# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1671&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:** 1672 --- ## [Is America in decline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-america-in-decline/790856)
**Author:** [@Reddy\_Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reddy_Mercury)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2017, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-america-in-decline/790856 "2017-07-16T02:01:44Z")
Looking at things from a historical perspective, with regard to failed nation-states, is America in decline? If so, when would you say the decline began? Myself, I think we are in a decline and have been since the Vietn… --- ## [This woman was being stupid right? (3yo girl in mens bathroom related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-woman-was-being-stupid-right-3yo-girl-in-mens-bathroom-related/425076)
**Author:** [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2007, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-woman-was-being-stupid-right-3yo-girl-in-mens-bathroom-related/425076 "2007-11-06T22:45:38Z")
Just got back from taking a friends three year old girl to see Bee Movie (if you like Seinfeld, not bad btw), and as I’m taking her to pee in the mens room as I’ve done a hundred times before without anyone having a prob… --- ## [If I eat this yogurt and sour cream, am I going to die?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-eat-this-yogurt-and-sour-cream-am-i-going-to-die/643731)
**Author:** [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-eat-this-yogurt-and-sour-cream-am-i-going-to-die/643731 "2012-12-13T17:51:48Z")
I understand that these threads usually go thusly, “If you have to ask, the answer is probably yes.” But, what the hell, I’ll ask anyway. Sunday, I went to the grocery store and picked up some greek Yogurt, some regular… --- ## [When and why did \[insert food trend\] become a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-did-insert-food-trend-become-a-thing/949177)
**Author:** [@Somethingwitty1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Somethingwitty1)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2021, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-did-insert-food-trend-become-a-thing/949177 "2021-08-26T14:14:14Z")
Recent threads about Mac n cheese and Arugula got me wondering about how some things start popping up on menus all over town. Couple more examples I have noticed: Aioli. The gourmets among us might differ, but it is f… --- ## [Argh! Please help me get rid of this Restless Leg Syndrome!!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/argh-please-help-me-get-rid-of-this-restless-leg-syndrome/499069)
**Author:** [@NRichards](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NRichards)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2009, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/argh-please-help-me-get-rid-of-this-restless-leg-syndrome/499069 "2009-07-12T17:02:27Z")
I had RLS pretty bad back when I was married. It was back when I was drinking alot too, so that’s pretty much all I did for it. It went away when I stopped taking my physc meds, but now that I’m taking Lithium again, RLS… --- ## [Nitpicking the science in Star Trek](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nitpicking-the-science-in-star-trek/80178)
**Author:** [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2001, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nitpicking-the-science-in-star-trek/80178 "2001-09-30T18:50:07Z")
This is a general question, I swear. There are factual answers to this. That’s the whole point of this thread, actually. What are the scientific mistakes that Star Trek has made? I’m not talking about “well, they could… --- ## [Survivor Finale - 12/14](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-finale-12-14/218964)
**Author:** [@Jadis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jadis)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2003, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-finale-12-14/218964 "2003-12-17T13:21:19Z")
Post your predictions here!! Will Jon get the boot first thing and leave the 3 women going to the last IC? Will Darrah keep winning ICs, giving her control over who goes to the final 2? Will there be fistfights at the… --- ## [Lissa, a word, if I may](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lissa-a-word-if-i-may/355223)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2006, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lissa-a-word-if-i-may/355223 "2006-05-08T21:33:34Z")
Hey there, dearie. I’m not starting this to ream you out, honest, but do you think, maybe, you could post say, one whole week, without mentioning that your husband works in a prison? I mean, if it’s a thread about prison… --- ## [Dogs at work (indoor office setting)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-at-work-indoor-office-setting/577362)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-at-work-indoor-office-setting/577362 "2011-04-11T22:15:59Z")
I’ve been working my new job for about a month now and one of the things that surprised me at first was the number of dogs I see. One guy brings his dog into work every day, and others bring theirs in from time to time. … --- ## [What to do about the elderly and tithing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-the-elderly-and-tithing/791527)
