# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1939&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:** 1940 --- ## [My religious mom sent me a Christian "spell" to use against the swine flu](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-religious-mom-sent-me-a-christian-spell-to-use-against-the-swine-flu/514111)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2009, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-religious-mom-sent-me-a-christian-spell-to-use-against-the-swine-flu/514111 "2009-10-20T12:10:31Z")
Looks like I can save a few bucks on a flu shot. This was one of those many-times-forwarded things, and I found what might be the source on this page: --- ## [Who wears zoot suits why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wears-zoot-suits-why/501480)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2009, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wears-zoot-suits-why/501480 "2009-07-11T21:59:35Z")
The other day I saw a guy wearing what I believe could best be described as a zoot suit. This was in downtown Chicago, in the middle of the day on Monday, in a professional building. The suit was similar to this one, o… --- ## [Why have cabovers fallen out of favor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-cabovers-fallen-out-of-favor/385835)
**Author:** [@DJ\_Motorbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DJ_Motorbike)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2006, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-cabovers-fallen-out-of-favor/385835 "2006-12-29T06:55:42Z")
From looking out on the highways these days most long-haul trucks have conventional cabs. What I remember as a kid it seems that cabover (flat nose) trucks were much more common. Most of the cabover trucks I see are th… --- ## [What is a cheap, reliable, high mpg, low maintenance sedan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-cheap-reliable-high-mpg-low-maintenance-sedan/672219)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2013, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-cheap-reliable-high-mpg-low-maintenance-sedan/672219 "2013-10-29T01:20:14Z")
I want all those things in one car. Also it should be powered by unicorns farts and I should win things just for driving it. I saw a Honda civic recently, but looking online supposedly quality has gone down. Sucks becau… --- ## [Re the Windows 8 interface Microsoft has lost it's \*\*\*\*ing mind!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-windows-8-interface-microsoft-has-lost-its-ing-mind/585199)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2011, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-windows-8-interface-microsoft-has-lost-its-ing-mind/585199 "2011-06-13T08:33:39Z")
Apparently everything willconverge on being a ‘touch interface’ design.. I can’t even wrap my hard around how stupid this is. At least Apple has enough common sense to understand there is a difference. Here’s one revi… --- ## [Are you familiar with the term "moded"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-moded/762549)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2018, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-familiar-with-the-term-moded/762549 "2018-12-31T16:42:46Z")
I ran across the word inadvertently yesterday, and it is a word that, as far as I can recall, I haven’t encountered since I was in junior high school. Urban Dictionary defines it first as “A word used to put someone in … --- ## [The next US President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-next-us-president/470694)
**Author:** [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2008, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-next-us-president/470694 "2008-11-03T14:13:26Z")
Speaking as an Englishman I really couldn’t give a shit who wins the election.\*\*\* What does depress me is the fact that as soon as whoever is in office makes even the slightest error of judgement then this message boar… --- ## [I bought a Shun knife](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-bought-a-shun-knife/608143)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2012, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-bought-a-shun-knife/608143 "2012-01-14T07:08:48Z")
For my Christmas present, I bought myself a Shun. This one, specifically. I’d been looking at these for some time and finally got to handle one at a kitchen supply place. They’re sold by Kershaw, made in, and imported… --- ## [Sending a book to (former) friend. Creepy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sending-a-book-to-former-friend-creepy/540830)
**Author:** [@Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swallowed_My_Cellphone)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2010, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sending-a-book-to-former-friend-creepy/540830 "2010-05-28T15:27:26Z")
Yes, yes, I know the rule: If you have to ask, then yes, it is definitely creepy. But I thought I’d ask anyway for perspective. Back story shaved down to save time: Old friend (known each other for over 20 years), we’… --- ## [Tell me about ST. Louis on the 4th of July](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-st-louis-on-the-4th-of-july/544447)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2010, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-st-louis-on-the-4th-of-july/544447 "2010-07-08T02:29:03Z")
