# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=246&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:** 247 --- ## [Little boys in the womens' locker room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-boys-in-the-womens-locker-room/525273)
**Author:** [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-boys-in-the-womens-locker-room/525273 "2010-01-26T19:59:52Z")
Okay or not okay? Up to what age? The gym I go to has a “family locker room” specifically for parents of opposite-sex children. I don’t know what it’s like, I’ve never been there, since it would be a little creepy fo… --- ## [When dogs lick their genitals, do they, you know, "enjoy" it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-dogs-lick-their-genitals-do-they-you-know-enjoy-it/491662)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2009, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-dogs-lick-their-genitals-do-they-you-know-enjoy-it/491662 "2009-04-02T19:33:27Z")
As I type this, there’s 65 pounds of ugly-ass junkyard-looking dog assiduously licking his penis, in case you’re wondering why the question comes to mind. Dogs lick their junk. Every damned dog in the world, in my expe… --- ## [How much should immigrants of other cultures change to fit the culture of their new homeland?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-immigrants-of-other-cultures-change-to-fit-the-culture-of-their-new-homeland/603067)
**Author:** [@Scathach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scathach)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2011, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-immigrants-of-other-cultures-change-to-fit-the-culture-of-their-new-homeland/603067 "2011-11-18T21:33:56Z")
The debate is pretty much as is in the title. I guess I’m mainly considering Muslims here, and the difficulties of wearing Hijab, Niqab or Burqa in a Western nation, but really I’d like it to be more general than that. … --- ## [Which fictional mystery would you like to be solved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-fictional-mystery-would-you-like-to-be-solved/777498)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2017, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-fictional-mystery-would-you-like-to-be-solved/777498 "2017-02-08T12:16:49Z")
For me it’s this: I’d like to know what happened at Troy McClure’s aquarium incident. But then, maybe I better don’t really …So, what’s yours? (can be anything, books, movies, TV) --- ## [How effective is throwing yourself on a grenade to minimise casualties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-is-throwing-yourself-on-a-grenade-to-minimise-casualties/247233)
**Author:** [@seriousart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seriousart)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2004, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-is-throwing-yourself-on-a-grenade-to-minimise-casualties/247233 "2004-05-28T10:26:18Z")
Recently, a soldier, Jason Dunham, was killed in Iraq after he unfortunately had to put his theories of containing a grenade attack to the test. Supposedly, he thought that one could minimise casualties if you were to t… --- ## [Can I wear white socks with black sneakers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-wear-white-socks-with-black-sneakers/182707)
**Author:** [@Tomcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tomcat)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2003, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-wear-white-socks-with-black-sneakers/182707 "2003-06-22T17:26:53Z")
I own these Chuckies in black. Being that I am fashionably inept, I really don’t know if I can wear white socks with them. Or if I can, but in only certain circumstances. In jeans it doesn’t really matter, but in shorts… --- ## [Hawkeye, new Marvel show on Disney+](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawkeye-new-marvel-show-on-disney/950644)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 356\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2023, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawkeye-new-marvel-show-on-disney/950644 "2023-07-06T06:39:32Z")
The first trailer just dropped for the next Marvel series after What If? ends. Hawkeye, starring Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld. Comes out Nov 24. Looks like it maintains the character’s cynicism and sarcasm. Probab… --- ## [Why not admit we are in Libya for oil reasons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-admit-we-are-in-libya-for-oil-reasons/576468)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 183\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2011, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-admit-we-are-in-libya-for-oil-reasons/576468 "2011-05-07T23:34:18Z")
I do not understand the political rhetoric. We are in Libya to arrest massacres? Granted, that is not a bad goal. But… there is already a war started. Rebels vs. their government, and their government is coming out sho… --- ## [Dear El Presidente Obama, a minor point of etiquette](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-el-presidente-obama-a-minor-point-of-etiquette/517586)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 248\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2009, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-el-presidente-obama-a-minor-point-of-etiquette/517586 "2009-11-29T17:39:31Z")
Tihs has possibly not occured to you, or perhaps your protocol people are not doing their jobs. I dunno. I don’t care. Heck, maybe HIllary is just screwing with you. Whatever. You are the fucking President. You do not … --- ## [Acceptable oil for kitchen knife handles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acceptable-oil-for-kitchen-knife-handles/242614)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2014, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acceptable-oil-for-kitchen-knife-handles/242614 "2014-09-26T17:18:15Z")
