# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=719&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:** 720 --- ## [Prequels Nobody Wants to See: The Sequel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prequels-nobody-wants-to-see-the-sequel/479745)
**Author:** [@Gadarene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gadarene)\ **Replies:** 210\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2009, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prequels-nobody-wants-to-see-the-sequel/479745 "2009-01-15T18:17:35Z")
A few years ago, we had a very entertaining thread in which people came up with titles for prequels that would be far less interesting than the original film/play/musical/book. Titles, in fact, that suggest endless, end… --- ## [Funny last names.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-last-names/215348)
**Author:** [@crazy\_grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazy_grady)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2004, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-last-names/215348 "2004-01-02T20:52:34Z")
I was reading a story about a woman who was raising 25 orphan children in her home. She kept her maiden name. Her husband’s name was “Silcock”. On that theme, I went to high school with a kid a year ahead of me with the… --- ## [Do you think "rape by deception" is something to take serious?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-rape-by-deception-is-something-to-take-serious/611522)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2012, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-rape-by-deception-is-something-to-take-serious/611522 "2012-02-03T13:08:51Z")
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38430181/ns/us\_news-crime\_and\_courts/t/could-pick-up-artist-be-charged-rape-deception/ Ok just to clear the air I’m not talking about something like intentionally disguising yourself to have … --- ## [Test answers that annoy teachers - but are amusing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-answers-that-annoy-teachers-but-are-amusing/514757)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2009, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-answers-that-annoy-teachers-but-are-amusing/514757 "2009-11-01T09:01:41Z")
Test Failures --- ## [Best movies/books/shows for moral ambiguity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-movies-books-shows-for-moral-ambiguity/704606)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2014, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-movies-books-shows-for-moral-ambiguity/704606 "2014-11-23T10:09:09Z")
I’m a new mood, dopers. I’m looking for some movies/shows/books that thrive on moral ambiguity. I really want something I can sink my teeth into - just a whole mess of a situation and no one is particularly a good guy. I… --- ## [What is the best way to irrevocably destroy floppy disks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2023, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997 "2023-05-19T15:08:44Z")
I have about 50 to 100 old floppy disks that belonged to a relative who died in 2005. I have reason to believe that there may be sensitive data on the disks that I do not wish to possess and do not wish for anyone to po… --- ## [Out of Character ambitions for famous people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-character-ambitions-for-famous-people/499488)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2009, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-character-ambitions-for-famous-people/499488 "2009-07-05T03:09:35Z")
Several famous people often wanted to be somethimng very different from what the achieved fame for. Sometimes it is or was something that would be surprising. examples are; Radovan Karadzic had a spell where he wanted … --- ## [Santorum, don't worry we don't kill off our oldies!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorum-dont-worry-we-dont-kill-off-our-oldies/613388)
**Author:** [@gracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gracer)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2012, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorum-dont-worry-we-dont-kill-off-our-oldies/613388 "2012-02-21T22:57:40Z")
Soapparently Santorum said in Missouri that in the Netherlands that old people wear bracelets saying “please don’t euthanise me”, that 10% of all deaths in the Netherlands are euthanasia and that half of those are not vo… --- ## [What causes the scratches on the bodies of sperm whales?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-the-scratches-on-the-bodies-of-sperm-whales/744177)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-the-scratches-on-the-bodies-of-sperm-whales/744177 "2016-01-28T00:18:25Z")
Three sperm whales washed up on a beach in the U.K. and died. The bottom photo in the linked article shows a whale with numerous scratch marks on its body. What causes these scratches? A bit of googling has offered only… --- ## [WHY should the US use more coins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-the-us-use-more-coins/520371)
