# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=13 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 14 --- ## [Songs they made you sing in elementary school](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-they-made-you-sing-in-elementary-school/1032514)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-they-made-you-sing-in-elementary-school/1032514 "2026-09-23T17:34:02Z")
Watching The Three Godfathers yesterday, and hearing Harry Carey, Jr. sing The Streets of Laredo, made me remember that we sang that song in elementary school - in 7th grade, I believe. Then I remembered other songs we … --- ## [Who are your 10 favorite male TV sitcom characters of all time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-your-10-favorite-male-tv-sitcom-characters-of-all-time/1028821)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2026, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-your-10-favorite-male-tv-sitcom-characters-of-all-time/1028821 "2026-04-01T01:00:36Z")
Please limit your input to just 6 male TV sitcom characters. Also include the names of the shows. Live action only, no animated characters (sorry, Homer). Polls and brackets will appear once sufficient nominees have b… --- ## [This week's (kind of sad) lesson: kill your procrastination habits while you still have most of your marbles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-weeks-kind-of-sad-lesson-kill-your-procrastination-habits-while-you-still-have-most-of-your-marbles/1030933)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-weeks-kind-of-sad-lesson-kill-your-procrastination-habits-while-you-still-have-most-of-your-marbles/1030933 "2026-10-11T19:06:53Z")
I’ve just spent the last fortnight in Spain. My mum lives here with her partner. They’re both getting on in years now - he’s quite physically infirm, she’s got early stage Alzheimer’s, which at the moment is manifesting … --- ## [In residential construction why aren't water pipes insulated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-residential-construction-why-arent-water-pipes-insulated/1026974)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2026, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-residential-construction-why-arent-water-pipes-insulated/1026974 "2026-02-12T14:29:17Z")
I don’t know what current construction standards are but my house was built in 1995–not so new, but at a time when everybody started to worry about energy efficiency. Why wasn’t consideration given to insulating the wate… --- ## [Sports in school is cool...and?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-in-school-is-cool-and/1026687)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-in-school-is-cool-and/1026687 "2026-02-03T23:13:28Z")
Does being on a sports team in school better prepare you, compared to those that don’t, job-wise, social interaction-wise, marriage-wise etc.? Are there studies that support any of these ideas that do not come from spor… --- ## [Hitler's DNA shows he had an incomplete puberty, may have had a micropenis, and was likely schizophrenic and/or bipolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitlers-dna-shows-he-had-an-incomplete-puberty-may-have-had-a-micropenis-and-was-likely-schizophrenic-and-or-bipolar/1024822)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2025, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitlers-dna-shows-he-had-an-incomplete-puberty-may-have-had-a-micropenis-and-was-likely-schizophrenic-and-or-bipolar/1024822 "2025-11-20T02:46:05Z")
So says a new study to be detailed in an upcoming documentary. A 1923 medical examination of Hitler, which was uncovered in 2015, showed that the Nazi leader did indeed have an undescended testicle but, while we do n… --- ## [Alan Ritchson (Reacher) beats up neighbor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2026, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731 "2026-03-28T12:22:23Z")
I sympathize with the neighbor. There’s nothing more miserable than having my peaceful morning ruined by kids on small, loud motorcycles ripping up and down the street. Over and over again. For hours! They’ve put me thr… --- ## [Should California Improve its Ballot System and How? (spun off from Election of a new Govenor of California, 2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-california-improve-its-ballot-system-and-how-spun-off-from-election-of-a-new-govenor-of-california-2026/1030809)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2026, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-california-improve-its-ballot-system-and-how-spun-off-from-election-of-a-new-govenor-of-california-2026/1030809 "2026-06-13T02:11:47Z")
Somewhat tangentially, California really needs to improve its ballot counting system. Sure, it’s a big State, but so are Florida and Illinois, and we both get almost all the votes counted by the next morning. The UK and … --- ## [Possible Ban of @DrDeth (No banning will be taking place, unsuspended)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-ban-of-drdeth-no-banning-will-be-taking-place-unsuspended/1033724)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-ban-of-drdeth-no-banning-will-be-taking-place-unsuspended/1033724 "2026-10-14T17:46:33Z")
For this post responding to a comment that being associated with the Biden administration is a big bad thing for a possible D Presidential nominee this time round: Understood the thread guidance had been to avoid hija… --- ## [Britishers: is this a deadly insult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/britishers-is-this-a-deadly-insult/1033542)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/britishers-is-this-a-deadly-insult/1033542 "2026-10-07T08:51:45Z")
