# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=538&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:** 539 --- ## [How often are dogs killed by coyotes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-dogs-killed-by-coyotes/556136)
**Author:** [@misterW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/misterW)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2010, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-dogs-killed-by-coyotes/556136 "2010-10-08T17:02:16Z")
From time to time, I’ve seen people refer to the idea that coyotes are a serious threat to dogs. It makes sense that cats, small dogs, and puppies would be in danger if coyotes were nearby, but I’ve heard people state t… --- ## [Why the Hell are we still in Afghanistan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-hell-are-we-still-in-afghanistan/510416)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2009, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-hell-are-we-still-in-afghanistan/510416 "2009-09-28T04:35:46Z")
Seriously. What, exactly, are we seeking to accomplish there, and how will we know when we’ve done it? As I understand the situation, we invaded largely because we wanted to kick some ass after 9/11 and the folks that … --- ## [Hit a cyclist. Brag about it in your tweet.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-a-cyclist-brag-about-it-in-your-tweet/659037)
**Author:** [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2013, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-a-cyclist-brag-about-it-in-your-tweet/659037 "2013-05-28T18:46:37Z")
I really have no words this time. Woman Brags about hitting cyclist, Discovers Police also use Twitter. All aspects of this disgust me, except for the decent and effective police action. In the US the police would be m… --- ## [How do you stop looking scary to people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-stop-looking-scary-to-people/704759)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-stop-looking-scary-to-people/704759 "2014-11-20T14:13:06Z")
I’m not sure if it is a good or bad thing in balance, it probably does a lot of good based on the area I live in. But yea a large cross section of people report me as scary, even though I am so polite and well mannered.… --- ## [SDMB Flash Fiction Sweatshop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-flash-fiction-sweatshop/812795)
**Author:** [@Serenata67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serenata67)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2024, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-flash-fiction-sweatshop/812795 "2024-11-02T23:58:19Z")
Attention Dopers! The Resurrected Flash Fiction Sweatshop has begun! Here are the rules. Email SDMBSweatshop@gmail.com to get your three content words. These words must be used somewhere in your work; verbs can be u… --- ## [get your dogs dirty ass off the restaurant table!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-your-dogs-dirty-ass-off-the-restaurant-table/599865)
**Author:** [@pabstist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pabstist)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2011, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-your-dogs-dirty-ass-off-the-restaurant-table/599865 "2011-10-19T17:12:11Z")
Yeah it’s me, the guy that pitted parents who put babies in dirty diapers on restaurant tables. Why do I go out to eat? Went out to lunch yesterday, sat inside by the windows. Looked outside, and 4 women were sitting at… --- ## [What is your "mental age"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-mental-age/675708)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-mental-age/675708 "2016-09-03T01:17:48Z")
This 20-question quiz will tell you your “mental age,” which can be very different than your chronological age. In my case, my chronological age is 68, but my mental age is 47. I think I’ll just claim to be 47 from now … --- ## [The Democratic Domino Theory Revisited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-democratic-domino-theory-revisited/292648)
**Author:** [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Replies:** 282\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2005, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-democratic-domino-theory-revisited/292648 "2005-03-16T01:40:26Z")
Despite the revisionist insistience of some that “it was WMD, period,” many of those who supported US intervention did so under the rationale that overthrowing Saddam and replacing him with a democracy would destabilise … --- ## [I am in despair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-in-despair/135521)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 223\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2002, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-in-despair/135521 "2002-11-15T12:45:00Z")
As another election day, the second in my lifetime, leaves me literally weeping. Despair is truly the only word I can find to fit the dark night of fear I have for so many things. The freedoms I truly cherish, the citiz… --- ## [Let's analyze the Jim and Pam relationship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-analyze-the-jim-and-pam-relationship/515039)
