# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=322&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:** 323 --- ## [Asking middle class (and lower) Dopers why they vote Republican.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asking-middle-class-and-lower-dopers-why-they-vote-republican/560402)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2010, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asking-middle-class-and-lower-dopers-why-they-vote-republican/560402 "2010-11-19T23:20:10Z")
Really simple, and I’m genuinely curious. If you have an income of less than $50,000 a year and you’re single, or less than $75,000 a year for a couple or family and you consistently vote Republican, I’d like to know th… --- ## ["He's not my President"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hes-not-my-president/471257)
**Author:** [@dba\_Fred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dba_Fred)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2008, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hes-not-my-president/471257 "2008-11-07T18:58:33Z")
As I’ve often heard that sentiment about the current occupant of the office, I trust there’s not a problem with my saying that of the incoming occupant. Ready to be Pitted. p.s. For further Pitting ammunition, I vote… --- ## [Can a misused turn signal lead to responsibility for a traffic crash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-misused-turn-signal-lead-to-responsibility-for-a-traffic-crash/634961)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2013, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-misused-turn-signal-lead-to-responsibility-for-a-traffic-crash/634961 "2013-12-01T23:19:26Z")
Yesterday I had a close call while riding my motorcycle. I was waiting to turn right onto a main road. A car approaching from my left had his right turn signal on. Traffic from his direction (including him) was approa… --- ## [Can you run a power drain snake down a toilet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-run-a-power-drain-snake-down-a-toilet/672671)
**Author:** [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-run-a-power-drain-snake-down-a-toilet/672671 "2013-11-03T06:53:25Z")
I’ve recently bought a power drain snake from Harbor Freight. It’s this one. Can I run it down the toilet? I’m unconcerned about scratching the porcelain as I could replace it if necessary. Is it probable that there is… --- ## [Can a 5'0" woman ever, concievably, lift 180 pounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-50-woman-ever-concievably-lift-180-pounds/617928)
**Author:** [@Imago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Imago)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2012, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-50-woman-ever-concievably-lift-180-pounds/617928 "2012-08-05T15:49:05Z")
Alright guys. I’m set to go to the local school of paramedicine. Part of the fitness test to be certified as a paramedic in the city I live in involves carrying a 180-pound dummy. I assume we will be allowed to fireman’s… --- ## [Downton Abbey -- Series Three (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-series-three-open-spoilers/629082)
**Author:** [@FeAudrey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FeAudrey)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2013, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-series-three-open-spoilers/629082 "2013-01-27T21:36:41Z")
PBS showed some brief previews at the Television Critics Association. Report from California: http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Downton-Abbey-sneak-peek-Matthew-Mary-quarrel-3725629.php and from London: --- ## [Even the stupid is bigger in Texas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-the-stupid-is-bigger-in-texas/711285)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2015, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-the-stupid-is-bigger-in-texas/711285 "2015-02-06T19:59:42Z")
Lest anyone think that your lawmaker actually understands civil rights or even the Constitution, peruse this news. More from the bigot in question at the link. --- ## [Wait, that's the same guy??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-thats-the-same-guy/359165)
**Author:** [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Replies:** 229\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2007, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-thats-the-same-guy/359165 "2007-06-29T21:53:10Z")
Inspired by Hal’s post here, when have you had one of those moments where you realize two or more memorable roles (or better yet, bit parts) are played by the same person? For me, I was proud to recognize that the guy w… --- ## [I found an old (now expired) lottery ticket...do I scratch it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-an-old-now-expired-lottery-ticket-do-i-scratch-it/575835)
**Author:** [@cantara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cantara)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2011, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-an-old-now-expired-lottery-ticket-do-i-scratch-it/575835 "2011-03-30T12:59:14Z")
My wife and her sister have been de-cluttering the house (finally) in small areas. Today she found an old Valentines card that she had misplaced a couple of years ago. She gave it to me and inside I found a Cash For Li… --- ## [Has anyone here tasted an original McDonald's Hamburger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-tasted-an-original-mcdonalds-hamburger/687104)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2014, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-tasted-an-original-mcdonalds-hamburger/687104 "2014-04-30T13:24:16Z")
