# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1231&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:** 1232 --- ## [Are Rolex watches a big scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-rolex-watches-a-big-scam/281981)
**Author:** [@Limbo\_Donni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Limbo_Donni)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2005, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-rolex-watches-a-big-scam/281981 "2005-01-05T02:24:32Z")
I have a friend who has one. He also has two cherry vintage Cadillacs, so I believe it’s not a fake. But if you took it into any department store and mixed it in with the other watches you’d never pick it out. And I ha… --- ## [What movies do you actively hate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movies-do-you-actively-hate/458735)
**Author:** [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2008, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movies-do-you-actively-hate/458735 "2008-08-07T23:24:35Z")
By “actively hate” I don’t mean “dislike”. I mean movies that you find to be so egregious that you feel angry when you leave the theater. For me, the best example is Unbreakable, the M. Night Shamalamadingdong film sta… --- ## [I must stop Windows 10 updates. How???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-stop-windows-10-updates-how/805832)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2018, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-stop-windows-10-updates-how/805832 "2018-11-20T07:17:33Z")
Please read my thread over here about my display issues when mirroring to my TV. All were caused by the Windows 10 update that I COULD NOT STOP! I fixed it for now by rolling back to the previous version of Windows 10. … --- ## [What, EXACTLY, is a "joke thread"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-joke-thread/216363)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2003, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-joke-thread/216363 "2003-12-03T18:10:00Z")
It was my understanding (or at least my interpretation) that the “joke thread” against which there is an unwritten, though not unspoken, proscription, was a thread whose sole purpose is the telling of jokes. Is a thread… --- ## [Explain the value of this penny](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-value-of-this-penny/378113)
**Author:** [@audiobottle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/audiobottle)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2006, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-value-of-this-penny/378113 "2006-10-28T19:40:47Z")
A 2003 peny sold for $15,120 a little while ago. Here’s the link. I understood maybe 1 in 5 words on that site. Why would a 2003 penny be worth so much? I can understand (sort of) if it were a really old penny, or if it … --- ## [Why do doctor's appointments always start so late?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-doctors-appointments-always-start-so-late/637260)
**Author:** [@Taomist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taomist)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2012, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-doctors-appointments-always-start-so-late/637260 "2012-10-14T17:13:46Z")
I have consistently failed to understand the scheduling of an appointment at X time, only to be in the waiting room for at least an hour, sometimes 2, sometimes longer, before the actual appointment. I am hoping someone … --- ## [Centers for Disease Control: There is no Zombie Apocalypse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/centers-for-disease-control-there-is-no-zombie-apocalypse/624129)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2012, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/centers-for-disease-control-there-is-no-zombie-apocalypse/624129 "2012-06-10T16:19:42Z")
Not yet, anyway. Well, I feel reassured . . . \[piles furniture against front door\] . . . --- ## [What could the price of Bernie's house get in your neighborhood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-the-price-of-bernies-house-get-in-your-neighborhood/762771)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-the-price-of-bernies-house-get-in-your-neighborhood/762771 "2016-08-20T15:41:19Z")
There seems to be a minor poutage over Bernie buying a $600,000 summer home. Me, why should I even care how Bernie spends his money? Someone on this very board stated he couldn’t even begin to buy a house in San Fran for… --- ## [Ever report an employer for illegal interview questions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-report-an-employer-for-illegal-interview-questions/430573)
**Author:** [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2012, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-report-an-employer-for-illegal-interview-questions/430573 "2012-05-14T15:02:49Z")
Yesterday, I had an interview with a recruiting agency. I’m keeping my eyes open for a new IT gig since my current employer’s future is looking not so good. Anyway, I went to talk to the recruiter about an IT auditor p… --- ## [Recommend Me a Musical Instrument](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-musical-instrument/725215)
**Author:** [@Hungover\_Heartthrob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hungover_Heartthrob)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2015, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-musical-instrument/725215 "2015-07-20T12:50:47Z")
I’m 23 years old, haven’t played an instrument nor had any formal instruction since junior high, and have tiny hands that I am told would make piano or guitar very difficult to play (the former moreso than the latter, as… --- ## [Why are my Smoke Detectors beeping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-smoke-detectors-beeping/431065)
