# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1678&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:** 1679 --- ## [Tell me about Android phones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-android-phones/553369)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2010, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-android-phones/553369 "2010-09-16T19:34:51Z")
Weeks and weeks after the release of the iPhone 4, my carrier still cannot sell me an iPhone 4. They (Rogers) never have any. Ever. I’d not care much except that the new iPhone OS turns my iPhone 3G into a brick. It’… --- ## [Spartan fights Samurai. Who wins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spartan-fights-samurai-who-wins/596747)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2011, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spartan-fights-samurai-who-wins/596747 "2011-09-23T01:11:04Z")
Based on the show Deadliest Warrior, which I love despite the fact that it is absolutely ridiculous. The Spartan is a full Spartiate, a veteran peer of Sparta’s warrior class from the height of Sparta’s power circa the … --- ## [I just scratched the hell out of an SUV's paint job about two hours ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2004, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331 "2004-01-24T22:40:31Z")
and I’m glad, glad, glad I did it. And not only am I not in trouble for it, I got its driver arrested. With any luck, he’ll have weeks and weeks to get the SUV repainted while he’s waiting for his driver’s license to be… --- ## [Why does the .gov want rare coins destroyed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-gov-want-rare-coins-destroyed/718109)
**Author:** [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2015, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-gov-want-rare-coins-destroyed/718109 "2015-04-23T20:37:27Z")
This article from the Huffington Post made me curious. In that case, the coins in question are gold double eagles. They were never released as currency and all but a few were destroyed before ever leaving the mint. Th… --- ## [Is Jimi Hendrix \*really\* the greatest guitar player in the history of Rock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jimi-hendrix-really-the-greatest-guitar-player-in-the-history-of-rock/426610)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2007, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jimi-hendrix-really-the-greatest-guitar-player-in-the-history-of-rock/426610 "2007-11-17T04:04:50Z")
I watched some VH1 show last night, “Greatest guitar players”, fully expecting the list to be a battle of who is #2 'cause, you guessed it, Jimi Hendrix was #1. Again. Now I don’t mean any disrespect - the man was a gr… --- ## [Things not to do in a computer lab](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-not-to-do-in-a-computer-lab/39318)
**Author:** [@Homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2000, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-not-to-do-in-a-computer-lab/39318 "2000-11-07T07:08:55Z")
DO NOT whistle! ESPECIALLY tunelessly DO NOT hyperventilate DO NOT masturbate (you heard me!) DO NOT eat sunflower seeds DO NOT put your cell phone ringer on ‘loud’ DO NOT talk on your cell phone DO NOT use a normal voi… --- ## [One movie. One album. One TV show. One novel. One other. Go!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-movie-one-album-one-tv-show-one-novel-one-other-go/586037)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2011, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-movie-one-album-one-tv-show-one-novel-one-other-go/586037 "2011-06-27T20:04:53Z")
Here is how this works. You name your single favorite movie, TV show, album, and novel. You are allowed only one selection for each category. You may skip any you like (I realize that some folks may not have a favorite n… --- ## [I've got the Portal 2 blues.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-the-portal-2-blues/785427)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-the-portal-2-blues/785427 "2017-05-17T01:54:02Z")
I have officially beaten my first video game: Portal 2. I must say: I had no idea how satisfying the experience would be. I really feel like I accomplished something sitting on my ass for hours on end with controller in… --- ## ["Fire and ice" trick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-and-ice-trick/70199)
**Author:** [@Vinnie\_Virginslayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vinnie_Virginslayer)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2011, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-and-ice-trick/70199 "2011-04-25T12:02:02Z")
I’m really not giving away anything here, in the movie “Center of the World” this computer millionaire geek pays a stripper $10,000 to spend the weekend in Vegas with him. The deal is she’s his from 10-2 for three nights… --- ## [Are there any universal vocal exclamations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-universal-vocal-exclamations/547271)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2010, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-universal-vocal-exclamations/547271 "2010-07-26T20:19:48Z")
I’ve often that a very few facial expressions are universal, as in anyone from inuit to busman would understand a happy smile. Are there any vocal utterances that are similarly universal? I turned up one thread from 20… --- ## [Skeptics about the lunar landing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skeptics-about-the-lunar-landing/369964)
