# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=486&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:** 487 --- ## [Who is the longest "lived" fictional character](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-longest-lived-fictional-character/234587)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-longest-lived-fictional-character/234587 "2026-04-22T14:21:26Z")
I’ve just gotten back into P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster stories, and I noticed with some surprise that the first Jeeves story appeared in 1916 and the last was written (or at least begun) in 1974, for a “lifespan”… --- ## [I met a woman who verbalizes her every thought as she thinks it. What's she got? OCD? Tourette's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-met-a-woman-who-verbalizes-her-every-thought-as-she-thinks-it-whats-she-got-ocd-tourettes/652963)
**Author:** [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2013, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-met-a-woman-who-verbalizes-her-every-thought-as-she-thinks-it-whats-she-got-ocd-tourettes/652963 "2013-03-16T14:42:59Z")
Today I had an encounter with a woman who verbalized to herself every thought as she thought it. She sat at her desk and moved around the room in constant-speech mode. Now, I don’t mean she talked to herself a lot; I mea… --- ## [Omni-benevolent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omni-benevolent-omnipotent-and-omniscient/571346)
**Author:** [@JimNightshade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimNightshade)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2011, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omni-benevolent-omnipotent-and-omniscient/571346 "2011-12-27T06:26:56Z")
Hallo, First off, I guess I must be described as a Christian, at least that would be my cultural background. As a matter of fact though – I have never practised religion, it plays no part in my life, nor my family. I … --- ## [The largest prick character actor in Hollywood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-largest-prick-character-actor-in-hollywood/542070)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2010, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-largest-prick-character-actor-in-hollywood/542070 "2010-06-09T04:04:37Z")
I’m working on a project, and in the background, Die Hard is on. The actor that plays reporter Richard Thornberg (William Atherton) plays the perfect prick. He’s not a likable character, he’s got a face that has a perm… --- ## [How did we even get to talking about a revolution? (Chris Hedges article on Salon)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-we-even-get-to-talking-about-a-revolution-chris-hedges-article-on-salon/721689)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-we-even-get-to-talking-about-a-revolution-chris-hedges-article-on-salon/721689 "2015-06-12T20:13:25Z")
The article: We are in a revolutionary moment”: Chris Hedges explains why an uprising is coming — and soon Let’s go back to 1999, 2000, 2001. 14 years ago. Was anybody talking like this? The only place you would have s… --- ## [9/11: How We Shouldn't Have Responded](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-how-we-shouldnt-have-responded/595476)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2011, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-how-we-shouldnt-have-responded/595476 "2011-09-13T02:14:44Z")
http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/war-peace/sept-11th/6557-our-post-9-11-world-a-ten-year-retrospective.html#disqus\_thread This “alternate world” is really an ode to gratuitous nuclear mass murder, and rabid, illogical … --- ## [Trump calls Bush the "Worst President Ever." Is he correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-calls-bush-the-worst-president-ever-is-he-correct/396345)
**Author:** [@aluminumdisc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aluminumdisc)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2017, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-calls-bush-the-worst-president-ever-is-he-correct/396345 "2017-10-08T19:14:08Z")
On CNN this week Donald Trump called George W. Bush the “Worst President Ever.” What do you think? Foreign policy, Domestic policy, what else will we judge our Presidents by. --- ## [The British Feud Is Coming! The British Feud Is Coming! by 42fish \[Game Over\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-feud-is-coming-the-british-feud-is-coming-by-42fish-game-over/536456)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2010, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-feud-is-coming-the-british-feud-is-coming-by-42fish-game-over/536456 "2010-04-26T19:08:40Z")
Object of the game: Give the most popular answer for each category. Rules: No reading the thread before answering. This is on the honor system. Formatting rules must be followed (see below). Joke answers will not be… --- ## [Seattle Pub Trivia 2009: The Undiscovered Country](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seattle-pub-trivia-2009-the-undiscovered-country/481116)
**Author:** [@Saltire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saltire)\ **Replies:** 299\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2010, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seattle-pub-trivia-2009-the-undiscovered-country/481116 "2010-01-05T18:55:51Z")
It’s a new year, and time we had a new Seattle Pub Trivia thread. Here’s a link to The 2008 Thread. This is for those that want to participate in the SDMB member’s weekly attempt to show we’re smarter than the average b… --- ## [Don't touch my baby!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-touch-my-baby/92860)
