# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1503&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:** 1504 --- ## [Use tax return on home or car loan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-tax-return-on-home-or-car-loan/680229)
**Author:** [@Deereman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deereman)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2014, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-tax-return-on-home-or-car-loan/680229 "2014-02-10T21:43:17Z")
I’m planning on using my tax return to repay a portion of my two large debts, the home or truck. It will obviously only be about a payments worth or maybe two on the truck. The home is a 30 year fixed at 4% The truck i… --- ## [Why did superheroes often have capes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-superheroes-often-have-capes/563847)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2010, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-superheroes-often-have-capes/563847 "2010-12-21T22:23:32Z")
I was talking to myself a few minutes ago and I found I was using my Edna Mode voice, which led me to think about her refusal to use capes in costumes, which led me to wonder why capes seem so iconic in costumes. Why we… --- ## [Does UPS intentionally delay packages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-ups-intentionally-delay-packages/195542)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2003, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-ups-intentionally-delay-packages/195542 "2003-08-17T19:27:35Z")
Does UPS intentionally delay regular ground (2-7 day) packages so that they’re delivered on the 6th or 7th day since the order? Sometimes I’ll get a package from close - a 5 or 6 hour drive - and I’ll track it so that b… --- ## [Why did Ontario have a 13th grade?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-ontario-have-a-13th-grade/419262)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2007, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-ontario-have-a-13th-grade/419262 "2007-09-17T09:10:55Z")
Until 2003 the school system in Ontario consisted of 13 grades (plus kindergarden), but it’s my understanding that one only needed to attend grade 13 if one wanted to go to university. How did Ontario schools come to… --- ## [Worst Screw-Ups/Acts of Stupidity in the Public Eye.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-screw-ups-acts-of-stupidity-in-the-public-eye/143300)
**Author:** [@Diff\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diff_T)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2002, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-screw-ups-acts-of-stupidity-in-the-public-eye/143300 "2002-12-26T16:07:33Z")
I’m talking Live TV, Rock Concerts, plays, in front of press… Things that are so bad, they make YOU feel embarrassed. For example: (SNL) What’s-Her-Name rips up a picture of the Pope. Or it could just be a bad acting… --- ## [Did Scrooge get visted by ghosts or was he dreaming?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-scrooge-get-visted-by-ghosts-or-was-he-dreaming/606101)
**Author:** [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2011, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-scrooge-get-visted-by-ghosts-or-was-he-dreaming/606101 "2011-12-15T10:36:46Z")
Every year I say I’ll ask this and never do, and for those that say there are no such things as ghosts, we all know that, but in the story they may exists. Poll to come. Was Scrooge visited by the three ghosts and Jaco… --- ## [Kids and firearm safety, your thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-and-firearm-safety-your-thoughts/548159)
**Author:** [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2011, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-and-firearm-safety-your-thoughts/548159 "2011-01-08T20:15:23Z")
As many here are aware, I’m a recreational sport-shooter, paper targets, trap, etc…, I’ve been a sport shooter all my life, to me, guns are simply tools, dangerous tools that must be respected, but tools nonetheless How… --- ## [\-= Jimmy Hoffa Address? =-](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-hoffa-address/702062)
**Author:** [@Matul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Matul)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-hoffa-address/702062 "2017-02-14T22:18:11Z")
I have lived my entire life in Lake Orion, Michigan. Some of you may know that Jimmy Hoffa kept a ’ summer home ’ on a small lake in the city. I have found that his summer home was located on a small lake about 5 minut… --- ## [Song goofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-goofs/394901)
**Author:** [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2007, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-goofs/394901 "2007-03-15T18:54:32Z")
I guess whatever parameters there are with movie goofs, excluding stuff thats meant to be false, as in parodies and whatnot. Two examples: U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” mentions early morn/April 4th, when the real… --- ## [BODY ARMOR:We are STILL dicking around. Repug incompetence kills](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-armor-we-are-still-dicking-around-repug-incompetence-kills/338860)
