# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=55 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 56 --- ## [How does no medical check-up required life insurance work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-no-medical-check-up-required-life-insurance-work/1030989)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-no-medical-check-up-required-life-insurance-work/1030989 "2026-06-20T18:43:45Z")
Here’s another daytime TV ad I don’t get. There are numerous insurance companies that are happy to sell you a policy for only “pennies a day” and that require no medical check-up whatsoever. That means people can buy a p… --- ## [Control of one house vs both houses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/control-of-one-house-vs-both-houses/1033806)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/control-of-one-house-vs-both-houses/1033806 "2026-10-15T20:14:34Z")
If Democrats take control of the House but fail to secure a majority in the Senate, what comparative impacts would that have on governance, given Trump still occupies the White House, as opposed to if the Dems take both … --- ## [McDonald's ad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcdonalds-ad/1033601)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcdonalds-ad/1033601 "2026-10-06T15:40:46Z")
This isn’t about the commercials, it’s about the web banners on this site. I’m getting inundated with them. They are scams, right? I haven’t clicked on one yet, figured they are phishing attempts. --- ## [Do you "sweat" vegetables? Tell us more](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-sweat-vegetables-tell-us-more/1027925)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-sweat-vegetables-tell-us-more/1027925 "2026-02-25T00:50:11Z")
I had never heard of “sweating” vegetables until 2004, when I took a cooking class with a Four Seasons chef in Cairo, Egypt. At that point, I thought of myself as a reasonably educated home chef. I would not go so far … --- ## [So the first trailer for that new HBO Harry Potter series has arrived](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-first-trailer-for-that-new-hbo-harry-potter-series-has-arrived/1028788)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-first-trailer-for-that-new-hbo-harry-potter-series-has-arrived/1028788 "2026-04-13T01:34:29Z")
I have such hate for Rowling, but this is probably going to do fabulously for HBO (we plan to cancel HBO when it lands and tell them why, but they really don’t give a shit). Two thoughts on viewing it: It’s weird seei… --- ## [Any way of making a cat like you best?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-of-making-a-cat-like-you-best/1026070)
**Author:** [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2025, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-of-making-a-cat-like-you-best/1026070 "2025-12-27T05:41:38Z")
My friend adopted a cat (really cute and I’ll post pictures later) and her 11-year-old son really wants the cat to like him best. From the experience I had with cats in our home when I was younger, I doubt that but I th… --- ## [Is unvied a known word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-unvied-a-known-word/1033705)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2026, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-unvied-a-known-word/1033705 "2026-10-12T11:21:55Z")
For random reasons I looked up the origin of Tom, Dick, and Harry. Google AI gave good answers, but I hit a bump at this one. First Recorded Use: The earliest known written use of the exact phrase appears in 1657 by E… --- ## [What to do in Scotland for a week?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-in-scotland-for-a-week/1030541)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-in-scotland-for-a-week/1030541 "2026-06-05T14:21:43Z")
Between June 16th and June 20th, my wife and I will be in Scotland. I’ve never been, she’s been to Edinburgh before. Any recommendations for what/where we should visit in that short time? I’m tempted to head to Glasgo… --- ## [Hawkeye Pierce or Sam Malone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawkeye-pierce-or-sam-malone/1029000)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2026, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawkeye-pierce-or-sam-malone/1029000 "2026-04-05T00:30:28Z")
I need a tiebreaker for my Best Male Sitcom Characters bracket. I’ll give this poll just 24 hours to make the call. poll --- ## [Is extra-sharp cheese supposed to crumble easily?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-extra-sharp-cheese-supposed-to-crumble-easily/1029573)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-extra-sharp-cheese-supposed-to-crumble-easily/1029573 "2026-05-02T23:06:42Z")
I usually buy Sargento sharp, sliced cheese for sandwiches. Walmart was out of stock and I bought Sargento extra-sharp, sliced cheese. I was quickly reminded why I usually don’t buy extra-sharp. The slices won’t come o… --- ## [Making gravy tonight (maybe)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-gravy-tonight-maybe/1024785)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2025, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-gravy-tonight-maybe/1024785 "2025-11-17T14:23:21Z")
