# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=369&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:** 370 --- ## [Convicts breaking rocks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convicts-breaking-rocks/672482)
**Author:** [@jeremyjb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jeremyjb)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2018, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convicts-breaking-rocks/672482 "2018-06-23T11:44:22Z")
I was just wondering if prison convicts were ever given the arduous task of breaking rocks with sledge hammers? If so, what was the purpose of breaking those rocks? Also, did convicted felons ever make license plates, … --- ## [Did John Travolta just say "pussy wagon" in Grease?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-john-travolta-just-say-pussy-wagon-in-grease/357304)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2006, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-john-travolta-just-say-pussy-wagon-in-grease/357304 "2006-05-19T23:44:59Z")
I’m studying for an exam right now, but my girlfriend’s watching Grease in French. I’ve never seen the movie, nor do I intend to. In any case, all the songs are in English and I think I just heard John Travolta sing “S… --- ## [Negligent manslaughter question (dog/child story on Yahoo)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negligent-manslaughter-question-dog-child-story-on-yahoo/542469)
**Author:** [@Joanie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joanie)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2010, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negligent-manslaughter-question-dog-child-story-on-yahoo/542469 "2010-06-11T17:25:57Z")
I was reading a story on the YAHOO news site and can’t understand something about this story. The story is about a teenage mother who was charged with manslaughter after her baby died as the result of a dog attack. My … --- ## [How do YOU pronounce "Van Gogh"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-van-gogh/583419)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2011, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-van-gogh/583419 "2011-06-07T23:59:14Z")
As discussed in this thread. When you attempt to speak the name out loud, what is the pronunciation that most easily finds its way to your lips? --- ## [Was Czar Nicholas II a Bad Guy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-czar-nicholas-ii-a-bad-guy/634786)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2012, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-czar-nicholas-ii-a-bad-guy/634786 "2012-09-24T04:16:02Z")
I’m not well-versed in Russian history, so help me out here. Was Czar Nicholas II a Bad Guy? In the couple of documentaries I’ve seen over the years, he came off as not such a bad sort; just horribly out of touch. He … --- ## [Aren't embassies inviolate under international law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arent-embassies-inviolate-under-international-law/631635)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2012, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arent-embassies-inviolate-under-international-law/631635 "2012-08-22T13:33:16Z")
This is in reference to Julian Assange taking refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. I quote from this story on Reuters: I remember when a policewoman was shot and killed by a Libyan from the windows of the Libyan… --- ## [Underage Actors and Sex Scenes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underage-actors-and-sex-scenes/341310)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2006, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underage-actors-and-sex-scenes/341310 "2006-01-29T22:32:10Z")
Inspired by this thread, I was wondering about underage actors in sex scenes. Quite a few people in the thread referenced seem to be of the opinion that there is no harm done to any minor who is involved in a simulated … --- ## [Eyes Wide Shut questions \[spoilers\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eyes-wide-shut-questions-spoilers/587491)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2017, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eyes-wide-shut-questions-spoilers/587491 "2017-12-01T05:36:59Z")
I’ve heard about this film a lot, being Kubrick’s last, and the other day I watched it. I have some questions, some of which may even have actual answers. The Leelee Sobieski character, why did she recommend an ermine-l… --- ## [Convienience foods you have invented.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convienience-foods-you-have-invented/693456)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2014, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convienience-foods-you-have-invented/693456 "2014-07-30T03:54:54Z")
So earlier this week I tried to get up early enough to cook breakfast for once. due to morning lethargy, I had enough time took cook it, but not enough to eat it. I was forced to invent CUP’O’SAUSAGE!! Basically just a… --- ## [Are southerners friendlier than northerners?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-southerners-friendlier-than-northerners/662833)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-southerners-friendlier-than-northerners/662833 "2016-01-14T17:55:34Z")
In the USA or England . I’ve heard in no uncertain terms that the Gallant South in the USA in famed for its hospitality and approachability, in comparison to those north of the Mason-Dixon line. In England the opposite … --- ## [Whatcha Readin' (June 09) Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-june-09-edition/498254)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2009, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-june-09-edition/498254 "2009-06-30T13:37:45Z")