**Author:** [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2006, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skeptics-about-the-lunar-landing/369964 "2006-09-04T05:18:22Z")
I was having dinner with some people from other countries (than the U.S.–two Italians, two Spanairds, a Swiss, and a Kurd), and somehow the topic of the space race came up, and I mention the lunar landing in 1969. Almos… --- ## [Tennessee woman arrested for printing own money after reading online Obama had made it legal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennessee-woman-arrested-for-printing-own-money-after-reading-online-obama-had-made-it-legal/725162)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2015, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennessee-woman-arrested-for-printing-own-money-after-reading-online-obama-had-made-it-legal/725162 "2015-07-20T00:52:49Z")
What the hell is she using for a news source? --- ## [beeeeep, CODING!, paddles, clear!, \*spasm\*, beep beep beep beep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeeeep-coding-paddles-clear-spasm-beep-beep-beep-beep/511490)
**Author:** [@alterego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alterego)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2009, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeeeep-coding-paddles-clear-spasm-beep-beep-beep-beep/511490 "2009-09-26T20:03:39Z")
A very compelling part of medical dramas is when the patient’s heart stops and then the medical staff are magically able to restart said patients heart with a single charging and application of the paddles. Can anyone wi… --- ## [Five Guys makes my list](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-guys-makes-my-list/585359)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2011, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-guys-makes-my-list/585359 "2011-07-02T19:20:37Z")
. . .of places I likely won’t return to. It’s a shame, really, that they have allowed their quality to suffer like this. I stopped for a burger today. When I opened it to add a bit of salt and pepper, I gazed in horro… --- ## [My Son is an Idiot... It is official](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-is-an-idiot-it-is-official/751198)
**Author:** [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-is-an-idiot-it-is-official/751198 "2016-04-06T22:25:37Z")
My youngest is a very good kid… he does well in school and is set to attend a prestigious university next year. He mentors grade school kids. He has worked three jobs and saved a lot of money. Overall I’m very proud of h… --- ## [Can English be said to have gender nouns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-english-be-said-to-have-gender-nouns/596614)
**Author:** [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeke_N.Destroi)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2011, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-english-be-said-to-have-gender-nouns/596614 "2011-09-19T13:08:52Z")
I know just enough about English to be dangerous - and dull at parties - but I had always thought that English lacked gender nouns (if that’s the wrong term please I apologize) like French, Spanish etc have. This thread,… --- ## [Has there ever been an Abbot Costello?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-an-abbot-costello/548801)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2010, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-an-abbot-costello/548801 "2010-08-02T21:07:14Z")
Abbots are Catholic, right? And the Catholic Church is centered in Rome. Costello is an Italian surname. Has there ever been an Abbot Costello? --- ## [Favorite episode of MST3K](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-episode-of-mst3k/31292)
**Author:** [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2000, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-episode-of-mst3k/31292 "2000-09-10T23:42:05Z")
So, as the subject says, now that the show has been over for a year, what was your favorite episode of MST3K… As I think about it, Manos just doesn’t fit the bill, nor does the Girl in the Gold Boots… Mitchell was speci… --- ## [Greatest Use of Pop Songs in Film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-use-of-pop-songs-in-film/636359)
**Author:** [@enomaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enomaj)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2012, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-use-of-pop-songs-in-film/636359 "2012-10-08T21:38:13Z")
Let’s get Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealers Wheel in Reservoir Dogs and Fight the Power by Public Enemy in Do the Right Thing out of the way. Oh No - Commodores in The Last American Virgin Tonight You Belong to … --- ## [Clouds in a line?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clouds-in-a-line/563406)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clouds-in-a-line/563406 "2010-12-08T19:19:54Z")
On this weekend’s flight, I saw clouds beneath us that seemed to line up. They were solid or semi-solid strips of white with absolutely clear sky between the parallel lines. In other words, the sky had thick pinstripes… --- ## [The Dude Abides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dude-abides/652285)
