# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1227&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:** 1228 --- ## [In which my father is dying and I don't give a shit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-my-father-is-dying-and-i-dont-give-a-shit/462719)
**Author:** [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2008, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-my-father-is-dying-and-i-dont-give-a-shit/462719 "2008-11-19T00:48:17Z")
Two years ago, I told about my asshole dad and his behavior during my mother’s knee replacement surgery in this thread. Well, it’s looking very likely that I’m going to get my wish. (The following may be a bit disjointe… --- ## [Die Hard: Would a large corporation actually have $640 million in untraceable stuff in one place?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/die-hard-would-a-large-corporation-actually-have-640-million-in-untraceable-stuff-in-one-place/683302)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2014, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/die-hard-would-a-large-corporation-actually-have-640-million-in-untraceable-stuff-in-one-place/683302 "2014-03-13T23:14:11Z")
In the film “Die Hard,” villain Hans Gruber and his team of henchmen take over an office tower belonging to the “Nakatomi Corporation.” Their plan is to steal $640 million in negotiable bearer bonds - basically a totall… --- ## [Is the Death Penalty Indefensible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-death-penalty-indefensible/524232)
**Author:** [@Recliner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Recliner)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2010, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-death-penalty-indefensible/524232 "2010-01-15T17:47:46Z")
I submit that the death penalty (in this case, in the USA) is absolutely unjustifiable. Am I forgetting something, or making a logical error? Here’s my thinking: We have a court system that relies on convicting people… --- ## [Why do people on Straightdope find it hard to believe there are white Hispanics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-on-straightdope-find-it-hard-to-believe-there-are-white-hispanics/594564)
**Author:** [@GovernmentMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GovernmentMan)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2011, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-on-straightdope-find-it-hard-to-believe-there-are-white-hispanics/594564 "2011-09-02T20:31:31Z")
Hispanic isn’t a race. Mixed Native and white (not necessarily Spanish) people are called mestizos. Mestizos happen to be the majority of Hispanics, but they are not every Hispanic. Hispanics are not a race. As in, one… --- ## [MLB: July 2022](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-july-2022/967252)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 222\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2022, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-july-2022/967252 "2022-07-31T21:40:07Z")
As always, July 1 means Bobby Bonilla day! The trade deadline this season won’t be until August 2, but we could see fire sales happening sooner, the Cubs and Nationals dismantling last year was painful. --- ## [What if Watergate had never happened and Nixon finished his 2nd term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-watergate-had-never-happened-and-nixon-finished-his-2nd-term/401125)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2007, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-watergate-had-never-happened-and-nixon-finished-his-2nd-term/401125 "2007-05-01T08:16:31Z")
What if the Watergate break-in had never been discovered? The story never broke? And Nixon had remained president until January 1977? How would history have gone differently? --- ## [Motherfucking seven inch centipedes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfucking-seven-inch-centipedes/563517)
**Author:** [@pericynthion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pericynthion)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfucking-seven-inch-centipedes/563517 "2010-12-30T06:47:17Z")
Don’t go to Hawai’i without a hermetically sealed space suit. --- ## [Is Bill Clinton On A "Sex Offender" Registry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bill-clinton-on-a-sex-offender-registry/216908)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2003, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bill-clinton-on-a-sex-offender-registry/216908 "2003-12-05T01:54:00Z")
Here in MA, the atty. general has just announced that paroled/released sex offenders must now register with their local police departments…presumably so that the local cops can keep an eye on them. Most disturbing is the… --- ## [Is body odor contagious?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-body-odor-contagious/572463)
**Author:** [@kingmartini](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kingmartini)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2011, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-body-odor-contagious/572463 "2011-02-27T16:27:20Z")
Last week while using public transportation, a fellow two seats away from me reeked of body odor. While disgusted, it really didnt bother anything but my nostrils. As I reached my destination, the foul stench seemed to h… --- ## ["National Sunday Law" - anyone else gotten one of these?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-sunday-law-anyone-else-gotten-one-of-these/575073)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2011, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-sunday-law-anyone-else-gotten-one-of-these/575073 "2011-03-21T13:05:32Z")
