# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1087&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:** 1088 --- ## [Can a President veto a declaration of war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-president-veto-a-declaration-of-war/578423)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2015, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-president-veto-a-declaration-of-war/578423 "2015-07-17T04:24:59Z")
Let’s say that tomorrow, Congress decides that its time to go to war against, say, those sneaky Canadians. A declaration of war passes both houses of Congress, but Obama vetoes it. Can he do this? As a follow up, let’… --- ## [What industries are there no small/obscure players?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-industries-are-there-no-small-obscure-players/676944)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2013, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-industries-are-there-no-small-obscure-players/676944 "2013-12-25T23:00:02Z")
I was quite surprised to discover there are now only 3 hard drive manufacturers (Western Digital, Seagate & Toshiba) who make every single magnetic hard drive in the world (down from 10 in 2000). Usually with most indust… --- ## [Supreme Court rules that sex offenders can be held indefinitely](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-rules-that-sex-offenders-can-be-held-indefinitely/539794)
**Author:** [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2010, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-rules-that-sex-offenders-can-be-held-indefinitely/539794 "2010-05-20T18:57:16Z")
I’m shocked at this recent U.S. Supreme Court decision: Sex offenders can be kept in prison, justices rule Inmates considered “sexually dangerous” can now be held indefinitely even after their prison terms are complete… --- ## [how many photons emitted from a light bulb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-photons-emitted-from-a-light-bulb/322736)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2005, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-photons-emitted-from-a-light-bulb/322736 "2005-09-22T13:05:57Z")
Lets say its a standard office type fluorescent bulb about 4 ft long. I don’t know how many watts…how about whatever is standard 40? 60? How many photons would be emitted by such a white light source per second? Is it… --- ## [Nonsensical Ask Marilyn puzzle in 11/2/14 Parade Magazine column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonsensical-ask-marilyn-puzzle-in-11-2-14-parade-magazine-column/703420)
**Author:** [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2014, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonsensical-ask-marilyn-puzzle-in-11-2-14-parade-magazine-column/703420 "2014-11-08T22:24:40Z")
Scroll down a little bit to see David Price’s question: http://parade.condenast.com/350739/marilynvossavant/do-gifted-children-need-special-support-plus-a-dandy-logic-puzzle/ He asks, “If x and y are counting numbers (… --- ## [Sports cars with automatic transmissions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-cars-with-automatic-transmissions/379656)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2006, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-cars-with-automatic-transmissions/379656 "2006-11-13T07:20:28Z")
\[Probably not quite angsty-enough to Pit, but here goes\] Now this I can’t quite grasp. In the parking lot today, I saw a Porsche Boxster. Naturally being the sports car nut that I am, I checked out the interior-only t… --- ## [What is the scientific explanation for why caucasian features are “objectively” the best looking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-scientific-explanation-for-why-caucasian-features-are-objectively-the-best-looking/697145)
**Author:** [@Gorilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorilla)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2014, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-scientific-explanation-for-why-caucasian-features-are-objectively-the-best-looking/697145 "2014-09-12T03:01:45Z")
Coming across a webpage titled “The facial proportions of beautiful people” has made me to finally pose a question that I have often thought about but never asked. The entire tone of the article, the carefully chosen pic… --- ## [Small Plane Crashes into Building in Austin, TX](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-plane-crashes-into-building-in-austin-tx/529484)
**Author:** [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2010, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-plane-crashes-into-building-in-austin-tx/529484 "2010-02-20T06:04:12Z")
A few buildings are now burning. Unfolding story. --- ## [Aren't insults towards a poster's family off limits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arent-insults-towards-a-posters-family-off-limits/577249)
**Author:** [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2011, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arent-insults-towards-a-posters-family-off-limits/577249 "2011-04-08T22:11:50Z")
I’m thinking about this post reprinted below. I could understand it not rising to the level of a warning, but surely such things should be specifically discouraged, rather than just getting a “not pointing fingers”-style… --- ## ["Apprentice" finale -- 12/15/05](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apprentice-finale-12-15-05/335721)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2005, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apprentice-finale-12-15-05/335721 "2005-12-22T02:32:08Z")
