# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1615&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:** 1616 --- ## [Education and military officers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/education-and-military-officers/725115)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2015, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/education-and-military-officers/725115 "2015-07-24T15:48:19Z")
While reading about officer training schools (the ones that train enlisted military to be officers), it surprised me that they require candidates to have bachelor’s degrees. So it got me wondering: –Why? Doesn’t that … --- ## [Your lunch today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-lunch-today/514061)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2009, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-lunch-today/514061 "2009-10-25T01:10:52Z")
Mine consists of moist wheat bread, sliced baby carrots, tuna with plenty of mayo and a slice of extra sharp cheddar cheese. I sliced the baby carrots down their middle, length wise, so they give a satisfying snap as I … --- ## [Why does soda fizz down faster with your finger in it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-soda-fizz-down-faster-with-your-finger-in-it/10523)
**Author:** [@JJ\_Richard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JJ_Richard)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2000, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-soda-fizz-down-faster-with-your-finger-in-it/10523 "2000-04-17T23:14:00Z")
Ok, I sent this question to Cecil, and got an “automated” reply from Jill advising me to put it to the “teem” here first…so, here goes. I’m 35. My daughter is 13. The other day she showed me that if she put her finger i… --- ## [Post your most trivial pet peeves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-most-trivial-pet-peeves/137255)
**Author:** [@poohpah\_chalupa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poohpah_chalupa)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2002, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-most-trivial-pet-peeves/137255 "2002-11-28T14:33:46Z")
Yeah, I gotta bazillion pet peeves about racists, intolerence, bad drivers and sleazy politicians…all too easy targets. But what about the cheesy, little nitpicky types of pet peeves that’re almost embarassing to admit? … --- ## [To everyone who hates the Star Wars prequels, how would YOU have done it better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-everyone-who-hates-the-star-wars-prequels-how-would-you-have-done-it-better/480023)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2009, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-everyone-who-hates-the-star-wars-prequels-how-would-you-have-done-it-better/480023 "2009-01-08T02:44:36Z")
The year is 1996, and through some crazy divine intervention, George Lucas has decided that he is no longer going to direct the Star Wars prequels. He’s going to stay on as producer, but he wants you to take over as dire… --- ## [Tell me about CarMax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-carmax/732781)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2015, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-carmax/732781 "2015-10-01T19:18:05Z")
It’s time for me to shop for a car. In the past I’ve generally bought new. But I’m considering buying a used car. There’s a local CarMax. I hear their ads but I haven’t had any experience dealing with them. Are they ge… --- ## [How can 18 million\* people be wrong???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-18-million-people-be-wrong/451751)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2008, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-18-million-people-be-wrong/451751 "2008-06-08T20:22:58Z")
I’m a Bears fan. I haven’t been happy since 1985 - but I don’t lose sleep over it. We’ll win the superbowl again, maybe in time for The Fridge’s great great grand kids to watch. But this rant is not about sports, it’s n… --- ## [The travesties, the shams, and the mockeries-remakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-travesties-the-shams-and-the-mockeries-remakes/484138)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2009, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-travesties-the-shams-and-the-mockeries-remakes/484138 "2009-02-05T22:14:45Z")
With Steve Martin & Co. having the gall to not only do one Pink Panther remake, but two, with the upcoming release of the 2nd one this week, thought it was appropriate to ask everybody what they think are the worst, the … --- ## [How to Detect a GPS Transmitter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-detect-a-gps-transmitter/653315)
**Author:** [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2013, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-detect-a-gps-transmitter/653315 "2013-03-20T17:08:55Z")
Is it possible to detect a GPS device planted on your car with some sort of electronic sweeping device? The legality of warrantless tracking is not yet settled, and I’m guessing that any criminals who suspect they’re bei… --- ## [International laundry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-laundry/314692)
**Author:** [@pokey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pokey)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2005, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-laundry/314692 "2005-08-06T05:55:05Z")
I haven’t traveled very much but when I do my favorite thing is seeing the little day to day things that everyone does differently over the world. Like, in Canada, we put the toilet paper in the toilet and flush it, but… --- ## [Who finds daily combat uniform wear to be slightly off-putting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-finds-daily-combat-uniform-wear-to-be-slightly-off-putting/400889)