I was reading Trip Advisor reviews of a pub in Penzance, Cornwall, when I came upon this tale of woe from a customer. Is there something nasty about the phrase “There We Are Then” that I’m missing? I can see being offe… --- ## [MLB September 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2026/1032786)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2026, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2026/1032786 "2026-09-27T23:42:22Z")
The Brewers and Cubs have been playing a four-game series this week at Wrigley, which will go a long way towards determining the outcome of the NL Central race. The Cubs won in a rout on Monday (hitting nine home runs),… --- ## [How do you feel about vegetarian products made as ersatz animal based foods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-vegetarian-products-made-as-ersatz-animal-based-foods/1025292)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2026, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-vegetarian-products-made-as-ersatz-animal-based-foods/1025292 "2026-01-31T16:23:16Z")
Oat “milk” came up in another thread and inspired me to rant a bit about vegetarian products that are designed to be as much like a specific animal based product as possible. The vegetarian based “milks” are the lowest … --- ## [Paul Simon - Something So Wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-simon-something-so-wrong/1029043)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2026, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-simon-something-so-wrong/1029043 "2026-06-01T12:06:32Z")
Paul Simon was a recent guest on Colbert and talked about his music. He is looking all of his 84 years, but reasonably healthy. He talked about an upcoming world tour, which gave me pause. Stamina aside, his voice seemed… --- ## [Are high school class rings still a popular thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-high-school-class-rings-still-a-popular-thing/1027560)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2026, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-high-school-class-rings-still-a-popular-thing/1027560 "2026-02-16T16:36:45Z")
I got mine back around 1990, when gold was on the $300 an ounce range. I can’t imagine kids are buying them today at $5,000 an ounce. (I’d sell mine in a heartbeat if it hadn’t gone missing at least 20 years ago.) --- ## [Is there any TV SHOW that we ALL would agree is good (if not great)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-tv-show-that-we-all-would-agree-is-good-if-not-great/1026628)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-tv-show-that-we-all-would-agree-is-good-if-not-great/1026628 "2026-01-24T13:54:15Z")
Well, you knew it had to be done. Let’s go. mmm (I am still pondering my input) --- ## [What is the difference between England, Britain, Great Britain, the UK, the Commonwealth, and the Crown lands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-england-britain-great-britain-the-uk-the-commonwealth-and-the-crown-lands/1026149)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2026, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-england-britain-great-britain-the-uk-the-commonwealth-and-the-crown-lands/1026149 "2026-04-05T09:07:28Z")
Continuing the discussion from Questions you should know but don't: What exactly is the difference between all of these places, especially in terms of governance and politics? This reddit graphic illustrates some of th… --- ## [Backrooms (2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backrooms-2026/1030562)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2026, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backrooms-2026/1030562 "2026-11-02T11:27:30Z")
Has anybody else seen the recently released documentary about Lumon Industries’ original severed floor, before they built their newest one? Apparently they didn’t clean everything out and they left behind a few straggle… --- ## [Can "They" turn on your smart phone camera and watch you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-they-turn-on-your-smart-phone-camera-and-watch-you/1029853)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-they-turn-on-your-smart-phone-camera-and-watch-you/1029853 "2026-05-17T15:41:32Z")
I just watched a guy on a TV show claim this although he was being detained for smuggling so he might not be the best source. Or maybe he is. --- ## [Does it matter to society if language is cruder or fashion less formal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-matter-to-society-if-language-is-cruder-or-fashion-less-formal/1027473)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-matter-to-society-if-language-is-cruder-or-fashion-less-formal/1027473 "2026-02-19T03:15:36Z")
I think that I’m on pretty firm ground to assert that, over the last century, our public discourse has become coarser (that is, profanity is much more acceptable and tolerated), and our clothing styles have become much m… --- ## [When were Gen X people born?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-were-gen-x-people-born/1026205)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2026, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-were-gen-x-people-born/1026205 "2026-01-04T00:25:57Z")
So in another topic it’s put forth that “Gen X” refers to people born AFTER baby boomers (like, in the 60s), but not as late as “1977”. As someone who was born in 1979, I must say I strongly disagree with this. I was ra… --- ## [Pia Zadora thread, 80s would be starlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pia-zadora-thread-80s-would-be-starlet/1029812)
