# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1906&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:** 1907 --- ## [Hillary Clinton's health care plan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillary-clintons-health-care-plan/420224)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2007, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillary-clintons-health-care-plan/420224 "2007-09-26T17:08:59Z")
Back in 1993, Hillary Clinton chaired the committee that came out with a health care reform package – not “socialized medicine” by British or even Canadian standards, but a remarkably tepid “managed care” proposal that w… --- ## [What if the majority religion in our country was Muslim](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-majority-religion-in-our-country-was-muslim/558042)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2010, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-majority-religion-in-our-country-was-muslim/558042 "2010-10-26T02:05:09Z")
Instead of presumably Christian Would we be better off today? Would our secular values be respected ? --- ## [How do we make a pizza?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-make-a-pizza/654751)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2013, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-make-a-pizza/654751 "2013-04-05T13:34:14Z")
We have a standard kitchen, an oven, a pizza stone, one of those big wooden things to put the pizza on the pizza stone, and the following ingredients: Raw, refrigerated packaged pizza dough A jar of pizza sauce A bag … --- ## [Wow, selling the car on craigslist was easy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-selling-the-car-on-craigslist-was-easy/625562)
**Author:** [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2013, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-selling-the-car-on-craigslist-was-easy/625562 "2013-06-10T00:56:23Z")
A. 9:00 a.m.: take photos of car in nice morning light B. 10:00 a.m.: post craigslist ad C. 10:15 a.m.: deluge of e-mails and phone calls commences D. 11:45 a.m.: buyer pays in cash and drives away in car The… --- ## [Nonsense Songs You Love](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonsense-songs-you-love/938130)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2021, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonsense-songs-you-love/938130 "2021-04-23T23:16:33Z")
What songs with incomprehensible lyrics do you love? I heard Beck’s Loser the other day and it reminded me of one of my favorite nonsense lyrics And my time is a piece of wax falling on a termite It’s choking on the s… --- ## [More famous George Martin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-famous-george-martin/748515)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2016, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-famous-george-martin/748515 "2016-03-13T08:49:42Z")
As you probably know by now, Beatles producer George Martin passed away this week…but I’ve noticed a lot of internet posts by people who assumed the writer George R.R. Martin (of “Game of Thrones” fame) passed away. So … --- ## [Would you return fruit to the store?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-return-fruit-to-the-store/578332)
**Author:** [@Omega\_Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omega_Glory)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2011, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-return-fruit-to-the-store/578332 "2011-04-15T00:57:57Z")
I was talking to someone the other day about some fruit I’d bought that tasted watery, instead of sweet. He said I should take the rest of it back to the store, and get my money back. This sounds ridiculous to me, unle… --- ## [Poll for people who've seen Avengers \*SPOILERS\*](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-for-people-whove-seen-avengers-spoilers/622897)
**Author:** [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2012, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-for-people-whove-seen-avengers-spoilers/622897 "2012-05-26T06:40:31Z")
Just from your own knowledge, before asking anyone else or looking it up on the internet, did you know who the guy in the ending “stinger” was? --- ## [Florida "I Believe" license plate proposed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-i-believe-license-plate-proposed/446734)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2008, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-i-believe-license-plate-proposed/446734 "2008-05-01T02:52:34Z")
As described here. The very last line of the story pisses me off. The plate’s sponsor doesn’t believe other groups should have the right to express their preference! So, um, why should he? It sounds like “special rig… --- ## [Stupid used-car salesman tricks.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-used-car-salesman-tricks/148416)
**Author:** [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2003, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-used-car-salesman-tricks/148416 "2003-01-17T02:39:07Z")
It’s finally time to put my ol’ pickup out to pasture, so we got to go shopping. It was actually kind of fun an anthropological study. Here are the survival strategies we observed while touring the local dealerships: 1… --- ## [Help needed against racist argument.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-against-racist-argument/407649)