Yesterday I got a booklet called “National Sunday Law” in the mail. 94 pages, no packaging, addressed to “Resident”. Judging from the alarmist tone of the cover screed I assumed it to be some sort of religious tract, and… --- ## [Where's this week's MMP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-this-weeks-mmp/296612)
**Author:** [@taxi78cab](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taxi78cab)\ **Replies:** 247\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2005, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-this-weeks-mmp/296612 "2005-04-04T03:50:44Z")
Normally by the time I start looking for the MMP at this time on a Monday morning, it’s already quite long. But no MMP this morning. Did Rue take today off? What’s Monday morning without a cup of coffee and the MMP?? --- ## [Today's Example of the Religion of Peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-example-of-the-religion-of-peace/755929)
**Author:** [@Chihuahua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chihuahua)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2016, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-example-of-the-religion-of-peace/755929 "2016-05-31T19:29:22Z")
And todays example of mercy and compassion comes to us from Egypt! --- ## [Oregon vs. Right-Wing Militias, Round 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oregon-vs-right-wing-militias-round-2/835899)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oregon-vs-right-wing-militias-round-2/835899 "2019-07-17T18:32:54Z")
At least I think this is the 2nd round; I welcome correction if I’ve got that wrong. For those not following along at home yet: Militia threat shuts down Oregon Statehouse amid walkout. A few days ago some Oregon \[del\]… --- ## [The Undefeated Bridge (funny)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-undefeated-bridge-funny/638888)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2012, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-undefeated-bridge-funny/638888 "2012-11-01T02:59:32Z")
This bridge is 11’ 8’’ and remains…undefeated! I could watch this video over and over. It brings joy to my heart. --- ## [should the cop really legally shot the fugitive? \[David Sweat\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-cop-really-legally-shot-the-fugitive-david-sweat/723780)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2015, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-cop-really-legally-shot-the-fugitive-david-sweat/723780 "2015-07-26T20:49:58Z")
I was under the impression that cops aren’t supposed to shoot someone who is not immediately threatening them or others. The fugitive, Sweat, was running away, unarmed and not posing a direct threat. Now, I recognize n… --- ## [Does cursive really have cognitive benefits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-cursive-really-have-cognitive-benefits/662383)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-cursive-really-have-cognitive-benefits/662383 "2013-07-05T19:23:38Z")
I teach third grade, and my legislature has just passed a law mandating that all students learn cursive. This is a debate I’ve had with other teachers. It seems to me that cursive had a place in society when it was the … --- ## [What was the last thing you purchased ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-last-thing-you-purchased/792233)
**Author:** [@jasonlee3071](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasonlee3071)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-last-thing-you-purchased/792233 "2017-12-14T11:57:29Z")
In this thread any tangible or physical object you bought while out shopping. I’ll start off with this one: Mealworms for my pet chameleon. --- ## [how good are English skills among high school and college students in Western Europe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-english-skills-among-high-school-and-college-students-in-western-europe/524250)
**Author:** [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-english-skills-among-high-school-and-college-students-in-western-europe/524250 "2010-01-14T21:25:52Z")
I am interested in first person experiences or statistical tidbits about distribution of English skills (especially speaking skills, ability to actually converse) amongst young people in non-English-speaking Western Euro… --- ## [Recommend "action" SF literature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-action-sf-literature/601100)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2011, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-action-sf-literature/601100 "2011-10-31T13:44:42Z")
Bouncing off of , recommend to me some good quality “action” SF literature. I’m talking about things like huge capital starships, phaser banks, dropships, hotshot hoverboard knights, that’s-not-a-moon-that’s-a-space… --- ## [Planning breast augmentation surgery.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-breast-augmentation-surgery/388214)
**Author:** [@Fiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiver)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2007, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-breast-augmentation-surgery/388214 "2007-01-24T18:06:58Z")
This spring I intend to have surgery to enhance my barely-there mams from an A-cup to a C, and I wanted to get some advice and tips from anyone here who has already (relatively recently) gone that route. I’m going to ge… --- ## [Why did they put fluoride in the drinking water at the concentration camps in WWII?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-they-put-fluoride-in-the-drinking-water-at-the-concentration-camps-in-wwii/545725)
