# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1321&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:** 1322 --- ## [We’ll soon start running Google text ads on the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-ll-soon-start-running-google-text-ads-on-the-sdmb/323119)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2005, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-ll-soon-start-running-google-text-ads-on-the-sdmb/323119 "2005-09-24T01:21:33Z")
In our ceaseless but so far futile effort to make a buck off the Straight Dope Message Board, or at least not lose our shirts, Google “AdSense” text ads will soon start appearing on SDMB message-thread pages. Some answer… --- ## [The Ford Crown Vic Hate Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ford-crown-vic-hate-thread/142684)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2002, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ford-crown-vic-hate-thread/142684 "2002-12-17T15:36:26Z")
God, how I loathe that car. I despise it in every way. Please allow me to elaborate. No matter who’s driving, it’s a cop car. Come on, you all know the feeling… you’re getting on the highway and you see a Crown Vic be… --- ## [Why is insider trading illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-insider-trading-illegal/655731)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2013, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-insider-trading-illegal/655731 "2013-04-18T22:56:23Z")
Yeah, I know: It takes all the sport out of the stock market, levels the playing field, means you can’t cheat, etc, but why on Earth would you want a level playing field in business? I mean, I stay away from casinos an… --- ## [Severe enabling: Can it be undone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/severe-enabling-can-it-be-undone/521384)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/severe-enabling-can-it-be-undone/521384 "2010-02-03T23:42:16Z")
My younger niece, whom I will refer to here as Nancy, is 19 years old. After graduating from high school, she refused to do anything about college during the summer and finally started in the fall. She didn’t like her … --- ## [Glen Beck 100 year plan for America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glen-beck-100-year-plan-for-america/518665)
**Author:** [@haymarketmartyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/haymarketmartyr)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2009, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glen-beck-100-year-plan-for-america/518665 "2009-11-24T21:32:41Z")
www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/business/media/22beck.html On Saturday at a retirement community in Florida, FOX personality Glen Beck announced what looks like the second phase of the Tea party movement. It will evolve int… --- ## [2024 Oscar (96th Academy Awards) Nominations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-oscar-96th-academy-awards-nominations/996545)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2024, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-oscar-96th-academy-awards-nominations/996545 "2024-03-14T20:55:43Z")
The 2024 Oscar nominations are out. Any comments? I have seen almost none of these. 96th Academy Awards - Wikipedia Partial list: BEST PICTURE “American Fiction”; “Anatomy of a Fall”; “Barbie”; “The Holdovers”; “Kill… --- ## [Twitter Twittery Strikes Again (Idiot Football Player Gets Himself Kicked Off Team)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twitter-twittery-strikes-again-idiot-football-player-gets-himself-kicked-off-team/644322)
**Author:** [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2012, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twitter-twittery-strikes-again-idiot-football-player-gets-himself-kicked-off-team/644322 "2012-12-18T20:06:24Z")
Our tale begins with one Bradley Patterson, who demonstrated his priorities and general character in this tweet sent in response to President Obama preempting part of a football game with his Sandy Hook memorial remarks: … --- ## [So if I think \*that\*, then do I have another "think" coming, or another "thing"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-i-think-that-then-do-i-have-another-think-coming-or-another-thing/741454)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2016, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-i-think-that-then-do-i-have-another-think-coming-or-another-thing/741454 "2016-01-02T15:55:53Z")
From early childhood, I would hear this expression mostly on TV shows and movies, and I understood this as: I always thought it was another “thing” coming. I don’t remember wen I became aware of it; it’s just one of t… --- ## [1912 US Presidential Election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1912-us-presidential-election/630901)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2012, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1912-us-presidential-election/630901 "2012-08-14T06:33:31Z")
A hundred years ago three Presidents faced off in one of the most divisive elections in our country’s history. The incumbent President William Howard Taft and his VP \*\*James Sherman \*\*(later replaced by Nicholas Murray … --- ## [Police officer taking pictures of my house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-officer-taking-pictures-of-my-house/968422)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2022, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-officer-taking-pictures-of-my-house/968422 "2022-07-30T16:35:01Z")
