# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1135&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:** 1136 --- ## [A rebuttal of sorts: Cops should enforce real crimes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rebuttal-of-sorts-cops-should-enforce-real-crimes/424051)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2007, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rebuttal-of-sorts-cops-should-enforce-real-crimes/424051 "2007-11-01T23:28:18Z")
My wife went to the courthouse today and paid a $58 ticket for having a headlight out coming back from a Wednesday night church dinner (really). Now, we live in South Florida. Four miles to our east, more drugs are bei… --- ## [How often do you wish someone were dead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-wish-someone-were-dead/635355)
**Author:** [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2012, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-wish-someone-were-dead/635355 "2012-10-01T22:26:35Z")
Not (necessarily :dubious:) by your own hand, but how often does the thought, “I wonder whether my life would be any better if so-and-so were hit by the proverbial Mack truck”…enter your mind, even for a split second? Y… --- ## [Why was the "Your opinion of the language restrictions in the Pit" thread closed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-your-opinion-of-the-language-restrictions-in-the-pit-thread-closed/624921)
**Author:** [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2012, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-your-opinion-of-the-language-restrictions-in-the-pit-thread-closed/624921 "2012-06-26T12:55:32Z")
…instead of just moved to IMHO? If, for some reason, doing the 3 clicks to move the thread is harder than the two clicks to close the thread, would it be ok to just start a new thread there? Also, why in the world aren… --- ## [Support for unification has increased dramatically in Northern Ireland over the past 8 years \[morphed to Brexit revisited\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/support-for-unification-has-increased-dramatically-in-northern-ireland-over-the-past-8-years-morphed-to-brexit-revisited/934005)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2021, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/support-for-unification-has-increased-dramatically-in-northern-ireland-over-the-past-8-years-morphed-to-brexit-revisited/934005 "2021-06-30T15:55:24Z")
Eight years ago, public opinion in Northern Ireland was strongly against unification. 65 percent supported remaining part of the UK and only 17 percent favored joining the rest of Ireland. But now, it’s drawn so near as… --- ## [Can dairy cows die if they aren't milked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-dairy-cows-die-if-they-arent-milked/289870)
**Author:** [@WILLASS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WILLASS)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2005, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-dairy-cows-die-if-they-arent-milked/289870 "2005-02-14T19:19:32Z")
A colleague of mine recentley claimed that if you don’t milk dairy cows they die. I immediatley pronounced this as ‘bollocks’ but after a few more people got involved in the dicussion doubt started to set in. Someone spe… --- ## [Why are most minimum wage proposals in the US $15?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-minimum-wage-proposals-in-the-us-15/838092)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2019, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-minimum-wage-proposals-in-the-us-15/838092 "2019-08-14T19:39:57Z")
What is special about that number, is there are particular study or statistic involved? --- ## [american/english colloquial word for "a book"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-english-colloquial-word-for-a-book/611106)
**Author:** [@BleizDu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BleizDu)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2012, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-english-colloquial-word-for-a-book/611106 "2012-01-31T16:04:42Z")
In my native language, 90% of the time I’ll use the colloquial term for “a book” instead of the “correct” word. I’ve been trying to know how to translate that in english but I havn’t been able to find such a word, any h… --- ## [Will 2011 be a banner year for neo-confederate revisionist history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-2011-be-a-banner-year-for-neo-confederate-revisionist-history/565745)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2011, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-2011-be-a-banner-year-for-neo-confederate-revisionist-history/565745 "2011-01-03T16:49:53Z")
With the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War fast approaching, we can probably expect an avalanche of neo-confederate historical revisionism, not only as regards the Civil War itself but also the civil rights stru… --- ## [People who refer to their spouse as "Mr./Mrs. \"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-refer-to-their-spouse-as-mr-mrs-screen-name/236549)
**Author:** [@Carnick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnick)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2004, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-refer-to-their-spouse-as-mr-mrs-screen-name/236549 "2004-03-30T19:17:15Z")
Ugh, this is driving me insane. I absolutely hate it when people call their husband/wife after their screen name. For example: “FluffyPinkBanana: Well me and Mr. FluffyPinkBanana were watching Sex in the City and he sa… --- ## [For people who like ridiculous heat in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-people-who-like-ridiculous-heat-in-the-mmp/916481)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 398\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-people-who-like-ridiculous-heat-in-the-mmp/916481 "2020-08-03T21:28:43Z")
