# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1123&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:** 1124 --- ## [Should firms be made to forego the option of outsourcing/offshoring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-firms-be-made-to-forego-the-option-of-outsourcing-offshoring/627483)
**Author:** [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2012, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-firms-be-made-to-forego-the-option-of-outsourcing-offshoring/627483 "2012-07-18T23:05:09Z")
In an article in the NYtimes, Paul Krugman seems to be arguing against outsourcing/offshoring. He goes on to say that since American contractors just use workers with lower benefits and pay, even outsourcing is bad for… --- ## [world oldest army?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-oldest-army/84603)
**Author:** [@curwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curwin)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2013, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-oldest-army/84603 "2013-12-03T02:35:27Z")
I was playing Trivial Pursuit yesterday, and the following question came up: “Which country has the world’s oldest army” - and the answer was the Swiss Guards at the Vatican City, since 1503. Is that really accurate? The… --- ## [NBC's La Brea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nbcs-la-brea/947527)
**Author:** [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2021, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nbcs-la-brea/947527 "2021-11-19T15:32:58Z")
Hot on the heels of cancelling Debris, NBC is advertising what looks like another upcoming science fiction McGuffin mystery type show. Over and over, network TV puts on shows like this that I think are interesting - Surf… --- ## [I pit you, Mr. Grinch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-you-mr-grinch/475463)
**Author:** [@ShermanAter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShermanAter)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2008, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-you-mr-grinch/475463 "2008-12-17T02:50:23Z")
In which I pit you Mr. Grinch. You filthy, filthy bastard. written by the honorable Dr. Seuss You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel. You’re as cuddly as a cactus, You’re as charming as an eel. Mr. … --- ## [Any alternatives to "nice to meet you?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-alternatives-to-nice-to-meet-you/468157)
**Author:** [@Sanders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sanders)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-alternatives-to-nice-to-meet-you/468157 "2008-10-17T22:38:14Z")
I just watched the debate with some new acquaintances… Is there any tactful way to bid somebody goodbye, such as saying “it was nice meeting you”, but without lying? --- ## [New boyfriend is a little too philosophical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-boyfriend-is-a-little-too-philosophical/684619)
**Author:** [@BaystateBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BaystateBlue)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2014, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-boyfriend-is-a-little-too-philosophical/684619 "2014-03-28T13:41:07Z")
So, I’ve been with my boyfriend for about 1.5 months, but we have been friends for a few months before that. This is my first relationship. Our relationship moved really quickly. I quickly started staying over at his ho… --- ## [Identify the books from the opening lines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-the-books-from-the-opening-lines/285695)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2005, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-the-books-from-the-opening-lines/285695 "2005-01-27T19:24:25Z")
We haven’t done one in a while. Rules are simple; identify the work by the opening lines. Add new ones if you wish. As a hint, all of the ones in this post are public domain works originally written in English. The works… --- ## [Tell me random cool things about yourself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-random-cool-things-about-yourself/176634)
**Author:** [@Loneraven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loneraven)\ **Replies:** 189\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2003, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-random-cool-things-about-yourself/176634 "2003-05-30T03:08:15Z")
Well, I’m bored, as examination hell is giving me a temporary respite. Therefore, I’m giving you a mundane pointless thread devoted to random cool things because: They’re random. They’re cool. Hi, Opal. Who doesn’t (se… --- ## [A license plate I saw this morning.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-license-plate-i-saw-this-morning/486399)
**Author:** [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2009, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-license-plate-i-saw-this-morning/486399 "2009-08-20T19:57:15Z")
--- ## [Zima is dead and society is to blame](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zima-is-dead-and-society-is-to-blame/475480)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2008, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zima-is-dead-and-society-is-to-blame/475480 "2008-12-09T05:08:55Z")
The Long, Slow, Torturous Death of Zima Fourteen years after its heyday, Zima is finally at peace. --- ## [Why use City, State, and Zip Code on envelopes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-use-city-state-and-zip-code-on-envelopes/654125)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2013, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-use-city-state-and-zip-code-on-envelopes/654125 "2013-03-30T02:00:08Z")
A zip code encodes the city and state. Isn’t it redundant to have to include the city and state when addressing an envelope? “59711” means Anaconda MT (yes, it actually means a particular post office in Anaconda MT; the … --- ## [What really happened with Marcus Luttrell and operation red wings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-happened-with-marcus-luttrell-and-operation-red-wings/676616)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2015, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-happened-with-marcus-luttrell-and-operation-red-wings/676616 "2015-12-20T10:45:37Z")
Now that a movie is coming out based on the book lone survivor, I’m guessing there will be more attention brought to this issue. I read Luttrell’s book a few years ago and liked it, but a few things stood out for me. (… --- ## [Do liberals and conservatives have different facial features?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-liberals-and-conservatives-have-different-facial-features/496039)