I will be making fried chicken cutlets tonight so not a lot of drippings. I was thinking of adding some of the seasoned flour and maybe butter for the rue if more fat needed. Ok so now I have chicken broth, cream and b… --- ## [Huge - HUGE - Changes Coming to Major League Soccer (schedule shift, divisional table shift)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huge-huge-changes-coming-to-major-league-soccer-schedule-shift-divisional-table-shift/1024938)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2025, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huge-huge-changes-coming-to-major-league-soccer-schedule-shift-divisional-table-shift/1024938 "2025-11-18T23:54:58Z")
So Major League Soccer (MLS) is making some gigantic changes in the next couple of years, both of which might, just might, make our league competitive with the English Premier League, La Liga, and other top European leag… --- ## [The truth about the Maytag repairman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-truth-about-the-maytag-repairman/1028858)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2026, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-truth-about-the-maytag-repairman/1028858 "2026-03-29T19:54:37Z")
All right, I’m not really offering any profound truth here, just spitballing about an old corporate claim (that I’m not sure anyone even believes anymore). About a couple months ago, we noticed that our clothes on our M… --- ## [FL Special Elections: Trump is now represented in Tallahassee by a Democrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fl-special-elections-trump-is-now-represented-in-tallahassee-by-a-democrat/1028745)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2026, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fl-special-elections-trump-is-now-represented-in-tallahassee-by-a-democrat/1028745 "2026-03-26T15:15:23Z")
There were two special elections in Florida on Tuesday. One of them was for a House district that includes Mar-a-Lago. The other was a Senate seat in the Tampa area. Democrats won both and both were flips. ETA: Is he … --- ## [Special Favorite Male Sitcom Characters poll - Details in OP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-favorite-male-sitcom-characters-poll-details-in-op/1028865)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-favorite-male-sitcom-characters-poll-details-in-op/1028865 "2026-04-01T20:32:05Z")
In preparation for the upcoming Best Male Sitcom Character polls, I need to pare down the number of nominees in order to fit the 50-option restriction for polling. All of the characters who have received just a single v… --- ## [Vintage Christmas lights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vintage-christmas-lights/1025836)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2025, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vintage-christmas-lights/1025836 "2025-12-20T19:54:52Z")
Like a lot of people, I’ve developed a deep need for classic Christmas lights – I mean indoor ones, for the tree. These are fairly big bulbs, called C7. (C9 is even bigger, and most people hang those outside.) Everybod… --- ## ["Design bureaus" in the Soviet Union/Russia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-bureaus-in-the-soviet-union-russia/1032114)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-bureaus-in-the-soviet-union-russia/1032114 "2026-08-16T00:21:23Z")
I’ve repeatedly seen the word “design bureau” used in texts to refer to a company or organisation in the Soviet Union or its successor states that developed a particular technology. Example industries include aircraft (M… --- ## [Quebec wants to adopt a new Constitution - and amend the Federal one!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebec-wants-to-adopt-a-new-constitution-and-amend-the-federal-one/1024347)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2025, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebec-wants-to-adopt-a-new-constitution-and-amend-the-federal-one/1024347 "2025-11-03T22:03:22Z")
I just received notice of a bill that was recently tabled in the Canadian province of Quebec (Bill 1 - see here) in the National Assembly (its legislature). If passed, the bill will codify a Constitution for that provinc… --- ## [What could a nuke-armed nation achieve if it genuinely did not fear nuclear retaliation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-a-nuke-armed-nation-achieve-if-it-genuinely-did-not-fear-nuclear-retaliation/1031024)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-a-nuke-armed-nation-achieve-if-it-genuinely-did-not-fear-nuclear-retaliation/1031024 "2026-06-23T04:39:26Z")
Let’s say that one day Kim Jong Un informs the United States he’s about to invade South Korea, and will use tactical nukes. The USA says, “Nope, South Korea is under the US nuclear umbrella,” and Kim laughs and says “Lol… --- ## [The Great SDMB Movie Poll - Round 2A Winners Bracket {Polls closing at Noon EDT, 2026-01-10}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sdmb-movie-poll-round-2a-winners-bracket-polls-closing-at-noon-edt-2026-01-10/1033422)
