# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1702&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:** 1703 --- ## [Assassination of a literary character by means of movie or television](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assassination-of-a-literary-character-by-means-of-movie-or-television/854677)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2020, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assassination-of-a-literary-character-by-means-of-movie-or-television/854677 "2020-06-05T13:44:39Z")
NOTE: Parodies/mockeries do not count. I realize that it is difficult to transfer literary characters from the printed page to the silver screen, but I usually appreciate it when a sincere effort is made to do so. Some… --- ## [Could you behead yourself with a sword?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-behead-yourself-with-a-sword/593016)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2011, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-behead-yourself-with-a-sword/593016 "2011-08-19T17:45:37Z")
The only conditions being you must use any type of sword, unarmoured neck and take the head clean off.\* Let’s say you’ve been bitten by a zombie and the best idea you have to prevent you from joining the ranks of living… --- ## [Legality of police roadblocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legality-of-police-roadblocks/541906)
**Author:** [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2010, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legality-of-police-roadblocks/541906 "2010-06-04T20:05:34Z")
This is something I’ve wondered about for a while. I just got back from dropping my kid off at school. In the school parking lot were two cops, with their car lights flashing. They were stopping everyone as they came … --- ## [Botticelli September 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-september-2023/989596)
**Author:** [@De\_La\_Rue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/De_La_Rue)\ **Replies:** 237\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2023, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-september-2023/989596 "2023-10-04T20:24:34Z")
Welcome to the September 2023 Botticelli thread, with me, your host W. De La Rue. Here is the previous month’s thread, here is an explanation of the rules from a thread earlier this year, here is a thread for questions a… --- ## [Are people with autism hated and persecuted by society?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-with-autism-hated-and-persecuted-by-society/748942)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-with-autism-hated-and-persecuted-by-society/748942 "2016-03-21T20:03:07Z")
I’m Aspergers myself and I notice that many people are turned off by me because I can be kind of strange and obsessive (I prefer saying passionate) about things that others do not care about or find important because the… --- ## [Tell me about getting old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-getting-old/544093)
**Author:** [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2010, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-getting-old/544093 "2010-06-29T11:37:47Z")
I’m 24 right now and I don’t feel really young anymore but I also know I’m far from old. So I kind of want to know what I have to look forward too. It really seems to me that your younger years are the best. You are b… --- ## [My friend can't be arsed to vote. Am I irrational to be irked with her?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-cant-be-arsed-to-vote-am-i-irrational-to-be-irked-with-her/466695)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2008, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-cant-be-arsed-to-vote-am-i-irrational-to-be-irked-with-her/466695 "2008-10-08T18:33:58Z")
And here’s the back story: Though I haven’t written much about it here, I am an Obama supporter and volunteer, and fairly passionate about it. I follow the campaign closely, I’ve given a little money, and I’ve headed u… --- ## [Registered Letter from "Dept of Police"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/registered-letter-from-dept-of-police/416458)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2007, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/registered-letter-from-dept-of-police/416458 "2007-08-24T00:20:28Z")
So I got home tonight to find a slip in my mail box saying there was a registered letter for me at the post office from “The Dept of Police”. I haven’t done anything wrong that I know about. What could this be? Would a … --- ## [Woman accuses man of rape/sexual assault. Who do you believe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-accuses-man-of-rape-sexual-assault-who-do-you-believe/769034)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2016, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-accuses-man-of-rape-sexual-assault-who-do-you-believe/769034 "2016-10-22T19:57:35Z")
Many have stated that women who have been the victims of rape/sexual assault victims aren’t taken seriously enough or believed. I wanted to try a poll of Dopers (the ideal thing would be to have a statistically represe… --- ## [Going From Long Hair to Short Hair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-from-long-hair-to-short-hair/654422)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2013, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-from-long-hair-to-short-hair/654422 "2013-04-02T04:15:04Z")
