# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=413&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:** 414 --- ## [S&P says 'I told you so' about US credit rating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-p-says-i-told-you-so-about-us-credit-rating/670060)
**Author:** [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-p-says-i-told-you-so-about-us-credit-rating/670060 "2013-10-18T21:10:38Z")
Well, they weren’t quite that crass, but it was certainly the sentiment. They said in a recent report that while the likely govt shutdown will probably not result in a further downgrade, a default on the debt would be a … --- ## [High School Algebra & the FOIL method](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-algebra-the-foil-method/672369)
**Author:** [@f.coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/f.coli)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2013, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-algebra-the-foil-method/672369 "2013-11-06T21:41:00Z")
Remember solving polynomials? (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 I have no problem working these problems out, but just what does it accomplish? Is the equation on the right easier to understand than the equation on the left… --- ## [No more Taco Salad at Wendys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-taco-salad-at-wendys/546936)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2012, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-taco-salad-at-wendys/546936 "2012-11-15T22:14:04Z")
I’ve bought Taco Salads at Wendys three or four times a month for 18 years. I went by there last night and they are off the menu. :frowning: Replaced by some garbage they call a Baja Salad. It’s similar but has the re… --- ## [You down with OPP? (Old People's Problems) Then post them here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002)
**Author:** [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Replies:** 255\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002 "2022-04-05T14:44:15Z")
As you get older…things happen. Hot flashes, Colonoscopies, Funerals, Financial Planning, Hair in weird places. This is the thread to kvetch about it. There are things in my life that I’d like to discuss and can’t reall… --- ## [I am so fucking sick of the way the left and the right talk to each other](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-so-fucking-sick-of-the-way-the-left-and-the-right-talk-to-each-other/600215)
**Author:** [@Kyomara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyomara)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2011, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-so-fucking-sick-of-the-way-the-left-and-the-right-talk-to-each-other/600215 "2011-10-25T01:23:21Z")
Specifically, I have in mind words and phrases such as these: Republitard Tea Bagger moonbat Shrub Bushie Nobama Obamacare Messiah Annointed One crony capitalism “hope and change” used sarcastically fascist … --- ## [Trying to eat better: best way to store cut peppers & onions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-eat-better-best-way-to-store-cut-peppers-onions/609166)
**Author:** [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2012, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-eat-better-best-way-to-store-cut-peppers-onions/609166 "2012-01-13T02:20:26Z")
I’ve been very good about eating a salad 4 days a week for lunch for over a month now, but going to the supermarket salad bar almost every day takes a big chunk out of my 30-minute lunch break. So, I decided to make my s… --- ## [Why do we generally reverse Japanese names, but keep Chinese/Korean name order?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-generally-reverse-japanese-names-but-keep-chinese-korean-name-order/568747)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2017, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-generally-reverse-japanese-names-but-keep-chinese-korean-name-order/568747 "2017-12-06T18:15:05Z")
I’ve asked this before, years ago, but the thread got few replies and pretty much no answer. I was recently reminded of it, so I figured I’d give it another shot. Japanese, Chinese, and Korean all write their names wit… --- ## [How much would the U.S. spend on "defense" if it was ONLY for defense](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-the-u-s-spend-on-defense-if-it-was-only-for-defense/626720)
**Author:** [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2012, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-the-u-s-spend-on-defense-if-it-was-only-for-defense/626720 "2012-07-22T17:22:04Z")
(awkward title, I know) Well, the department of war got changed to the Department of Defense. The country obviously cannot support paying for endless global warfare. It’s a joke to talk about cutting social security, … --- ## [You discover a serial killer lives nearby and her kids go to school with your kids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-discover-a-serial-killer-lives-nearby-and-her-kids-go-to-school-with-your-kids/752708)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2021, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-discover-a-serial-killer-lives-nearby-and-her-kids-go-to-school-with-your-kids/752708 "2021-11-14T00:59:31Z")
Not a Skaldian hypothesis but a real event. Chateauguay is a suburb of Montreal. Over the weekend, a news reporter was going around to folks in the neighbourhood, asking for their reaction to the news that Karla Homolk… --- ## [Cheap, low-tech ideas to make life better.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-low-tech-ideas-to-make-life-better/722340)