**Author:** [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-liberals-and-conservatives-have-different-facial-features/496039 "2017-10-14T21:55:56Z")
Just inspired by this thread, which implored me to look up images of John Boehner. The instant I saw this guy’s picture, I knew he was a conservative. It was immediately apparent to me-- the weirdly vacant eyes, the neat… --- ## [Women with a chin beard - Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-with-a-chin-beard-why/740269)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-with-a-chin-beard-why/740269 "2015-12-15T18:32:47Z")
The customer service woman in a store had a chin beard. It looked something like this: http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly\_fs/1.1313615.1365690765!/img/httpImage/image.jpg\_gen/derivatives/article\_970/beard12n-1-web.j… --- ## [What are your favorite Fallout New Vegas mods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-fallout-new-vegas-mods/589205)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-fallout-new-vegas-mods/589205 "2015-12-14T13:54:18Z")
I’ve played through it once on the Xbox and have downloaded it from Steam. I’ve heard that Bethesda’s games often greatly benefit from mods. Which ones should I get? What do they offer? --- ## [Tree trimming around electric wires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566)
**Author:** [@nineiron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nineiron)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2003, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566 "2003-06-10T00:06:55Z")
If one is going to trim a tree which has a few branches that touch electrical wiring, what is the danger in trimming branches that are nowhere near these wires? Is it only a risk if I were to touch the branch that itsel… --- ## [Is Alaska east or west? Or both?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alaska-east-or-west-or-both/621818)
**Author:** [@mjking9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mjking9)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2012, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alaska-east-or-west-or-both/621818 "2012-05-14T22:22:12Z")
Does anything Alaskan cross the international date line – making it both the westernmost and easternmost US state? I can’t seem to get a definitive answer to this. It may involve the position of the Aleutian Islands off… --- ## [Anyone seen Liberal lately?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-seen-liberal-lately/532724)
**Author:** [@leander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leander)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2010, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-seen-liberal-lately/532724 "2010-03-28T11:08:58Z")
I was thinking about old Liberal today - he and I had a few run ins ages ago, but overall I grew to like the guy and he certainly added a lot to this board. Despite his many dramatics (or perhaps because of…) he was a p… --- ## [OJ a Suspect in Vegas Break-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oj-a-suspect-in-vegas-break-in/419214)
**Author:** [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2007, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oj-a-suspect-in-vegas-break-in/419214 "2007-09-24T23:54:50Z")
Seems as our estimable Mr. Simpson was conducting a sting operation to the purpose of recovering some of his personal property. The Las Vegas police took a different view. What the fuck is their problem? Granted, he … --- ## [Cat people, why is my cat acting like this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-people-why-is-my-cat-acting-like-this/293824)
**Author:** [@Brendan\_Donovan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brendan_Donovan)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2005, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-people-why-is-my-cat-acting-like-this/293824 "2005-04-04T11:12:20Z")
Right now he has immobilized by straddling my right arm and is gently but firmly nipping the skin in my wrist. He is also pressing my arm alternating with his left and right paws. He’s a 31/2 yr old fixed cat, indoor a… --- ## [Funny cartoon I found today on youtube](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-cartoon-i-found-today-on-youtube/773521)
**Author:** [@OriginalGangster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OriginalGangster)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-cartoon-i-found-today-on-youtube/773521 "2016-12-03T20:06:02Z")
Not politically correct, but definitely funny. It could be the diversion America currently needs. The Faffts https://youtu.be/PU9zcO82NE0 --- ## [What unusual skills do you have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-unusual-skills-do-you-have/813120)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2018, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-unusual-skills-do-you-have/813120 "2018-05-11T17:39:45Z")
I can give cats injections (assuming the stupid cat hasn’t hidden herself away under the bed). --- ## [Bands that just can't perform well live.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bands-that-just-cant-perform-well-live/660139)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2013, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bands-that-just-cant-perform-well-live/660139 "2013-06-09T23:13:26Z")
Some bands…god bless their hearts, they just can’t sound right whenever they play live. The saddest case, in my opinion, is Animal Collective. They have amazinggg studio work and I have loved their sound once I was able… --- ## [What if Edward VIII had never met Wallis Simpson?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-edward-viii-had-never-met-wallis-simpson/643669)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-edward-viii-had-never-met-wallis-simpson/643669 "2012-12-13T13:02:41Z")
Would he still have been forced to abdicate, later, just for being a Nazi sympathizer, as war with Germany approached? If not, how could he possibly have worked with Churchill? --- ## [Truckin'...like the Dudah man??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/truckin-like-the-dudah-man/4233)
**Author:** [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 1999, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/truckin-like-the-dudah-man/4233 "1999-10-26T20:58:00Z")
While discussing the Grateful Dead, a question arose: Who or what is the Dudah Man(sp?) in the song “Truckin’” --- ## [First commercially available computer for home use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-commercially-available-computer-for-home-use/781672)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-commercially-available-computer-for-home-use/781672 "2017-03-14T21:02:40Z")