I’ve worn my hair long most of my life, from just past the shoulders to down to my waist. As my every-two-years-whether-I-need-it-or-not haircut approaches I am once again considering cutting it short. The fact I am no… --- ## [Is it unethical to laser declaw an Adult Cat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-unethical-to-laser-declaw-an-adult-cat/440179)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-unethical-to-laser-declaw-an-adult-cat/440179 "2008-03-13T21:51:57Z")
I’ve heard the new techniques for declawing are more human and use lasers…I do not know the efficacy of the “treatment” but I have a knot in my stomach everytime I think of declawing our adult siamese. Obligatory photo o… --- ## [U.K. Pubs & orange juice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-k-pubs-orange-juice/328739)
**Author:** [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-k-pubs-orange-juice/328739 "2005-11-01T18:51:15Z")
I was reading a mystery novel set in the UK in the late 60s. People entering a pub, and not wanting alcohol would order orange juice. Is this common? In the US IME someone wanting a non-alcoholic drink in a bar will ord… --- ## [How do you pronounce aunt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-aunt/603819)
**Author:** [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2011, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-aunt/603819 "2011-11-25T22:00:02Z")
ant or ahnt For example: “Hey kids, aunty coming for a visit.” --- ## [How to measure altitude?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-measure-altitude/198951)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2003, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-measure-altitude/198951 "2003-09-02T16:37:29Z")
With what kind of instrument does one measure altitude (distance above sea level)? And in the case of mountains, is it necessary to actually be on the summit in order to measure it, or is some sort of triangulation used… --- ## [When did most people first gain the ability to record shows & watch recorded shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-most-people-first-gain-the-ability-to-record-shows-watch-recorded-shows/696973)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2014, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-most-people-first-gain-the-ability-to-record-shows-watch-recorded-shows/696973 "2014-09-02T14:56:43Z")
I grew up in the 80s, I always remember there being VCRs and the ability to record live TV as well as have tapes of movies that were bought or rented professionally. When did that start? Did it start in the 70s and 80s?… --- ## [what does quando mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-quando-mean/71843)
**Author:** [@curwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curwin)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2001, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-quando-mean/71843 "2001-07-21T23:53:53Z")
There is this Heineken commercial here in Israel that has been playing for the past few months. They have a song in it that I finally found out was “Quando, Quando, Quando” by Engelbert Humperdinck. I don’t really like t… --- ## [What's your trick for getting back to sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-trick-for-getting-back-to-sleep/664257)
**Author:** [@johnspartan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnspartan)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2015, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-trick-for-getting-back-to-sleep/664257 "2015-02-14T04:05:01Z")
A la counting sheep. Alarm’s set to go off at 6:30 to head to the office, but you wake up at 3:15 am. Cat outside makes a noise, partner shuffles in the bed, or just usual tossing and turning, whatever. Temporary thing … --- ## [Once a Catholic always a Catholic - Leaving religions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-a-catholic-always-a-catholic-leaving-religions/354340)
**Author:** [@Acqua\_Minerale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acqua_Minerale)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2006, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-a-catholic-always-a-catholic-leaving-religions/354340 "2006-05-09T13:08:18Z")
Is any way to leave the Catholic Church in the eyes of the Catholic Church? Or are you just a lost Catholic? Which religions regconize the ability of members to stop being a member of the religion? Can Buddist stop being… --- ## [The Feud: The Eyes Have It by notfrommensa \[Game Over\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-feud-the-eyes-have-it-by-notfrommensa-game-over/541497)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-feud-the-eyes-have-it-by-notfrommensa-game-over/541497 "2010-06-04T15:47:53Z")
Object of the game: Give the most popular answer for each category. Rules: No reading the thread before answering. This is on the honor system. Formatting rules must be followed (see below). Joke answers will not be … --- ## [Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot- An Heatwave MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feeling-hot-hot-hot-an-heatwave-mmp/966090)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 253\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2022, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feeling-hot-hot-hot-an-heatwave-mmp/966090 "2022-06-22T01:27:55Z")