**Author:** [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2015, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-low-tech-ideas-to-make-life-better/722340 "2015-06-19T03:16:20Z")
Have you got any simple, cheap, low-tech ideas that in some small way could improve life? Qualifying suggestions should be genuinely useful even if only occasionally. Ideally they should also be handy and unobtrusive - w… --- ## [Snuff films in popular imagination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snuff-films-in-popular-imagination/688374)
**Author:** [@Vashbul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vashbul)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2014, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snuff-films-in-popular-imagination/688374 "2014-05-28T03:33:30Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1170/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-snuff-film The film titled “Snuff”, mentioned in the column, most certainly wasn’t the way the concept entered the public consciousness, but a bra… --- ## [It's a shame we can't watch television in 2014 without seeing ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-a-shame-we-cant-watch-television-in-2014-without-seeing/696330)
**Author:** [@7e42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/7e42)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2014, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-a-shame-we-cant-watch-television-in-2014-without-seeing/696330 "2014-08-30T02:01:23Z")
CANCER, DIABETES, and HEART DISEASE. Who the hell wants to see those depressing commercials while they are in the process of watch one fo their shows? What happened to commercials about cookies, veggies, plastic ware… --- ## [LOTR: Why no "Scouring of the Shire"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-why-no-scouring-of-the-shire/384635)
**Author:** [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2006, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-why-no-scouring-of-the-shire/384635 "2006-12-20T17:24:36Z")
TBS’s run of LOTR this weekend motivated me to break out the DVDs and I was once again astonished and saddened by the omission of the “Scouring of the Shire” from ROTK. The omission has been discussed in many a thread, … --- ## [Spiderman 2 -{spoilers}-](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiderman-2-spoilers/252818)
**Author:** [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Replies:** 242\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2004, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiderman-2-spoilers/252818 "2004-07-20T12:20:02Z")
I bought my tickets a few days ago and am going down to the theatre with some friends in about 30 minutes to get in line for the 12:01am showing. Anyone already seen it? No spoiler boxes needed. I’ll be back at about … --- ## [what's the deal with shaking hands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-shaking-hands/555078)
**Author:** [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-shaking-hands/555078 "2010-09-29T23:43:53Z")
Since this was inspired by a hijack of another thread, I suppose I should link to it, even though the original topic is unrelated. What I don’t understand is why people seem to get so offended at the idea that someone m… --- ## ["Unattractive" Celebrities: U Mad Bro?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unattractive-celebrities-u-mad-bro/689934)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2014, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unattractive-celebrities-u-mad-bro/689934 "2014-06-07T08:57:08Z")
In a thread debating Maggie Gyllenhaal’s attractiveness or lack of same, there were several posters who seemed personally offended that Gyllenhaal did not meet their standard of beauty. During the thread, Kimstu pointed … --- ## [Is there such a thing as tinted tape? (Keeping bright LEDs at bay)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-tinted-tape-keeping-bright-leds-at-bay/507734)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2009, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-tinted-tape-keeping-bright-leds-at-bay/507734 "2009-08-29T02:19:39Z")
My house is never pitch black unless there’s a power outage… because every DVD player, TV, cable box, and wireless adapter has a blasted glowing LED. Some are less obtrusive than others - and the manufacturers, God bless… --- ## [21 Ways Rich People Think Differently](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/21-ways-rich-people-think-differently/633905)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2012, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/21-ways-rich-people-think-differently/633905 "2012-10-26T15:58:28Z")
21 Ways Rich People Think Differently In summary \[explanations removed for brevity and copyright\]: Average people think MONEY is the root of all evil. Rich people believe POVERTY is the root of all evil. Average … --- ## [Physicists don't believe in global warming anymore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-dont-believe-in-global-warming-anymore/457005)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2008, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-dont-believe-in-global-warming-anymore/457005 "2008-09-04T04:18:53Z")
“The American Physical Society, an organization representing nearly 50,000 physicists, has reversed its stance on climate change and is now proclaiming that many of its members disbelieve in human-induced global warming.… --- ## ["Witness"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witness/30801)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2002, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witness/30801 "2002-11-10T11:19:27Z")
