# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=375&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:** 376 --- ## [Please put Noddy and Big Ears in context for the thick American.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-put-noddy-and-big-ears-in-context-for-the-thick-american/604430)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2011, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-put-noddy-and-big-ears-in-context-for-the-thick-american/604430 "2011-12-06T13:30:18Z")
I guess they just never made it across the pond, unlike Pooh and Piglet. I’ve never seen them in bookstores or libraries, never seen the TV series, and I’m fairly certain I’ve never heard another American reference them.… --- ## [Rand Paul apparently really likes Wikipedia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-paul-apparently-really-likes-wikipedia/672621)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2013, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-paul-apparently-really-likes-wikipedia/672621 "2013-11-08T00:49:56Z")
Rand Paul gave a speech on Monday in support of Ken Cuccinelli (the Republican nominee in the Virginia governor’s race); in Paul’s speech, he apparently freely lifted entire passages from Wikipedia’s description of the p… --- ## [Zhen'ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zhenka/502829)
**Author:** [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Replies:** 185\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2009, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zhenka/502829 "2009-07-22T14:58:13Z")
Your comment here is a blatant insult to me, out of nowhere. I have known Lib for years. He has been kind to me, out of friendship. I will stand up for him, also out of friendship. I do not know you from Adam. After … --- ## [Jewish dopers: "A Jew" vs "Jewish"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-dopers-a-jew-vs-jewish/521219)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2009, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-dopers-a-jew-vs-jewish/521219 "2009-12-30T17:21:17Z")
In the NBC show \*Community \*one of the characters says that she is Jewish. Another characters refers to her as “A Jew” and she says “I prefer you use the whole word.” In the thread about the show there is some discussi… --- ## [NYC cabbie stabbed for being Muslim.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-cabbie-stabbed-for-being-muslim/551428)
**Author:** [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-cabbie-stabbed-for-being-muslim/551428 "2010-08-30T16:27:47Z")
Story here and For the sake of humanity and reason please let’s stop breeding intolerance, bitterness, and resentment. The debate? Is it inevitable that we will experience these kinds of events to finally confront … --- ## [Would/Should Non-Muslim Women Wear Headscarves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047)
**Author:** [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2016, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-should-non-muslim-women-wear-headscarves/740047 "2016-01-19T15:35:46Z")
This tumblr post is making its way around Facebook tonight. A woman is wearing a headscarf even though she isn’t Muslim, and encouraging others to do the same, to: “Keep your fuckin ears warm AND confuse the issue for ba… --- ## [What Are The Top Floors of the Chrysler Building Like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-top-floors-of-the-chrysler-building-like/543924)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2011, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-top-floors-of-the-chrysler-building-like/543924 "2011-03-13T04:11:09Z")
I always wondered what the top floors of this iconic building are like…where the roof curves over and those art deco triangular windows begin. Are they delux apartments or offices? Can you visit them? --- ## [Demonology- Are there demons who do whatever they want? Bad and good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demonology-are-there-demons-who-do-whatever-they-want-bad-and-good/766844)
**Author:** [@Ifill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ifill)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2016, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demonology-are-there-demons-who-do-whatever-they-want-bad-and-good/766844 "2016-09-30T16:46:17Z")
Are there demons who do bad AND good things if they feel like it? 2)Let’s say you knew a demon in a past life, and they come to you in your currently life wanting to work with you. They show you their name and what the… --- ## [Things that seemed funny at the time but you couldn't get away with them now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-seemed-funny-at-the-time-but-you-couldnt-get-away-with-them-now/921472)
**Author:** [@razordance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/razordance)\ **Replies:** 213\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2021, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-seemed-funny-at-the-time-but-you-couldnt-get-away-with-them-now/921472 "2021-02-08T00:51:19Z")
To start with, John Belushi’s samurai skits. Too yellowface. I would add “Amos and Andy.” I’ve heard a couple of clips and to me it sounds about as racist as “Sanford and Son” or “Good Times” – but, I get that the pro… --- ## [Conservatives on immigration are the most vicious people on earth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-on-immigration-are-the-most-vicious-people-on-earth/784828)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2017, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-on-immigration-are-the-most-vicious-people-on-earth/784828 "2017-04-25T21:36:08Z")
