# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=392&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:** 393 --- ## [How can I tell my parents i listen to heavy metal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-tell-my-parents-i-listen-to-heavy-metal/672832)
**Author:** [@MetalMaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MetalMaster)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-tell-my-parents-i-listen-to-heavy-metal/672832 "2017-01-10T15:51:19Z")
I am really into heavy metal. I am 13, and have liked it for about a year (ish). this whole time i have hid it from my parents. I have no idea what they would say do or tjink about me considering im the eldest of three k… --- ## [The narrative on "male white privilege" is complete bullshit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-narrative-on-male-white-privilege-is-complete-bullshit/794749)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2017, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-narrative-on-male-white-privilege-is-complete-bullshit/794749 "2017-09-10T00:09:00Z")
Don’t get me wrong, some people are certainly privileged over others. I have it now in an industrial facility that employs lots of disadvantaged people. They want to keep me so they bought me an iPhone (a support tether… --- ## [Innocent people have been executed--does this change your stance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/innocent-people-have-been-executed-does-this-change-your-stance/549471)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/innocent-people-have-been-executed-does-this-change-your-stance/549471 "2010-08-09T18:07:30Z")
In various threads that I’m too lazy to link to, some pro-death penalty dopers have argued that no one who has ever been executed has been later proved innocent. I didn’t know of any cases and, frankly, thought the argu… --- ## [Predict: Will Scotland vote to secede?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-will-scotland-vote-to-secede/698705)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2014, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-will-scotland-vote-to-secede/698705 "2014-09-24T01:31:14Z")
The vote is in two days, now and I’m curious how you all think it will go. Despite recent polls showing rising chances for secession, I think they will vote to stay. --- ## [Close Encounters of the Third Kind really isn't that good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-encounters-of-the-third-kind-really-isnt-that-good/615477)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-encounters-of-the-third-kind-really-isnt-that-good/615477 "2016-09-08T02:58:20Z")
I was born in '75, and so recall seeing this film on tv (though only in parts). I’m now watching it and really still do not understand the draw this film has. I can recall it seeming a bit disjointed, and watching it n… --- ## [Small Guest Problem, Need Advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-guest-problem-need-advice/656252)
**Author:** [@bookaholic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bookaholic)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2013, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-guest-problem-need-advice/656252 "2013-07-27T02:07:25Z")
So, every year my oldest friend and her hubby come up to visit for the fourth of July weekend and spend about 3 days at my spacious house. Because during the course of this year, I decided to get rid of my TV, she says … --- ## [Sitcoms: Creative ways of hiding actor's pregnancy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sitcoms-creative-ways-of-hiding-actors-pregnancy/546421)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2010, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sitcoms-creative-ways-of-hiding-actors-pregnancy/546421 "2010-07-15T15:10:44Z")
On sitcoms, a lot of times actors will be pregnant when actors aren’t. I started thinking about funny ways that they’ve hidden it because I’ve been watching Frasier a lot lately. When Jane Leeves was pregnant, they expla… --- ## [Why the conservative anger over climate change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-conservative-anger-over-climate-change/734845)
**Author:** [@inedible\_knapsack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/inedible_knapsack)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-conservative-anger-over-climate-change/734845 "2015-10-30T16:20:19Z")
I live in a red state in the deep south, and I’ve been worrying over a question for a while now: why are conservatives so angry about the concept of climate change? I’ve asked a couple of family members why it bothers t… --- ## [Would some economist please explain: What's wrong with outsourcing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-some-economist-please-explain-whats-wrong-with-outsourcing/762720)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2016, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-some-economist-please-explain-whats-wrong-with-outsourcing/762720 "2016-08-29T03:41:36Z")
Hillary is chastising Donald for importing products from China, which is putting Americans out of work. About once a month, ABC news does a fluff story on “Made in America”. Buying products made in one’s own country so… --- ## [Why are the media so unfair in portraying atheists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-media-so-unfair-in-portraying-atheists/718367)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-media-so-unfair-in-portraying-atheists/718367 "2015-04-27T18:33:40Z")