**Author:** [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pia-zadora-thread-80s-would-be-starlet/1029812 "2026-05-16T21:38:21Z")
My sister is addicted to looking at the celebrity birthday listings. The other day it was Pia Zadora’s bday, and they mentioned that as a kid she played Anne Frank in a revival of the play. In one scene Nazis come to the… --- ## [Movies in which nothing happens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-in-which-nothing-happens/1031513)
**Author:** [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-in-which-nothing-happens/1031513 "2026-07-15T14:54:11Z")
I think this thread could quickly die, but it’s a question that has recently occurred to me. I’m wondering how many movies in which “nothing happens” are out there and whether people love/like/hate them? First, let me … --- ## [Did anyone else have a class in college that "Everyone flunked the first time"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-else-have-a-class-in-college-that-everyone-flunked-the-first-time/1025447)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-else-have-a-class-in-college-that-everyone-flunked-the-first-time/1025447 "2025-12-14T14:55:51Z")
I know it’s not just me because I remember seeing it in college based sitcoms too. But I remember there was a first year Earth Science or something similar class that was a prerequisite for something else important so a… --- ## [Origin of "moon cricket" as a racial slur?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-moon-cricket-as-a-racial-slur/1026188)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-moon-cricket-as-a-racial-slur/1026188 "2026-01-17T23:06:50Z")
I can find no reference to it preceding the 2009 classic Black Dynamite, relevant part starts at about 1:30, where Mr. Dynamite is called thus by Pat Nixon. I can find references to the term, but it seems to refer to a … --- ## [Six Flags closes 9 North American roller coasters after families watch man fall to his death](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/six-flags-closes-9-north-american-roller-coasters-after-families-watch-man-fall-to-his-death/1033838)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2026, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/six-flags-closes-9-north-american-roller-coasters-after-families-watch-man-fall-to-his-death/1033838 "2026-10-31T23:50:22Z")
I didn’t see this being discussed anywhere, and I thought it deserved a thread – yesterday Six Flags closed nine of their roller coasters after an accident in which a man was “ejected” from a roller coaster at one of the… --- ## [How foolish would I be to keep a realistic-looking toy BB gun at home to deter intruders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-foolish-would-i-be-to-keep-a-realistic-looking-toy-bb-gun-at-home-to-deter-intruders/1028324)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2026, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-foolish-would-i-be-to-keep-a-realistic-looking-toy-bb-gun-at-home-to-deter-intruders/1028324 "2026-03-11T23:48:50Z")
I’m pretty sure this idea has significant downside, but wanted the Dopers to give the harsh feedback anyway. Blast away at me (no pun intended…..okay, maybe it was.) First off, a real handgun costs $400-900, and I don’t… --- ## [Famous actors who have played their eponyms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-actors-who-have-played-their-eponyms/1025506)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2025, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-actors-who-have-played-their-eponyms/1025506 "2025-12-10T04:17:03Z")
After getting back from a screening of Hamnet, I was disappointed to discover that Anne Hathaway has never played the character of Anne Hathaway (for who she was apparently explicitly named after). I know I said eponym … --- ## [I would offer you $500,000 to watch every episode ofAmerican Bandstand, Soul Train, Midnight Special, and Solid Gold, at your own leisure. Do you take this offer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-offer-you-500-000-to-watch-every-episode-ofamerican-bandstand-soul-train-midnight-special-and-solid-gold-at-your-own-leisure-do-you-take-this-offer/1031914)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-offer-you-500-000-to-watch-every-episode-ofamerican-bandstand-soul-train-midnight-special-and-solid-gold-at-your-own-leisure-do-you-take-this-offer/1031914 "2026-09-09T18:36:11Z")
Here are the rules. 1. Let’s say I have, streamable to your TV, every episode of those four shows in the title. You must sit down and watch them all from beginning to end. If you do this, I will give you $500,000 in you… --- ## [AI Data Centers--how many being built, and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-data-centers-how-many-being-built-and-why/1031452)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-data-centers-how-many-being-built-and-why/1031452 "2026-08-23T17:22:31Z")
The news is full of stories about new data centers being built, and local residents complaining. And I have some simple questions: Who is building all these centers? And why? How does each new proposed one differ fro… --- ## [Driving Thread {Posts pulled from What were you thinking thread}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-thread-posts-pulled-from-what-were-you-thinking-thread/1028444)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2026, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-thread-posts-pulled-from-what-were-you-thinking-thread/1028444 "2026-03-19T00:23:39Z")