I was watching an anti illegal video from a conservative youtuber It was standard in it’s contempt and hatred of illegals, and glee over seeing them get deported and uprooted. Then I went and read the com… --- ## [Miles O'Brien's position on Deep Space Nine.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miles-obriens-position-on-deep-space-nine/680649)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2014, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miles-obriens-position-on-deep-space-nine/680649 "2014-02-14T04:20:53Z")
The Chief insisted throughout the series that he was not an officer. He was part of the senior staff, despite being enlisted. Now if he had been the senior enlisted man on the station that would not have been a problem, … --- ## [What do you mean by “Next Saturday”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-mean-by-next-saturday/324750)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-mean-by-next-saturday/324750 "2015-09-02T20:07:44Z")
If someone says that some event will occur “this Saturday”, I’d venture to say that 100% of us would agree on what that meant. However, if someone says “next Saturday”, the meaning might not be so clear. I believe some… --- ## [Cute kid actors who grew up to be not so cute...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cute-kid-actors-who-grew-up-to-be-not-so-cute/611313)
**Author:** [@Laggard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laggard)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2012, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cute-kid-actors-who-grew-up-to-be-not-so-cute/611313 "2012-02-02T20:04:37Z")
Jerry Mathers Matthew Broderick --- ## [Can you abandon a mortgage without repercussions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-abandon-a-mortgage-without-repercussions/549225)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2010, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-abandon-a-mortgage-without-repercussions/549225 "2010-10-09T01:10:58Z")
I was reading an article the other day about how screwed up the housing market is in my area. One issue that came up was that condo associations are taking huge losses when investor-owners abandon mortgages on condos. Pa… --- ## [Paul Ryan not running for re-election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-ryan-not-running-for-re-election/812210)
**Author:** [@2nd\_Law](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2nd_Law)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2018, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-ryan-not-running-for-re-election/812210 "2018-04-17T16:16:53Z")
Axios story. I suspect he doesn’t want to be minority leader next term. --- ## [Deus Ex Human Revolution: Which ending did you choose? (Spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deus-ex-human-revolution-which-ending-did-you-choose-spoilers/596811)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2011, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deus-ex-human-revolution-which-ending-did-you-choose-spoilers/596811 "2011-10-09T02:34:33Z")
Spinning off from this thread… I just finished the game, and I found the ending sequences to be the most moving i’ve seen in a video game since Aeris got a katana through her chest. I ended up saving just before the fi… --- ## [Is Twitter-blocking by The President a violation of the 1st Amendment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-twitter-blocking-by-the-president-a-violation-of-the-1st-amendment/788366)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2018, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-twitter-blocking-by-the-president-a-violation-of-the-1st-amendment/788366 "2018-05-23T20:29:51Z")
Interesting essay from the Consumerist website seems to indicate that the answer is more complicated than it seems. To dumb-down the article, on the one hand Twitter’s rules allow you, as a private citizen, to block anyo… --- ## [...Trevor Noah.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trevor-noah/818650)
**Author:** [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Replies:** 247\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2018, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trevor-noah/818650 "2018-08-13T06:05:23Z")
…a few years ago Trevor Noah told a really bad joke. It was a racist joke. It was an offensive joke. Its a problematic joke that played into hurtful stereotypes of a people that have almost nothing left and have been… --- ## [What is the secret organization "PEO"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-secret-organization-peo/223750)
**Author:** [@AJCook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AJCook)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2017, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-secret-organization-peo/223750 "2017-05-16T15:30:51Z")
My grandma grew up, lived, and died in Nebraska. When she died a few years ago, during her euology, it was mentioned that she was a member of “PEO”. Recognizing an acronym when I hear one, I later asked my dad (her son… --- ## [why does everyone hate the aliens in kingdom of the crystal skull?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-everyone-hate-the-aliens-in-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull/539970)