**Author:** [@shiftless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shiftless)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-the-elderly-and-tithing/791527 "2017-07-22T14:13:43Z")
I’ll try to keep the question kind of general although the problem is drawn from a real situation. An elderly woman I know has been generous with her church over the years plus she always tithes 10% of her income as per… --- ## [US College campuses are too often an environment of intolerance, parochialism, and outright hate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-college-campuses-are-too-often-an-environment-of-intolerance-parochialism-and-outright-hate/688927)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2014, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-college-campuses-are-too-often-an-environment-of-intolerance-parochialism-and-outright-hate/688927 "2014-05-23T16:23:10Z")
This opinion piece from the CBC’s website (by Neil MacDonald) neatly summarizes some very nasty developments that have taken place recently on some US college campuses. In fact, “developments” may not be the best choice … --- ## [Odd police dialouge in Die Hard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-police-dialouge-in-die-hard/765322)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2016, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-police-dialouge-in-die-hard/765322 "2016-09-12T14:34:42Z")
Right after McClane manages to get his hands on a radio, he calls the police for help. Although they don’t believe him, dispatch tells Sgt. Powell to check it out. He responds and signs off, “8 Lincoln 30”. What phoneti… --- ## [The Ten Commandments of Science Fiction Films](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ten-commandments-of-science-fiction-films/150169)
**Author:** [@MMercurius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MMercurius)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2003, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ten-commandments-of-science-fiction-films/150169 "2003-01-27T16:00:47Z")
I’m trying to codify the Ten Commandments of Science Fiction films. I’m talking about science fiction of the ‘future worlds’ variety. We’re not talking about Fantasy or Action movies here - please go make your own Comma… --- ## [Speculation: What if the Ark of the Covenant were discovered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-what-if-the-ark-of-the-covenant-were-discovered/260790)
**Author:** [@rfgdxm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rfgdxm)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2004, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-what-if-the-ark-of-the-covenant-were-discovered/260790 "2004-08-24T17:21:52Z")
This idea occurred to me when reading the thread about Israel rebuilding the Temple. This is just a thought experiment. Let’s assume that the following happens: #1) The Ark of the Covenenant is found. In this hypothetic… --- ## [If you're butt-sailed do you listen to the whole message?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-butt-sailed-do-you-listen-to-the-whole-message/622703)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2012, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-butt-sailed-do-you-listen-to-the-whole-message/622703 "2012-05-24T13:39:33Z")
I did the first time I got one, mainly because I had no idea what had happened. --- ## [Your favorite fictional depiction of Hell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-fictional-depiction-of-hell/955574)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2022, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-fictional-depiction-of-hell/955574 "2022-01-03T13:03:45Z")
The Infernal Regions seem like a perpetually fascinating topic. Which of the many, many versions of Hell/Hades is your favorite? For me it’s currently a tossup between the now-defunct webcomic Jack and the newer animated… --- ## [Help me prepare for my first tattoo.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-prepare-for-my-first-tattoo/485111)
**Author:** [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-prepare-for-my-first-tattoo/485111 "2009-03-11T21:11:35Z")
I a few weeks I’m going to get a tattoo. I need some advice on how to prepare. The good news is that the design I’m getting will be simple and fast. The bad news is that I’m afraid of needles, so a bit of mental fortifi… --- ## [How do you deal with living with a maniac?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-deal-with-living-with-a-maniac/652623)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2013, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-deal-with-living-with-a-maniac/652623 "2013-03-16T18:12:28Z")
Today my brother in laws girlfriend was dumping dirty water out her window on my son, my wife told her to stop and she used the “ran into my fist” defense and than pulled a knife and charged at her, my brother in law’s s… --- ## [Why were Ellie Mae's biscuits funny?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-ellie-maes-biscuits-funny/523249)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-ellie-maes-biscuits-funny/523249 "2010-01-02T18:07:39Z")
No, not THEM. The ones she baked, you perv! I made biscuits for the first time today. For some reason the recipe called for cream of tartar, which I didn’t have, in addition to baking powder, which already contains it… --- ## [WWIII: Why fire pre-emptively?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwiii-why-fire-pre-emptively/599412)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2011, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwiii-why-fire-pre-emptively/599412 "2011-10-21T23:09:50Z")