So is anybody not getting triple digits this week? Stay inside if you can, and if you’re in the heat like me, stay hydrated. \[Coffee Talk\]I’m verklempt, talk amongst yourselves.\[/Coffee Talk\] From last MMP: {{{{JtC}… --- ## [Why did modern western music switch to a 440HZ standard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-modern-western-music-switch-to-a-440hz-standard/645827)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2013, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-modern-western-music-switch-to-a-440hz-standard/645827 "2013-01-04T16:21:50Z")
From New Yak Timez Why did they switch the standadr to 440 from 430 or 435? Explain. It seems like it would require instruments to be built differently, perhaps with tighter wood joints or such? Seems like a lot of wor… --- ## [Fed tax question: self-employment penalty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-tax-question-self-employment-penalty/662042)
**Author:** [@tralfamidor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tralfamidor)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2013, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-tax-question-self-employment-penalty/662042 "2013-06-28T01:57:29Z")
My nephew made the princely sum of roughly $7,000 last year. He correctly calculated that he would owe minimal federal tax (I think it was less than zero after the earned income credit), but he was horrified to learn tha… --- ## [The hourlong Family Guy Star Wars episode 09/23/07](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hourlong-family-guy-star-wars-episode-09-23-07/420251)
**Author:** [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2007, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hourlong-family-guy-star-wars-episode-09-23-07/420251 "2007-09-25T19:05:29Z")
Anybody else see this? I’ve been getting less and less interested in Family Guy since it got revived, but this was, I have to admit, pretty good. A couple of favorite details: In the cantina, one of the aliens is Roge… --- ## [Please consider that maybe, just \*maybe\*, your product does not need a blue LED (lame](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-consider-that-maybe-just-maybe-your-product-does-not-need-a-blue-led-lame/411477)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2007, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-consider-that-maybe-just-maybe-your-product-does-not-need-a-blue-led-lame/411477 "2007-07-13T19:39:27Z")
Now I remember the sepia-toned days of the 70s and 80s, when all we had was red, green and amber LEDs - they weren’t very bright, but we were thankful, so I was every bit as geeked-out as the best of them when along cam… --- ## [How Smart Are You, Anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-smart-are-you-anyway/313105)
**Author:** [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2005, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-smart-are-you-anyway/313105 "2005-07-24T14:38:50Z")
The SDMB is a nice cross-section of life. People from all walks, stations, race, religion, and creed are represented. Or at least most of them. I want to know how smart you, personally, are. As for me, my IQ as teste… --- ## [Padilla "Confession" Extracted After Months of Brutal Torture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/padilla-confession-extracted-after-months-of-brutal-torture/248114)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2004, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/padilla-confession-extracted-after-months-of-brutal-torture/248114 "2004-06-03T21:17:38Z")
Deputy Attorney General James Comey today revealed that Jose Padilla confessed to being an agent of Al Qaeda, planning to blow up apartment buildings and construct radiological dirty bombs in a campaign of terror on Ame… --- ## [Fave DC or Marvel comics that don't get mentioned often](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fave-dc-or-marvel-comics-that-dont-get-mentioned-often/782664)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fave-dc-or-marvel-comics-that-dont-get-mentioned-often/782664 "2017-03-29T15:35:40Z")
I’ll throw a few out: The end of Grant Morrison’s Doom Patrol run. It genuinely felt like anything could happen. And it did! The Candlemaker was scary as \*\*\*\*, The Chief, and the near solo issue of Crazy Jane. (One of m… --- ## [Are people that are hypersensitive to perfumes also bothered by bad smells more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-that-are-hypersensitive-to-perfumes-also-bothered-by-bad-smells-more/688286)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2014, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-that-are-hypersensitive-to-perfumes-also-bothered-by-bad-smells-more/688286 "2014-05-19T17:17:49Z")
There seems to exist people who are “hypersmellers”; they find perfumes and other scents overpowering. There was a thread on the SDMB some time ago on the stereotype about French people smelling bad, and it went on some … --- ## [Recommend some ridiculously epic music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-ridiculously-epic-music/497954)
**Author:** [@Birdmonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Birdmonster)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2009, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-ridiculously-epic-music/497954 "2009-05-30T11:51:23Z")
Millions, A friend of mine works at this corporate team building event company and is working on a list of songs for when their clients make phony Gladiator/Braveheart-esque movies. She asked for help soliciting music t… --- ## [Frodo is going to jail, man.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frodo-is-going-to-jail-man/341702)