The CFI (Center for Inquiry) is running a contest to do something about the distorted, unrealistic way atheists are depicted on TV (See http://www.centerforinquiry.net/news/no\_god\_but\_funny/ More to the point, what shou… --- ## [How To Stop Evil Co-Worker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-evil-co-worker/616512)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2012, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-evil-co-worker/616512 "2012-08-01T23:35:49Z")
My co-worker is evil, and I don’t know how to stop it. It has taken me awhile to figure out her game but now I think I know what she is doing: She is an alpha female and has a rather large fan base of people who come by… --- ## [Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is a really, really bad guy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-is-a-really-really-bad-guy/829182)
**Author:** [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2019, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-is-a-really-really-bad-guy/829182 "2019-03-24T00:54:56Z")
A pretty interesting hypothetical game played pretty brilliantly by the AOC. TLDW: She plays a bad guy and asks hypothetical questions about the legalities of enriching herself (as a politician) at the exp… --- ## [The Walking Dead; 2.01 "What Lies Ahead" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-2-01-what-lies-ahead-open-spoilers/599863)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2011, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-2-01-what-lies-ahead-open-spoilers/599863 "2011-10-26T11:58:20Z")
Nobody’s started a season premiere thread yet? Ninety minutes, Rick & the gang leave Atlanta. Followed imediately by an encore at 10:30pm, The Talking Dead post-episode discussion at midnight (is that just for the pr… --- ## [Is it possible to roll-start a diesel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-roll-start-a-diesel/568600)
**Author:** [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2015, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-roll-start-a-diesel/568600 "2015-01-07T19:41:33Z")
Fairly self explanatory question, but a little background anyway: I have a 2003 F-250 4wd diesel 6 speed. So far I’ve not needed a jump start of any kind (which is good because jumping 2 batteries is way more scary than… --- ## [Does The Bible tell anyone to inform, tattle, snitch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-bible-tell-anyone-to-inform-tattle-snitch/675709)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2013, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-bible-tell-anyone-to-inform-tattle-snitch/675709 "2013-12-31T05:02:22Z")
We are often advised to report wrongdoing to the authorities. Go to parents or police or professionals and report (tattle, snitch, inform) on many matters. Does the Bible instruct us to report wrongdoing? --- ## [Hotel ice bucket question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotel-ice-bucket-question/201518)
**Author:** [@Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ringo)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2016, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotel-ice-bucket-question/201518 "2016-09-20T03:16:12Z")
I’m staying n a hotel tonight, and am once again confronted with a situation I do not understand. The hotel provides a set of drinking glasses and an ice bucket. For several years now, the ice bucket has included a plas… --- ## [Finding a naked woman tied up (or guy if you prefer)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-naked-woman-tied-up-or-guy-if-you-prefer/676855)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2013, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-naked-woman-tied-up-or-guy-if-you-prefer/676855 "2013-12-25T00:19:26Z")
Wondrous things cross my mind from time to time, actually often, you should visit. If you happen to come across a member of your preferred gender who is actually tied up, but seems of sound mind (and is for the point o… --- ## [Do you believe that Bernie will beat Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-bernie-will-beat-trump/848441)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-bernie-will-beat-trump/848441 "2020-02-28T16:55:41Z")
I originally considered “can” instead of “will” in the title but I don’t want to cloud this thread with “If such and such happens”, then he “can” win. I want to know if you think that he will beat Trump. So look into y… --- ## [I disagree with Weirddave banning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-disagree-with-weirddave-banning/484086)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-disagree-with-weirddave-banning/484086 "2009-02-06T19:44:47Z")
Not a rant but I think this is where these discussions are supposed to go(?) I realize that there is such thing as the straw the broke the camel’s back, and there has to be consequences for warnings or they don’t mean a… --- ## [USS Carl Vinson was actually headed away from North Korea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uss-carl-vinson-was-actually-headed-away-from-north-korea/784796)
**Author:** [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2017, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uss-carl-vinson-was-actually-headed-away-from-north-korea/784796 "2017-04-27T08:43:24Z")
What was really happening with this in the Trump administration? I think the most generous interpretation of what happened is that “Mad Dog” Mattis doesn’t know his ass from his elbow, and his subordinates were too afr… --- ## [Little Known Nifty Ideas From Science Fiction and Fantasy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-known-nifty-ideas-from-science-fiction-and-fantasy/571797)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2011, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-known-nifty-ideas-from-science-fiction-and-fantasy/571797 "2011-02-23T19:31:45Z")