**Author:** [@alaricthegoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alaricthegoth)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2006, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-armor-we-are-still-dicking-around-repug-incompetence-kills/338860 "2006-01-13T15:17:09Z")
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/07/politics/07armor.html?hp&ex=1136696400&en=6a69abccc77d978f&ei=5094&partner=homepage For the first time, the study by the military’s medical examiner shows the cost in lives from inadequ… --- ## [What was the purpose of the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-purpose-of-the-tree-of-the-knowledge-of-good-and-evil/980405)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2023, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-purpose-of-the-tree-of-the-knowledge-of-good-and-evil/980405 "2023-03-06T21:14:01Z")
In canon question, so no debates as to whether anything actually existed and/or happened, please, and no snark if at all possible. According to The Bible, there were animals, there was fruit and veggies to munch on…and … --- ## [Why has crime declined so much over the past 20 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-crime-declined-so-much-over-the-past-20-years/688492)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2014, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-crime-declined-so-much-over-the-past-20-years/688492 "2014-05-16T19:08:05Z")
Do you think it’s due to more indoor entertainment? Is it simply a correction back to normal from the unrest the social changes of the 60s created? Do you think it’s one of the controversial theories like lead removal or… --- ## [Have you ever been given a break by the cops?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-given-a-break-by-the-cops/705863)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2014, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-given-a-break-by-the-cops/705863 "2014-12-09T00:32:09Z")
All these cops threads have made me think how lucky I am that things went my way. Back in the late 70s, early 80s drinking and driving attitudes were no where near as strict as they are now. (And that’s a good thing.) M… --- ## [Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reeses-peanut-butter-cups/580561)
**Author:** [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2011, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reeses-peanut-butter-cups/580561 "2011-05-04T18:13:01Z")
Obviously a cultural icon, but why? What is the attraction of PB + chocolate. Educate the ill informed. Tastes like… --- ## [Does lube kill sperm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-lube-kill-sperm/529034)
**Author:** [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2010, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-lube-kill-sperm/529034 "2010-02-15T16:56:59Z")
Like your basic K-Y Jelly, a water-based lubricant, is it harmful to sperm or does it otherwise interfere with conception? We’re trying to get pregnant, but no luck so far, and at certain times of the month we’re having… --- ## [Best Stargate series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-stargate-series/518000)
**Author:** [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2009, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-stargate-series/518000 "2009-11-18T23:32:26Z")
I never watched them when they originally aired, but I started recently watching SG-1 on DVD and I’m about half way through. So tell me which you think is best, including the newfangled one which I haven’t watched yet. --- ## [In 2018, which political prognosticators will you pay attention to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-2018-which-political-prognosticators-will-you-pay-attention-to/794283)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2017, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-2018-which-political-prognosticators-will-you-pay-attention-to/794283 "2017-08-26T14:25:24Z")
Given the ass-kicking 2016 gave most political prognosticators, which ones will you be paying attention to in 2018? Is Sam Wang still your guy, even with bugs in his teeth? Nate Silver all the way, for being less certai… --- ## [Is this "beach body ready" poster acceptable for public display?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-beach-body-ready-poster-acceptable-for-public-display/757410)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2016, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-beach-body-ready-poster-acceptable-for-public-display/757410 "2016-06-21T01:35:19Z")
This being the poster in question, an ad poster on the London Underground for some type of diet supplement, for those who don’t trust me not to link you to goatse it’s a young woman with standard supermodel physique with… --- ## [Propane tank longevity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/propane-tank-longevity/484444)
**Author:** [@imfloating](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/imfloating)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/propane-tank-longevity/484444 "2009-02-07T19:31:40Z")
Will a propane tank that is stored outdoors, where summers average 80 F and winters sometimes go below 0 F, last longer in the summer if used at a constant rate all year ? --- ## [Conservatives: Should we prosecute climate scientists for fraud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-should-we-prosecute-climate-scientists-for-fraud/774457)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-should-we-prosecute-climate-scientists-for-fraud/774457 "2016-12-21T04:20:29Z")