This long conversation got going about driving, cars and other vehicles. Open Container laws also in here. --- ## [Nicolás Maduro drug charges etc; What if found not guilty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nicolas-maduro-drug-charges-etc-what-if-found-not-guilty/1026371)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nicolas-maduro-drug-charges-etc-what-if-found-not-guilty/1026371 "2026-01-14T17:20:31Z")
In theory he (and his wife) could be found not guilty, correct? What would happen then? --- ## [Trump Ball Room - the white elephant in the room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-ball-room-the-white-elephant-in-the-room/1025237)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2025, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-ball-room-the-white-elephant-in-the-room/1025237 "2025-12-17T02:53:16Z")
Work on the much touted Trump Ball Room has not yet begun. All current work is demolition of the east wing of the White House and site preparation for future construction. According to chatGPT approvals and permits are r… --- ## [I don't understand just what Jeffrey Epstein was guilty of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-just-what-jeffrey-epstein-was-guilty-of/1024863)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2025, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-just-what-jeffrey-epstein-was-guilty-of/1024863 "2025-11-22T09:07:13Z")
Setting aside all political intrigue and implications… Just what did Jeffrey Epstein do? I understand that he had minors perform sex acts and that he paid them for those acts. I don’t mean to trivialize that at all, b… --- ## [Do you shop at TJ Maxx, Burlington, Marshall's, Gabe's, Ross Dress For Less, Goodwill, etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-shop-at-tj-maxx-burlington-marshalls-gabes-ross-dress-for-less-goodwill-etc/1028943)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-shop-at-tj-maxx-burlington-marshalls-gabes-ross-dress-for-less-goodwill-etc/1028943 "2026-04-08T17:02:37Z")
IMO, I wish more people shopped at these stores more often, since I’ve noticed that a majority of their items are cheaper, when compared to Walmart and Target, especially for clothing, home goods, and personal care produ… --- ## [Do billionaires maintain a driver's license? If yes, do they have to go to the DMV like everyone else to renew them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-billionaires-maintain-a-drivers-license-if-yes-do-they-have-to-go-to-the-dmv-like-everyone-else-to-renew-them/1029052)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-billionaires-maintain-a-drivers-license-if-yes-do-they-have-to-go-to-the-dmv-like-everyone-else-to-renew-them/1029052 "2026-04-25T21:25:01Z")
Title kinda says it all. I am thinking the likes of Jeff Bezos or Bill Gates simply do not drive anymore. Someone drives them and that person is likely a body guard with training in evasive driving (or whatever you cal… --- ## [AI pornography that is otherwise illegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-pornography-that-is-otherwise-illegal/1027400)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-pornography-that-is-otherwise-illegal/1027400 "2026-09-08T22:07:38Z")
What is the status, and what should be the status, of pornography that uses AI that doesn’t resemble any actual people, places etc.? AI that is completely written, drawn, animated or said without human guidance. Is it … --- ## [How much do you trust your AI Chatbot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-trust-your-ai-chatbot/1033319)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2026, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-trust-your-ai-chatbot/1033319 "2026-09-29T11:57:08Z")
I’ve been using ChatGPT since 2023. I’m using it more now because I’m researching a new screenplay I’m writing. I could do it the old fashioned way and learn it all “fact by fact”, but it’s much easier and more efficient… --- ## [Do police need a search warrant to investigate a crime scene?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-police-need-a-search-warrant-to-investigate-a-crime-scene/1025722)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2025, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-police-need-a-search-warrant-to-investigate-a-crime-scene/1025722 "2025-12-30T13:26:24Z")
In a story about the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, the New York Times says: Alan Hamilton, deputy police chief, said the L.A.P.D. was conducting a “death investigation.” He said that investigators were trying to o… --- ## [Asteroid burns up in Cleveland, OH area (3/16/2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asteroid-burns-up-in-cleveland-oh-area-3-16-2026/1028531)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asteroid-burns-up-in-cleveland-oh-area-3-16-2026/1028531 "2026-11-07T23:38:53Z")
Scientists are estimating that this thing weighed 7 or 8 tons. We could have had another Chelyabinsk if things had been a little different! Did anyone here see or hear it? --- ## [The Death of Bookstores](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-bookstores/1025614)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-bookstores/1025614 "2025-12-13T11:08:04Z")
It was pretty hard to miss the mass die-off of major bookstore chains, indie bookstores, and even used bookstores after about 2000. Even in Boston and Cambridge, the sudden disappearance of scads of the used bookshops th… --- ## [Do you know what a passkey is and how one works?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-what-a-passkey-is-and-how-one-works/1033842)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2026, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-what-a-passkey-is-and-how-one-works/1033842 "2026-10-21T21:44:12Z")
