# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1703&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:** 1704 --- ## [Mark Twain Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-twain-question/527065)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-twain-question/527065 "2010-02-02T21:32:47Z")
Other than his finance difficulties, from which he recovered with his speaking tours, did Mr. Clemens have any so-called “skeltons in closet” or was he as real as I saw him portrayed early this morning in the film “The A… --- ## [The quietest voice in America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-quietest-voice-in-america/575081)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2011, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-quietest-voice-in-america/575081 "2011-03-18T18:28:40Z")
In this post in the thread “How far away are Americans from the “breaking point”?” Agnostic Pagan makes a sage point which I find intriguing: Is this true, even a truism of American politics? It’s not true here in Aus… --- ## [Why the black grease paint on athletes' faces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-black-grease-paint-on-athletes-faces/261967)
**Author:** [@sleeepy2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeepy2)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2004, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-black-grease-paint-on-athletes-faces/261967 "2004-08-30T19:45:45Z")
I couldn’t find this in the archives, so I’m sorry if this has already been discussed. What is the point of the stripe of black paint football (and some baseball) players put on their cheeks? Whenever I ask someone, th… --- ## [Is there any possibility that we'll get a bipartisan Health Care Bill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-possibility-that-well-get-a-bipartisan-health-care-bill/791593)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2017, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-possibility-that-well-get-a-bipartisan-health-care-bill/791593 "2017-07-31T13:47:24Z")
The Senate Republicans have admitted they don’t have the votes to pass health care reform. Primarily because a few on the extreme didn’t feel it went far enough. Currently the Republicans are considering the repeal bill… --- ## [Jena 6 member finds a fresh start difficult](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jena-6-member-finds-a-fresh-start-difficult/436917)
**Author:** [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2008, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jena-6-member-finds-a-fresh-start-difficult/436917 "2008-02-14T12:09:42Z")
Bryant Purvis, despite being a fine member of society, is beset with problems. Seeking to put issues in Louisiana behind him, he has relocated to Texas, but discovers that authorities there also disdain assault on anoth… --- ## [Michelle Wie leads Q-school - there IS a Santa!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michelle-wie-leads-q-school-there-is-a-santa/475870)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2008, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michelle-wie-leads-q-school-there-is-a-santa/475870 "2008-12-11T18:11:26Z")
Tied for the lead after 2 of 5 rounds. The first 20 qualify. So how is she gonna screw this up now? Plus, now that she is 19 I don’t feel like such a lech! --- ## [How do I make links open a new window?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-links-open-a-new-window/530031)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2010, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-links-open-a-new-window/530031 "2010-03-06T20:51:04Z")
I just started a blog, and after I finished my first entry I went back to proofread and check the hyperlinks. I discovered that for some reason, clicking a link doesn’t open a new page, it goes to the link in the existi… --- ## [WaPo calls out Gingrich for his preposterous lie about his Freddie Mac role](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wapo-calls-out-gingrich-for-his-preposterous-lie-about-his-freddie-mac-role/602736)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2011, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wapo-calls-out-gingrich-for-his-preposterous-lie-about-his-freddie-mac-role/602736 "2011-11-20T16:10:07Z")
Remember when Newt claimed he was just a “historian” for his $300,000 payday at Freddie Mac? Wow - such lying. Stunning. Will conservatives notice? --- ## [Does not having a phone hamper a teen job search?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-not-having-a-phone-hamper-a-teen-job-search/571082)
**Author:** [@miragesyzygy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miragesyzygy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2011, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-not-having-a-phone-hamper-a-teen-job-search/571082 "2011-02-16T16:23:44Z")
I dont have a phone so I always put down my email as my preferred contact. Even if I apply online, I never receive an email rejecting me. Do employer just give up if the Phone is no good? Isn’t that a catch22? --- ## [You have $15 to build an NBA All-Time Starting Lineup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-15-to-build-an-nba-all-time-starting-lineup/689666)