Seriously. Right now the conservative Republicans in the US are ascendant. This may be because the Russian’s interfered in our electoral process, or it might be because of gerrymandering and voter suppression, but it i… --- ## [Superman’s secret identity is the opposite of convention](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-secret-identity-is-the-opposite-of-convention/921095)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-secret-identity-is-the-opposite-of-convention/921095 "2020-12-05T23:21:25Z")
This has probably been discussed here before, but for some reason I started thinking about this. Bruce Wayne becomes Batman to fight crime. Likewise, Peter Parker becomes Spider-Man. For most superheroes, their civilia… --- ## [High school band forced to return shirts referencing evolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-band-forced-to-return-shirts-referencing-evolution/508451)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2009, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-band-forced-to-return-shirts-referencing-evolution/508451 "2009-09-04T12:14:23Z")
Article here. In a nutshell, a high school band was required to turn in their shirts promoting the fall program because some parents objected to the design, which featured a monkey “evolving” into a man, each with a dif… --- ## [Do you believe mandatory abortion should be a legally enforceable contractual clause?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-mandatory-abortion-should-be-a-legally-enforceable-contractual-clause/652706)
**Author:** [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2013, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-mandatory-abortion-should-be-a-legally-enforceable-contractual-clause/652706 "2013-03-15T01:38:34Z")
Every so often, stories like these will pop up. A woman becomes a surrogate for a couple. They freely enter into the contract, the woman is paid a fair sum of money, and the woman gets pregnant. During the pregnancy, it… --- ## [Congressman vs. reality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-vs-reality/670434)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2013, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-vs-reality/670434 "2013-10-09T04:17:49Z")
Texas Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R) berates Park Ranger for not letting people into the WWII memorial. “The Park Service should be ashamed of themselves” Really? Is there more to this? Can this guy be that clueles… --- ## [When did a pillow become one of lifes major expenses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-a-pillow-become-one-of-lifes-major-expenses/781577)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2017, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-a-pillow-become-one-of-lifes-major-expenses/781577 "2017-03-10T20:06:11Z")
I’m sure by now many of you have seen this goof hawking his pillow that has received tons of negative reviews. They want 50 dollars for that ! :eek: But yesterday I was in Kohls and there was a pillow that supposedly a… --- ## [Now that we've got advanced CGI they should make...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-weve-got-advanced-cgi-they-should-make/519037)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2009, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-weve-got-advanced-cgi-they-should-make/519037 "2009-12-01T00:32:32Z")
This thread was inspired by my reading that James Cameron had wanted to make Avatar ten years ago, but the graphics technology just wasn’t up to it at the time. I then had a brainstorm for a remake that absolutely cries … --- ## [So Suppose I Accidently Painted a Room a Really Bright Green...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-suppose-i-accidently-painted-a-room-a-really-bright-green/475065)
**Author:** [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2008, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-suppose-i-accidently-painted-a-room-a-really-bright-green/475065 "2008-12-01T07:44:54Z")
I mean a bright, vibrant, amazing, strike-you-blind shade of green which, in small doses, would really make a place look snappy, but on an entire wall-and-a-half, just serves to cause slight, possibly long-term, brain da… --- ## [Farina, semolina, Cream of Wheat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/farina-semolina-cream-of-wheat/560588)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2010, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/farina-semolina-cream-of-wheat/560588 "2010-11-14T02:50:51Z")
Is there a difference between farina and semolina? Or, when used as a breakfast cereal such as Cream of Wheat, are the terms interchangeable? --- ## [Keep a happy thought in the MMP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 294\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950 "2021-02-22T17:17:27Z")
It’s winter, the weather is less than ideal, the plague continues, blah blah blah… I know we’ve done this before, but let’s give it a shot. Make your first MMP post this week something positive, happy, light, inspiring,… --- ## [University benefactor and board chairman uses N-word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112)
**Author:** [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2007, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112 "2007-07-25T01:50:01Z")
What a dumbass. This guy, Ralph Papitto, chairman of the board of Roger Williams University, upset over suggestions on how to diversify the board, refers to the black candidates for the position as “niggers.” OK, as a… --- ## [Design my Mid-life Crisis Tattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-my-mid-life-crisis-tattoo/601983)