**Author:** [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2013, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dude-abides/652285 "2013-03-11T21:56:12Z")
Yesterday marked the 15th anniversary of one of the finest movies made, namely The Big Lebowski. To celebrate, the missus and I are hosting a Cohen Brothers film festival. I have procured sufficient quantities of food, … --- ## [Post Your Survivor Spoilers Here! WARNING: SPOILERS!!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-survivor-spoilers-here-warning-spoilers/86943)
**Author:** [@Cazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cazzle)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2001, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-survivor-spoilers-here-warning-spoilers/86943 "2001-10-27T11:47:18Z")
I’m just getting this thread nice and ready for the Survivor spoilers that I’m in anticipation of… Australia won’t get the show for at least a week or two, and I’m dying to know what everyone thinks of the new Survivors,… --- ## [Stupid clueless eharmony men](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-clueless-eharmony-men/290011)
**Author:** [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2005, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-clueless-eharmony-men/290011 "2005-02-20T16:34:46Z")
I haven’t even looked at my account in weeks. I got tired of being the one to start communication every single time. But then I got a little email that someone had started communication with me. How nice! We got through… --- ## [Just How Much Would It Take to Alter the Timeline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-how-much-would-it-take-to-alter-the-timeline/687306)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2014, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-how-much-would-it-take-to-alter-the-timeline/687306 "2014-05-06T13:06:53Z")
This is something I have wondered for some time now. And I realize it has no precise answer. But humor me a little. Consider the following example: Somehow I travel back in time, one thousand years. And I go to the exac… --- ## [“Reign of Fire” Reactions \*Spoilers\*](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reign-of-fire-reactions-spoilers/118758)
**Author:** [@cainxinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cainxinth)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2002, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reign-of-fire-reactions-spoilers/118758 "2002-07-18T06:38:59Z")
I thought it kicked ass. The effects were excellent, the characters were thin but believable and the action was intense; the scene where they take down the first dragon was great. My only compliant was that it was a tad … --- ## [Steak 'n Shake - my first visit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steak-n-shake-my-first-visit/548169)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2010, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steak-n-shake-my-first-visit/548169 "2010-07-28T01:43:51Z")
After reading Roger Ebert’s love letters to SnS, I knew I had to try it. There is just one in my area - went there for dinner yesterday. My report card: Shake (side-by-side vanilla/orange): A Burger (Cheesy Cheddar): … --- ## [What's the status of "card check" (pro-union legislation)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-status-of-card-check-pro-union-legislation/567694)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2011, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-status-of-card-check-pro-union-legislation/567694 "2011-01-19T03:18:25Z")
The Democrats haven’t been able to push this through yet… as this article confirms. Yet the article says the Feds are threatening to sue states for moving to enact laws that would conflict with it. Perhaps the question… --- ## [Selection of Presidential Moderators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selection-of-presidential-moderators/465979)
**Author:** [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selection-of-presidential-moderators/465979 "2008-10-03T06:30:38Z")
In the upcoming ice Presidential debate between Senator Biden and Governor Palin it will be moderated by Gwen Ifill who has written a book titled: The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama. This indicates… --- ## [NYC- How far can I park from a marked crosswalk at an intersection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-how-far-can-i-park-from-a-marked-crosswalk-at-an-intersection/743250)
**Author:** [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2016, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-how-far-can-i-park-from-a-marked-crosswalk-at-an-intersection/743250 "2016-01-19T18:19:37Z")
I haven’t received a ticket for parking too close to a crosswalk. I’m asking this more out of curiosity and ticket prevention. NY state law says the following: "Parking or standing is not allowed: Within 20 feet (6 m)… --- ## [Parents: what one book or short story do you want your children to know, above all others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-what-one-book-or-short-story-do-you-want-your-children-to-know-above-all-others/587328)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2011, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-what-one-book-or-short-story-do-you-want-your-children-to-know-above-all-others/587328 "2011-09-06T05:49:10Z")
I’m not necessarily asking what your favorite story is, though of course favorites are welcome if that’s what you choose. I’m wondering what work of literature has so moved you, shaped you, taught you, or whatnot that y… --- ## [earth to moon distance scale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earth-to-moon-distance-scale/492299)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earth-to-moon-distance-scale/492299 "2009-04-10T16:01:57Z")