I have a whole set of kitchen knives with wooden handles, and the handles are in need of re-seasoning. What kind of oil are you supposed to use for this? Looking around the hardware at products for wood, none of them s… --- ## [For the pre-Internet crowd: what'a good example of a pre-Intenet "meme"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-pre-internet-crowd-whata-good-example-of-a-pre-intenet-meme/692660)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2014, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-pre-internet-crowd-whata-good-example-of-a-pre-intenet-meme/692660 "2014-07-29T18:15:07Z")
Might something from the old pass-around-the-gang Xerox copies be one? Toilet wall graffiti? What? --- ## [Higgs boson discovery confirmation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/higgs-boson-discovery-confirmation/627239)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2012, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/higgs-boson-discovery-confirmation/627239 "2012-08-05T13:57:52Z")
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-18702455 But what does all this actually mean? Can someone explain foir a layman why this is so important? --- ## [Q: How many poor, black Katrina victims does it take to equal one rich 9/11 victim?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-how-many-poor-black-katrina-victims-does-it-take-to-equal-one-rich-9-11-victim/319749)
**Author:** [@Sequent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sequent)\ **Replies:** 332\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2005, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-how-many-poor-black-katrina-victims-does-it-take-to-equal-one-rich-9-11-victim/319749 "2005-09-28T02:40:09Z")
A: we’re still counting. The Constitution tells us one black man is 3/5 of a white man, so if you estimate 40,000 refugees in New Orleans (99% of whom are black), we have roughly the equivalent of 24,000 white refugees.… --- ## [Weirdo resumes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdo-resumes/423105)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2007, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdo-resumes/423105 "2007-11-02T03:43:59Z")
Okay, I’m sifting through resumes (for an office/clerical job) and as usual there are some immediate discards. I am tempted to call one particular person in, just to get a look. Here is an excerpt: \[quote\] Computer E… --- ## [4x4 vs AWD vs SUV vs ??? (Need snow vehicle)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4x4-vs-awd-vs-suv-vs-need-snow-vehicle/561641)
**Author:** [@Leviosaurus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leviosaurus)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4x4-vs-awd-vs-suv-vs-need-snow-vehicle/561641 "2010-11-25T10:30:56Z")
As a midwesterner, I have always scoffed at people who needed tire chains, 4x4 or AWD to get through the snow. I have always driven big sedans, sometimes with rear wheel drive, through ice storms and blizzards with no pr… --- ## [F\>M transgender HS wrestler forced to wrestle girls & dominates - Would he be competitive vs boys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-m-transgender-hs-wrestler-forced-to-wrestle-girls-dominates-would-he-be-competitive-vs-boys/780809)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2017, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-m-transgender-hs-wrestler-forced-to-wrestle-girls-dominates-would-he-be-competitive-vs-boys/780809 "2017-03-02T18:09:19Z")
An unusual story here \[Meet the Texas wrestler who won a girls’ state title in the 110 lb class. His name is Mack.\](Meet the Texas wrestler who won a girls’ state title. His name is Mack.) Obviously it’s not just about h… --- ## [Is Alex Trebek actually that smart?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alex-trebek-actually-that-smart/705111)
**Author:** [@Stringbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringbean)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2014, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alex-trebek-actually-that-smart/705111 "2014-11-22T06:22:56Z")
Or is he just a pretentious douche who pretends to be a genius because he already has all the answers? --- ## [Longest Polish name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-polish-name/239598)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2010, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-polish-name/239598 "2010-09-09T13:58:18Z")
The Dyngus day thread has me thinking … despite growing up in Western new York, I still have a difficult time pronouncing long Polish family names like Trzetrzelewska, Dzieduszycki, and Kleszczynska. Even if you’re not … --- ## [Poisoned Dart Blow-Gun: Effective (Real?) Weapon or Hollywood Invention?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poisoned-dart-blow-gun-effective-real-weapon-or-hollywood-invention/468426)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2012, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poisoned-dart-blow-gun-effective-real-weapon-or-hollywood-invention/468426 "2012-06-21T18:08:44Z")
A recent episode of Mythbusters involved shooting a victim with a poisoned dart from a blow gun. In Hollywood depictions of the blowgun weapon that I’ve seen, the victim is impaled with a dart and then instantaneously ke… --- ## [Game of Thrones "Winterfell" 8.01 4/14/19](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-winterfell-8-01-4-14-19/832542)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 292\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-winterfell-8-01-4-14-19/832542 "2019-04-21T20:20:33Z")