OK, I missed doing this on time last month, so here it is early Sunday morning and I’m making sure I don’t miss again. I am reading Aurian, but have just started it so I don’t have much to tell. May’s Thread --- ## [Gender, race, and other issues (split off from Doper Demographics thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-race-and-other-issues-split-off-from-doper-demographics-thread/971091)
**Author:** [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Replies:** 332\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2022, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-race-and-other-issues-split-off-from-doper-demographics-thread/971091 "2022-10-30T13:07:15Z")
As I said in my mod note in the Doper Demographics thread, we did not want to go into other issues like race and gender so that the demographics thread would not be hijacked. Several dopers did not pay attention to this … --- ## [The Walking Dead; 1.06 "TS-19" SEASON FINALE (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-1-06-ts-19-season-finale-open-spoilers/563089)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-1-06-ts-19-season-finale-open-spoilers/563089 "2010-12-15T07:08:58Z")
Season finale tonight. AMC’s been airing a marathon of the season this evening. After tonight no more TWD until what I assume will be October. --- ## [What Are Some Artifacts, Artworks, Treasures, etc. That Are Probably Somewhere, But No One Knows Where?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-artifacts-artworks-treasures-etc-that-are-probably-somewhere-but-no-one-knows-where/992825)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-artifacts-artworks-treasures-etc-that-are-probably-somewhere-but-no-one-knows-where/992825 "2024-02-15T22:36:41Z")
I’m asking about Things of Great Importance - be they art, historical artifacts, treasures, etc. - that are “lost.” Here “lost” means that the Thing probably still exists and is somewhere, but nobody knows where. “Lost” … --- ## [All Hallowed Rants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-hallowed-rants/797781)
**Author:** [@Sario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sario)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2017, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-hallowed-rants/797781 "2017-11-01T18:11:14Z")
New month new rants thread. --- ## [Lubricating an electrical plug (Yes, you read that right)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878)
**Author:** [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2005, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878 "2005-03-31T04:00:34Z")
I’ve got a couple of lamps whose cords don’t insert/release from an electrical socket very well. The prongs are parallel. Can electrical plugs be VERY LIGHTLY lubricated (I’m talking the thinnest possible film) with som… --- ## [Scott Walker drawing huge throngs in support of Cooch in Virginia (not)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-walker-drawing-huge-throngs-in-support-of-cooch-in-virginia-not/672996)
**Author:** [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2013, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-walker-drawing-huge-throngs-in-support-of-cooch-in-virginia-not/672996 "2013-11-14T03:48:22Z")
About a 100 in Woodbridge and another 150 in Spotsylvania. GOP “Rock star” Scott Walker brought his anti-union message to the Old Dominion. --- ## [When will FIFA pull the plug on Qatar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-fifa-pull-the-plug-on-qatar/713623)
**Author:** [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2015, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-fifa-pull-the-plug-on-qatar/713623 "2015-03-14T18:28:28Z")
Or, when will international soccer competition pull the plug on FIFA? Yesterday, a FIFA task force caved in to the fact that Qatar simply cannot carry on a soccer tournament in the summer. From CNN: Al-Khalifa’s best … --- ## [Obama administration arguing they can assassinate anyone without oversight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-administration-arguing-they-can-assassinate-anyone-without-oversight/555325)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2010, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-administration-arguing-they-can-assassinate-anyone-without-oversight/555325 "2010-10-04T19:58:29Z")
That, at least, is how Glenn Greenwald and libertarian blogger Radley Balko interpret their (the administration’s) arguments as reported in this Washington Post article. Any thoughts, legal/political eagles, on how I s… --- ## [The data seem to indicate peak oil already happened. Are we there yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-data-seem-to-indicate-peak-oil-already-happened-are-we-there-yet/546219)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2010, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-data-seem-to-indicate-peak-oil-already-happened-are-we-there-yet/546219 "2010-08-23T04:20:19Z")
This graph of total world oil production displays an obvious flattening-out from 2005-2008. That is what ‘peak oil’ would look like all right. But is that the correct way to interpret it, or is there some other meaning b… --- ## [Grease stains on a silk dress - help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-stains-on-a-silk-dress-help/346607)
