# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1010&period=all&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1011 --- ## [Can lightning strike a player on the field in a sports stadium...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-lightning-strike-a-player-on-the-field-in-a-sports-stadium/684600)
**Author:** [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2014, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-lightning-strike-a-player-on-the-field-in-a-sports-stadium/684600 "2014-03-29T02:24:49Z")
…if it is surrounded by tall floodlight towers? There was a bit of a kerfluffle over at the World T20 cricket championships where English players complained that umpires had not taken them off the field soon enough after… --- ## [Jim Morrison oediphus complex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jim-morrison-oediphus-complex/624571)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2012, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jim-morrison-oediphus-complex/624571 "2012-06-20T06:21:01Z")
I recall hearing that the indecipherable bit in “The End” about his mother (after the threat to kill his father) is that he wished to “make love” to her, but put more crudely. Any truth? --- ## [Did racism exist in the West before the late 15th century?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-racism-exist-in-the-west-before-the-late-15th-century/102630)
**Author:** [@syncrolecyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/syncrolecyne)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2002, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-racism-exist-in-the-west-before-the-late-15th-century/102630 "2002-04-17T19:29:20Z")
Did Ancient and Medieval people in the ‘West’ (Ancient Near East, Greece, Rome, Medieval Christianity, Islamate) have any real concept of ‘race’ or act in a racist way ever? It seems that racism really doesn’t appear in… --- ## [Heroes 12/03/07 - "Powerless" (SPOILERS)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heroes-12-03-07-powerless-spoilers/428710)
**Author:** [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2007, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heroes-12-03-07-powerless-spoilers/428710 "2007-12-07T04:52:54Z")
Last week: Sylar killed Alejandro. Hooray! Sylar snogged Maya. Boo! Victoria Pratt got offed by Adam, Peter and Adam headed to Texas, Claire got all up in Veronica Chars’ face yo, Monica’s in trouble and Hiro proved he d… --- ## [Sub-$5 ties from China](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sub-5-ties-from-china/634894)
**Author:** [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2013, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sub-5-ties-from-china/634894 "2013-03-10T18:06:09Z")
I was poking around eBay looking for some ties, and was surprised to find that you can get brand new ties from China shipped to your door for under $5. In some cases, very far under $5. I’ve ordered three ties from dif… --- ## [Russia probe reaches White House](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-probe-reaches-white-house/787025)
**Author:** [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-probe-reaches-white-house/787025 "2017-05-20T12:29:10Z")
An unnamed current White House official described as being “close” to the president is being viewed as a significant person of interest, according to the Washington Post. --- ## ["Historical Epic" Rock Songs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-epic-rock-songs/664559)
**Author:** [@syncrolecyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/syncrolecyne)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2013, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-epic-rock-songs/664559 "2013-08-01T21:37:04Z")
I want to make a playlist of rock or other pop songs that have historical epic themes…songs that are dramatic and clearly narrate (or at least refer) to historical events. So far I have… Iron Maiden, “Run to the Hills” … --- ## [The best BBQ Ribs in Chicago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bbq-ribs-in-chicago/499431)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2009, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bbq-ribs-in-chicago/499431 "2009-11-17T07:00:18Z")
The title pretty well sums it up. What’s the consensus on where a guy can get the best ribs in the city? I’ve had Carson’s, Robinson’s, the artist formerly known as Hecky’s and a few others but none stand out. I come to… --- ## [What kind of gift do you buy a newborn baby](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-gift-do-you-buy-a-newborn-baby/280434)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2004, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-gift-do-you-buy-a-newborn-baby/280434 "2004-12-23T06:25:20Z")
My brothers daughter will be born soon and I dont know what to buy a 3 day old girl. What should you buy a newborn baby? --- ## [Is it correct to refer to people who don't kill as psychopaths?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-correct-to-refer-to-people-who-dont-kill-as-psychopaths/686072)
