# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=306&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:** 307 --- ## [Trump's first press conference as president-elect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-first-press-conference-as-president-elect/776878)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-first-press-conference-as-president-elect/776878 "2017-01-16T00:34:33Z")
His first press conference in 160+ days. I wasn’t able to watch the whole thing, but a couple things I saw: He refused to answer a question from CNN, and called them “fake news.” He actually turned it over to a lawyer … --- ## [What's the proper name for those bollards that you tie boats up to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-proper-name-for-those-bollards-that-you-tie-boats-up-to/367202)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2021, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-proper-name-for-those-bollards-that-you-tie-boats-up-to/367202 "2021-02-25T02:32:13Z")
You know, the big, often mushroom-shaped bollards on a quayside used for tying boats up to, and/or tripping up pedestrians who aren’t watching where they’re going. I’m sure they have a proper nautical-sounding name, but … --- ## [Tennis 2017](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2017/778085)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2017/778085 "2017-11-21T12:54:31Z")
Wow, what an Australian Open. Federer vs. Wawrinka in one Semi-final. Nadal still in it! Both Murray and Djokovic lost, which is surprising, too. Can Roger actually win this thing? I would not put it past him. --- ## [New TV series thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2014, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tv-series-thread/669123 "2014-05-14T18:40:50Z")
I don’t think there’s a general thread for the new fall season shows. If there is, my bad and please move this one. Anyway, I saw two of the new series tonight: Dads (Fox) Pretty bad. I was thinking it was going to be … --- ## [Is it normal to throw away cereal milk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-to-throw-away-cereal-milk/646034)
**Author:** [@Glorpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glorpy)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2013, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-to-throw-away-cereal-milk/646034 "2013-01-10T13:59:48Z")
My friends whole family (including him) throw away the milk after eating cereal. The father isn’t a big fan of milk which is why everyone else has picked up the habit, which I kind of understand, but later, I found out t… --- ## [What is the successor state to Ancient Rome/SPQR](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-successor-state-to-ancient-rome-spqr/612551)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2015, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-successor-state-to-ancient-rome-spqr/612551 "2015-04-15T17:30:06Z")
What nation, today, is the successor state to Ancient Rome? Italy? Greece? France? Turkey? All of them? --- ## [PC vs Mac Simply Explained](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-vs-mac-simply-explained/59284)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 424\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2001, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-vs-mac-simply-explained/59284 "2001-05-05T05:17:11Z")
I am trying to very simply (oversimplify please) the basic difference between a PC and a Mac. (yeah I know a Mac is a PC) Anyway, my Mac person tells me that Macs tend to be hardier and can take abuse (like cold booting… --- ## [What's wrong with "anchor-baby" citizenship (considering the alternatives)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-anchor-baby-citizenship-considering-the-alternatives/541671)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2010, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-anchor-baby-citizenship-considering-the-alternatives/541671 "2010-06-05T20:59:13Z")
In this thread, jrodefeld asserts (with approval) that Rand Paul wants to repeal the 14th Amendment, or at least that provision of it which has been interpreted to mean anyone born on U.S. soil is a U.S. citizen. This i… --- ## [Hannibal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hannibal/654950)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2015, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hannibal/654950 "2015-07-11T19:52:01Z")
Did anyone else watch it last night? It got great reviews from the critics and I think it lived up to them. It is dark and quite graphic for a network show, and it alternates from a straight drama to “Twin Peaks” type … --- ## [How to burn your house down in 2 easy steps.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-burn-your-house-down-in-2-easy-steps/13438)
**Author:** [@bantmof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bantmof)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2000, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-burn-your-house-down-in-2-easy-steps/13438 "2000-02-05T10:04:00Z")
Ok, I did not actually burn my house down, but I had a good go at it. Make some tea. Put a big pot of water on the stove to boil, set the burner on “high”, and then find something else to do for a few minutes while it h… --- ## [Actors Who Left Successful Series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-left-successful-series/517138)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-left-successful-series/517138 "2009-11-20T21:25:50Z")