**Author:** [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2007, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-against-racist-argument/407649 "2007-06-15T13:26:46Z")
Hi. My Chinese friend sent me a diatribe this past weekend that had so many misconceptions in it that I did not know where to begin in answering him. I did my best but he still did not believe me. The most disturbing par… --- ## [Congressman Ed Schrock (R-Va.) outed as gay, resigns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-ed-schrock-r-va-outed-as-gay-resigns/262692)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2004, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-ed-schrock-r-va-outed-as-gay-resigns/262692 "2004-09-10T13:59:39Z")
From politics1 (), posted 8/31/04 (I have not yet seen the news reported anywhere else): Issues for debate: Is it ethical to “out” a gay person without his/her consent? How many “gay homophobes” can there really … --- ## [What Do I Want for Christmas (XBox1 or PS4)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-want-for-christmas-xbox1-or-ps4/660904)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2013, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-want-for-christmas-xbox1-or-ps4/660904 "2013-06-20T07:46:30Z")
Not sure how to blow my next-gen gaming console budget that I’ve set aside for my Christmas gift for myself. Both look like they have their advantages and their drawbacks. Here’s a little more info about my likes & disli… --- ## [Do you think 1914-1945 was a bad time to be alive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-1914-1945-was-a-bad-time-to-be-alive/972387)
**Author:** [@Jay\_Z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jay_Z)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2022, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-1914-1945-was-a-bad-time-to-be-alive/972387 "2022-12-13T17:55:21Z")
Sometimes I hear complaints from people today about how bad 2022 is, I suppose as compared to some other time in history. My mother was born in 1925, in rural Wisconsin. When I started learning about history, to me it … --- ## [Incredibly vague 80s song question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incredibly-vague-80s-song-question/832009)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incredibly-vague-80s-song-question/832009 "2019-04-18T12:14:59Z")
Okay, back in the late 1980s (or possibly early 1990s, but probably late 1980s) I listened to Top 40/Pop-type radio stations, and there was briefly a song charting with a line something about space travel or life in spac… --- ## [Can you get "high" off dried peanut shells?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-high-off-dried-peanut-shells/76790)
**Author:** [@nick112](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nick112)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2001, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-high-off-dried-peanut-shells/76790 "2001-08-19T23:52:58Z")
nt --- ## [How come some people can drink boiling water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-some-people-can-drink-boiling-water/713992)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2015, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-some-people-can-drink-boiling-water/713992 "2015-03-05T04:37:59Z")
So, you make someone a tea or coffee using boiling water. You hand them the cup, but they make no attempt to grab it by the handle, even though the cup is (figuratively) red hot. Then, before you can say “Wait!” they pu… --- ## [laptop - disable speakers, but keep headphone jack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-disable-speakers-but-keep-headphone-jack/417299)
**Author:** [@pilzner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pilzner)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-disable-speakers-but-keep-headphone-jack/417299 "2007-08-30T06:05:43Z")
Hi - I thought this would be an easy task, but just can’t seem to work it out. I have a laptop w/ windows xp. If I listen to anything at all on it, I do so through headphones. How do I disable the PC speakers so that no… --- ## [Credit Cards and "consumer fraud"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-cards-and-consumer-fraud/724064)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-cards-and-consumer-fraud/724064 "2015-07-05T04:34:23Z")
So, a friend took her kids to an amusement park, and wound up having to turn around and go home due to the fact they only accept Discover Card and Cash, and the ATM was broken. I checked their website and found the foll… --- ## [Why Was Slapstick Once Considered Funny?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-slapstick-once-considered-funny/818811)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2018, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-slapstick-once-considered-funny/818811 "2018-08-06T12:47:50Z")
Meaning, Three Stooges type of pie-in-the-face bop-over-the-head humor. This is not to say that no one finds it funny now, but you don’t see big time comic acts based on this type of humor these days the way you did whe… --- ## [Non-competition and at-will employment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-competition-and-at-will-employment/664436)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2013, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-competition-and-at-will-employment/664436 "2013-07-27T01:12:54Z")
