# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=16 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 17 --- ## [Is sex better when it's "dirty"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sex-better-when-its-dirty/1027528)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2026, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sex-better-when-its-dirty/1027528 "2026-02-12T03:38:38Z")
I wouldn’t normally start this type of thread, but I was specifically asked because of a comment I made in another topic. In the Christian tradition, and others, there’s a longstanding sense of shame and sin associated … --- ## [Pencil-and-paper arithmetic: are kids still supposed to be able to do it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pencil-and-paper-arithmetic-are-kids-still-supposed-to-be-able-to-do-it/1028688)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pencil-and-paper-arithmetic-are-kids-still-supposed-to-be-able-to-do-it/1028688 "2026-04-08T05:45:49Z")
Are US high-school graduates still supposed to know their times tables? How many do? If you gave 100 teenagers pencil and paper and asked them whether 29/67 was more or less than 16/37, how many of them could answer in … --- ## [NYT article suggests shoplifting as a form of protest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyt-article-suggests-shoplifting-as-a-form-of-protest/1029596)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2026, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyt-article-suggests-shoplifting-as-a-form-of-protest/1029596 "2026-04-30T21:56:00Z")
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/opinion/shoplifting-political-protest-microlooting-whole-foods.html I am wondering if any of you heard about this article, it’s been making the rounds on BlueSky with both condemnation… --- ## [NFL Week 15](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2025, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554 "2025-12-18T17:18:45Z")
The Steelers notched a huge win in Baltimore to move back into first in the AFC North, thanks to a ruling that a touchdown wasn’t actually a touchdown. The Saints upset the Bucs which allowed the Panthers to tie Tampa Ba… --- ## [Are there any parody artists besides Weird Al?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-parody-artists-besides-weird-al/1028226)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2026, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-parody-artists-besides-weird-al/1028226 "2026-06-04T21:03:09Z")
You’d think that in the YouTube/social media era, there would be at least one artist who has name recognition for being a parody artist. Maybe not on the same level as Weird Al (no one will ever be at Weird Al’s level), … --- ## [Giant Rock, and other anomalous places you’ve been](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-rock-and-other-anomalous-places-you-ve-been/1030917)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-rock-and-other-anomalous-places-you-ve-been/1030917 "2026-09-03T20:44:40Z")
Got any anomalous places that you’ve been to? This is named Giant Rock. We stopped by the other day. Located in the Mojave Desert north of Palm Springs, near Yucca Valley… --- ## [Favorite short stories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-short-stories/1030512)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2026, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-short-stories/1030512 "2026-07-26T01:00:59Z")
I was in a discussion with friends about our favorite short stories and there wasn’t a single person who could come up with an absolute favorite. We had to narrow it down to a favorite by different authors. I have six… --- ## [Most realistic depiction of spaceflight in film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-realistic-depiction-of-spaceflight-in-film/1032752)
**Author:** [@spacecadet86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spacecadet86)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-realistic-depiction-of-spaceflight-in-film/1032752 "2026-09-06T02:04:30Z")
Which movies and shows ace their depiction of crewed spaceflight? Also, which science fiction spacecraft are the most realistic? --- ## [Fireworks Mayhem 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2026, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283 "2026-07-11T12:29:28Z")
What with America 250, the 4th on a Saturday, and widespread drought areas, this year’s annual crop of lost limbs, lost homes and lost lives looks to be primed for chaos. Indeed it has already begun: I am no fan… --- ## [Phony (spoilers as it is released)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phony-spoilers-as-it-is-released/1034013)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2026, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phony-spoilers-as-it-is-released/1034013 "2026-10-25T15:05:38Z")
New series, first two episodes have been released. After waking up from an auto accident, a teen believes his mother has been replaced with an imposter, but nobody else sees it. Looks like it has potential to be the nex… --- ## [Spinal cord injuries are not fun at all, but I'm very, VERY fortunate. And grateful](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinal-cord-injuries-are-not-fun-at-all-but-im-very-very-fortunate-and-grateful/1028083)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2026, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinal-cord-injuries-are-not-fun-at-all-but-im-very-very-fortunate-and-grateful/1028083 "2026-04-22T01:18:05Z")