**Author:** [@davidw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidw)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2014, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-15-to-build-an-nba-all-time-starting-lineup/689666 "2014-06-03T14:02:10Z")
I saw this on Facebook and thought it was a fun little time-waster. Like the subject line says, you have $15 to build your team. Point Guard: Magic Johnson - $5 Oscar Robertson - $4 Isiah Thomas - $3 John Stockton … --- ## [Jeremy Irons.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeremy-irons/464274)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2008, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeremy-irons/464274 "2008-09-29T03:09:25Z")
Yes, it’s that time again. And since today is Jeremy Irons’ 60th birthday, let the play begin. (You newbies will catch on in due time.) Ok, I’ll start: Jeremy Irons. --- ## [Pharmacies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pharmacies/409937)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2007, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pharmacies/409937 "2007-07-03T13:53:49Z")
Can someone please tell me why it takes two hours to take pills from a big bottle, and put them in a little bottle? Thank you. --- ## [First date- Her b'day is at midnight. What to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-date-her-bday-is-at-midnight-what-to-do/658362)
**Author:** [@MuleSkinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MuleSkinner)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2013, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-date-her-bday-is-at-midnight-what-to-do/658362 "2013-06-21T03:39:29Z")
I met a woman online (not in person yet) that I have a first date with Saturday night. We’ve been talking online for a while and finally on the phone this past week. I really like her a lot so far and have a really good… --- ## [How can Biden use the recent SCOTUS Immunity ruling to his benefit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-biden-use-the-recent-scotus-immunity-ruling-to-his-benefit/1003589)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2024, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-biden-use-the-recent-scotus-immunity-ruling-to-his-benefit/1003589 "2024-07-29T13:01:35Z")
What’s sauce for the goose…" Without getting too outrageous (using SEAL Team 6 to take out Trump, etc.), what can Biden do to help ensure a November victory, using official acts that cannot be challenged in the courts? --- ## [Cooking: Doncha hate it when...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooking-doncha-hate-it-when/639093)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooking-doncha-hate-it-when/639093 "2012-11-07T21:13:25Z")
Chiles rellenos were mentioned in another thread, and the SO had mentioned them last week. So time to cook! The chiles are stuffed, the rice is done, the beans are done, the whipped egg batter is nice and eggy-whipped… … --- ## [Felony Conviction for Casually Recording Friend's Sex Act](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/felony-conviction-for-casually-recording-friends-sex-act/664005)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2013, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/felony-conviction-for-casually-recording-friends-sex-act/664005 "2013-07-21T22:37:50Z")
20 year old Jake Smith receives oral sex from 15 year old girl. 20 year old Jordan Cowman turns on camera of laptop and records it. Cowman shares video with one person. That person shares video with others who share v… --- ## [It is not 'ax' its 'ask'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-not-ax-its-ask/254931)
**Author:** [@cdnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cdnguy)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2004, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-not-ax-its-ask/254931 "2004-07-28T15:40:58Z")
I really hate it when people say ‘ax’ rather then ‘ask’. Is it really that hard to pronounce the sk? It bothers me to no end when people who don’t have an excuse, such as english not being their first language, butcher… --- ## [Some staff changes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-staff-changes/540598)
**Author:** [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2010, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-staff-changes/540598 "2010-05-26T00:08:51Z")
Xash has a spiffy new job and will no longer be able to help us out. We thank him for his exemplary service and hope that he’ll be able to at least visit from time to time. He will be able to work with us on the last o… --- ## [How does cutting a gas line cause a house to explode?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-cutting-a-gas-line-cause-a-house-to-explode/559580)
**Author:** [@Sal\_Ammoniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sal_Ammoniac)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2010, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-cutting-a-gas-line-cause-a-house-to-explode/559580 "2010-11-05T21:27:54Z")
Prompted by this incident in Boston this week… So they’re doing some sewer work in the street, and “a worker operating a backhoe accidentally cut into a natural gas line, causing gas to flow into 17 Danny Road,” which … --- ## [Help me name a god?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-name-a-god/622930)
**Author:** [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2012, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-name-a-god/622930 "2012-05-30T14:15:43Z")
I’m trying to come up with a name for a god. Imagine a world where everything is tastey and edible. Everything is edible because of this god who has said that it will be so. So far, I’ve been using “The Great Munchie … --- ## [Pitch in to Help Andrew Wakefield’s Defense Fund!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitch-in-to-help-andrew-wakefield-s-defense-fund/613815)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2012, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitch-in-to-help-andrew-wakefield-s-defense-fund/613815 "2012-03-01T01:32:04Z")
