# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1799&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:** 1800 --- ## [Trump and the Russians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-the-russians/772653)
**Author:** [@Doyle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doyle)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2016, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-the-russians/772653 "2016-11-26T22:47:57Z")
Is this a good or bad thing, or somewhere in between. Two years ago they were our mortal enemy. I would think a much improved relationship with Russia would be good or am I being too simplistic. Your thoughts? --- ## [Disabuse me of my romantic notions about being a teacher](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disabuse-me-of-my-romantic-notions-about-being-a-teacher/512845)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2009, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disabuse-me-of-my-romantic-notions-about-being-a-teacher/512845 "2009-10-10T18:57:13Z")
Some of you Dopers teach - or taught - and I’m looking for some anecdotal data. (Second-hand stories are fine, too. :wink: ) I’ve been drawn to the idea of teaching as far back as I can remember - and I’m sure being qu… --- ## [Is this a hurtful statement to make to an adopted child?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-hurtful-statement-to-make-to-an-adopted-child/507655)
**Author:** [@baileygrrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/baileygrrrl)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2009, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-hurtful-statement-to-make-to-an-adopted-child/507655 "2009-08-28T00:30:43Z")
“We took you into our family out of the goodness of our hearts and we don’t deserve to be treated this way” Background: I am adopted. My mom has said this to me several times throughout my life when I disappointed her i… --- ## [Earthworms-animal or insect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earthworms-animal-or-insect/67135)
**Author:** [@mothman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mothman)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2001, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earthworms-animal-or-insect/67135 "2001-06-01T17:12:41Z")
Why are worms considered to be an insect and not as an animal? They (worms) have a heart, brain, and central nervous system so shouldnt they be in the animal kingdom? Also are they warm-blooded or cold? How do scientist… --- ## [California Prop 16 (reinstating affirmative action) fails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-prop-16-reinstating-affirmative-action-fails/926439)
**Author:** [@damuriajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/damuriajashi)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2021, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-prop-16-reinstating-affirmative-action-fails/926439 "2021-01-17T14:53:11Z")
California has rejected affirmative action as it is practiced today. California legislators tried to ride the wave of anti-trump sentiment to push through a measure repealing a constitutional amendment that prohibits … --- ## [Elizabethan Puffy Shorts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elizabethan-puffy-shorts/46194)
**Author:** [@Melpomene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melpomene)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2000, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elizabethan-puffy-shorts/46194 "2000-12-20T20:22:59Z")
Okay. I’m having trouble trying to find a name for those puffy shorts that were worn so many hundreds of years ago. I am at a complete loss. I can’t do a search on “puffy shorts” because that brings up way too many sites… --- ## [What is your opinion of this comment: consentual sex and rape](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-opinion-of-this-comment-consentual-sex-and-rape/846262)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2020, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-opinion-of-this-comment-consentual-sex-and-rape/846262 "2020-01-17T19:54:28Z")
“Men shame women for having a lot of consensual sex more than they shame other men for rape.” --- ## [Anyone play Jade Empire or KOTOR on PC without a controller?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-play-jade-empire-or-kotor-on-pc-without-a-controller/509966)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2009, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-play-jade-empire-or-kotor-on-pc-without-a-controller/509966 "2009-10-02T13:20:54Z")
Or KOTOR? I’m thinking about downloading them from D2D but I won’t have a controller. Anyone tried either of these without a controller? --- ## [Your favorite men's dress shoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-mens-dress-shoes/553907)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-mens-dress-shoes/553907 "2010-09-17T13:53:48Z")
I’m looking for people’s experience with men’s dress shoes. Especially when it comes to dress shoes that can be worn in a conservative business environment (e.g.: closed-laced cap toes and wingtips), are comfortable and … --- ## [How Much "Time Shifted" TV Do You Watch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-time-shifted-tv-do-you-watch/553204)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2010, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-time-shifted-tv-do-you-watch/553204 "2010-09-14T21:50:14Z")