First of all I know that companies can fire you for any reason. That being said, my SIL works at Walmart and is looking for a second job. According to Walmart policy, she cannot work anywhere that competes with Walmart… --- ## [Buried in Grain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buried-in-grain/654357)
**Author:** [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2013, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buried-in-grain/654357 "2013-04-02T00:50:29Z")
has anyone else heard/read the NPR series Buried In Grain? my god, I can’t believe this keeps going on: teenagers, children! being sent to work in grain bins while machinery keeps the grain flowing, sucking them down li… --- ## [I'm concerned for Mike Pence's safety after leaving office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-concerned-for-mike-pences-safety-after-leaving-office/930909)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2021, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-concerned-for-mike-pences-safety-after-leaving-office/930909 "2021-02-03T22:45:37Z")
During the Capitol riots, there were a lot of people calling for Vice President Mike Pence to be hanged for not overthrowing the election results. Now that he’s leaving office in less than 24 hours, it seems to me that … --- ## [Gods & goddesses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gods-goddesses/33239)
**Author:** [@fierra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fierra)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2001, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gods-goddesses/33239 "2001-02-03T04:39:55Z")
So, who would you be? Ura & I were chatting about mythology & said: We’re not going for names, just characteristics, types - invent your own god(dess). So who would you be? --- ## [Most clusterf\*\*\*ed highway interchanges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-clusterf-ed-highway-interchanges/400568)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2007, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-clusterf-ed-highway-interchanges/400568 "2007-04-30T22:45:00Z")
I was driving in Norfolk last year, and got on I-64 with the aim of getting onto 58/560/13 and from there to I-95 south. Things started out well and fine, medium traffic but tons of lanes (they even had an HOV lane, th… --- ## [Old whores' children](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-whores-children/18878)
**Author:** [@Chickenhead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chickenhead)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2000, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-whores-children/18878 "2000-05-09T19:59:39Z")
My roommate and I are watching Wyatt Earp. None of the hookers seem to have children. Before the condom and the pill, were hookers able to control the amount of kids they had? Based on their profession, every fertile one… --- ## [Botticelli - December 2021](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-december-2021/955496)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2022, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-december-2021/955496 "2022-01-04T01:45:59Z")
Last month’s thread: Botticelli November 2021 Our new letter is D --- ## [(Spoilers) Firefly Film Festival #8: "Out of Gas"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spoilers-firefly-film-festival-8-out-of-gas/309971)
**Author:** [@NE\_Texan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NE_Texan)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2005, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spoilers-firefly-film-festival-8-out-of-gas/309971 "2005-09-17T04:14:14Z")
Welcome to episode eight of the Firefly Film Festival. As discussed here, we’ll be reviewing and talking about one Firefly episode each week. In this thread, please remember the following as a warning to yourself and c… --- ## [Reactions to new New Yorker cover](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reactions-to-new-new-yorker-cover/662168)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2013, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reactions-to-new-new-yorker-cover/662168 "2013-07-01T13:46:03Z")
I have to admit, my first reaction was AWWWW-so cute! but I do see the controversy. --- ## [House 10/19](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-10-19/514417)
**Author:** [@Angel\_of\_the\_Lord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angel_of_the_Lord)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2009, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-10-19/514417 "2009-10-23T17:45:28Z")
Only 45 minutes late… --- ## [Why/how Italian rose to replace Latin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-how-italian-rose-to-replace-latin/298532)
**Author:** [@WeRSauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WeRSauron)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2005, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-how-italian-rose-to-replace-latin/298532 "2005-08-03T19:56:13Z")
Why and how did Italian arise when the land now known as Italy already had Latin? I asked a friend, and he said it’s because Latin’s so difficult, but I find Russian to be far more difficult than Latin. I mean, compared… --- ## [What's the best unexpected comeback you've heard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-unexpected-comeback-youve-heard/442381)