No joke—check it out! Only $100 a plate! Gift bag valued at over 50 bucks (that’s a signed copy of Jenny’s book with dust jacket in “very good” condition, and a year’s supply of acidophilus pills)! Kids under 12 get a po… --- ## [Is "Captain Sulu" gay in any Star Trek novels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-captain-sulu-gay-in-any-star-trek-novels/526493)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2010, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-captain-sulu-gay-in-any-star-trek-novels/526493 "2010-01-28T23:18:20Z")
Just wondered if the Star Trek universe ever gave a nod to actor George Takei’sreal life sexuality in writing the Star Trek books? --- ## [Does Anybody Still WORSHIP The Toman, Greek, Egyptian, Norse (etc.) Gods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-still-worship-the-toman-greek-egyptian-norse-etc-gods/210220)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2003, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-still-worship-the-toman-greek-egyptian-norse-etc-gods/210220 "2003-11-07T12:45:11Z")
Most of the world is eaither Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, or Bhuddist…but are there any devotees of Odin, Amun-Ra, or Jupiter still around? Do these people hold regular worship services? And, how does one become a… --- ## [I told you Alito was an asshole ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-told-you-alito-was-an-asshole/361848)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2006, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-told-you-alito-was-an-asshole/361848 "2006-07-01T15:05:58Z")
Yesterday the Supreme Court voted, by an 8-1 majority, that businesses can’t take reprisals against employees who complain about discrimination on the job. The case involved a woman employed by the railroad who complaine… --- ## [I have Norwalk virus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-norwalk-virus/625542)
**Author:** [@antonio107](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonio107)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-norwalk-virus/625542 "2013-01-19T17:07:33Z")
I thought my girlfriend’s lactose intolerance was getting worse. Well, lactose intolerance isn’t contagious. At the hospital last night and this morning. I generally have a low threshold for pain, but right now I’m abou… --- ## [What happened to red-eye flights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-red-eye-flights/594140)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2011, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-red-eye-flights/594140 "2011-08-26T18:00:31Z")
Up until not to long ago one could book flights that departed at almost any time. On many, many occasions I flew on 11pm or even 2am flights. It was great. The airport was dead. You could get through security like shot t… --- ## [Baseball: What does a first-base coach do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-what-does-a-first-base-coach-do/77338)
**Author:** [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2001, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-what-does-a-first-base-coach-do/77338 "2001-08-22T07:40:52Z")
This has probably been covered before, but just in case … What, exactly, does a first-base coach in baseball do? The third-base coach I can understand – he signals the batter for hit-and-runs, take the pitch, etc. He al… --- ## [Correcting spelling and grammar on the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correcting-spelling-and-grammar-on-the-sdmb/586279)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correcting-spelling-and-grammar-on-the-sdmb/586279 "2011-06-23T15:42:18Z")
Is there some collective push going on at the moment to keep The Straight Dope Message Board the last great bastion of proper spelling and grammar in cyberspace? Time and time again I see posters getting “called out” if… --- ## [Concerts nobody else here has seen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concerts-nobody-else-here-has-seen/1004899)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 455\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2024, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concerts-nobody-else-here-has-seen/1004899 "2024-08-18T02:08:01Z")
I was listening to Ali Farka Toure this morning and thinking “I’ll bet nobody else on this board ever saw him live”. I’ve also seen: Salif Keita Habib Koite Amalia Rodrigues Ray Charles Sonny Rollins (playing with … --- ## [There aren't that many Alexander the Great movies, are there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-arent-that-many-alexander-the-great-movies-are-there/787471)
**Author:** [@The\_Piranha\_Brothers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Piranha_Brothers)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-arent-that-many-alexander-the-great-movies-are-there/787471 "2017-05-31T19:58:56Z")
Guess he’s not so easy to interpret as a character. I was checking if there would be enough to write something interesting about. But I count only 4 movies and 2 TV specials?? Not counting documentaries or out-of-time … --- ## [Why do you think he/she didn't call back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-think-he-she-didnt-call-back/396740)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2007, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-think-he-she-didnt-call-back/396740 "2007-03-28T02:22:01Z")
