# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=662&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:** 663 --- ## [Do these pictures show spirits or some cheesy photo editing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-these-pictures-show-spirits-or-some-cheesy-photo-editing/749420)
**Author:** [@LeFantome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LeFantome)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2016, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-these-pictures-show-spirits-or-some-cheesy-photo-editing/749420 "2016-03-23T01:14:01Z")
There is a woman who claims to have obtained some photographs of teenagers killed in a car accident and these photographs supposedly include their souls. Now, the images don’t look too convincing to me, but to be fair, I… --- ## [Do police officers really do this? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-police-officers-really-do-this-why/545264)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2014, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-police-officers-really-do-this-why/545264 "2014-04-25T05:33:24Z")
This evening, I was watching Rookie Blue on ABC. (Don’t bother. It’s a truly awful show about rookie police officers. IMHO, this unnamed city needs to reexamine its training program. This show is no Hill Street Blues.… --- ## [China Controls Taiwan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-controls-taiwan/774654)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2016, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-controls-taiwan/774654 "2016-12-18T07:07:35Z")
On the CBS Morning Show this morning, they ran a story on how Trump really pissed off the leadership of Red China by talking directly to the leadership of Taiwan without going through proper channels (i.e., going to thos… --- ## [The Desecration in the Temple!!! (Sluts in Church)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-desecration-in-the-temple-sluts-in-church/263710)
**Author:** [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2004, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-desecration-in-the-temple-sluts-in-church/263710 "2004-10-10T02:17:29Z")
Since when are belly-button revealing midriffs appropriate attire in a church? I’ve seen it not only at weddings, but at funerals! In fact, if we’re not at the beach, I don’t want to see your belly-button, male or femal… --- ## [What was the deal with Crispin Glover (on Letterman)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-deal-with-crispin-glover-on-letterman/136593)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2002, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-deal-with-crispin-glover-on-letterman/136593 "2002-11-14T01:23:13Z")
Many years ago I taped “Letterman” regularly. I’m pretty sure I taped the one where Glover went nuts and launched a kick at Letterman. It seems strange that they would have aired that scene, though. However, what I do… --- ## [Odd little facts that we have just learned--"Canada Dry"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-little-facts-that-we-have-just-learned-canada-dry/485648)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2009, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-little-facts-that-we-have-just-learned-canada-dry/485648 "2009-02-20T19:06:57Z")
Recently I’ve started buying ginger ale, and I was quite surprised to learn that it’s Canada Dry’s default beverage. That is, the can, bottle or box doesn’t say C.D. Ginger Ale, it’s just Canada Dry. When the old ads… --- ## [Oddball sensory pleasures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oddball-sensory-pleasures/583463)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2011, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oddball-sensory-pleasures/583463 "2011-06-09T11:32:12Z")
Many things we are all familiar with an share or at least understand in the world of flavors and sounds and sensations. But what about the quirky things that you enjoy that you’ve never heard of anyone else taking any p… --- ## [So does anyone remember... (warning: not for the weak of heart)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-does-anyone-remember-warning-not-for-the-weak-of-heart/64220)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2002, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-does-anyone-remember-warning-not-for-the-weak-of-heart/64220 "2002-05-31T22:48:56Z")
the web page about the chick who was going to cut her arms off and get “beautiful prostheses” instead? Wasn’t she planning on doing that this May? Just wondering if she ever went through with it. --- ## [Can you shoot a robber in the back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-shoot-a-robber-in-the-back/638883)
**Author:** [@Qwertol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwertol)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-shoot-a-robber-in-the-back/638883 "2012-10-27T00:49:39Z")
Is it legal in the US to shoot a fleeing burglar? Or in general, is it legal to shoot a criminal fleeing the scene of crime? --- ## [Pregnancy weight gain: how much lost during delivery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy-weight-gain-how-much-lost-during-delivery/588730)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2011, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy-weight-gain-how-much-lost-during-delivery/588730 "2011-07-13T09:28:42Z")