Does this picture surprise you? Earth and Moon to Scale I have to admit even though my perception of the size difference between the two has been accurate, I was waaaay off in how far away the moon was. Especially sin… --- ## [Can I have a funeral pyre?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-funeral-pyre/379979)
**Author:** [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2006, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-have-a-funeral-pyre/379979 "2006-11-12T17:22:23Z")
I would actually prefer a Viking funeral (well I’d prefer to skip dieing altogether) but I’m willing to settle. Can I get a funeral pyre? In which states? Is it legal anywhere? I want to be cremated but not so thrilled … --- ## [Stupid coworker and her Anti-Harry Potter lying self](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-coworker-and-her-anti-harry-potter-lying-self/250500)
**Author:** [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2004, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-coworker-and-her-anti-harry-potter-lying-self/250500 "2004-06-20T02:36:08Z")
Emotions have been high in the past week at work. I think it’s because of Reagans’ death, the new release of the latest HP movie, and the pledge case. We all (usually 8 of us) share one medium sized work area in which we… --- ## [Refinance question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refinance-question/545328)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refinance-question/545328 "2010-07-05T13:49:05Z")
We currently have an outstanding balance of 270,000 and 8 years left on a 15 year mortgage at 5%. Rates have now gone down and it seems likely that we would get around 4.25%. Rather than reduce payments, we would be in… --- ## [Cricket control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cricket-control/782266)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2017, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cricket-control/782266 "2017-03-26T18:17:15Z")
My Backyard has zillions of crickets. Now, I kinda like them, so I dont want to eradicate them with sprays or poisons, but they get into the cat dish, inside, etc. I want a natural control, like say geckos or mantids. … --- ## [When Is Horn Honking Appropriate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-horn-honking-appropriate/618831)
**Author:** [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-horn-honking-appropriate/618831 "2012-04-23T20:16:23Z")
I’ve recently been “blessed” with a bunch of new neighbors who seem to get a lot of rides from different people. They get these rides at all hours of the day and night, with no particular readily apparent schedule or rou… --- ## [NFL Week Three - Beyond Thunderdome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-three-beyond-thunderdome/840456)
**Author:** [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2019, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-three-beyond-thunderdome/840456 "2019-09-29T17:39:54Z")
Nothing like a rash of injuries to the QB position to make things in the NFL more interesting. With the Saints, the Steelers, the Jets, the Giants and possibly the Panthers all starting brand new QB’s this week, there’s… --- ## [Question for those who have worked in a restaurant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-those-who-have-worked-in-a-restaurant/339932)
**Author:** [@spankari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spankari)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2006, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-those-who-have-worked-in-a-restaurant/339932 "2006-01-26T16:41:36Z")
What is the dirtiest/nastiest thing you have ever done to someone else’s food out of revenge? For instance if you have had a rude customer, have you ever purposely dropped their food on the kitchen floor, spit in it, or… --- ## [Woody Harrelson's dad did what!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woody-harrelsons-dad-did-what/594198)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2011, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woody-harrelsons-dad-did-what/594198 "2011-08-30T19:00:25Z")
I suppose my image of Woody Harrelson stems from his days on Cheers, rather than his more recent acting roles as madmen and serial killers. I suppose I had a sort of subconscious image of him as a farm boy, horsing aroun… --- ## [Pick an artist (writer, singer, musician, actor) to give an extra twenty years of life.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-an-artist-writer-singer-musician-actor-to-give-an-extra-twenty-years-of-life/653952)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2013, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-an-artist-writer-singer-musician-actor-to-give-an-extra-twenty-years-of-life/653952 "2013-04-01T12:29:29Z")
Thanks to a recent exercise in aggressive negotiations with a bunch of hippy do-gooders who got exactly what was coming to them, Rhymer Enterprises has acquired a lot of magic tech which we will of course use to either … --- ## ["Short-dicks every cannibal on the Congo"--what does this mean/imply?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-dicks-every-cannibal-on-the-congo-what-does-this-mean-imply/812524)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2018, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-dicks-every-cannibal-on-the-congo-what-does-this-mean-imply/812524 "2018-04-19T01:14:10Z")