You go on a date, you think things go well, you like the person, you think they like you…then they never call back. You call a few times, thinking maybe they’re just busy, then probably 3-5 days later you get the realiza… --- ## [Southern most Aurora?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-most-aurora/615136)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-most-aurora/615136 "2012-03-11T17:50:10Z")
Usually auroras don’t get as far south as the US (other than Alaska), but there is a big solar flare headed our way so I got my hopes up. But the forecast is still well within Canada and the “level” is still only 4 out … --- ## [Favorite "Late Night With Conan O'Brrien" moments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-late-night-with-conan-obrrien-moments/261153)
**Author:** [@raz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raz)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2004, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-late-night-with-conan-obrrien-moments/261153 "2004-08-27T03:35:17Z")
Conan has always been my favorite late night talk show. Most nights it has me literally laughing until I can’t breathe. After renting the 10th anniversary special, I was wondering, what are some of your funny favorite … --- ## [B.C. From Fundie Fun Time to Bigoted Asshole.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-c-from-fundie-fun-time-to-bigoted-asshole/383374)
**Author:** [@Faruiza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Faruiza)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2006, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-c-from-fundie-fun-time-to-bigoted-asshole/383374 "2006-12-15T02:25:54Z")
I got to have sushi for dinner last night, so I was in a very good mood about things. Usually, when the Mr. and I go out to dinner, we take a newspaper and read and discuss the day’s events. I thought it a little ironi… --- ## [Do SDMB Republicans agree that Obama is to blame for Trump rally violence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-sdmb-republicans-agree-that-obama-is-to-blame-for-trump-rally-violence/749017)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2016, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-sdmb-republicans-agree-that-obama-is-to-blame-for-trump-rally-violence/749017 "2016-03-18T21:22:16Z")
Both Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are on record as blaming Barack Obama for the violence at Trump rallies. I wonder if SDMB Republicans, or Republican-leaning independents, agree with this assessment from the present GOP’s … --- ## [Why is life in rich countries way too expensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-life-in-rich-countries-way-too-expensive/742485)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-life-in-rich-countries-way-too-expensive/742485 "2016-01-12T02:14:27Z")
I live in eastern Europe and in most of e. european countries the salaries are not that big, from 300 to 1000 euros depending on the country and most of the money can’t be saved after you deduct all the expenses like foo… --- ## [Should I get my gallbladder out today, or wait?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-my-gallbladder-out-today-or-wait/675467)
**Author:** [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2013, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-my-gallbladder-out-today-or-wait/675467 "2013-12-09T17:49:12Z")
I’m in the hospital. Went to ER yesterday with abdominal pain, and after ultrasound and blood work, have a gallbladder stone and some inflammation and mild infection. Two IV antibiotics overnight with fluids, and fasted … --- ## [Punch-card villains sees the light & help the good guys. Should they get a reward? (long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punch-card-villains-sees-the-light-help-the-good-guys-should-they-get-a-reward-long/558571)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2010, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punch-card-villains-sees-the-light-help-the-good-guys-should-they-get-a-reward-long/558571 "2010-10-28T23:54:44Z")
Obviously another hypothetical poll, this one explicitly fantabulous. Those who find that irksome should find another thread. The frame story came out way longer than I intended; sorry about that. Our tale is set in Pan… --- ## [What's the seediest hotel you've ever stayed in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-seediest-hotel-youve-ever-stayed-in/445335)
**Author:** [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2008, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-seediest-hotel-youve-ever-stayed-in/445335 "2008-04-22T04:30:49Z")
With mod permission, I’m restarting this thread, which I first posted back in 2003 (for fear of resurrecting a zombie, I won’t link to the old thread). So, tell us: what’s the seediest motel you’ve ever stayed at? The… --- ## [Top Chef Masters - Season 4 Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-masters-season-4-thread/629387)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-masters-season-4-thread/629387 "2012-09-29T00:25:06Z")
Season 4 starts tonight. Hoping it will be a good season. New host, Curtis Stone. Darn, I wanted him to be cooking. Why is a guy that trained under Marco Pierre White hosting? Also a new judge, Ruth Reichl. Thank go… --- ## [Iodine in sea salt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iodine-in-sea-salt/551147)