**Author:** [@Soapbox\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soapbox_Monkey)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2020, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-analyze-the-jim-and-pam-relationship/515039 "2020-05-11T23:51:42Z")
This actually ties in more with a number of threads we’ve had in the past in MPSIMS and IMHO, but since it’s about two characters from a television show I figured this was the most appropriate place. For the sake of thi… --- ## [Why hasn't the media rubbed our noses in COVID deaths? It might be the thing that saves us](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-media-rubbed-our-noses-in-covid-deaths-it-might-be-the-thing-that-saves-us/926555)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 276\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2021, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-media-rubbed-our-noses-in-covid-deaths-it-might-be-the-thing-that-saves-us/926555 "2021-09-24T02:46:38Z")
Famously, in the US, the Vietnam War became unpopular as the media showed Americans dying in jungles and showed their caskets coming back from the war. In Vietnam we lost around 50,000 soldiers. Depending how you want … --- ## [Lord of the Rings movie trilogy question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-of-the-rings-movie-trilogy-question/781562)
**Author:** [@Dante\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dante_G)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-of-the-rings-movie-trilogy-question/781562 "2017-03-17T19:26:36Z")
I know this is a somewhat dated topic, but it came up recently when I showed to my 2 sons the Lord of the Rings trilogy this weekend. They really liked it. by the way. I mentioned to them that about the whole “plot hol… --- ## [I know it's weird, but I really hate it when people comment on my food.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-its-weird-but-i-really-hate-it-when-people-comment-on-my-food/575467)
**Author:** [@Jennyrosity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennyrosity)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2011, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-its-weird-but-i-really-hate-it-when-people-comment-on-my-food/575467 "2011-03-24T21:26:17Z")
It’s not as though I have a particularly unusual diet that provokes a lot of comment, and I can’t begin to explain why, but it really bugs me when people comment on what I’m eating. This is more understandable when you g… --- ## [Do US Navy submarines have urinals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-us-navy-submarines-have-urinals/628164)
**Author:** [@moonshot925](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moonshot925)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2013, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-us-navy-submarines-have-urinals/628164 "2013-04-13T03:20:11Z")
How many? --- ## [Gukumatz, a word, please.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gukumatz-a-word-please/642901)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2012, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gukumatz-a-word-please/642901 "2012-12-19T06:56:14Z")
In this thread you claimed my font size and color to be “obnoxious”, and apparently sufficiently so that an otherwise warnable offense by another poster gets a pass. I object on multiple grounds. Please cite the rule… --- ## [What young, hot, currently successful actresses will still be successful at 50-plus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-young-hot-currently-successful-actresses-will-still-be-successful-at-50-plus/523547)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2010, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-young-hot-currently-successful-actresses-will-still-be-successful-at-50-plus/523547 "2010-01-10T20:25:23Z")
I specify actresses in the thread titles because it tends to be easier for men to be perceived as attractive as they go through middle age. I am going to define young as 30 and under. I decline to define hot except to … --- ## [Normal behavior for an 8-year-old girl, or signs of future depression?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-behavior-for-an-8-year-old-girl-or-signs-of-future-depression/651382)
**Author:** [@Parthol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Parthol)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2013, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-behavior-for-an-8-year-old-girl-or-signs-of-future-depression/651382 "2013-03-02T16:08:00Z")
I have two daughters; the older just turned 8 a couple of weeks ago. I’ll call her Vicki. Vicki is, about 75% of the time, a fairly normal kid. She’s in 2nd grade, has some friends, loves to ice skate and play board g… --- ## [Pronunciation of "twat"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-twat/642195)
**Author:** [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2012, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-twat/642195 "2012-12-06T09:09:23Z")
In this thread, I noticed this comment: So, how do you say “twat”? --- ## [Ever had any luck with finding rare books in thrift stores?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-any-luck-with-finding-rare-books-in-thrift-stores/625754)
**Author:** [@Crime\_Scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crime_Scene)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-any-luck-with-finding-rare-books-in-thrift-stores/625754 "2012-09-04T02:09:16Z")
Has anyone ever had any luck finding rare/valuable/limited edition books in thrift stores? Most used bookstores around here are owned by an individual who usually seem to have a pretty good grasp on what is rare and wha… --- ## [Why are grams so small?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-grams-so-small/471436)
