# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=403&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:** 404 --- ## [I killed my dog today.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-killed-my-dog-today/581203)
**Author:** [@The\_Fine\_Print](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Fine_Print)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2011, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-killed-my-dog-today/581203 "2011-08-27T18:15:32Z")
I killed my dog today. I don’t post here very often but I feel I have to today. I’m currently living at home with my parents while I look for a job. It works out better than you might think as my Dad is temporarily di… --- ## ["I can't come to work because I can't find a babysitter! Acceptable excuse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-come-to-work-because-i-cant-find-a-babysitter-acceptable-excuse/779979)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2017, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-come-to-work-because-i-cant-find-a-babysitter-acceptable-excuse/779979 "2017-02-24T00:58:18Z")
Yes, no, maybe? --- ## [Creepy Cop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creepy-cop/501135)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2009, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creepy-cop/501135 "2009-07-05T19:26:55Z")
We live across from a public pool. I was waiting in the car out front of the house this afternoon and noticed a cop car driving slowly along the cross street at the end of the block. He seemed to be following two kids … --- ## [Oh, for fuck's sake. Are you gonna ban rocks next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 268\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2003, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-for-fucks-sake-are-you-gonna-ban-rocks-next/195971 "2003-09-09T07:42:49Z")
This is one of the most asinine things I’ve ever seen. Australia looking to ban samurai swords and crossbows. You know, it’s not like everyone walks around with a samurai sword strapped to their back doing Highlander i… --- ## [Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-fallons-tonight-show/681630)
**Author:** [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2014, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-fallons-tonight-show/681630 "2014-02-25T15:41:20Z")
Well, one show in, I liked it. He definitely started off with a whole different energy than Leno, which I appreciate. It seems like he’s looking for something less over-produced, turning every laugh into the audience cl… --- ## [I fucking, fuck, fuck fucking HATE Invisible Fences!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-fucking-fuck-fuck-fucking-hate-invisible-fences/259683)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2017, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-fucking-fuck-fuck-fucking-hate-invisible-fences/259683 "2017-04-28T14:19:31Z")
On my new daily run around the block I have discovered several new-to-me things about my quiet little coastal Connecticut Neighborhood. Neighbor X a half mile away has an Invisible Fence. Neighbor X a half mile awa… --- ## [I BBQ the grocery store. Join me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-bbq-the-grocery-store-join-me/425581)
**Author:** [@Mooch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mooch)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2007, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-bbq-the-grocery-store-join-me/425581 "2007-11-18T04:56:51Z")
First of all you lazy fuckers, can’t you be fucked to put your cart back in the cart corral instead of leaving it to roam the parking denting with abandon? Goddammit you selfish, lazy motherfuckers. If you see someone … --- ## ["Only guilty people have something to hide" fallacy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-guilty-people-have-something-to-hide-fallacy/539527)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2015, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-guilty-people-have-something-to-hide-fallacy/539527 "2015-09-18T04:22:38Z")
Often in debates, particular in regards to human rights/privacy/etc the argument will degrade into “Only guilty people have something to hide”. To me this logic seems flawed since it assumes an intent to maintain privacy… --- ## [Poll: How Long in a Relationship Before Saying "I love you"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-how-long-in-a-relationship-before-saying-i-love-you/402126)
**Author:** [@Yeeter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeeter)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2007, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-how-long-in-a-relationship-before-saying-i-love-you/402126 "2007-04-30T21:53:10Z")
I’m curious, how long were you in your relationship before you said “I love you”? For me, the first time, it was pretty early on (estimate 1 month), but I had known that girl for several years, and had dated her previou… --- ## [Six year old always says "Her" instead of "She"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/six-year-old-always-says-her-instead-of-she/468736)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2008, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/six-year-old-always-says-her-instead-of-she/468736 "2008-10-21T21:48:39Z")
Across the street from my house lives a six year old girl who seems in all other ways perfectly normal. (She asks strange questions like “Can I play in your car” but I figure six-year-olds ask strange questions. Also, sh… --- ## [Things everyone should know about but probably don't.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-everyone-should-know-about-but-probably-dont/622150)