**Author:** [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2006, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frodo-is-going-to-jail-man/341702 "2006-01-29T06:02:50Z")
Lessee… what could he be charged with? Include any other characters you want in this. Frodo Accepting stolen property Disturbing the peace Assault Public intoxication Harbouring a known fugitive Sedition Breaking… --- ## [TV-Movies on the major networks -- What happened to them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-movies-on-the-major-networks-what-happened-to-them/552002)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2010, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-movies-on-the-major-networks-what-happened-to-them/552002 "2010-08-31T02:56:17Z")
I started thinking about this phenomenon the other night, for some reason. It has been some time since the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS) have aired “TV-movies”. I know that the more specialized channels still regularly … --- ## [Sweatpants strings (lots of fucks)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweatpants-strings-lots-of-fucks/61907)
**Author:** [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2001, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweatpants-strings-lots-of-fucks/61907 "2001-04-17T16:29:00Z")
You fucking wash your fucking brand fucking new sweatpants, and the little fucking string that you tie so that they don’t fucking fall down, gets fucking pulled through the hole in the waist band. Now you can’t fucking … --- ## [Little Girl Gives up Alien Parents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-girl-gives-up-alien-parents/541429)
**Author:** [@may\_be\_ignorant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/may_be_ignorant)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2010, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-girl-gives-up-alien-parents/541429 "2010-06-04T14:08:05Z")
HAHA. You probably thought that some little girl abandoned her extraterrestrial family to tell the world about their existence. No, get real. In thishttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100531/ap\_on\_re\_la\_am\_ca/lt\_peru\_girl\_imm… --- ## [The Office: Pool Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-pool-party/610136)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2012, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-pool-party/610136 "2012-01-27T02:13:18Z")
Liked it besides the cold opening. No Kelly Erin Hannon and Andy Bernard aren’t the same as Pam and Jim… but I would still like to see them together. --- ## [Overturning a wrongful murder conviction with DNA evidence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overturning-a-wrongful-murder-conviction-with-dna-evidence/524281)
**Author:** [@Pray\_for\_peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pray_for_peace)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2010, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overturning-a-wrongful-murder-conviction-with-dna-evidence/524281 "2010-01-13T16:34:00Z")
I’m aware of several cases in which people convicted of murder in the U.S. claim actual innocence. In such a case, the lawyers may seek to have the conviction overturned on the basis of DNA evidence found at the scene o… --- ## [Proposal: The Anti-Legislature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-the-anti-legislature/506731)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2009, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-the-anti-legislature/506731 "2009-08-21T14:18:38Z")
In the other thread on people wanting to change the Constitution, well, there really wasn’t a debate. Suffice it to say I think nearly every proposal a bad one, usually built around the author’s pet prejudices and whims. … --- ## [So, my daughter tried to kill herself. (pretty long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-daughter-tried-to-kill-herself-pretty-long/141432)
**Author:** [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2002, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-daughter-tried-to-kill-herself-pretty-long/141432 "2002-12-14T07:44:33Z")
Okay, guys, I need prayers, good thoughts, and any helpful input you may have. My 15 yr. old daughter has been battling depression for about 6 months now. She has been seeing a counsellor during this time. Early on in h… --- ## [Post Your Favorite Joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-joke/496596)
**Author:** [@Wisthekiller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wisthekiller)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-joke/496596 "2009-05-28T14:21:04Z")
Definately inspired by the post the punchline thread: Post a punchline - Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share - Straight Dope Message Board Ill start off i guess. You: say “knock knock” Them: knock knock You… --- ## [What were US long distance calls like in quality in the 1960s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-us-long-distance-calls-like-in-quality-in-the-1960s/689521)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2014, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-us-long-distance-calls-like-in-quality-in-the-1960s/689521 "2014-05-30T20:04:25Z")
In Mad Men they regularly have characters talking on phone from NY to California. Apart from one conference call there doesn’t ever seem to be an issue of call quality. Were the connections typically good in those days (… --- ## [New Congresscritter calls for end to war; Pubs boo and walk out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-congresscritter-calls-for-end-to-war-pubs-boo-and-walk-out/444914)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2008, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-congresscritter-calls-for-end-to-war-pubs-boo-and-walk-out/444914 "2008-04-23T01:10:46Z")