I’m writing this for myself in a way. But what happened last night is very odd. My Wife and I live rural Colorado mountains. There is one other house on our road. Most people wouldn’t even call it a road. Yesterday 6:3… --- ## [Do you know who Pete Seeger was?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-who-pete-seeger-was/737312)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2015, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-who-pete-seeger-was/737312 "2015-11-19T11:43:36Z")
In the Things you know that it never occurred to you others wouldn’t know…thread his name came up a few times. So another way we can divide the world is by whether or not you know who Pete was. Hint: He’s not Bob “Old … --- ## [So there were these two hippos. . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-there-were-these-two-hippos/65477)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2016, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-there-were-these-two-hippos/65477 "2016-05-30T01:45:38Z")
And one of them says to the other, “I just can’t get it thru my head today’s Tuesday.” I’ve never actually seen this cartoon, but was told it appeared in a Playboy magazine some time in the 1970s, apparently not in one … --- ## [Which shows make you think of staying home from school as a kid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-shows-make-you-think-of-staying-home-from-school-as-a-kid/591792)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2016, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-shows-make-you-think-of-staying-home-from-school-as-a-kid/591792 "2016-12-16T20:10:35Z")
For me it’s always The Andy Griffith Show. To a lesser extent, I Love Lucy and The Beverly Hillbillies. But whenever Andy happens to be on, it takes me back to lying on the couch with a pillow and blanket with a box of… --- ## [Le Tour de France - Spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/le-tour-de-france-spoilers/186631)
**Author:** [@elephant\_shoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elephant_shoes)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2003, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/le-tour-de-france-spoilers/186631 "2003-07-29T17:22:09Z")
Isn’t anyone excited about le Tour? This is my first Tour de France since I’ve really started following cycling, and I’m seriously stoked. It’s a big, big year for Lance, as he’s going for his fifth straight win, somet… --- ## [Which human killed the most people in hand-to-hand combat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-human-killed-the-most-people-in-hand-to-hand-combat/743841)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2016, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-human-killed-the-most-people-in-hand-to-hand-combat/743841 "2016-01-23T08:17:57Z")
Random thought while reading a history of the 100 years war. When you had large contingents of knights (and mercenaries) who basically spent their whole life fighting for one faction or other (or just ravaging the local … --- ## [What currently innocuous things will be socially unacceptable in the future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-innocuous-things-will-be-socially-unacceptable-in-the-future/579134)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2011, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currently-innocuous-things-will-be-socially-unacceptable-in-the-future/579134 "2011-04-23T18:39:09Z")
Hundreds of years ago, before deodorant and mouthwash existed, it was not considered socially unacceptable in most cultures to have stinky, sweaty armpits and/or bad breath. Nowadays, in many cultures, the availability a… --- ## [Can A LandLord Leave Me Without Power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-landlord-leave-me-without-power/610393)
**Author:** [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2012, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-landlord-leave-me-without-power/610393 "2012-01-26T20:51:22Z")
Hey guys, I currently live in a crappy apartment complex, and the management here has already proven once that they are pretty much unyielding when it comes to helping out the tenants. Which brings me to my current dil… --- ## [Question about babysitting a cat.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-babysitting-a-cat/675077)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2013, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-babysitting-a-cat/675077 "2013-12-04T01:36:30Z")
My grandmother will be gone for 10 days on one of her outlandish cruise ship vacations. I’ve been asked to watch her cat. The question is whether I should bring the cat to my house for 10 days, or visit him periodically… --- ## [Need new tires. Advice requested.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-new-tires-advice-requested/692547)
**Author:** [@MannyL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MannyL)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-new-tires-advice-requested/692547 "2014-07-07T22:04:00Z")
I have a 2012 Rav-4 with a tad over 50K. Mutiple places told me I need new tires. Mostly I drive on highways and only go off road when my GPS messes up and sends me there. The quotes I have are are below. All include ro… --- ## [Samantha Bee on summer parenting now and then (then being the 70s)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/samantha-bee-on-summer-parenting-now-and-then-then-being-the-70s/593777)