**Author:** [@Mewl\_Dear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mewl_Dear)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2012, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-everyone-should-know-about-but-probably-dont/622150 "2012-06-02T23:46:34Z")
I was talking hunting with a guy at the bar and mentioned an atlatl (still too stupid for hyperlinks) Spear-thrower - Wikipedia So what tidbit do you think more people should know about? --- ## [Gay fatigue - bigot idiot fatigue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-fatigue-bigot-idiot-fatigue/682346)
**Author:** [@Iamnotivan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iamnotivan)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2014, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-fatigue-bigot-idiot-fatigue/682346 "2014-03-07T01:10:23Z")
The Arizona nonsense is just that: nasty foolish gays vs. intractable stupid bigots. You might think the usual gay response to a florist refusing to sell flowers would be Yeah, no, we will take our business elsewhere. O… --- ## [Consistently misspelled, non-complex words.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consistently-misspelled-non-complex-words/638083)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2012, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consistently-misspelled-non-complex-words/638083 "2012-10-26T10:01:17Z")
I’m no spelling/grammar nazi but some words just stick out to me for their seemingly consistent inability to be spelled correctly by those who use them. Now this is just for starters, and can (and should) be added to, b… --- ## [Why do they sell hard bristle toothbrushes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-sell-hard-bristle-toothbrushes/370361)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2014, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-sell-hard-bristle-toothbrushes/370361 "2014-01-29T04:23:20Z")
Soft, medium, and hard bristle toothbrushes are available. I have always heard that dentists recommend using a soft bristle toothbrush. I can understand how someone might want to use a medium. But why would someone us… --- ## [I found a porn DVD someone dropped on the bus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-porn-dvd-someone-dropped-on-the-bus/630381)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2012, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-porn-dvd-someone-dropped-on-the-bus/630381 "2012-08-20T23:21:57Z")
Naughty Black Housewives 3, starring Megan Vaughn. Do you think I will be able to follow the plot? Or should I avoid spoilers and watch the first two before watching this one? --- ## [Scratching balls results in erections??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scratching-balls-results-in-erections/628213)
**Author:** [@2kdezignz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2kdezignz)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2012, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scratching-balls-results-in-erections/628213 "2012-07-17T01:32:50Z")
My husband of a few months (in his early 40’s) claims that scratching his balls gives him erections. This does not make sense to me and I am trying to understand. He gets mad at me for not giving him the benefit of the… --- ## [Death by grapes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-by-grapes/530660)
**Author:** [@JessWess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JessWess)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2010, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-by-grapes/530660 "2010-03-15T21:31:28Z")
This is a debate that has been raging for years among our group of friends, and much derision has come from it. We are firmly divided into two camps on the hypothetical question of, “could you beat someone to death with… --- ## ["The Jena Six"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-jena-six/419902)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 252\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2007, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-jena-six/419902 "2007-09-24T21:27:01Z")
Have you guys heard about this? Link : http://media.www.southerndigest.com/media/storage/paper950/news/2007/09/14/News/jena-Six.Timeline-2969211.shtml Now thousands of people are rallying to this guy’s support! He par… --- ## [Here's what's wrong with health care: MRI for tennis elbow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-whats-wrong-with-health-care-mri-for-tennis-elbow/504752)
**Author:** [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-whats-wrong-with-health-care-mri-for-tennis-elbow/504752 "2011-03-01T20:30:52Z")
Seriously. I took my kid in for his pre-baseball physical. During the examination he mentioned that his elbow hurt. The doctor poked it, and then wrote up a referral for him to go to a sports medicine clinic. Now so fa… --- ## [Can you folks recommend a game like Fallout 3 or Skyrim?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-folks-recommend-a-game-like-fallout-3-or-skyrim/688461)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2014, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-folks-recommend-a-game-like-fallout-3-or-skyrim/688461 "2014-11-23T16:48:40Z")
It must run on PC. I’m using Windows 7 on a laptop, but it ran Skyrim last year in low quality graphics(which still looked beautiful to me). Anyway, games I’ve played. Fallout 1-3 and New Vegas. Elder Scrolls 2-5. I … --- ## [Can a plane fly underwater and land on the sea floor whole?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-plane-fly-underwater-and-land-on-the-sea-floor-whole/685414)