**Author:** [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2010, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-everyone-hate-the-aliens-in-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull/539970 "2010-05-23T10:24:10Z")
aliens are not ok but the supernatural powers of the ark of the covenant and holy grail are? --- ## [Do you have anything that automatically triggers a "favorite catch phrase" from TV or the movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-anything-that-automatically-triggers-a-favorite-catch-phrase-from-tv-or-the-movies/955301)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 303\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-anything-that-automatically-triggers-a-favorite-catch-phrase-from-tv-or-the-movies/955301 "2022-05-05T18:53:31Z")
For example, I’ve been; listening to a lot of Irish radio stations lately. Each time they give an Internet address, it ends in “.ie” (for Eire) and I immediately think of Hadji in Jonny Quest going “AIEEE, JONNY!” What… --- ## [The tell someone you love them MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tell-someone-you-love-them-mmp/616200)
**Author:** [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Replies:** 247\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2012, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tell-someone-you-love-them-mmp/616200 "2012-03-26T10:54:52Z")
I don’t see another one, so here’s the shiny new MMP. Right now I am full of warm fuzzy good feelings for all my friends & family (that includes you guys!) I got so much love for my Birthday & I just wanted to spread it… --- ## [Lost 3.5: The Cost of Living](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-3-5-the-cost-of-living/378769)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 238\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2006, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-3-5-the-cost-of-living/378769 "2006-11-08T17:47:58Z")
The commercials say that one of the castaways dies tonight, but I’ll believe it when I see it-- most likely it’s one of the extras. Will we learn which of the others has the spinal tumor? It’s gotta be Benry. But … --- ## [don't like your shift? obvious thing to do - set fire to the plane...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-like-your-shift-obvious-thing-to-do-set-fire-to-the-plane/449707)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2011, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-like-your-shift-obvious-thing-to-do-set-fire-to-the-plane/449707 "2011-12-24T18:44:05Z")
That’s the allegation, at any rate. Background info - last week, a flight from Minneapolis to Regina, Saskatchewan had an emergency en route - a fire in the washroom. Plane went from 30,000 feet to emergency touchdown… --- ## [Bread with your Chinese Food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bread-with-your-chinese-food/449421)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2008, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bread-with-your-chinese-food/449421 "2008-06-16T12:24:48Z")
So … the incredibly beautiful SO and I were kicking around Northern New Hampshire the last couple of days when we decided to stop in for dinner at a local Chinese restuarant. It was the greatest thing since chopped liver… --- ## [Do ugly Americans/Europeans really exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-ugly-americans-europeans-really-exist/543702)
**Author:** [@rostfrei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rostfrei)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2010, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-ugly-americans-europeans-really-exist/543702 "2010-06-25T18:44:56Z")
Just some random observations about the differences between what’s considered an ugly American or ugly European. A lot of it might sound as if I have a chip on my shoulder, but I really don’t. As I was was walking down… --- ## [Flying into US without a passport tomorrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-into-us-without-a-passport-tomorrow/607316)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2012, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-into-us-without-a-passport-tomorrow/607316 "2012-01-06T16:30:20Z")
Not me, but I am picking up (I hope) my 21-year-old daughter tomorrow on a flight from the UK to Newark International–and she just e-mailed me to say she might get hung up entering the country because she just mailed her… --- ## [Favorite Deus ex Machina](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-deus-ex-machina/537324)
**Author:** [@Icerigger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icerigger)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2010, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-deus-ex-machina/537324 "2010-04-29T19:41:49Z")
Often derided as an overused cliché or a crutch for bad writing, often it can be used effectively to the delight of the reader or viewer. So what are your favorite uses of deus ex machina in film, TV or books? Some of m… --- ## [The "Noah" commercials may LOOK pretty, but boy do they sound stupid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-noah-commercials-may-look-pretty-but-boy-do-they-sound-stupid/683243)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2014, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-noah-commercials-may-look-pretty-but-boy-do-they-sound-stupid/683243 "2014-04-19T09:33:20Z")
I was watching tennis much of the day and they kept playing this commercial for “Noah.” I wasn’t paying attention to the visuals, so if you’d only want the visuals maybe this is the most appealing thing ever. But the v… --- ## [The Walking Dead; 6.08 "Start to Finish" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-6-08-start-to-finish-open-spoilers/738999)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2015, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-6-08-start-to-finish-open-spoilers/738999 "2015-12-10T21:06:43Z")