I usually put the episode title in the thread title, but apparently HBO isn’t even releasing the title to the next episode. Which seems a bit silly. But for now, we just have episode numbers. Traditionally we’ve had a T… --- ## [How long do broken toes take to heal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-broken-toes-take-to-heal/539018)
**Author:** [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2010, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-broken-toes-take-to-heal/539018 "2010-05-14T08:30:02Z")
I’m putting this in IMHO because I’m looking for opinions, not advice. I was watching Dancing w/Stars when they said Evan what’shis-name had broken two toes in rehearsal, but was dancing anyway. About a week after that … --- ## [Julie Andrews a porn star?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julie-andrews-a-porn-star/253952)
**Author:** [@FlippyFly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlippyFly)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2015, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julie-andrews-a-porn-star/253952 "2015-03-09T17:03:38Z")
I am interested in debunking what I believe to be an urban legend. My brother swears that Julie Andrews (aka Mary Poppins, that nun from Sound of Music ect) recorded several pornographic films at one point in time. Of … --- ## [Anybody here wanna do P90x with me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-wanna-do-p90x-with-me/540917)
**Author:** [@feppytweed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/feppytweed)\ **Replies:** 215\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-wanna-do-p90x-with-me/540917 "2010-12-08T20:26:01Z")
So I got P90x back in March, along with a few free weights and a chin up bar… It’s about time I started disciplining myself and getting in shape. A friend of mine has agreed to do it with me, and we are going to start t… --- ## [Cutting off aid to Egypt is the law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cutting-off-aid-to-egypt-is-the-law/662825)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2014, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cutting-off-aid-to-egypt-is-the-law/662825 "2014-02-02T12:13:04Z")
The law: "none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to this Act shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to any country whose duly elected head of government is depos… --- ## [Who finds the success of Harry Potter depressing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-finds-the-success-of-harry-potter-depressing/503313)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2009, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-finds-the-success-of-harry-potter-depressing/503313 "2009-09-15T20:25:03Z")
Well along with the current theme of threads I’ll ask mine. I will make no bones about it, I hate the series and I resent everything about it. It is truly shitty writing and horrible storytelling. I have loved Fantasy a… --- ## [Anybody ele watching "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ele-watching-leah-remini-scientology-and-the-aftermath/775581)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ele-watching-leah-remini-scientology-and-the-aftermath/775581 "2017-08-29T22:23:15Z")
We’ve been watching the A&E show "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, and it is fascinating (and terrifying). Anyone else watching and being as horrified as we are? I knew Scientology was pretty bad, but this is… --- ## [Inexplicably Stupid Restaurant Concepts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexplicably-stupid-restaurant-concepts/784245)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2017, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexplicably-stupid-restaurant-concepts/784245 "2017-04-21T16:51:50Z")
A new restaurant is opening up in town called Boiling Seafood Crawfish, promising “New Orleans style” food. Hmm, sounds tempting (I am fond of crawfish for one thing). Then I discover that the signature items are hot se… --- ## [Mark Wahlberg on 9/11 Plane: I Would Have Beat Terrorists, Landed It Safely](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-wahlberg-on-9-11-plane-i-would-have-beat-terrorists-landed-it-safely/609939)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2012, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-wahlberg-on-9-11-plane-i-would-have-beat-terrorists-landed-it-safely/609939 "2012-01-28T01:34:29Z")
For all who don’t know, Mark Wahlberg is a real life scumbag: But all that happened a long time ago. I suppose people can change, mature, and become more sensible. Most don’t. Cue Mr. Wahlberg. At first, he just sa… --- ## [Which would frighten you MORE: Bungee Jumping or Sky Diving?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-would-frighten-you-more-bungee-jumping-or-sky-diving/495407)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-would-frighten-you-more-bungee-jumping-or-sky-diving/495407 "2011-10-10T17:55:23Z")
For some odd reason, the thought of sky diving isn’t so bad to me. Sure, I’d probably need clean underwear afterwards, but I can easily see doing, at least. Bungee jumping, even though it’s (technically) on the ground a… --- ## [This broken world: vent about your pet peeves and irritations.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-broken-world-vent-about-your-pet-peeves-and-irritations/696850)