**Author:** [@Duke\_of\_York](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_York)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2014, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-correct-to-refer-to-people-who-dont-kill-as-psychopaths/686072 "2014-04-20T18:21:01Z")
I mean people like Sheldon from TBBT. He seems to lack any empathy and basic understanding of other people’s feelings. What about con men, who can take the last cent from a blind beggar and not bat an eyelid? Iv’e seen … --- ## [The Hunger Games: Opening Weekend Predictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunger-games-opening-weekend-predictions/616114)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2012, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hunger-games-opening-weekend-predictions/616114 "2012-03-25T16:58:37Z")
For those who have been living under a rock, The Hunger Games opens on Friday. What are your predictions for the opening weekend box office? My prediction is: Here is a list of the top box office weekend grosses ever.… --- ## [What is with these anti-drug commercials?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-with-these-anti-drug-commercials/213649)
**Author:** [@emacularius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacularius)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2003, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-with-these-anti-drug-commercials/213649 "2003-12-13T17:56:21Z")
Picture this scenario… A swimming pool with noone around… Up walks this little girl, 2 maybe 3 years old, with a floating device. (In your mind, you’re thinking…where are the adults?) You see little girl walk right u… --- ## [Please de-friend me if...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-de-friend-me-if/638678)
**Author:** [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2012, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-de-friend-me-if/638678 "2012-11-08T05:36:38Z")
This is probably not coming up for others as commonly as it is for me, but there is some article from a gay couple that said, “please de-friend me if you are planning on voting for Mitt Romney”. He goes on and rants abou… --- ## [Obama and the economy: appropriate disapproval?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-the-economy-appropriate-disapproval/633790)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2012, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-the-economy-appropriate-disapproval/633790 "2012-09-14T16:56:29Z")
As a Canadian, I have never been able to figure out why Obama is criticized for the country’s poor economic performance under his watch, when it actually tanked during the GWB era (late 2007 - late 2008). Why is that? W… --- ## [Wearing religion on your sleeve?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wearing-religion-on-your-sleeve/228840)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2004, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wearing-religion-on-your-sleeve/228840 "2004-02-17T22:12:28Z")
“got jesus?” “Smile God loves you” “Isiah 41:10” “Christians aren’t PERFECT, they’re just FORGIVEN” These were the bumper stickers I saw on a pickup truck this morning. Now I am certainly not complaining about the st… --- ## [Archer (1/17) - "Fugue and Riffs"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/archer-1-17-fugue-and-riffs/647570)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2013, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/archer-1-17-fugue-and-riffs/647570 "2013-01-24T21:45:48Z")
Are you guys ready to enter the… DANGER ZO-ONE! --- ## [Color Code for your Feces (kind of gross)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/color-code-for-your-feces-kind-of-gross/206090)
**Author:** [@smootman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smootman)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/color-code-for-your-feces-kind-of-gross/206090 "2003-10-09T03:09:27Z")
so, this is kind of a gross question… but does the color/consistency of your excrement mean something… If it’s runny or almost like a clear jelly… I’ve always wondered if a green stool meant I was lacking something… --- ## [Yes, you \*do\* need the money that bad, you oversensitive twat. (Hooters for Neuters)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-you-do-need-the-money-that-bad-you-oversensitive-twat-hooters-for-neuters/362584)
**Author:** [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2006, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-you-do-need-the-money-that-bad-you-oversensitive-twat-hooters-for-neuters/362584 "2006-07-03T16:33:41Z")
Maybe the heat is getting to me (onehundredandmotherfuckinfivemotherfuckindegrees and of course this is the day that the air on the damn car goes out), but I just saw a news piece that really irked me. Apparently, the L… --- ## [Cheap lunch ideas? (For God's sake, no more sandwiches!!!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-lunch-ideas-for-gods-sake-no-more-sandwiches/540791)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2010, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-lunch-ideas-for-gods-sake-no-more-sandwiches/540791 "2010-05-28T16:27:17Z")
So I’ve had this contract job for almost three months now, and for an average of 3/5 lunches for that time, I’ve had the same thing: sandwiches and chips. I figured I could keep this going until my contract expires, 'ca… --- ## [2.2 GHz vs. 2.3 GHz (Mac)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-2-ghz-vs-2-3-ghz-mac/573648)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2011, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-2-ghz-vs-2-3-ghz-mac/573648 "2011-03-08T14:38:58Z")