**Author:** [@Sub\_Judice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sub_Judice)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2007, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-smoke-detectors-beeping/431065 "2007-12-24T20:19:59Z")
I have 2 mains-powered Smoke Detectors in my house that make a regular ‘chirp’ if the backup batteries are low. I’ve replaced the batteries in both with brand new Duracells, checked the main circuit breaker isn’t trippe… --- ## ['Partial-Birth' Abortions: Could So Many Doctors Be That Evil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/partial-birth-abortions-could-so-many-doctors-be-that-evil/209992)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2003, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/partial-birth-abortions-could-so-many-doctors-be-that-evil/209992 "2003-11-06T21:13:44Z")
Late-term abortions have become a very hot topic lately in the U.S. (as any doctor will tell you, “partial birth” abortion is not a recognized medical term). I honestly don’t know how many are performed in the U.S. annua… --- ## [Why do cars seem to top out in speed around 200 MPH regardless of power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-cars-seem-to-top-out-in-speed-around-200-mph-regardless-of-power/757109)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2016, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-cars-seem-to-top-out-in-speed-around-200-mph-regardless-of-power/757109 "2016-06-17T19:27:12Z")
I am no motorsports aficionado but there is still the kid in me and I like looking at supercars on occasion. One thing I have noted is that regardless of the supercar top speeds of around 200 MPH seems to be a limit. T… --- ## [If you saw someone carrying a gun at a party, what would you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-saw-someone-carrying-a-gun-at-a-party-what-would-you-do/401146)
**Author:** [@Defective\_Detective](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defective_Detective)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2007, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-saw-someone-carrying-a-gun-at-a-party-what-would-you-do/401146 "2007-04-26T16:01:24Z")
We’ve had a lot of gun threads lately - no doubt some of them inspired by thoughts of Virginia Tech. But I have what I think is a new question (or, at least, I couldn’t find a similar one in recent discussions). What wo… --- ## [Tell me something weird about yourself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-something-weird-about-yourself/67154)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2001, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-something-weird-about-yourself/67154 "2001-06-13T18:34:11Z")
I’ll go first: I’m a pretty normal girl. I grew up and still live in New York. I married my college sweetheart and we have been to gether now for 15 years. We have two great kids and decent jobs. My mother died when I … --- ## [No Tennesee Williams for you!!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-tennesee-williams-for-you/277693)
**Author:** [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2004, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-tennesee-williams-for-you/277693 "2004-12-09T15:17:50Z")
If I didn’t laugh I’d cry. http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/local/10306144.htm "If the bill became law, public school textbooks could not present homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle, college… --- ## [What activity would you engage in were it legal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-activity-would-you-engage-in-were-it-legal/445868)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2008, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-activity-would-you-engage-in-were-it-legal/445868 "2008-04-29T23:37:58Z")
In another thread I mentioned that I would try LSD or mushrooms if they were legal. What would you do if there were no law against it? (Please do not post on how to skirt the law, as it breaks board rules.) --- ## [Historical Records agreeing 'holy books'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-records-agreeing-holy-books/42534)
**Author:** [@Doubleclick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doubleclick)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2012, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-records-agreeing-holy-books/42534 "2012-09-27T23:18:37Z")
I am posting this in the GD section as I have a feeling it \might\ spark something. My question: Are there any non-religious historical texts that can verify the ‘going-ons’ in any religious texts? IE: King Herod… --- ## [What countries have you been to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-countries-have-you-been-to/532663)
**Author:** [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2010, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-countries-have-you-been-to/532663 "2010-03-20T12:04:41Z")
To complement the poll about which states dopers have visited, here’s a poll about which countries they have visited. The same rule applies: you must have set foot in the country, outside an airport, to count as visitin… --- ## [Five days in Las Vegas, and I don't gamble-what to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-days-in-las-vegas-and-i-dont-gamble-what-to-do/828953)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2019, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-days-in-las-vegas-and-i-dont-gamble-what-to-do/828953 "2019-03-30T13:33:49Z")