See query: Full context: the drill instructor in\* Full Metal Jacket\* yells at a recruit: I’m gonna rip your balls off so you cannot contaminate the rest of the world. I will motivate you, Private Pyle, if it short-dicks… --- ## [Is "bloody" still regarded as a profanity in the UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bloody-still-regarded-as-a-profanity-in-the-uk/350394)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2006, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bloody-still-regarded-as-a-profanity-in-the-uk/350394 "2006-04-02T16:57:56Z")
Twenty-some years ago, I was in the UK and was told that “bloody” was the equivalent of “fuck,” and would never be used in polite company. These days it seems much more commonplace - has it been drained of its offensive… --- ## [Military spending and poverty -- I only just realized...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-spending-and-poverty-i-only-just-realized/563523)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-spending-and-poverty-i-only-just-realized/563523 "2010-12-14T05:57:03Z")
…that redirecting one would eliminate the other, basically. I’d been wondering if one couldn’t do anything useful with all the money that’s squandered for military purposes, so today, I quickly did the numbers: – an es… --- ## [Does anyone else need subtitles for English movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-need-subtitles-for-english-movies/353883)
**Author:** [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2006, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-need-subtitles-for-english-movies/353883 "2006-05-02T14:54:26Z")
I consider myself fairly intelligent, with the English language and grammar my strong suits. But I cannot, for the life of me, understand half of what they’re saying when I watch an English movie. You know, from Englan… --- ## [Pickpockets in US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickpockets-in-us/656689)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2013, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pickpockets-in-us/656689 "2013-04-27T00:25:49Z")
I’ve been to several countries in Europe, and almost all of them have advisories against pickpockets and other sorts of petty thievery. Enough to where this thread isn’t the only Euro-pickpocket thread I’ve seen on here… --- ## [H1N1 Vaccine--Is there reason to be more concerned with it than the flu itself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/h1n1-vaccine-is-there-reason-to-be-more-concerned-with-it-than-the-flu-itself/508955)
**Author:** [@Ruffian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruffian)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2009, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/h1n1-vaccine-is-there-reason-to-be-more-concerned-with-it-than-the-flu-itself/508955 "2009-10-03T01:41:23Z")
I am in the population that is #2 (with healthcare workers #1) on the list the CDC recommends gets the H1N1 vaccine: I am pregnant. In fact, I’m in my second trimester, and 2nd and 3rd trimester preggos are at greater r… --- ## [So I busted up a political rally this week...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-busted-up-a-political-rally-this-week/537115)
**Author:** [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2010, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-busted-up-a-political-rally-this-week/537115 "2010-04-27T19:16:33Z")
I work at a junior college. On Wednesday nights I am the evening administrator, which means I mainly deal with drunk people or malfunctioning things. One time I had to help aprehend a 15 year old prostitute that was gi… --- ## [Unusual songs you hear in stores](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-songs-you-hear-in-stores/756691)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2016, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-songs-you-hear-in-stores/756691 "2016-12-23T12:21:45Z")
Today, while picking up my prescription at Walgreen’s I was stunned to hear Elvis Costello’s “I Don’t Want To Go To Chelsea” on the store’s music feed. A thirty year old song that never even came close to a hit in the U… --- ## [Verizon subscribers: Should I release my death grip on unlimited data?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verizon-subscribers-should-i-release-my-death-grip-on-unlimited-data/655398)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2013, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verizon-subscribers-should-i-release-my-death-grip-on-unlimited-data/655398 "2013-04-13T03:57:21Z")
For those not in the know, Verizon has switched to a 2GB/mo. maximum data plan instead of unlimited data, which they’ve been carrying for years. Those with existing contracts were grandfathered into keeping their unlimit… --- ## [Misinterpreted avatars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misinterpreted-avatars/1001578)
**Author:** [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misinterpreted-avatars/1001578 "2024-08-05T21:17:36Z")
I just noticed that carrps avatar is a picture of a woman holding a small black dog on her lap. Until a couple of days ago, I perceived it as a raven’s head. My brain parsed the dog as the black-feathered head, and the… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1677&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1679&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)