# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1196&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:** 1197 --- ## ['City of God' - anyone know what happened to Rocket?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-of-god-anyone-know-what-happened-to-rocket/228466)
**Author:** [@WILLASS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WILLASS)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2014, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-of-god-anyone-know-what-happened-to-rocket/228466 "2014-11-11T09:09:19Z")
I have just been lucky enough to watch the amazing film ‘City of God’ and would like to know what happened to the real life Rocket? If you haven’t seen this film then I urge you to do so as soon as possible. It is based … --- ## [How do I turn off my Saturn's car alarm without the keyless entry remote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-turn-off-my-saturns-car-alarm-without-the-keyless-entry-remote/373240)
**Author:** [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2006, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-turn-off-my-saturns-car-alarm-without-the-keyless-entry-remote/373240 "2006-09-19T16:17:28Z")
Three weeks ago, I purchased a used 1996 Saturn SL1. It came with two sets of keys. They both have keyless entry remotes, but apparently the battery inside one of them is dead, as it does not function at all. The alarm … --- ## [South Carolina Primary Discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-carolina-primary-discussion/847733)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-carolina-primary-discussion/847733 "2020-03-02T01:11:23Z")
I know it’s early to start this but I saw this article in Politico. I think the also-rans will be done after South Carolina. Steyer may get a lot of delegates in SC but what is that worth if he doesn’t get delegates an… --- ## [Which hypothetical job is least unethical?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-hypothetical-job-is-least-unethical/599992)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2011, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-hypothetical-job-is-least-unethical/599992 "2011-10-24T20:13:16Z")
Alien spacebats force you to do a unethical job, you have to do it for 1 year and you are magically prevented from slacking off, sabotage or suicide. You are magically very good at it. Which job will you pick? Weapons… --- ## ["I was speeding, hit your kid and killed him. So I'll sue you."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-speeding-hit-your-kid-and-killed-him-so-ill-sue-you/560745)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2010, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-speeding-hit-your-kid-and-killed-him-so-ill-sue-you/560745 "2010-11-19T14:55:49Z")
Story here Since the dead child was riding a bicycle without wearing a helmet, the speeder who killed him is suing the parents for $15K, claiming contriubtory negligence and pain and suffering. --- ## [Are Plant-Based Saturated Fats Identical To Animal-Based Saturated Fats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-plant-based-saturated-fats-identical-to-animal-based-saturated-fats/331121)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2005, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-plant-based-saturated-fats-identical-to-animal-based-saturated-fats/331121 "2005-11-16T00:09:06Z")
Are the saturated fats that are found in plants, such as palm oil and cottonseed oil, molecularly identical to the saturated fats that are produced in animals? Are the health consequences of consuming these the same? T… --- ## [Why should rural areas get more representation per person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-rural-areas-get-more-representation-per-person/772031)
**Author:** [@DagNation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DagNation)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-rural-areas-get-more-representation-per-person/772031 "2016-11-21T21:45:02Z")
I do not understand this point of view. This is an out of context quote from a politics thread, to illustrate my point: I have heard this sentiment often - for whatever reason, the assertion that we should have {one p… --- ## [Ever put action figures in the Nativity scene?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-put-action-figures-in-the-nativity-scene/562833)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-put-action-figures-in-the-nativity-scene/562833 "2010-12-15T15:33:41Z")
I sure did. It looked a lot better with my Tiamat dragon (from the DnD cartoon) looming over the manger. Annoyed my mom, though. Fortunately Optimus Prime was (at the time) a good God-fearing robot, so he came in with th… --- ## [Is it illegal to use a picture of the president for target practice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-use-a-picture-of-the-president-for-target-practice/447065)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2008, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-use-a-picture-of-the-president-for-target-practice/447065 "2008-04-28T15:25:33Z")
If you set up a photo of the president’s face and used it as a target to shoot at, throw darts at, launch arrows at, etc, could you be charged with anything? What about a photo of a senator, governor or some other politi… --- ## [Why capitalize "Black"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-capitalize-black/977455)