**Author:** [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sdmb-movie-poll-round-2a-winners-bracket-polls-closing-at-noon-edt-2026-01-10/1033422 "2026-10-01T17:39:46Z")
poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll poll p… --- ## [Do any of the common bottled waters taste different?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-common-bottled-waters-taste-different/1032130)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2026, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-common-bottled-waters-taste-different/1032130 "2026-08-21T18:48:10Z")
They all taste fine when cold. But my test is when I wake up at night and have a sip of warm bottled water.The alkaline taste comes through. I had some Fiji once and it seemed really good although it is expensive. I buy … --- ## [Baseball scoring question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-scoring-question/1032307)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-scoring-question/1032307 "2026-08-14T00:43:29Z")
Scenario - score is tied, say, 3-3 after 9 innings. Both teams bring in new pitchers for the 10th. With the ghost runner on 2nd, a fly ball out moves the runner to third. Again, a sac fly and the run scores. Last guy … --- ## [Hot sauce thread (2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-sauce-thread-2026/1028339)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-sauce-thread-2026/1028339 "2026-03-12T14:57:19Z")
Rather than resurrect one of the decade-old threads, I’m starting a new one for discussing hot sauce. I looked up the Scoville units for these three hot sauces: Yucatan Sunshine Habanero: ~7,600 – 9,500 SHU Tapatio: ~… --- ## ["Not for hire"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-for-hire/1034079)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2026, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-for-hire/1034079 "2026-10-23T22:53:57Z")
It’s a notice you see on trucks sometimes, generally under the side cab window. I know what it means: The truck is used to haul the owner’s stuff and won’t be hauling yours anytime soon. The question – actually two of … --- ## [Mass of an Electron](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-of-an-electron/1032569)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-of-an-electron/1032569 "2026-08-27T04:09:20Z")
The rest mass of an electron has been measured with quite a bit of accuracy. Here one link among many to that quantity. CODATA Value: electron mass But being a measured value, there is still some uncertainty. Suppose… --- ## [Translation? (Possibly Japanese, possibly gibberish)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-possibly-japanese-possibly-gibberish/1028907)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2026, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-possibly-japanese-possibly-gibberish/1028907 "2026-04-01T21:29:53Z")
This is a snip from the “Hawaii Five-O” episode “FOB Honolulu,” in which McGarrett was previously wondering the meaning of a cryptic fragment of a mostly destroyed audiotape containing the single word “Zilma.” So. . . i… --- ## [Resolved: That by the standards we hold today, the American War of Independence was wrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-by-the-standards-we-hold-today-the-american-war-of-independence-was-wrong/1030628)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2026, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-that-by-the-standards-we-hold-today-the-american-war-of-independence-was-wrong/1030628 "2026-06-05T04:53:43Z")
More or less title says it all. If you disagree with the premise I’d like to hear your reasoning. --- ## [Please show me "a small limestone house", like the one the Angstroms bought in Rabbit Is Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-show-me-a-small-limestone-house-like-the-one-the-angstroms-bought-in-rabbit-is-rich/1031740)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2026, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-show-me-a-small-limestone-house-like-the-one-the-angstroms-bought-in-rabbit-is-rich/1031740 "2026-07-20T22:36:57Z")
Partway through Rabbit Is Rich, Harry and Janice buy a small two-story stone house with two bedrooms, presumably a servants’ house left over from the time when the entire neighborhood belonged to a single grand country e… --- ## [Heated Rivalry.. Won't someone think of the sportsball!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heated-rivalry-wont-someone-think-of-the-sportsball/1026677)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heated-rivalry-wont-someone-think-of-the-sportsball/1026677 "2026-01-15T02:02:52Z")
(in Games Room as interested in IRL sports side not what happens in the show) So there is lots of buzz around this Heated Rivalry, HBO show online. As I understand it, the premise is two star ice hockey players on oppos… --- ## [Could dark matter be...heat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-dark-matter-be-heat/1026480)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2026, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-dark-matter-be-heat/1026480 "2026-01-11T17:09:25Z")