There was a blip in Broadcasting and Cable magazine about how Nielsen just released that 36% of all TV programs watched per week are time shifted. In otherwords they are recorded and played back at a later time. So do … --- ## [What's the argument that Showgirls was a good movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-argument-that-showgirls-was-a-good-movie/336238)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2005, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-argument-that-showgirls-was-a-good-movie/336238 "2005-12-22T21:32:55Z")
I’ve heard here and there that some people think Showgirls was a really good movie, and it just got a bad rep in the pre-buzz which ruined its reception upon release. I’ve seen the movie. I saw it with nudity edited ou… --- ## [Which DeWalt drill should I get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-dewalt-drill-should-i-get/639274)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2012, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-dewalt-drill-should-i-get/639274 "2012-10-30T22:00:20Z")
I’m sick of my crappy drill and I’m ready to buy something that doesn’t suck. I’m 95% decided on DeWalt. I expect at some point I’ll get some other cordless tools, so I want to start out with a good power specification s… --- ## [Things in movies and TV that went over your head as a child](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-in-movies-and-tv-that-went-over-your-head-as-a-child/582606)
**Author:** [@Pyper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pyper)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2011, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-in-movies-and-tv-that-went-over-your-head-as-a-child/582606 "2011-05-22T17:51:43Z")
When my sister and I were kids, Grease was her favorite movie. We must have watched it a hundred times. I didn’t realize until I was an adult how dirty that movie is! Sexual innuendo everywhere, a subplot about a brok… --- ## [Better unversal healthcare at a federal level is likely dead, how about states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-unversal-healthcare-at-a-federal-level-is-likely-dead-how-about-states/772832)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2016, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-unversal-healthcare-at-a-federal-level-is-likely-dead-how-about-states/772832 "2016-11-26T04:12:05Z")
I don’t know how feasible this is, but would it be possible or workable to have a confederation of liberal leaning states to sign onto common framework of healthcare policy that implemented a more robust universal health… --- ## [Could the Capitol Building have withstood Flight 93?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-capitol-building-have-withstood-flight-93/667769)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2013, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-capitol-building-have-withstood-flight-93/667769 "2013-09-05T14:36:33Z")
A search reveals that the topic of Flight 93 hitting the Capitol has of course been discussed before, but in the political context. What I want to know is how the actual structure of the Capitol building would stand up t… --- ## [Can we rant about the idiots on public game servers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-rant-about-the-idiots-on-public-game-servers/476534)
**Author:** [@Captain\_C](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_C)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2009, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-rant-about-the-idiots-on-public-game-servers/476534 "2009-01-12T02:19:09Z")
mods: It’s a rant about games. I don’t think I cursed enough for the pit, but meh. This post is inspired by an experience I just had on Left 4 Dead, but it applies to pretty much every online game I have ever played. T… --- ## [Time for Another Chi-Dope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-another-chi-dope/51637)
**Author:** [@Valerieblaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valerieblaise)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2001, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-another-chi-dope/51637 "2001-03-11T20:10:11Z")
It seems like it’s been awhile since we’ve tried to get together in a big-ass group and trash a Courtyard Marriot, so maybe we should do something about that. I was thinking end-of-February/early Marchish - you know, so … --- ## ["Eggs Danny Thomas style"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eggs-danny-thomas-style/39124)
**Author:** [@mtgreenwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mtgreenwood)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2000, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eggs-danny-thomas-style/39124 "2000-11-02T14:25:41Z")
I have heard this reference a couple of times now. I didn’t want to give myself away by asking, but my curiosity is getting the beter of me. What in the world are "eggs Danny Thomas style?. --- ## ["Some of the best friends I got is coloured." Wow.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-of-the-best-friends-i-got-is-coloured-wow/837057)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2019, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-of-the-best-friends-i-got-is-coloured-wow/837057 "2019-07-16T05:34:12Z")
Thread title is quoting the landlord who is getting sued by former tenant. Why is she suing? Well, landlord apparently doesn’t like people of a certain race on his property. So when a journalist asked the landlord to com… --- ## [And the award for best up-and-coming new SDMB member goes to: FarmerOak!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-the-award-for-best-up-and-coming-new-sdmb-member-goes-to-farmeroak/74226)