**Author:** [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2014, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-broken-world-vent-about-your-pet-peeves-and-irritations/696850 "2014-09-03T16:33:32Z")
What are your pet peeves and sources of annoyance / irritation? I’m looking for things that crop up time after time that grind you down and give you that ‘This world is just broken’ feeling. Things that you think we real… --- ## ["Rate of abortion is highest in countries where practice is banned"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rate-of-abortion-is-highest-in-countries-where-practice-is-banned/610224)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2012, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rate-of-abortion-is-highest-in-countries-where-practice-is-banned/610224 "2012-02-01T22:58:43Z")
I read this article which cites a study that suggests places where abortions are illegal actually have more abortions performed (and those abortions are unsafe and dangerous). From the link above: So, for those here o… --- ## [Are Birkenstocks (shoes) worth the money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-birkenstocks-shoes-worth-the-money/337726)
**Author:** [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2015, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-birkenstocks-shoes-worth-the-money/337726 "2015-05-11T11:22:20Z")
For about eight years now, most all of my shoes have been Rockports. They’re not cheap, but given how comfortable and sturdily constructed I’ve found them to be, to me, they’re worth the cost. I’ll pay maybe $50.00 for a… --- ## [Air Bus Down in the Hudson River](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-bus-down-in-the-hudson-river/481493)
**Author:** [@Tupug\_Anachi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tupug_Anachi)\ **Replies:** 219\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2019, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-bus-down-in-the-hudson-river/481493 "2019-01-15T17:49:45Z")
Just saw it on CNN. They think it might have hit a bird. It came in gently enough that it is now floating in the river. People still on board. --- ## [Should the government seek equal prosperity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-government-seek-equal-prosperity/600180)
**Author:** [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2011, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-government-seek-equal-prosperity/600180 "2011-10-26T16:40:37Z")
I personally think that the government’s role in the economy should be to maximize prosperity. The largest amount of people should have the largest amount of gain possible. That said, if one group, in this case the so-c… --- ## [Super glue in car door lock.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-glue-in-car-door-lock/633473)
**Author:** [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-glue-in-car-door-lock/633473 "2012-09-04T17:52:21Z")
My car is 12 years old and paid for. It gets good gas mileage, as good as some brand new eco-friendly cars. Unfortunately, it’s a Corvette convertible. I don’t have any enemies, that I know of, neither does my husband.… --- ## [Your worst teacher](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-worst-teacher/616369)
**Author:** [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2013, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-worst-teacher/616369 "2013-10-02T20:29:05Z")
I had a few poor teachers in high school, but Mr Gilbert was something else. Once a week for two years, starting when I was 12, our hearts would sink as we approached Wednesday afternoon. When the time came, we would fi… --- ## [UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in Manhattan \[breaking news: 2024-12-04\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unitedhealthcare-ceo-fatally-shot-in-manhattan-breaking-news-2024-12-04/1011159)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 860\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unitedhealthcare-ceo-fatally-shot-in-manhattan-breaking-news-2024-12-04/1011159 "2026-10-02T20:57:17Z")
News reports are that this appears to be a targeted attack. (gift link) CEO Brian Thompson (age 50) was in Manhattan for an investor meeting at the New York Hilton Midtown and was gunned down as he was about to enter th… --- ## [\[sigh\].....US Chopper fires on wedding party. 40+ dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sigh-us-chopper-fires-on-wedding-party-40-dead/245997)
**Author:** [@jk1245](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jk1245)\ **Replies:** 347\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2004, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sigh-us-chopper-fires-on-wedding-party-40-dead/245997 "2004-05-26T00:21:42Z")
Another in a depressing string of dead civillians stories. Don’t mean to pit the copter crew exactly, hell I can about imagine the scene. 2:30 AM, 50 or so people in a large group, firing into the air (as is common cust… --- ## [What's better, a credit union or a bank?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-better-a-credit-union-or-a-bank/391306)
**Author:** [@Not\_a\_Platypus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Not_a_Platypus)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2007, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-better-a-credit-union-or-a-bank/391306 "2007-02-14T03:05:00Z")
I’ve been unhappy with my bank for a while now, and am looking for a change. There’ve been a few folks here that have mentioned how much happier they are with their credit unions, so tell me: what’s a better choice, and … --- ## [Any actor played roles in all 4 armed services?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-actor-played-roles-in-all-4-armed-services/619873)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-actor-played-roles-in-all-4-armed-services/619873 "2017-12-27T21:01:26Z")