The Galaxy rotates as if it contains more mass than can be seen. Due to E=mc^2, matter and energy are interchangeable. Heat is a form of energy. Energy can distort spacetime like mass. Can a galaxy full of heat from … --- ## [The Surreptitious Bird](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surreptitious-bird/1031715)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surreptitious-bird/1031715 "2026-07-28T15:26:43Z")
It’s not uncommon – at least since the 1960s – for one character in a movie to express his or her displeasure with another by “flipping the bird” – i.e. “giving them The Finger”. It’s shown overtly often enough. But I’ve… --- ## [Ahhh. WD-40. You smell so](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ahhh-wd-40-you-smell-so/1029071)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ahhh-wd-40-you-smell-so/1029071 "2026-04-08T18:38:41Z")
Can even describe it. I can smell it and I’m not even there. :thinking: Hmmm Daughter washed boys jeans. One of them had gotten WD-40 on himself. She says the whole load smells like it. Should she dry them in the dryer… --- ## [Words with two meanings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-with-two-meanings/1026684)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-with-two-meanings/1026684 "2026-01-15T12:42:29Z")
This is just for fun. I notice that in English there are words which have two (or more?) meanings. For example, resume can mean to start up again or your career details. At my local pharmacy there was a ‘patient discu… --- ## [Do you use a Dash Cam and if so which type?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-dash-cam-and-if-so-which-type/1024432)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-dash-cam-and-if-so-which-type/1024432 "2025-11-25T22:36:08Z")
Title says it all. Cannot trust Amazon reviews. Most “reviewing” sites are buggy and the links lead to things that make my anti-virus software crank into overload. So I turn to the well-edumacated and trusty Dopers. Are… --- ## [Anniversary of Reagan's "Star Wars" speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anniversary-of-reagans-star-wars-speech/1028706)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anniversary-of-reagans-star-wars-speech/1028706 "2026-04-15T00:53:11Z")
The date of Ronald Reagan’s “Star Wars” speech is burned in my memory – March 23, 1983. I looked at today’s date on my computer and couldn’t help but think of it. It’s the date that I sat up in my chair while watching … --- ## [Smuggling TVs into Reagan-era Mexico! Can anyone ID tiny, grainy 1980s electronics box photo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smuggling-tvs-into-reagan-era-mexico-can-anyone-id-tiny-grainy-1980s-electronics-box-photo/1030905)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smuggling-tvs-into-reagan-era-mexico-can-anyone-id-tiny-grainy-1980s-electronics-box-photo/1030905 "2026-06-16T11:57:48Z")
I just picked up an interesting book, “Over and Back” by “Wild Bill” Callahan, the other day. A memoir about the practice, in the 1980s, of smuggling consumer electronics—TVs, phones, etc—from the United States into Mexi… --- ## [Gun sighting equation and trigonometry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-sighting-equation-and-trigonometry/1026697)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-sighting-equation-and-trigonometry/1026697 "2026-01-21T16:56:44Z")
There is an equation for aligning the rear sight of a firearm. The rear sights can be moved left or right. The movement = (error/distance)x(sight radius) Error=the distance between the point of aim and the actual place… --- ## [Saturday afternoon at the Palindrome Theatre](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saturday-afternoon-at-the-palindrome-theatre/1032766)
**Author:** [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saturday-afternoon-at-the-palindrome-theatre/1032766 "2026-09-28T03:03:41Z")
Since the Bijou raised its admission, we’re heading across town to the “artsy” cineplex where we’re watching: Lisa Bonet Ate No Basil \[Documentary about her time on The Cosby Show.\] --- ## [I just outlived Ernest Hemingway](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-outlived-ernest-hemingway/1032428)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2026, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-outlived-ernest-hemingway/1032428 "2026-08-24T14:38:38Z")
Not that I’m some obsessive superfan who had his death date on my calendar; his name just came up in another thread, and I had the thought “he killed himself at 61, the age I am now, and I’m soon to turn 62. I guess I pr… --- ## [ISO clever (but not "Smart") solution to this communication issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2025, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487 "2025-11-03T02:23:34Z")
My husband and I live alone in a 3-level house, which is as non-”Smart” as a house can be these days, being linked to the internet through Comcast cable (computer and TV) plus my smart phone, which is all I want. Top le… --- ## [Pre-marital counseling - does it, did it, would it make a difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pre-marital-counseling-does-it-did-it-would-it-make-a-difference/1028750)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2026, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pre-marital-counseling-does-it-did-it-would-it-make-a-difference/1028750 "2026-03-26T23:37:35Z")