Such as Pluterday and the real estate effects of psychic dead zones. I’m not talking about Ringworlds or other well known Big Ideas, I’m talking about lesser known ideas that are nonetheless cool. For example, in “Where… --- ## [Huckabee hates America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huckabee-hates-america/429484)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 307\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2007, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huckabee-hates-america/429484 "2007-12-13T22:36:47Z")
Mike Huckabee speaking last night: The speech is filled with risible drivel like this. He also passed out anti-Mormon hate literature before the speech (which was given in Salt Lake City!). He’s basically admitting th… --- ## [I don't need the State's permission to defend myself (Gun Control)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-need-the-states-permission-to-defend-myself-gun-control/514556)
**Author:** [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2009, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-need-the-states-permission-to-defend-myself-gun-control/514556 "2009-10-25T01:06:28Z")
Unlike other gun control threads, I’m not going I’m not going to bother with statistics. Instead I’m going to offer a different take and that is this: I have the right to defend myself and I do not need the permission t… --- ## [How does a tug boat work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-tug-boat-work/518568)
**Author:** [@Dandmb50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dandmb50)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2009, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-tug-boat-work/518568 "2009-11-24T05:24:33Z")
How does a tug boat work? I see this little tiny boat pulling 700 ton ship. It totally amazes me. Daniel … Toronto --- ## [What new to you food most disappointed you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-new-to-you-food-most-disappointed-you/821630)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2018, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-new-to-you-food-most-disappointed-you/821630 "2018-10-06T05:25:00Z")
Here I’m talking about some food item you became aware of without actually eating it, as in from novels or movies, and all the mentions made it sound wonderful and you were super eager to try it. And then, possibly years… --- ## [The 12 year old girls who tried to kill someone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-12-year-old-girls-who-tried-to-kill-someone/690398)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2014, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-12-year-old-girls-who-tried-to-kill-someone/690398 "2014-06-11T10:36:58Z")
What do you all think should be done with them? The story. Some say they should be tried as adults and sentenced accordingly which could be up to 20 years. More of the story: " Two 12-year-old girls have been charged… --- ## [Why is NFL viewership declining?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-nfl-viewership-declining/772731)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2017, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-nfl-viewership-declining/772731 "2017-01-29T07:41:05Z")
I’m not a football fan, so I don’t know what may have changed about NFL games, but I’ve been seeing news articles about the decline. This article references a Rasmussen poll and claims that the protests are a large part… --- ## [I had no idea Victoria Jackson was such a nut.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-no-idea-victoria-jackson-was-such-a-nut/575652)
**Author:** [@PeskiPiksi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PeskiPiksi)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2011, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-no-idea-victoria-jackson-was-such-a-nut/575652 "2011-04-08T05:48:13Z")
Just happened to catch an interview on Headline News with Victoria Jackson denouncing Glee for portraying gay teens in a positive light. The poor woman interviewing her was trying so hard to keep the interview focused o… --- ## [Was General Lee Wrong For Continuing To Fight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-general-lee-wrong-for-continuing-to-fight/721645)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-general-lee-wrong-for-continuing-to-fight/721645 "2015-06-16T05:52:29Z")
Gen. R.E. Lee, through good leadership and generalship, was able to keep his army fighting into 1865. This was long past the point at which the South could ever hope to win. The last battles of the war were very bloody-w… --- ## [Xtf? (Spoilers for X-Men movie)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xtf-spoilers-for-x-men-movie/358312)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 215\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2006, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xtf-spoilers-for-x-men-movie/358312 "2006-06-23T06:11:31Z")
Yes, as the title obliquely suggests, I saw the 3rd X-Men movie today, along with my fiancee. We were both very disappointed. I’ll say I’ve never read the comics, but I have enjoyed the movies as films in their own rig… --- ## [Capitalist ethics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capitalist-ethics/715922)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2015, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capitalist-ethics/715922 "2015-04-12T04:07:32Z")