**Author:** [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-my-mid-life-crisis-tattoo/601983 "2011-11-08T15:14:12Z")
In two months, I will turn 45 and I’ve decided that my 45th year will be one of change. One of those changes will be my first tattoo. (I say first because I’ve heard once you have one, you yearn for another.) I’ve dec… --- ## [Do the surnames Farrell and Ferrell sound the same to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-surnames-farrell-and-ferrell-sound-the-same-to-you/584691)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2011, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-surnames-farrell-and-ferrell-sound-the-same-to-you/584691 "2011-06-15T09:51:01Z")
I notice Colin Farrell and Will Ferrell’s surnames mixed up on here and elsewhere online all the time. They sound different to me, are these names typically pronounced the same way where you live? Poll to come. --- ## [Buyer Beware! Many new 4K TV's only have ONE 4K HDMI connection!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buyer-beware-many-new-4k-tvs-only-have-one-4k-hdmi-connection/767124)
**Author:** [@Me\_Billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Me_Billy)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2016, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buyer-beware-many-new-4k-tvs-only-have-one-4k-hdmi-connection/767124 "2016-10-01T15:51:05Z")
Yes, they make 4K TV’s now, but many only have ONE 4K HDMI connection! The other HDMI connections will not allow 4K video (2160p). Only HD 1080p!!! :smack::smack::smack::smack: If I am going to buy a 4K TV, I would wan… --- ## [Japanese pizza](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-pizza/520542)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2009, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-pizza/520542 "2009-12-12T02:44:52Z")
We went out for pizza last night. We’ve done this a few times before, here on Okinawa, never the same place twice, if that tells you anything. We went to a new pizza place, which specializes in American style pizza. The … --- ## [What is/was Cold Boiled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-was-cold-boiled/645171)
**Author:** [@Jormungandr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jormungandr)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2012, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-was-cold-boiled/645171 "2012-12-27T00:24:37Z")
Does anyone know what dish “cold boiled” was/is from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”? --- ## [Questions about the Royal Prank call.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-royal-prank-call/643945)
**Author:** [@blueslipper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blueslipper)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2012, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-royal-prank-call/643945 "2012-12-23T20:28:42Z")
I have read a lot in world newspapers about this. There are still many unanswered questions. What procedures did/does King Edward VII hospital have for calls from relatives of Royals? I heard some people say the reaso… --- ## [Can a 2-liter bottle really work as a gun silencer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-2-liter-bottle-really-work-as-a-gun-silencer/320561)
**Author:** [@billfritter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfritter)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2005, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-2-liter-bottle-really-work-as-a-gun-silencer/320561 "2005-09-09T20:25:14Z")
On a CSI rerun last night they had someone use an empty 2-liter soda bottle as a gun silencer. Would that really work? Also, I’ve seen for decades that shooting through a pillow works as a silencer. Does it? If so, wh… --- ## [Has no one started a Big Bang Theory Thread this week?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-no-one-started-a-big-bang-theory-thread-this-week/657953)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2013, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-no-one-started-a-big-bang-theory-thread-this-week/657953 "2013-05-13T14:04:34Z")
I don’t always participate but I do read them. I sure can’t start it. I don’t know the names of the episodes. The D&D Sexploitation? Nope, that’s not a word. Or maybe my Searchfu is failing me. Gate kissing. The aforeme… --- ## [\-monger. Why just fish & whores?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monger-why-just-fish-whores/678278)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2014, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monger-why-just-fish-whores/678278 "2014-01-10T05:04:02Z")
Fishmonger is a term I hear fairly commonly, whoremonger less so. Why is the use of monger restricted to these two situations? --- ## [What does Frere Jacques mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-frere-jacques-mean/402869)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2019, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-frere-jacques-mean/402869 "2019-04-09T12:08:03Z")
Ok, I wasn’t the best French student, but where in the world do the lyrics say “morning bells are ringing”? What does this song say, if translated literally? A bell is la cloche! Here is the line in French “Sonnez les… --- ## [So, is Lieberman really gonna do it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-lieberman-really-gonna-do-it/368111)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2006, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-lieberman-really-gonna-do-it/368111 "2006-08-27T18:26:27Z")