I love my 15" PowerBook G4 (1.5 GHz PowerPC), and I really don’t need anything else. But I would like to get back into filmmaking, and it would be nice to have something more suitable; so I looked at the new MacBook Pro… --- ## [Night sweats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/night-sweats/650560)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2013, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/night-sweats/650560 "2013-02-21T14:10:59Z")
You are not necessarily a doctor, I am not your patient, I am not seeking a course of treatment, etc. Since my early 20s I have occasionally suffered bouts of night sweats. I don’t mean getting a little damp when the w… --- ## [Ghetto/project rules ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghetto-project-rules/624305)
**Author:** [@albino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/albino)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2012, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghetto-project-rules/624305 "2012-06-07T17:45:54Z")
I recently moved into a building complex and have come to realise that I’m in a different world , So my Question is " what are the UNwritten rules of living in the Ghetto ? " or " how to stay safe ?" . The other day i p… --- ## [2016 Sportsman of the Year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-sportsman-of-the-year/769622)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-sportsman-of-the-year/769622 "2017-02-06T11:40:07Z")
Yes, it’s that time of year, although I admit I am a little early this year - usually I wait until after the World Series. Anyway, it’s time to discuss Sports Illustrated’s 2016 Sportsman of the Year. In June, I though… --- ## [Father's Day for Shitty Dads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fathers-day-for-shitty-dads/661077)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2013, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fathers-day-for-shitty-dads/661077 "2013-06-17T21:46:50Z")
A friend of mine put it well when she said, ‘‘Father’s Day is the Valentine’s Day of lonely little girls.’’ I do not discount the beautiful stories children have about their loving fathers, I’m just saying some of us hav… --- ## [Bad actors who show up in good movies with surprising frequency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-actors-who-show-up-in-good-movies-with-surprising-frequency/463853)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2008, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-actors-who-show-up-in-good-movies-with-surprising-frequency/463853 "2008-09-20T20:59:23Z")
(Or, the flip side of this thread on actors who are always good.) Passing by the tv a few weekeends ago, I noticed that Groundhog Day was on. Stopping to watch, it occurred to me that, though Andy McDowell is by no me… --- ## [Are Audiobooks distracting while driving?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-audiobooks-distracting-while-driving/235634)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2004, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-audiobooks-distracting-while-driving/235634 "2004-04-01T22:27:36Z")
I realized recently that our library has a vast collection of audiobooks on CD and tape, so I checked out a couple of cd books to listen to while using paint shop on my computer. My kid brother commented on one of them, … --- ## [What were the fashion trends of the 90's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-fashion-trends-of-the-90s/409503)
**Author:** [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2007, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-fashion-trends-of-the-90s/409503 "2007-07-10T22:23:36Z")
Don’t know what made me think of this, but the 70’s of course you had your bell bottoms, leisure suits, etc. and the 80’s your parachute pants, Madonna garb, skinny ties, knit ties, Flock of Seagulls dress, etc. At that … --- ## [Baby on your doorstep, what do you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-on-your-doorstep-what-do-you-do/756659)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2016, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-on-your-doorstep-what-do-you-do/756659 "2016-06-14T20:38:59Z")
So you hear the doorbell and you go to the door and find a 3 month old baby on your doorstep. There is a note saying that the baby is yours from a one night stand and the mother can’t handle having a new baby. What do yo… --- ## [Pop culture flotsam: things that long outlive the work they came from](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-culture-flotsam-things-that-long-outlive-the-work-they-came-from/418161)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2007, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-culture-flotsam-things-that-long-outlive-the-work-they-came-from/418161 "2007-09-11T20:55:04Z")
Almost no one remembers Breakin’ 2. But everyone remembers the title–or, more specifically, the subtitle: Electric Boogaloo. It’s the go-to punchline for ridiculous sequels, as Wikipedia notes (and as you can see on the … --- ## [Great/career-making movie debuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-career-making-movie-debuts/677164)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2014, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-career-making-movie-debuts/677164 "2014-01-01T17:20:54Z")
