# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=459&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:** 460 --- ## [How to clean graffiti off of brick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-clean-graffiti-off-of-brick/585493)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-clean-graffiti-off-of-brick/585493 "2012-03-21T22:04:59Z")
Would a power washer clean spray paint off of a brick house? If not, how would you do it? --- ## [Feel guilty about taking a sick day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feel-guilty-about-taking-a-sick-day/563999)
**Author:** [@kushiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kushiel)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2010, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feel-guilty-about-taking-a-sick-day/563999 "2010-12-17T14:47:56Z")
My parents always drilled into my head that unless you’re puking all over the place, physically unable to get out of bed or highly contagious you suck it up and go to work. I’ve got an annoying cold and got little sleep… --- ## [Oh how the times are changing. Corporal punishment.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-how-the-times-are-changing-corporal-punishment/698693)
**Author:** [@liontamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liontamer)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2014, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-how-the-times-are-changing-corporal-punishment/698693 "2014-09-23T19:38:41Z")
With Adrien Peterson’s story all over the news I thought I would start a discussion about discipline v abuse. I am 50ish. I got switched by my gramma (go cut a switch and if it’s too short I’ll cut one myself). My mom u… --- ## [Can you assess a cat's personality while it is a kitten?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-assess-a-cats-personality-while-it-is-a-kitten/384916)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2006, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-assess-a-cats-personality-while-it-is-a-kitten/384916 "2006-12-23T03:54:12Z")
A friend of mine is looking to adopt a kitten. Of course she wants a sweet, affectionate cat but we have both had experiences where a sweet, nice kitten grows in to be an unfriendly brat that has little to do with anyon… --- ## [Does the idea of a thirty year old virgin athelete genuinely play well in America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-a-thirty-year-old-virgin-athelete-genuinely-play-well-in-america/631170)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2012, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-idea-of-a-thirty-year-old-virgin-athelete-genuinely-play-well-in-america/631170 "2012-08-14T01:54:59Z")
I see that Lolo Jones, who I would very much like to have sex with (in the correct circumstances) is an American athelete at these games but she’s also making a big deal out of being a virgin. But she’s THIRTY for goodn… --- ## [Everybody makes fun of NJ for being awful. What does NJ have that's the best you can get anywhere?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everybody-makes-fun-of-nj-for-being-awful-what-does-nj-have-thats-the-best-you-can-get-anywhere/623726)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2012, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everybody-makes-fun-of-nj-for-being-awful-what-does-nj-have-thats-the-best-you-can-get-anywhere/623726 "2012-06-19T12:33:27Z")
Surely there must be something? --- ## [SNL Black Jeopardy with Tom Hanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-black-jeopardy-with-tom-hanks/769559)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2016, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-black-jeopardy-with-tom-hanks/769559 "2016-10-29T14:34:33Z")
I believe it is one of the best SNL sketches of all time. It gives me hope that the divisions between are just illusory. "NOT A DAMN THING!" I can't stop giggling at that. Tom did a great job. --- ## [Practically Perfect in Every Way. Mary Poppins, this is NOT your MMP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practically-perfect-in-every-way-mary-poppins-this-is-not-your-mmp/557535)
**Author:** [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Replies:** 202\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2010, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practically-perfect-in-every-way-mary-poppins-this-is-not-your-mmp/557535 "2010-10-25T02:39:31Z")
I suppose this is somewhat inspired by my lifelong love of most things Mary Poppins and specifically the incident occurring at 2:53 in this video. However, it’s not really about Mary Poppins at all. This is about all o… --- ## [How many people do you know who smoke in the house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-do-you-know-who-smoke-in-the-house/607768)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2015, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-do-you-know-who-smoke-in-the-house/607768 "2015-02-28T16:14:47Z")
We went over to Jim’s aunt’s house again this Christmas Eve, and once again I marvelled at them smoking in the house. I see people smoking outside of their houses all the time, but since I’m not a smoker, I don’t know ho… --- ## [Why can't US tourists visit Cuba?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-us-tourists-visit-cuba/612443)