**Author:** [@Bubble\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bubble_Girl)\ **Replies:** 254\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2001, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-touch-my-baby/92860 "2001-11-19T11:16:02Z")
I have a two month old daughter. While at the mall today with her, my husband, and 11 year old daughter she decides she is hungry and wants her diaper changed. While my husband heats up her bottle I take her into the wom… --- ## [Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell in "Hook"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julia-roberts-as-tinkerbell-in-hook/676030)
**Author:** [@Hottius\_Maximus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hottius_Maximus)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2013, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julia-roberts-as-tinkerbell-in-hook/676030 "2013-12-13T03:17:54Z")
Years ago a friend of mine mentioned to me that for some reason after the first day of shooting, Steven Spielberg was very displeased with Julia Roberts on the set, so much so that Spielberg spent that night rewriting th… --- ## [Things that bug you that are standard in film/TV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-bug-you-that-are-standard-in-film-tv/178660)
**Author:** [@Francis\_E\_Dec\_Esq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francis_E_Dec_Esq)\ **Replies:** 241\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2003, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-bug-you-that-are-standard-in-film-tv/178660 "2003-06-11T16:58:13Z")
I’m not sure how to categorize this, but there are little things that bug the hell out of me in movies/TV/commercials that are so commonplace as to almost be standard. glass bottles - X2 is latest film to show people in… --- ## [Howard Stern's ex remarried already!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/howard-sterns-ex-remarried-already/95943)
**Author:** [@Magic-Gro\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magic-Gro_Monster)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2001, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/howard-sterns-ex-remarried-already/95943 "2001-12-03T01:33:03Z")
Did I just mishear this? Did Howard just say that his ex-wife is already remarried? Didn’t they just get divoriced one year ago? --- ## [Why was there no "Reign of Terror" in the US revolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-there-no-reign-of-terror-in-the-us-revolution/603528)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2011, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-there-no-reign-of-terror-in-the-us-revolution/603528 "2011-11-26T18:13:10Z")
I know this is a huge question. Could anyone brief me? --- ## [Flea Market Flip, AKA Who Pays $700 at a FLEA MARKET?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flea-market-flip-aka-who-pays-700-at-a-flea-market/636398)
**Author:** [@Shecky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shecky)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2016, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flea-market-flip-aka-who-pays-700-at-a-flea-market/636398 "2016-05-15T15:37:00Z")
I recorded this because I like flea markets and wanted to get some idea on what’s the new hot item out there, but holy jeebus, they’re SO EXPENSIVE! For those of you not in the know - 2 teams of 2 people go out and buy … --- ## [Radio stations you listened to as a kid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-stations-you-listened-to-as-a-kid/625714)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2012, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-stations-you-listened-to-as-a-kid/625714 "2012-06-25T22:29:51Z")
Pretty self explanitory. For me: –before I was ten I listened mostly to the hometown AM country music station my mom loved. Me and my sister would also listen to its FM cousin, a top 40 station. –around 1985, the fir… --- ## [Dumb things in movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-things-in-movies/747433)
**Author:** [@Me\_Billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Me_Billy)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2016, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-things-in-movies/747433 "2016-03-09T23:28:25Z")
Chase scene: People running away from cars. Why do the people run down the street instead of simply running over to the sidewalk and into a nearby building where the car chasing them can’t go? Computer sounds. I’ve … --- ## [Does the moderate left in the US need a more radical left](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-moderate-left-in-the-us-need-a-more-radical-left/525412)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2010, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-moderate-left-in-the-us-need-a-more-radical-left/525412 "2010-01-25T01:47:46Z")
In the book ‘predictably irrational’ Dan Ariely talks about how some of our decisions are based on comparisons with other alternatives, and in some situations it is best to have a decoy alternative to make the ideal alte… --- ## [Cracked on UK and US forces at Normandy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cracked-on-uk-and-us-forces-at-normandy/658250)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2013, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cracked-on-uk-and-us-forces-at-normandy/658250 "2013-05-28T18:18:58Z")
Today’s Cracked Photoplasty is "Shocking facts that will change how you picture history. This here slide makes the point “1944, Normandy. The British second army: 83,115 Men. The US First Army: Approx. 73,000 Men”. … --- ## [Too-weak-for-the-Pit gripes from a hospital volunteer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-weak-for-the-pit-gripes-from-a-hospital-volunteer/609475)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2013, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-weak-for-the-pit-gripes-from-a-hospital-volunteer/609475 "2013-07-19T15:51:47Z")
