# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1039&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:** 1040 --- ## [Can you overdry clothes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-overdry-clothes/96372)
**Author:** [@Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moe)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2001, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-overdry-clothes/96372 "2001-12-03T23:23:30Z")
I was hangin late night at the Diner the other night with friends (having “late night at the Diner with friends”-type conversation) and something led me to quote an early episode of Seinfeld “You can’t overdie, you can’t… --- ## [Let's Talk About Grits, Baby.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-grits-baby/667555)
**Author:** [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2013, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-grits-baby/667555 "2013-09-09T17:29:21Z")
So I always thought that I hated grits. I tried them when I was a kid, and I distinctly remember them having a nasty taste to them, so I never had them again. Until a couple of weeks ago, at a dinner we went to, I had … --- ## [Shutdown and National Parks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shutdown-and-national-parks/670229)
**Author:** [@barnhardt999](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barnhardt999)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2013, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shutdown-and-national-parks/670229 "2013-10-15T03:42:40Z")
Why is the Federal Government posting armed guards at National Park to deny entrance? Is preventing public enjoyment of the parks during a shutdown really an essential government function? --- ## [Is Jap a perjorative in this day and age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jap-a-perjorative-in-this-day-and-age/358526)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2006, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jap-a-perjorative-in-this-day-and-age/358526 "2006-06-02T11:13:22Z")
Rather than further derail this thread and specifically this post maybe we should clear the air here. Jap as a demunitive for Japanese was clearly a derogatory racist term used in WW2 to whip up anti-Japanese sentiment … --- ## [I just want my fucking paycheck!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-want-my-fucking-paycheck/661251)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2013, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-want-my-fucking-paycheck/661251 "2013-06-29T00:01:53Z")
Here’s some background. The temp agency continues to fuck with me. I was supposed to be payed today, but when I checked my email Friday night I got an form email saying there will be “a delay” with my paycheck due “an… --- ## [So, you're ascending Mount Everest... (poll)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-youre-ascending-mount-everest-poll/616328)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2012, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-youre-ascending-mount-everest-poll/616328 "2012-03-22T23:36:34Z")
So, you’re ascending Everest and at the start of the ‘Death Zone’, you encounter a stricken climber. He or she is suffering frostbite, but would be mobile except for exhaustion and oxygen starvation. If you abandon you… --- ## [Old & Busted: Is healthcare a right? New Hotness: Is food a right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-busted-is-healthcare-a-right-new-hotness-is-food-a-right/787922)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-busted-is-healthcare-a-right-new-hotness-is-food-a-right/787922 "2017-06-06T21:15:56Z")
From the Washington Post: Do we have a right to food in this country? Should children with the misfortune of having parents who are temporarily downtrodden or incapable of work due to physical or mental issues have to … --- ## [Guest MMP II: A story, moral optional](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guest-mmp-ii-a-story-moral-optional/324549)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 245\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2005, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guest-mmp-ii-a-story-moral-optional/324549 "2005-10-10T03:53:05Z")
This is the story of Bunny and Henry. Bunny moved to a new town when she was in 7th grade, and she was seated next to Henry in homeroom. Henry was a quiet, awkward boy, but he took it upon himself to help Bunny settle … --- ## [Did the hiker amputee have no choice? Is there something odd about this story?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-hiker-amputee-have-no-choice-is-there-something-odd-about-this-story/174051)
**Author:** [@Rusalka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rusalka)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2003, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-hiker-amputee-have-no-choice-is-there-something-odd-about-this-story/174051 "2003-05-11T18:03:02Z")
I’m still marvelling (and shuddering) at the story of the hiker who cut off his own arm to save himself this past week. I’m wondering if there was anything else a person could do, short of cutting off the arm in a situa… --- ## [(Old) Happy Earthday in the MMP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-happy-earthday-in-the-mmp/1000607)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 291\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2024, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-happy-earthday-in-the-mmp/1000607 "2024-04-29T03:42:08Z")