We haven’t been to the St. Louis area for about 12 years, so we thought we’d take a 3 day weekend trip down there. Originally we planned to go over Labor Day but now we’re thinking of driving down on 4th of July weekend… --- ## ["Steak 'n Shake": Anybody Been To This Fast Food Chain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steak-n-shake-anybody-been-to-this-fast-food-chain/561459)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2010, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steak-n-shake-anybody-been-to-this-fast-food-chain/561459 "2010-11-22T19:57:31Z")
Fast food fans in Las Vegas seem to be getting excited that a Steak 'n Shake is being built inside the South Point Casino (a few miles from me). Apparently, this is a big deal, as it is the first they are building so far… --- ## [Well, since we need a new MMP...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-since-we-need-a-new-mmp/831493)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2019, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-since-we-need-a-new-mmp/831493 "2019-04-01T02:45:17Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 52 Amurrkin out and clear (dark actually) with a predicted high of 79 and mostly N.O.S. for the day. This bein’ Moanday, I shall spiff da cave and maybe take care of som… --- ## [Is James Cameron biting off more than he can chew?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-james-cameron-biting-off-more-than-he-can-chew/785002)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-james-cameron-biting-off-more-than-he-can-chew/785002 "2017-04-25T14:07:33Z")
Judging how successful a movie will be is hard enough for producers planning current films but 8 years from now? I guess if anyone can pull it off Cameron can but to be honest I don’t think the first Avatar is wearing … --- ## [Ping-pong ball innards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ping-pong-ball-innards/78875)
**Author:** [@wolfstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfstu)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2001, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ping-pong-ball-innards/78875 "2001-08-31T23:33:16Z")
Simply put, what’s inside a ping-pong ball? Ordinary air? Or some sort of gas with a different density than air? This came up in a chat with a friend recently. I’ve tried a few search engines, and the old GQ threads. An… --- ## [Where do they get the ships for all of the pirate movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-they-get-the-ships-for-all-of-the-pirate-movies/492901)
**Author:** [@Ficer67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ficer67)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2009, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-they-get-the-ships-for-all-of-the-pirate-movies/492901 "2009-04-13T19:15:27Z")
Remember Cutthroat Island? And the Pirates of the Caribbean movies? What about the Hornblower movies? Anyone remember those? For all of these movies, they needed 17th century ships. So do the movie companies make rep… --- ## [Native Americans and Facial Hair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/native-americans-and-facial-hair/5380)
**Author:** [@Cessandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cessandra)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 1999, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/native-americans-and-facial-hair/5380 "1999-12-17T12:42:00Z")
Again, my friend is making claims which I am not inclined to believe. \[ul\]\[li\]Do Native Americans (especially Apaches) have some genetic trait that prevents them from growing facial hair?\[/li\]\[li\]Do Hawaiians have this … --- ## [Obama joke at the WH Press Corps Dinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-joke-at-the-wh-press-corps-dinner/620408)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2012, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-joke-at-the-wh-press-corps-dinner/620408 "2012-05-08T11:58:12Z")
Did anyone see Obama’s speech to the WH Press Corps this weekend? I thought it was freaking hilarious, but I didn’t get one of his jokes…The difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom…a pit bull is delicious. I get… --- ## [Is It Safe To Eat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-eat/616957)
**Author:** [@FredGarven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FredGarven)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-eat/616957 "2012-03-28T20:34:26Z")
Yesterday, I made a big pot of red beans and sausage with pickled pork butt. In it, is 1 lb. of pickled pork, 1 lb. of smoked andouille sausage, 1 lb. of red kidney beans, and vegetables. It cooked for about 2 1/2 hour… --- ## [What should I bring to my college dorm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-bring-to-my-college-dorm/43865)
**Author:** [@DoperChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoperChic)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2001, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-bring-to-my-college-dorm/43865 "2001-01-10T14:02:39Z")
Hi all. I’m a college freshmen and am finally getting to move into a dorm room next month (I am currently commuting the 45 minutes to and from school every day - yuk!). The college supplies every student with a desk, bed… --- ## [Low calorie savory snacks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-calorie-savory-snacks/494755)
**Author:** [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2009, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-calorie-savory-snacks/494755 "2009-06-07T00:31:10Z")
Thread title more or less covers it. Everyone is always telling you snack on grapes instead of cupcakes; it’ll sate your sweet tooth, and won’t set you back 500 calories. Fruit substituions are a great idea, except I do… --- ## [It is not he he he! Damnit!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-not-he-he-he-damnit/140233)