**Author:** [@Randy\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randy_Seltzer)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2009, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-the-us-use-more-coins/520371 "2009-12-12T05:43:29Z")
I’ve seen arguments that the US should follow the example of many other countries and rely more on coins for day-to-day transactions. In Europe, for example, the smallest paper bill is the €5, which is worth about $7.50.… --- ## [Hey, let's be needlessly cruel: Shitty, no-talent child actors!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-lets-be-needlessly-cruel-shitty-no-talent-child-actors/406677)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Hildo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Hildo)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2007, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-lets-be-needlessly-cruel-shitty-no-talent-child-actors/406677 "2007-06-06T01:40:47Z")
Ever wonder why there weren’t many Carrie-centered episodes of Little House on the Prairie? Whenever she was in a scene, she had to be promptly taken out of the scene with bowel-soiling problems. Always. Cuz THE TWIN C… --- ## [Ratatouille](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ratatouille/405282)
**Author:** [@iluvurmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iluvurmom)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2007, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ratatouille/405282 "2007-07-15T15:55:53Z")
Has anyone else heard about this movie? When I first saw it I was like huh? a movie about Rats but then I watched the trailer and its really cute. I promise you will fall in love with Remy:) --- ## [One-eyed Pirates: why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-eyed-pirates-why/590648)
**Author:** [@constanze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/constanze)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-eyed-pirates-why/590648 "2011-08-01T17:28:08Z")
Okay, I’ve just heard one hypothesis that sounds very dubious to me, but on quick Google can’t find any hard evidence about this topic at all. So, here’s the gist: “All” pirates\* are one-eyed because they used a primit… --- ## [Mary had a steamboat...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-had-a-steamboat/291793)
**Author:** [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2013, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-had-a-steamboat/291793 "2013-07-13T07:36:15Z")
…the steamboat had a bell, Mary went to heaven, The steamboat went to… Hell-o operator, give me number nine! And if he doesn’t answer, Then give me back my dime! Once upon a time a goose drank wine, A monkey chewe… --- ## [Press 1 for English](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/press-1-for-english/661612)
**Author:** [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2013, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/press-1-for-english/661612 "2013-07-02T07:13:16Z")
We all have called companies where we have to press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish, etc. In what other countries do people have to press 1 to continue? Do people in France have to press 1 for French? Do people in … --- ## [How should I meet introverted women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-meet-introverted-women/510357)
**Author:** [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bith_Shuffle)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2009, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-meet-introverted-women/510357 "2009-12-03T01:29:17Z")
There can be little doubt that I am on the introverted side. I have several friends and generally meet with at least one friend per day, but I am not generally comfortable in large groups. I prefer one-on-one conversat… --- ## [Anyone watch Justified on FX?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-watch-justified-on-fx/577695)
**Author:** [@Jane\_Doe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jane_Doe)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2011, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-watch-justified-on-fx/577695 "2011-06-04T18:37:51Z")
Hi! Long time lurker, first time poster here. I learned something that shocks me so much I had to come out of the shadow and post. I just learned that the lead in Justified, Timothy Olyphant also had played the main c… --- ## [Guys, stop enabling these women.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-stop-enabling-these-women/644390)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2012, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-stop-enabling-these-women/644390 "2012-12-21T16:43:38Z")
I swear, I feel like I’m in a subway commercial. I’m at work. I’m sitting at my computer minding my own damn business. About five feet behind me are four of my coworkers; two guys, two women. (The women are what most wo… --- ## [Scumpup...who or what is he/she?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scumpup-who-or-what-is-he-she/820862)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2019, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scumpup-who-or-what-is-he-she/820862 "2019-08-26T07:27:00Z")
Of late I’ve noticed some shitty turds being laid in threads by our esteemed member, Scumpup. To be honest, he/she has fallen under my radar for Posters to be Avoided for many years…has only come to my attention recentl… --- ## [No distilled water in steam iron](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-distilled-water-in-steam-iron/290965)