On the news this morning, researchers were suggesting that women of normal/healthy weight should be gaining 25-35 pounds during a normal pregnancy. At the end of the piece they claimed that “most” of this weight is lost… --- ## [Is mental health the real problem when it comes to mass shootings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mental-health-the-real-problem-when-it-comes-to-mass-shootings/808933)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2018, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mental-health-the-real-problem-when-it-comes-to-mass-shootings/808933 "2018-02-24T18:02:39Z")
I’ve seen numerous attempts on this board, on the internet in general, on the radio and on television to shift the blame from firearms to mental health and I would like to discuss that chain of thought in this thread. If… --- ## [The Great Straight Dope SMOKE-OUT Topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-straight-dope-smoke-out-topic/18249)
**Author:** [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Replies:** 381\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2000, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-straight-dope-smoke-out-topic/18249 "2000-05-20T16:24:59Z")
Today is Day 1. Besides me, I believe we have weirddave and Jeannie also quitting today. Cristi will be joining us some time either later this week or next, after she’s been on the Zyban a while. Lissa announced she’s q… --- ## [Can someone explain how the double jeopardy laws work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-how-the-double-jeopardy-laws-work/609874)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2012, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-how-the-double-jeopardy-laws-work/609874 "2012-07-03T14:40:36Z")
Today on NPR they mentioned the killing of Emmett Till, a black kid from Chicago who went to Money, Mississippi to visit some relatives. (This was 1955). While there he made the mistake of whistling at a white woman, whi… --- ## [Why is raw chicken the napalm of meats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-raw-chicken-the-napalm-of-meats/630571)
**Author:** [@Flaming\_Mame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flaming_Mame)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2012, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-raw-chicken-the-napalm-of-meats/630571 "2012-08-09T13:35:32Z")
Dear Straight Dope; Why is raw chicken treated like it’s radioactive? We’re told to wash our hands after touching it, not to let it touch other foods or cooking surfaces, and on and on. These seem to be common sense p… --- ## [NFL Week 16](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-16/522447)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-16/522447 "2009-12-30T03:49:10Z")
I really don’t have anything to say except: Whoop! :);):slight\_smile: GO :);):slight\_smile: CHARGERS!!! :);):slight\_smile: --- ## [Can I put a dimmer switch on my pool pump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-put-a-dimmer-switch-on-my-pool-pump/497684)
**Author:** [@solkoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solkoe)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-put-a-dimmer-switch-on-my-pool-pump/497684 "2009-05-29T01:14:03Z")
I started a thread awhile ago concerning my pool pump and I’m still at it. The problem is that my 1 HP pool pump is too powerful for the pool. I also have solar heater and the water is pushed through too fast to heat u… --- ## [The Miss Universe "national costumes" are awesome!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-miss-universe-national-costumes-are-awesome/595857)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2011, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-miss-universe-national-costumes-are-awesome/595857 "2011-09-16T07:12:32Z")
I like to believe that in Panama, that’s what everyone wears. Like, to Wal-Mart. Seriously, this is hilarious, and almost the only countries that got the memo are Caribbean, African, or Central/South American. I am em… --- ## [San Fran might rename 44 schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/san-fran-might-rename-44-schools/928110)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 300\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2021, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/san-fran-might-rename-44-schools/928110 "2021-02-25T01:57:32Z")
Including one named for that well known racist Abe Lincoln (and yes I know the article is not new) --- ## [What am I named?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-am-i-named/811104)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 296\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2018, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-am-i-named/811104 "2018-06-07T18:56:47Z")
A chef was tossing the ingredients for this side dish when he suddenly fell ill. --- ## [If I buy nail caps for my cat, how the f#\*@ do I get them on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-buy-nail-caps-for-my-cat-how-the-f-do-i-get-them-on/603400)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2011, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-buy-nail-caps-for-my-cat-how-the-f-do-i-get-them-on/603400 "2011-11-22T02:27:03Z")
With out pulling back a shredded stump? --- ## [And the niggers will rise up against the porch monkeys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-the-niggers-will-rise-up-against-the-porch-monkeys/606103)
**Author:** [@G-SE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G-SE)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2011, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-the-niggers-will-rise-up-against-the-porch-monkeys/606103 "2011-12-17T12:14:57Z")
Oh, and p.s., Glenn Beck said something stupid. \[Link to parodied thread: And the crackers will rise up against the honkies: or, Beck calls Gingrich supporters "racist" - The BBQ Pit - Straight Dope Message Board\] --- ## [What celebrity who has never hosted SNL would you like to see host?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-celebrity-who-has-never-hosted-snl-would-you-like-to-see-host/529237)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2010, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-celebrity-who-has-never-hosted-snl-would-you-like-to-see-host/529237 "2010-08-18T00:31:20Z")