**Author:** [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2002, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-not-he-he-he-damnit/140233 "2002-12-06T06:24:24Z")
This pet peeve of mine-- the misspelling of interjections–is about to drive me MAD. It is not “he he he.” It’s “HEE HEE HEE.” And “yeah” is not “yea.” I’d settle for “yay,” despite its not being in the dictionary, ra… --- ## [Would it bother you if a gay friend sees you (or your wife/parnter) breastfeed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-bother-you-if-a-gay-friend-sees-you-or-your-wife-parnter-breastfeed/584952)
**Author:** [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2011, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-bother-you-if-a-gay-friend-sees-you-or-your-wife-parnter-breastfeed/584952 "2011-06-12T14:14:40Z")
I was talking to my wife today about the Weiner case, and the difference between men’s and women’s response to seeing nakkid bits and such. So I thought back to when our gay friends came visit us once and when it was ti… --- ## [Wife Swap, February 9](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wife-swap-february-9/289349)
**Author:** [@aurelian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurelian)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2005, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wife-swap-february-9/289349 "2005-02-16T18:00:36Z")
Wow. Ignorance. Just pure, unadulterated ignorance. I don’t have television at home, but on break at work, Wife Swap was on. They usually try to pair opposites - neat freak/ slob, pampered wife/ hard worker, etc. Th… --- ## [Have the British ever returned any valuables "obtained" during colonialism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-british-ever-returned-any-valuables-obtained-during-colonialism/971882)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2022, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-british-ever-returned-any-valuables-obtained-during-colonialism/971882 "2022-10-11T04:33:31Z")
With the death of the queen, there is talk in Indian circles for the return of the Kohinoor diamond With Queen Elizabeth's Death, Indians Want Kohinoor Returned | Time I have read earlier reports that the British are st… --- ## [When does a human fetus become a person with personhood rights, and why do you think so?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-a-human-fetus-become-a-person-with-personhood-rights-and-why-do-you-think-so/1027628)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 305\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-a-human-fetus-become-a-person-with-personhood-rights-and-why-do-you-think-so/1027628 "2026-06-17T09:13:16Z")
No introduction really, except this seems to me to be the real basis of any debate about banning or restricting abortion, the arguments for all sides seem to depend on this particular point; if this is not correct, pleas… --- ## [Gee, is it Tet already?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-is-it-tet-already/381559)
**Author:** [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2006, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-is-it-tet-already/381559 "2006-11-28T21:45:15Z")
Scores killed in Baghdad blasts Gunmen raid Iraqi Health Ministry This is Baghdad, the capital, the place we flooded with troops a couple of months ago to increase security and now it’s like this. Where are the muc… --- ## [Why aren't people more spun up about the assassination attempt on Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-more-spun-up-about-the-assassination-attempt-on-obama/603301)
**Author:** [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2011, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-more-spun-up-about-the-assassination-attempt-on-obama/603301 "2011-11-21T02:31:28Z")
Somebody took a shot at the President. Many people were wringing their hands about this shortly after the election, saying Obama was a likely target of violence because of the intense hatred in some quarters on the right… --- ## [The blood drive and the disastrous effect on a donor giving blood on an empty stomach](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-blood-drive-and-the-disastrous-effect-on-a-donor-giving-blood-on-an-empty-stomach/247606)
**Author:** [@monica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monica)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2004, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-blood-drive-and-the-disastrous-effect-on-a-donor-giving-blood-on-an-empty-stomach/247606 "2004-06-02T19:14:20Z")
Today at school, our National Honor Society (which I’m a part of) sponsored a Red Cross blood drive. I was one of the people that made sure the donors got something to eat and drink afterward, and to make sure none of t… --- ## [RIP Glenn Frey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-glenn-frey/743530)
**Author:** [@SUZ\_MAC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SUZ_MAC)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2016, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-glenn-frey/743530 "2016-01-20T20:26:45Z")
Just received a text from my son that Glenn Frey died. I am in complete shock !! --- ## [What foods can't you microwave?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-foods-cant-you-microwave/180003)
**Author:** [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2003, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-foods-cant-you-microwave/180003 "2003-06-08T07:52:36Z")
Technically, I guess you can microwave any food. Whether that food would be edible - or even safe - is another story. Eggs come to mind. If you stick an egg in the microwave, my guess is it’ll explode. Not much fun, esp… --- ## [Canadian Dopers...is Skookum a family friendly word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-is-skookum-a-family-friendly-word/782807)