Spinal cord injuries are not fun. Since I have known cervical spinal canal stenosis (previously asymptomatic), my neurosurgeon advised me to be on the alert for the appearance of signs or symptoms of spinal cord compres… --- ## [Donald Trump on Truth Social](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-on-truth-social/1029203)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2026, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-on-truth-social/1029203 "2026-04-16T18:00:56Z")
I was going to post this in one of the many ongoing Donald Trump threads, but I finally figured…”this is something that happens with so much regular frequency, that it probably deserves its own thread finally”. Every ti… --- ## [How many Dopers are Lefties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-dopers-are-lefties/1027201)
**Author:** [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2026, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-dopers-are-lefties/1027201 "2026-02-09T02:49:59Z")
Not political for a change! Inspired by @susan ‘s Left-handed fountain pen use thread. I’m betting that this Board has more than the usually cited 10% proportion of sinistrals, including yours truly. The nuns just hated … --- ## [Cars with biometric surveillance of the driver--experiences?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-with-biometric-surveillance-of-the-driver-experiences/1030634)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2026, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-with-biometric-surveillance-of-the-driver-experiences/1030634 "2026-07-28T18:08:57Z")
All new cars sold in America will soon be required to be spies, performing nonstop biometric surveillance on the driver. 1.Is this only an American requirement, or will it become the international standard? 2.Does any… --- ## [Tell me what the appeal is about the Libertarian Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-what-the-appeal-is-about-the-libertarian-party/1028769)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-what-the-appeal-is-about-the-libertarian-party/1028769 "2026-04-23T21:32:24Z")
Oftimes it is said that people should vote for the Libertarian Party because the other two major parties are pretty much the same…or even that the Republicans are actually “liberal”. Without talking about what is suppos… --- ## [Does your city have a "character"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-your-city-have-a-character/1032299)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2026, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-your-city-have-a-character/1032299 "2026-08-24T12:19:21Z")
In Memphis for the last 50 or so years it was Prince Mongo. He died today. He ran for mayor in every election in the 80s and 90s. I remember that my boyfriend’s mother actually voted for him once in protest, which I … --- ## [Songs that on the surface sound one way, but are actually not](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-on-the-surface-sound-one-way-but-are-actually-not/1026905)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-on-the-surface-sound-one-way-but-are-actually-not/1026905 "2026-01-25T17:01:05Z")
Of course we all know that Born in the USA- often thought as a paean to American patriotism is anything but. But I was listening to Crow’s song “All I Wanna do” with the great chorus of 'Cause all I wanna do is have so… --- ## [Shelf Stable Milk - would you buy it or use it in cooking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shelf-stable-milk-would-you-buy-it-or-use-it-in-cooking/1027289)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2026, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shelf-stable-milk-would-you-buy-it-or-use-it-in-cooking/1027289 "2026-02-03T03:49:31Z")
I’ve seen shelf stable milk at the grocery. It requires no refrigeration. Link https://www.kroger.com/p/horizon-organic-shelf-stable-whole-milk/0074236500766?fulfillment=PICKUP Does It taste exactly the same? Any wei… --- ## [What's the scam? Why would someone place millions of dollars' worth of liens on homes they have no affiliation with?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-scam-why-would-someone-place-millions-of-dollars-worth-of-liens-on-homes-they-have-no-affiliation-with/1027827)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2026, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-scam-why-would-someone-place-millions-of-dollars-worth-of-liens-on-homes-they-have-no-affiliation-with/1027827 "2026-05-06T20:40:56Z")
So apparently a Beverly Hills woman has been filing Mechanics’ Liens (viz, liens that contractors can put on homes if the homeowner fails to pay for the work) on the homes of people she’s never done work for, doesn’t kno… --- ## [Who Knew? 38% of Stanford Undergraduates are Disabled!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knew-38-of-stanford-undergraduates-are-disabled/1025417)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2025, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knew-38-of-stanford-undergraduates-are-disabled/1025417 "2025-12-10T21:20:31Z")