I was curious if any of the more senior posters here ever tasted a McDonald’s hamburger back when the chain was in its roaring heydays, the 1950s and 60s (I know that’s not when it was founded but hey), and if so, how do… --- ## [Why does a 9 year old dog suddenly become scared of thunder and what can I do about it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-9-year-old-dog-suddenly-become-scared-of-thunder-and-what-can-i-do-about-it/631350)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2021, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-9-year-old-dog-suddenly-become-scared-of-thunder-and-what-can-i-do-about-it/631350 "2021-10-14T16:15:54Z")
My dog is 9 and has never been bothered by thunder and lightening before - now all of a sudden he’s petrified, climbs in bed with me and pants for the duration of the storm. I don’t have a basement I can send him to - an… --- ## [Has there really never been a study comparing autism rates in vaccinated vs non-vaccinated people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-really-never-been-a-study-comparing-autism-rates-in-vaccinated-vs-non-vaccinated-people/551400)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-really-never-been-a-study-comparing-autism-rates-in-vaccinated-vs-non-vaccinated-people/551400 "2011-02-01T11:55:51Z")
I just read this article at the Huffington Post which makes this claim. Is this true (particularly the last part)? It seems like a relatively simple study to do, and assuming unvaccinated kids have the same incidence o… --- ## [How trustworthy is World Vision?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-trustworthy-is-world-vision/669452)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2013, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-trustworthy-is-world-vision/669452 "2013-11-24T05:36:08Z")
The SO ‘adopted’ a 10-year-old boy in Niger a couple of years ago, by making monthly donations to World Vision. We’ve both heard that World Vision is one of the better charities. But she’s becoming disillusioned. She … --- ## [Why does my jaw keep popping out of place and what can I do about it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-jaw-keep-popping-out-of-place-and-what-can-i-do-about-it/85598)
**Author:** [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2012, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-jaw-keep-popping-out-of-place-and-what-can-i-do-about-it/85598 "2012-08-18T12:12:31Z")
For the past few months,my jaw literally pops out of place on the left side of my face. It hurts, and I can’t open my mouth. I’ve gotten quite good at popping it back into place though. Last night was particularly bad, … --- ## [Lost 5.7 "The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-5-7-the-life-and-death-of-jeremy-bentham/487396)
**Author:** [@Trion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trion)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2009, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-5-7-the-life-and-death-of-jeremy-bentham/487396 "2009-03-07T21:36:57Z")
Thread rules: From the on-line description for tonight’s episode: Some useful Café Society links are given below: Thread index for Season 1 Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 T… --- ## [The Dark Knight series finally dimmed the shine off Batman for me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dark-knight-series-finally-dimmed-the-shine-off-batman-for-me/667887)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2013, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dark-knight-series-finally-dimmed-the-shine-off-batman-for-me/667887 "2013-09-11T23:37:16Z")
And I’m sorry about it. I’ve loved Batman most of my adult life. He was always one of my favorite superheroes. I love Michael Keaton, I thought he was fabulously understated and did a great job. Don’t get me wrong. I l… --- ## [Supreme Court hears challenge to Texas Sodomy Ban](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-hears-challenge-to-texas-sodomy-ban/164368)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 387\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2003, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-hears-challenge-to-texas-sodomy-ban/164368 "2003-05-05T02:33:41Z")
Link Should Bowers VS Hardwick be reversed? --- ## [The Woven Dental Floss Shortage Crisis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-woven-dental-floss-shortage-crisis/620726)
**Author:** [@rock\_party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rock_party)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2022, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-woven-dental-floss-shortage-crisis/620726 "2022-11-02T05:12:54Z")
I’m wondering if it’s a local thing or a national thing…all the stores in my town (Albuquerque) are out of Reach (Johnson and Johnson) woven dental floss. ALL of them! At first I thought they’d discontinued it but Ebay… --- ## [Manhattan on WGN](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-on-wgn/694200)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-on-wgn/694200 "2016-02-05T00:45:58Z")
Just watched the series opener and thought it was pretty tight. It’s about the teams that worked on the Manhattan Project, in case you’re wondering. Pretty good acting, and some familiar faces from other series. It ha… --- ## [NFL Week 16](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-16/606937)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-16/606937 "2011-12-29T00:58:59Z")
Thursday HOU @ IND Saturday early MIA @ NE JAC @ TEN NYG @ NYJ TB @ CAR CLE @ BAL ARI @ CIN MIN @ WAS DEN @ BUF STL @ PIT OAK @ KC Saturday late SD @ DET PHI @ DAL SF @ SEA SNF/MNF CHI @ GB ATL @ NO I… --- ## [Songs that make you want to stick pencils in your ears](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-want-to-stick-pencils-in-your-ears/836163)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 203\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2019, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-want-to-stick-pencils-in-your-ears/836163 "2019-07-26T16:33:56Z")