**Author:** [@Lil\_Slugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lil_Slugger)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2007, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-finds-daily-combat-uniform-wear-to-be-slightly-off-putting/400889 "2007-04-24T18:29:03Z")
Is it just me? Today I attended the naturalization (citizenship) ceremony for a close friend of mine, and (as this was officially a session of a federal court) I felt it was right to wear a suit. Not black tie, nothing … --- ## [You're the ones who CHOSE to have children](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-the-ones-who-chose-to-have-children/159944)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2003, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-the-ones-who-chose-to-have-children/159944 "2003-03-21T22:44:39Z")
So why am I supposed to assume extra burdens because of it? HMMM? Situation: there are five women in my particular department. All of us are married, the other four have children, I do not. (By my and hubby’s choice… --- ## [Grammar question: A and not B is OR A and not B are?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-question-a-and-not-b-is-or-a-and-not-b-are/630824)
**Author:** [@Doubting\_Robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doubting_Robert)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2012, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-question-a-and-not-b-is-or-a-and-not-b-are/630824 "2012-08-14T17:52:21Z")
I have no problem with “The ball is red.” Ditto for “The ball and the box are red.” Also no problem with “The ball or the box is red.” But should it be “The ball and not the box is red”? Or should it be “The ball and… --- ## [How can health insurance possibly be profitable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-health-insurance-possibly-be-profitable/629605)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2012, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-health-insurance-possibly-be-profitable/629605 "2012-07-31T15:14:33Z")
Auto insurance, I get - most people don’t get into major accidents or have their cars stolen. Home insurance, I get - most peoples’ houses don’t burn down. But when it comes to health insurance, I just don’t see how the… --- ## [The last two humans are brother and sister](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-last-two-humans-are-brother-and-sister/668968)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2013, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-last-two-humans-are-brother-and-sister/668968 "2013-09-17T23:45:22Z")
“Suppose atomic bombs had reduced the population of the world to one brother and one sister, should they let the human race die out? I do not know the answer, but I do not think it can be in the affirmative merely on the… --- ## [Montreal and /or Ottawa Dope Fests September 2017th?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/montreal-and-or-ottawa-dope-fests-september-2017th/792970)
**Author:** [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/montreal-and-or-ottawa-dope-fests-september-2017th/792970 "2017-10-04T19:27:38Z")
Bonjour et Hello… I shall be in Montreal from September 12th to the 15th likely travelling to Ottawa on September 16th then there until Tuesday September 19th. Who is up for meeting in either or those cities… I will be… --- ## [Now THIS is the Biden I like to see.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-this-is-the-biden-i-like-to-see/469543)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2008, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-this-is-the-biden-i-like-to-see/469543 "2008-10-27T22:49:55Z")
This is a video of Biden getting asked a series of increasingly inane questions by some local news anchor in Orlando a couple of days ago. Joe completely handles the demagoguing interviewer at every turn. This is the Bi… --- ## [Fringe 12/10 (spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fringe-12-10-spoilers/520815)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2009, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fringe-12-10-spoilers/520815 "2009-12-18T02:58:25Z")
Uh, what was the signifigance of that final scene with: spoiler space William Bell? What were we supposed to figure out from that? --- ## [At the grocery store, an attractive person of your preferred sex asks you out. Your reaction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-the-grocery-store-an-attractive-person-of-your-preferred-sex-asks-you-out-your-reaction/745973)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-the-grocery-store-an-attractive-person-of-your-preferred-sex-asks-you-out-your-reaction/745973 "2016-02-17T14:11:51Z")
Inspired by a Match.com commercial. Or perhaps an eHarmony commercial. I will confess to not being sure which is why. Anywho, for purposes of this conversation you are single and available. “Grocery store” can easily be… --- ## [Equality of Opportunity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equality-of-opportunity/609704)