**Author:** [@PurpleClogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PurpleClogs)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2015, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-plane-fly-underwater-and-land-on-the-sea-floor-whole/685414 "2015-06-11T18:19:35Z")
1). If a large plane dives from any height straight down into relatively flat seas, could it enter the water whole, like a bird diving for a fish, slowing from the friction, or will it always crumple on entry, or at leas… --- ## [What DOES burning Napalm smell like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-burning-napalm-smell-like/387002)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2007, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-burning-napalm-smell-like/387002 "2007-01-08T06:25:45Z")
Okay, considering the “I love the smell of Napalm in the morning…it smells like victory” quote from the greatest American film of all time—Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, of course—I was just wondering: what DOES bu… --- ## [Origin of "Help! I'm Being Held Prisoner in a Chinese Blank!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-help-im-being-held-prisoner-in-a-chinese-blank/252953)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2011, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-help-im-being-held-prisoner-in-a-chinese-blank/252953 "2011-08-16T23:10:56Z")
\[rul=“http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=264039”\]This thread remind me of gags I’ve seen in movies dating from the late 1940s/early1950s, where some reference is made to someone finding a slip of paper … --- ## [Appropriateness of using chopsticks in an Asian restaurant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appropriateness-of-using-chopsticks-in-an-asian-restaurant/631029)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2012, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appropriateness-of-using-chopsticks-in-an-asian-restaurant/631029 "2012-08-11T14:30:44Z")
Assuming you’re a foreign devil and therefore don’t usually use chopsticks, how do you feel about their use in an Asian restaurant? I do so because it’s fun I do so because it’s appropriate I don’t do so because it’s e… --- ## [How do gas-powered golf carts work and why not design a car engine the same way?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gas-powered-golf-carts-work-and-why-not-design-a-car-engine-the-same-way/40476)
**Author:** [@Duck\_Hook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Hook)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2000, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gas-powered-golf-carts-work-and-why-not-design-a-car-engine-the-same-way/40476 "2000-11-11T08:15:25Z")
A golf cart engine comes on and goes off by merely pressing and releasing the accelerator. I’m sure this is not alien technology or anything, but just how does it work? Wouldn’t it make sense to use this system on small… --- ## [How does one determine the intelligence of trees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-determine-the-intelligence-of-trees/694268)
**Author:** [@Timetrvlr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timetrvlr)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2014, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-determine-the-intelligence-of-trees/694268 "2014-08-14T15:58:23Z")
I don’t think they have nerve cells as we do nor a brain as we do. Is all their future behavior pre-programmed in their DNA? I’ve been talking to my little dwarf cherry tree trying to inspire it to grow taller. No resul… --- ## [Lindsay Lohan's Playboy pics are very meh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lindsay-lohans-playboy-pics-are-very-meh/605667)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2011, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lindsay-lohans-playboy-pics-are-very-meh/605667 "2011-12-15T14:36:25Z")
Per GawkerPlayboy editors apparently photoshopped the crap out of her and blew off all her tats and freckles. There are better looking women at your office. Seriously. --- ## [How safe are Binaural beats ( I-Doser)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-safe-are-binaural-beats-i-doser/655698)
**Author:** [@matt357](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt357)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2013, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-safe-are-binaural-beats-i-doser/655698 "2013-04-24T02:42:19Z")
How safe are Binaural beats. I have recently used a program called I-Doser. I used I- doser a couple times which basically uses some kind of brainwave stimulation technique called Binaural beats to simulate various typ… --- ## [my biscuits are doughy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-biscuits-are-doughy/150743)
**Author:** [@Freyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freyr)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2003, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-biscuits-are-doughy/150743 "2003-03-23T04:14:20Z")
Here’s another questions for the cooks: I’m making biscuits using a baking mix from my local chain grocery store (Ralph’s in So. Calif.) I follow the directions almost precisely yet my biscuits turn out somewhat doughy… --- ## [Tales from the MMP - Influencing The Market](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tales-from-the-mmp-influencing-the-market/578800)
**Author:** [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2011, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tales-from-the-mmp-influencing-the-market/578800 "2011-04-26T17:56:56Z")
. . . the Board Game market, that is. Since the 1980, Mensans have been beta-testing board games. One of the first winners of the award is Trivial Pursuit. In the early days of doing this, the event consisted of a half… --- ## [Parents of the 'Dope: Do You Decline a Wedding Invitation If It Specifies "No Kids"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-of-the-dope-do-you-decline-a-wedding-invitation-if-it-specifies-no-kids/712477)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2015, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-of-the-dope-do-you-decline-a-wedding-invitation-if-it-specifies-no-kids/712477 "2015-02-19T05:18:35Z")