Reading this column on WWIII potentially being started by a flock of geese made me think about an implicit assumption often made in these scenarios. Basically the reasoning seems to be, that if we had reasonable confide… --- ## [For this woman at least...there is a God.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-this-woman-at-least-there-is-a-god/223589)
**Author:** [@Reeder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeder)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2004, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-this-woman-at-least-there-is-a-god/223589 "2004-01-18T06:48:35Z")
And he was watching over her. http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=402&u=/ibsys/20040109/lo\_kgtv/1949731&printer=1 --- ## [Mormons and gays - again!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormons-and-gays-again/36675)
**Author:** [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2000, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormons-and-gays-again/36675 "2000-10-17T23:36:21Z")
From http://www.planetout.com: \[This article is Copyright © PlanetOut All rights reserved. “PlanetOut Corporation permits, without charge, the reproduction and distribution of PlanetOut materials for non-commercial edu… --- ## [Would this stop suicide bombers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-stop-suicide-bombers/535964)
**Author:** [@Dragline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragline)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-stop-suicide-bombers/535964 "2010-04-18T16:09:07Z")
Suicide bombers, for the most part, appear to have one thing in common – they seem to be religious nuts of one stripe or another. This suggests, to me at least, that there is a way to get inside their warped little mind… --- ## [Could I have any success claiming to be African-American?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-i-have-any-success-claiming-to-be-african-american/369345)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-i-have-any-success-claiming-to-be-african-american/369345 "2006-08-24T14:09:09Z")
It seems, based on this thread that, as an American with much Hebraic blood flowing in my veins, I could argue that my ancestors, according to our most holy texts, were inhabitants of Africa at some point in the distant … --- ## [Woman's Right to Choose - What? When?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/womans-right-to-choose-what-when/328753)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2005, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/womans-right-to-choose-what-when/328753 "2005-11-10T17:07:45Z")
Just what did Roe v. Wade establish and what would “overturning” it result in? Is the pro-choice side really concerned about going back to the days of back-alley abortions? I am pro-abortion but believe that some restr… --- ## [Is It Rude To Take Pictures Of Strangers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-rude-to-take-pictures-of-strangers/405812)
**Author:** [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2007, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-rude-to-take-pictures-of-strangers/405812 "2007-06-03T00:14:22Z")
I recently bought a new digital camera and have been practicing in order to be able to master exposure, shutter speed, aperture, etc. For today’s lesson I went down to the beach. Most of my shots were of birds (trying … --- ## [Good Housekeeping-esque tips that have never worked, ever, for anyone.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-housekeeping-esque-tips-that-have-never-worked-ever-for-anyone/637518)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2012, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-housekeeping-esque-tips-that-have-never-worked-ever-for-anyone/637518 "2012-10-19T18:50:47Z")
You know those tips that your mom or uncle or woman at work pass on that are supposed to solve ‘problem X’ with little or no effort, and you try them, and they don’t actually work worth a shit? This thread is about those… --- ## [Which bike should I buy for my wife?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-bike-should-i-buy-for-my-wife/717955)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2015, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-bike-should-i-buy-for-my-wife/717955 "2015-05-10T23:36:01Z")
My wife wants a new bicycle. She’s also into the Hello Pussy stuff. So seeing my kids already got her other stuff I figured I’d get her a bike for Mothers Day. Didn’t like any of the bikes with that logo on it. For one … --- ## [People with a preference: Why do you prefer science fiction to fantasy, or vice versa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-a-preference-why-do-you-prefer-science-fiction-to-fantasy-or-vice-versa/581302)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2011, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-a-preference-why-do-you-prefer-science-fiction-to-fantasy-or-vice-versa/581302 "2011-05-11T17:15:27Z")
Sometimes one encounters fans of speculative fiction who love Isaac Asimov but hate J.R.R. Tolkien; who like Stephen Donaldson but can’t abide Arthur C. Clarke; and so forth. This thread is aimed at people like that: re… --- ## [Do non-English-speakers say "like"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-non-english-speakers-say-like/569920)
**Author:** [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2011, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-non-english-speakers-say-like/569920 "2011-02-08T23:05:59Z")
I was listening to grade school/high school/college students talk, and every other word is “like,” and I wonder if there is an equivalent in other languages or cultures… --- ## [Torture, for fun and profit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/torture-for-fun-and-profit/484818)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/torture-for-fun-and-profit/484818 "2009-02-10T21:31:27Z")