Statement that poster is a Christian. Disavowal of intention to start an argument. Statement of faith. Ad hominim attack on previous thread that discussed religion. Vague argument that Christianity is true, with several… --- ## [Bot3 - losing the election is \*not\* an acceptable excuse for picking on a person down on their luck!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bot3-losing-the-election-is-not-an-acceptable-excuse-for-picking-on-a-person-down-on-their-luck/640351)
**Author:** [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2012, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bot3-losing-the-election-is-not-an-acceptable-excuse-for-picking-on-a-person-down-on-their-luck/640351 "2012-11-14T06:10:58Z")
From this thread. I rarely start threads in the Pit, and I don’t think I’ve ever started one aimed at another Doper, but I feel you crossed the line here. So… bot3, you are an asshole, and stupid to boot. First and fore… --- ## [Lost 2.11: "The Hunting Party"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-2-11-the-hunting-party/340518)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2006, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-2-11-the-hunting-party/340518 "2006-01-25T17:57:28Z")
First, the thread rules: I have high hopes for this episode. I love the previews: This is our island… it’s not your island! I hope that isn’t the end of the episode. I want to see who is holding those torches… Fro… --- ## [English actors adopting American accents and vice versa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-actors-adopting-american-accents-and-vice-versa/487958)
**Author:** [@aaslatten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aaslatten)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2022, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-actors-adopting-american-accents-and-vice-versa/487958 "2022-04-14T19:16:41Z")
Is it just my imagination, or do English actors (e.g., Hugh Laurie, Kate Winslet, John Mahoney) do a much better job in general of emulating an American accent than the other way around? If so, why is that? --- ## [A Very Grumpy MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-very-grumpy-mmp/768140)
**Author:** [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Replies:** 277\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2016, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-very-grumpy-mmp/768140 "2016-10-17T02:36:39Z")
blurf eta - I shall now compose the tale of the reason for my grump. It’ll be in another post --- ## [So, why didn't the Death Star just blow up Yavin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-didnt-the-death-star-just-blow-up-yavin/596709)
**Author:** [@diku](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diku)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2011, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-didnt-the-death-star-just-blow-up-yavin/596709 "2011-09-27T16:27:59Z")
Seriously? As soon as the guy says 30 minutes to rebel base, Tarkin should say “Wait, let’s back up and jut blow up the big GIANT planet in front of the moon.”. I think that would’ve been quicker. Watching my blu rays … --- ## ["The Affair": New Showtime Series \*\*spoilers\*\*](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-affair-new-showtime-series-spoilers/701200)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2014, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-affair-new-showtime-series-spoilers/701200 "2014-12-27T22:08:44Z")
Anyone watch this? I liked it quite a bit. It was a bit confusing with the two different versions of the meeting, but I’m guessing this is the two of the recalling events differently quite a few years later as they ar… --- ## [Who was the worse coloniser - the British or the Spanish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-worse-coloniser-the-british-or-the-spanish/501238)
**Author:** [@SomeBodyUK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SomeBodyUK)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2011, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-worse-coloniser-the-british-or-the-spanish/501238 "2011-01-26T19:07:28Z")
I started taking a Spanish class last week - an the instructor starts talking about American history. She said that the Spanish were better colonisers that the British, cos the British killed everybody off, and the Spani… --- ## [Is or was a duel to the death legal in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-or-was-a-duel-to-the-death-legal-in-the-us/573976)
**Author:** [@concerned1975](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/concerned1975)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-or-was-a-duel-to-the-death-legal-in-the-us/573976 "2011-03-09T20:20:42Z")
Suppose that you’ve been challenged to a duel. You participate, and as fate would have it, emerge the victor. Are you now to be charged with murder? There are famous duels in American history, such as Burr-Hamilton. I… --- ## [Am I enlightened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-enlightened/450581)
**Author:** [@Friedah35](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Friedah35)\ **Replies:** 223\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-enlightened/450581 "2008-06-12T02:17:22Z")
I have frequented this message board off and on for several years now, as I have found some of the debates to be interesting and so forth. But now I submit my first post, as I am seeking a challenge from the logical, in… --- ## [The inevitable "I left it out overnight, is it safe to eat" question - yep, need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-inevitable-i-left-it-out-overnight-is-it-safe-to-eat-question-yep-need-answer-fast/662630)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2013, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-inevitable-i-left-it-out-overnight-is-it-safe-to-eat-question-yep-need-answer-fast/662630 "2013-07-08T06:03:13Z")