Capitalists, as I understand it, are people whose goal is to realize the greatest profit, for the least risk and smallest investment. The equivalent for workers, then, would be to work as little as possible, for as much… --- ## [Greatly relieved that the pube-shaving trend is abating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatly-relieved-that-the-pube-shaving-trend-is-abating/692924)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2014, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatly-relieved-that-the-pube-shaving-trend-is-abating/692924 "2014-07-18T00:13:02Z")
This is from a few months ago, but it’s new to me: Brazilian Bikini Wax? In a New Trend in Hair Removal, Women Prefer the Natural Look I enthusiastically cosign the following comment, one of two male perspectives quot… --- ## [What Should Be the Role of the Press in a Trump Presidency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-be-the-role-of-the-press-in-a-trump-presidency/777397)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2017, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-be-the-role-of-the-press-in-a-trump-presidency/777397 "2017-02-10T00:52:48Z")
According to Margaret Sullivan of the Washington Post, the next four years are going to be hell for reporters. How should reporters cover the Trump presidency? “Just the facts” in articles and then point-by-point criti… --- ## [Wouldn't Soccer And Ice Hockey Be More Exciting Spectator Sports Without The Goalie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldnt-soccer-and-ice-hockey-be-more-exciting-spectator-sports-without-the-goalie/629969)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2012, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldnt-soccer-and-ice-hockey-be-more-exciting-spectator-sports-without-the-goalie/629969 "2012-10-07T19:34:00Z")
Been Olympic soccer lately, and it occurs to me the game would be a lot more high-scoring, and more exciting to watch, if there were no goalie. That little square outside the goal should remain clear of defenders unless … --- ## [My thread about VPNs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thread-about-vpns/748175)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2016, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thread-about-vpns/748175 "2016-03-22T16:47:03Z")
On Feb 27, I sent a PM to both Idle Thoughts and Loach telling them I wanted to start a thread about VPNs and asking them if it would be OK for me to do that. I explained I was sending this PM to both of them. I sent it … --- ## [Supreme Court to Rule on Corporate Financing of Political Campaigns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-to-rule-on-corporate-financing-of-political-campaigns/524881)
**Author:** [@sleeping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeping)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-to-rule-on-corporate-financing-of-political-campaigns/524881 "2010-02-09T06:47:57Z")
Meanwhile, lower courts are also issuing rulings that diminish regulation of campaign financing: (1) Is this a real possibility? (Obviously, a legal question.) (2) Would this violate the idea of precedent in SCOTUS d… --- ## [Where do you stay vs. Where do you live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-stay-vs-where-do-you-live/664877)
**Author:** [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2021, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-stay-vs-where-do-you-live/664877 "2021-01-05T04:29:55Z")
I’ve been noticing this more and more over the last couple of years. I’m wondering how it came about, whether it’s regional to my area maybe, or if it’s being used all over. When I want to know where someone lays their h… --- ## [Spoiled teen or am I just a grumpy old lady?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spoiled-teen-or-am-i-just-a-grumpy-old-lady/731268)
**Author:** [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2015, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spoiled-teen-or-am-i-just-a-grumpy-old-lady/731268 "2015-09-21T14:31:28Z")
A while back a friend called me and said since she was out running around and would be in my area why didn’t she pick me up and we could go to lunch. I said sure, give me about 20 minutes and I’ll be ready. My friend g… --- ## [SDMB Diplomacy World Championship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-diplomacy-world-championship/330571)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 330\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2007, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-diplomacy-world-championship/330571 "2007-06-04T07:35:25Z")
Right. I know we have some Dip players here. And I’m willing to set up and run the SDMB Diplomacy 2005-2006 Championship series. Sign up here and send me an email (it’s in the profile) to play. Rules: All who wish … --- ## [Why do British English speakers omit the definite article? "Go to Hospital!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-british-english-speakers-omit-the-definite-article-go-to-hospital/457206)
**Author:** [@scrambledeggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scrambledeggs)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2015, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-british-english-speakers-omit-the-definite-article-go-to-hospital/457206 "2015-06-08T21:55:44Z")
I hear british speakers omit the def. article and speak as if the noun were personal – “Take me to hospital” “When did you go to university?” (Courtroom) “My lord, witness is in error” How did this different use occu… --- ## [whats the worst "classic " book/author you read or tried to read](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-worst-classic-book-author-you-read-or-tried-to-read/831440)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 255\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2019, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-worst-classic-book-author-you-read-or-tried-to-read/831440 "2019-04-01T20:33:48Z")