People like to say torture’s no good because the victim will tell you anything just to get you to stop—the inference being that everything he tells you will be bullshit. But what about verifiable bullshit? I’m sure you … --- ## [How do I deal with tipping waitstaff?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-deal-with-tipping-waitstaff/672923)
**Author:** [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2013, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-deal-with-tipping-waitstaff/672923 "2013-11-04T15:33:30Z")
Not sure if this is GQ or IMHO, but people seem adamant that there is, in fact, one true answer to this, so… Anyway, as I’ve said in far to many threads lately, I’m going to America (Florida). I’ve been once before, but… --- ## [Open Heart Surgery WITHOUT Anesthesia: Possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-heart-surgery-without-anesthesia-possible/407332)
**Author:** [@zut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zut)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2016, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-heart-surgery-without-anesthesia-possible/407332 "2016-06-03T19:15:19Z")
My mother works with a woman who claims to be able to control pain with her mind. She’s trained herself so well that she claims not to need any anesthesia during surgery. Now, the human mind is capable of wonderful thi… --- ## [Bewildered Bush-Bashers' Beastly Barrage of Backstabbing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bewildered-bush-bashers-beastly-barrage-of-backstabbing/180323)
**Author:** [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2003, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bewildered-bush-bashers-beastly-barrage-of-backstabbing/180323 "2003-06-10T18:27:17Z")
Some anti-war folks have been unable to comprehend the success of the war with Iraq. They grasp at any conceivable grounds to find fault. First it was the supposedly stripped Baghdad Museum they made a fuss about. They… --- ## [Favorite color purple: sign of a disturbed mind?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-color-purple-sign-of-a-disturbed-mind/317405)
**Author:** [@Giant\_Spongess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giant_Spongess)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2005, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-color-purple-sign-of-a-disturbed-mind/317405 "2005-08-18T21:41:02Z")
Everyone I know whose favorite color is purple is at least slightly messed up, from a complete narcissist to a raving psycho to a spineless brat who believes in fairies. My boyfriend was relieved that my favorite color … --- ## [America's unemployment is not due to a skills mismatch.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-unemployment-is-not-due-to-a-skills-mismatch/584034)
**Author:** [@Le\_Jacquelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Jacquelope)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2011, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-unemployment-is-not-due-to-a-skills-mismatch/584034 "2011-06-06T06:20:04Z")
If you disagree with this, do the following exercise. Imagine that, for hypothetical sake, every working age American has every possible skill known to humanity and is supremely proficient. How many of those people wil… --- ## [Photos to not use on dating sites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photos-to-not-use-on-dating-sites/457188)
**Author:** [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2008, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photos-to-not-use-on-dating-sites/457188 "2008-07-23T16:35:03Z")
Do no use your wedding picture as your main photo. I don’t care if you look good (this one didn’t), I don’t think being divorced at 22 is a plus. I suppose it’s better than still being married. Do not pout and flash a p… --- ## ["Hot Felon" Jeremy Meeks gets a modeling contract](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-felon-jeremy-meeks-gets-a-modeling-contract/692236)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2014, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-felon-jeremy-meeks-gets-a-modeling-contract/692236 "2014-07-06T16:18:27Z")
Story here. He’s still in jail, but he has an agent. Adding a new layer of meaning to the classic showbiz lament, “. . . and I can’t even get arrested!” --- ## [Judicial Activism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judicial-activism/617808)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judicial-activism/617808 "2012-04-14T16:47:15Z")
President Obama ISTM that there’s a fundamental difference between 2 types of “judicial activism”, and it’s a mistake to lump them together. One type is where the courts deal with longstanding laws and practices. Noth… --- ## [Evil Character You Can't Help Liking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evil-character-you-cant-help-liking/285470)
**Author:** [@dotchan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dotchan)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2005, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evil-character-you-cant-help-liking/285470 "2005-01-26T17:27:47Z")
Sort of the opposite of a recent thread on hateful comic characters, what’s a villain that you like in spite (or because of) the way they’re portrayed? My list - Kefka, Final Fantasy VI (a villain that’s gleefully evil… --- ## [Half Hour TV Dramas A Rarity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/half-hour-tv-dramas-a-rarity/579248)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2011, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/half-hour-tv-dramas-a-rarity/579248 "2011-04-24T06:56:58Z")