Some of them, like Clint Eastwood, managed to hit on an even bigger career arc. Others, like Maclean Stevenson, saw their careers go right in the dumper. And there are a bunch, like Shelley Long, who bounce along but ne… --- ## [What happens with El Cheeto and Mar-a-lago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-with-el-cheeto-and-mar-a-lago/931508)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 218\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2021, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-with-el-cheeto-and-mar-a-lago/931508 "2021-04-10T16:33:24Z")
So Donnie is moving to Mar-a-Lago as his permanent residence - only something he signed 25+ years ago, turning it into a club, means nobody may use it as a permanent residence, or even stay there more than 21 days in a y… --- ## [Worst theme song for a TV show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-theme-song-for-a-tv-show/546382)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2010, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-theme-song-for-a-tv-show/546382 "2010-07-23T13:46:28Z")
Just like the title says: What’s the worst theme song for a TV show in your opinion? I just finished the first season of Weeds last night and the theme song for the show (“Little boxes”) is possibly the worst I have eve… --- ## [Addressing PhD in email](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/addressing-phd-in-email/653931)
**Author:** [@andstufflikethat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andstufflikethat)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2013, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/addressing-phd-in-email/653931 "2013-03-27T04:05:18Z")
I received an email signed “John Smith, PhD” and was wondering how to address this person. I should still write “Dr. Smith” even though he didn’t, right? Thank you! --- ## [Compliment, chat up, flirt with your doper of choice here.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compliment-chat-up-flirt-with-your-doper-of-choice-here/290541)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 526\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2005, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compliment-chat-up-flirt-with-your-doper-of-choice-here/290541 "2005-02-28T00:51:32Z")
Inspired by this thread. (Thank you Wesley Clark) Here are the rules: No leering. No creepiness. No T&A comments. No unwelcome come-ons. No drooling. No touching. No stalking. No heavy breathing. No standing i… --- ## ["Big Love" on HBO \[spoilers for season 4 episodes\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-love-on-hbo-spoilers-for-season-4-episodes/525380)
**Author:** [@Daedelus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daedelus)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2010, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-love-on-hbo-spoilers-for-season-4-episodes/525380 "2010-01-27T12:25:11Z")
I did a search for this show on the forums and couldn’t find a thread, but if one exists, please forgive me. Does anyone watch this show? I personally think it’s an incredibly well-written show with excellent performan… --- ## [Way to do Iowa. Women's bodies are a sin and we men can't help ourselves.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-to-do-iowa-womens-bodies-are-a-sin-and-we-men-cant-help-ourselves/644851)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2012, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-to-do-iowa-womens-bodies-are-a-sin-and-we-men-cant-help-ourselves/644851 "2012-12-28T17:12:15Z")
Un-fucking-believable! \[QUOTE=AP:\] IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A dentist acted legally when he fired an assistant that he found attractive simply because he and his wife viewed the woman as a threat to their marriage, the a… --- ## [Standard & Poor downgrades US credit: now AA+ not AAA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/standard-poor-downgrades-us-credit-now-aa-not-aaa/591676)
**Author:** [@LonesomePolecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonesomePolecat)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/standard-poor-downgrades-us-credit-now-aa-not-aaa/591676 "2011-08-08T18:11:16Z")
Standard & Poor just downgraded America’s credit from AAA to AA+. No, this is not the End of the World as We Know It, though obviously there will be some consequences, and I’d like to see some opinions and views as to ho… --- ## [Tree Law, aggressively pruning neighbor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-law-aggressively-pruning-neighbor/501502)
**Author:** [@JerseyFrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JerseyFrank)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2009, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-law-aggressively-pruning-neighbor/501502 "2009-07-21T20:15:39Z")
I have a large weeping willow tree in my yard. It is undoubtedly the biggest focal point in the yard. It’s not ancillary. It’s right smack dab in the middle of the rear border of a well landscaped yard. I didn’t plan… --- ## [Dirty Jobs -- green haired mosquito girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dirty-jobs-green-haired-mosquito-girl/502834)
**Author:** [@Waffle\_Decider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waffle_Decider)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dirty-jobs-green-haired-mosquito-girl/502834 "2013-03-09T22:14:02Z")
This is mundane and pointless, but since this is a TV show, I’ll put it here. A rerun of Dirty Jobs was on, and they were showing the episode with the mosquito control lab in New Orleans. Mike and the cute green haired… --- ## [Albus Dumbledore was... (shocking news inside!!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albus-dumbledore-was-shocking-news-inside/423369)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 268\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2007, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albus-dumbledore-was-shocking-news-inside/423369 "2007-10-25T13:07:33Z")