Just found out that \*Body Heat \*was Kathleen Turner’s first movie. Then thought of Brando/Street Car. Any others? Leads or supporting or movie-stealing roles. Ie, not the first appearance of so-and-so in a bit part, who… --- ## [Professions not represented on the Dope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professions-not-represented-on-the-dope/396044)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2007, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professions-not-represented-on-the-dope/396044 "2007-04-02T00:06:17Z")
One of the most interesting things about the SDMB, to me, is the diversity of member backgrounds. We have people from many countries, who speak many languages, and who work in many fields. It’s the last that will be the … --- ## [Las Vegas smell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/las-vegas-smell/557170)
**Author:** [@Engywook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Engywook)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2010, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/las-vegas-smell/557170 "2010-10-21T19:18:25Z")
Inspired by this thread on subway smells. I’ve been to Vegas several times, and each time I notice that there’s a distinctive smell inside all of the casinos and even at the airport. It’s not really a bad smell; the clo… --- ## [Does anyone actually object to "oriental"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-actually-object-to-oriental/386970)
**Author:** [@Molly\_Polly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Molly_Polly)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2007, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-actually-object-to-oriental/386970 "2007-01-13T13:33:18Z")
I’ve only heard this in one context- My Asian friends are continually amazed that Anglos think oriental is offensive to them. They do not get it. Neither do I. Tomato tomato. --- ## [Why didn't then-Pres. Carter do more to rescue the Iranian Embassy Hostages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-then-pres-carter-do-more-to-rescue-the-iranian-embassy-hostages/492938)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-then-pres-carter-do-more-to-rescue-the-iranian-embassy-hostages/492938 "2009-04-16T23:52:34Z")
Word on the street is that Carter lost to Reagan mostly because of the hostage situation. I know that Carter tried to rescue the hostages by that operation which failed in the desert, but considering that the hostage tak… --- ## [No Mornington Crescent yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-mornington-crescent-yet/438569)
**Author:** [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2008, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-mornington-crescent-yet/438569 "2008-03-05T15:14:01Z")
Wahat? A new game forum and no thread with Mornington Crescent in it? So let’s start one. I’ll make it easy for the newbies (who include myself) with a very orthodox opening gambit: Bank --- ## [Why do some stores have "Membership Cards."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-stores-have-membership-cards/547212)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2010, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-stores-have-membership-cards/547212 "2010-07-20T02:13:57Z")
Inspired by this thread… The guy was saying that he has a \*\*membership card \*\*from COSTCO. Personally, I really dislike giving my information out. The government is bad enough, but why give it to a retail outlet? I al… --- ## [Do you ever had irrational psychotic thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-had-irrational-psychotic-thoughts/532245)
**Author:** [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2010, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-had-irrational-psychotic-thoughts/532245 "2010-03-12T17:31:30Z")
You’d never act on them, of course (I hope!), but I’m really hoping I’m not alone in this and that I am still sane. I mentioned this to my husband last night and asked if he had similar thoughts, and he acted like I was … --- ## [Breaking Bad 5/16/10 - "Kafkaesque" - OPEN SPOILERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-16-10-kafkaesque-open-spoilers/539723)
**Author:** [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-16-10-kafkaesque-open-spoilers/539723 "2010-05-20T19:07:20Z")
I’ve never read Kafka. Was the counselor correct, using that reference? Jesse just can’t wrap his head around applying business principles to criminal activity. Didn’t he watch The Wire? Anyone think that maybe, if S… --- ## [Is this "Fail" photo real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-fail-photo-real/779411)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-fail-photo-real/779411 "2017-06-07T22:55:08Z")
Just a slideshow featuring photos of construction goofs. This one looks real enough and might show up on Google Street View if we knew where it was. A Google image search turns up an endless list of “Fail” URLs. Can anyo… --- ## [Interchangeable actors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interchangeable-actors/632218)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2012, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interchangeable-actors/632218 "2012-08-23T23:10:43Z")
By this I mean two people you could effortlessly swap in for each other in the majority of their roles and many people might not even notice. Another thread mentioned Dead Calm, a film where I mistakenly thought for yea… --- ## [To all my friends and family who told me I'd do well on my comprehensive exams...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-all-my-friends-and-family-who-told-me-id-do-well-on-my-comprehensive-exams/516370)