Also known as the “Working My Way Back to You Babe” Award. There is nothing redeeming about that song, and it makes me want to poke out my eardrums. Damn The Spinners for that piece of misogynistic crap. Second in line … --- ## [2016 UK Conservative Party Leadership Election Discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-uk-conservative-party-leadership-election-discussion/758667)
**Author:** [@Nema98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nema98)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2016, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-uk-conservative-party-leadership-election-discussion/758667 "2016-07-14T19:17:28Z")
Thought it would be nice to start a thread regarding the coming leadership election for the Conservative party in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister David Cameron resigned in the aftermath of the Brexit vote and remain… --- ## [He IS the most intresting man in the world.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-is-the-most-intresting-man-in-the-world/505912)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2009, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-is-the-most-intresting-man-in-the-world/505912 "2009-08-18T15:25:30Z")
\[I’m shamelessly stealing this from fark. I laughed so hard I figured I see how it went over here.\] He once demonstrated how to divide by zero… …With an abacus --- ## [Can I print my own checks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-print-my-own-checks/186150)
**Author:** [@Hombre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hombre)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-print-my-own-checks/186150 "2015-11-01T21:54:56Z")
My aunt worked at a bank and she had a text that I read when I was younger that basically said that anything (e.g. paper napkin) was considered a legal check if everything contained within the 4 corners was accurate and … --- ## [How do folks without cars grocery shop? Especially with families?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-folks-without-cars-grocery-shop-especially-with-families/587309)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2011, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-folks-without-cars-grocery-shop-especially-with-families/587309 "2011-07-05T11:15:47Z")
When my family went grocery shopping as a kid, we went every couple weeks and bought a lot of stuff. Bagged it up, put it in the car, and drove it home. How do people grocery shop without a vehicle, though? Do you shop m… --- ## [Protocol question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248)
**Author:** [@mattmorgan64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattmorgan64)\ **Replies:** 350\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2005, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248 "2005-03-19T09:56:57Z")
Ok, so this thread is out in General: And I don’t know what pisses me off more: The fact someone can ask something like this with any seriousness, or the fact that someone wishes them better luck than they had doing… --- ## [God is Dead, or so claimed the 1966 New York Times](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-is-dead-or-so-claimed-the-1966-new-york-times/558280)
**Author:** [@Scubaqueen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scubaqueen)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2010, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-is-dead-or-so-claimed-the-1966-new-york-times/558280 "2010-10-26T00:11:24Z")
Lifted from Yahoo!Answers: ‘New York Times, Jan 9, 1966, page 146: the front page banner of the New York Times said in giant letters: God Is Dead…! It was one of the most controversial news stories of all time, and many … --- ## [What is Tom Sawyer by Rush about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-tom-sawyer-by-rush-about/381376)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2015, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-tom-sawyer-by-rush-about/381376 "2015-03-03T18:01:19Z")
This is probably an exceptionally stupid question, but I’m going to ask it anyway. Rush aren’t exactly known as lyrical masters, and Getty Lee really can’t sing, and I know that they’re more of a guitar based band, but… … --- ## [9th Republican presidential debate tonight 02/13/16](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9th-republican-presidential-debate-tonight-02-13-16/746063)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2016, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9th-republican-presidential-debate-tonight-02-13-16/746063 "2016-02-21T02:18:52Z")
At the Peace Center in Greenville, SC.\* Starts at 9pm EST on CBS. Of course the candidates will have to mention Justice Scalia (who died today) and talk about who they would appoint to the SCOTUS. (Cruz already has dec… --- ## [Whatcha Readin' September 2011 Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-september-2011-edition/594793)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2011, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-september-2011-edition/594793 "2011-10-02T00:25:00Z")
Hooray! Fall is nearly here! I am so much happier with Autumn weather. Looks like I’ll be doing less reading, as my work will be heating up. Another good thing! (I love to read, but man, I need to have \*something \*t… --- ## [True life surreal stories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/true-life-surreal-stories/151919)