Recently a local station has been broadcasting “The Rifleman” repeats with Chuck Connors which are half hour dramas. I have watched a lot of TV over the 40 years, and offhand I cannot think of any US Network long-running… --- ## [What Do You Call This Kind of Gift Exchange?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-this-kind-of-gift-exchange/280181)
**Author:** [@av8rmike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/av8rmike)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2004, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-this-kind-of-gift-exchange/280181 "2004-12-19T06:08:32Z")
Every year, my office has a gift exchange party, the form and name of which seems to change each time. Here’s the gist of it: \[ol\] \[li\]Everyone buys a gift, which are all placed on a table (wrapped).\[/li\]\[li\]Everyone … --- ## [Bad-ass walkin' music in movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-ass-walkin-music-in-movies/311825)
**Author:** [@Ex\_Machina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ex_Machina)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2005, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-ass-walkin-music-in-movies/311825 "2005-07-12T03:52:19Z")
This may sound strange but I have a movie fetish. I love what I call “walkin’ music.” It may be my favorite movie device. You’ve probably seen several instances of this, where a character is introduced or is about to d… --- ## [Romney strapped his dog on car roof for 12 hour journey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-strapped-his-dog-on-car-roof-for-12-hour-journey/409821)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2007, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-strapped-his-dog-on-car-roof-for-12-hour-journey/409821 "2007-07-10T01:38:38Z")
Romney dogged by animal cruelty charge So does Mitt deserve the stick he is getting over a 25 year old story? Or does it reflect something about his values that is relevent today? Will it cost him votes outside the d… --- ## [SimGolf!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simgolf/170125)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2010, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simgolf/170125 "2010-11-24T01:44:17Z")
Yeah, I finally bought this game along with the two latest Sims expansions. I was put off this game at first because I already have the original first-person SimGolf somewhere but then I saw its positive reviews. This ga… --- ## [Bartender ethics 2, a pregnant woman walks into a bar...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bartender-ethics-2-a-pregnant-woman-walks-into-a-bar/754261)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2016, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bartender-ethics-2-a-pregnant-woman-walks-into-a-bar/754261 "2016-05-10T04:06:03Z")
So apparently if you’re a bartender in New York State it’s illegal to refuse to serve a pregnant woman alcohol; “Judgments and stereotypes about how pregnant individuals should behave, their physical capabilities and wh… --- ## [Rewinding VHS tapes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewinding-vhs-tapes/27721)
**Author:** [@E\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E_Bailey)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2000, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewinding-vhs-tapes/27721 "2000-08-04T17:56:15Z")
OK- maybe this belongs in Great Debates, but: Do you rewind rental tapes? I never do, because I have been told rewinding is the doom of all VCRs. Am I morally wrong but technically correct? I figure the darn rental pla… --- ## [How does a no-confidence vote work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-no-confidence-vote-work/588200)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2011, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-no-confidence-vote-work/588200 "2011-07-09T19:42:56Z")
I’m an American so we run things differently. But my understanding is that in a Parliamentary government, the current government (the majority party) stays in power until there’s a regularly scheduled election or when th… --- ## [Where to stash spare car key/house key?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-stash-spare-car-key-house-key/651620)
**Author:** [@BleizDu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BleizDu)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2013, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-stash-spare-car-key-house-key/651620 "2013-03-04T03:53:04Z")
(Not wanting to hijack more this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=16050582) I’m trying to think about how I would need a spare key. I guess if it had somehow fall out of my pocket? There is/… --- ## [Movies that have just disappeared](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-that-have-just-disappeared/497472)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2009, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-that-have-just-disappeared/497472 "2009-05-30T09:00:06Z")
Every so often I remember a movie from the past that I found interesting at the time I saw it, and then it just disappeared off the face of the earth: Candy (Ringo Starr was in it!) The Family Way (Hayley Mills, an Eng… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1670&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1672&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)