I will be in Las Vegas from March 27-31 on a family trip, and I’m looking for places to do and things to see, emphasis on the weird and/or cheap. Strange museums, stores and tours, interesting places to eat, fun stuff t… --- ## [And we wonder why young girls are so ashamed of their bodies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-we-wonder-why-young-girls-are-so-ashamed-of-their-bodies/325341)
**Author:** [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2005, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-we-wonder-why-young-girls-are-so-ashamed-of-their-bodies/325341 "2005-10-12T02:55:13Z")
Albertson’s pull Seventeen from shelves over health feature What was the problem? Fuck you, bitch. Women’s bodies are not “dirty”. They are not pornographic, or explicit. They are our bodies. Young women growing… --- ## [Lissener vs. his students (mild)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lissener-vs-his-students-mild/356107)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2006, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lissener-vs-his-students-mild/356107 "2006-05-13T16:43:17Z")
In this thread in Cafe Society about whether/what sort of good singers there are these days, lissener impresses upon us how definitive his perspective is compared to those less knowledgable than he: \[QUOTE=lissener\] y… --- ## [Road food along I5 in California](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-food-along-i5-in-california/239569)
**Author:** [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2012, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-food-along-i5-in-california/239569 "2012-03-29T04:05:25Z")
In a few weeks, we’re making a pilgrimage to Southern Faire in San Bernardino. We’ll have no trouble filling our days and nights there, but on our way there and back (coming from San Francisco) we’ll be wanting to stop… --- ## [How do we know that matter dominates our universe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-that-matter-dominates-our-universe/645364)
**Author:** [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-that-matter-dominates-our-universe/645364 "2013-01-07T00:58:10Z")
We are told that there is a slight bias for matter in our universe over anti-matter. How do we know that it is not just a local thing, such as our local supercluster of galaxies. Do we know that distant galaxies are not … --- ## [Wheel of Fortune win with one letter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheel-of-fortune-win-with-one-letter/560034)
**Author:** [@Blue\_Mood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Mood)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheel-of-fortune-win-with-one-letter/560034 "2010-12-11T07:48:10Z")
A woman solved a lengthy “Wheel of Fortune” puzzle after guessing a single letter. Do you think it’s legit? I don’t see how it would not be, but on the other hand she should have chosen “g” or “t.” video clip --- ## ["I'm a driver, I'm a winner ... " - Whence the sample?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-driver-im-a-winner-whence-the-sample/227111)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2023, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-driver-im-a-winner-whence-the-sample/227111 "2023-09-24T20:00:20Z")
" … things are gonna change, I can feel it." Most people know that line from Beck’s song Loser. Some people think it’s from a George Bush speech, but others just know it’s from an obscure movie, Kill the Moonlight. Thi… --- ## [Making Peace with Being Single - Suggestions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-peace-with-being-single-suggestions/405442)
**Author:** [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-peace-with-being-single-suggestions/405442 "2007-06-01T20:11:16Z")
A dear friend of mine is going through a terrible time and I feel so powerless to help her. I can’t even relate to her dilemma, as I have the opposite one. I know that there are a fair number of single Dopers, so I tho… --- ## [It's finally happened, Jack Chick has blown a fuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-finally-happened-jack-chick-has-blown-a-fuse/461697)
**Author:** [@Don\_t\_Call\_Me\_Shirley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Call_Me_Shirley)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2008, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-finally-happened-jack-chick-has-blown-a-fuse/461697 "2008-09-09T22:07:08Z")
What the FUCK is he talking about? Even with my conservative Baptist upbringing, I can’t wade through bullshit this deep. I like it when she uses the force to knock the vampire down. --- ## [Cops allow woman to be nearly killed - read this article.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cops-allow-woman-to-be-nearly-killed-read-this-article/593069)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Juicy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Juicy)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2011, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cops-allow-woman-to-be-nearly-killed-read-this-article/593069 "2011-12-31T22:37:03Z")
Backstory: I lived “downtown” for 9 years and during those years watched my neighbourhood decline into a crackhead-infested shithole. It’s heartbreaking. There was a woman you’d see around, nicknamed “Crackhead Carol”… --- ## [IS Julian Castro as Hillary Running Mate a Done Deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-julian-castro-as-hillary-running-mate-a-done-deal/720366)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2015, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-julian-castro-as-hillary-running-mate-a-done-deal/720366 "2015-05-22T01:15:13Z")