**Author:** [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2012, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equality-of-opportunity/609704 "2012-01-29T17:21:57Z")
Recently here, there have been a few discussions about wealth inequity, which often devolved into philosophical differences about whether or not distribution of wealth was a good thing (as well as whether or not our curr… --- ## [Damn, I must've slipped into a parallel universe... again!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-i-mustve-slipped-into-a-parallel-universe-again/496395)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2009, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-i-mustve-slipped-into-a-parallel-universe-again/496395 "2009-05-20T19:57:14Z")
(Somewhat inspired by the ‘Is reality consistent?’-thread.) So, lately, I’ve experienced a curious increase in what I sometimes call ‘parallel universe incidences’. A parallel universe incident is something like when yo… --- ## [Films & television shows that have been 'de-gayed"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/films-television-shows-that-have-been-de-gayed/355438)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2006, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/films-television-shows-that-have-been-de-gayed/355438 "2006-05-09T22:39:21Z")
I guess this thread is the opposite to this thread. But what movies, tv shows, literature, etc. have had gay content taken out of them? Some examples: film: These Three - the first movie adaptation of Lillian Hellman… --- ## [True or False: "It's never a bad idea to go into debt for education!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/true-or-false-its-never-a-bad-idea-to-go-into-debt-for-education/612979)
**Author:** [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2012, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/true-or-false-its-never-a-bad-idea-to-go-into-debt-for-education/612979 "2012-02-18T00:19:58Z")
The quote in the title of this thread is one I frequently hear tossed about. A caveat or two: let’s frame this just around the idea of debt for education and all that encompasses, not relative things like, “well, I mean… --- ## [Slow (but impatient) drivers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-but-impatient-drivers/498350)
**Author:** [@Casserole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casserole)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-but-impatient-drivers/498350 "2009-06-06T16:39:25Z")
Yes, I realize following the speed limit is a great idea. Yes, I also understand that you have a V4 and may not want to unduly stress your engine at ever opportunity… Yes, I also know that you may shake your head and c… --- ## [how much wind to close an airport?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-wind-to-close-an-airport/639343)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2012, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-wind-to-close-an-airport/639343 "2012-10-31T05:13:51Z")
What with Hurricane Sandy, airports all over the northeastern US have shut down. Commercial airliners seem built to be capable of landing (and presumably taking off) in severe crosswind conditions, as this test footage … --- ## [2011 Syrian Protests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2011-syrian-protests/579946)
**Author:** [@Tyrannosaur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyrannosaur)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2011, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2011-syrian-protests/579946 "2011-05-01T16:35:12Z")
So basically Syria is the next Libya. There’s a civil war forming there, and it isn’t very civil. The Syrian government has fired upon Syrian protestors and it’s getting bloodier by the hour. What do you think will happe… --- ## [Dutch "Paedophile Party"; Thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dutch-paedophile-party-thoughts/359202)
**Author:** [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2006, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dutch-paedophile-party-thoughts/359202 "2006-11-24T23:47:47Z")
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5038682.stm I’ve considered this, and I for one am entirely happy with this party existing. I believe they have the right to bring forward their views and to campaign for them, e… --- ## ["its" v. "it's"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-v-its/714918)
**Author:** [@OffByOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OffByOne)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-v-its/714918 "2015-03-17T20:18:21Z")
If you do not know how the difference between “its” and “it’s”, just stop using the apostrophe. Shit! Some people just don’t deserve apostrophes. --- ## [Blade Runner question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blade-runner-question/481780)
**Author:** [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blade-runner-question/481780 "2009-01-21T20:34:04Z")
I just watched this for this first time since i was a wee lad, it was as good as i remembered it. One thing i didn’t get though was why the urgency in retiring the replicants when they were going past their expiration d… --- ## [(Least) Favorite Movie Mistakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/least-favorite-movie-mistakes/16402)
**Author:** [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2001, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/least-favorite-movie-mistakes/16402 "2001-09-17T05:51:08Z")
We’ve all seen 'em… “Hey, was that a microphone?” “Since when do they have palm trees in CHICAGO?!?!” “Wouldn’t a man be crushed if he exited a submarine that deep underwater?” “Hey, he was holding that gun in his le… --- ## [Why can't pitchers hit? (1989 Column)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-pitchers-hit-1989-column/670876)