**Author:** [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Replies:** 339\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2023, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-capitalize-black/977455 "2023-01-06T06:32:12Z")
I posted in the pit because I am probably going to get roasted… but, what’s up with the new trend to capitalize the word “black” when refering to their ethniticy? I’m as lily white as possible, absolutely anglo-saxon. P… --- ## [Tell me about (movie) musicals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-movie-musicals/646982)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2014, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-movie-musicals/646982 "2014-07-29T13:56:42Z")
My GF loves old musicals. I occasionally watch a bit of with her, but I’m usually just sitting there doing something on my computer (like reading the SDMB). Why are so many musicals about show business, or the making o… --- ## [Paralyzed with anxiety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralyzed-with-anxiety/544261)
**Author:** [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2010, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralyzed-with-anxiety/544261 "2010-06-28T18:22:57Z")
This is about all I can do, write in this little space. I am absolutely paralyzed right now by anxiety. I need to get stuff done today, but I can’t bear to do any of it. I’m a dissertation-level student now, so I don’t h… --- ## [How did "K" replace "G" to indicate $1000 (US)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-k-replace-g-to-indicate-1000-us/708624)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2015, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-k-replace-g-to-indicate-1000-us/708624 "2015-01-12T05:48:28Z")
Given the US’ microscopic adoption of the metric system ; “K” (Kilo) now appears to be the common way to indicate $1000; i.e. $300K = $300,000 But way back IIRC correctly “G” (Grand) was in use and I don’t recall anyon… --- ## [Average American versus world's best goalkeeper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-american-versus-worlds-best-goalkeeper/735843)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-american-versus-worlds-best-goalkeeper/735843 "2015-10-30T09:36:47Z")
If an average American 25-year old with no soccer experience took a penalty kick against the world’s best goalkeeper, what do you think the odds would be of the ball going in? 30%? 45%? --- ## [German use of 'borrowed' English words?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-use-of-borrowed-english-words/694111)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2014, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-use-of-borrowed-english-words/694111 "2014-07-29T13:13:17Z")
This video, an ad for a German supermarket chain, has ‘gone viral’ with over 11 million views and counting. As I watched it, I was struck by the very high frequency of English words that were used. Before I was even hal… --- ## [What will happen to the student loan bubble?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-to-the-student-loan-bubble/634284)
**Author:** [@MDKSquared](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MDKSquared)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2012, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-to-the-student-loan-bubble/634284 "2012-09-14T16:28:34Z")
I put this question here and not in Great Debates because I am looking for factual answers, here. We all understand, more or less, how the financial crisis unfolded and why. The student loan industry is looking fairly s… --- ## [From The Front Lines Of The "War on Christians"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-the-front-lines-of-the-war-on-christians/350474)
**Author:** [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2006, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-the-front-lines-of-the-war-on-christians/350474 "2006-04-06T15:56:38Z")
Another one that I figure might as well start off in the Pit, since it’s sure to end there: “War” on Christians Is Alleged What terrible repressions, you may ask, comprise this “persecution”? Let’s find out… Oh, puh… --- ## [Why don't I like Lord of the Rings Online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-i-like-lord-of-the-rings-online/528152)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2010, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-i-like-lord-of-the-rings-online/528152 "2010-02-22T16:12:26Z")
God knows, it should really be my natural favorite, given that I’m a major Tolkien geek. But I’m on Day 4 of the free trial and I’m not really getting into it. I don’t know if it’s basic new-to-the-game confusion or what… --- ## [Rank the toss-up states on likelihood of Obama winning them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rank-the-toss-up-states-on-likelihood-of-obama-winning-them/638756)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2012, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rank-the-toss-up-states-on-likelihood-of-obama-winning-them/638756 "2012-11-04T16:52:32Z")
I’m curious how you guys rank the toss-up states. For my purposes, the toss-up states are those listed by RCP. Here’s my order: \[ol\] \[li\]MI\[/li\]\[li\]PA\[/li\]\[li\]NV\[/li\]\[li\]WI\[/li\]\[li\]IA\[/li\]\[li\]OH\[/li\]\[li\]CO\[/li\]\[li\]NH… --- ## [Remodeling master bath: leave tub/shower combo, or go shower only?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remodeling-master-bath-leave-tub-shower-combo-or-go-shower-only/609195)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2012, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remodeling-master-bath-leave-tub-shower-combo-or-go-shower-only/609195 "2012-01-15T06:00:37Z")