**Author:** [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2008, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-grams-so-small/471436 "2008-11-10T17:55:45Z")
Consider the three basic metric units for measuring physical objects: The metre The litre The gram Out of the three of them, the first two are moderately (though not extraordinarily) large compared to what they repla… --- ## [Why Don't People on Safaris Get Attacked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-on-safaris-get-attacked/699431)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2014, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-on-safaris-get-attacked/699431 "2014-09-26T23:02:03Z")
Having seen a lot of predator/prey video clips in YouTube and elsewhere, it’s pretty clear that many or most of the people on safari and doing the filming are in open vehicles, and are frequently right among all the atta… --- ## [Left Lane Slowpokes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-lane-slowpokes/476562)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2008, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-lane-slowpokes/476562 "2008-12-16T23:17:23Z")
Just having read this article I honestly have to agree that nothing irritates me more than someone blocking the passing lane. But in truthful reality in 95% of the cases the person blocking the lane probably is doing th… --- ## [How can someone be a bad cook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-someone-be-a-bad-cook/458222)
**Author:** [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-someone-be-a-bad-cook/458222 "2020-07-17T02:56:32Z")
I was chatting with someone the other night and he mentioned that his mother is a bad cook. It got me to wondering, as I have on and off in the past, how is this possible? Assuming that one is able to follow simple instr… --- ## [I Must Fire Three Long Time Employees This Week.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-fire-three-long-time-employees-this-week/695448)
**Author:** [@Foxy40](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foxy40)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2014, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-fire-three-long-time-employees-this-week/695448 "2014-08-18T15:59:26Z")
The bottom line is the company is slow and I can’t afford to pay them anymore. Two of the three have been with me over ten years. They were chosen to be cut because their positions and responsibilities are so little at… --- ## [Transgender toddlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transgender-toddlers/841597)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2019, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transgender-toddlers/841597 "2019-10-21T01:46:24Z")
Theres probably no subject that hasn’t been discussed here, so forgive me if theres already one on this subject. I recently went to a PFLAG meeting and one of the guests mentioned their 3 year old grandchild, and said t… --- ## [I got pink eye! How do I get rid of it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-pink-eye-how-do-i-get-rid-of-it/251198)
**Author:** [@teemingONE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teemingONE)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2018, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-pink-eye-how-do-i-get-rid-of-it/251198 "2018-08-24T08:55:42Z")
I woke up yesterday (06/18) with pink eye. It was only a little bit and mostly to one side of the eye. By the end of the day it was really red and pussing like mad (imagine your eye running like your nose does with a c… --- ## [Jobs that don't require good attention to detail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-that-dont-require-good-attention-to-detail/629367)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-that-dont-require-good-attention-to-detail/629367 "2012-07-26T08:02:03Z")
From what I have been told, one of the biggest requirements in healthcare jobs is a strong attention to detail. If you make one dosing error every 100 times (e.g. you were supposed to give the patient an antibiotic but … --- ## [Which is the best way to disarm Pakistan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-the-best-way-to-disarm-pakistan/604893)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2011, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-the-best-way-to-disarm-pakistan/604893 "2011-12-12T19:00:04Z")
Pakistan has atomic weapons. Which would be the best way to make them not have atomic weapons? --- ## [Sanders and Trump agree to a debate...how do you think it will turn out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2016, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanders-and-trump-agree-to-a-debate-how-do-you-think-it-will-turn-out/755734 "2016-05-28T22:59:34Z")
Last night Sanders and Trump agreed to a debate: Trump tells Kimmel he’d be willing to debate Sanders for charity Sanders replies: Game on Clinton cannot catch a break this week. Among other problems she had th… --- ## [How many Dopers does it take to change a lightbulb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-dopers-does-it-take-to-change-a-lightbulb/700182)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2014, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-dopers-does-it-take-to-change-a-lightbulb/700182 "2014-10-25T09:06:00Z")
I have a light fixture over my staircase. The bulb has burned out and I need to replace it. Being over a staircase, I cannot easily bring in a step ladder and reach it. The last time I changed the bulb, I put my daugh… --- ## [California Supreme Court Ruling on Proposition 8 (SSM)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-supreme-court-ruling-on-proposition-8-ssm/497306)