**Author:** [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-pitchers-hit-1989-column/670876 "2013-10-17T18:33:19Z")
While one could argue that it is vaguely implied in Cecil’s answer, surely one of the biggest reasons that most pitchers can’t hit is because hitting and pitching are two totally different activities. I needn’t describe… --- ## [Poll: How do you set your car sideview mirrors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-how-do-you-set-your-car-sideview-mirrors/539520)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2010, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-how-do-you-set-your-car-sideview-mirrors/539520 "2010-05-18T17:42:41Z")
I have always set my side view mirrors so that they cover the car’s blind spots. My wife always complains when it’s her turn to drive the car, as she can’t stand not being able to see the sides of her own car in the side… --- ## [$.39 to use a debit card? KFC-are you tired of selling chicken?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/39-to-use-a-debit-card-kfc-are-you-tired-of-selling-chicken/696759)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2014, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/39-to-use-a-debit-card-kfc-are-you-tired-of-selling-chicken/696759 "2014-08-30T13:11:54Z")
Is this nationwide? Small sticker on the drive-thru at KFC alerting us to a 39 cent charge for debit card purchases? --- ## [Americans are too stupid to be ashamed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-too-stupid-to-be-ashamed/319894)
**Author:** [@angrydonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/angrydonkey)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2005, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-too-stupid-to-be-ashamed/319894 "2005-09-10T20:08:35Z")
I’ve been volunteering at at crisis call center trying help victims of the hurricane get some aid and find loved ones. These people didn’t choose not to heed the evacuation order. They are poor and do not cars. What k… --- ## [Going to England](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-england/500002)
**Author:** [@Goggles03](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Goggles03)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2009, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-england/500002 "2009-06-29T20:19:04Z")
I’m planning a vacation to England in September for 8-12 days. Nothing is jumping out that I should do other than the usual tourist spots. I thought about booking a few days with a small tour group and I really want to… --- ## [To-Day I Keyed Someone's Car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-day-i-keyed-someones-car/159528)
**Author:** [@Fnoonf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fnoonf)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2003, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-day-i-keyed-someones-car/159528 "2003-05-12T21:01:13Z")
My lord, Truly, the crime I have now committed is too great for words. Though I must no doubt be cast deep into the Infidel’s pit for my horrid indiscretions, I do by writing this wish to appeal to your infinitely gent… --- ## [Hunted down like a dog? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hunted-down-like-a-dog-why/451122)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2008, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hunted-down-like-a-dog-why/451122 "2008-05-31T02:29:21Z")
Why on earth do people say “they’ll hunt him down like a dog” or other permutations of that concept? You hunt WITH a dog, you don’t hunt a dog. And yet I hear the latter phrase used all the time. --- ## [Why is netflix so eager to de-emphasize the DVD business?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-netflix-so-eager-to-de-emphasize-the-dvd-business/716751)
**Author:** [@doubled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doubled)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-netflix-so-eager-to-de-emphasize-the-dvd-business/716751 "2015-04-09T16:50:41Z")
Inspired by this thread, where everybody agrees Netflix’s DVD business is the only service in the world with “watch virtually EVERY MOVIE EVER MADE for one low monthly fee”, there is no (legal) streaming service that com… --- ## [Jobs taken by big name celebrities that make you wonder "Why?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-taken-by-big-name-celebrities-that-make-you-wonder-why/627927)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2012, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-taken-by-big-name-celebrities-that-make-you-wonder-why/627927 "2012-07-13T03:52:19Z")
A prime example are the law firm ads done by William Shatner. These are the commercials where they give a spiel about the excellency of a certain firm, then say the firm’s name in a cutaway- and they air locally wherever… --- ## [Homemade Christmas Candy -your favorite](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-christmas-candy-your-favorite/517079)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2009, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-christmas-candy-your-favorite/517079 "2009-11-17T14:40:56Z")
It’s almost that time of year. We always make candy as presents for friends & family. :slight\_smile: One we always do is the marshmellow fluff fudge. My mom made it every Christmas in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Now our f… --- ## [Per-mile tax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/per-mile-tax/782764)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/per-mile-tax/782764 "2017-03-24T22:09:43Z")