**Author:** [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [February 29, 2012, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-us-tourists-visit-cuba/612443 "2012-02-29T23:18:40Z")
The other Cuba thread got me wondering. I understand the events of the 1950s and 1960s, but why is this still an issue in 2012? The only explanation I’ve seen is the powerful Cuban-American lobby, but it just doesn’t mak… --- ## [Suppose we \*don't\* find alien life...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-we-dont-find-alien-life/690560)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-we-dont-find-alien-life/690560 "2014-06-16T23:45:42Z")
There has been much speculation over the years about what the social/cultural effects would be if we found life on another planet. But let’s say we don’t find any. Specifically, let’s say that sometime in the next cent… --- ## [We finally receive a message from space indicating intelligence. Do we respond? S. Hawking says no.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-finally-receive-a-message-from-space-indicating-intelligence-do-we-respond-s-hawking-says-no/537364)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2010, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-finally-receive-a-message-from-space-indicating-intelligence-do-we-respond-s-hawking-says-no/537364 "2010-04-29T02:49:47Z")
I’ve always assumed that if the human race got a message from outer space indicating intelligence we would respond and try to communicate. Noted astrophysicist Stephen Hawking apparently says “not so fast”. Would it be … --- ## [How do I run a water line through my basement wall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-run-a-water-line-through-my-basement-wall/630619)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2012, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-run-a-water-line-through-my-basement-wall/630619 "2012-08-07T12:52:56Z")
We live in central Ohio. I just built a barn. It is located about 300 feet from the house. I’d like to run a water line to the barn from the house. The idea is to drill a hole through the concrete wall in our basement (… --- ## [A new start, on a new Earth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-start-on-a-new-earth/709467)
**Author:** [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2015, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-start-on-a-new-earth/709467 "2015-01-25T21:29:01Z")
So, the hypothetical is, a device has been invented that allows access to “sideways” versions of Earth - ones in different universes where things have worked out differently. There’s a lot of them, though, and the way th… --- ## [Battle of the Asian Titans: India vs. China in conventional war](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battle-of-the-asian-titans-india-vs-china-in-conventional-war/543258)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battle-of-the-asian-titans-india-vs-china-in-conventional-war/543258 "2010-07-06T17:40:56Z")
Years from now, after making peace with Pakistan, India aims at possible territorial expansion. China thinks the same. Supposing India and China come to blows over a territorial dispute. The US, Russia, and Pakistan de… --- ## [Trump's Supreme Court nominee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-supreme-court-nominee/921092)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 384\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2020, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-supreme-court-nominee/921092 "2020-10-29T13:33:11Z")
Going on the assumption that he will(as stated by him) nominate a woman in the next week, who do you think will be the nominee? My guess would be Sarah Palin, because her name comes up often enough for him to remember i… --- ## [Why is the sun yellow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-sun-yellow/556976)
**Author:** [@falcotron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/falcotron)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-sun-yellow/556976 "2010-10-20T21:20:52Z")
This has been bugging me all day, and Googling for the answer only turned up two pages by astronomers who wish they knew the answer, so I figured I need to ask someone. The sun is yellow. But sunlight is white.\* Why? A… --- ## [SDMB Weight Loss Thread: January Version](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-thread-january-version/479606)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 294\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2009, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-thread-january-version/479606 "2009-01-30T21:47:24Z")
It’s 2009, a new year! Let’s go! I will put in my monthly plug for SparkPeople. I fully credit them with my 35 pound weight loss (and I’ve kept it off for going on four months, baby! I do love shopping for size 6 cl… --- ## [Sarah Palin: Obama "pussyfooting"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-palin-obama-pussyfooting/580752)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-palin-obama-pussyfooting/580752 "2011-05-13T21:39:38Z")
According to Sarah Palin, Obama is “pussyfooting” for not releasing pictures of bin Laden. Yes, the guy whose administration ACTUALLY FUCKING KILLED BIN LADEN by authorizing a raid so fucking daring and badass Chuck Nor… --- ## [Philosophical Difference between Spouses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philosophical-difference-between-spouses/611626)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2012, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philosophical-difference-between-spouses/611626 "2012-02-08T01:14:51Z")
My wife and I are having a minor disagreement. We just recently moved, to a town we lived in several years ago, and last night she had a welcome party thrown for her by a friend and some former co-workers. At this get-… --- ## [Whole language vs phonics - is it really this vicious a debate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-language-vs-phonics-is-it-really-this-vicious-a-debate/778125)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-language-vs-phonics-is-it-really-this-vicious-a-debate/778125 "2017-02-20T02:53:12Z")