I thought that to get into Stanford you had to strongly score in one or more of the following characteristics; be very smart, or well-off, or child of an alumnus or excel in a desirable extracurricular pursuit (football… --- ## [Down sizing. Any regrets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/down-sizing-any-regrets/1026446)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/down-sizing-any-regrets/1026446 "2026-01-14T15:39:24Z")
I’ve made the decision to sell my home and just get a two bedroom apartment. It doesn’t make sense for just little old me to be staying in a 3 bedroom home. Also I’m just tired of all the responsibilities involved in o… --- ## [Infernal Closet Doors - help! With pictures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infernal-closet-doors-help-with-pictures/1031497)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2026, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infernal-closet-doors-help-with-pictures/1031497 "2026-07-13T00:42:48Z")
Hi, I just closed on a beautiful condo and I don’t have many complaints except this closet door situation. The closet in question contains a washer and a dryer side by side. Underneath the washer is a plastic draining … --- ## [Taking the train from Portland to LA. Any tips or tales?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-the-train-from-portland-to-la-any-tips-or-tales/1032009)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-the-train-from-portland-to-la-any-tips-or-tales/1032009 "2026-09-02T01:08:45Z")
In late August My Beloved and I are taking Amtrak from Portland to Los Angeles to go to Worldcon, around 30 hours (no sleeper). Has anyone ever done this route? Any tips on what to take, do or see along the way? --- ## [I've seen \*Aliens\* a dozen times, but never the very beginning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-seen-aliens-a-dozen-times-but-never-the-very-beginning/1026286)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-seen-aliens-a-dozen-times-but-never-the-very-beginning/1026286 "2026-01-13T22:21:18Z")
I just realized this. I recorded the movie this morning and was just watching it. By heck, I have no memory of seeing the very beginning, with salvage robots lasering into Ripley’s ship, or of Jonesy the cat sleeping w… --- ## [Freak injuries and ER visits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freak-injuries-and-er-visits/1026123)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freak-injuries-and-er-visits/1026123 "2026-01-02T02:51:22Z")
Most of us have been to the ER for serious reasons (us or relatives), but how many of you have wrestled with your blankets at 4:30 am and as a result jammed your thumbnail into your eye? (raises hand shamefully) Around… --- ## [Back to sentience](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-sentience/1033450)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-sentience/1033450 "2026-10-14T00:53:44Z")
First, for the purposes of this thread let us accept that sentience is a phenomenal continued sense of self identity, an ongoing point of view that feels like something and can reference itself as one of the objects in i… --- ## [What would be the safest speed to run a red in an emergency situation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-safest-speed-to-run-a-red-in-an-emergency-situation/1025360)
**Author:** [@CadmusDidIranContra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CadmusDidIranContra)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2025, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-safest-speed-to-run-a-red-in-an-emergency-situation/1025360 "2025-12-17T19:38:27Z")
like e m e r g e n c y --- ## [How do the odds for craps (dice) compare to other gambling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-odds-for-craps-dice-compare-to-other-gambling/1032471)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-odds-for-craps-dice-compare-to-other-gambling/1032471 "2026-08-23T22:53:44Z")
That’s all. I know someone who claimed that craps was the way to go because you can get “on a roll”. Of course that is stupid gambling talk. --- ## [Where did steak fries go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-steak-fries-go/1028159)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-steak-fries-go/1028159 "2026-03-10T19:15:53Z")
Those potato-length wedges with seasoned crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors seemed to be ubiquitous at restaurants in the 90s. They are perfectly balanced between a thinner french fry and a baked potato. I can’t remem… --- ## [What Should We Call the Process of Reversing MAGA Control of the U.S. Government](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-we-call-the-process-of-reversing-maga-control-of-the-u-s-government/1025510)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2025, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-we-call-the-process-of-reversing-maga-control-of-the-u-s-government/1025510 "2025-12-11T14:42:04Z")
There’s another thread on what the process should be – Here I’m just trying to figure out what to call it. I posted this question on both ChatGPT and Gemini: “What are alternative words that have been suggested (not by… --- ## [Trump sort of reminds me of Teddy Roosevelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sort-of-reminds-me-of-teddy-roosevelt/1028809)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2026, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sort-of-reminds-me-of-teddy-roosevelt/1028809 "2026-04-07T13:51:57Z")