Yes. Go outside, ride a bike, plant something. Me, I’m going back to sleep. --- ## [What To Do With Frozen Peas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-frozen-peas/495126)
**Author:** [@Anduinel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anduinel)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2009, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-frozen-peas/495126 "2009-05-04T15:14:52Z")
I have an enormous bag of frozen peas from Costco and need to make freezer space. My usual way to handle them is to just boil them and drizzle them in butter, but I think I’m going to need some variety. Suggestions? --- ## [Egg on your cheeseburger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egg-on-your-cheeseburger/516489)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2009, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egg-on-your-cheeseburger/516489 "2009-11-18T15:20:37Z")
I remember bacon and egg cheeseburgers being very popular back in the day. I think it was on the East Coast, in Norfolk Virginia or Manhattan (or both). They were called “ranchburgers”, IIRC, and I ate way too many of th… --- ## [Good and Bad Movies Titles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-and-bad-movies-titles/663226)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2013, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-and-bad-movies-titles/663226 "2013-07-18T14:49:34Z")
A recent thread on the movie “Pacific Rim” includes commentary that the movie is not stirring up as much buzz as they might like. It seems obvious to me what that is; bad title. “Pacific Rim” tells you absolutely nothi… --- ## [Bands that went out on a high note with their last album?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bands-that-went-out-on-a-high-note-with-their-last-album/709989)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2015, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bands-that-went-out-on-a-high-note-with-their-last-album/709989 "2015-01-20T06:40:28Z")
I was listening to the Talking Heads last album ‘Naked’ yesterday-- I had bought the album when it first came out and I liked it then, but I hadn’t listened to it in a while. I thought it held up really well. It’s got t… --- ## [Children are so gullible or Fun lies you've told to kids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-are-so-gullible-or-fun-lies-youve-told-to-kids/358037)
**Author:** [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2006, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-are-so-gullible-or-fun-lies-youve-told-to-kids/358037 "2006-06-13T04:58:25Z")
or been told when you were one. This was fun last time around and I’ve got a good one. We were going to get a bite to eat before going to see the dolphins so my niece (7) immediately suggested “McDonald’s!” I told h… --- ## [How were Roman Engineers trained ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-were-roman-engineers-trained/688073)
**Author:** [@davida03801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davida03801)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2014, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-were-roman-engineers-trained/688073 "2014-05-17T03:06:11Z")
How were Roman Engineers trained ? Did they have colleges and schools as we understand them today, or was it more on the job training? Given the scale of the Roman Empire and vast size and scale of the buildings and in… --- ## [New job, Already burnt out.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-job-already-burnt-out/683172)
**Author:** [@StubbornV](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StubbornV)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2014, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-job-already-burnt-out/683172 "2014-03-09T18:19:12Z")
I just got a new job at Universal Studios. I am 20 years old and love my job there. This is where the problem comes in. At this moment I make 9 bucks an hour and a 1/2 away by car or 2 hours by metro. I can’t afford any… --- ## [Are there enough blood donations in the US to meet demand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-enough-blood-donations-in-the-us-to-meet-demand/501121)
**Author:** [@Blunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blunt)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2009, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-enough-blood-donations-in-the-us-to-meet-demand/501121 "2009-07-01T03:34:09Z")
A co-worker of mine is not allowed to donate blood for reasons she doesn’t necessarily agree with, and has been trying to convince the doctors that she should be allowed to donate. Disregarding the question of whether t… --- ## [Vehicle attacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vehicle-attacks/812999)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2018, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vehicle-attacks/812999 "2018-04-30T00:29:59Z")
Was just reading about this latest attack in Canada that killed 9 and injured 16 as was thinking about the ramifications of this new vector for nuts and terrorists to kill large numbers of people. I can’t think of any w… --- ## [Movies you hate but everyone else seems to love](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-you-hate-but-everyone-else-seems-to-love/357564)