Meaning me. Weak rants follow. To certain people who come through the front door: When I take your papers to Admitting so they can register you, please don’t ask me a mere two minutes later when they’re going to cal… --- ## [What is it with the BBQ pit forum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-the-bbq-pit-forum/567048)
**Author:** [@lisalan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisalan)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2011, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-the-bbq-pit-forum/567048 "2011-01-17T13:46:25Z")
I don’t get it. If the terms of service don’t allow personal attacks why was the pit forum created. I’m a new poster and I was shocked by the comments made against certain posters. I guess if someone upset me enough I w… --- ## [Oldest machines that are still in practical use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-machines-that-are-still-in-practical-use/722508)
**Author:** [@dr\_zippermeyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dr_zippermeyer)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2015, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-machines-that-are-still-in-practical-use/722508 "2015-09-16T14:00:22Z")
Please give me examples of old machines that are still in use - not because of nostalgic value but because they are still doing their job so well they don’t need to be replaced or redesigned. For example the tractor of m… --- ## ["Eminem - like toy soldiers" censored. Why? \[new title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eminem-like-toy-soldiers-censored-why-new-title/277402)
**Author:** [@bubastis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bubastis)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2016, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eminem-like-toy-soldiers-censored-why-new-title/277402 "2016-06-24T18:58:57Z")
in the eminem song “like toy soldiers”, he sings a line "i got through my whole career without mentioning (blank). its blanked out on the european release disc, but maybe not the american one. can anyone shed any light a… --- ## [What would happen if we flooded the market with cheap nuclear power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-we-flooded-the-market-with-cheap-nuclear-power/547680)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-we-flooded-the-market-with-cheap-nuclear-power/547680 "2010-08-02T15:47:24Z")
I don’t know how many nuclear vessels we command. 5 (or 7? 9?) carrier groups, so there is guaranteed at least one nuclear-powered carrier apiece. A number of nuclear submarines around the world are poised to unleash mas… --- ## [On profanity against non-posters \[\[edited thread title\]\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-profanity-against-non-posters-edited-thread-title/540739)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-profanity-against-non-posters-edited-thread-title/540739 "2010-05-29T03:59:16Z")
Well most of you are familiar with the current pit thread Fuck the Motherfucking Pope. The title of my thread simply reflects a well repeated charge that the prophet was a child fucker. Why did I bring this up? Because … --- ## [2020 POTUS Debate 1 (29 September) follow-along and discussion thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 613\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2020, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-1-29-september-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/921854 "2020-10-07T11:11:43Z")
We’re about 30 minutes away from the very late start to this debate (wtf is up with that?), so this thread is for those of us watching to comment as we watch and discuss what they said both concurrently and afterwards. H… --- ## [Thought about Anne Hathaway and The Dark Knight Rises](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thought-about-anne-hathaway-and-the-dark-knight-rises/632201)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2012, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thought-about-anne-hathaway-and-the-dark-knight-rises/632201 "2012-09-02T19:53:03Z")
I read some of the DKR threads, but they were pretty long and I couldn’t slog through them to see if anyone else brought this up. Everyone talks about Anne Hathaway as Cat Woman. In the beginning she’s a cat burglar. S… --- ## [Serdar Argic's cousin is a member of the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serdar-argics-cousin-is-a-member-of-the-sdmb/500961)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2009, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serdar-argics-cousin-is-a-member-of-the-sdmb/500961 "2009-07-09T17:13:37Z")
Back in the early days of the internet Serdar Argic was a bot that would hijack any usenet discussion containing certain keywords and unleash hundreds of posts denying the Armenian genocide. Looks like the SDMB has a sl… --- ## [Unique aspects of sports.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unique-aspects-of-sports/542946)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2010, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unique-aspects-of-sports/542946 "2010-06-24T17:43:45Z")
Watching the world cup I was thinking about things in a sport that aren’t in any other sport I am aware of(or at least can remember right now). Not things that are fundamental to the nature of the game, like Ice is what … --- ## [US Measles Cases Hit Twenty Year High](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-measles-cases-hit-twenty-year-high/689610)
**Author:** [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-measles-cases-hit-twenty-year-high/689610 "2014-06-16T16:22:02Z")
The CDC made a special announcement today to point this out. Thanks a lot, you dumb fuck anti-vaxxers. Damn it. --- ## [Tell me about your favorite deli food. (We're doing it!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-favorite-deli-food-were-doing-it/600957)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2012, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-favorite-deli-food-were-doing-it/600957 "2012-04-25T02:04:47Z")