**Author:** [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2001, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-the-award-for-best-up-and-coming-new-sdmb-member-goes-to-farmeroak/74226 "2001-08-06T15:29:46Z")
I’d like to just take a moment and shine the spot light on one of our more recent members here at the Straight Dope: FarmerOak. I have been following his latest contributions to the various fora, and find that his posti… --- ## [Is it true that singularities (in black holes) don't really exist...yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-singularities-in-black-holes-dont-really-exist-yet/550690)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2010, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-singularities-in-black-holes-dont-really-exist-yet/550690 "2010-08-20T19:38:33Z")
Time apparently slows down to a stop at the event horizon (or appears to) of a black hole, from the perspective of an outside observer, right? Which means that any matter which has “fallen” into the black hole would end… --- ## [Game: Add the next 10 most significant events from history](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-add-the-next-10-most-significant-events-from-history/591705)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2011, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-add-the-next-10-most-significant-events-from-history/591705 "2011-08-13T02:36:40Z")
The aim of this game is to construct a rough chronology of history, as understood by Straight Dopers. The Rules \[ul\] \[li\] You are not allowed to consult any external sources (Wikipedia, friends etc.) while you are ame… --- ## [Mysteries of Music #1: How did the dull song "Mull of Kintyre" become megapopular in Britain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysteries-of-music-1-how-did-the-dull-song-mull-of-kintyre-become-megapopular-in-britain/676473)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2013, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysteries-of-music-1-how-did-the-dull-song-mull-of-kintyre-become-megapopular-in-britain/676473 "2013-12-20T16:01:54Z")
Maybe some Brit Dopers can help here. The song: I think the average listener of pop in the year 2013, if coming across this song by accident, would simply not notice or remember it. It's not horrible. It sounds like a… --- ## [Do you use brick and mortar stores to 'showroom'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-brick-and-mortar-stores-to-showroom/650739)
**Author:** [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2013, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-brick-and-mortar-stores-to-showroom/650739 "2013-02-21T00:44:37Z")
http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=8a4b33ca-47cf-4430-b627-13e3202ccf96 According to the article Best Buy will begin matching online prices by Amazon and other internet retailers in March if the customer asks them … --- ## [The editorial cartoons at The Onion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-editorial-cartoons-at-the-onion/395416)
**Author:** [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2007, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-editorial-cartoons-at-the-onion/395416 "2007-03-14T02:44:23Z")
Is it me or are these just not funny? Not funny Not even a little funny Again with the not funny Ok, so the cartoons have a definite right wing slant. Maybe I don’t find them funny because I disagree with the under… --- ## [DUI w/o "D"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dui-w-o-d/579528)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2011, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dui-w-o-d/579528 "2011-04-28T04:22:36Z")
You may have seen this on a TV sitcom: But, in reality…is it possible (in some states) to get a DUI for just having the keys in the ignition while intoxicated, but not operating the vehicle? --- ## [Here I sit all broken hearted, can't get the toilet paper started](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/here-i-sit-all-broken-hearted-cant-get-the-toilet-paper-started/395557)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2007, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/here-i-sit-all-broken-hearted-cant-get-the-toilet-paper-started/395557 "2007-03-18T15:37:38Z")
You asswipe. You’ve beaten me again. How is it that we’re able to put people in space, clone sheep, conceive a baby in a petri dish, wipe out crippling diseases like Polio, but yet we-- as a civilized society-- can’t de… --- ## [Should I do anything about a potentially dead guy in front of my apartment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-do-anything-about-a-potentially-dead-guy-in-front-of-my-apartment/386333)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2007, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-do-anything-about-a-potentially-dead-guy-in-front-of-my-apartment/386333 "2007-01-03T07:02:32Z")
OK, it’s New Years Day and I live in Los Angeles. Not at all uncommon to see an old hobo-type passed out on the grass somewhere. What interested me as I saw such a man while walking down the sidewalk by my apartment thi… --- ## [Do crosswalk buttons actually do anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-crosswalk-buttons-actually-do-anything/537920)
**Author:** [@SecretaryofEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecretaryofEvil)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-crosswalk-buttons-actually-do-anything/537920 "2010-05-01T16:38:26Z")
Do crosswalk buttons actually do anything? Many people have sneaking suspicions that pushing the button for the walk sign has no effect at all. But would they really waste all that money installing them if they didn’t do… --- ## [Why Do People Display the POW MIA Flag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-display-the-pow-mia-flag/455635)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2008, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-display-the-pow-mia-flag/455635 "2008-07-09T22:54:47Z")