**Author:** [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2010, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-supreme-court-ruling-on-proposition-8-ssm/497306 "2010-08-13T18:36:37Z")
News reports indicated the court was going to publish the opinion yesterday, Thursday May 21, 2009. Some cities, such as San Francisco, erected barriers around the court. Rumor has it that San Francisco mayor Gavin New… --- ## [Why is swelling bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-swelling-bad/403466)
**Author:** [@Carnick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnick)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2007, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-swelling-bad/403466 "2007-05-11T13:44:24Z")
It’s common practice to throw ice on a injury in order to reduce swelling. Why does swelling need to be removed? Isn’t your body doing it for a reason? --- ## [Why are cats such whores for dairy products?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cats-such-whores-for-dairy-products/343281)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2006, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cats-such-whores-for-dairy-products/343281 "2006-02-08T23:19:45Z")
Milk. Ice cream. Sour cream. Cheese. Every cat I’ve owned has been interested in as much of any of these dairy products as they could eat. Thankfully, most of my cats have been lactose tolerant, or my fits of kindness w… --- ## [Chocolate and lemon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chocolate-and-lemon/727064)
**Author:** [@Cartoonacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartoonacy)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2015, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chocolate-and-lemon/727064 "2015-08-09T12:34:28Z")
I was in Target the other day with a friend, and saw a new line of Pepperidge Farm cookies, including new Lemon Milanos. My friend and I both reacted the same way: eccch. Thinking about it, I realized that I’ve never see… --- ## [Furnace - Heat Exchanger questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furnace-heat-exchanger-questions/496463)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furnace-heat-exchanger-questions/496463 "2010-12-11T18:26:38Z")
We had our annual furnace and A/C inspection yesterday. The technician told me the heat exchanger (gas furnace) is showing some hot spots. Which could lead to cracking over the next year or so. Which could lead to CO le… --- ## [Nancy Pelosi's Husband Violently Attacked at Home \[28 Oct 2022\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nancy-pelosis-husband-violently-attacked-at-home-28-oct-2022/973918)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2024, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nancy-pelosis-husband-violently-attacked-at-home-28-oct-2022/973918 "2024-10-29T19:55:46Z")
I didn’t see another thread on this news story. Not much detail, here’s the CNBC article. Is anyone else getting worried over how vulnerable our country’s leadership seems to be? The congressional baseball game (Scali… --- ## [Myspace racist cowards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myspace-racist-cowards/487700)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2009, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myspace-racist-cowards/487700 "2009-03-06T19:50:21Z")
A girl I went to school with posted this as a myspace bulletin yesterday morning. Now, it should be obvious, but I’d better just note that Michael Richards did NOT write this. And to mods: this is not copywritten, nor wa… --- ## [West Memphis Three Witness Recants Testimony](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-memphis-three-witness-recants-testimony/270157)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2004, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-memphis-three-witness-recants-testimony/270157 "2004-11-13T13:10:55Z")
Not that it helps a helluva lot now, but Vicki Hutcheson has recanted the testimony used to convict Echols, Miskelley and Baldwin of the 1993 murders. (Link). She also accuses the WM police of deliberately losing tape … --- ## [Trump: "I don't take responsibility at all"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-i-dont-take-responsibility-at-all/849444)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2020, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-i-dont-take-responsibility-at-all/849444 "2020-08-02T22:06:57Z")
He was speaking specifically about the government’s response to COVID-19, but it’s been true of his entire Presidency. When has he taken responsibility for anything? But this responsibility’s gonna be hard to dodge. I… --- ## [Can I really get "ordained" as a marrying minister online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-really-get-ordained-as-a-marrying-minister-online/587138)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2011, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-really-get-ordained-as-a-marrying-minister-online/587138 "2011-06-29T14:07:11Z")
With gay marriage about to become legal in NYS, a friend & I were joking about getting ordained as ministers online in order to officiate at our friends’ weddings. (I’ve been out of full-time work for a while, and it so… --- ## [Does a sharp lawn mower blade really matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-sharp-lawn-mower-blade-really-matter/622341)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2012, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-sharp-lawn-mower-blade-really-matter/622341 "2012-05-19T16:23:28Z")