**Author:** [@dorkusmalorkusmafia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dorkusmalorkusmafia)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2004, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/true-life-surreal-stories/151919 "2004-02-28T05:29:24Z")
This is a thread to post on about things that you see or that happen to you. Of course, these things should really have happened to you directly, ie, not something that you saw on TV or something. Today while walking ba… --- ## [A poll and general discussion about interracial relationships](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-poll-and-general-discussion-about-interracial-relationships/534353)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2010, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-poll-and-general-discussion-about-interracial-relationships/534353 "2010-08-10T17:00:00Z")
I was involved in an interesting discussion this morning about interracial relationships, and I realized this might be a good general topic for the Dope. My dating experience has been entirely interracial, and I have a f… --- ## [Hottest Winter Olympian 2010?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hottest-winter-olympian-2010/530925)
**Author:** [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2010, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hottest-winter-olympian-2010/530925 "2010-03-05T23:02:23Z")
Sorry, Lindsey, I’ve gotta go with Cheryl Bernard. --- ## [Can "White Nationalists" use the immigration issue to reach the mainstream?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-white-nationalists-use-the-immigration-issue-to-reach-the-mainstream/524554)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2010, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-white-nationalists-use-the-immigration-issue-to-reach-the-mainstream/524554 "2010-03-18T13:33:32Z")
That is one of the theses of the new documentary White Power USA: The Rise of Right-Wing Militias in America, by Rick Rowley and Jacquie Soohen, excerpted here: I don’t expect any RaHoWa, of course. But, there are som… --- ## [Who is the most annoying/unfunny stand-up comic? (Now with multiple choice!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-annoying-unfunny-stand-up-comic-now-with-multiple-choice/583457)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-annoying-unfunny-stand-up-comic-now-with-multiple-choice/583457 "2012-08-15T03:27:47Z")
I thought it would be interesting to put this out there as an accompaniment to the other recent stand-up polls and discussions. These names are off the top of my head, chosen based on my perception that each could concei… --- ## [songs with "la la la" in them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-with-la-la-la-in-them/96896)
**Author:** [@epraz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epraz)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2001, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-with-la-la-la-in-them/96896 "2001-12-07T05:17:46Z")
I’m trying to make a mix CD comprised of songs containing the lyrics “la la la…” in them…I know there are tons, but all the lyric search engines I’ve tried don’t really work for lyric searches, they want the album, song,… --- ## [Do Christians believe that non-Christians are going to hell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-christians-believe-that-non-christians-are-going-to-hell/373065)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 242\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2006, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-christians-believe-that-non-christians-are-going-to-hell/373065 "2006-09-30T12:44:40Z")
A while back I was reading an evolution thread (which I can’t find to save my life…it was only a couple of months ago) and this subject came up. Someone said that Christians believe that non-Christians (and often even Ch… --- ## [Is it bad/dangerous to have your lips taped shut while sleeping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-dangerous-to-have-your-lips-taped-shut-while-sleeping/648724)
**Author:** [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2015, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-dangerous-to-have-your-lips-taped-shut-while-sleeping/648724 "2015-09-24T05:08:33Z")
I was wondering if I could duct-tape my lips shut at nighttime to prevent snoring. A friend of mine replied that this was dangerous and that I could die. Is this true? (No, I haven’t actually tried it.) --- ## [The "Big Impact" Plan for Iraqi WMDs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-impact-plan-for-iraqi-wmds/192325)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 349\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2003, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-impact-plan-for-iraqi-wmds/192325 "2003-10-13T20:01:38Z")
http://www.washtimes.com/national/inring.htm "The Pentagon adopted a new strategy in its search for Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. It is called the “big impact” plan. The plan calls for gathering and holding on to… --- ## [How did The Matrix: Revolutions become so absolutely horrible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-matrix-revolutions-become-so-absolutely-horrible/549325)
**Author:** [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bith_Shuffle)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2010, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-matrix-revolutions-become-so-absolutely-horrible/549325 "2010-08-12T14:02:01Z")
For a while I didn’t watch The Matrix: Revolutions because I had heard that it was really, really bad. I had watched The Matrix: Reloaded in theaters and thought the fight scenes were pretty sweet, but didn’t think it wa… --- ## [Alternatives to "My phone number is 555-5555" in films](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-my-phone-number-is-555-5555-in-films/573053)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2013, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-my-phone-number-is-555-5555-in-films/573053 "2013-03-08T22:37:55Z")