**Author:** [@Jennyrosity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennyrosity)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2006, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-stains-on-a-silk-dress-help/346607 "2006-03-03T18:36:39Z")
My bewdiful silk dress has a couple of grease spots on it following a dinner party. The cold hand wash the label recommends hasn’t shifted them, and it’s not dry-cleanable. I don’t want to risk using harsh detergents on … --- ## [Health Care Lawsuits Survive Dismissal in FL, VA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-care-lawsuits-survive-dismissal-in-fl-va/557244)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2010, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-care-lawsuits-survive-dismissal-in-fl-va/557244 "2010-11-06T16:20:10Z")
Federal courts in Florida and Virginia have issued rulings that keep alive the lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the health care mandate. I still contend that the law is constitutional, but I no longer regar… --- ## [Why can't Spider-Man be black?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-spider-man-be-black/544704)
**Author:** [@Flying\_Saucer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flying_Saucer)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2010, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-spider-man-be-black/544704 "2010-07-09T15:43:43Z")
I was recently at a party with my wife, Glowing Disc (she kept her last name), and the subject of the Spider-Man film “reboot” came up. Glowing Disc mentioned that all the men supposedly up for the role look alike. She … --- ## [This is interesting. Saddam really did have WMD's.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-interesting-saddam-really-did-have-wmds/342365)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 222\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2006, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-interesting-saddam-really-did-have-wmds/342365 "2006-02-05T06:14:55Z")
I’m putting this in the Pit because I’m quite sure that the debate is going to get really ugly over this. It appears that all the folks that have been screaming “Bush lied - people died” and stuff like that might have t… --- ## [convince me that charter schools are a good thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-that-charter-schools-are-a-good-thing/779298)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-that-charter-schools-are-a-good-thing/779298 "2017-02-17T20:32:05Z")
I grew up with an elementary school teacher. She worked in EMR for decades, until the paperwork became too much, going to 2\[sup\]nd\[/sup\] grade for the last decade or so. Because of that, I tend to have pretty fixed notio… --- ## [Community 5.13 "Basic Sandwich" 4/17/14](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/community-5-13-basic-sandwich-4-17-14/686371)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2014, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/community-5-13-basic-sandwich-4-17-14/686371 "2014-05-01T17:03:42Z")
5.01/5.02 “Repilot”/“Introduction to teaching” 5.03 Basic Intergluteal Numismatics 5.04 Cooperative Polygraphy 5.05 Geothermal Escapism 5.06 Analysis of Cork-based marketing 5.07 Bondage and Beta Male Sexuality 5.0… --- ## [A rat has invaded my home. Help me annihilate the fucker before I start shooting holes in my walls.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rat-has-invaded-my-home-help-me-annihilate-the-fucker-before-i-start-shooting-holes-in-my-walls/650677)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2013, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rat-has-invaded-my-home-help-me-annihilate-the-fucker-before-i-start-shooting-holes-in-my-walls/650677 "2013-05-14T23:52:17Z")
I’m ready to burn my house down. Tonight. I just stepped into the laundry room and saw a large black rodent scurrying behind the washer. Much too big for a mouse. A motherfucking rat! I want to wake the kids up, shoo … --- ## [Is the term "Indian" offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-term-indian-offensive/532565)
**Author:** [@ReticulatingSplines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReticulatingSplines)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2010, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-term-indian-offensive/532565 "2010-03-20T03:13:10Z")
Yesterday, I was talking to my girlfriend and happened to mention that “old littering PSA with the Indian standing by the side of road,” and her mouth dropped open as if I’d just sprouted a third arm. She proceeded to in… --- ## [Is Detroit really that messed up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-detroit-really-that-messed-up/515202)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2010, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-detroit-really-that-messed-up/515202 "2010-02-22T15:56:52Z")
There have been several news articles recently about how bad Detroit has become. Crumbling infrastructure, failing schools, high crime, etc. People are hiring private security guards to protect their homes. But the fa… --- ## [What stupid things scarred you emotionally as a child?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-stupid-things-scarred-you-emotionally-as-a-child/626276)
**Author:** [@Surly\_Chick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surly_Chick)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2012, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-stupid-things-scarred-you-emotionally-as-a-child/626276 "2012-07-03T15:56:46Z")
And I mean truly stupid things. For example: when I was four years old my parents took me to the circus in Chicago. At that time they still had trained bears performing (they may still for all I know - I will never go … --- ## [This Doesn't Sound Good, Does It?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-doesnt-sound-good-does-it/733758)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2016, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-doesnt-sound-good-does-it/733758 "2016-07-18T05:19:36Z")