You know who you are. I, personally, think you’re out of your evel-lovin’ mind(s) but it’s our differences that make the world interesting. Right? So this MMP is in honor of those misguided souls who think the heat of s… --- ## [Guess the song from the reworded lyrics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-song-from-the-reworded-lyrics/365296)
**Author:** [@Talon\_Karrde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Talon_Karrde)\ **Replies:** 219\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2006, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-song-from-the-reworded-lyrics/365296 "2006-07-25T19:54:33Z")
I’ve been kicking this idea around in my head for a while. There might be some overlap with this thread, but it should still be fun. The idea is that one poster rewords some of the lyrics from a song, and the other post… --- ## [Ex-Gay Ministries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ex-gay-ministries/147226)
**Author:** [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2003, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ex-gay-ministries/147226 "2003-01-17T10:39:17Z")
In off-board discussions with another member, the question of whether “ex-gay ministries” do any good and what they’re all about came up. To lay a little groundwork for people who aren’t familiar with the concept: in t… --- ## [Why was I suspended?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-i-suspended/504287)
**Author:** [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2009, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-i-suspended/504287 "2009-07-28T01:23:20Z")
Can someone point out to me very specifically what was the personal insult and what was the moderator instruction I failed to follow? Because I cannot see it. --- ## [American Idol 1/26 to 1/27](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-26-to-1-27/526555)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2010, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-26-to-1-27/526555 "2010-01-29T01:15:06Z")
More auditions, more guest judges. Tune in later for more. --- ## [Topless in Ontario](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topless-in-ontario/314131)
**Author:** [@Nature\_s\_Call](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nature_s_Call)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2011, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topless-in-ontario/314131 "2011-04-21T11:04:23Z")
A cow-orker just returned from a two week vacation. He and his wife travelled to various beaches in Ontario, Wasaga, Grand Bend, others. He sadly reported to those of us at work that at no beach did he witness topless … --- ## [Should Lawyers Be Prohibited From Representing In Divorces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-lawyers-be-prohibited-from-representing-in-divorces/555936)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2010, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-lawyers-be-prohibited-from-representing-in-divorces/555936 "2010-10-19T16:50:32Z")
I ask because it seems (to me) that most states have very elaborate laws and regulations regarding divorce. Child support, visitation, etc. are very specifically spelled out in law, so why involve a 3rd party who has a … --- ## [So I owe $25k in credit card debt, with 75k income. Why shouldn't I declare bankruptcy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-owe-25k-in-credit-card-debt-with-75k-income-why-shouldnt-i-declare-bankruptcy/828758)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2020, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-owe-25k-in-credit-card-debt-with-75k-income-why-shouldnt-i-declare-bankruptcy/828758 "2020-04-23T13:21:18Z")
Per the title. I would like to discuss the financial implications of declaring bankruptcy, not the moral ones. I \*can \*pay back the debts, the interest rate is between 9-21.5%, assuming I keep my job. And I thought ab… --- ## [Inspired by cichlidiot...Take this,fat bashers!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inspired-by-cichlidiot-take-this-fat-bashers/150041)
**Author:** [@80sHairMetalMaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/80sHairMetalMaven)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2003, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inspired-by-cichlidiot-take-this-fat-bashers/150041 "2003-01-28T11:45:14Z")
An open letter to everybody who has EVER bashed a fattie or looked the wrong way at a fattie or made snide comments (or hell,even given ‘constructive criticism’ for that matter)about or to fat people: SOME OF US CANNOT … --- ## [What generation do you belong to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-generation-do-you-belong-to/813822)
**Author:** [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2018, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-generation-do-you-belong-to/813822 "2018-05-19T23:11:39Z")
Years taken from the recent Pew Research Center poll. My hypothesis is that we’re going to be mostly gen-x with some Boomers and a smattering of Millenials. But let’s see… --- ## [Why didn't the LOTR movies explain Gandalf's backstory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-the-lotr-movies-explain-gandalfs-backstory/708147)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-the-lotr-movies-explain-gandalfs-backstory/708147 "2019-01-04T23:55:52Z")