**Author:** [@uncle\_squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/uncle_squeegee)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2008, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-unexpected-comeback-youve-heard/442381 "2008-03-28T05:58:25Z")
Many years ago, I worked on a seafood processing barge in Alaska. During a conversation with a co-worker while sliming fish, I said “Jesus fucking Christ.” He responded with “That’s something I’d like to see.” --- ## [20 Years In Prison For Space Muffins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-years-in-prison-for-space-muffins/358699)
**Author:** [@Jotun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jotun)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2006, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-years-in-prison-for-space-muffins/358699 "2006-06-01T02:26:45Z")
From this article… 20 years for putting marijuana in muffins? Isn’t that a tad excessive? I understand that it was a stupid thing to do. I understand why it’s illegal, but I don’t think a sentence of 20 years is at al… --- ## [The "Salvador Option" for the Iraq insurgency: Train death squads to kill the leaders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-salvador-option-for-the-iraq-insurgency-train-death-squads-to-kill-the-leaders/283969)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2005, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-salvador-option-for-the-iraq-insurgency-train-death-squads-to-kill-the-leaders/283969 "2005-01-18T15:27:35Z")
Now the Pentagon is thinking of dealing with the Iraqi insurgents through the “Salvador Option”: Train special squads – the kind known as “death squads” back in the 1970s and '80s during El Salvador’s civil war – to assa… --- ## [Why is the country code to Canada CDN and not CND?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-country-code-to-canada-cdn-and-not-cnd/152475)
**Author:** [@Short\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Short_Guy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2003, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-country-code-to-canada-cdn-and-not-cnd/152475 "2003-02-03T16:51:51Z")
This is something I’ve been wondering about for some time: why is the internation country code for Canada (as seen on cars for instance) CDN and not CND (which would make a lot more sense)? They’re not just random lette… --- ## [How much money does my temp agency get paid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-money-does-my-temp-agency-get-paid/579333)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2011, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-money-does-my-temp-agency-get-paid/579333 "2011-04-22T18:58:27Z")
OK, there is no single answer because questions like this depend on the temp agency, the company they contract with, the state they’re in, blah, blah, blah. I’m really curious though. At my temp job I get paid $14.16/h… --- ## [Can I buy any car stereo and install it without any special car-specific parts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-buy-any-car-stereo-and-install-it-without-any-special-car-specific-parts/548959)
**Author:** [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-buy-any-car-stereo-and-install-it-without-any-special-car-specific-parts/548959 "2010-08-03T21:15:40Z")
The tape deck on my car stereo is broken, which means I also can’t use a tape adapter to hook up my Ipod. I don’t want to invest a bunch of money in my 10-year-old car, so I was thinking of buying a used head unit on Cra… --- ## [Tell me about In-n-Out Burger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-in-n-out-burger/485360)
**Author:** [@footballisplayedwithyourfeet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/footballisplayedwithyourfeet)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-in-n-out-burger/485360 "2009-02-12T17:03:25Z")
Hi you California dopers (or any other that want to chip in), In a couple of months I’ll be spending some time in LA, and while I don’t plan to eat a whole lot of fast food, I am kind of interested in In-n-out Burger. … --- ## [Ought public libraries advance social agendas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ought-public-libraries-advance-social-agendas/999737)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2024, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ought-public-libraries-advance-social-agendas/999737 "2024-05-07T13:46:50Z")
Perhaps phrased another way, ought a community’s public library reflect that community’s predominant views and beliefs, or ought it seek to expose the community to alternative views? This is the context in which this is… --- ## [Scary/strange thing that happened to me years ago. What's your diagnosis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scary-strange-thing-that-happened-to-me-years-ago-whats-your-diagnosis/661162)
**Author:** [@Claire98909](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claire98909)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2013, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scary-strange-thing-that-happened-to-me-years-ago-whats-your-diagnosis/661162 "2013-06-17T18:03:17Z")
So this is really random, considering how this is something that happened to me about eight years ago when I was 15, but bear with me, because it’s pretty weird and freaky. So one morning I was running down the basement… --- ## ['Bartleby the Scrivener' - What symbolism? -or- Why I'm not an English professor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bartleby-the-scrivener-what-symbolism-or-why-im-not-an-english-professor/228534)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2004, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bartleby-the-scrivener-what-symbolism-or-why-im-not-an-english-professor/228534 "2004-02-12T14:11:50Z")