What was the first commercially available computer that could be purchased by individuals? When did it come out? Video game consoles do count, as do DIY kits. --- ## [Question For Republicans: If Trump is elected...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-republicans-if-trump-is-elected/760420)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2016, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-republicans-if-trump-is-elected/760420 "2016-07-25T15:07:23Z")
…will you consider it a win because at least your Party wins? --- ## [Sex Poll Inspired By The Stand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-poll-inspired-by-the-stand/419168)
**Author:** [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2007, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-poll-inspired-by-the-stand/419168 "2007-09-19T13:51:50Z")
In Stephen King’s novel The Stand, two of the supporting evil characters, Harold and Nadine, briefly have a sexual relationship. We are given to know that (offscreen) they do everything except vaginal intercourse becaus… --- ## [How often are you insulted at work and what was the last insult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-you-insulted-at-work-and-what-was-the-last-insult/697717)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2014, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-you-insulted-at-work-and-what-was-the-last-insult/697717 "2014-09-11T21:43:57Z")
I’d put the number somewhere around once or twice a week. I think that number is too high, but there is little I can do about it. It seems to be a hazard of being an attorney. The last insult came from an opposing part… --- ## [Photographers, help me fix a flawed but potentially good picture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photographers-help-me-fix-a-flawed-but-potentially-good-picture/610846)
**Author:** [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2012, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photographers-help-me-fix-a-flawed-but-potentially-good-picture/610846 "2012-02-04T04:25:30Z")
I went to Bangladesh in 2010 and took a lot of pictures I’m quite proud of - it’s a very photogenic place. I’m not very good at portraits, though. But I was in a train and spotted an amazing looking couple, and (with the… --- ## [Did Canadians ever drive on the left?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-canadians-ever-drive-on-the-left/55045)
**Author:** [@SmackFu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmackFu)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2001, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-canadians-ever-drive-on-the-left/55045 "2001-02-20T00:32:42Z")
Did Canadians ever drive on the left? The obviously have some strong ties to the UK. I’m surprised they don’t have this one. How about the other colonies, like India? --- ## [Muslim Contributions to the US and the World](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muslim-contributions-to-the-us-and-the-world/176644)
**Author:** [@Major\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Major_Kong)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2003, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muslim-contributions-to-the-us-and-the-world/176644 "2003-05-27T17:10:06Z")
I was talking to someone today and they said Muslims had made no contributions to the US or the world. I am sure they contributed a number of things, but I don’t really know what specifically. So I would like to know wh… --- ## [When did you last see cartoons before a movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-last-see-cartoons-before-a-movie/563955)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-last-see-cartoons-before-a-movie/563955 "2010-12-14T17:57:49Z")
While digging around for facts about the late 60s Warner Brothers cartoon Bunny and Claude, I found out it was made for theatrical release. That suprised me because I thought they stopped running cartoons before movies … --- ## [When did the Greek/Roman gods go away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-greek-roman-gods-go-away/513666)
**Author:** [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2009, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-greek-roman-gods-go-away/513666 "2009-10-14T17:53:14Z")
When did the last people who believed in the Greek gods die? Did it last until the end of the Roman Empire? Beyond it? --- ## [Hulu To Begin Subscriptions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hulu-to-begin-subscriptions/537061)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hulu-to-begin-subscriptions/537061 "2010-04-30T01:21:10Z")
Full story at: LA Times Well what do you all think? --- ## [Do heavier skiers move faster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-heavier-skiers-move-faster/673749)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-heavier-skiers-move-faster/673749 "2013-11-15T23:00:20Z")
I know that it defies Newton’s Laws but my students are convinced that when they have exactly the same skis as someone else, the heavier person moves faster. I wonder if there is a reduction of friction similar to skate… --- ## [Why do car steering wheels turn so many times?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-car-steering-wheels-turn-so-many-times/698930)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2014, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-car-steering-wheels-turn-so-many-times/698930 "2014-09-22T06:34:49Z")
My daughter started driving last year and they taught them to feed the wheel around as they turn, rather than the hand-over-hand method that I learned. Regardless of your preferred method, the whole issue would go away i… --- ## [Bush: Being Called a Racist was the Worst Moment of my Presidency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-being-called-a-racist-was-the-worst-moment-of-my-presidency/559441)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2010, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-being-called-a-racist-was-the-worst-moment-of-my-presidency/559441 "2010-11-08T19:29:25Z")
Link to article on HuffPo here That headline overportrays it - Bush says he “was most disgusted” by this accusation of racism by Kanye West - it was the lowest blow he received: Lots to comment on - Really? Being c… --- ## [Chicken Sandwich Wars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-sandwich-wars/839136)