Form his own ad-hoc party and keep running as an indie right up to e-day? Whatever the consequences? Even if he ends up a pariah in the Dem Party? His website certainly seems to indicate that intention . . . --- ## [Aunt Fritzi's Hot -- who knew?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aunt-fritzis-hot-who-knew/341704)
**Author:** [@ddgryphon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ddgryphon)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2006, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aunt-fritzis-hot-who-knew/341704 "2006-02-05T01:40:04Z")
Okay, I’m an old guy and i remember Aunt Fritzi from my childhood in Donna Reed Dresses and the like – but now Aunt Fritizi is hot. The strip is incredibly improved (though still only a mild chuckle on its best days. Wh… --- ## [We need both parties](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-need-both-parties/558026)
**Author:** [@Dcypher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dcypher)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-need-both-parties/558026 "2010-11-01T15:50:50Z")
On this board, the liberal position is probably the dominant when it comes to the political spectrum. However, the most reasonable position for government to actually act on should be the moderate. We need both parties… --- ## [Songs that mention other bands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-mention-other-bands/148253)
**Author:** [@ElwoodCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElwoodCuse)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2003, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-mention-other-bands/148253 "2003-01-26T16:10:50Z")
apologies if this double posts…damn hamsters… We’ve done songs that mention other songs. How about songs that mention other bands? Counting Crows, “Monkey” Got Ben Folds on my radio right now Ben Folds, “Rockin’ The … --- ## [How do universities know if you are "out-of-state" student or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-universities-know-if-you-are-out-of-state-student-or-not/642503)
**Author:** [@oyster11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oyster11)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2012, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-universities-know-if-you-are-out-of-state-student-or-not/642503 "2012-12-03T10:25:15Z")
In the US, you pay much higher tuition fees if you go to a public university out of the home state. The question is, how do the university know if you are not from that state? --- ## [How do you bounce back after being fired?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-bounce-back-after-being-fired/555430)
**Author:** [@evilbeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evilbeth)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2010, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-bounce-back-after-being-fired/555430 "2010-10-02T02:08:38Z")
So, you’ve been fired from your job you’ve had for over a decade. Not laid off–fired. You were fired for what was perceived (incorrectly) by a new manager as failure to do your job correctly. You know that it’s bullshit… --- ## [Non-PC songs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-pc-songs/472820)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2018, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-pc-songs/472820 "2018-04-14T05:36:58Z")
I heard a story on NPR today that mentioned a guy who dressed as Superman on an airplane (because he felt like it). That reminded me of The Brothers Four song Superman. The song starts out with a ‘Swedish’ guy (‘so we … --- ## [Describe This Color In One Word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-this-color-in-one-word/468391)
**Author:** [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2008, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-this-color-in-one-word/468391 "2008-10-22T02:09:02Z")
Just like the title says. This color brings one word to mind for me – I’d like to see if anyone else is thinking along the same lines. --- ## [Why do we have the Export-Import Bank?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-the-export-import-bank/669729)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2015, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-the-export-import-bank/669729 "2015-09-24T05:02:07Z")
Last year President Obama signed into law an extension of the charter for the Export-Import Bank and an increase in the amount of money it’s authorized to deal with. Most Americans probably don’t know that the Export-Im… --- ## [Window sign for video store: too desperate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/window-sign-for-video-store-too-desperate/475799)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2008, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/window-sign-for-video-store-too-desperate/475799 "2008-12-10T00:38:06Z")
Not sure if this goes here, but since it’s ultimately about DVDs and the people who rent them, I figured I’d throw it at this wall first, to see if it sticks. Netflix and its imitators are slowly but surely eliminating … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1502&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1504&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)