**Author:** [@justhetruth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justhetruth)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-they-put-fluoride-in-the-drinking-water-at-the-concentration-camps-in-wwii/545725 "2010-07-06T20:01:20Z")
I doubt very seriously that they had the Jewish people’s teeth in their interest. Since Sodium Fluoride in a Nero-Toxin and a waste by product of the manufacture of Aluminum, why do we need to ingest it into our bodies? … --- ## [Can we all PLEASE agree that LOST (TV Show) in the end, WAS A LOAD OF TRIPE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-all-please-agree-that-lost-tv-show-in-the-end-was-a-load-of-tripe/640971)
**Author:** [@Luk3112](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luk3112)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2012, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-all-please-agree-that-lost-tv-show-in-the-end-was-a-load-of-tripe/640971 "2012-11-17T04:44:18Z")
I constantly see pages on the web claiming they know the ANSWERS of LOST. Everybody was left confused, baffled any word you can think of apart from satisfied. There are even interviews where the writers openly admit th… --- ## [Best Microwave Popcorn Brand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-microwave-popcorn-brand/490949)
**Author:** [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2009, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-microwave-popcorn-brand/490949 "2009-03-28T15:51:59Z")
Okay, I don’t really like popcorn all that much (years working at a movie theater in high school). But it is nice to have around for guests, and every once in a while, I’ll enjoy it. But I don’t buy it much. I’d picke… --- ## [Songs you love to really belt out while driving](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-love-to-really-belt-out-while-driving/643026)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2012, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-love-to-really-belt-out-while-driving/643026 "2012-12-10T04:42:22Z")
Picture it: You’re driving along, all alone, and a song comes on that you love to sing along to with abandon. What song? Me: Jump, Little Children “Cathedrals” I’ve loved that song pretty much since it was released, a… --- ## [Separation of what and what??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/separation-of-what-and-what/96018)
**Author:** [@super\_head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/super_head)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2001, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/separation-of-what-and-what/96018 "2001-12-03T06:51:43Z")
I think this speaks for itself. Satan Officially Not Welcome Wait, no it doesn’t - because it doesn’t say that it’s a town of complete fucking idiots (ok, aside from the rational few who all seem to inhabit one lonely … --- ## [Something mysterious that happened you could never explain how or why](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-mysterious-that-happened-you-could-never-explain-how-or-why/949237)
**Author:** [@PozhanPop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PozhanPop)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2021, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-mysterious-that-happened-you-could-never-explain-how-or-why/949237 "2021-09-15T04:47:01Z")
Mysterious voices, sights, sounds … I was on a train once going home from school for the holidays. I often sit at the door during these journeys because the compartment can get unbearably hot. One night I am sitting at… --- ## [10 true facts I made up myself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-true-facts-i-made-up-myself/63310)
**Author:** [@wayward](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wayward)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2001, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-true-facts-i-made-up-myself/63310 "2001-07-06T05:30:34Z")
\[list\] \[li\]It is legal to kill a man in Portugal if you are wearing fancy pants.\[/li\]\[li\]The lungs of young otters are a delicacy in eastern Canada.\[/li\]\[li\]French ‘bread’ is in fact made from human hair and engine oil.… --- ## [7.5 Million in Bitcoins buried in landfill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-5-million-in-bitcoins-buried-in-landfill/675941)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2025, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-5-million-in-bitcoins-buried-in-landfill/675941 "2025-03-03T00:31:34Z")
Ouch! :eek: --- ## [Eagle emblem - what do these three stars mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eagle-emblem-what-do-these-three-stars-mean/474071)
**Author:** [@Girl\_Hermit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_Hermit)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eagle-emblem-what-do-these-three-stars-mean/474071 "2016-01-17T15:30:10Z")
This eagle stenciled emblem is on the bulkhead in our kitchen, over the window. We’re wondering what exactly it represents. Why would it only have three stars above it? Lack of space for the other stars or does it act… --- ## [Up to a 10 "business day" freaken hold on a check. why? how to aviod?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/up-to-a-10-business-day-freaken-hold-on-a-check-why-how-to-aviod/245148)
**Author:** [@peacenik\_tasmanian\_devil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peacenik_tasmanian_devil)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2004, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/up-to-a-10-business-day-freaken-hold-on-a-check-why-how-to-aviod/245148 "2004-05-17T07:14:13Z")
I have an insurance check I can cash the 18th. Here is the problem. It’s over $5000 and out of state. The banks want to hold it 10 days before they’ll cash it. The most they’ll give me up front is $100. In this digital … --- ## [Another Colonoscopy Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-colonoscopy-thread/675573)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-colonoscopy-thread/675573 "2014-08-21T14:37:01Z")