**Author:** [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2011, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/samantha-bee-on-summer-parenting-now-and-then-then-being-the-70s/593777 "2011-08-25T08:24:51Z")
On the indignity of being expected to watch our children and have concern for their brains. This is the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time. If you’re a Gen-Xer with kids this is for you. A Long Summer for “Weary … --- ## [Tell me to call Claire.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-to-call-claire/373923)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2006, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-to-call-claire/373923 "2006-10-03T01:43:37Z")
Thread title says it all. But, if you must know, she’s about my height, blonde, bright blue eyes, great conversationalist, and puts in as many hours a week on the water as I do. Plus (and this is key) she gave me her n… --- ## [Do Squirrels 'Beg'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-squirrels-beg/534521)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2010, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-squirrels-beg/534521 "2010-04-04T00:57:54Z")
My mother was an animal lover. So naturally when I was a child even, I was used to her feeding the birds, etc. I was afraid of the squirrels in our neighborhood at first. But eventually I learned they were actually surpr… --- ## [How come us old guys are knocking ourselves off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-us-old-guys-are-knocking-ourselves-off/698122)
**Author:** [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2014, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-us-old-guys-are-knocking-ourselves-off/698122 "2014-09-13T02:36:00Z")
Googling up what I’d caught in a rather dull NPR spot earlier confirmed that men in the age range 50-54 are committing suicide at double the rates of 20 years ago. Of course some of the stories blared about Baby Boomer … --- ## [killing moles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/killing-moles/531083)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2010, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/killing-moles/531083 "2010-03-09T04:51:21Z")
Has anyone suffered from mole infestation (in the yard) and successfully been able to rid themselves of the annoying little rodents? I know cutting the food supply is the best approach, and killing grubs is fine by me, … --- ## [Christmas Gift Exchange 2009](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-gift-exchange-2009/517696)
**Author:** [@schnuckiputzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/schnuckiputzi)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-gift-exchange-2009/517696 "2010-01-26T22:53:04Z")
Secret Santa 2009 Our traditional price limit is $10 (excluding postage). With the economy in the shape it’s in, it seems like a good idea to keep to this limit. Stay away from NSFOIFOF (not safe for opening in front of… --- ## [What sports game was ABC airing the morning of October 8th, 1994?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-game-was-abc-airing-the-morning-of-october-8th-1994/518124)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2010, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-game-was-abc-airing-the-morning-of-october-8th-1994/518124 "2010-06-22T20:44:21Z")
…specifically KGO-TV, in San Francisco? I think it would have been around 10 am, but I’m simply not sure. This one’s been bugging me for years, but I’m finally getting around to asking. Can any sports fans help? --- ## [Signs that you are boring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signs-that-you-are-boring/401763)
**Author:** [@ForumBot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ForumBot)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2007, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signs-that-you-are-boring/401763 "2007-05-08T16:34:50Z")
I’m pretty exiciting. Sometimes. Most of the time, I’m pretty boring, as I suspect most everybody is. This is a thread for all those times you just sat back and thought “god, I’m dull. I’m going to jump out of a plan… --- ## [Gravity on Planet Donut](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-on-planet-donut/67974)
**Author:** [@Dave1701e](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dave1701e)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2001, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-on-planet-donut/67974 "2001-09-11T07:03:36Z")
What’s gravity like on a planet shaped like a donut? Assuming the donut is perfectly round and has uniform density, I’m pretty sure the same case applies as for the hollow spherical planet, so the person on the inner ri… --- ## [Best way to cook steak indoors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cook-steak-indoors/648320)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2013, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cook-steak-indoors/648320 "2013-01-27T07:39:15Z")
I like to cook out, and I’ve gotten pretty good at it. Unlike some people I know, however, I am definitely not hearty enough to get out and fire up the grill in the dead of Chicago Winter. I got some fine-looking frozen… --- ## [What on Earth is healthy about this salad dressing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-on-earth-is-healthy-about-this-salad-dressing/621315)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2012, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-on-earth-is-healthy-about-this-salad-dressing/621315 "2012-05-10T20:46:22Z")
My wife brought home a bottle of Fit and Active Light ranch dressing. The bottle says it has 45% less fat than regular ranch and that you can use it “guilt free”. But look at the ingredient list. 80 calories with 70 of … --- ## [How safe are Indy cars vs Formula 1?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-safe-are-indy-cars-vs-formula-1/599903)