I heard on the news this morning that Washington is going to roll out a pilot program to test a per-mile tax to replace the per-gallon fuel tax. I’m against it. As many of you know, my office is 110 miles from my house… --- ## ["Ukulele Ike Has Left the Building . . . "](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukulele-ike-has-left-the-building/24196)
**Author:** [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2000, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukulele-ike-has-left-the-building/24196 "2000-09-17T06:02:03Z")
Ike just E-mailed me that he was leaving for the weekend, won’t be back till Weds. I’m stuck here for another two hours. Quick, while he’s not looking—let’s spread rumors about him behind his back! I hear HE’S the one … --- ## [Movie tropes that kill me: People discussing secret things in a restaurant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-tropes-that-kill-me-people-discussing-secret-things-in-a-restaurant/604105)
**Author:** [@zeno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zeno)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-tropes-that-kill-me-people-discussing-secret-things-in-a-restaurant/604105 "2011-11-30T22:56:33Z")
The bank robbers plan the robbery, hit men plan the mrder, spies meet to trade intelligence, but they do it in a restaurant or bar, in earshot of the whole place. It always pulls me out of the story and I don’t understan… --- ## [Favorite unpopular joke from a TV show](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-unpopular-joke-from-a-tv-show/814515)
**Author:** [@Trisha\_Gaurav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trisha_Gaurav)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2018, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-unpopular-joke-from-a-tv-show/814515 "2018-06-06T15:24:20Z")
By “unpopular” I mean one that no one remembers. Mine is in Lois and Clark when the American guy put the newspaper article on the table and said “Explain this” then the French guy put a French copy of the same article o… --- ## [movies you're embarrassed to admit that you like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youre-embarrassed-to-admit-that-you-like/98476)
**Author:** [@crazy4chaucer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazy4chaucer)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2002, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youre-embarrassed-to-admit-that-you-like/98476 "2002-04-08T02:09:33Z")
Last night I was at Blockbuster browsing the previewed videos they have for sale. I picked up a copy of (turns head, makes sure no one’s watching) Spice World. :o Which makes me think of other movies I really enjoy but… --- ## [Can some still be considered a \[RANK\] after exiting the military?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-some-still-be-considered-a-rank-after-exiting-the-military/804296)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-some-still-be-considered-a-rank-after-exiting-the-military/804296 "2019-06-06T17:52:54Z")
Not thinking about retired or reserve. Thinking about someone who did, say, 8 years as enlisted, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and then decided not to reenlist at the end of the term. Honorable discharge, nothing… --- ## [3 or less letter words only please.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-or-less-letter-words-only-please/548398)
**Author:** [@FE3O4ENAIL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FE3O4ENAIL)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2010, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-or-less-letter-words-only-please/548398 "2010-08-08T03:49:27Z")
I read Bastard Tongues by Deriek Bickerson while camping. The book is about the world “lowest” languages. Good book BTW. It made the point that the Creole tongue of slaves seemed simple, but it took a clever person to u… --- ## [So: your video game crushes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-your-video-game-crushes/480485)
**Author:** [@Kythereia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kythereia)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2009, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-your-video-game-crushes/480485 "2009-01-11T00:32:53Z")
(Yes, I’m aware that a) this thread has probably been done and b) this is really not a new game. Deal with it. :wink: ) I just finished replaying Portal for the millionth time–no, it’s not what you’re thinking, don’t le… --- ## [How happy are you with your appearance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-happy-are-you-with-your-appearance/595125)
**Author:** [@Arien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arien)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2011, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-happy-are-you-with-your-appearance/595125 "2011-09-10T00:10:04Z")
I always avidly read any thread on weight or obesity on this boards and I was just wondering how happy posters are with their body or appearance in general. At first I just wanted to discuss body as in physical condition… --- ## [Commercials I Don't Understand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-i-dont-understand/474253)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2008, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-i-dont-understand/474253 "2008-12-03T10:01:16Z")
The latest Yellowbook TV commercial has a very small part that I don’t get. A woman in a futuristic setting gets a video message from her boyfriend where he proclaims that he “needs to be alone”. Unfortunately for him,… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1614&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1616&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)