Exceptions for celebrities who hosted decades ago and haven’t since. Let’s keep this to people who would realistically be invited to host (No Kim Jong Il, for instance, though that would be an epic show) Partly inspire… --- ## [Yellow Speed Limit Signs (US)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellow-speed-limit-signs-us/376344)
**Author:** [@cruel\_butterfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cruel_butterfly)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2006, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellow-speed-limit-signs-us/376344 "2006-10-17T00:39:14Z")
Let’s say the speed limit on a particular highway is 65 mph. You’re traveling along when you see one of those yellow caution signs that features a diagram of the curves ahead. Underneath those signs, there’s usually a … --- ## [Is "husband hunting" really all that offensive & unreal a concept?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-husband-hunting-really-all-that-offensive-unreal-a-concept/697323)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2014, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-husband-hunting-really-all-that-offensive-unreal-a-concept/697323 "2014-09-09T13:18:37Z")
Per this ad pic below the ad shows a woman with arrows and a target with a bullet pointed list of things she needs to get the man she wants, and the obvious metaphor is that she is looking (hunting) for a husband or mayb… --- ## [The "living in cold places" advice thread - share yours!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-living-in-cold-places-advice-thread-share-yours/928663)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 259\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2021, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-living-in-cold-places-advice-thread-share-yours/928663 "2021-01-13T07:09:58Z")
Lived in Texas for thirty years, moved to Michigan right as the pandemic hit (!) and will be bravely facing my first “real” winter up North now. What advice and tricks do y’all have? Yes, I have a snow brush & ice scra… --- ## [New Japanese Secy of Defense denies Nanking Massacre happened. Is this a credible position?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-japanese-secy-of-defense-denies-nanking-massacre-happened-is-this-a-credible-position/767523)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2017, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-japanese-secy-of-defense-denies-nanking-massacre-happened-is-this-a-credible-position/767523 "2017-08-25T01:04:00Z")
The new Japanese Secretary of Defense Tomomi Inadais a supporter of the position that the Nanking Massacre by Japanese Troops did not happen. I was under the impression that this occurring was taken for granted historic… --- ## [Best Cheech and Chong movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-cheech-and-chong-movie/486746)
**Author:** [@New\_Beginning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/New_Beginning)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2025, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-cheech-and-chong-movie/486746 "2025-04-30T20:50:46Z")
My fiancee has never seen a Cheech and Chong movie and she would like to watch one finally. It has been a while since I’ve seen them, and while I remember getting a real kick out of one or two of them, I found some of th… --- ## [Now that you've seen it - what do you think of 'The Passion'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-youve-seen-it-what-do-you-think-of-the-passion/230887)
**Author:** [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Replies:** 159\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2004, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-youve-seen-it-what-do-you-think-of-the-passion/230887 "2004-03-07T03:45:50Z")
Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ officially opens tomorrow, but some groups have arranged screenings today (I’ll see it tonight with several hundred people from my church). There has been a lot of speculation, but… --- ## [Sure, name your kid G'uennnhwuyFurr, but expect people to point and laugh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-name-your-kid-guennnhwuyfurr-but-expect-people-to-point-and-laugh/205233)
**Author:** [@cajela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cajela)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2003, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-name-your-kid-guennnhwuyfurr-but-expect-people-to-point-and-laugh/205233 "2003-11-05T07:12:53Z")
I came across this site a while back and alternated between jaw-dropping and outright laughter. What NOT to name the baby. http://www.notwithoutmyhandbag.com/babynames/ One of the many sins they point out is people na… --- ## [If practice is supposed to be critical for musicians how did drummer Buddy Rich get by without it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-practice-is-supposed-to-be-critical-for-musicians-how-did-drummer-buddy-rich-get-by-without-it/663503)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2013, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-practice-is-supposed-to-be-critical-for-musicians-how-did-drummer-buddy-rich-get-by-without-it/663503 "2013-07-18T14:23:32Z")