We live in townhouse with 2 1/2 baths. We’re going to be remodeling the master bathroom soon and we have a choice of keeping the same tub / shower combination design, or going to shower only. Other information: The m… --- ## [Birthday age question...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthday-age-question/620027)
**Author:** [@bmasters1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bmasters1)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2012, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthday-age-question/620027 "2012-04-30T11:51:05Z")
Why is it, according to the rules of birthdays, that in order to get another figure added onto your age, you must reach your DOB in the following calendar year? By this I mean, that Rod Roddy, IIRC, was born in Sep. 193… --- ## [Sam Raimi to direct World of Warcraft movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-raimi-to-direct-world-of-warcraft-movie/503945)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2009, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-raimi-to-direct-world-of-warcraft-movie/503945 "2009-07-24T21:10:12Z")
So says Harry Knowles at AICN. I’ve never played the game, but I thought this might be something others would be interested in. The fact that Uwe Boll even got into the same room with anyone from Blizzard has to send c… --- ## [What conspiracy theories do you believe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-conspiracy-theories-do-you-believe/453858)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2008, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-conspiracy-theories-do-you-believe/453858 "2008-06-27T18:06:42Z")
Well? --- ## [Visiting Pittsburgh -- any recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visiting-pittsburgh-any-recommendations/589622)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visiting-pittsburgh-any-recommendations/589622 "2011-07-27T15:00:23Z")
Some buddies and I are visiting Pittsburgh on a lark. (Guys’ weekend. Catching a Pirates game or two and just hanging out for four days.) Any recommendations for someone who is completely unfamiliar with the city? Us: … --- ## [Line Segment Passes through a Pair of Integers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/line-segment-passes-through-a-pair-of-integers/671287)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2013, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/line-segment-passes-through-a-pair-of-integers/671287 "2013-10-23T05:04:02Z")
Is there any way to test whether a line segment in a 2D cartesian plane ever passes through a point where both coordinates are integers? Obviously, you can loop through all integers along one axes and solve for the other… --- ## [Roger Goodell continues to do everything in his power to ruin football (re: kickoffs)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-goodell-continues-to-do-everything-in-his-power-to-ruin-football-re-kickoffs/643229)
**Author:** [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2012, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-goodell-continues-to-do-everything-in-his-power-to-ruin-football-re-kickoffs/643229 "2012-12-08T13:55:23Z")
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/\_/id/8720551/roger-goodell-floats-idea-end-kickoffs-report-says Goodell and McKay discussed an idea brought up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano in which a team, instead of kicking … --- ## [Why is "The Sims" fun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-sims-fun/575963)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-sims-fun/575963 "2011-04-11T03:38:01Z")
I remember playing the original game and while it was mildly amusing for about an hour, it quickly became repetitious tedium. I compare it to playing “virtual house” or perhaps computerized dolls. It’s just not my type… --- ## [Do female national newscasters dress themselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-female-national-newscasters-dress-themselves/587757)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2011, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-female-national-newscasters-dress-themselves/587757 "2011-07-05T01:38:26Z")
The only choice for men seems to be the color tie they wear with their suit. Women, on the other hand, have a fairly wide variety of clothing options. Do they just get dressed at home and show up for work in whatever th… --- ## [Being a moron pays off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-a-moron-pays-off/826649)
**Author:** [@UCBearcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UCBearcats)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2018, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-a-moron-pays-off/826649 "2018-12-27T04:16:47Z")
So this dipshit goes to North Korea and dies, yet his parents get a $500 million judgement against NK. What a waste of time and resources for someone who shouldn’t have been there. --- ## [Photos: The Ruins of Detroit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photos-the-ruins-of-detroit/489855)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2023, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photos-the-ruins-of-detroit/489855 "2023-07-28T09:52:07Z")