Looks like I’m getting one. I’ve had intestinal problems for a few weeks now, and tests show occult blood in the stool. That means I can’t see the blood with the eye, but the lab detected it. So colonoscopy is the next s… --- ## [The silent treatment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-silent-treatment/567253)
**Author:** [@lisalan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisalan)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2011, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-silent-treatment/567253 "2011-01-13T12:00:39Z")
When you get into an argument with someone do you give them the silent treatment or do you try to have an adult conversation and work things out? Do you think the silent treatment is emotional abuse? Why or why not? Di… --- ## [NYC murder up this year, union in fight with mayor blames mayor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-murder-up-this-year-union-in-fight-with-mayor-blames-mayor/721824)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2017, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-murder-up-this-year-union-in-fight-with-mayor-blames-mayor/721824 "2017-12-28T15:17:19Z")
The crime rate is now way up: Who could have predicted? --- ## [Fake English Accents...WHY???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fake-english-accents-why/305205)
**Author:** [@rostfrei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rostfrei)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2005, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fake-english-accents-why/305205 "2005-05-27T12:27:19Z")
At the busy office where I work, I often speak to a doctor on the phone. For months, I had assumed that she was from England, due to her slight British accent. Then, the other day, she called me up and asked me to conn… --- ## [The Lipton Instant Mashed Potatoes with Knorr Beef Gravy Mix Kit and its purchasers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lipton-instant-mashed-potatoes-with-knorr-beef-gravy-mix-kit-and-its-purchasers/139154)
**Author:** [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2002, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lipton-instant-mashed-potatoes-with-knorr-beef-gravy-mix-kit-and-its-purchasers/139154 "2002-12-02T21:15:17Z")
A kit? For mashed potatoes and gravy? You people need a KIT to make instant mashed potatoes and gravy? Strewth. What kind of yams-with-legs-and-a-head are you, that you need to go out and buy a “Lipton Instant Mashed … --- ## [Was it the sushi, or was it me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-it-the-sushi-or-was-it-me/491754)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-it-the-sushi-or-was-it-me/491754 "2009-04-07T18:22:42Z")
Okay, so the first time I ate sushi was 20 years ago. And that was also the last time I ate sushi. Now, if YOU want to go to a restaurant and eat bait, go ahead…But me, I’m sticking to Denny’s. And when I want somethin’… --- ## [Black characters and creators in sci-fi, fantasy and horror (1996-2006)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-characters-and-creators-in-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-1996-2006/360187)
**Author:** [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2006, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-characters-and-creators-in-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-1996-2006/360187 "2006-06-26T02:42:09Z")
From Flex Alexander and Daryl Bell as the eponymous (and notorious) \*Homeboys in Outer Space (\*1996) to the late great Xenogenesis writer Octavia Butler who died earlier this year, there has been an increasing number of… --- ## [Photographic memory - eidetic hoax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photographic-memory-eidetic-hoax/32069)
**Author:** [@nthomas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nthomas)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2009, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photographic-memory-eidetic-hoax/32069 "2009-05-18T00:11:20Z")
In this week’s online column Cecil mentions the case case of “Elizabeth”, the woman with the super-eidetic memory. This is often cited, and I believe it was published in a respectable scientific journal, and not just in … --- ## ["In Event of Moon Disaster:" when would they have shut down communication?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-event-of-moon-disaster-when-would-they-have-shut-down-communication/725804)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2015, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-event-of-moon-disaster-when-would-they-have-shut-down-communication/725804 "2015-08-09T02:33:40Z")
Prior to Apollo 11’s touchdown on the moon, a speech had been prepared for Nixon to read in the event that things went Very Badly. Is it clearly documented somewhere that NASA would have unilaterally terminated communic… --- ## [Israel to attack Iran this fall?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-to-attack-iran-this-fall/589514)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2011, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-to-attack-iran-this-fall/589514 "2011-07-22T21:31:10Z")
So says this ex-CIA dude: According to Ben Caspit of the Israeli daily Maariv, Dagan’s blasts at Israel’s political leadership are significant not only because Mossad chiefs, in office or retired, traditionally have ke… --- ## [Challenge: movies that have music boxes but are not scary or horror](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/challenge-movies-that-have-music-boxes-but-are-not-scary-or-horror/664142)
