s kind of getting to me. I could use some help. > \*\*Should I watch “Enterprise” or “American Idol” tonight? \*\* > –\> American Idol, although I’m pretty sure that Soldier Boy will get the hook. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Spiff \* > **Its or it’s?** It’s its if it’s possesive; e.g., “It’s eating its own leg.” It’s it’s if it’s a contraction for it is,as in “It’s its lunch”. ---
**Author:** ![White\_Lightning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@White\_Lightning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/White_Lightning)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/90 "2003-05-07T19:10:40Z")
**a35362** : _Burnt By The Sun_. ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/91 "2003-05-07T19:11:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by a35362 \* > **I say watch _Enterprise_.** > > –\>Since the role of Maker of Arbitrary Decisions has been opened up to anyone who’s willing, I arbitrarily decide that the first decision posted is binding. > > **Which of these five movies should I watch tonight? > _An American Werewolf in London_** > –\> This one! > **_Help!_ (tried it once before and couldn’t understand a word they were saying)** > –\> Next time get the dubbed version. > **_Backtrack_ (a thriller I’ve never heard of with Jodie Foster and Dennis Hopper), > a Russian film called _Burnt by the Sun_** > –\> If you couldn’t understand “Help”, you’re sure to have problems with this. > \*\*_Dumbo_ \*\* > –\> Dumbo??? ---
**Author:** ![\_Deep\_F\_ied](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/7cd45c/32.png) [@\_Deep\_F\_ied](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Deep_F_ied)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/92 "2003-05-07T19:49:26Z")
Give or recieve? ---
**Author:** ![\_Deep\_F\_ied](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/7cd45c/32.png) [@\_Deep\_F\_ied](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Deep_F_ied)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/93 "2003-05-07T19:51:19Z")
gahh! **receive** … ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/94 "2003-05-07T22:05:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by «Ðëëp¤F®ïêd»™ \* > \*\*Give or receive? \*\* I have it from a higher authority that it is better to give than receive. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2003, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/95 "2003-05-08T03:50:48Z")
\*_a35362, \*\* ypou didn’t ask me, but I’m going to tell you anyway; definitely Burnt By the Sun._ It’s subtitled, so no accent problems. It’s an amazing film. Be prepared to be very, very depressed, though. ---
**Author:** ![Zenham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a5b964/32.png) [@Zenham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenham)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2003, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/96 "2003-05-08T05:17:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lainaf \* > \*\*Go this weekend. Your support could be the deciding factor. > > Is this a response to… > ? \*\* To the “lurk or post” question. Not meaning to answer, but hey… it’s Heisenberg defined. Of that, I’m certain. In any case, I was (and still am) needing an answer… innie, or outie? And man, please hurry. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this thing pinched shut. ---
**Author:** ![Pixiesnix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/898d66/32.png) [@Pixiesnix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixiesnix)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2003, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/97 "2003-05-08T05:37:41Z")
Should I read John Updike’s _Gertrude and Claudius_ or Mick Foleys _Foley is Good?_ ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2003, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/98 "2003-05-08T05:43:16Z")
My hair’s nearly reached my butt. Cut it short or strive for ankle-length? ---
**Author:** ![CreaseMunky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@CreaseMunky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CreaseMunky)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2003, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/99 "2003-05-08T09:42:26Z")
My errands for the day are: [ul][li]Bank[/li][li]Storage[/li][li]Dry Cleaners[/li][li]Pet Store[/li][li]Goodwill[/ul][/li] In what order should I do them? ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2003, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247/100 "2003-05-08T12:31:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CreaseMunky \* > \*\*My errands for the day are: > [ul][li]Bank[/li][li]Storage[/li][li]Dry Cleaners[/li][li]Pet Store[/li][li]Goodwill[/ul][/li]In what order should I do them? \*\* Do them in the order you’ve got them listed. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by KCSuze \* > \*\*Should I read John Updike’s Gertrude and Claudius or Mick Foleys Foley is Good? > \*\* Read “Foley is Good”. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MineFujiko \* > **My hair’s nearly reached my butt. Cut it short or strive for ankle-length?** Get it cut to a little longer than shoulder length, so the cut won’t be too traumatic. Then you’ll be in a better place to decide which way you really want to go from there. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zenham \* > **In any case, I was (and still am) needing an answer… innie, or outie? And man, please hurry. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this thing pinched shut.** Innie. I’ve never had any problems with mine. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-make-your-arbitrary-decisions-for-you/173247.md?page=6)