So I listen to the generally excellent podcast Lexicon Valley, which discusses issues of language, usually interesting etymologies and so forth. I just listened to the Jan. 10 episode, and it featured an interview with M… --- ## [the prevalence of pedophilia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prevalence-of-pedophilia/483702)
**Author:** [@MichaelJohnBertrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelJohnBertrand)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2009, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prevalence-of-pedophilia/483702 "2009-02-11T01:20:22Z")
Not sure if this topic is “hot” enough: This might belong more in the “General Question” section, but I figure, better safe than sorry. Now I realize that it’s hard to know this, but what do you think is the prevalence … --- ## [Does the Do Not Call List Expire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-do-not-call-list-expire/640386)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2012, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-do-not-call-list-expire/640386 "2012-11-16T05:19:13Z")
My mom started getting calls last week. Now I’m getting the damn things. “The FBI has reported” and “Cardholder services”. :mad: :mad: :mad: Filthy scum. I nearly cracked the phone slamming it down. Do we have to renew… --- ## [How to make ice without electricity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-ice-without-electricity/621916)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2012, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-ice-without-electricity/621916 "2012-05-31T03:27:50Z")
Hello, I am dog80. Like a true Greek, my favourite drink is Frappé. If you read the news lately you probably know that Greece is moments away from becoming a post apocalyptic wasteland like in Mad Max. Now, while I hav… --- ## [Places that became tourist attractions for one reason](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/places-that-became-tourist-attractions-for-one-reason/955998)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2022, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/places-that-became-tourist-attractions-for-one-reason/955998 "2022-01-19T16:32:06Z")
Did tourists go to Liverpool before the Beatles? Would Gettysburg be anything but a small PA town if not for the battle? Would Pisa be a world destination if not for the tower? Any other examples? It doesn’t have to … --- ## [Can you damage someone's hearing by blowing an air horn into a phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-damage-someones-hearing-by-blowing-an-air-horn-into-a-phone/634950)
**Author:** [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2012, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-damage-someones-hearing-by-blowing-an-air-horn-into-a-phone/634950 "2012-09-18T00:13:35Z")
In the telemarketer pit thread, someone suggested blasting telemarketers with an horn, but this was challenged as possibly harming the telemarketer and resulting in lawsuits and possibly jail. Is that true? Can you actu… --- ## [Can a freefalling helicopter start its engine, or otherwise save itself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-freefalling-helicopter-start-its-engine-or-otherwise-save-itself/655850)
**Author:** [@wei\_ji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wei_ji)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2013, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-freefalling-helicopter-start-its-engine-or-otherwise-save-itself/655850 "2013-04-23T18:14:52Z")
In the James Bond movie, “Die Another Day,” Bond (pierce Brosnan) and CIA agent Jinx (Halle Berry) board an MD-600N NOTAR helicopter, which is then ejected from the rear bay door of a burning and disintegrating cargo pla… --- ## [Early 19th century comic strip character "The Yellow Kid" a racist portrayal of Asians... What?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-19th-century-comic-strip-character-the-yellow-kid-a-racist-portrayal-of-asians-what/723590)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2018, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-19th-century-comic-strip-character-the-yellow-kid-a-racist-portrayal-of-asians-what/723590 "2018-12-19T21:42:00Z")
In this “list” site the number 1 most offensive comic strip or comic book character of all time is … “The Yellow Kid” for caricaturing Asians. I cannot find anything authoritative in the wiki or online that supports this… --- ## [The Toyota woman gets less attractive in each successive commercial.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-toyota-woman-gets-less-attractive-in-each-successive-commercial/729555)
**Author:** [@Stringbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringbean)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2015, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-toyota-woman-gets-less-attractive-in-each-successive-commercial/729555 "2015-09-05T23:53:19Z")
It bothers me. --- ## [China's south china sea adventure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-south-china-sea-adventure/720594)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2015, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-south-china-sea-adventure/720594 "2015-06-02T04:03:40Z")