Tonight’s the night (gonna be all right…) I’m psyched. For my money, this has been the best season since the first, and I’m totally okay with either of these people winning. (Though of course I like Randal better – you’… --- ## [I pit the following "cutesy" holiday nicknames](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-following-cutesy-holiday-nicknames/603942)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-following-cutesy-holiday-nicknames/603942 "2011-12-01T04:20:20Z")
Every year around we have to listen to TV commentators, DJs, and stupid people in general who think they’re being clever or witty by referring to holidays by the same insipid nicknames people have been using for decades.… --- ## [Made up song titles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-up-song-titles/841703)
**Author:** [@atimnie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/atimnie)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2019, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-up-song-titles/841703 "2019-12-03T18:24:46Z")
We got the bands, what songs are they singing? I Won’t Hold Your Hand Until You Clean the Dirt Under Your Fingernails --- ## [Can wearing contacts too long damage your eyes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-wearing-contacts-too-long-damage-your-eyes/339782)
**Author:** [@spankari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spankari)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2020, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-wearing-contacts-too-long-damage-your-eyes/339782 "2020-01-09T22:16:37Z")
I’ve been wearing contacts for about 10 years now and I typically leave them in for up to 6 months at a time. I’ve used mostly Acuvue but recently switched to Night and Day disposable contacts which are supposed to be s… --- ## [Cooling pad for gaming laptop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooling-pad-for-gaming-laptop/560465)
**Author:** [@Soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soul)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2011, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooling-pad-for-gaming-laptop/560465 "2011-11-02T22:01:39Z")
I have once again crossed over to the dark side and started playing World of Warcraft. This time, I’m doing it on my beloved MacBook Pro - my first time ever using this thing for gaming. It gets HOT. HOT HOT HOT HOT. N… --- ## [Who's hotter..Monica, Rachael, or Phoebe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-hotter-monica-rachael-or-phoebe/14506)
**Author:** [@jayburner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayburner)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2000, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-hotter-monica-rachael-or-phoebe/14506 "2000-03-09T16:14:00Z")
I’m really partial to Monica…something very squeezable about her I’m as confused as a baby in a topless bar --- ## [In your experience, tickling is most likely to be ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-experience-tickling-is-most-likely-to-be/556157)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2010, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-experience-tickling-is-most-likely-to-be/556157 "2010-10-07T17:16:10Z")
well, see the poll options for your, ah, options. Bear in mind I’m asking your opinions of persons who engage in tickling based on your personal experiences. There is no Fool of a Took option because I forgot to put it… --- ## [College students wearing fur coats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-students-wearing-fur-coats/542950)
**Author:** [@Oglomott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oglomott)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2010, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-students-wearing-fur-coats/542950 "2010-06-15T18:34:52Z")
Over the years, I’ve noticed in many old movies from the 1930’s and 1940’s where a college campus or college life is depicted, some of the male students are depicted wearing long, heavy fur coats. If memory serves, one … --- ## [Can a corporation take away my rights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-corporation-take-away-my-rights/534746)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2010, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-corporation-take-away-my-rights/534746 "2010-04-05T20:27:59Z")
The US has a bill of rights that sets out a variety of actions that the government cannot infringe on: speech, assembly, gun ownership, religion, etc. It has been suggested by many on this board that rights are part of… --- ## [How far do you drive on road trips?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-do-you-drive-on-road-trips/654883)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2013, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-do-you-drive-on-road-trips/654883 "2013-04-06T23:51:37Z")
I’ve driven from Minneapolis to Kansas City once, to St. Louis twice, and Chicago numerous time. Wondering if I’m unusual or if covering that distance alone is common. Now that Southwest is in town I am flying more, but … --- ## [Who Opens For Who?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-opens-for-who/642988)
**Author:** [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2012, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-opens-for-who/642988 "2012-12-14T07:20:56Z")
I average a couple concerts a month and have recently been thrown by who was the opening act at double-billed shows. The first was a Joan Jett / Paul (Bad Co.) Rodgers bill. We arrived close to the starting time because… --- ## [Funniest jokes in 10 words or less](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funniest-jokes-in-10-words-or-less/941946)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2021, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funniest-jokes-in-10-words-or-less/941946 "2021-06-22T04:18:11Z")