**Author:** [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2005, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-distilled-water-in-steam-iron/290965 "2005-02-20T19:57:28Z")
My wife bought a new steam iron today, a T-fal, and the instructions said not to use several kinds of water that would have contaminants but also to not use distillewater or rain water. It said to use tap water only bu… --- ## [Did the "French Resistance" in WWII make a real difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-french-resistance-in-wwii-make-a-real-difference/21842)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2015, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-french-resistance-in-wwii-make-a-real-difference/21842 "2015-04-21T14:09:04Z")
Taking off from another recent SD thread on French History I’m curious if Dopers have the SD on the “French Resistance”. Until the last few years I’ll admit I had the “Hogan’s Heroes” / Hollywood reinforced view that the… --- ## [A lesbian is raped and gets pregnant. What is the "best" thing to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-lesbian-is-raped-and-gets-pregnant-what-is-the-best-thing-to-do/526763)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2010, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-lesbian-is-raped-and-gets-pregnant-what-is-the-best-thing-to-do/526763 "2010-01-31T03:42:34Z")
A lesbian friend of my sister got pregnant as a result of rape. She chose to have the child and raise it with her lesbian partner. Several anti-abortion people told her the “right” thing to do would be to have the child… --- ## [Did you have any 'inappropriate' teachers at school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-have-any-inappropriate-teachers-at-school/436878)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2008, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-have-any-inappropriate-teachers-at-school/436878 "2008-02-17T02:58:38Z")
I was watching a programme on TV tonight the name of which I can’t remember. It was celebs talking about their school days (British). One of the topics that came up was ‘inappropriate teachers’. It was quite morbidly … --- ## [Is there a significant difference in saying someone is ACTING like a bitch vs BEING a bitch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-significant-difference-in-saying-someone-is-acting-like-a-bitch-vs-being-a-bitch/743222)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-significant-difference-in-saying-someone-is-acting-like-a-bitch-vs-being-a-bitch/743222 "2016-01-17T17:52:33Z")
I am using bitch is just an example. You may switch out bitch for whatever pejorative you like. So, if you’re arguing with someone, and you say to them “Quit bitching at me” or “You’re being bitchy” is that the same thi… --- ## [My voice is nasal and whiny. How can I change it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-voice-is-nasal-and-whiny-how-can-i-change-it/423537)
**Author:** [@zeno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zeno)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2007, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-voice-is-nasal-and-whiny-how-can-i-change-it/423537 "2007-10-23T13:13:42Z")
I heard my recorded voice recently and it sounds very displeasing. How do I go about getting a more resonant, less nebbish sounding voice? --- ## [Strange, outlandish, or totally stupid job interview questions you've been asked](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-outlandish-or-totally-stupid-job-interview-questions-youve-been-asked/678705)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2014, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-outlandish-or-totally-stupid-job-interview-questions-youve-been-asked/678705 "2014-01-17T03:30:57Z")
Back in August, I was interviewing for a temp gig - advertised as 3-6 months in duration. It suited me - I’m retired, but I wanted to make a little extra cash for an upcoming vacation. My resume made it clear that I wa… --- ## [Concerning Shodan and Idle Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concerning-shodan-and-idle-thoughts/802700)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2017, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concerning-shodan-and-idle-thoughts/802700 "2017-11-27T18:40:06Z")
I notice that Shodan is being Pitted in this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=842717 … for, among other things, being a tattletale. The claim is that Shodan told me that Idle Thoughts had st… --- ## [8 CIA Spooks Murdered in Afghanistan-Reaction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/8-cia-spooks-murdered-in-afghanistan-reaction/523208)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2010, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/8-cia-spooks-murdered-in-afghanistan-reaction/523208 "2010-01-07T06:18:22Z")
I was listening to the BBC report on this-the reaction of the local Afghan people was quite illuminating. Basically, most of them though the murders were justified, as the CIA had been plotting drone attacks upon muslims… --- ## [Reverse mortgage fiasco](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-mortgage-fiasco/641092)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2014, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-mortgage-fiasco/641092 "2014-05-13T14:52:25Z")