I didn’t see any threads on this so wondering what 'dopers thoughts are on the recent developments in the South China Sea. For anyone who doesn’t know what’s been happening, here is a recent CNN report on the subject, i… --- ## [Wishful thinking and the Science of Religion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wishful-thinking-and-the-science-of-religion/443088)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 212\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wishful-thinking-and-the-science-of-religion/443088 "2008-04-17T13:08:06Z")
Hi you lot, it’s nice to be back, if only briefly. I’ve recently reread a couple of excellent books by two of my favourite writers, Profs. Dawkins & Dennett: The God Delusion and Breaking the Spell. I’ve also had a loo… --- ## [Do I need to carry my insurance card with me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-to-carry-my-insurance-card-with-me/599335)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-to-carry-my-insurance-card-with-me/599335 "2011-10-14T07:22:26Z")
I’ve always carried my insurance card with me. The basic member ID and plan info. Thinking has been that if I’m ever in an incapacitating incident, the hospital staff will look in my wallet, find I’m insured, and the pro… --- ## [Texas Board of Education meeting -- Jesus Christ, why do we have to listen to these clowns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-board-of-education-meeting-jesus-christ-why-do-we-have-to-listen-to-these-clowns/540275)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2010, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-board-of-education-meeting-jesus-christ-why-do-we-have-to-listen-to-these-clowns/540275 "2010-06-06T15:19:40Z")
The Texas State Board of Education has been meeting this week to determine standards for curricula (standards with have national implications since they affect textbooks for the entire country). Read the article and wee… --- ## [Is a box spring required for a mattress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-box-spring-required-for-a-mattress/46873)
**Author:** [@ATTGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ATTGuy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2000, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-box-spring-required-for-a-mattress/46873 "2000-12-23T10:40:51Z")
I just bought a new bed frame at IKEA, the bestest home furnishing store ever. Rather than the usual setup of rails on the side where a box spring would lay, it has wooden slats that go across the entire bottom of the fr… --- ## [ladyfoxfyre \>\> step in please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladyfoxfyre-step-in-please/407961)
**Author:** [@diggleblop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggleblop)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2007, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladyfoxfyre-step-in-please/407961 "2007-06-20T05:15:10Z")
Since my thread was closed and I didn’t have a chance to respond in the way I wanted to respond, I’ll do it here. I actually didn’t read your posts until the thread was closed. \[QUOTE=ladyfoxfyre\] Um, from the pharmac… --- ## [How close did they come to admitting Xena and Gabriele were dykes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-close-did-they-come-to-admitting-xena-and-gabriele-were-dykes/418962)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2007, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-close-did-they-come-to-admitting-xena-and-gabriele-were-dykes/418962 "2007-09-15T00:56:10Z")
I remember the show “Xena the Warrior Princess” from the 90’s, starring Lucy Lawless. I was always fascinated by the way the show sort of suggested that Xena and Gabrielle (or Gabriella) were Lesbians. I think because it… --- ## [To my friend on FaceBook who has been spewing anti-healthcare-reform messages for the past 6 months](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-my-friend-on-facebook-who-has-been-spewing-anti-healthcare-reform-messages-for-the-past-6-months/516277)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2009, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-my-friend-on-facebook-who-has-been-spewing-anti-healthcare-reform-messages-for-the-past-6-months/516277 "2009-11-09T22:29:45Z")
I’m really, really sorry that your childhood friend’s son has cancer. It’s really tough when a 5 year old gets horribly sick, and I feel for you and his family. No pitting here; I truly do feel badly. And that’s why I’m … --- ## [I propose we bring back corporal punishment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-propose-we-bring-back-corporal-punishment/539339)
**Author:** [@carm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carm)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2010, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-propose-we-bring-back-corporal-punishment/539339 "2010-05-18T02:28:07Z")
How about it? This is not some “those criminals deserve to be beaten to within an inch of their lives” thread - I actually think prison is far, far crueler than corporal punishment, and has several really bad downsides. … --- ## [Ultimate Soldier Challenge (History Channel)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultimate-soldier-challenge-history-channel/651658)
**Author:** [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2013, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultimate-soldier-challenge-history-channel/651658 "2013-03-26T21:43:34Z")
Anyone watching this? I’ve only seen the second episode. I’m not normally a fan of reality television shows but this one has real soldiers doing soldiery things: hostage rescue, sniper shooting, knife fighting, etc. Beat… --- ## [Cooks - why are chicken breasts pounded or butterflied?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooks-why-are-chicken-breasts-pounded-or-butterflied/627932)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2012, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooks-why-are-chicken-breasts-pounded-or-butterflied/627932 "2012-07-16T14:54:05Z")