So I made a potato salad late last night. It contains potatoes boiled in water and a 9% white vinegar mix (about 1/4 cup), and has a nice vinegary smell. For the binder, I used mayo mixed with Miracle Whip, and added in … --- ## [If not a wall, what should there be at the border?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-not-a-wall-what-should-there-be-at-the-border/786937)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2017, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-not-a-wall-what-should-there-be-at-the-border/786937 "2017-07-24T04:41:19Z")
There is a great deal of opposition to the wall being built on the border, but I would like to ask what the alternative is, then: As I understand it, the border between the USA and Mexico has a varied number of features… --- ## [NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-collective-bargaining-agreement-thread/570575)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2011, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-collective-bargaining-agreement-thread/570575 "2011-02-12T03:18:51Z")
… AKA The NFL Lockout Thread. The Super Bowl is over and the NFL Draft is a solid 80 days away. Free Agency might get stopped before it starts. Which means that all we’ll have to discuss for the indefinite future is the… --- ## [What is the Chick Fil A attraction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-chick-fil-a-attraction/781234)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2017, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-chick-fil-a-attraction/781234 "2017-03-10T00:59:03Z")
So after seeing the ridiculous crowds at the opening a new Chick Fil A near my workplace, and the huge daily lunch lines nearly a year later, and after reading this thread, it’s pretty clear to me that Chick Fil A is pre… --- ## [My neighbor just told me he heard my phone call!!! WTF!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-just-told-me-he-heard-my-phone-call-wtf/564096)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2010, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-just-told-me-he-heard-my-phone-call-wtf/564096 "2010-12-17T16:40:14Z")
I apologize in advance if I sound snarky, but I’m really fucking pissed off and I need some answers! I have a V-Tech cordless telephone that is 3.2 gigs and digital spread spectrum. This technology is supposed to be im… --- ## [Why haven't humans ever evolved pointy elf-like ears?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-humans-ever-evolved-pointy-elf-like-ears/734488)
**Author:** [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-humans-ever-evolved-pointy-elf-like-ears/734488 "2016-05-25T07:26:15Z")
It’s a common trope in fantasy and science fiction for non-human races like elves and Vulcans to sport distinctive, pointy ears. In fact, Spock’s pointy ears were developed as a really inexpensive way to make him instan… --- ## [How to get rid of new car smell quickly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-new-car-smell-quickly/220822)
**Author:** [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2003, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-new-car-smell-quickly/220822 "2003-12-25T14:30:10Z")
Dilemma: Wife wants to buy a new car. Wife gets nauseous when exposed to “new car smell.” What’s a quick and effective way to get rid of the “new car smell” so my wife won’t toss her cookies when we go for a celebrato… --- ## [What if Hillary gets indicted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-hillary-gets-indicted/737397)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-hillary-gets-indicted/737397 "2015-11-20T14:21:30Z")
It seems that most Dems are steadfastly ignoring the FBI investigation into Hillary’s e-mail trouble. As last count, the FBI is looking into not only if she mishandled classified info, but if she lied or obstructed just… --- ## [What is a solid state speed control device?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-solid-state-speed-control-device/507050)
**Author:** [@I\_Know\_Nothing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Know_Nothing)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2010, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-solid-state-speed-control-device/507050 "2010-03-03T03:27:13Z")
I just bought a fan from Walmart and actually read the instructions. It gave one warning telling not use it with a solid state speed control device. What is that? --- ## [How many new people have health insurance due to obamacare now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-new-people-have-health-insurance-due-to-obamacare-now/684835)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2015, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-new-people-have-health-insurance-due-to-obamacare-now/684835 "2015-08-01T22:07:19Z")
In between the Medicaid expansion, the exchanges and people 18-26 being on their parents plans how many new people are now covered? I’ve heard 15-20 million, is that about right? However some of those aren’t new, they we… --- ## [The UK and the EU - what gives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-uk-and-the-eu-what-gives/702636)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2014, 9:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-uk-and-the-eu-what-gives/702636 "2014-11-12T09:41:52Z")