frankly, I don’t get why this convention has to be. I mean, I think I’ve heard “He lives at 318 Third Avenue” without the people who really do live there getting beseiged by lunatics confusing real life with films, but … --- ## [Shutting down of Blitz USA (Gasoline Can Manufacturer): Tort Hell or Justice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shutting-down-of-blitz-usa-gasoline-can-manufacturer-tort-hell-or-justice/630730)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shutting-down-of-blitz-usa-gasoline-can-manufacturer-tort-hell-or-justice/630730 "2012-08-17T22:44:43Z")
A recent Wall Street Journal editoral told of Blitz USA, the manufacturer for most Gasoline/Petrol cans in the USA, shutting down due to losing court cases due to product liability law. Users were pouring gasoline on fir… --- ## [How does the USA's social safety net compare with those of the European welfare states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-usas-social-safety-net-compare-with-those-of-the-european-welfare-states/668841)
**Author:** [@stravonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stravonius)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2013, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-usas-social-safety-net-compare-with-those-of-the-european-welfare-states/668841 "2013-09-25T07:36:32Z")
Here in the UK we have all sorts of benefits for the poor. We have child benefits, unemployment benefit, free housing, free universal healthcare, working tax credit, disability allowance, bereavement benefit, and many ot… --- ## [Cancel Culture and Canceling versus consequences for actions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-culture-and-canceling-versus-consequences-for-actions/1020644)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 842\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2025, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-culture-and-canceling-versus-consequences-for-actions/1020644 "2025-12-09T01:15:12Z")
In another thread I made a glib definition of canceling as “when liberals do to conservatives what conservatives have always done to everyone”. This drew a retort that I must think what those conservatives were doing wa… --- ## [Avatar was a bad movie.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avatar-was-a-bad-movie/531738)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2010, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avatar-was-a-bad-movie/531738 "2010-03-18T09:12:22Z")
It was a great technical demo. It could work as a theme park ride. I’d love to play it’s MMO. But it was not a great movie. A movie can’t be great without a great story. A great story- not just a good story- is about m… --- ## [On Abolishing Taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-abolishing-taxes/669033)
**Author:** [@Gateway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gateway)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-abolishing-taxes/669033 "2013-09-27T12:03:41Z")
These are my thoughts on why abolishing taxes could be an effective and possibly moral action in society. This is not a finite conclusion but some ideas yet to be concluded. -Taxes go against property rights. I make a … --- ## [How Much Caucasian Blood Is Needed To Make A Blue-Eyed Asian?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-caucasian-blood-is-needed-to-make-a-blue-eyed-asian/334306)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2015, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-caucasian-blood-is-needed-to-make-a-blue-eyed-asian/334306 "2015-09-21T22:10:36Z")
There’s a movie coming out soon that features an actress who has typical Asian features, except that she has blue eyes. While I’m sure this is probably not her natural eye color, I wonder if anything like this is possibl… --- ## [Detroit bankrupt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-bankrupt/663879)
**Author:** [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2013, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-bankrupt/663879 "2013-12-04T22:03:10Z")
Detroit filed for federal bankruptcy protection today, becoming the largest Chapter 9 bankruptcy ever. Estimates are the total debt may be as high as $20 billion against assets of…not much. I was hoping that with the ou… --- ## [If Someone With Medical Issues Says "Don't Cook for Me" Don't Cook For Them!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-with-medical-issues-says-dont-cook-for-me-dont-cook-for-them/832141)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-with-medical-issues-says-dont-cook-for-me-dont-cook-for-them/832141 "2024-02-15T04:25:59Z")
While in real life I often bite my tongue/grit my teeth over this, I have got to let it out. Awhile back I did my new downstairs neighbor a favor. I told her there was no need to repay me. She insists. She insists by … --- ## ["Patient is a very pleasant gentleman" - doctor's notes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patient-is-a-very-pleasant-gentleman-doctors-notes/914757)
**Author:** [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2021, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patient-is-a-very-pleasant-gentleman-doctors-notes/914757 "2021-05-27T22:19:08Z")
Calling all doctors, nurses, and transcriptionists… I was looking through some surgical reports and visit notes, and the phrase “The patient is a very pleasant gentleman” just seemed amusing. Do doctors ever describe a p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=321&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=323&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)