It’s hard to learn about Teddy Roosevelt and not see parallels to Donald Trump. Now, before you drag me to the pit, let me emphasize that their differences were fundamental, and they are on opposite sides of the ethical… --- ## [Black Box...with a bit of a twist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-box-with-a-bit-of-a-twist/1027527)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2026, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-box-with-a-bit-of-a-twist/1027527 "2026-02-15T13:23:55Z")
scenario: Everyone in the world over the age of 18 is given a black box with a small red button. If they press that button within 48 hours someone of their choosing will immediately drop dead. Now the twist. What do y… --- ## [Are "smart" garage door openers really an improvement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-smart-garage-door-openers-really-an-improvement/1026241)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-smart-garage-door-openers-really-an-improvement/1026241 "2026-01-06T18:39:57Z")
Today’s paper (Chicago Trib) had an article from the NYT titled “Device puts you in control of your garage door.” (Apologies - unable to link.) Apparently a service connecting garage door openers to smart phones (MyQ) … --- ## [Religion gets itself into trouble when it tries to be logical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-gets-itself-into-trouble-when-it-tries-to-be-logical/1027028)
**Author:** [@Ancient\_Nerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ancient_Nerd)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2026, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-gets-itself-into-trouble-when-it-tries-to-be-logical/1027028 "2026-02-11T18:50:35Z")
Continuing the discussion from Is “limbo” a real thing for christians/Catholics? Or is it made-up?: Logic and faith actually seem like opposites. Logic tries to prove things but it has to start from definitions. Faith… --- ## [Swipe fees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swipe-fees/1025721)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swipe-fees/1025721 "2026-01-17T15:43:39Z")
I’ve noticed in the last week that merchants are now charging me a 3% credit card “recovery” fee for using my card. This apparently only started after the Visa/Mastercard settlement with the Merchants Association. I wond… --- ## [How do I protect myself from an AI agent taking over my life savings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-protect-myself-from-an-ai-agent-taking-over-my-life-savings/1033014)
**Author:** [@Yosh99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yosh99)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-protect-myself-from-an-ai-agent-taking-over-my-life-savings/1033014 "2026-09-25T19:40:58Z")
Perhaps I’m getting overly paranoid in my old age, but I’ve been thinking more and more about the possibility of waking up one morning and finding that my Vanguard account no longer exists because some AI agent has taken… --- ## [How actors that have been typecast deal with it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-actors-that-have-been-typecast-deal-with-it/1029321)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2026, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-actors-that-have-been-typecast-deal-with-it/1029321 "2026-04-30T19:14:49Z")
Mention of Bob Denver on another thread has got me thinking about how he dealt with being typecast as ‘the lovable goof’. From all accounts (I just watched a 1982 interview with Letterman) Denver didn’t seem to be at all… --- ## [Books of an unusual nature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-of-an-unusual-nature/1032141)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-of-an-unusual-nature/1032141 "2026-08-09T17:36:36Z")
Not the content, but the book itself. No audio books or e-books please, and it must have been released to the general public for purchase. First example: The Unfortunates by B.S. Johnson (1969) from Panther Books. The… --- ## [I am starting to hate open source](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-starting-to-hate-open-source/1032876)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-starting-to-hate-open-source/1032876 "2026-09-13T17:47:26Z")
I have just spent two frustrating days trying to build a toolchain to convert my plaintext short stories into Shunn .docx submission format, using pandoc etc. And it’s still not working properly. I find suggestions for… --- ## [Stump me with your avatarl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stump-me-with-your-avatarl/1029226)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2026, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stump-me-with-your-avatarl/1029226 "2026-04-23T04:12:57Z")
Post in here and I will try to explain your avatar. Nothing super deep here, it’s just going to be naming it pretty much, providing I know what it is. So if your Avatar is of a person, I will try to name the person. If … --- ## [I Have Painted Myself into a Corner - Failing Long-Distance Relationship and Summer Vacation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-painted-myself-into-a-corner-failing-long-distance-relationship-and-summer-vacation/1028433)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2026, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-painted-myself-into-a-corner-failing-long-distance-relationship-and-summer-vacation/1028433 "2026-03-18T13:37:28Z")