\[QUOTE=AMC\] After a few moments of peace, trouble finds its way to Alexandria again with a threat that may be too big to defeat. \[/QUOTE\] “Mid-season finale” tonight (I hate that term); the church tower has fallen. A… --- ## [Ever unintentionally offend someone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-unintentionally-offend-someone/598865)
**Author:** [@hazynlazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hazynlazy)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2011, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-unintentionally-offend-someone/598865 "2011-10-31T04:26:35Z")
So I just walked through the local movie rental place before it closes its doors for good. It got me to thinking about the years I spent working there in my late teens, back when video stores could still earn a bit of m… --- ## [How long do you think the US government shutdown will last?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-you-think-the-us-government-shutdown-will-last/827486)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2019, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-you-think-the-us-government-shutdown-will-last/827486 "2019-01-28T15:27:46Z")
It’s hard to believe there’s not a thread on this yet. I’m giving seven options, of which I’ve chosen 2 to 6 months. I think this shutdown will last several months because Trump is too stubborn to give in and it will pro… --- ## [Retiring to India](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retiring-to-india/635915)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2013, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retiring-to-india/635915 "2013-06-23T16:34:43Z")
I just watched an absolutely enchanting movie - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, after enjoying Outsourced, and given our bucket list of visiting India I have been watching movies set in India when I see them on TV or onl… --- ## [Worst TV Series Ending](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-tv-series-ending/61874)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2001, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-tv-series-ending/61874 "2001-11-01T13:56:38Z")
I noticed the Movie Ending thread and figured I might as well start one for television. My top two: St. Elsewhere–it was all the figment of an autistic boy’s imagination? WTF? Quantum Leap–Sam suddenly finds out it wa… --- ## [Name the actor by surnames of roles played](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-actor-by-surnames-of-roles-played/488005)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2009, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-actor-by-surnames-of-roles-played/488005 "2009-03-06T14:56:52Z")
If I had started this in Cafe Society, it would eventually be moved here. Now that I’m starting it here, it probably will get to Cafe Society. Whatever. Game is simple. Guess the actor in the post. Using the Puzzle Nu… --- ## [Best World War II Novels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-world-war-ii-novels/581075)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2011, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-world-war-ii-novels/581075 "2011-05-14T01:12:09Z")
In particular are there any prominent ones by German or Russian authors? --- ## [Middle Earth FA64 D&D Game: Sixth Adventure - Harrying Harad by Sea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa64-d-d-game-sixth-adventure-harrying-harad-by-sea/498084)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 232\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2009, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa64-d-d-game-sixth-adventure-harrying-harad-by-sea/498084 "2009-10-23T01:21:32Z")
First the disclaimer: The thread is for the game itself. Questions and peanut gallery stuff should go on the control thread: D & D on the Straight Dope setup thread. (In Middle Earth FA63) First Adventure Thread Middl… --- ## [ICE Raids: Why Weren't Employers Arrested, Too?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-raids-why-werent-employers-arrested-too/838728)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 186\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2020, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-raids-why-werent-employers-arrested-too/838728 "2020-04-15T17:01:27Z")
So, we had some massive ICE raids recently, where hundreds of workers were rounded up and taken into custody. Why weren’t any of the employers/managers cuffed and perp-walked along with this? Hiring undocumented worker… --- ## [Why weren't megafauna wiped out in Africa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-werent-megafauna-wiped-out-in-africa/474318)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2008, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-werent-megafauna-wiped-out-in-africa/474318 "2008-12-02T00:05:24Z")
Intrigued by a reference in a Cafe Society thread, I’m currently reading Connie Barlow’s Ghosts of Evolution, which is about plants that out-survived the megafauna (animals over 100 pounds) that had originally coevolved … --- ## [Dayton Police Dept lowering test standards to recruit more blacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dayton-police-dept-lowering-test-standards-to-recruit-more-blacks/574455)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dayton-police-dept-lowering-test-standards-to-recruit-more-blacks/574455 "2011-03-18T16:16:56Z")
Story here OK, I understand the need for a police force that reflects the community it serves but is this really the way to get there? Isn’t this insulting to African-Americans? Why not improve the damn schools and… --- ## [BMW e30 won't start! What happened and what should I check next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bmw-e30-wont-start-what-happened-and-what-should-i-check-next/660423)