Hypothetical: you receive a wedding invitation from someone you genuinely like (and not someone from whom you got a “courtesy” invitation, like your boss’ son). The invitation states, politely but firmly, that children u… --- ## [Let's improve how we play "Mafia."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-improve-how-we-play-mafia/624501)
**Author:** [@Astral\_Rejection](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astral_Rejection)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2015, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-improve-how-we-play-mafia/624501 "2015-07-21T22:04:58Z")
Now that the most recent game has ended, I wanted to start a general conversation thread where people can talk about strategies, ideas, and concepts without worrying about who’s lynching who! I’m hoping this will be a l… --- ## [Espresso shots "bad" after 10 seconds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/espresso-shots-bad-after-10-seconds/197313)
**Author:** [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/espresso-shots-bad-after-10-seconds/197313 "2011-08-22T00:46:32Z")
Starbucks has a policy that any pulled espresso still in the shot glass after 10 seconds (or perhaps 15) is deemed bad and dumped out. I’ve not been able to get a clear answer from anyone at Starbucks on how the shot go… --- ## [Deprecating names of cities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deprecating-names-of-cities/614699)
**Author:** [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2019, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deprecating-names-of-cities/614699 "2019-08-04T07:06:39Z")
Inspired by this thread, what are some the uncomplimentary names of cities that people use to diss them? I’m inspired by the comment that Sacratomato was a name for Sacramento during the harvest season. I went to scho… --- ## [Master & Commander (the book) question: what's a prize agent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/master-commander-the-book-question-whats-a-prize-agent/663702)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2013, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/master-commander-the-book-question-whats-a-prize-agent/663702 "2013-08-03T19:07:11Z")
Fairly self explanatory, but— In the opening pages of the novel Jack Aubrey owes his prize agent £120 (interest due of £15), and upon receiving his first command he visits his prize agent for more to buy a new uniform a… --- ## [What is the oddest song/piece of music you've ever heard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oddest-song-piece-of-music-youve-ever-heard/775524)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2017, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oddest-song-piece-of-music-youve-ever-heard/775524 "2017-01-03T09:49:40Z")
Whether it be by popular musical artists, royalty free artists, on TV shows, themes, adverts etc. It doesn’t have to be an actual song but an instrumental. For me it has to be an alternative media TV show called ‘On The… --- ## [Does God lie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-god-lie/611433)
**Author:** [@tazmin98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tazmin98)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-god-lie/611433 "2012-02-07T22:50:30Z")
I was wondering if the Christian God ever lied? I’m debating with this guy and he keeps emphasizing that God never lied. But they’re already so many contradictions that I am starting to believe the people who wrote th… --- ## [I pit women who "backslide" long enough to have an abortion, then repent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-women-who-backslide-long-enough-to-have-an-abortion-then-repent/438084)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2008, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-women-who-backslide-long-enough-to-have-an-abortion-then-repent/438084 "2008-02-23T06:18:26Z")
And there are more of them than you might think. I went to a ‘mom-n-pop’ restaurant tonight and there was a church group meeting going on in a private dining room within earshot. The guest speaker was expounding on how… --- ## [Are Americans so angry about politics because the U.S. is declining as a world power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-americans-so-angry-about-politics-because-the-u-s-is-declining-as-a-world-power/547243)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2010, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-americans-so-angry-about-politics-because-the-u-s-is-declining-as-a-world-power/547243 "2010-07-22T15:57:28Z")
Yesterday I heard Sasha Abramsky interviewed on All Things Considered regarding an article, “Look Ahead in Anger,” he just published in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Abramsky’s thesis is that the level of anger we’… --- ## [car key promotion---how it works](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-key-promotion-how-it-works/501508)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2013, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-key-promotion-how-it-works/501508 "2013-05-03T16:07:50Z")
I couple of months ago a local car dealership distributed 10,000 keys (cheap metal) in a mailer, claiming that one of them would unlock a prize car in their showroom. To me, it was a brilliant campaign because it sucked… --- ## [So, what will cause someone to get fired on the spot where you work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-will-cause-someone-to-get-fired-on-the-spot-where-you-work/372817)