in this thread, someone finished a Dickens book after a few attempts and it went off topic to how bad the classics are https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=872850 whats yours? mine that i read was g… --- ## [Let's tell a story four words at a time (Part 2)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-tell-a-story-four-words-at-a-time-part-2/1022289)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 1244\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2026, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-tell-a-story-four-words-at-a-time-part-2/1022289 "2026-11-09T18:18:58Z")
Continuing the discussion from Let's tell a story four words at a time (Part 1) - #10001 by 2\_More\_Bits. Previous discussions: Let's tell a story four words at a time (Part 1) --- ## [Charity stops at Christians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-stops-at-christians/563576)
**Author:** [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2010, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-stops-at-christians/563576 "2010-12-12T11:55:17Z")
In a legitimate and timely appeal from Siam Sam for a children’s fund in Burma, Leon497 hauled down his pants and squeezed out a rejoinder for us to consider aid to Mexico instead, because: Burma, my learned friend, is… --- ## [Cheap products that really surprised you with their poor quality.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-products-that-really-surprised-you-with-their-poor-quality/712667)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2015, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-products-that-really-surprised-you-with-their-poor-quality/712667 "2015-08-28T01:29:21Z")
What are some products that you bought cheap, expecting some level of poor quality, but not this level of cheap-ass quality? For example, and this was years ago, I bought a liter of vodka for $6. I used to buy somewhat … --- ## [What's new since 1950?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-new-since-1950/637085)
**Author:** [@dataguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dataguy)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-new-since-1950/637085 "2012-10-10T20:30:20Z")
I was reading a Kurt Vonnegut book written in the 1950s. One thing that struck me was that several things that I would consider “modern” were already invented–for example, microwave ovens. Then, recently I read somethin… --- ## [For How Long Can You Leave Your Headlights On Before Your Battery Dies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-how-long-can-you-leave-your-headlights-on-before-your-battery-dies/217163)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2003, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-how-long-can-you-leave-your-headlights-on-before-your-battery-dies/217163 "2003-12-05T23:21:55Z")
On average, what is the length of time it takes to fully drain a car battery simply by leaving the headlights on? I normally don’t bother to turn off my headlights when I pull into a gas station to fill up, as I figure … --- ## [DC Dopefest/Doperally in conjunction with Stewart/Colbert rallies, Oct. 30](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-dopefest-doperally-in-conjunction-with-stewart-colbert-rallies-oct-30/554903)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 189\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2010, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-dopefest-doperally-in-conjunction-with-stewart-colbert-rallies-oct-30/554903 "2010-11-04T01:29:33Z")
Some of us in another thread have been discussing these rallies, on Oct 30 on the Mall. We think it’s a good idea for Dopers to rally together and go out for dinner/drinks later. Who’s interested? Where can we meet be… --- ## [What is the definition of being "financially responsible"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-definition-of-being-financially-responsible/528931)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2010, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-definition-of-being-financially-responsible/528931 "2010-02-16T16:35:00Z")
In the “Why is financial conservatism sometimes called ‘hating poor people’” thread, there’s a statement made that may explain some major philosophical disconnects, and struck me as a rich field for debate: So I ask: w… --- ## [Since when have laws been for prevention and not punishment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-have-laws-been-for-prevention-and-not-punishment/693286)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2014, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-have-laws-been-for-prevention-and-not-punishment/693286 "2014-07-23T19:55:07Z")
The argument that existing gun laws don’t work and therefore there’s no point in passing new laws has been a very successful argument for gun extremists; they’ve succeeded in making it seem like the baseline of fact with… --- ## [What the heck are "Dude Eggs"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-are-dude-eggs/247712)
**Author:** [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2019, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-are-dude-eggs/247712 "2019-02-18T22:06:23Z")
I was watching Viva La Bam on MTV, and there’s a scene where they buy a jar of “Dude Eggs”, and coerce uncle Vito to eat one. When he discovers that they are labled “dude eggs”, he spits it out and claims they are human… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=391&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=393&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)