This was a story in the local paper the other day that should give anyone considering a reverse mortgage pause for thought. A retired local woman on a fixed income of about $740/mo took out a reverse mortgage on her pla… --- ## [What's a walyo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-walyo/534993)
**Author:** [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2023, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-walyo/534993 "2023-02-04T14:44:18Z")
I’ve currently been re-watching each season of The Sopranos, and have heard, from time to time as the show’s commenced, characters refer to other mobbed-up characters as “walyos”. Initially, during the early seasons, I … --- ## [Salma Hayek and the snake. I have never seen anyone this terrified](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salma-hayek-and-the-snake-i-have-never-seen-anyone-this-terrified/542572)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2010, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salma-hayek-and-the-snake-i-have-never-seen-anyone-this-terrified/542572 "2010-06-13T23:40:19Z")
This video is going about the net as a laugher, but I was genuinely stuck by how utterly terrified she is. She’s crying and practically in hysterics. On the plus side she’s got the balance skills of a mountain goat in t… --- ## [The 70s are gone...but we're bringing them back and you can't stop us!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-70s-are-gone-but-were-bringing-them-back-and-you-cant-stop-us/463383)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-70s-are-gone-but-were-bringing-them-back-and-you-cant-stop-us/463383 "2008-09-28T08:45:49Z")
I started a couple threads in here about 70s music. One is about hits and other songs that you somehow missed, back in the day. The other is about songs that got horrendously overplayed and ate up the airwaves. Seems … --- ## [I pit recycling snobs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-recycling-snobs/477010)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2008, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-recycling-snobs/477010 "2008-12-20T22:54:06Z")
So we have a friend who comes over several times a week. She is cool, we enjoy her company and her husband’s. Our kids and their kids are the same ages and get along so when they come over it is like instant babysitter… --- ## [Greatest Classic Rock Albums of All Time???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-classic-rock-albums-of-all-time/587106)
**Author:** [@K1LL\_4\_FUN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K1LL_4_FUN)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2011, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-classic-rock-albums-of-all-time/587106 "2011-07-01T03:30:13Z")
I’ve talked to friends and co-workers until blue in the face about the greatest Classic Rock and Roll albums of all time. I have created a website (which is now gone) ranking my opinion of the greatest 100 albums of all … --- ## [What Color is your MMP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-color-is-your-mmp/574637)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2011, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-color-is-your-mmp/574637 "2011-03-21T02:55:35Z")
As I was getting dressed this morning, I was thinking about the palette of my household and my life. The walls in our house are mostly neutral pastels, with the exception of periwinkle in the middle guest room. The car… --- ## [Is drowning a painful way to die?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-drowning-a-painful-way-to-die/246581)
**Author:** [@filmyak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmyak)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2004, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-drowning-a-painful-way-to-die/246581 "2004-05-23T21:28:12Z")
Yeah, I know it’s a hard question to talk about. Tough to get first hand accounts and all that. Basically, I spent most of my life figuring that drowning would really suck. Not just the dying part, but the extreme amoun… --- ## [Hit oldies you WISH would disappear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-oldies-you-wish-would-disappear/757570)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-oldies-you-wish-would-disappear/757570 "2016-06-27T14:58:00Z")
This is a spinoff of the “Hit songs that disappeared” thread. (Before anyone mentions “Stairway To Heaven”, it was never released as a single.) My votes go to the Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” and Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On.” --- ## [What The Gun Industry Thinks Women Want](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2016, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490 "2016-06-06T18:01:21Z")
The gun industry’s lobbying arm, also known as the NRA, recently had it’s annual meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. Among the many manufacturers’ displays, were offerings specifically designed for women. I’ll post some cl… --- ## [Would Holodeck Crimes be Immoral?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-holodeck-crimes-be-immoral/606927)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-holodeck-crimes-be-immoral/606927 "2011-12-29T00:32:48Z")