**Author:** [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2009, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-all-my-friends-and-family-who-told-me-id-do-well-on-my-comprehensive-exams/516370 "2009-11-07T18:36:59Z")
Fuck you! You don’t know a good goddamn thing about what I"m doing in this program. You know what? I have to do oral exams for half of the exam now, because my performance on them was “marginal” according to my advisor. … --- ## [Pretentiousness in musical acts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pretentiousness-in-musical-acts/556445)
**Author:** [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pretentiousness-in-musical-acts/556445 "2010-10-13T23:23:35Z")
From the thread on terrible musical acts: I’ve heard the label “pretentious” used to describe plenty of bands, and it seems as though most of them I’ve liked. To name a few: Emerson Lake and Palmer, Yes, Radiohead, Je… --- ## [12 Angry Men: The kid definitely did it!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-angry-men-the-kid-definitely-did-it/695018)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2015, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-angry-men-the-kid-definitely-did-it/695018 "2015-01-12T00:48:53Z")
I just finished watching 12 Angry Men today (stop reading if you don’t want a 50 year old movie spoiled) and spent the rest of the evening thinking about it and I’ve come to a conclusion: The kid definitely did it. Igno… --- ## [Please explain the benefit of the electoral college to me like I am a seven-year-old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-the-benefit-of-the-electoral-college-to-me-like-i-am-a-seven-year-old/771577)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-the-benefit-of-the-electoral-college-to-me-like-i-am-a-seven-year-old/771577 "2016-11-17T18:58:36Z")
My understanding: Electing a president by popular vote gives an advantage to the urban, more populous regions. In other words, if we elected a POTUS based on popular vote only, Californians would have more of a say-so … --- ## [Down by 8: PAT or 2 Pt Conversion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/down-by-8-pat-or-2-pt-conversion/520368)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2016, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/down-by-8-pat-or-2-pt-conversion/520368 "2016-03-15T06:10:33Z")
Meaning down by 8 after having just scored 6 on a TD. And in a late Q4 situation where you have only one more realistic chance at the ball (either by defensive stop or onside kick recovery). We’re assuming that you get t… --- ## [The Walking Dead; 2.02 "Bloodletting" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-2-02-bloodletting-open-spoilers/600579)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2011, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-2-02-bloodletting-open-spoilers/600579 "2011-10-28T04:53:12Z")
Rick discovers a possible save haven; Shane goes on a dangerous mission to get medical supplies. --- ## [Do they ever do ageing well in tv/movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-ever-do-ageing-well-in-tv-movies/510466)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2009, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-ever-do-ageing-well-in-tv-movies/510466 "2009-09-22T15:02:24Z")
It seems to me the hardest thing to do in a tv series or film is to make the actor seem older than their actual age. They can make a decent stab at making an actor look younger but nearly universally people done up to lo… --- ## [Telemarketers deserve death...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telemarketers-deserve-death/151687)
**Author:** [@Dragon\_Ash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragon_Ash)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2004, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telemarketers-deserve-death/151687 "2004-03-19T19:55:54Z")
… and this is only further proof. You thought we hated telemarketers now, wait 'til you read this… I can post links here, right? --- ## [Guess the TV/movie character: A Game\*](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-tv-movie-character-a-game/352122)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 240\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-tv-movie-character-a-game/352122 "2006-04-19T06:10:46Z")
Here’s the deal…describe yourself as if you were a TV or movie character, and let’s see if we can guess who you are and what movie/TV show you are from! Obviously, some spoilers are unavoidable. If you can’t describe y… --- ## [Nancy Pelosi, you ignorant slut...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nancy-pelosi-you-ignorant-slut/354505)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2006, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nancy-pelosi-you-ignorant-slut/354505 "2006-07-28T20:17:45Z")
CNN link. No, Bush and Cheney aren’t the cause of $3/gal gas, you nitwit. I know you want to blame Bush and the Republicans for rising gas prices, but just how stoooopid do you think Americans are? Give it a rest-- y… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1009&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1011&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)