Has any actor played a role in each of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines? Denzel Washington has played a Navy and Army role. --- ## [In UK slang, what is a "bender?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-uk-slang-what-is-a-bender/567401)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2011, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-uk-slang-what-is-a-bender/567401 "2011-01-15T02:55:08Z")
In US slang a “bender” is an alcoholic jaunt. In UK I saw it used as a presumably pejorative name to call someone, but just what does it mean? --- ## [Could an alliance of third parties be the way to push proportional representation, etc.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-an-alliance-of-third-parties-be-the-way-to-push-proportional-representation-etc/648593)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-an-alliance-of-third-parties-be-the-way-to-push-proportional-representation-etc/648593 "2013-02-02T21:27:25Z")
The problem with our present system for electing Congresscritters or members of any multimember policymaking body, from any third-partisan’s point of view, is that a first-past-the-post single-member-district system natu… --- ## [Can one cast member ruin a TV show for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-cast-member-ruin-a-tv-show-for-you/750079)
**Author:** [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2016, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-cast-member-ruin-a-tv-show-for-you/750079 "2016-08-04T03:39:10Z")
Because one certainly can for me. Case in point: “The Mentalist” while not great was a show I could have enjoyed. However I found the lead actress so grating I simply couldn’t watch anymore, no matter how much I liked … --- ## [Nicholas Brendon is a giant tool.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nicholas-brendon-is-a-giant-tool/574080)
**Author:** [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2015, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nicholas-brendon-is-a-giant-tool/574080 "2015-10-05T16:08:55Z")
Seriously, he is. We went to Emerald City Comicon last weekend, and most of the media guests were amazing. But Nick Brendon, wow, what an ass. He came out dressed up as a stereotypical nerd and mocked his fans. Then he d… --- ## [Are poker players in casinos worse than online players?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-poker-players-in-casinos-worse-than-online-players/645926)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2013, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-poker-players-in-casinos-worse-than-online-players/645926 "2013-02-01T13:58:20Z")
So I’ve bene playing internet poker for years. (I’m Canadian, it’s legal here.) I find it fairly challenging. Ring games at .25/.50 I can generally turn a small profit; .50/$1 I’m up against it. I never played the re… --- ## [We have not yet encountered extraterrestrial Strong AI machines, hence the Singularity is impossible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-have-not-yet-encountered-extraterrestrial-strong-ai-machines-hence-the-singularity-is-impossible/633104)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2013, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-have-not-yet-encountered-extraterrestrial-strong-ai-machines-hence-the-singularity-is-impossible/633104 "2013-09-21T18:29:58Z")
First, some terms: Strong AI (artificial intelligence) is, roughly, the concept that we can create machines that are conscious and smarter than people. Strong AI - Wikipedia The Singularity is the concept according to … --- ## [No more recess appointments - is this the end of the filibuster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-recess-appointments-is-this-the-end-of-the-filibuster/691702)
**Author:** [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-recess-appointments-is-this-the-end-of-the-filibuster/691702 "2014-07-07T20:34:17Z")
Another SC ruling today effectively ends the republic-old power of the President to make recess appointments. Now, the Senate is in session whenever it says it is, which can be continuously, even if nobody is actually t… --- ## [Obama, I Loves Ya, but STFU about DTV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-i-loves-ya-but-stfu-about-dtv/480448)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 241\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2009, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-i-loves-ya-but-stfu-about-dtv/480448 "2009-01-24T11:43:52Z")
Today Obama endorsed delaying the swithcover to DTV. Bad idea. The switchover will allow digital reception to improve, but more importantly by keeping the date, which has been in affect for over a year, will not alloow… --- ## [What exactly do ride operators at theme parks do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-do-ride-operators-at-theme-parks-do/519943)
**Author:** [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-do-ride-operators-at-theme-parks-do/519943 "2014-12-16T11:47:53Z")
I know they tell the ride when to stop and go, and a few other things based on the number of buttons they have on their control panel. If they just abandoned their post could any real danger result? Aren’t roller coaster… --- ## [What does "showing respect" to your SO mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-showing-respect-to-your-so-mean/570798)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2011, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-showing-respect-to-your-so-mean/570798 "2011-02-16T22:11:46Z")
In one of the recent divorce threads, the topic was brought up about “showing contempt for your spouse is the #1 indicator of divorce.” I talked to my wife about it this morning. Firstly, I am the Superman of Sarcasm. I… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=245&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=247&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)