Good Morning everyone. We finally got the green light and are a go on our deli. Wheeeeee. I’m so excited and absolutely petrified. My husband and I had our first huge argument, so we got that out of the way. I’m ama… --- ## [Are the Mounties Still Mounted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-mounties-still-mounted/507576)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2009, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-mounties-still-mounted/507576 "2009-09-09T00:24:46Z")
Does the RCMP still use horses for any active policing duty, and beyond anything other than ceremonial purposes? A visit to their website, and a peek at wikipedia, imply they only have a ceremonial unit, the “Musical Rid… --- ## [Brain Eating Amoebia, im freaking out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brain-eating-amoebia-im-freaking-out/665634)
**Author:** [@thanatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thanatic)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2013, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brain-eating-amoebia-im-freaking-out/665634 "2013-08-29T01:23:23Z")
ok so yesterday afternoon, i went boating with my family at tablerock lake in missouri, it was a warm day… the water was warm… and i only jumped in 1 time, in open water about 40 ft deep… for like 5 seconds then got back… --- ## [The One-State Solution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-one-state-solution/482641)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2009, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-one-state-solution/482641 "2009-01-28T23:17:16Z")
It was like reading a David Duke speech. He starts with something reasonable and your head goes north-south in agreement. He uses some nice words and the next thing you know you are nodding along with the most outlandish… --- ## [Movie scene that freaked you out the most?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-scene-that-freaked-you-out-the-most/424258)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2007, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-scene-that-freaked-you-out-the-most/424258 "2007-11-06T17:13:25Z")
Not necessarily the grossest or goriest piece of filmmaking you’ve ever seen, just the one that had you saying WTF (in a bad way) or even years later has you saying “EWWWWW!!!” or gives you the chills. \ M… --- ## [Jared Diamond responds to Romney's misrepresentation of "Guns, Germs, and Steel"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jared-diamond-responds-to-romneys-misrepresentation-of-guns-germs-and-steel/630473)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2012, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jared-diamond-responds-to-romneys-misrepresentation-of-guns-germs-and-steel/630473 "2012-08-18T03:56:14Z")
Link. Given this quote, maybe this should be in Elections, or GD: --- ## [Death of a Game: City of Heroes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-of-a-game-city-of-heroes/778280)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2018, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-of-a-game-city-of-heroes/778280 "2018-03-14T14:55:26Z")
A good retrospective of City of Heroes. Possibly the best MMO you may have never played. Seeing the footage again made me get something in my eye. I really miss this game. --- ## [So, how much energy \*does\* it take to fire a pound of bacon into the Asteroid Belt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-much-energy-does-it-take-to-fire-a-pound-of-bacon-into-the-asteroid-belt/516131)
**Author:** [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2009, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-much-energy-does-it-take-to-fire-a-pound-of-bacon-into-the-asteroid-belt/516131 "2009-11-15T07:01:25Z")
On page two of Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash, the mighty car of the Deliverator is described as having “enough potential energy packed into its batteries to fire a pound of bacon into the Asteroid Belt.” How much energy i… --- ## [When Did We Cease Having a Government That Had Fiscal Responsibility?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-we-cease-having-a-government-that-had-fiscal-responsibility/741707)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2016, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-we-cease-having-a-government-that-had-fiscal-responsibility/741707 "2016-05-30T15:29:51Z")
I was reading a book about the building of the SS United States-the last ocean liner built in the USA. Because (even in the 1950s) passenger liners were often unprofitable, the US Government provided a subsidy to defer … --- ## [Mini-mart, 7-11, Convenience Store, Gas Station what do you call those places you buy bread & milk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-mart-7-11-convenience-store-gas-station-what-do-you-call-those-places-you-buy-bread-milk/608648)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2012, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mini-mart-7-11-convenience-store-gas-station-what-do-you-call-those-places-you-buy-bread-milk/608648 "2012-01-09T00:26:00Z")
I usually say 7-11 even though they all left my state over twenty years ago. 7-11 was the original mini-mart in my childhood town. Or I’ll say the Exxon because its two blocks away and that’s where I buy gas and get mi… --- ## [Christian Fundamentalists vs. Halloween](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christian-fundamentalists-vs-halloween/134226)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2004, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christian-fundamentalists-vs-halloween/134226 "2004-10-30T05:43:44Z")