**Author:** [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2011, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-safe-are-indy-cars-vs-formula-1/599903 "2011-10-19T20:22:44Z")
I was shocked at the pictures of the crash which took Dan Wheldon’s life yesterday. Not being familiar with Indy I can only compare what I have seen with Formula 1. I am used to seeing the occasional huge crash, heart in… --- ## [Songs that go - "Woo Hoo!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-go-woo-hoo/287303)
**Author:** [@Made\_in\_Macau](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Made_in_Macau)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2005, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-go-woo-hoo/287303 "2005-01-31T18:33:15Z")
Ive written some songs that use different songwriting ‘ticks’ - a spelling song, a chorus free song, a key change down, etc and now I’m writing a song that goes ‘Woo Hoo!’. So I’d like to listen to as many as I can to b… --- ## [Making a statement, then invoking the Fifth Amendment (IRS): legal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-statement-then-invoking-the-fifth-amendment-irs-legal/659122)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-statement-then-invoking-the-fifth-amendment-irs-legal/659122 "2013-07-05T23:37:40Z")
Yesterday Lois Lerner, head of the IRS division overseeing exemptions, appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform committee. She read a statement and then invoked the Fifth Amendment. The statement is here… --- ## [Why is there so much hatred toward Justice Scalia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-so-much-hatred-toward-justice-scalia/229329)
**Author:** [@Honesty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honesty)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2004, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-so-much-hatred-toward-justice-scalia/229329 "2004-02-25T14:13:37Z")
Hello everyone, On campus, I hear lots of people make Justice Scalia look like a far, right-wing conservative. Are the accusations of racism and partiality founded on any semblance of truth? Thanks for reading! Hone… --- ## [A math riddle for you. Feel free to submit your own.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-math-riddle-for-you-feel-free-to-submit-your-own/823205)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2018, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-math-riddle-for-you-feel-free-to-submit-your-own/823205 "2018-10-27T13:55:33Z")
I’ll start with a classic math riddle. Please Submit your own favorites. If your friend’s son is four years old and his little brother is half his age (two years old), how old will the younger brother be if the older br… --- ## [My long distance g/f, no bees or honey involved.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-long-distance-g-f-no-bees-or-honey-involved/657647)
**Author:** [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2013, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-long-distance-g-f-no-bees-or-honey-involved/657647 "2013-05-20T18:00:33Z")
So after urgings by a friend…I go post on one of those “Meet overseas women” sites. He travels alot for work (jewelry shopper) and apparently uses such sites to meet ladies to hang out with while he is abroad. So I sign… --- ## [Hey White Women! Your internalized misogyny put Trump in office!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-white-women-your-internalized-misogyny-put-trump-in-office/772113)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-white-women-your-internalized-misogyny-put-trump-in-office/772113 "2016-11-18T03:14:02Z")
Just so you’re perfectly clear who’s to blame in this debacle. It’s you! Clinton Campaign Official Invokes ‘Internalized Misogyny’ in Talking About Women’s Vote Video Interview Stats from Oberlin Review --- ## [Mechanics of using a torque wrench to drive screws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mechanics-of-using-a-torque-wrench-to-drive-screws/728151)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2015, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mechanics-of-using-a-torque-wrench-to-drive-screws/728151 "2015-08-24T16:51:36Z")
Please understand that I maybe would fail mechanical engineering 101 (if I had taken it), and physics was never my forte. I have a torque wrench. You attach a 3/8" socket to the end, set the torque to a given amount, an… --- ## [Contours of "hate speech"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contours-of-hate-speech/822985)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contours-of-hate-speech/822985 "2018-10-20T13:32:14Z")
Directed at me in The Pit: Hate speech? Why, or why not? I personally would not take any action based on this, except that I want rules enforced consistently. Probably the desire to see rules enforced consistently is … --- ## [How could a 15 year-old kill a bear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-15-year-old-kill-a-bear/625030)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2012, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-15-year-old-kill-a-bear/625030 "2012-06-14T13:54:11Z")
I’m writing a fantasy short story in which a 15 year-old farmboy has to kill a bear that’s been helping itself to some of the livestock. The setting is standard medieval fantasy, (so no guns), and while the boy is very b… --- ## [Does the carnival sledgehammer strength gizmo have a name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-carnival-sledgehammer-strength-gizmo-have-a-name/296655)