It has been 33 years since the USA ended involvement in the Vietnam War. Vietnam is now a major trading partner of the USA, and trade with Vietnam is growing. So why do some people believe that Vietnam is keeping elderly… --- ## [Did I get ripped off by the plumber?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-get-ripped-off-by-the-plumber/692928)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2014, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-get-ripped-off-by-the-plumber/692928 "2014-07-14T22:08:09Z")
I know, popular topic these days, right? So we finally take all the stuff out of the master half bath that’s been in there since we had to panic-shove all our worldly goods out of half of the house to get the floors red… --- ## [SCOTUS question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-question/544983)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-question/544983 "2010-07-05T20:09:28Z")
The Supreme Court can issue a decision one day and completely reverse itself the next, correct? It is my understanding that if they so chose, they could hear a case identical to Roe v. Wade or D.C v. Heller, for example… --- ## [HRC and the ethics thing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hrc-and-the-ethics-thing/747971)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2016, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hrc-and-the-ethics-thing/747971 "2016-03-14T13:50:12Z")
Clearly I screwed up by not posting a version of this thread properly a while back. People think they know the story because they’ve heard about “Benghazi!” Well, here are some of Hillary’s big ethical issues that you m… --- ## [Did aliens build the pyramids, and if they did, so what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-aliens-build-the-pyramids-and-if-they-did-so-what/203812)
**Author:** [@The\_Asbestos\_Mango](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Asbestos_Mango)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-aliens-build-the-pyramids-and-if-they-did-so-what/203812 "2004-03-21T17:00:10Z")
smiling bandit got me thinking about this one. I’ve actually kicked the thought around off and on for a few years now. Seems there are a lot of folks who believe the pyramids were built by aliens. Extraterrestrial, not … --- ## [NAACP on Vick and African American celebs in general. Huh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naacp-on-vick-and-african-american-celebs-in-general-huh/416540)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2007, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naacp-on-vick-and-african-american-celebs-in-general-huh/416540 "2007-09-08T04:15:13Z")
I’ve really started wondering if there will ever be a high-profile (aka celebrity) African American criminal that the NAACP won’t go to bat for. It seems as if any time an AA celeb (movies/music/sports/politics) gets … --- ## [Why were computer cases traditionally beige?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-computer-cases-traditionally-beige/340522)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2006, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-computer-cases-traditionally-beige/340522 "2006-01-19T18:54:38Z")
Despite how obviously ugly they were, for almost an aeon, computer case makers stuck with beige coloured cases almost exclusively. Was it cheaper to manufacture? Did it help hide the dirt? Or was there just a big sale on… --- ## [If Titanic hit the Iceberg head on at speed, would it sink?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-titanic-hit-the-iceberg-head-on-at-speed-would-it-sink/790496)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2019, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-titanic-hit-the-iceberg-head-on-at-speed-would-it-sink/790496 "2019-08-24T20:09:30Z")
Just before the Titanic saw the Iceberg, she was racing through the Ice field at 20 knots plus speed (as was the standard practice at the time). WHat would happen if she has not tried to avoid the iceberg and not slowed… --- ## [Reporting Moderators.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reporting-moderators/409218)
**Author:** [@1010011010](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1010011010)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2007, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reporting-moderators/409218 "2007-09-20T03:04:58Z")
Inspiration Posts 369 to 373. Note: I’m not pitting SkipMagic, so this could probably go in ATMB without incident. I’m curious why the recommendation for an out-of-line post is to click the “Report Bad Post” icon and … --- ## [For the lurve of all that is good and holy, would you please split your check!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-lurve-of-all-that-is-good-and-holy-would-you-please-split-your-check/304045)
**Author:** [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2005, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-lurve-of-all-that-is-good-and-holy-would-you-please-split-your-check/304045 "2005-05-23T20:00:53Z")
I just got back from a late dinner (or very early breakfast, depending on your view and personal timezone), and was subjected to the most frustrating experience short of on-line dating; to wit, the dining party which fai… --- ## [Who should be in the pamphlet “Famous Jewish Sports Legends”...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-be-in-the-pamphlet-famous-jewish-sports-legends/834998)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2019, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-be-in-the-pamphlet-famous-jewish-sports-legends/834998 "2019-07-25T18:10:13Z")