Obviously, people have been eying Julian Castro for bigger and better things for some time now, and no one (including myself) would have been shocked if Hillary had picked him as her running mate next year. But in some q… --- ## [Can a basketball team legally lose a game on purpose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-basketball-team-legally-lose-a-game-on-purpose/535713)
**Author:** [@The\_Seventh\_Deadly\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Seventh_Deadly_Finn)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2010, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-basketball-team-legally-lose-a-game-on-purpose/535713 "2010-04-12T17:20:00Z")
This question was inspired by my local NBA team, the Portland Trailblazers. Here’s the deal: The top 8 teams in each conference advance to the playoffs. The #1 team-- the team with the best regular-season record-- plays… --- ## [Charter Member Desmostylus banned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charter-member-desmostylus-banned/306092)
**Author:** [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2005, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charter-member-desmostylus-banned/306092 "2005-06-21T15:09:59Z")
For various offenses, including: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2719582#post2719582 http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?postid=4383730#post4383730 http://boards.straightdop… --- ## [Question for Jewish dopers, do alot of you eat ham?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-jewish-dopers-do-alot-of-you-eat-ham/554039)
**Author:** [@notsoheavyd3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notsoheavyd3)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2010, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-jewish-dopers-do-alot-of-you-eat-ham/554039 "2010-09-22T14:18:40Z")
I know it’s kind of a weird question. I was watching an old Daily Show that had Mario Batalli on it and if I heard right he made Stewart a dish containing prosciutto(ham) and Stewart dug right into it. Ok, so I was under… --- ## [Banned Member - PM A Moderator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banned-member-pm-a-moderator/636047)
**Author:** [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2012, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banned-member-pm-a-moderator/636047 "2012-10-13T00:23:13Z")
We see this all the time. For example: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=15533602&postcount=2 If I understand correctly, any active member of the board can PM a moderator and ask why someone was banned,… --- ## [Updated Title: Sad news, Doper jz78817 has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/updated-title-sad-news-doper-jz78817-has-died/919834)
**Author:** [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2021, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/updated-title-sad-news-doper-jz78817-has-died/919834 "2021-03-15T07:08:24Z")
I am so scared, you guys. @jz78817 is my brother. I’ve been here longer, but he’s posted more than I have (and has contributed way more, IMO). I last talked to him Monday night via text. My mom was concerned because she… --- ## [What is the legal definition of a common -law wife?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-legal-definition-of-a-common-law-wife/684749)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2014, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-legal-definition-of-a-common-law-wife/684749 "2014-04-02T03:02:15Z")
Hi What is the legal definition of a common -law wife? I look forward to your feedback. davidmich --- ## [How to get cut loose from the military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-cut-loose-from-the-military/438314)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2008, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-cut-loose-from-the-military/438314 "2008-02-27T20:37:32Z")
I am writing about a character who is a Walter Mitty type who joins the army (in the late '80s or '90s) and almost immediately is thrown out because he can’t hack it. Is or was it possible to do without a dishonorable d… --- ## [Write Your Book-a-Minute Summarization Here!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/write-your-book-a-minute-summarization-here/153643)
**Author:** [@Torgo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Torgo)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2003, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/write-your-book-a-minute-summarization-here/153643 "2003-02-14T20:50:32Z")
Inspired by the Book-A-Minute site (http://rinkworks.com/bookaminute/sff.shtml), I’d thought it would be a smashing idea to do our own humorous summaries of our favorite books! THE BLACK DAHLIA by James Ellroy Bucky B… --- ## ["White Collar" -- vest with lapels?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-collar-vest-with-lapels/525240)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2010, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-collar-vest-with-lapels/525240 "2010-02-17T22:00:10Z")
In the TV series White Collar, Neal Caffrey is always wearing a vest with lapels (with no coat, rolled-up shirtsleeves, and usually a fedora when outdoors). I’ve never seen a vest with lapels IRL, not even in a store – … --- ## [Coming of age films for people in their 30s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coming-of-age-films-for-people-in-their-30s/701865)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2014, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coming-of-age-films-for-people-in-their-30s/701865 "2014-10-21T12:13:25Z")