…gay! Jo Rowling revealed this when at her public appearance at Carnegie Hall today. Wow! Nobody seemed to pick that one. --- ## [Counter-factuals game from The Big Bang Theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counter-factuals-game-from-the-big-bang-theory/556535)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2015, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counter-factuals-game-from-the-big-bang-theory/556535 "2015-08-05T16:10:22Z")
Who wants to play? This might belong in the game room, but I’ll start it off here since it’s a game from a tv show - from last night’s The Big Bang Theory episode “The Zazzy Substitution”. Described by Amy and Sheldon a… --- ## [I am so fucking sick of this casual racism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-so-fucking-sick-of-this-casual-racism/402567)
**Author:** [@Grey\_area](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey_area)\ **Replies:** 263\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2007, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-so-fucking-sick-of-this-casual-racism/402567 "2007-05-10T07:58:33Z")
I’m Asian. And if you’re thinking “oh he’s just Asian, not Black or Hispanic, what does he know about racism?” just get the fuck out of my thread, I have no time for you. Right now there’s a thread in IMHO, MPSIM and h… --- ## [AOC may be out of a job](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aoc-may-be-out-of-a-job/848513)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2020, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aoc-may-be-out-of-a-job/848513 "2020-04-09T22:43:43Z")
New York Dems Are Redrawing Congressional Districts And It Could Put Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Out Of A Job Quite a few if’s and a lot of conjecture at this point, but she may have rocked the boat a bit too much to be a… --- ## [Special Movie Trivia: Identify the movie from this scene description.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-movie-trivia-identify-the-movie-from-this-scene-description/97533)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 424\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2003, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-movie-trivia-identify-the-movie-from-this-scene-description/97533 "2003-01-13T09:09:27Z")
dougie monty started this threat on the temporary SDMB and I’m transferring it here. So, identify the following movies from these scene descriptions and submit your own. A man (and the camera) is hung upside down as … --- ## [Why Isn't the IRS Investigating the Clinton Foundation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-irs-investigating-the-clinton-foundation/769894)
**Author:** [@UberArchetype](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UberArchetype)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2016, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-irs-investigating-the-clinton-foundation/769894 "2016-10-31T16:46:53Z")
Simple: Same reason the FBI was told to stop. So in fact, the Clintons are lying, thieving tax cheating influence peddlers - not to mention national secuity risks as basically pardoned felons with no concept of prote… --- ## [Do ants ever eat people (or animals) alive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-ants-ever-eat-people-or-animals-alive/383277)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2006, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-ants-ever-eat-people-or-animals-alive/383277 "2006-12-09T19:49:51Z")
In the 1954 film The Naked Jungle, Charlton Heston’s South American coffee plantation is threatened by swarming marabunta army ants. At one point, a boat floats down the river bearing the clothed skeleton of another pla… --- ## [Dozens injured in Waukesha, WI at Christmas parade: Nov 2021 \[update: 6 dead, over 40 injured\]\[update: trial\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dozens-injured-in-waukesha-wi-at-christmas-parade-nov-2021-update-6-dead-over-40-injured-update-trial/954746)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 297\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2022, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dozens-injured-in-waukesha-wi-at-christmas-parade-nov-2021-update-6-dead-over-40-injured-update-trial/954746 "2022-12-03T00:03:02Z")
I’m hoping that this was the result of a medical incident, but I strongly suspect that it was not. At least 30 are known to be injured; no reports of fatalities yet. --- ## [\[GAME\] The Resistance - Take 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-the-resistance-take-2/705124)
**Author:** [@MentalGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MentalGuy)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2014, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-the-resistance-take-2/705124 "2014-12-13T02:05:07Z")
We just finished the first game of “The Resistance” on this board. That thread is here. However, I did not do due diligence before setting up the game and used the original rules with 10 players. This was definitely u… --- ## [Is "Third Base" Heavy Petting or Dry Humping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-third-base-heavy-petting-or-dry-humping/28823)
**Author:** [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2000, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-third-base-heavy-petting-or-dry-humping/28823 "2000-12-29T09:27:58Z")
So I was at the Staten Island Yankees (minor league) ball game last night, and I was haranguing my brother (as usual). As it turns out, he went on a date recently. Or, I should say, several dates with the same female hum… --- ## [Horrified at the money I've squandered on prostitutes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrified-at-the-money-ive-squandered-on-prostitutes/811811)