**Author:** [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2020, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-sandwich-wars/839136 "2020-03-08T06:27:44Z")
I’m surprised there isn’t already been a post on this. Popeye’s has started serving a chicken sandwich. There has been some back and forth between them, Chick-fil-a, and Wendy’s as to who has the best sandwich. We trie… --- ## [Author of pedophile book arrested.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/author-of-pedophile-book-arrested/564897)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2010, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/author-of-pedophile-book-arrested/564897 "2010-12-27T09:14:17Z")
This is disturbing. Obviously the world is better off this guy locked up if he did abuse children, but being arrested for writing a book is not a good thing. --- ## [Richard Simmons 'missing'. Who knew?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/richard-simmons-missing-who-knew/748790)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2016, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/richard-simmons-missing-who-knew/748790 "2016-06-10T13:52:50Z")
Richard Simmons Has Been Missing for Two Years, Friends Concerned He’s Being Held Hostage According to his Wikipedia page, ‘Simmons claims to have few friends, saying, “I don’t have a lot to offer to one person. I have… --- ## [Student Suspended for Refusing Pledge of Allegiance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/student-suspended-for-refusing-pledge-of-allegiance/687994)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2014, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/student-suspended-for-refusing-pledge-of-allegiance/687994 "2014-05-10T20:14:23Z")
15 year old sophomore student refuses to stand for Pledge of Allegiance with classmates, so principal gives him 2 days of in school suspension. http://www.kvue.com/news/state/258460201.html Offhand this would seem to v… --- ## [Religious Dopers – what evidence\* could make you question or reject your faith?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-dopers-what-evidence-could-make-you-question-or-reject-your-faith/475171)
**Author:** [@Aro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aro)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2008, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-dopers-what-evidence-could-make-you-question-or-reject-your-faith/475171 "2008-12-15T00:16:51Z")
If anything would? On both a personal and a collective level; what would it take to convince you that your current belief system is wrong? What landmark or exceptional act do you think could occur to disable the entire … --- ## [What to call people from the USA, other than "Americans?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-call-people-from-the-usa-other-than-americans/791031)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2017, 8:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-call-people-from-the-usa-other-than-americans/791031 "2017-07-17T08:31:12Z")
As I understand it, there is a (very small) minority of Canadians who consider the term “American” objectionable when used to refer to someone from the United States, as it implies that Canadians are not American. Certa… --- ## [Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan to be Netflix series \[now airing\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/altered-carbon-by-richard-k-morgan-to-be-netflix-series-now-airing/743811)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2020, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/altered-carbon-by-richard-k-morgan-to-be-netflix-series-now-airing/743811 "2020-02-04T20:31:03Z")
I don’t have Netflix, but this may motivate me to get it. I’m a big fan of this series, along with Morgan’s fantasy series follow up (starting with “The Cold Commands”, IIRC). --- ## ["Keys contain lead." ..WTF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keys-contain-lead-wtf/766800)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2023, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keys-contain-lead-wtf/766800 "2023-12-12T23:08:00Z")
Recently I had some keys made. On the card each key is attached to, it says: Warning: Keys contain lead. Avoid contact with mouth. May be harmful if eaten. I was completely taken aback. I had no idea. I expect they put… --- ## [(Old) Summer camp in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-summer-camp-in-the-mmp/1001482)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 300\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-summer-camp-in-the-mmp/1001482 "2024-05-20T02:58:40Z")
School is winding down and all across the country, parents are planning to ship their kids off for a week or two for their (parental) peace and quiet and their (kids) enrichment and whatever… I guess. I wouldn’t know - … --- ## [Hill Street Blues, revisited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hill-street-blues-revisited/535379)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hill-street-blues-revisited/535379 "2019-07-12T02:56:05Z")
I bought my wife the DVDs for Season 1 of Hill Street Blues, and have been watching some of them with her. One thing I’ve noticed - the acting mostly sucks! Other than Travanti and Hamel, everyone is obviously reading … --- ## [Realistic Vampire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/realistic-vampire/534911)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2010, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/realistic-vampire/534911 "2010-04-07T16:51:09Z")
So I just read Abe Lincoln; Vampire Hunter. It is a nice book for the beach. So I am always kicking ideas for fiction around. Presume some small (several tens of thousands) number of vampires exist side-by-side with pe… --- ## [Why do European books have the words on the spine the opposite way around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-european-books-have-the-words-on-the-spine-the-opposite-way-around/402624)
**Author:** [@henrijohns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/henrijohns)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2024, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-european-books-have-the-words-on-the-spine-the-opposite-way-around/402624 "2024-03-12T16:13:54Z")
On American published books, when the books are face up in a pile, you can read the spines. European books read correctly only if the book is face down. Why the difference? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1122&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1124&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)