I’m watching the Big Chill right now, it isn’t bad. I am curious as to what other art is out there that documents the process of going from your 20s into your 30s. For me the transition was pretty big. In my 20s I could… --- ## [Is there any alternate-history fiction about democratic socialism winning and working?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-alternate-history-fiction-about-democratic-socialism-winning-and-working/526176)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2010, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-alternate-history-fiction-about-democratic-socialism-winning-and-working/526176 "2010-01-30T01:36:12Z")
I’ve read Back in the USSA, by Eugene Byrne and Kim Newman, in which Eugene Debs leads a Socialist revolution in America in 1917, and then things go pretty much like they did in the Soviet Union (with Al Capone playing t… --- ## [Killer Asteroids.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/killer-asteroids/721413)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2015, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/killer-asteroids/721413 "2015-06-05T19:57:26Z")
I was wondering, what really are the chances earth will be mostly destroyed by a killer asteroid some day? Is it all but inevitable? And would science be able to do anything to protect us, in such an event? And, general… --- ## [What IS IT with vegetarians and meat-eaters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-vegetarians-and-meat-eaters/93356)
**Author:** [@Daowajan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daowajan)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2001, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-vegetarians-and-meat-eaters/93356 "2001-11-25T03:40:57Z")
This could be a Great Debate, hell, it could even be a Pit rant. I’ve made a lot of controversial decisions in my life, but the one I’ve gotten in the most arguments over is being a vegetarian. It’s not even a hot-butto… --- ## [Anyone else getting fake anti-virus errors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-getting-fake-anti-virus-errors/531020)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2010, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-getting-fake-anti-virus-errors/531020 "2010-06-23T17:56:34Z")
Off and on for the last two days, I’ve gotten this website blocked from my anti-virus software (symentec on 2 machines and norton on 1) saying it has detected a fake anti-virus install and the website that comes up on th… --- ## [How dangerous is a chainsaw to use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2019, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850 "2019-11-20T17:19:48Z")
I have a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a wood stove. There are a number of dead trees on my property that I would like to cut up for firewood, but I’ve never used a chainsaw. Talk me into, or out of getting one… --- ## [H.P. Lovecraft: Worth my time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/h-p-lovecraft-worth-my-time/243426)
**Author:** [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2004, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/h-p-lovecraft-worth-my-time/243426 "2004-05-15T00:35:07Z")
Seeing some jokes referencing Cthulhu, I’ve been reminded again that, besides being some really freakly looking dude with a squid for a head, I really don’t know much about him. Same goes for the rest of the Lovecraft o… --- ## [Pounds, shillings, quid, pence...???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pounds-shillings-quid-pence/27092)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2000, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pounds-shillings-quid-pence/27092 "2000-07-31T19:05:29Z")
Can someone clarify British currancy for me? I searched, but didn’t find anything simple and obvious. I know that pence go into a shilling, and shillings into a pound, but how much? And what about the slang? And what’s … --- ## [Falstaff beer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falstaff-beer/632615)
**Author:** [@Barking\_Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barking_Dog)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falstaff-beer/632615 "2012-08-27T19:33:01Z")
Not sure if this belongs here or MPSISMS, but since it involves beer, I’m starting here and apologizing to the mods later. Ok, so my grandparents died awhile ago, and we’re still mourning our loss. They were the center… --- ## [Belgium, be gone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belgium-be-gone/543071)
**Author:** [@Drew\_Kit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drew_Kit)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2010, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belgium-be-gone/543071 "2010-06-14T20:02:09Z")
Belgium seems about to suicide itself. It’s likely it will be swallowed by it’s neighbours rather than pretend to be independent states. I’m a big Brel fan but I dislike modern Belgium and wouldn’t miss it. Anyone else … --- ## [If objective reality exists, can we know or trust we know it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-objective-reality-exists-can-we-know-or-trust-we-know-it/586732)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2011, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-objective-reality-exists-can-we-know-or-trust-we-know-it/586732 "2011-06-28T01:30:45Z")
On related threads I brought up subjective vs objective reality. I feel there is ample evidence that if objective reality exists, we are incapable of discerning it. Take a incident that has 6 witnesses. Ask the 6 inde… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1230&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1232&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)