Shortly before I went to Indonesia last July I met a local woman online and we immediately hit it off. We had increasingly explicit video calls over the next week and a half and arranged to meet up while I visited her ho… --- ## [I need to talk to sensible people (like you folks) about dietary supplements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-to-talk-to-sensible-people-like-you-folks-about-dietary-supplements/1025357)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2025, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-to-talk-to-sensible-people-like-you-folks-about-dietary-supplements/1025357 "2025-12-10T03:10:14Z")
Leaving aside, at least to begin with, what I think of as “standard” supplements like multivitamins, as well as supplements suggested by one’s doctor, like iron, I would like to initiate a discussion about the vast sea o… --- ## [This will never not be funny](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-will-never-not-be-funny/1031360)
**Author:** [@dirtball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dirtball)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-will-never-not-be-funny/1031360 "2026-09-14T21:33:07Z")
On Hulu, each episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is preceded by the disclaimer “The following is intended only for mature audiences. Viewer discretion advised.” So, to be clear: they want only mature people to … --- ## [What vegetables would you put in a beef stew?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vegetables-would-you-put-in-a-beef-stew/1033904)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2026, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vegetables-would-you-put-in-a-beef-stew/1033904 "2026-10-19T22:07:06Z")
I made Paula Dean’s stew yesterday and it contained onions, celery, potatoes, and carrots. That didn’t seem like very many to me. It’s good but I eventually added corn and black eyed peas. I think it’s better now. It’s a… --- ## [Coyote Vs. Acme trailer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coyote-vs-acme-trailer/1029480)
**Author:** [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coyote-vs-acme-trailer/1029480 "2026-09-25T22:19:37Z")
The delayed and almost cancelled Acme Vs. Coyote has finally released its trailer. It looks like it will be fun and I am looking forward to seeing it. --- ## [Pamelyn Ferdin, a Great ‘Cutie’](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pamelyn-ferdin-a-great-cutie/1027779)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pamelyn-ferdin-a-great-cutie/1027779 "2026-07-10T19:32:48Z")
Pamelyn Ferdin is a former child actress who appeared in many roles on TV, commercials, and movies. She had a recurring role as Felix Unger’s daughter on “The Odd Couple”, and was a regular on the short-lived “Paul Lynde… --- ## [''She told me that I was being selfish and didn't care about her](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/she-told-me-that-i-was-being-selfish-and-didnt-care-about-her/1028357)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2026, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/she-told-me-that-i-was-being-selfish-and-didnt-care-about-her/1028357 "2026-03-13T02:47:00Z")
Yes, I admit that I read AITA (Am I The Asshole) posts on Facebook. A common theme is ''She told me that I was being selfish and didn’t care about her.’ It’s always, ‘I have special needs \[read: ‘Demands’\], and if you … --- ## [Boxer briefs that are not tight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxer-briefs-that-are-not-tight/1024759)
**Author:** [@craft458](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/craft458)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2025, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxer-briefs-that-are-not-tight/1024759 "2025-11-13T18:43:41Z")
I’m looking for boxer briefs that are not tight. So, I don’t want them tight around the leg or around any part of me. They used to be that way back in the day, and now they’re all tight. --- ## [Is there a widely accepted name in English for this shape: oval with pointed ends?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-widely-accepted-name-in-english-for-this-shape-oval-with-pointed-ends/1027454)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2026, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-widely-accepted-name-in-english-for-this-shape-oval-with-pointed-ends/1027454 "2026-02-09T23:53:04Z")
I have tried Googling this, and the only answer I got was a gem cut called Marquise, which I believe is the shape I am looking for, but its usage seems limited to gems. It might also be called a cat’s eye shape, but tha… --- ## [Hypothetical question about pumping water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-question-about-pumping-water/1032726)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-question-about-pumping-water/1032726 "2026-09-18T19:25:34Z")
You have built a house on a hill with a really good view. Now for the water problem. The water available to your house is a large lake, 50 feet below the hill. You do not own any of the hillside, but there is an easemen… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=15&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=17&per_page=50)