**Author:** [@Marcus\_Flavius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus_Flavius)\ **Replies:** 211\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrified-at-the-money-ive-squandered-on-prostitutes/811811 "2018-04-11T04:30:39Z")
I’m a man in my mid 20s, and like virtually all healthy men my age, I’ve been cursed with a very strong sex drive. My social interactions with women are ridiculously minimal, so if I want sex, prostitution is more or les… --- ## [Why the republicans are destined to fail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-republicans-are-destined-to-fail/958919)
**Author:** [@robertmuler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robertmuler)\ **Replies:** 284\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2022, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-republicans-are-destined-to-fail/958919 "2022-02-19T21:12:25Z")
Why the republicans are destined to fail Today the Republican party offers nothing constructive. No new ideas, no positive comments, just attack, attack, attack, while offering no constructive ideas. The Republican’s w… --- ## [I pit Gareth, Zsalynn's husband, on My 600 lb life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-gareth-zsalynns-husband-on-my-600-lb-life/683120)
**Author:** [@Athabasca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athabasca)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2015, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-gareth-zsalynns-husband-on-my-600-lb-life/683120 "2015-04-22T22:37:21Z")
Zsalynn’s story is featured on TLC’s My 600 lb life. Zsalynn is a 500+ lb woman with a young daughter. She seeks bariatric surgery at the Houston TX hospital where Dr. Nowzaradan operates and counsels patients post-surge… --- ## [Why does it seem like women do less bad things than men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-seem-like-women-do-less-bad-things-than-men/773443)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2018, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-seem-like-women-do-less-bad-things-than-men/773443 "2018-03-24T12:40:04Z")
According to the stats, nearly 90 percent of murderers are men, more men abuse animals, more men kill their spouses, the majority of (and the vast majority of convicted) sex offenders are men, and men also commit more mi… --- ## [For-profit prisons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-profit-prisons/576154)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2011, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-profit-prisons/576154 "2011-11-01T23:20:25Z")
I was listening to a story on NPR Friday, about a for-profit juvenile detention facility. I don’t remember the point of the story, but I do remember that they said that to make an acceptable profit the maximum age of in… --- ## [Are the replicants in Blade Runner actually human?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-replicants-in-blade-runner-actually-human/607403)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2013, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-replicants-in-blade-runner-actually-human/607403 "2013-01-06T01:42:35Z")
My personal theory is that the replicants are basically 100% genetically engineered/cloned human beings, their physical strength or intelligence is boosted by genetic engineering to the limits of humanly possible. Assumi… --- ## [''Moral dilemnas' in fiction that weren't a dilemna to you (Open Spoilers re My Sister's Keeper)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-dilemnas-in-fiction-that-werent-a-dilemna-to-you-open-spoilers-re-my-sisters-keeper/609079)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-dilemnas-in-fiction-that-werent-a-dilemna-to-you-open-spoilers-re-my-sisters-keeper/609079 "2012-01-18T07:34:58Z")
I thought of this because I bought My Sister’s Keeper on my Kindle the other day. I really despised the end of this book, but I liked the book itself, so I decided I could just read up to the end and then stop. Now, as … --- ## [habanero pepper juice and condoms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/habanero-pepper-juice-and-condoms/637409)
**Author:** [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/habanero-pepper-juice-and-condoms/637409 "2012-10-12T15:45:58Z")
Would this really work? Not that I am planning on doing it, just curious. So this woman suspects her husband is cheating on her. She found an open box of condoms in his car. So she pokes a hole in each of the wrapper… --- ## [New Connie Willis novel: Blackout](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-connie-willis-novel-blackout/527245)
**Author:** [@Eleanor\_of\_Aquitaine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleanor_of_Aquitaine)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2013, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-connie-willis-novel-blackout/527245 "2013-04-14T04:42:44Z")
Her new novel, Blackout, releases tomorrow. It’s another book set in her time travel universe, and it focuses on WWII, specifically The Blitz, which seems to fascinate Willis. Amazon doesn’t mention it, but I saw elsewh… --- ## [Into Which Hogwarts House would \_\_\_\_\_ Be Sorted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/into-which-hogwarts-house-would-_____-be-sorted/312656)