**Author:** [@blinkingblinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blinkingblinking)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2006, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-you-hate-but-everyone-else-seems-to-love/357564 "2006-05-25T12:51:33Z")
This thread has sort of been done before, but I want to have my try. My inspriation is from the Seinfeld episode where Elaine hates ‘The English Patient’ but everyone else loves it. She ends up breaking up with her boyf… --- ## [Anyone still believe the Tea Party is not a social conservative/RR organization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-still-believe-the-tea-party-is-not-a-social-conservative-rr-organization/682495)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2014, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-still-believe-the-tea-party-is-not-a-social-conservative-rr-organization/682495 "2014-03-10T19:20:04Z")
There has been a long-running controversy, in the Dope and more broadly, as to whether the Tea Party is mainly an economic-libertarian, small government organization, or a social conservative/religious-right organization… --- ## [Do women use the bathroom at work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-women-use-the-bathroom-at-work/93796)
**Author:** [@LiquidLobotomy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LiquidLobotomy)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2001, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-women-use-the-bathroom-at-work/93796 "2001-12-04T14:01:20Z")
I know most women urinate at work, that’s unavoidable, but what about taking a dump? My wife insists that she has never gone number two at work and would rather have her intestines explode than use the work potty. Furthe… --- ## [eBay win cancelled; how best to handle it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-win-cancelled-how-best-to-handle-it/684901)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2014, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-win-cancelled-how-best-to-handle-it/684901 "2014-04-12T23:29:44Z")
I bid on an item on eBay and won. From the number next to the seller’s name, he appeared to be reasonably experienced. I paid for the item within minutes of the auction ending thru PayPal. Next day, I receive an email… --- ## [Are bathtubs important?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathtubs-important/693820)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2014, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bathtubs-important/693820 "2014-07-27T23:05:56Z")
I’m remodeling a bathroom and instead of a traditional shower/bath I’m thinking of just putting in a shower which will take up less space. What do you all think? It just seems to me that except for children, nobody uses… --- ## [The "When Will Cam Newton Give the Heisman Back" Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-when-will-cam-newton-give-the-heisman-back-pool/563890)
**Author:** [@TheFifthYear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheFifthYear)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2012, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-when-will-cam-newton-give-the-heisman-back-pool/563890 "2012-03-16T02:59:29Z")
Last night, Cam Newton won the Heisman despite being engulfed in controversy regarding the violations that occurred while he was being recruiting by Auburn and Mississippi State. Like Reggie Bush before him, it’s only a… --- ## [Pretentious cocktails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pretentious-cocktails/779529)
**Author:** [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2017, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pretentious-cocktails/779529 "2017-02-19T23:18:38Z")
I’ve been invited to a pretentious cocktail party. While I have some ideas for my entry, I figured I’d poll for others. Results are judged on arbitrary criteria, but will presumably include taste, appearance, and prete… --- ## [Men: Sudden, Urgent Need to Pee; Almost Losing Bladder Control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-sudden-urgent-need-to-pee-almost-losing-bladder-control/653740)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2013, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-sudden-urgent-need-to-pee-almost-losing-bladder-control/653740 "2013-03-24T19:56:22Z")
Guys, does this happen to you? When you have the moderate need to pee (only moderate at that point), and you’re somewhere where it takes a few minutes to get to the bathroom, and then as you’re nearing the bathroom that … --- ## [Will Libya end up being a positive for Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-libya-end-up-being-a-positive-for-obama/593665)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2011, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-libya-end-up-being-a-positive-for-obama/593665 "2011-08-29T16:37:05Z")
Some people were saying that Obama screwed up when he committed American forces in Libya (Operation Freedom Falcon - not to be confused with Operation Falcon Freedom). The argument was that Obama would end up getting bog… --- ## [What age should the kids leave home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-age-should-the-kids-leave-home/554709)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2010, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-age-should-the-kids-leave-home/554709 "2010-09-25T18:32:51Z")
Poll coming. Providing there not being a good reason for the offspring to stay (I.E. help paying for the bills, taking care of a sick parent, etc), at what age do you think children should finally leave home to make the… --- ## [Two Check Cashing questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-check-cashing-questions/684704)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2014, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-check-cashing-questions/684704 "2014-03-31T14:00:23Z")