This wiki bio indicateshe never practiced yet he is considered of the great drummers of all time. How was this possible? Is practice always necessary to be a great musician or not? --- ## [The Walking Dead; 4.13 "Alone" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-4-13-alone-open-spoilers/683308)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2014, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-4-13-alone-open-spoilers/683308 "2014-03-15T22:06:09Z")
\[QUOTE=AMC\] One group finds a shelter; a group has a realization about protection \[/QUOTE\] Hopefully this will be a lot better than last week’s disaster. Lauren Cohan and Sonequa Martin-Green are on Talking Dead. --- ## [Unforgiven - English Bob's backstory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unforgiven-english-bobs-backstory/501110)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2011, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unforgiven-english-bobs-backstory/501110 "2011-10-16T23:17:32Z")
In Clint Eastwood’s film Unforgiven, Richard Harris plays English Bob. He’s a dangerous gunslinger, and it’s said that he, “…works for the railroad shooting Chinamen.” Interesting line of work. Why would the railroads i… --- ## [Automatic Transmission: using neutral?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automatic-transmission-using-neutral/646354)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2013, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automatic-transmission-using-neutral/646354 "2013-01-10T16:32:37Z")
We are the last of three houses on a 0.5 mile private gravel lane. The lane doesn’t get plowed or salted, but we can usually get in and out OK. (Western PA) My gf drives a Subaru (Impreza?) with automatic transmission.… --- ## [Should I adopt boy cats or girl cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-adopt-boy-cats-or-girl-cats/599749)
**Author:** [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2011, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-adopt-boy-cats-or-girl-cats/599749 "2011-11-06T20:11:49Z")
I’m going to be looking to adopt new cats soon. (My home is about to be catless, and I can’t live that way.) So far all the cats I have adopted have been male adults. I do want to adopt adults (I lack the patience fo… --- ## [What's your favorite T shirt say? Or what's the picture on it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-t-shirt-say-or-whats-the-picture-on-it/602033)
**Author:** [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-t-shirt-say-or-whats-the-picture-on-it/602033 "2011-11-14T03:03:01Z")
And before those few nerds come in and say, “A T shirt can’t say anything. It’s an inanimate object.” Well, yes, I know that. But there’s no other way to ask this question without sounding like a, well…nerd. But if … --- ## [Do you put foil over windows that get afternoon sun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-put-foil-over-windows-that-get-afternoon-sun/507028)
**Author:** [@Runs\_With\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Runs_With_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2009, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-put-foil-over-windows-that-get-afternoon-sun/507028 "2009-08-25T17:55:31Z")
I grew up in apartments as a kid, and this was strictly forbidden, ostensibly because it gave the white trash apartments we lived in a white trash look. I’ve lived in the same house 13 years and have never put foil on m… --- ## [Will antidepressants work if you aren't depressed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-antidepressants-work-if-you-arent-depressed/679724)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2014, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-antidepressants-work-if-you-arent-depressed/679724 "2014-01-27T20:09:47Z")
Maybe a simple question… Will antidepressants have a noticeable effect if you aren’t depressed? J. --- ## [What is this "agenda" scientists have against religion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-agenda-scientists-have-against-religion/657246)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2013, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-agenda-scientists-have-against-religion/657246 "2013-05-15T06:03:55Z")
Is it for the DIRTY money? Seriously, why is it whenever I hear a scientist dismiss some religious claim, people think they have an agenda? When Stephen Hawking said something like; “The Big Bang Didn’t Need God”, some… --- ## [I'm giving up on 'A Song of Ice and Fire'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-giving-up-on-a-song-of-ice-and-fire/594629)
**Author:** [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2011, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-giving-up-on-a-song-of-ice-and-fire/594629 "2011-09-01T22:02:49Z")
I’m about two thirds of the way through A Clash Of Kings, and it’s becoming… tedious. At first, the glee with which Martin kills or injures his protagonists was refreshing, despite the plodding pace. But now, the idea o… --- ## [Stop honking your horn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-honking-your-horn/453706)
**Author:** [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2014, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-honking-your-horn/453706 "2014-02-05T20:40:20Z")
Why do people use their key ring remote controls to lock their car doors after they leave the car? In most cars, this also sounds the car’s horn. :eek: :mad: Don’t virtually all cars that have remote controlled door lo… --- ## [Empire equals theft, how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/empire-equals-theft-how/846990)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/empire-equals-theft-how/846990 "2020-02-12T16:58:19Z")