**Author:** [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2010, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iodine-in-sea-salt/551147 "2010-08-26T21:38:51Z")
I’m confused about the iodine content of sea salt. Growing up I heard that seafood was a good source of iodine, but I see conflicting statements about iodine in sea salt. Some say it’s a good source of iodine (which ma… --- ## [James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James" lyric ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/james-taylors-sweet-baby-james-lyric/138170)
**Author:** [@guitarmax\_99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guitarmax_99)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2002, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/james-taylors-sweet-baby-james-lyric/138170 "2002-11-24T17:52:55Z")
Another thread inspired me to conduct a “poll” about the interpretation of song lyrics. I’m curious about how people interpret ambiguous song lyrics, and I’d love to hear other people’s take on a particular lyric. The … --- ## [Ok fine, Trump is defeated. How long before another ranting demagogue shows up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-fine-trump-is-defeated-how-long-before-another-ranting-demagogue-shows-up/761663)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2016, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-fine-trump-is-defeated-how-long-before-another-ranting-demagogue-shows-up/761663 "2016-08-23T20:57:42Z")
The assumption seems to be that he’s a one trick one note pony, and, after (if) he loses big to Hillary, his current supporters will turn away dejectedly and throw their hands up in despair. Except that Trump just gave … --- ## [What would actually be necessary to start taxing religion in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-actually-be-necessary-to-start-taxing-religion-in-the-us/647935)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2013, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-actually-be-necessary-to-start-taxing-religion-in-the-us/647935 "2013-01-26T00:38:43Z")
One of the plot holes in the movie Blues Brothers is that the Catholic orphanage that Jake and Elwood grew up in is about to be seized for unpaid property taxes and thus the need for the adventure to raise money. Religi… --- ## [Should we care about celebrities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-care-about-celebrities/651138)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2013, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-care-about-celebrities/651138 "2013-03-09T12:24:07Z")
The issue was raised in another thread but we were told it was off-topic there. So here’s a thread on the topic. Should we care about celebrities? Obviously there is a widespread issue in what celebrities are doing. Mos… --- ## [Is it weird being mainly a lurker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-weird-being-mainly-a-lurker/718248)
**Author:** [@Phedre\_no\_Delaunay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phedre_no_Delaunay)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-weird-being-mainly-a-lurker/718248 "2015-04-28T15:26:44Z")
I’ve been reading here since 2002 and registered since 2003 and yet have only a couple hundred posts. I mainly lurk around and just read (and laugh! Gosh, y’all can tell some funny stories!). Is that really weird? I … --- ## [Do you believe in ghosts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-in-ghosts/671692)
**Author:** [@TashaKitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TashaKitty)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2013, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-in-ghosts/671692 "2013-10-29T01:48:30Z")
I didn’t until I learned that not only was my house built in the 1800s, but several people have died in it. Even those facts wouldn’t have shaken me were it not for the fact that my cat, who is otherwise a very quiet, v… --- ## [Famous people who were killed by animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-people-who-were-killed-by-animals/726967)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2015, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-people-who-were-killed-by-animals/726967 "2015-08-05T13:33:29Z")
I was thinking of the “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin and his untimely end – done in by a stingray in 2006. What other famous people have been killed by wild animals? I’m sure that there have been a few, but I can’t think… --- ## [I pit workaholics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-workaholics/645899)
**Author:** [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-workaholics/645899 "2013-01-07T23:52:59Z")
…and myself. Talk about making me look bad. I was tasked to write the feasibility study to upgrade our bank to a higher classification. Schedules were all set and agreed to. I had the first half of January to finish it. … --- ## [How much do your 'utilities' cost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-your-utilities-cost/691131)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2014, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-your-utilities-cost/691131 "2014-06-21T05:09:24Z")
A few years back, Australia\* decided to privatize all their utilities…electricity, gas, water etc…so that they could incorporate competition into the marketplace, and said utilities would become cheaper for us punters. W… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1702&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1704&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)