**Author:** [@Renifer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renifer)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2013, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/challenge-movies-that-have-music-boxes-but-are-not-scary-or-horror/664142 "2013-07-26T05:07:00Z")
This is related to The Conjuring. The music box seems to be a staple of the horror genre. Off the top of my head, there’s The Woman In Black, The Cabin In The Woods, The Watcher In The Woods. If a music box appears, t… --- ## [What kinds of music did they listen to in the Old West?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kinds-of-music-did-they-listen-to-in-the-old-west/4552)
**Author:** [@Boris\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boris_B)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 1999, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kinds-of-music-did-they-listen-to-in-the-old-west/4552 "1999-11-07T06:00:00Z")
I was thinking the other day about music history and I realized I don’t know diddly about 19th Century America, other than reading Thomas Jefferson’s little account of his slaves singing and playing their banjars. I ass… --- ## [Does a pig have a corkscrew-shaped penis? Or, wankers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-pig-have-a-corkscrew-shaped-penis-or-wankers/594835)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2011, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-pig-have-a-corkscrew-shaped-penis-or-wankers/594835 "2011-09-23T14:04:23Z")
In Cecil’s erudite column he uses the word “wanker” as a synonym for penis. Is this common usage anywhere? I was given to understand that Americans in general were not familiar with this (British) expression. In any case… --- ## [The Next Great Right Hope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-next-great-right-hope/606562)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2012, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-next-great-right-hope/606562 "2012-01-03T07:35:23Z")
Will Newt Gingrich start to decline significantly before the first few primaries come around. And if does this happen who will be the next “Great Right Hope”? I think if this happens Jon Huntsman can portray himself as a… --- ## [Why are there still movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-still-movies/682137)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2014, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-still-movies/682137 "2014-02-28T11:43:04Z")
On 60 Minutes last night, they said that Liam Neeson was being paid $50 million for Taken 3, and he didn’t deny it. I don’t get it. The Taken movies were OK for light escapist fluff, but IMO far inferior to an above-av… --- ## [My new cousin can't get back from Canada](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-cousin-cant-get-back-from-canada/149997)
**Author:** [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2003, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-cousin-cant-get-back-from-canada/149997 "2003-01-25T19:37:05Z")
At a family ceremony last weekend, my cousin’s new husband was missing. He is a Canadian citizen residing in the US. He was born in Pakistan, but his family moved to Canada when he was a year old. He has a Pakistani na… --- ## [birthdays in different time zones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthdays-in-different-time-zones/702194)
**Author:** [@the\_bing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_bing)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2014, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthdays-in-different-time-zones/702194 "2014-10-26T09:46:31Z")
howdy peeps can you help with this question? I have an acquaintance who lives in Sydney. We keep in contact via Facebook. conveniently, facebook reminds me when it is his birthday (October 12th). we’re not close friend… --- ## [G. nome you are an idiot.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/g-nome-you-are-an-idiot/28984)
**Author:** [@Profane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Profane)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2002, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/g-nome-you-are-an-idiot/28984 "2002-08-23T16:20:19Z")
G. nome you are a complete fucking moron. A bizarre, paranoid, deluded whacko. Your posts make no sense. You state “facts” with absolutely no cites. You think the FBI is out to get you, even though you live in New Zealan… --- ## [Oh shit it's a tipping thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-shit-its-a-tipping-thread/428113)
**Author:** [@lobstermobster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobstermobster)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2007, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-shit-its-a-tipping-thread/428113 "2007-12-03T21:16:57Z")
Okay I’m just going to go for it. There was a story in the Chicago Tribune (I know you guys think I’m obsessed with San Francisco but I miss Chicago more than anything). I tried to find a link but as it’s more than 30 … --- ## [If Newt had said this:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-newt-had-said-this/605776)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2011, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-newt-had-said-this/605776 "2011-12-13T14:22:41Z")
How it would sound if Newt had said this: "Remember there was no United State as a state. It was part of the British Empire. And I think that we’ve had an invented American people, who are in fact Europeans, and were… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1226&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1228&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)