I’m seeing recipes for chicken breasts that want it butterflied or pounded. Some want both. :smiley: Others say cut the tender out of the breast and then butterfly. Whats the point in making a breast so thin? … --- ## [Mitsubishi 3000GT - crap?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitsubishi-3000gt-crap/495911)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2009, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitsubishi-3000gt-crap/495911 "2009-09-24T14:42:44Z")
I’m currently in the market for a new car. My criteria are basically that it be a coupe and have leather seats, although I am also considering a BMW 7-series that’s in excellent condition for the price. I was all set to … --- ## [Sequel Names That Should Have Been](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sequel-names-that-should-have-been/546158)
**Author:** [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sequel-names-that-should-have-been/546158 "2010-09-08T16:38:19Z")
The Silence of the Pigs --- ## [Jesus FUCK how do people deal with Windows????](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-fuck-how-do-people-deal-with-windows/475979)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2008, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-fuck-how-do-people-deal-with-windows/475979 "2008-12-17T20:29:20Z")
Jesus FUCKING Christ… ALL I WANT TO KNOW IS WHERE THE FUCK THE DOWNLOADED FILES ENDED UP, GODDAMMIT!!! I swear it is not fucking possible for me to be in Windows for longer than 5 minutes without wanting to STRANGLE Gat… --- ## [Things that almost always ruin a movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-almost-always-ruin-a-movie/488759)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2009, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-almost-always-ruin-a-movie/488759 "2009-03-14T04:44:20Z")
\[ul\] \[li\]Old people makeup. It \*never \*works, and you spend the whole scene trying either to overlook it or to figure out \*why \*it doesn’t work\[/li\]\[li\]Actors with only one name\[/li\]\[li\]Plastic surgery that’s above the … --- ## [The Prettiest/Handsomest Teens in TV History](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prettiest-handsomest-teens-in-tv-history/497076)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2009, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prettiest-handsomest-teens-in-tv-history/497076 "2009-05-23T07:19:52Z")
Finding out in the recent 30 Rock thread that Katrina Bowden started when she was only 17 got me thinking. Most “teens” in tv shows are at least 18, because that frees them from the schooling requirements. Teens in thei… --- ## [Your funeral song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-funeral-song/711827)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2015, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-funeral-song/711827 "2015-02-12T06:43:33Z")
Mine played loud by a full band. What do you want playing while they put you in the ground? --- ## [Is there any land you can still buy (or otherwise peaceably acquire) to form your own country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-land-you-can-still-buy-or-otherwise-peaceably-acquire-to-form-your-own-country/701970)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2014, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-land-you-can-still-buy-or-otherwise-peaceably-acquire-to-form-your-own-country/701970 "2014-10-31T04:12:35Z")
If a group of 99 eclectic millionaires grew bored of the status quo and wanted to start their own micronation without resorting to violence or conquest, could they? Are there any current countries that would sell them so… --- ## [Your All-Time Favorite Black & White Movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-all-time-favorite-black-white-movies/744284)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2016, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-all-time-favorite-black-white-movies/744284 "2016-03-10T23:48:42Z")
There are many fabulous B&W movies and one of the best things about them is they are virtually unknown by modern audiences. So, I hope that you will find some movies in this thread that you will truly enjoy. I’ve though… --- ## [Botticelli - July 2017](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-july-2017/790722)
**Author:** [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Replies:** 261\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-july-2017/790722 "2017-08-01T20:11:36Z")
I was never a Boy Scout either, or even a Cub Scout, but I’ve known who Green Bar Bill was for at least fifty years. Though it wasn’t until I thought of using him for a game a few weeks back and looked him up in Wikiped… --- ## [Funnier stand-up comedian: George Carlin or Richard Pryor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funnier-stand-up-comedian-george-carlin-or-richard-pryor/596350)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2012, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funnier-stand-up-comedian-george-carlin-or-richard-pryor/596350 "2012-09-08T01:17:14Z")
Let me emphasize, this is only about stand-up comedy, not any acting gigs. Who was the funnier comedian? Now George has died, too, and some time has passed, I thought it’d be a good to look at these two again. Who do y… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=458&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=460&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)