**Author:** [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-is-skookum-a-family-friendly-word/782807 "2017-03-29T13:12:54Z")
I hear this word quite a bit on one Canadian fellow’s Youtube channel, but he curses liberally so I want to be sure it’s not an offensive term. In fact, I find myself often wanting to describe something as skookum. My w… --- ## [MTV's The State-anyone remember?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mtvs-the-state-anyone-remember/148442)
**Author:** [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2003, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mtvs-the-state-anyone-remember/148442 "2003-01-21T06:30:51Z")
That was the funniest sketch commedy show! So much better than SNL, but it only lasted one season! Why oh WHY did MTV cancel it? There was Doug, “I’m outta here!” and the giant Sea Monkeys. And then the guy who was … --- ## [White House Releases Bush's Guard Records](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-releases-bushs-guard-records/228601)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2004, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-releases-bushs-guard-records/228601 "2004-02-15T14:26:53Z")
The White House today released pay records that show Bush completed his guard requirements. Including a full copy of the ‘torn sheet’ that elucidator has been going on about for some time. Now, I’m sure this won’t sat… --- ## [Fucking Pringles, you are hereby made a non-entity.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-pringles-you-are-hereby-made-a-non-entity/343135)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2006, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-pringles-you-are-hereby-made-a-non-entity/343135 "2006-02-09T15:28:26Z")
How hard is it to make a goddamn pringle right? Today for the third time in a row I got misflavored pringles. I don’t really like them that much anyway, but sometimes(like superbowl Sunday) you are required to get your p… --- ## [Your Celebrity Relatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-celebrity-relatives/281291)
**Author:** [@AllShookDown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AllShookDown)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2005, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-celebrity-relatives/281291 "2005-01-03T23:37:09Z")
My mom’s cousin’s daughter is (was?) married to John Mellencamp’s guitar player. I’ve been told I’m related to The Amazing Randi or someone like that. I’m also a 9th or some other absurdly distant great-granddaughter of… --- ## [Make one change to the plot of a movie or show to improve it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-one-change-to-the-plot-of-a-movie-or-show-to-improve-it/639359)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2012, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-one-change-to-the-plot-of-a-movie-or-show-to-improve-it/639359 "2012-11-03T04:33:04Z")
Battlestar Galactica Adama either dies or has a very long recovery, leaving Tigh in charge longer. Now that is drama, let the shit hit the fan. --- ## [Two teats or four?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-teats-or-four/603532)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2011, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-teats-or-four/603532 "2011-11-22T03:25:24Z")
I’ve noticed that animals such as cows, deer, and moose have udders with 4 teats. Goats and sheep have two. I don’t know the right term to use here, but is there a division in a classification of animals that includes … --- ## [Key points in the State of the Union](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/key-points-in-the-state-of-the-union/435417)
**Author:** [@JohnnieEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnnieEnigma)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2008, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/key-points-in-the-state-of-the-union/435417 "2008-01-31T21:29:11Z")
Issues that are important - how could anyone deny poor children of better educational opportunity? If this does not pass, there is something seriously wrong with the democratic party: A new $300 million “Pell Grants fo… --- ## [The settlement of North America by "outsiders" was inevitable.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-settlement-of-north-america-by-outsiders-was-inevitable/750607)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-settlement-of-north-america-by-outsiders-was-inevitable/750607 "2016-04-01T22:56:14Z")
In this thread, I would like to address the issue of Native American historical grievances and resentment about the settlement of the North American continent by “white outsiders.” Disclaimer: I am not Native American. … --- ## [What's your secret for doing seemingly impressive things with no effort](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-secret-for-doing-seemingly-impressive-things-with-no-effort/642253)
**Author:** [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2012, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-secret-for-doing-seemingly-impressive-things-with-no-effort/642253 "2012-12-03T12:28:18Z")
This is, sadly, a boon that will disappear when I go to grad school, but I’m really enjoying it right now. Whenever I turn in a paper – doesn’t matter what class it’s for – everybody is just so damned impressed. “It look… --- ## [Do stars read lines or fake them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-stars-read-lines-or-fake-them/473337)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-stars-read-lines-or-fake-them/473337 "2008-11-20T20:35:13Z")