**Author:** [@Little\_Brother\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Brother_1)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2005, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-carnival-sledgehammer-strength-gizmo-have-a-name/296655 "2005-03-29T20:10:18Z")
We’ve all seen this gizmo in carnivals and county fairs, or at least TV/movie versions of them: The contestant pounds some kind of pivoted board or stump thingamajig at ground level with a sledgehammer, thus propelling … --- ## [No olives?!? What goes in the Martini, then?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-olives-what-goes-in-the-martini-then/761601)
**Author:** [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-olives-what-goes-in-the-martini-then/761601 "2016-08-16T14:39:41Z")
I don’t care for lemon peel. If I want boozy lemonade, I’ll make a Tom Collins. No green olives in the fridge tonight. No pickled onions for a Gibson. So I made a big dollop of iced gin with a splash of vermouth and … --- ## [Trying to Understand the Rwandan Genocide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-understand-the-rwandan-genocide/679296)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2014, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-understand-the-rwandan-genocide/679296 "2014-01-26T14:17:53Z")
I’m reading a Wikipedia article about the Rwandan Genocide, which happened when I was in college and only got so much press here in the Midwestern US. Helpful as it is, much of the Wikipedia article is going over my head… --- ## [OK, Polycarp, I really can't let this go by...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-polycarp-i-really-cant-let-this-go-by/450255)
**Author:** [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2008, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-polycarp-i-really-cant-let-this-go-by/450255 "2008-05-24T23:26:31Z")
Ever since you posted this, I’ve been trying to figure out what the hell you were getting at, and why your point had to be expressed in such a manner. The best I can come up with at this point is that you were trying to… --- ## [I Pit Myself For Thinking This Is Funny](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-myself-for-thinking-this-is-funny/464926)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2008, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-myself-for-thinking-this-is-funny/464926 "2008-09-30T13:33:46Z")
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4810644.ece Best part: “Such a heinous act is bound to sully India’s image among overseas investors.” --- ## [What does it mean to give someone stick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-to-give-someone-stick/356064)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2006, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-to-give-someone-stick/356064 "2006-05-10T12:41:57Z")
I think it’s a British-ism, but I’m not sure if it means to give him grief, or to cut hm some slack. Either could apply to the present situation, and I’m wondering what I’m being asked to do, go harder or go softer on so… --- ## [Conjecture: Captain America movie will underperform outside North America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conjecture-captain-america-movie-will-underperform-outside-north-america/568142)
**Author:** [@Lobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobot)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2011, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conjecture-captain-america-movie-will-underperform-outside-north-america/568142 "2011-01-20T06:47:21Z")
Maybe I’m out of touch, but I suspect the Captain America movie will not do particularly well outside of North America. The idea of a WWII soldier dressed in combat gear modeled after the Stars and Stripes may work for U… --- ## [How did the US avoid reverting to pre-Prohibition levels of drunkeness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-us-avoid-reverting-to-pre-prohibition-levels-of-drunkeness/609657)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2012, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-us-avoid-reverting-to-pre-prohibition-levels-of-drunkeness/609657 "2012-01-29T11:09:36Z")
Before the 19th century Temperance movement which culminated in national prohibition, Americans drank what would now be considered stupendous quantities of alcohol. Part of the impetus for prohibition was the nearly out-… --- ## [Ask the small airplane pilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-small-airplane-pilot/241890)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2004, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-small-airplane-pilot/241890 "2004-05-23T12:17:27Z")
Don’t remember if we’ve done one of these before, and the search engine turned up nothing of the sort (although no search is perfect) so… I’ve been flying small airplanes for nearly 9 years now. I really really enjoy i… --- ## [Is this YouTube video fake? (girl going through basketball hoop)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-youtube-video-fake-girl-going-through-basketball-hoop/569550)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2011, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-youtube-video-fake-girl-going-through-basketball-hoop/569550 "2011-02-02T03:35:30Z")
LINK I have an opinion, but I hold it for now to see what y’all think first. mmm [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1320&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1322&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)