I have never read the trilogy so I don’t know how well Gandalf and Saruman were explained therein, but in the film trilogy viewers get no real sense that these characters are not human and immortal and essentially “angel… --- ## [Sporting dominance that caused the game to be changed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sporting-dominance-that-caused-the-game-to-be-changed/629174)
**Author:** [@Ashley\_Pomeroy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashley_Pomeroy)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sporting-dominance-that-caused-the-game-to-be-changed/629174 "2012-08-28T02:02:56Z")
Now there’s already a thread about athletes who dominated their sport. I’m curious to know if there are many cases where an athlete or team so thoroughly and regularly monstered the opposition that it caused a substantia… --- ## [17-sided dice??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/17-sided-dice/471573)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2008, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/17-sided-dice/471573 "2008-11-14T15:11:37Z")
I keep hearing references to these. Is it a joke that’s become a gaming meme, or is it for real? Why would anyone need to roll a random number from 1 to 17? --- ## [Supposed video of secret Mormon temple rituals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supposed-video-of-secret-mormon-temple-rituals/638552)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2012, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supposed-video-of-secret-mormon-temple-rituals/638552 "2012-10-24T20:44:12Z")
I’m not even sure what forum to post this in. There’s a video on YouTube that’s been getting a lot of buzz around the net that supposedly depicts secret Mormon temple rituals. I’m not sure what to make of… --- ## [Romney campaign: We lost Florida](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-campaign-we-lost-florida/640402)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2012, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-campaign-we-lost-florida/640402 "2012-11-09T23:24:25Z")
A little icing on the cake. http://www.bradenton.com/2012/11/08/4271001/romney-campaign-we-lost-florida.html --- ## [Amazing Grace, verse meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-grace-verse-meaning/511074)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2009, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-grace-verse-meaning/511074 "2009-09-24T18:13:43Z")
“When we’ve been here ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’ve first begun.” It seems to me the author is suggesting some posthuman future for humanity. --- ## [What is the point of the Tea Party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-the-tea-party/528038)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2010, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-the-tea-party/528038 "2010-02-12T22:11:32Z")
Conservatives are frustrated and decide to form their own political party (kind of). WTF!!! You have an irrationally conservative party called the Republican Party, much to the disappointment of Republican progressives… --- ## [Are High-Revving V-8 Engines Needed Anymore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-high-revving-v-8-engines-needed-anymore/641513)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2012, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-high-revving-v-8-engines-needed-anymore/641513 "2012-11-23T16:34:37Z")
This question is prompted by by Dad’s old 1999 Cadillac (Northstar V-8) going off the junkyard-the engine blew at 150,000 miles (head gasket). The Northstar engine was a very advanced all-aluminum V-8-it was a DOHC engi… --- ## [Can't Get Over My Boyfriend's Mistake](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-get-over-my-boyfriends-mistake/398020)
**Author:** [@TheMerchandise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheMerchandise)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2007, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-get-over-my-boyfriends-mistake/398020 "2007-03-30T23:44:22Z")
My boyfriend and I have been together for two years. We live together. We are the happiest couple I know. Let’s call my boyfriend “Dave.” With that said, here’s the source of my problem… Last year, I found out that dur… --- ## [Knocking/rendering a person unconscious](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knocking-rendering-a-person-unconscious/348317)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2006, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knocking-rendering-a-person-unconscious/348317 "2006-03-14T18:49:12Z")
Inspired by this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=362694 It’s a movie/fiction cliche that you can “knock” an opponent/victim unconscious without killing him/her – and the unconscious person w… --- ## [If all drugs were legal, would they become more popular?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-drugs-were-legal-would-they-become-more-popular/506277)
**Author:** [@TheMadHun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheMadHun)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2009, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-drugs-were-legal-would-they-become-more-popular/506277 "2009-09-04T05:20:32Z")
As the great societal commentator Alonzo Bodden observed, “Drugs are bought because they work.” Just to be clear, personally, I’ve only been drunk once and didn’t like it. Only tried pot a half dozen times to be social … --- ## [Open-source serial port monitoring utility?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-source-serial-port-monitoring-utility/574631)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2013, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-source-serial-port-monitoring-utility/574631 "2013-09-12T14:29:09Z")