These two questions have to do with the US, but I don’t know if the answers vary by state. If they do, I live in Montana and we’re still eagerly awaiting the first signs of Spring. Let’s say my daughter, who happens … --- ## [Smelly French or Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smelly-french-or-americans/257125)
**Author:** [@nonpolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nonpolar)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2014, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smelly-french-or-americans/257125 "2014-01-23T03:56:28Z")
Why Americans visiting France always stereotyping French as smelly and unwashed?.I have been there countless times and in my view is the other way around.I agree there are more people per squqre kilometer in Europe an… --- ## [So, "The Aristocrats" joke. Is it supposed to be, y'know, funny?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-aristocrats-joke-is-it-supposed-to-be-yknow-funny/676291)
**Author:** [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2013, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-aristocrats-joke-is-it-supposed-to-be-yknow-funny/676291 "2013-12-16T19:10:25Z")
Friend of mine told me about it a long time ago, after watching the film. And I was like… “Ok, and where is the funny?” I’ve heard about it plenty of times since then, and had pretty much the same reaction. Tonight, I w… --- ## [Validity of Graphology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-graphology/169710)
**Author:** [@Bill\_H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_H)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2003, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-graphology/169710 "2003-05-15T15:42:50Z")
Well, Cecil threw this out with a wave of his hand saying I’d like to know about those 200 objective scientific studies, and a web search brought up nothing. Cite, please. I have nothing but my own experience to dispu… --- ## [In which I blame Democrats for Donald Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-i-blame-democrats-for-donald-trump/741557)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2015, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-i-blame-democrats-for-donald-trump/741557 "2015-12-31T21:45:30Z")
Since I’m only partially serious here, I figure the PIt is the most appropriate place for this thread. Let’s go back to the Bush years. Let’s remember two fierce Bush critics from the paleocon side of things, Pat Buchan… --- ## [What was the first film with nudity that I/you saw?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-film-with-nudity-that-i-you-saw/394486)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2007, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-film-with-nudity-that-i-you-saw/394486 "2007-03-10T14:19:26Z")
I don’t remember the title (if the following sounds familiar please tell me what it was). I was about 6 or 7 and it was either on cable or it was a rented video. This college guy was caught peeping/sneaking into a … --- ## [What happens if I touch the lens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-i-touch-the-lens/146754)
**Author:** [@I\_can\_t\_believe\_that\_s\_butter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_can_t_believe_that_s_butter)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2003, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-i-touch-the-lens/146754 "2003-01-05T20:21:01Z")
Is this an efficient way of “loving-up” my CD player, or is it repairable? --- ## [Does Paul Ryan want to make the US a tax-free zone for billionaires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-paul-ryan-want-to-make-the-us-a-tax-free-zone-for-billionaires/631597)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-paul-ryan-want-to-make-the-us-a-tax-free-zone-for-billionaires/631597 "2012-08-17T10:01:39Z")
Inspired by this article: Mitt Romney Would Pay 0.82 Percent in Taxes Under Paul Ryan’s Plan (my bolding) It looks like Roll Call has also taken a look at the effect of Ryan’s policies on Romney’s taxes: Paul Ryan’s … --- ## [MPSIMS has gotten a minor rename to “Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mpsims-has-gotten-a-minor-rename-to-miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/981943)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2023, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mpsims-has-gotten-a-minor-rename-to-miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/981943 "2023-08-18T22:22:40Z")
The existing name is Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS) But the “Mundane Pointless” has been an issue with Breaking News and Death Notices of members being in this forum. The suggestion came from Irishman. … --- ## [What's up with flat feet and the military?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-flat-feet-and-the-military/527877)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2010, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-flat-feet-and-the-military/527877 "2010-02-07T22:12:49Z")
I’ve always heard that flat feet will keep you out of the service. True? Why??? --- ## [Things in English that annoy you.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-in-english-that-annoy-you/527537)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-in-english-that-annoy-you/527537 "2010-02-10T00:23:23Z")
I’m sure we’ve done this before, but why not do it again? We all have our little pet peeves about English. Mine: \[ol\] \[li\]There’s no singular gender-neutral third-person pronoun. Even when you don’t know the gender,… --- ## [Did you have a pretend marriage/baby assignment in high school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-have-a-pretend-marriage-baby-assignment-in-high-school/558306)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2010, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-have-a-pretend-marriage-baby-assignment-in-high-school/558306 "2010-10-27T01:03:41Z")