It seems lately that barely a week goes by without some new horror story about the antics of the European Union, or at least, someone getting upset about something the EU has apparently done. The UK in particular seems … --- ## [Let's Abolish the Institution of Marriage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-abolish-the-institution-of-marriage/650788)
**Author:** [@pchaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pchaos)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2013, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-abolish-the-institution-of-marriage/650788 "2013-03-10T20:21:06Z")
It’s a divisive issue. What would replace it? What would the world be like then? Although this an open-ended thread, I would like to avoid the we would have orgies in the street type response. --- ## [Shameless season 4 (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shameless-season-4-open-spoilers/679163)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2014, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shameless-season-4-open-spoilers/679163 "2014-04-10T17:34:10Z")
There isn’t a thread yet? So far it looks like it’s off to a good start. It’ll be interesting to see Fiona working a normal office job, at least while it lasts. Her new boyfriend is hotter than Jimmy. Carl givin… --- ## [What are the "standard" table condiments in other countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-standard-table-condiments-in-other-countries/545091)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-standard-table-condiments-in-other-countries/545091 "2010-07-06T04:22:38Z")
In American, when you sit down at the table of a ‘casual’ restaurant (as in, not fast food but way below white tablecloth) you’ll almost always find salt and pepper, packets of sugar and pink & blue fake sugar, ketchup … --- ## [Would a man saying "I'm a feminist" to explain his lack of deferential manners to dates be OK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-man-saying-im-a-feminist-to-explain-his-lack-of-deferential-manners-to-dates-be-ok/784578)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2017, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-man-saying-im-a-feminist-to-explain-his-lack-of-deferential-manners-to-dates-be-ok/784578 "2017-05-03T17:13:22Z")
In reading thisarticleabout the Wall Street Bull and Fearless Girl by author Amanda Marcotte and what appropriate feminist reactions should be I wondered just how much latitude a man would be given if he deliberately ign… --- ## [Could the brain injury risk kill American football at the high school level? (and thus the game)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-brain-injury-risk-kill-american-football-at-the-high-school-level-and-thus-the-game/711693)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2015, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-brain-injury-risk-kill-american-football-at-the-high-school-level-and-thus-the-game/711693 "2015-02-11T05:43:21Z")
Articles like this onemention that televised football is currently in a very healthy state. But, there are some ominous signs. The thing that is most problematic about American football is that at the high school level… --- ## [The "One sentence of good advice" thread.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-one-sentence-of-good-advice-thread/642265)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2012, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-one-sentence-of-good-advice-thread/642265 "2012-12-05T13:16:26Z")
Check the air in your spare tire. --- ## [Are tattoos a requirement in today's dating circles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-a-requirement-in-todays-dating-circles/614741)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2014, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-a-requirement-in-todays-dating-circles/614741 "2014-02-08T20:57:41Z")
Perhaps it’s because of my age (44), but tattoos don’t really do anything for me. I don’t have any, nor do I plan on getting them. I certainly don’t think less of anyone who has tattoos; I just find them unattractive. W… --- ## [Khadaji's Whatcha Readin - May 2013 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-may-2013-edition/657149)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2013, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-may-2013-edition/657149 "2013-05-31T20:14:54Z")
The time is flying by - it is already May for some regular posters. The thing is, I had barely got the hang of April, and there it is - gone! I’ve just finished the omnibus edition ‘The Young Hornblower’, comprising th… --- ## [Could the placenta continue to function?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-placenta-continue-to-function/736909)
**Author:** [@Nullpersona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nullpersona)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-placenta-continue-to-function/736909 "2015-11-20T19:39:04Z")
Could a placenta continue to function in a proper environment, if not amputated from the infant? --- ## [DO opera singers know what they're singing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-opera-singers-know-what-theyre-singing/543633)
**Author:** [@SantaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SantaMan)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2010, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-opera-singers-know-what-theyre-singing/543633 "2010-06-24T06:26:44Z")
I understand that some non English-speaking band members sing English songs phonetically. Do professional opera singers know all the languages that they sing? If so, to what degree? Just enough to know the words they si… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=412&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=414&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)