Given that a weed whacker with round-profile string can readily karate-chop its way through grass, I’m wondering about whether keeping a sharp edge on my lawn mower’s blade really matters. People who would like you to p… --- ## [Do you consider "cotton-picken" to be racist or offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-consider-cotton-picken-to-be-racist-or-offensive/812452)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2018, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-consider-cotton-picken-to-be-racist-or-offensive/812452 "2018-07-03T04:00:20Z")
During a recent Oklahoma City Thunder game, play-by-play announcer Brian Davis said that Russell Westbrook was “out of his cotton-picken mind”. He has been suspended for today’s game. He has apologized. From what I’ve… --- ## [Lawrence Taylor arrested for raping 16-year-old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawrence-taylor-arrested-for-raping-16-year-old/538518)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2010, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawrence-taylor-arrested-for-raping-16-year-old/538518 "2010-06-23T17:17:10Z")
Hoo boy. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36987069/ns/us\_news-crime\_and\_courts/ --- ## [Lost 9/29 (unboxed spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-9-29-unboxed-spoilers/266769)
**Author:** [@Juniper200](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Juniper200)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2005, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-9-29-unboxed-spoilers/266769 "2005-06-10T13:58:44Z")
Well, what do you think Kate did? I’d guessed early in that sequence that she had been the prisoner, but her flashback was … wow. Also, Charlie: What were the flight attendants talking about when they kept looking up th… --- ## [What exactly is illegal about "loitering"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-illegal-about-loitering/408270)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2007, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-illegal-about-loitering/408270 "2007-06-18T19:00:39Z")
Saw this at the bank the other day, always wondered what the rationale was for loitering laws. I recall a woman being arrested once when she just parked her car in front of the business in question (a computer shop wher… --- ## [Kid guilty of dressing in black to be freed after 8 years in prison](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kid-guilty-of-dressing-in-black-to-be-freed-after-8-years-in-prison/434107)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2010, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kid-guilty-of-dressing-in-black-to-be-freed-after-8-years-in-prison/434107 "2010-07-07T17:45:22Z")
A 15 year old kid at the time of the killing was convicted with no, zero, physical evidence based mostly on the testimony of experts who weren’t supplied with exculpatory evidence by the Fort Collins Police Dept. He’s… --- ## [RO: Wealthy Disneyworld Patrons Hiring Disabled "Guides" In Order To Line Skip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ro-wealthy-disneyworld-patrons-hiring-disabled-guides-in-order-to-line-skip/658419)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2013, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ro-wealthy-disneyworld-patrons-hiring-disabled-guides-in-order-to-line-skip/658419 "2013-05-17T18:04:42Z")
CNN story here. This is just the word kind of exploitation - both in using money to get around the rules, and in taking advantage of the handicapped. If I were a park visitor and I came across someone using this schtick… --- ## [Should the USA have black states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-usa-have-black-states/729335)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2015, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-usa-have-black-states/729335 "2015-10-06T01:20:45Z")
Years ago, I had a small argument with BrainGlutton. I said the USA is not strictly a nation-state, in that the boundaries of ethnocultural identity and political identity were too disparate. (I still think this is true… --- ## [Things you shouldn't admit on the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-shouldnt-admit-on-the-sdmb/424307)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 180\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2007, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-shouldnt-admit-on-the-sdmb/424307 "2007-11-05T19:02:40Z")
I don’t like nor have any interest in liking The Lord Of The Rings in book or in movie form. --- ## [Can I heat a Pyrex beaker (600 mL) on a stove top?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-heat-a-pyrex-beaker-600-ml-on-a-stove-top/689973)
**Author:** [@EndlessEntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EndlessEntropy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2016, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-heat-a-pyrex-beaker-600-ml-on-a-stove-top/689973 "2016-05-12T02:07:39Z")
I usually use a microwave but I don’t have access to one now and I need to heat up some solution for research. I just need to bring the solution to a slow boil, will the heat from the stove be too much for the beaker tho… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=537&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=539&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)