This motif crops up from time to time in discussions I read and it got me wondering, whilst there are instances of theft from native populations due to unequal treaties, how is it theft if the empire in question was the … --- ## [Could Wikipedia get too big to fail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-wikipedia-get-too-big-to-fail/523130)
**Author:** [@Dilton\_Doiley\_Philosopher\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dilton_Doiley_Philosopher_King)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2010, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-wikipedia-get-too-big-to-fail/523130 "2010-01-05T23:53:52Z")
According to this personal appeal from Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, the website is run on $10 million a year. He also says it is the fifth-most-viewed website in the world. Could there be a point where Wikipedia coul… --- ## [Are you in favor of american air strikes in Syria?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-favor-of-american-air-strikes-in-syria/667982)
**Author:** [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2013, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-favor-of-american-air-strikes-in-syria/667982 "2013-09-10T19:32:22Z")
Public poll. --- ## [Safer alternatives to smokeless tobacco? Chew mint leaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safer-alternatives-to-smokeless-tobacco-chew-mint-leaves/633846)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2012, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safer-alternatives-to-smokeless-tobacco-chew-mint-leaves/633846 "2012-09-07T03:35:45Z")
Someone told me not to chew smokeless tobacco (this when I was a youngin’) because it would eventually eat a hole through your mouth. Instead this guy told me to chew mint leaves because they taste better and won’t give… --- ## [Secret for getting a tender juicy pork tenderloin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-for-getting-a-tender-juicy-pork-tenderloin/673506)
**Author:** [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2013, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-for-getting-a-tender-juicy-pork-tenderloin/673506 "2013-11-20T19:27:10Z")
I’m flummoxed when it comes to pork tenderloin, evidently. I’m mastered seafood and fish, chicken and beef. I think the secret to a great protein is juuuuuuust cooking it enough, and it’s a fine line. But boy am I good … --- ## [Awesome score at the Salvation Army Thrift Store](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/awesome-score-at-the-salvation-army-thrift-store/708640)
**Author:** [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2015, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/awesome-score-at-the-salvation-army-thrift-store/708640 "2015-01-10T13:36:49Z")
I’m trying to pay down credit cards, and as part of that, I’m not using them. Unfortunately, that doesn’t keep me from needing new clothes–it seems like half my wardrobe for the winter has fallen apart. So, in an effort … --- ## [Can you explain Virginia to me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-explain-virginia-to-me/535535)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2010, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-explain-virginia-to-me/535535 "2010-04-13T04:58:42Z")
I’m going to apologize right up front for not being versed in American history. And forgive me if I am misinformed about the nature of the, no doubt, beautiful state of Virginia. (It’s possible I actually mean Virginia a… --- ## [Is there a common food that we think of as colored, but which is naturally white?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-common-food-that-we-think-of-as-colored-but-which-is-naturally-white/606752)
**Author:** [@Parthol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Parthol)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-common-food-that-we-think-of-as-colored-but-which-is-naturally-white/606752 "2011-12-22T01:53:31Z")
Somehow, somewhere along the line, I got it into my head that ketchup was naturally white, and companies added red food coloring to make it look more palatable. But that’s not right, apparently – Google indicates that i… --- ## [Who do you want to be your Valentine on the SDMB?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-you-want-to-be-your-valentine-on-the-sdmb/51060)
**Author:** [@aha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aha)\ **Replies:** 209\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2001, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-you-want-to-be-your-valentine-on-the-sdmb/51060 "2001-01-28T04:20:22Z")
Well I am shooting arrows right now at Persephone and Ultress. What… What’s that? Can’t have two Valentines you say? The hell I can’t! And no Coldfire, I ain’t gonna be your valentine you dutch bastard. :smiley: --- ## [Group pitting of 17 Dopers who think Spaniards are cowards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/group-pitting-of-17-dopers-who-think-spaniards-are-cowards/234718)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2004, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/group-pitting-of-17-dopers-who-think-spaniards-are-cowards/234718 "2004-03-20T00:52:34Z")
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the thread started by SlyFrog in GD: Spanish elections: Further evidence that Europeans are pussies?. I dismissed it as trolling. The recent join date, an articulate, if factually st… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=661&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=663&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)