My husband and I eloped 4 weeks after our first date, so there was no time for counseling, but it’s been more than 42 years, so I don’t know if it would have made a difference or not. Before my daughter married the first… --- ## [Have you ever eaten at a Michelin-star restaurant (asked originally in 2018, I figured we'd revisit it)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-eaten-at-a-michelin-star-restaurant-asked-originally-in-2018-i-figured-wed-revisit-it/1024576)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2025, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-eaten-at-a-michelin-star-restaurant-asked-originally-in-2018-i-figured-wed-revisit-it/1024576 "2025-11-20T13:54:39Z")
Seven years have passed since I last asked this question. Since then we’ve had Dopers come and go, and of course, our experiences may have changed. So I ask again: have you ever eaten at a restaurant with a Michelin star… --- ## [Does the shingles vaccine reduce dementia risk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-shingles-vaccine-reduce-dementia-risk/1027672)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2026, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-shingles-vaccine-reduce-dementia-risk/1027672 "2026-02-16T23:19:38Z")
The association between viruses and inflammation causing certain conditions is not nearly as robust as one would like. But what to make of this evidence that shingles vaccine may lead to a lower incidence of dementia an… --- ## [Why did America’s economy boom in the early to mid 1980s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-america-s-economy-boom-in-the-early-to-mid-1980s/1024315)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2025, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-america-s-economy-boom-in-the-early-to-mid-1980s/1024315 "2025-10-27T18:27:33Z")
I’m not sure that there’s a clear answer to this question, which is why I chose great debates. I think it’s pretty clear that America entered into an economic revival in the early to mid 1980s. America had muddled thro… --- ## [Buffy the Vampire Slayer - canceled again before airing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-canceled-again-before-airing/1028447)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2026, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-canceled-again-before-airing/1028447 "2026-03-15T21:41:15Z")
Devastating. --- ## [Does burning food release the same amount of energy as digesting it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-burning-food-release-the-same-amount-of-energy-as-digesting-it/1033256)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-burning-food-release-the-same-amount-of-energy-as-digesting-it/1033256 "2026-09-28T20:53:24Z")
I know this is a weird question, and I’m not asking for any particular reason, but: Is the process by which the body digests food analogous in any way to combustion, in the sense that the amount of energy released is the… --- ## [Okay, never mind the definition of "salad" -- where's the recipes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-never-mind-the-definition-of-salad-wheres-the-recipes/1031051)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2026, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-never-mind-the-definition-of-salad-wheres-the-recipes/1031051 "2026-07-07T06:27:59Z")
We had a classic 3 Bean salad last week, and it was yummy. (Well, we had it at least three dinners, and some snacked bits with lunch … three cans of beans is a lot for just two people.) But it reminded us of just how f… --- ## [Today is Winnie the Pooh’s 100th birthday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-winnie-the-pooh-s-100th-birthday/1033843)
**Author:** [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2026, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-winnie-the-pooh-s-100th-birthday/1033843 "2026-10-21T10:52:14Z")
Silly old bear https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/winnie-the-pooh-100 --- ## [The Great Sitcom Battle, Female Characters, {choose your favorite} Round 1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sitcom-battle-female-characters-choose-your-favorite-round-1/1028390)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2026, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sitcom-battle-female-characters-choose-your-favorite-round-1/1028390 "2026-03-14T12:46:48Z")
This is Round One of the Great Sitcom Battle, Female Characters edition. Rankings are based on input gathered in another thread. Vote for one character in each of the following 25 head-to-head battles. Polls will close w… --- ## [Survivor season 51](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-51/1033333)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2026, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-51/1033333 "2026-10-23T23:22:05Z")
A new season starts tonight. First impression: Looks like younger players compared to other seasons. I’m also glad that they are all first timers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=54&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=56&per_page=50)