There are lots of old joke threads here but this one has a limitation - the jokes can be no longer than ten words total. Here’s mine… What do you call a girl who can’t draw? Tracy. --- ## [Where to live in Philadelphia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-live-in-philadelphia/625008)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2013, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-live-in-philadelphia/625008 "2013-12-24T02:57:36Z")
There’s a strong possibility my GF is getting a new job in Philadelphia, PA. She’s basically been offered the job already (but still has to go through the application process, blah blah blah). It’s more money for her, … --- ## [Boy marries cow.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boy-marries-cow/543440)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2010, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boy-marries-cow/543440 "2010-06-19T19:54:32Z")
They take bestiality seriously in Jakarta. --- ## [Crickets or frogs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crickets-or-frogs/698340)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2014, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crickets-or-frogs/698340 "2014-09-13T17:08:21Z")
How does one tell if the chorus of nighttime chirping, whirring, cheeping is coming from insects or amphibians? (Note that not all frogs make a distinct “croak croak croak” noise.) I’ve wondered this for a long time. … --- ## [Whatcha readin' November edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-november-edition/424696)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2007, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-november-edition/424696 "2007-11-30T13:35:04Z")
OK, we had enough interest here such that I guess we can try to do this monthly. I am still reading the latest Potter. It has picked up and I’m enjoying it more than I was at first. I am also still reading Alpine for… --- ## [Errors in Books That Make You Shake Your Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/errors-in-books-that-make-you-shake-your-head/706830)
**Author:** [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2014, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/errors-in-books-that-make-you-shake-your-head/706830 "2014-12-22T03:31:45Z")
I bought two books for a recent long haul flight. Book 1- in the introduction on page 6 starts the second paragraph: “The last three chapters, set in November and December, depict the wars transformation of war and of … --- ## [Thumb-sucking among teen girls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thumb-sucking-among-teen-girls/441004)
**Author:** [@Can\_Handle\_the\_Truth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Can_Handle_the_Truth)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thumb-sucking-among-teen-girls/441004 "2008-03-13T22:04:18Z")
Since I’ve been substituting, I’ve noticed a lot of middle school girls who suck their thumbs in class, especially when working on an assignment. Some also do it after I get on their case for talking or goofing off. I’d … --- ## [Can the IRS sieze money from a Canadian bank?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-irs-sieze-money-from-a-canadian-bank/636224)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2012, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-irs-sieze-money-from-a-canadian-bank/636224 "2012-10-01T21:43:10Z")
Our sysop was telling me yesterday that his wife was born in the US, left at age 12 and has never filed US tax returns. She has no money in the US. He was telling me that under a new law coming into effect in 2013, the… --- ## [What would you do if you found these notes on your car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-if-you-found-these-notes-on-your-car/411606)
**Author:** [@ready29003](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ready29003)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2007, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-if-you-found-these-notes-on-your-car/411606 "2007-07-21T20:23:36Z")
Heya, So gimme your honest opinion. I drive a Ford F-150 to work. I work at a hospital with very sparce parking and so I park across the street in a grocery store parking lot. I got kinda sick of that, and decided to… --- ## [Ron Jeremy's apparently in critical condition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ron-jeremys-apparently-in-critical-condition/648834)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2013, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ron-jeremys-apparently-in-critical-condition/648834 "2013-04-03T20:50:54Z")
At least that’s what the story said before they removed it. I guess the editor decided it wasn’t very newsworthy after all. I’m not going to google up a new link from work. Something about a heart aneurism. He was be… --- ## [Black nude models & breast size](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-nude-models-breast-size/275630)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2004, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-nude-models-breast-size/275630 "2004-11-20T10:50:35Z")