When Airplane! came out in 1980? Today? Would the pamphlet be bigger today? :slight\_smile: --- ## [Help me understand this optical illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-this-optical-illusion/546478)
**Author:** [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2010, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-this-optical-illusion/546478 "2010-07-15T20:43:11Z")
This past weekend I had relatives in town. My mom was interested in visiting The Mystery Spot (Wiki article). I decided to bring a small bubble level with me just for the heck of it. Most of the illusions there are fram… --- ## [Confirmation of Climate change - observable by human senses ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confirmation-of-climate-change-observable-by-human-senses/811807)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confirmation-of-climate-change-observable-by-human-senses/811807 "2018-04-10T17:52:29Z")
Are any weather related phenomenon, hot summer days, longer winters, more number of hurricanes, or other phenomena like these in the contiguous United States can be definite proof ( definite as in statistically significa… --- ## [Why do physicians offices now want you to confirm your appointment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-physicians-offices-now-want-you-to-confirm-your-appointment/783976)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-physicians-offices-now-want-you-to-confirm-your-appointment/783976 "2017-04-11T15:44:48Z")
Do they get an unusual number of no-shows? It seems like my dentist, my primary care physician, my ophthalmologist, etc. all want me to confirm via phone, text or email, that I am actually going to show up for the appoi… --- ## [Ever known someone who killed someone (not in war)??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-known-someone-who-killed-someone-not-in-war/52243)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2001, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-known-someone-who-killed-someone-not-in-war/52243 "2001-02-02T18:26:35Z")
Friedo’s thread reminded me of this. Guy I used to know, super-peaceful, never been in fight in his life. BIG guy, though, 6’7’. Comes upon some guy slashing the tires on his car. Says “Hey!” and the guy turns on him wi… --- ## [Oddball Patron Saints](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oddball-patron-saints/461397)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2025, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oddball-patron-saints/461397 "2025-02-11T13:01:11Z")
“Patron Saints” seem to be a survival of the old Roman household gods, into Christianity. Some of them are logical (Joseph, the father of Jesus was a carpenter, hence St. Joseph is the patron of carpenters). But what abo… --- ## [If Obama becomes POTUS, what can we expect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-obama-becomes-potus-what-can-we-expect/432340)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2008, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-obama-becomes-potus-what-can-we-expect/432340 "2008-01-10T07:49:06Z")
I never believed he had a chance until now, but Obama might will be our next president. If he is, what can we expect? His positions are here. Will Obama govern more as a DLC neoliberal like the Clintons, or as a pro… --- ## [Which Canadian Provinces/Territories have you been to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-canadian-provinces-territories-have-you-been-to/588032)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2011, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-canadian-provinces-territories-have-you-been-to/588032 "2011-07-10T17:50:06Z")
Flying over doesn’t count. Setting foot on solid ground does. So if you changed planes in Toronto to fly to Vancouver, put Ontario down too. --- ## [Is Terror Court a good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-terror-court-a-good-idea/93229)
**Author:** [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2001, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-terror-court-a-good-idea/93229 "2001-11-24T21:54:08Z")
President Bush signed an executive order today, allowing for terror suspects who are not U.S. citizens to be tried by the military. I approve. I’d hate to see OBL, for example, tried in a normal civilian court. As a cir… --- ## [Simple WWII U-Boat Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-wwii-u-boat-question/527922)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-wwii-u-boat-question/527922 "2010-02-09T21:38:24Z")
I was watching the movie U-571 last night, which in its bonus materials claims to be one of the most accurately researched WWII submarine movies ever made. I noticed that when the U-boat was on the surface there were a … --- ## [Why is Slytherin allowed to exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-slytherin-allowed-to-exist/825717)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2018, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-slytherin-allowed-to-exist/825717 "2018-12-13T06:41:29Z")
I’m only casually aware of Harry Potter from seeing a couple of the movies. So maybe someone better versed in the lore can explain this, as I have long found it perplexing. Shouldn’t the sorting hat say “this one needs… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1798&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1800&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)