**Author:** [@groo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/groo)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2014, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-will-cause-someone-to-get-fired-on-the-spot-where-you-work/372817 "2014-01-19T05:08:50Z")
What things will get you walked out the door at your job? (Literally walked out the door by a security guard so they can’t get to their computer). IME it’s very rare that anyone gets fired, but there are situations whe… --- ## [The Unexpected MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unexpected-mmp/352072)
**Author:** [@Draelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Draelin)\ **Replies:** 443\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unexpected-mmp/352072 "2006-04-17T10:52:26Z")
I didn’t prepare, guys! I had no idea I would be doing the MMP, but I’m impatient at best, so you all get treated to an overly flowery description of what I did this weekend, because rosie made me take over. … --- ## [What do you call a one-person sofa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-a-one-person-sofa/765778)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2016, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-a-one-person-sofa/765778 "2016-09-19T17:24:58Z")
If it fits three people, it’s a sofa. If it fits two people, it’s a love seat. If it fits one person, it’s what? --- ## [The Tolkien General QnA thread. (May not be movie-related, but SPOILERS possible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tolkien-general-qna-thread-may-not-be-movie-related-but-spoilers-possible/219913)
**Author:** [@Aankh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aankh)\ **Replies:** 273\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2005, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tolkien-general-qna-thread-may-not-be-movie-related-but-spoilers-possible/219913 "2005-03-28T08:58:45Z")
I’m providing the questions. Some of them, anyway. NO SPOILER BOXES. You have been warned. Okay, ever since I read the trilogy six years ago, some things have been bothering me. Someone please help me out with them… … --- ## [How to fix Gerrymandering in 2018](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-gerrymandering-in-2018/777596)
**Author:** [@Olfatbut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olfatbut)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2017, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-gerrymandering-in-2018/777596 "2017-04-16T17:45:30Z")
Gerrymandering is why the house of representatives does not represent the actual population. The congressional districts are redrawn once every 10 years based on the census. The new districts are mostly drawn by the stat… --- ## [American vs. non-American conceptions of free speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-vs-non-american-conceptions-of-free-speech/706017)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2014, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-vs-non-american-conceptions-of-free-speech/706017 "2014-12-05T23:32:38Z")
To take the most well-known example, in Germany, it’s illegal to advance white supremacist beliefs, at least to a certain extent. From what I’ve seen, most non-American seem to think this is a good and worthwhile thing,… --- ## [Poll: Can you drive a stick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-can-you-drive-a-stick/443316)
**Author:** [@Kilvert\_s\_Pagan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilvert_s_Pagan)\ **Replies:** 315\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2011, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-can-you-drive-a-stick/443316 "2011-07-30T14:19:54Z")
In this thread, I suggested that an American visiting the UK might want to spring for the automatic transmission option when renting/hiring a car, since many Americans don’t drive a stick…let alone being able to shift wi… --- ## [What is Consciousness and can it be preserved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-consciousness-and-can-it-be-preserved/661105)
**Author:** [@mumbojumbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mumbojumbo)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-consciousness-and-can-it-be-preserved/661105 "2013-06-24T21:31:26Z")
Where does consciousness reside? If you did away with every limb, every organ except for your brain, would you still be you? Assuming that you could keep the brain alive by itself, would you still be able to think in fir… --- ## [Am I a "shallow asshole" for not wanting to date fat women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-a-shallow-asshole-for-not-wanting-to-date-fat-women/160923)
**Author:** [@godzillatemple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/godzillatemple)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2003, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-a-shallow-asshole-for-not-wanting-to-date-fat-women/160923 "2003-03-15T00:29:58Z")
In this soon-to-be-infamous thread, Priceguy opined the following: Is this true? If I were to say that I just do not find fat women physically attractive (and by “fat” I assume we are talking grossly overweight here a… --- ## [Native American nudity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/native-american-nudity/318691)
**Author:** [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2005, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/native-american-nudity/318691 "2005-09-01T17:22:17Z")
I’m an avid admirer of the female form and most anything connected with art. So when I began my “Indian phase” recently I was surprised to see how sparse material was involving American Indians and nudity, even in art. I… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=402&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=404&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)