Erm, I wasn’t really sure if this should go here or in Cafe Society. Since it is really more of a cultural kind of question, I decided on GQ. I’m a white guy who enjoys looking at nude models. I like women of all ethnic… --- ## [What to do if someone refuses to adhere to quarantine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-if-someone-refuses-to-adhere-to-quarantine/702902)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-if-someone-refuses-to-adhere-to-quarantine/702902 "2014-11-02T04:59:28Z")
Obviously, this question was inspired by the healthcare workers who returned to the U.S. from West Africa. particularly the case of Kaci Hickox, which you can read a little about here. In short, she doesn’t want to be q… --- ## [Are You Supposed To Be Attracted To Your SO After 50?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-supposed-to-be-attracted-to-your-so-after-50/681439)
**Author:** [@nogwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nogwart)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-supposed-to-be-attracted-to-your-so-after-50/681439 "2014-02-18T13:44:34Z")
So, I’m 50. Now, I’m wondering if there’s something wrong with me because I no longer find my wife attractive in any way whatsoever. She is my best friend, make no mistake, and I’d lie, cheat, steal, kill and die for h… --- ## [How come prostitution is so widespread in Thailand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-prostitution-is-so-widespread-in-thailand/567450)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2011, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-prostitution-is-so-widespread-in-thailand/567450 "2011-01-17T04:39:17Z")
How did it come to be? Is it legal or illegal but tolerated? How large a part of the economy is it? How are the prostitutes looked upon by other citizens? --- ## [Small scenes an actor absolutely nails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-scenes-an-actor-absolutely-nails/435775)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2008, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-scenes-an-actor-absolutely-nails/435775 "2008-02-15T18:41:42Z")
So I happened to see an Angel episoe recently that began with Angel away from the hotel on a grief vacation and Cordelia, Wesley, and Gunn discussing his absence. Cordelia was affecting to care more about the hotel’s rat… --- ## [Community 4/21](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/community-4-21/579324)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2011, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/community-4-21/579324 "2011-04-25T00:35:27Z")
Pure Genius. Is there anything this show can’t do? When your clip show is awesome, you win! --- ## [Would Nixon really have been convicted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-nixon-really-have-been-convicted/583754)
**Author:** [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2011, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-nixon-really-have-been-convicted/583754 "2011-05-31T16:09:42Z")
OOPS! Title should be: \*\*Would Nixon have been convicted? \*\* I took a Political Science class in about 1990. The professor was a flaming liberal, and could hardly stand to hear a conservative politician’s name without … --- ## [Who is your favorite Springfield resident and what's your fave phrase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-your-favorite-springfield-resident-and-whats-your-fave-phrase/647421)
**Author:** [@Steener122](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steener122)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2013, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-your-favorite-springfield-resident-and-whats-your-fave-phrase/647421 "2013-01-23T10:05:25Z")
I’m wondering what Springfield resident you like the best. I’m also wondering what your all time favorite saying is. You can pick a few but number them. YOUR FAV PHRASE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THE CHARCHTER YOU LIKE THE BEST… --- ## [Help needed with college instructor ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-with-college-instructor/575413)
**Author:** [@Bonne\_journee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bonne_journee)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2011, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-with-college-instructor/575413 "2011-03-26T21:06:55Z")
8 weeks of a foreign language. I’m very inquisitive. 2 tests = 96& and 93%. Doing really good. Send another email to the instructor (yes, I did say “another.”) Wow, I get an email back in CAPITOL letters - he’s YELL… --- ## [Resolved: Don't make a TV show with a premise if you can't do it "right"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-dont-make-a-tv-show-with-a-premise-if-you-cant-do-it-right/701572)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2014, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-dont-make-a-tv-show-with-a-premise-if-you-cant-do-it-right/701572 "2014-10-24T22:34:53Z")
Inspired by discussions of how unrealistic some TV shows are because of the way the storytelling aspects interfere with the realism (e.g. if you don’t let the ADAs question suspects, your cast will become bloated; if the… --- ## [What's up with fan fiction that doesn't suck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-fan-fiction-that-doesnt-suck/539365)
**Author:** [@The\_Seventh\_Deadly\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Seventh_Deadly_Finn)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2010, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-fan-fiction-that-doesnt-suck/539365 "2010-05-14T23:28:34Z")
I’ve been working up to writing a novel. I’ve published a fair amount of journalism and feature writing over the years, and I cherish the notion (right or wrong) that I’m a pretty good writer. I’ve always secretly belie… --- ## [Milk Jug Indentations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milk-jug-indentations/66643)