Is there a freeware or open-source program (preferably Windows) that would allow me to monitor what goes over a specific serial port, kinda like Wireshark? --- ## [Do automotive engineers fix their own cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-automotive-engineers-fix-their-own-cars/379056)
**Author:** [@habs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/habs)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2015, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-automotive-engineers-fix-their-own-cars/379056 "2015-08-05T12:37:13Z")
I hope this isn’t too obvious of a question, but I’ve always wondered if the engineers who design cars actually know how to fix their own cars (whether or not it’s the same brand/model they’ve designed). Is there a suff… --- ## [Who wants to send 2nd graders post cards ? You do! You do!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wants-to-send-2nd-graders-post-cards-you-do-you-do/340837)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2006, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wants-to-send-2nd-graders-post-cards-you-do-you-do/340837 "2006-03-03T10:57:02Z")
With permission from the Almighty TubaDiva and those Wacky Jackbooted Mods: My son’s class is going to be focusing on geography around the world and I instantly thought Wouldn’t it be cool if I could get some dopers so … --- ## [Why did you hate your high paying job?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-you-hate-your-high-paying-job/493388)
**Author:** [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2009, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-you-hate-your-high-paying-job/493388 "2009-05-03T15:23:34Z")
It’s easy enough to understand why people hate low paying jobs, but, in this thread: many dopers say that they hated their high paying job, and many of them quit. If you hate, or hated, your job, tell us what you hat… --- ## [Have any European groups been historically uninterested in immigrating to America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-european-groups-been-historically-uninterested-in-immigrating-to-america/687014)
**Author:** [@LC\_Strawhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LC_Strawhouse)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2014, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-european-groups-been-historically-uninterested-in-immigrating-to-america/687014 "2014-04-30T15:20:13Z")
If so, what made them “different”? For instance, it seems there aren’t too many Danes, Czechs (not to be confused with Slovaks) or Northern Italians in the New World. --- ## [1987 Yamaha Virago 750 - Good first bike?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880)
**Author:** [@Anonymous\_Coward](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anonymous_Coward)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2003, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880 "2003-03-26T13:13:24Z")
I’m looking to get my first bike and one that has caught my eye is a 1987 Yamaha Virago 750. I’m not looking for a crotch-rocket, but I don’t know if I would like the cruiser feel. Looks are not really important for me… --- ## [Children at buffets: What on earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-at-buffets-what-on-earth/190566)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2003, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-at-buffets-what-on-earth/190566 "2003-08-29T21:54:57Z")
Papa Tiger and I were eating at a buffet this evening, and a completely strange 5-year-old boy came up to him and, without asking or anything, just reached up and helped himself to a sausage off Papa Tiger’s plate, while… --- ## [Anti-war folks...thoughts on Afghanistan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-war-folks-thoughts-on-afghanistan/529310)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2010, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-war-folks-thoughts-on-afghanistan/529310 "2010-03-03T15:06:14Z")
I haven’t seen a thread on the offensive going on by NATO in southern Afghanistan, and thought I’d frame the debate in terms of how the anti-war 'dopers feel about it. Recently I’ve heard a couple of references (to para… --- ## [Is there really such a thing as "hard science" fiction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-hard-science-fiction/927170)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2020, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-hard-science-fiction/927170 "2020-12-14T17:42:26Z")
The Sad Puppies thread and the discussion of fantasy and science fiction made me think of a question I ponder from time: what really is the difference between sci-fi and fantasy? Put another way, is there really anyth… --- ## [Ask the complete and total asshole!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-complete-and-total-asshole/418948)
**Author:** [@OneCentStamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneCentStamp)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2007, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-complete-and-total-asshole/418948 "2007-09-19T04:09:40Z")
Antisocial, ignorant, boorish, narcissistic, crude, rude, lewd, cruel and generally unsavory advice cheerfully offered. Come one, come all: I’m an open book. An open book of assholitude. --- ## [How Much Do You Pay for Health/Dental Insurance At Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-pay-for-health-dental-insurance-at-work/608712)