**Author:** [@Izzybella](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Izzybella)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2012, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/into-which-hogwarts-house-would-_____-be-sorted/312656 "2012-11-21T06:34:55Z")
Inspired by the Potter excitement thread, someone mentioned his son talking about which house Darth Vader would go into, and said it would obviously be Slytherin. Well, I have to disagree–Anakin Skywalker would have bee… --- ## [Which books would you describe as "brilliant"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-books-would-you-describe-as-brilliant/339164)
**Author:** [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2015, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-books-would-you-describe-as-brilliant/339164 "2015-07-02T13:50:27Z")
Cafe Society has seen many threads devoted to the shortcomings and flat-out failings of purported Western classics. But which books–classic or popular–deserve acclaim for their sheer brilliance in insight or composition… --- ## [How Many Christmas Gifts do you Typically give your Kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-christmas-gifts-do-you-typically-give-your-kids/518324)
**Author:** [@belladonna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/belladonna)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2014, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-christmas-gifts-do-you-typically-give-your-kids/518324 "2014-12-28T11:40:32Z")
Pretty self-explanatory question. Myself, I always got way too much as a kid, and only a few gifts really stick out that I still remember now. Where is the line between enough to honor the holiday and so much that the… --- ## [Is it me, or is porn just getting mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or-is-porn-just-getting-mean/679639)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or-is-porn-just-getting-mean/679639 "2015-12-05T05:10:27Z")
I have been watching porn movies since the early 80’s. Internet porn has been become regularly and easily available. I have been visiting Red Tube for some time, usually with the sound off. Then I made the mistake of wa… --- ## [Favorite Star Trek Books?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-star-trek-books/559798)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-star-trek-books/559798 "2017-12-14T20:17:40Z")
Many years ago I purchased a bunch of ST books at a yard sale for ten cents each. This set contained almost all of the ST:TNG books that were available at that time as well as a smattering of the other books. I’m not sur… --- ## [UL? Live sex shows in Las Vegas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ul-live-sex-shows-in-las-vegas/191222)
**Author:** [@Yarster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yarster)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2003, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ul-live-sex-shows-in-las-vegas/191222 "2003-07-30T23:47:38Z")
A friend and I were having a discussion about the changing nature of Las Vegas. Clearly it is going from family friendly to adult oriented. Hell, even Cirque du Soleil is opening a sexual adults only show at the New York… --- ## [Chicken or Egg?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-or-egg/587409)
**Author:** [@Penderel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penderel)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-or-egg/587409 "2011-07-09T16:16:25Z")
Lately many of my rants have been about people and their attitudes toward politics. Since users here are obviously of above-average intelligence, I’d like some other views on the topic. The question is: From what you’v… --- ## [Pop/rock songs that are deceptively hard to sing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-rock-songs-that-are-deceptively-hard-to-sing/600703)
**Author:** [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2011, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-rock-songs-that-are-deceptively-hard-to-sing/600703 "2011-11-03T03:40:09Z")
There have been a few times where I’ve been defeated at karaoke by songs that sounded like they’d be pretty straight-ahead but ended up being more difficult than I’d imagined. “The Tracks Of My Tears” (Smokey Robinson & … --- ## [Tzatziki Sauce substitute?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tzatziki-sauce-substitute/547143)
**Author:** [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2012, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tzatziki-sauce-substitute/547143 "2012-06-24T14:00:31Z")
I’m making baked falafel right now. I want to serve it with something, but Tzatziki Sauce isn’t an option, since I loathe cucumber. (Not allergic or anything, but I can’t stand the flavor) What if I blend the hell out … --- ## [Who said "You don't say"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-said-you-dont-say/598726)
**Author:** [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2016, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-said-you-dont-say/598726 "2016-04-28T00:34:45Z")
I have the phrase “You don’t say!” stuck in my head, done by a particular actor in a particular movie - but I have no clue what actor or what movie. I know it was a male, I want to say maybe early 40’s? I want to say re… --- ## [Guys ask girls out- useful convention, or unfair burden?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-ask-girls-out-useful-convention-or-unfair-burden/608232)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-ask-girls-out-useful-convention-or-unfair-burden/608232 "2012-02-17T20:16:25Z")
This is a hijack of this thread, which was starting to get derailed by a discussion on the social convention of guys asking girls out. My question is, is this a useful social convention, and is it an unfair burden on me… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=305&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=307&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)