In her maiden speech as the newest member of the HoR, Jackie Speer said: Why, indeed? Pubs, when did it become unacceptable just to listen to speeches, on the House floor, that say what you don’t want to hear? If I h… --- ## [Double standard re. lesbians vs. straight men](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-standard-re-lesbians-vs-straight-men/691742)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2014, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-standard-re-lesbians-vs-straight-men/691742 "2014-06-28T16:35:50Z")
Inspired by the 06-26-2014 “Dear Amy” advice column in which a teenage girl expressed concerns about showering in gym class when there’s an openly lesbian coach present. My question: why is it ok for a lesbian to have th… --- ## [I know I'm immature because...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-im-immature-because/543103)
**Author:** [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2010, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-im-immature-because/543103 "2010-06-22T05:04:35Z")
…the address of this apartment made me giggle. How do you know you’re immature? --- ## [Ukraine is Finally Free!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-is-finally-free/682206)
**Author:** [@Israel\_Goldstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Israel_Goldstein)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2014, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-is-finally-free/682206 "2014-02-28T23:23:19Z")
Congratulations to the Ukrainian people for achieving freedom and democracy! --- ## [How important is it to you that your pizza be pie shaped?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-it-to-you-that-your-pizza-be-pie-shaped/509908)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2009, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-it-to-you-that-your-pizza-be-pie-shaped/509908 "2009-09-21T01:30:52Z")
Does your pizza have to be a round pie sliced into radial wedges, or do you care? I ask because it occurs to me that pizza restaurants have repeatedly tried to market square pizza slices (doubtlessly cheaper and easier t… --- ## [Do you enjoy watching sports?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-enjoy-watching-sports/202114)
**Author:** [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2003, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-enjoy-watching-sports/202114 "2003-09-23T15:42:53Z")
For the love of Pete, WHY?:confused: --- ## [Pouring it on? (NFL)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pouring-it-on-nfl/426999)
**Author:** [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2007, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pouring-it-on-nfl/426999 "2007-12-03T21:02:43Z")
So the Patriots go for a touchdown on 4th and 1 at the 3 on their first possesion of the second half, while up 35-7. Given that Bellichek is an asshole; so what? Is there any good reason an NFL team should not attempt to… --- ## [What do these "Patriot" militia occupiers do for a living? Who is paying their bills?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-these-patriot-militia-occupiers-do-for-a-living-who-is-paying-their-bills/743391)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2016, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-these-patriot-militia-occupiers-do-for-a-living-who-is-paying-their-bills/743391 "2016-01-22T13:34:57Z")
How can they just take off and occupy a federal buildingfor extended periods? Most of these guys look and act middle class/working class. Who is paying the family bills if daddy is playing militia solider? --- ## [What is that smell in old people's homes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-that-smell-in-old-peoples-homes/332527)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2005, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-that-smell-in-old-peoples-homes/332527 "2005-12-01T00:58:55Z")
Are they rotting? Does anyone else notice there is a certain smell when you enter old people’s homes? It always seems to be the same smell. --- ## [Why do Americans say "shit" so often ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-say-shit-so-often/729425)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-say-shit-so-often/729425 "2015-09-02T15:44:48Z")
Seems like a placeholder word for a whole variety of situations. Or a whole variety of shit. Why is this ? British people say it, also, but they know some other words - and use them. Is it your education system at fault … --- ## [Is there a way to find the critical points and inflection points of a finction w/o derivitives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-find-the-critical-points-and-inflection-points-of-a-finction-w-o-derivitives/540743)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2010, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-find-the-critical-points-and-inflection-points-of-a-finction-w-o-derivitives/540743 "2010-05-27T00:37:46Z")
I know you can just use derivatives, but is there a way to solve for them without doing that? Is graphing it the only other way? Thanks in advance. Sorry about the spelling errors. Can a mod please change those if po… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1701&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1703&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)