**Author:** [@BeaMyra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeaMyra)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2012, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-pay-for-health-dental-insurance-at-work/608712 "2012-01-09T18:53:13Z")
Basically a question for Americans, but other feel free to chime in if you pay through work. I am in H/R and I got the increase notice for insurance at our company. Normally it’s a small increase. We have Blue Cross/Blu… --- ## [What happens if a game show contestant wins a trip to their own city?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-a-game-show-contestant-wins-a-trip-to-their-own-city/554956)
**Author:** [@Terra1041](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terra1041)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2010, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-a-game-show-contestant-wins-a-trip-to-their-own-city/554956 "2010-09-30T17:06:50Z")
Like, sometimes on The Price is Right or whatever, they might offer a trip to, say, Seattle. What happens if the contestant already lives in Seattle and wins the trip? Do they just stay in a hotel and such in their own c… --- ## [Stop shitting your fucking pants!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-shitting-your-fucking-pants/480599)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2009, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-shitting-your-fucking-pants/480599 "2009-01-14T17:47:16Z")
I just changed you a few minutes ago! Stop dropping a load IMMEDIATELY after I change you. Dammit, have you no decency? Can’t wait like an hour or something? --- ## [Why do old audio CDs sound duller?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-old-audio-cds-sound-duller/680606)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2014, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-old-audio-cds-sound-duller/680606 "2014-02-10T21:53:31Z")
I have quite a few hundred CDs collected over the last 20 years or so. Recently I put everything I had onto my iPod via iTunes. Now when I listen back, the older CDs are definitely quieter and seemingly more lifeless. So… --- ## [Is the current leader of (your country) a sociopath? When was your last non-sociopath leader?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-current-leader-of-your-country-a-sociopath-when-was-your-last-non-sociopath-leader/640028)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2012, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-current-leader-of-your-country-a-sociopath-when-was-your-last-non-sociopath-leader/640028 "2012-11-14T05:31:11Z")
I consider that the current leaders of both the UK and the US are sociopaths. That’s not necessarily a bad thing for being a political leader, by the way. It may even be that the best leaders are sociopaths. Certainly th… --- ## [Did \[NY Gov. candidate Carl Paladino\] ever answer the NPR interviewer's questions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-ny-gov-candidate-carl-paladino-ever-answer-the-npr-interviewers-questions/556325)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2011, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-ny-gov-candidate-carl-paladino-ever-answer-the-npr-interviewers-questions/556325 "2011-04-06T22:29:40Z")
So Carl had an interview with NPR in which he constantly tried to redirect the questions about his ethics and his outbursts into answers about his opponent. One time, he even had the chutzpah to say “Look, this is about… --- ## [Can a house fire completely cremate a human body?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-house-fire-completely-cremate-a-human-body/674645)
**Author:** [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2013, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-house-fire-completely-cremate-a-human-body/674645 "2013-11-25T23:46:33Z")
So I was reading about the interesting case of the missing Sodder children that apparently has been a local (and occasionally covered in regional and national press) mystery since 1945. The basic story is, there’s a fami… --- ## [Reeder has been banned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reeder-has-been-banned/314906)
**Author:** [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2005, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reeder-has-been-banned/314906 "2005-08-02T00:07:18Z")
Actually, TVeblen said it better already, and so I am copying her post from what was the last straw . . . What is with Duhbya and his middle finger? \>http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=6418796&postcount… --- ## [He Thinks All Short Men Rest On Their Laurels: An Accents Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-thinks-all-short-men-rest-on-their-laurels-an-accents-thread/463171)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-thinks-all-short-men-rest-on-their-laurels-an-accents-thread/463171 "2010-05-01T16:04:41Z")
Inspired by this thread I recorded the sentence, “He thinks all short men rest on their laurels.” I’m from Dublin, Ireland. For the laugh I recorded a bit of the Gettysburg Address too. Okay, your turn. Record the se… --- ## [If one of the 9/11 WTC planes hit the Empire State Building, would it remain standing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-one-of-the-9-11-wtc-planes-hit-the-empire-state-building-would-it-remain-standing/655237)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2013, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-one-of-the-9-11-wtc-planes-hit-the-empire-state-building-would-it-remain-standing/655237 "2013-04-10T13:24:02Z")
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