Disclaimer: Not seeking medical advice. But I’m not stupid. My mother in law got it in her head her 75th birthday would be her last. Her SIL died suddenly and quickly right around Christmas last year and her brother … --- ## [In what (fictional) tactical scenerios would a doubled-barreled shotgun be superior?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-fictional-tactical-scenerios-would-a-doubled-barreled-shotgun-be-superior/507267)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2009, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-fictional-tactical-scenerios-would-a-doubled-barreled-shotgun-be-superior/507267 "2009-08-28T22:02:59Z")
A guy at work and I were chatting and the subject of the old Doom II FPS came up. The discussion worked it’s way around to comparing the double-barreled shotgun in the game to the single-barreled pump action shotgun. Obv… --- ## [The players tried to leave the field, the marching band refused to yield, what details have been concealed, the way they tased this guy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-players-tried-to-leave-the-field-the-marching-band-refused-to-yield-what-details-have-been-concealed-the-way-they-tased-this-guy/990216)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 431\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2023, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-players-tried-to-leave-the-field-the-marching-band-refused-to-yield-what-details-have-been-concealed-the-way-they-tased-this-guy/990216 "2023-09-26T10:33:35Z")
A very odd story of a band director who wouldn’t stop band directing. --- ## [Are one pieces sexy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-one-pieces-sexy/697629)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2014, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-one-pieces-sexy/697629 "2014-09-10T21:20:28Z")
I was reading a old Dope thread on when women should stop wearing bikinis in public. One thing I noticed (and have seen outside the forum) is the notion a woman wearing a one piece only does so because she can’t wear a … --- ## ["Is this a Jocasta complex?" or "Thanks, Mama, for the deeply disturbing compliment"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-jocasta-complex-or-thanks-mama-for-the-deeply-disturbing-compliment/354658)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2012, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-jocasta-complex-or-thanks-mama-for-the-deeply-disturbing-compliment/354658 "2012-02-21T02:33:07Z")
Very short- not to be a long thread at all, but M,P, & SIMS. But like most really short threads, it starts 79 years ago on a small farm in central Alabama. I understand my father a thousand times better now than I ever… --- ## [is it customary for 911 operators to be rude, combative bitches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-customary-for-911-operators-to-be-rude-combative-bitches/292851)
**Author:** [@Freejooky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freejooky)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2011, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-customary-for-911-operators-to-be-rude-combative-bitches/292851 "2011-06-23T12:44:01Z")
I’m watching the Primetime Live special right now about Michael Wamsley and Janelle Hornickel, the couple who got lost and disoriented in freezing temperatures and froze to death in spite of continually calling 911. The … --- ## [Lost 2.20: "Two for the Road"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-2-20-two-for-the-road/355270)
**Author:** [@some\_white\_dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/some_white_dude)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2006, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-2-20-two-for-the-road/355270 "2006-05-07T18:42:00Z")
First, the thread rules: Sorry, John Mace, but I couldn’t wait any longer for my precious Lost thread (plus, it’s fun knowing that I can start a thread that’s pretty much guaraunteed to hit four pages). So, after a fe… --- ## [Would you like the US to be a constitutional monarchy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-like-the-us-to-be-a-constitutional-monarchy/575197)
**Author:** [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2013, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-like-the-us-to-be-a-constitutional-monarchy/575197 "2013-12-12T16:22:22Z")
I’m listening to BBC World Service at the moment, and I just heard a promo for an upcoming program on people who would like to change their systems of government. One of the people mentioned in the promo was a guy who s… --- ## [Why do so many people seem to have difficulty following simple instructions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-people-seem-to-have-difficulty-following-simple-instructions/323612)
**Author:** [@The\_Asbestos\_Mango](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Asbestos_Mango)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2005, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-people-seem-to-have-difficulty-following-simple-instructions/323612 "2005-10-04T16:27:21Z")
I’m hoping that this won’t have to be moved to IMHO, but if that’s the fate it must suffer in the absence of any factually based info on how the brain processes information, well, such is life. I see it on a daily basis… --- ## [A debate on ONE SPECIFIC aspect of the gun issue (I hope)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-debate-on-one-specific-aspect-of-the-gun-issue-i-hope/476973)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2008, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-debate-on-one-specific-aspect-of-the-gun-issue-i-hope/476973 "2008-12-19T21:10:51Z")