**Author:** [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2013, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bmw-e30-wont-start-what-happened-and-what-should-i-check-next/660423 "2013-06-22T04:03:38Z")
A little backstory: 1989 BMW 325i that was given to me by a neighbor. This car was not much loved during its hard life. His two kinds both used/abused it when they went to college. Then it sat at his house for a while. H… --- ## [Saddest love song ever.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saddest-love-song-ever/415518)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2007, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saddest-love-song-ever/415518 "2007-08-23T02:58:10Z")
Not the most depressing, but the saddest. Not the same thing at all. For me, it has to be Crying sung by Roy Orbison. Because, I think, it’s sooo real. The first line “I was all right for a while” gets me. Then we lea… --- ## [Lefties who are angry at Obama are misguided](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lefties-who-are-angry-at-obama-are-misguided/563820)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2010, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lefties-who-are-angry-at-obama-are-misguided/563820 "2010-12-22T18:06:55Z")
The current anger and deep disappointment toward Obama from some on the Left comes from a misperception of what has been accomplished, and wishful thinking about what was possible. Obama has enacted more of his party’s … --- ## [Americans: Would it upset you if China or Russia landed on Mars before the United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-would-it-upset-you-if-china-or-russia-landed-on-mars-before-the-united-states/727543)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2015, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-would-it-upset-you-if-china-or-russia-landed-on-mars-before-the-united-states/727543 "2015-10-05T13:06:34Z")
I was thinking about this recently. I’m admittedly not up on the space race like I probably should be, but I seem to recall some articles suggesting that there is a real possibility that, unlike the race to the moon, the… --- ## [Stuff you just can't grok for long...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuff-you-just-cant-grok-for-long/623775)
**Author:** [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2012, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuff-you-just-cant-grok-for-long/623775 "2012-06-04T23:52:35Z")
Yes, this board is devoted to fighting ignorance, but sometimes my ignorance is like kudzu. I can fight it back for a moment or three, but it just keeps coming back. And it’s not always very complex or esoteric stuff; it… --- ## [FTR: Ephebophilia != pedophilia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ftr-ephebophilia-pedophilia/696914)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2014, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ftr-ephebophilia-pedophilia/696914 "2014-09-04T02:36:14Z")
I refuse to feel anything but good about myself for digging Traci Lords’ early films, and 15 should be the age of consent nationwide. --- ## [Straight Men, Intimacy and Porn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-men-intimacy-and-porn/407175)
**Author:** [@Senior\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senior_Smith)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2007, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-men-intimacy-and-porn/407175 "2007-06-15T03:27:53Z")
You ever have an idea or concept racing through your head for days? It’s a feeling that you know something, you completely understanding something new and phenomenal, but you have no way to express it. Well I think I fin… --- ## [Mr. X says Spanish and Italian are the same language!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-x-says-spanish-and-italian-are-the-same-language/632235)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-x-says-spanish-and-italian-are-the-same-language/632235 "2012-08-26T17:57:56Z")
Thought a Simpsons ref would draw you. Anyway, I’ve been trying to learn Italian recently and a prior knowledge of Spanish from trips to Spain is proving a major hindrance - I’m constantly dropping Spanish vocab in accid… --- ## [DAMN Sacha Baron Cohen is funny funny funny](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-sacha-baron-cohen-is-funny-funny-funny/498347)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 202\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-sacha-baron-cohen-is-funny-funny-funny/498347 "2009-06-04T19:14:40Z")
This guy is the living embodiment of the some of the rules I lived by in high school and college, namely: Anything for a laugh. Fuck 'em if they can’t take a joke. Story and video here. --- ## [CAP Antismetic Bullshit Controversy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cap-antismetic-bullshit-controversy/610065)
**Author:** [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2012, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cap-antismetic-bullshit-controversy/610065 "2012-01-24T12:00:14Z")
Anti-semite: So unless someone is making statements applicable to all Jews in a discriminatory or hostile way, it’s not fucking anti-semitism. So when someone blogs: or link to controversy Do those statements a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=374&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=376&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)