Pop quiz: WITHOUT looking it up or asking an AI, do you know what a passkey is (as in website & app security)? Do you know how it works? How is it different from a password manager, a USB security key, a fingerprint scan… --- ## [Does anybody remember this shorthand for "and"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-remember-this-shorthand-for-and/1030604)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2026, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-remember-this-shorthand-for-and/1030604 "2026-06-06T19:48:04Z")
I’m posting this because I need validation. Lol I showed this to two of my co-workers and they have no idea. When handwriting, you could use this for “and”. It’s NOT “&”. Imagine a “+” sign. Now imagine a line that co… --- ## [I need cheering up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-cheering-up/1026466)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2026, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-cheering-up/1026466 "2026-02-06T22:24:35Z")
My partner of 33 years passed away on Tuesday evening. Peacefully in her sleep . I was with her. She had MS and had gone rapidly down hill in the last 6 weeks. On 19th December I had a stairlift installed. She went up… --- ## [In Jurassic Park what was the point of showing the Barbasol Can covered in mud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-jurassic-park-what-was-the-point-of-showing-the-barbasol-can-covered-in-mud/1027991)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2026, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-jurassic-park-what-was-the-point-of-showing-the-barbasol-can-covered-in-mud/1027991 "2026-03-05T12:12:03Z")
In the original Jurassic Park film after Nedry steals the dino embryo’s via his Barbasol can once he crashes his jeep and gets attacked by the dino there, there’s a scene of the Barbasol can falling out of his jacket poc… --- ## [The Real American Psycho: Tom Cruise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-real-american-psycho-tom-cruise/1033235)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2026, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-real-american-psycho-tom-cruise/1033235 "2026-10-05T23:02:46Z")
Just watched the GQ interview with him. You gotta hand it to the guy; He commits to the role. I think we should all be very grateful that he chose to go into film rather than… ohhhh… I dunno… create an AI company, mayb… --- ## [Jewelry of the Comic, Television, Movie and Book Gods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewelry-of-the-comic-television-movie-and-book-gods/1033600)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2026, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewelry-of-the-comic-television-movie-and-book-gods/1033600 "2026-10-27T19:42:11Z")
In another thread I mentioned my desire to acquire the ring of The Shadow, and it got me thinking about other famous/legendary fictional jewelry out there, such as the Flash’s ring (with his compressed outfit inside it) … --- ## [How long for a spacecraft to reach Tau Ceti at 1 g?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-for-a-spacecraft-to-reach-tau-ceti-at-1-g/1029064)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2026, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-for-a-spacecraft-to-reach-tau-ceti-at-1-g/1029064 "2026-04-11T07:29:57Z")
Inspired by the Project Hail Mary thread. Tau Ceti is about 12 light years away. I have questions: If you accelerated at 1 g all the way there (not worrying about having to go into some kind of Tau Ceti orbit), how l… --- ## [Living through the Cold War - were you afraid of nuclear war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-through-the-cold-war-were-you-afraid-of-nuclear-war/1030976)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-through-the-cold-war-were-you-afraid-of-nuclear-war/1030976 "2026-06-21T18:24:55Z")
poll Inspired by this post, did you grow up during the Cold War? If so, did you fear nuclear attack? Not intellectually, but did you have any emotional reaction to the threat of nuclear war? --- ## [Firehouse Subs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firehouse-subs/1027532)
**Author:** [@ric62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ric62)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2026, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firehouse-subs/1027532 "2026-07-22T19:07:00Z")
The following is a letter I have tried to sent to Firehouse Subs headquarters but I don’t know if I succeeded as companies do not make it easy to sent them letters- Today, February 9, 2026, I stopped at the local Fireho… --- ## [Viral Rampaging Idiots being Fired - What Next For Them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viral-rampaging-idiots-being-fired-what-next-for-them/1025985)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2026, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viral-rampaging-idiots-being-fired-what-next-for-them/1025985 "2026-01-07T10:35:36Z")
Continuing the discussion from this post in the Pit: Omnibus Stupid MFers in the news thread (Part 2). Note this OP is in IMHO. The linked post by @Jackmannii has cites to a woman who was recorded on a drunken rampage i… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=12&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=14&per_page=50)