I would be interested to hear what people have to say pro or con about one facet of the gun debate, which I would state as follows: “Resolved: the invention of repeating arms qualitively changed the nature of firearms, … --- ## [Punchlines Only, Please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punchlines-only-please/583272)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2011, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punchlines-only-please/583272 "2011-06-03T18:18:05Z")
“If I could walk that way, I wouldn’t need the talcum powder!” --- ## [Why is George Lucas despised by so many Star Wars fans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-george-lucas-despised-by-so-many-star-wars-fans/490095)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2009, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-george-lucas-despised-by-so-many-star-wars-fans/490095 "2009-03-27T22:02:49Z")
I mean he created the concept for the movies, shouldn’t he be cut some slack? --- ## [using v. fine steel wool on windshield ???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-v-fine-steel-wool-on-windshield/707332)
**Author:** [@Iamnotivan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iamnotivan)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2014, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-v-fine-steel-wool-on-windshield/707332 "2014-12-22T23:19:15Z")
A friend said some gas station attendant showed her that windshields accumulate some grime that is difficult to really clean. He used a foamy substance detergent and then (he said) the finest grade of steel wool which (… --- ## [Jobs that are gender-specific for no reason at all](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-that-are-gender-specific-for-no-reason-at-all/615491)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-that-are-gender-specific-for-no-reason-at-all/615491 "2012-03-21T17:58:31Z")
What are some jobs that, for no real reason, are always filled by only one gender? There have been some female high school football coaches. But, here in the U.S., I have never come across a single example of a woman h… --- ## [Share some favorite idioms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-some-favorite-idioms/501868)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2012, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-some-favorite-idioms/501868 "2012-10-21T14:29:03Z")
I was listening to an interview with an author named Jag Bhalla on NPR today who has written a book entitled I’m Not Hanging Noodles on Your Ears and Other Intriguing Idioms From Around the World. Interesting interview;… --- ## [List of films set on zeppelins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/list-of-films-set-on-zeppelins/522124)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/list-of-films-set-on-zeppelins/522124 "2009-12-24T16:39:37Z")
There’s 1975’s diaster flick The Hindenburg with Anne Bancroft. That’s the only one I can think of offhand. Are there no other dramatizations of the Hindenburgh diaster (unlike the sinking of the Titanic)? Germa… --- ## [Fried egg inside a circle cut out of a piece of bread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fried-egg-inside-a-circle-cut-out-of-a-piece-of-bread/613023)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 159\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2012, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fried-egg-inside-a-circle-cut-out-of-a-piece-of-bread/613023 "2012-03-10T02:19:18Z")
To clarify: You cut a circle out of the middle of a buttered piece of bread, plop it on a hot skillet, then crack an egg into the circle. After a few minutes you flip it. Yummy goodness. Did your mom make this for you w… --- ## [Tempurpedic mattresses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tempurpedic-mattresses/551283)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tempurpedic-mattresses/551283 "2010-08-29T17:06:49Z")
I think we need a new mattress. We’ve only had this one five years, damn it! But it’s the kind you can’t flip (they were all like that when I bought it, and they had the nerve to call it a “feature”) and the dip under … --- ## [Has Trump Made Himself Impervious to Impeachment Now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-trump-made-himself-impervious-to-impeachment-now/785397)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2017, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-trump-made-himself-impervious-to-impeachment-now/785397 "2017-05-03T22:12:48Z")
I don’t know. I try not to think about politics these days. But I can’t help wondering. Has Trump through speech or twitter or action or even inaction made himself so over the top outrageous that we the public have lo… --- ## [That's Where The Cat Piss Smell Comes From....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-where-the-cat-piss-smell-comes-from/292513)
**Author:** [@inkleberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/inkleberry)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2005, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-where-the-cat-piss-smell-comes-from/292513 "2005-03-10T21:24:33Z")
Dear Gothlings in the Next Apartment- I’ve been smelling cat piss for months. We do not own a cat, so we thought this was odd. At first, my husband didn’t smell it, so he thought it might be some strange pregnancy super… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=368&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=370&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)