**Author:** [@K3v1n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K3v1n)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2001, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milk-jug-indentations/66643 "2001-05-28T02:08:03Z")
Is there any purpose for the indentations on 2 sides of a plastic milk jug? Our family was wondering this tonight at dinner. I thought it was because it was a way to make that much more profit, but I figure there must be… --- ## [Why is "Savage" such a common last name, given what it means?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-savage-such-a-common-last-name-given-what-it-means/317211)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2005, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-savage-such-a-common-last-name-given-what-it-means/317211 "2005-08-16T16:31:29Z")
Dan Savage. Michael Savage. Fred and Ben Savage. There are plenty of non-celebrity Savages too - any phone book will be full of them. Given the meaning of the word “savage,” why do so many people have it as a last name?… --- ## [Is there a name for this film effect? (Gladiator fight scenes)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-film-effect-gladiator-fight-scenes/266459)
**Author:** [@Tir\_Tinuviel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tir_Tinuviel)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2004, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-film-effect-gladiator-fight-scenes/266459 "2004-10-05T18:34:31Z")
So Gladiator was on TV the other day, and it reminded me I meant to ask this question ages ago. In the fight scenes they seem to have applied some sort of effect. To me it looks kinda strobey, almost like they’ve remov… --- ## [Did the press corps save GWBush from total embarassment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-press-corps-save-gwbush-from-total-embarassment/111538)
**Author:** [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Replies:** 197\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2002, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-press-corps-save-gwbush-from-total-embarassment/111538 "2002-06-10T03:03:34Z")
Got this in my mailbox this morning: The original article (in German) can be found here; an English translation is here. Now, I don’t know Der Spiegel (the source of the German article) from a hole in the ground, so i… --- ## [Revolutionary \[War\] Statue Destroyed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revolutionary-war-statue-destroyed/794761)
**Author:** [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revolutionary-war-statue-destroyed/794761 "2017-08-30T05:23:46Z")
It’s funny that those who warn that placating a mob won’t satisfy the mob are vindicated when slippery slope worries once again manifest themselves. Some vandal took it upon himself, herself, \_\_\_\_self and destroyed a s… --- ## [Is 'shylocking' a racist/dirty word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-shylocking-a-racist-dirty-word/400549)
**Author:** [@askman200704](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askman200704)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2007, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-shylocking-a-racist-dirty-word/400549 "2007-04-21T12:09:31Z")
People in gangster movies and tv shows often use the word ‘shylock’ or ‘shylocking’ to refer to anyone who lends money at an extremely high rate. I know the word is derived from the name of Shakespear’s Merchant of Veni… --- ## [Phrases I Need to Never Hear My Mother Say](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phrases-i-need-to-never-hear-my-mother-say/664092)
**Author:** [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2013, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phrases-i-need-to-never-hear-my-mother-say/664092 "2013-07-29T18:35:27Z")
So, I’m having dinner with my parents tonight. My mom makes me a drink, but overfills the glass so the only thing keeping it from overflowing is the surface tension of the liquid, making it impossible to lift the glass … --- ## [The gold in Fort Knox--what is it for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gold-in-fort-knox-what-is-it-for/468534)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2008, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gold-in-fort-knox-what-is-it-for/468534 "2008-10-22T01:21:38Z")
The US went off the gold standard in 1971, and according to wiki, no countries back up their currency with precious metal anymore. As I understand it, before 1971, the gold standard meant something. There physically wa… --- ## [Adorable Things You Believed as a Child, Part Whatever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adorable-things-you-believed-as-a-child-part-whatever/669809)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2013, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adorable-things-you-believed-as-a-child-part-whatever/669809 "2013-10-03T01:41:56Z")
This gets done from time to time around here (even I have started a thread about it). Can’t hurt to do it again. When I was a wee lad, I believed: \[ul\] \[li\]I believed that the brand of baseball played by the Chicago C… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1086&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1088&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)