A series of photos showing what appears to be a post-apocalypse Detroit but are in fact present-day shots. See them here and here. That first link also has links to East German industrial sites and America’s forgotten t… --- ## [Your Monkey, My Sheet, Outside Now! (Brumdope aftermath)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-monkey-my-sheet-outside-now-brumdope-aftermath/171509)
**Author:** [@Tir\_Tinuviel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tir_Tinuviel)\ **Replies:** 210\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2003, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-monkey-my-sheet-outside-now-brumdope-aftermath/171509 "2003-05-01T20:53:29Z")
My version… Well, yes, so there I was waking up on Saturday morning with the Hangover from Hell… Finally got my arse down to Euston, had a sit down and a ciggy and then the charming Garius turned up. I think it actual… --- ## [Why Are Men's Socks Sold in Resealable Packages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-socks-sold-in-resealable-packages/664481)
**Author:** [@Megacannon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Megacannon)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2013, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-socks-sold-in-resealable-packages/664481 "2013-07-27T22:37:11Z")
I’m sure I don’t have to explain how ridiculous the thought of “keeping socks fresh” is. I’ve asked around about this and got several different responses. The most reasonable one was that it makes it easier to sell soc… --- ## [Is it illegal to NOT report a crime you are aware of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-not-report-a-crime-you-are-aware-of/113914)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2002, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-not-report-a-crime-you-are-aware-of/113914 "2002-06-16T02:37:32Z")
For the sake of this thread ignore any moral obligations and just focus on the legal issues (also ignore any special case situations such as attorney/client priviledge or talking to a spouse). Assume I see some guy rob … --- ## [Icebergs in the Great Lakes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icebergs-in-the-great-lakes/571455)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2011, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icebergs-in-the-great-lakes/571455 "2011-11-13T14:52:50Z")
Snopes just debunked some pictures going around that are purportedly of icebergs in the Lake Michigan. Are icebergs possible in the Great Lakes (or in freshwater in general)? Have there been documented cases of such? If… --- ## [Often: OFF-TEN or OFF-EN?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/often-off-ten-or-off-en/600907)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2011, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/often-off-ten-or-off-en/600907 "2011-10-28T20:27:07Z")
How do you say it? --- ## [Paul Verhoeven retrospective at IFC Center in NY](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-verhoeven-retrospective-at-ifc-center-in-ny/524214)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2010, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-verhoeven-retrospective-at-ifc-center-in-ny/524214 "2010-01-13T04:40:21Z")
From this link: --- ## [Fuck the LAKERS!!!(and a little Kings praise)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-lakers-and-a-little-kings-praise/231492)
**Author:** [@Shaggarito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shaggarito)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2004, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-lakers-and-a-little-kings-praise/231492 "2004-06-17T01:42:22Z")
I live in Sacramento and I hate the Lakers. Hate the Lakers with a passion. I hate other sports teams: The Dodgers(Because I’m a Giants fan, it’s their natural rival), The Yankees(Just because I’m tired of seeing them b… --- ## [Tomorrowland is Rotten -- Anyone see it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomorrowland-is-rotten-anyone-see-it/720446)
**Author:** [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomorrowland-is-rotten-anyone-see-it/720446 "2015-06-12T21:04:58Z")
According to RottenTomatoes, Tomorrowland is rotten (admittedly, it’s on the cusp, but that rating’s been steadily dropping as reviews have come in.) A rare miss for Brad Bird apparently. Too bad, because the trailer lo… --- ## [PHP shell\_exec/exec/system not returning output](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/php-shell_exec-exec-system-not-returning-output/516276)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2009, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/php-shell_exec-exec-system-not-returning-output/516276 "2009-11-05T11:28:50Z")
I have a small binary program that I’m trying to write a web-based front end for. I realise this is probably stupid, but the program is safe: it doesn’t really do much, other than take an input, do some calculation, the… --- ## [Who calls California Cali?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-calls-california-cali/361849)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2006, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-calls-california-cali/361849 "2006-06-27T11:04:28Z")
I was born and raised in California, and I’ve never heard a native call it ‘Cali’. (Except for one guy in WA, who was a native but spent a lot of time in WA.) I call Southern California ‘Southern California’ or ‘SoCal’… --- ## [I wonder how many people secretly despise their kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wonder-how-many-people-secretly-despise-their-kids/427619)