You people could come up with many reasons why I chose the correct path when I dropped my English major after Freshman year. Borderline competence in composition and grammar and an addiction to the “cutesy-pie” are some… --- ## [What does "minimize civilian casualties" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-minimize-civilian-casualties-mean/365000)
**Author:** [@hawthorne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawthorne)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2006, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-minimize-civilian-casualties-mean/365000 "2006-07-28T16:53:59Z")
This is NOT a thread to discuss the rights and wrongs of the current conflicts in the Middle East. There are other active threads for that. Over in another thread, WeirdDave said: Googling the phrase reveals reference… --- ## [Men: How often do you think about the Roman Empire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-how-often-do-you-think-about-the-roman-empire/990182)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-how-often-do-you-think-about-the-roman-empire/990182 "2023-09-22T18:41:12Z")
Because apparently this is a thing according to social media. poll --- ## [Can Jews and Moslems drink milk from pigs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-jews-and-moslems-drink-milk-from-pigs/363207)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2006, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-jews-and-moslems-drink-milk-from-pigs/363207 "2006-07-10T12:51:59Z")
Obviously, physically they can, but is pigs’ milk kosher or halal? --- ## ["S/He sounds like a Black guy!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-he-sounds-like-a-black-guy/374442)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2006, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-he-sounds-like-a-black-guy/374442 "2006-10-02T13:59:07Z")
I’m more interested in singers than speakers. bubstatis mentioned Mick Hucknall in a thread in the Pit, and I often heard people say, “He sounds like a Black guy.” I never found this to be the case. Here is my list of pe… --- ## [Couples: How does one have sex after a bout with Infidelity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couples-how-does-one-have-sex-after-a-bout-with-infidelity/396733)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2007, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couples-how-does-one-have-sex-after-a-bout-with-infidelity/396733 "2007-03-22T18:50:38Z")
A dear, close family member of mine has recently (last 8 months) found that her husband has cheated on her. He had an affair ( not a one night stand, but a couple instances of sex with this other woman). The affair was … --- ## [HURRY: Running basement sump pump on car's 120-volt current](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurry-running-basement-sump-pump-on-cars-120-volt-current/202291)
**Author:** [@Oldmaid85](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oldmaid85)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2003, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurry-running-basement-sump-pump-on-cars-120-volt-current/202291 "2003-09-18T07:23:11Z")
We are expected to be hit by the approaching storm on the East Coast and I am worried about basement flooding. Our basement sump pump operates very frequently (once every 2-3 minutes) during heavy rains. If we lose elec… --- ## [OSHA would have a field day...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/osha-would-have-a-field-day/521613)
**Author:** [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2009, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/osha-would-have-a-field-day/521613 "2009-12-25T17:56:45Z")
Why is it that in fiction, especially Sci Fi, and the future, there doesn’t appear to be any OSHA? No standards of safety whatsoever? In that big, weird facility that Quigon fought Maul in Episode 1, there were no gua… --- ## [Levi's Stadium Guards Demanding Wallets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/levis-stadium-guards-demanding-wallets/731172)
**Author:** [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2015, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/levis-stadium-guards-demanding-wallets/731172 "2015-09-18T01:08:23Z")
It’s an understatement to say a story in Ars Technica misses the point. The lede: WTF! Nothing more is said about the guards demanding to open and examine fans’ wallets. Who cares about tracking a bunch of multi-m… --- ## [If America had a multiparty system, wouldn't moderates rule?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-america-had-a-multiparty-system-wouldnt-moderates-rule/667448)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2013, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-america-had-a-multiparty-system-wouldnt-moderates-rule/667448 "2013-08-29T23:25:44Z")
I’ve often argued on this board that a multiparty political system would be better for America than the two-party system we have almost always (in different formations) had, and that our winner-take-all single-member-dis… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1905&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1907&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)