In Roy Blount Jr’s recent book, Alphabet Juice, he says “Movie dialog isn’t written anymore. It’s improvised by the stars.” To what extent is that really true? If it is, that would explain what I find quite perplexin… --- ## [Will/should the Democratic nominee shake hands with Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-should-the-democratic-nominee-shake-hands-with-trump/841553)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2020, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-should-the-democratic-nominee-shake-hands-with-trump/841553 "2020-05-10T01:22:42Z")
Assuming Trump agrees to a debate, which is no sure thing, standard protocol is to shake hands at the start of the proceedings. For the first time in modern political history, I tend to lean toward thinking the Democrati… --- ## [assholes in need of a dictionary.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assholes-in-need-of-a-dictionary/640942)
**Author:** [@pikey\_pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pikey_pete)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2012, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assholes-in-need-of-a-dictionary/640942 "2012-11-20T03:39:14Z")
When a state leaves a geopolitical union it secedes. The desire of a state to leave a geopolitical union is the desire to secede. The act of a state leaving a geopolitical union is secession. A person who wants his stat… --- ## [Origin of American names twofer: Lori and Tyrone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-american-names-twofer-lori-and-tyrone/556844)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2010, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-american-names-twofer-lori-and-tyrone/556844 "2010-10-15T19:26:50Z")
How did Lori become such a popular name in the United States? What part of the world did it originate in? There is a county in Ireland called Tyrone which means in Irish (Gaelic) the land of Owen/Eoin/Eoghan. I’ve not h… --- ## [Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs/510717)
**Author:** [@mobo85](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mobo85)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2010, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs/510717 "2010-09-12T23:02:26Z")
Suprisingly, Sony Pictures Animation shows they can compete with the big boys at Pixar and DreamWorks with their new film. Rather than give top billing to writer/directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller (creators of Clone Hi… --- ## [What is the purpose of a "shell" for a smartphone, and how effective is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-shell-for-a-smartphone-and-how-effective-is-it/686352)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2014, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-shell-for-a-smartphone-and-how-effective-is-it/686352 "2014-04-22T10:45:00Z")
I’m about the buy the fanciest phone I’ve ever had\* and they offer to sell “shells” for fifteen bucks extra. Are these just for looks, or do they play an actual role in protecting the phone? Do they help in case of a fal… --- ## [Newsflash! Subway riders now responsible for ensuring transit workers remain conscious!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newsflash-subway-riders-now-responsible-for-ensuring-transit-workers-remain-conscious/526117)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2010, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newsflash-subway-riders-now-responsible-for-ensuring-transit-workers-remain-conscious/526117 "2010-01-28T18:52:06Z")
Mouth agape, hands resting softly on his lap, head back, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway fare collector seen here, was asleep. Indisputably so. And so were the other two TTC collectors shown here. Now unlike… --- ## [Where are you Cecil Adams?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-you-cecil-adams/24961)
**Author:** [@tshirts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tshirts)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2001, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-you-cecil-adams/24961 "2001-01-23T22:18:31Z")
It’s been two months now since you’ve appeared “live”, rather than just in your columns (which could be written long in advance, after all). Do you live alone? Will they find you slumped over in your easy chair, TV blar… --- ## [A question about non-sequiters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-non-sequiters/657005)
**Author:** [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2013, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-non-sequiters/657005 "2013-05-01T19:52:50Z")
Is responding to threads with complete and utter non-sequiters/nonsense responses an actionable offense? Say I went into an IMHO thread about cats vs dogs and I posted, “I don’t know about you but there aren’t many thin… --- ## [The Wil Wheaton Project](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wil-wheaton-project/689575)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2014, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wil-wheaton-project/689575 "2014-09-01T02:41:49Z")
Debuted on SyFy night before last. I DVR’d it and watched last night. I wanted to like it. I am a huge fan of Tabletop, the Geek and Sundry / Youtube web series in which Wheaton and celebrity guests play through a table… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1938&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1940&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)