**Author:** [@Lizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lizard)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2010, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wonder-how-many-people-secretly-despise-their-kids/427619 "2010-09-22T04:38:11Z")
So I’m reading this review of a newly edited version of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and it describes a protagonist frustrated and worn down by suburban family life. This reminds of how whenever I call my brother… --- ## [Life at the Top? \[Cost of a luxurious life style\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-at-the-top-cost-of-a-luxurious-life-style/732435)
**Author:** [@Sc0undrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sc0undrel)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-at-the-top-cost-of-a-luxurious-life-style/732435 "2015-10-10T06:19:15Z")
With all the talk about income inequality, I’ve become curious. Just how much does life at the top of American society cost? I know there are stupid excesses, like houses so big the owner drives a car from room to room… --- ## [Soprano's credit: Marie Donato 2 to 5/7 to 9](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-credit-marie-donato-2-to-5-7-to-9/67136)
**Author:** [@djbdjb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djbdjb)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sopranos-credit-marie-donato-2-to-5-7-to-9/67136 "2021-10-25T22:18:07Z")
This strange credit appears after some Soprano’s episodes (one such is #31). What is “2 to 5/7 to 9”, a character’s name? I have searched for Marie Donato and get some hits on this person joining show, but no mention of … --- ## [Objects and devices that proved useful well beyond your expectations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-and-devices-that-proved-useful-well-beyond-your-expectations/646561)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2013, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-and-devices-that-proved-useful-well-beyond-your-expectations/646561 "2013-01-14T19:27:33Z")
I’ve bought tons of stuff over the years that I thought I would use all the time but ended packing them up in a crate somewhere, never using them again. That’s because the device either didn’t work well enough or it did… --- ## [Most unhealthy, generally available snack](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-unhealthy-generally-available-snack/757016)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2016, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-unhealthy-generally-available-snack/757016 "2016-06-22T22:09:02Z")
My vote goes for the one I heard about on the radio this morning. No longer the sole domain of “Fair food”, where one can only indulge a few times each year when the fair is in town, Hostess has entered an exclusive agr… --- ## [The Supreme Leader of the Whole Damn Thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-supreme-leader-of-the-whole-damn-thing/692792)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2014, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-supreme-leader-of-the-whole-damn-thing/692792 "2014-07-16T09:08:58Z")
The premise is that in two years time there will be an election in which everyone in the whole world gets one vote, and the winner gets to rule the world as she/he sees fit. A way has been found to keep the voting hones… --- ## [Fuck the fucking packaging of men's fucking dress shirts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-fucking-packaging-of-mens-fucking-dress-shirts/481174)
**Author:** [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-fucking-packaging-of-mens-fucking-dress-shirts/481174 "2009-01-16T00:55:44Z")
Express was having a sale on shirts today. Sweet! I can get them for thirty bucks each! They’re normally fifty! So I swung by the mall on the way home from work. Picked out five shirts - two black, a brown, a light blue… --- ## [How difficult would it be to disappear today in the USA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-would-it-be-to-disappear-today-in-the-usa/820684)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2018, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-would-it-be-to-disappear-today-in-the-usa/820684 "2018-09-15T06:23:44Z")
Let’s say you want to intentionally leave all your friends and family behind, and start a new life under a new name without anyone being able to track you down. How difficult would that be to accomplish? --- ## [It's raining in Los Angeles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-raining-in-los-angeles/525403)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2010, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-raining-in-los-angeles/525403 "2010-01-23T03:32:37Z")
The forecast shows that it is going to rain steadily – and hard, at times – from today through Friday. There are apparently even going to be thunderstorms. I predict the following: \[ul\] \[li\]My one-mile commute to work… --- ## [NaNoWriMo 2008](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nanowrimo-2008/468267)
**Author:** [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2008, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nanowrimo-2008/468267 "2008-12-04T15:05:00Z")
November is two weeks away. Time to write a 30 day, 50,000 word novel. Who is in this year? I’m excited. I have high hopes for this year’s book. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1195&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1197&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)