It’s a staple of sitcoms & dramas involving teenagers. As part of a class (usualy health or home ec) students are given a doll, egg, or bag of flour and have to pretend it’s a baby & care for it for a week. Sometime… --- ## [Terminator Genisys (seen it Thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminator-genisys-seen-it-thread/723970)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminator-genisys-seen-it-thread/723970 "2015-11-21T22:42:05Z")
Well, I really liked it. Easily the third best Terminator movie (and with very strong emphasys on the word “easily”, that’s not meant as snark). I liked Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor. I have never seen Game of Thrones s… --- ## [OK, so how is N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth series?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-how-is-n-k-jemisins-broken-earth-series/819951)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2018, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-how-is-n-k-jemisins-broken-earth-series/819951 "2018-09-08T12:22:38Z")
Wow, I must have lived in a cave. She won the Hugo award for best novel three years in a row??? I heard about some problems with voting in the Hugos? Is this a result of that, or does she really deserve the Hugo award f… --- ## [Mythbusters: The Search](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mythbusters-the-search/776700)
**Author:** [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mythbusters-the-search/776700 "2017-10-23T07:32:53Z")
Well, so far I’m not impressed with Mythbusters, the search. The conceit is that it’s a Survival type reality show whose goal is to select the next generation of Mythbusters. Ignoring the fact that the Jamie and Adam… --- ## [Why did FDR run for a fourth term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-fdr-run-for-a-fourth-term/651528)
**Author:** [@mattm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattm)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2013, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-fdr-run-for-a-fourth-term/651528 "2013-03-06T01:59:30Z")
In honor of the Twenty-Second Amendment today, can somebody explain why FDR decided to run for a fourth term. He knew he wouldn’t live another four years. The democrats were pretty much a shoe-in for the 1944 election,… --- ## [Explain jazz to me. Please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jazz-to-me-please/101735)
**Author:** [@Hayduke\_Lives](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hayduke_Lives)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2002, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jazz-to-me-please/101735 "2002-09-06T14:42:52Z")
I’m not trying to snub anyone’s taste or anything, but could someone maybe please explain jazz music to me? I know there are different varieties of jazz, so let me explain: On B.E.T.'s Jazz channel I see one guy playing… --- ## [How do professional gamblers stay in business?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-professional-gamblers-stay-in-business/404201)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2007, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-professional-gamblers-stay-in-business/404201 "2007-05-17T12:16:26Z")
If the odds always favor the house and the bookies, and presuming there’s no such thing as “luck” (consistanly doing better than the odds would predict), then how do professional gamblers stay solvent? By fleecing sucker… --- ## [Check my intuition here--the N word was never respectful, correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-my-intuition-here-the-n-word-was-never-respectful-correct/662135)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2013, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-my-intuition-here-the-n-word-was-never-respectful-correct/662135 "2013-12-31T04:47:18Z")
I am being told by two facebook “friends” that I’m just too young to remember how, in the fifties and sixties, many black people demanded to be called “nigger” as a term of respect. I dismiss this claim out of hand. But… --- ## [What do you think of the term "baby bump"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-term-baby-bump/619386)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2013, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-term-baby-bump/619386 "2013-05-01T13:41:07Z")
It seems that the latest buzz word I keep hearing is “baby bump”, referring to a pregnant woman’s stomach. I swear that not since every other word out of Nancy Grace’s mouth was “Tot Mom” have two words been so annoying … --- ## [Why is there no cheese in Chinese food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-no-cheese-in-chinese-food/313419)
**Author:** [@steam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steam)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2012, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-no-cheese-in-chinese-food/313419 "2012-01-24T13:42:13Z")
I’ve always wondered why when I go to a Chineese take out or restaurant there is no cheese in the dishes or food for that matter. Why is this? With the Chinese culture being one of the oldest in the world, you’d think th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1038&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1040&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)