This thread over in the Pit brought to mind the controversy that erupts around this time every year regarding the American religious right’s problem with Halloween. I realize some conservative Protestant sects have had … --- ## [Fuck off, neighborhood busybody](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-off-neighborhood-busybody/664974)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2013, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-off-neighborhood-busybody/664974 "2013-08-06T23:59:04Z")
We own a corner lot with a double sidewalk, one of which is almost overrun with Boston ivy. I admit and take responsibility for this situation but have finally taken action to get it back under control (and anyone who ha… --- ## [Why do we see streaks of light?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-see-streaks-of-light/629099)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2019, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-see-streaks-of-light/629099 "2019-04-06T05:13:37Z")
Why do we see long streaks of light when driving? Is it because of the windshield? And why do we even see streaks of light when we are not driving? Is it because of our eyelashes? Edit: These streaks extend from light … --- ## [What is the potential penalty for signing someone else's signature on a tax refund?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-potential-penalty-for-signing-someone-elses-signature-on-a-tax-refund/618275)
**Author:** [@sir\_viks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sir_viks)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2012, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-potential-penalty-for-signing-someone-elses-signature-on-a-tax-refund/618275 "2012-04-11T16:54:20Z")
I’ll start by saying that IANAL, so I guess I’m asking for help with a potential legal matter. My brother is going through a nasty divorce. His soon-to-be ex-wife is crazy, but let’s keep this out of the discussion for … --- ## [Ever been banned for trolling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-been-banned-for-trolling/634423)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-been-banned-for-trolling/634423 "2012-09-18T01:55:35Z")
I “troll” couple boards (NOT here). Just got banned from a board. I was there 2 weeks, they could’ve banned me immediately if they had just traced the e-mail addy. (I assume that’s how they did it) --- ## [Other words that contain "ph" pronounced as "vee" other than STEPHEN](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-words-that-contain-ph-pronounced-as-vee-other-than-stephen/118954)
**Author:** [@DrStevo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrStevo)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2002, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-words-that-contain-ph-pronounced-as-vee-other-than-stephen/118954 "2002-07-19T13:59:35Z")
Are there any other words that contain “ph” pronounced as “vee” other than STEPHEN. This has been something I have asked supposed intellectuals for years with no results. Maybe I have finally found the correct forum for … --- ## [Any idea what this is? (Racing heart while trying to sleep)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-what-this-is-racing-heart-while-trying-to-sleep/611670)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2012, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-what-this-is-racing-heart-while-trying-to-sleep/611670 "2012-02-06T06:37:17Z")
I’m a 28-year-old male with no major health problems and no known allergies, BMI of 25.8 (which makes me very slightly overweight). I was wondering if one of the MediDopers might have some idea of what this is - I’m not… --- ## [I pit the person who is using my Dad's picture to pick up men (long, whiny)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-person-who-is-using-my-dads-picture-to-pick-up-men-long-whiny/618892)
**Author:** [@cwthree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cwthree)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2012, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-person-who-is-using-my-dads-picture-to-pick-up-men-long-whiny/618892 "2012-05-07T13:22:58Z")
Someone - and we’ll discuss the possibilities in a minute - is using a picture of my father to create profiles on gay hookup/dating sites. Backstory: A few months ago my Mom was using my Dad’s computer for something or … --- ## [How long will an opened can of frosting last in the fridge, need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-will-an-opened-can-of-frosting-last-in-the-fridge-need-answer-fast/644696)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2012, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-will-an-opened-can-of-frosting-last-in-the-fridge-need-answer-fast/644696 "2012-12-21T15:49:30Z")
I am making a cake for tomorrow. About 3 months ago I made a different cake and used a can of frosting that says it doesn’t expire until 2/13. I put the closed container in the fridge when I was done. Is it still good t… --- ## [Proper Punctuation for a Sentence with Three Independent Clauses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-punctuation-for-a-sentence-with-three-independent-clauses/389091)
**Author:** [@Nobody\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody_Special)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2007, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-punctuation-for-a-sentence-with-three-independent-clauses/389091 "2007-01-24T13:46:01Z")
What’s the proper way to punctuate the following sentence: “I went to the store but they were out of donuts so I bought a bagel.” It seems like it should be one sentence, but there are three independent clauses. If there… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=485&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=487&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)