In a holodeck, or any other VR setup that is indistinguishable from reality, are heinous crimes like murder, rape, et al immoral? If you’re the only real person in the room, no one is hurt, but would these debauched act… --- ## [Young girl beaten in anti-Semitic attack; French fine her parents!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/young-girl-beaten-in-anti-semitic-attack-french-fine-her-parents/166299)
**Author:** [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2003, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/young-girl-beaten-in-anti-semitic-attack-french-fine-her-parents/166299 "2003-04-07T13:45:23Z")
Here’s the report from Andrew Sullivan My grasp of the French language is limited, but the original article seems to bear out Sullivan’s translation. Maybe someone who reads French can confirm my impression that the p… --- ## [White house fence jumper : what was supposed to happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-fence-jumper-what-was-supposed-to-happen/700036)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2023, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-fence-jumper-what-was-supposed-to-happen/700036 "2023-05-24T01:33:33Z")
There’s a large number of news articles about a guy who jumped the white house fence and made it inside. Do the pundits and Congress expect the secret service to have opened fire on the man in a hail of bullets before h… --- ## [the Hurt Locker - THE new movie you MUST. SEE.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hurt-locker-the-new-movie-you-must-see/504925)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2010, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hurt-locker-the-new-movie-you-must-see/504925 "2010-04-11T19:19:06Z")
I had brunch with a friend on Sunday who raved abut this film. I hadn’t even heard of it myself, but because I trust this particular friend’s judgement I went to see it. I just about blew my mind. This film is amazing… --- ## [Self checkout at grocery store](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-checkout-at-grocery-store/957589)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-checkout-at-grocery-store/957589 "2022-02-12T03:30:49Z")
Why do they care if I put a scanned item in a bag or back in the cart? I assume it has something to do with stopping theft? --- ## [Obama's Red State Strategy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-red-state-strategy/615813)
**Author:** [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2012, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-red-state-strategy/615813 "2012-04-20T18:00:19Z")
Give Obama the same states he won in 2008 and give the Republican candidate the same states McCain won in 2008. If Obama wins the same states he won in 2008 then in 2012 he will have 358 electoral votes to the Republican… --- ## [Ohio smokers: get a fucking grip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-smokers-get-a-fucking-grip/383570)
**Author:** [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2006, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-smokers-get-a-fucking-grip/383570 "2006-12-19T22:59:40Z")
So it’s been a month since the voters (including me) passed the smoking ban, and less than a week since the smokers (including me) have had to go take a walk around the block or go huddle in an alley when we want to indu… --- ## [John Wayne's Feet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-waynes-feet/94230)
**Author:** [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2001, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-waynes-feet/94230 "2001-11-20T01:39:14Z")
I’ve heard that John Wayne’s feet were small for his height, which resulted in that distinctive swaggering walk his is well-known for. He had to walk that way to keep from falling over. Any truth to this? --- ## [One Dead Rat. Should I expect more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-dead-rat-should-i-expect-more/532473)
**Author:** [@kevlaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kevlaw)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2010, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-dead-rat-should-i-expect-more/532473 "2010-03-16T15:33:02Z")
I set rat traps in my attic last week and caught The Biggest Rat ever yesterday. Was he a lone wanderer? Or is there a massive Rat Family that has learned to avoid the traps? Which is more likely? --- ## [Why is there a building height limit in Washington DC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-a-building-height-limit-in-washington-dc/668771)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2013, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-a-building-height-limit-in-washington-dc/668771 "2013-09-22T18:41:12Z")
I hope the reason is more than simply “Because they want one” I just read a Slate.com story about possible changing height limits, and went to the Wiki to read about the building height act. They talk about what buildi… --- ## [Skunks and Evolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skunks-and-evolution/548708)
**Author:** [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2014, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skunks-and-evolution/548708 "2014-03-22T01:43:58Z")
(I did a quick search but did not find this question. Please forgive me if it’s been asked before…I think it’s pretty obvious, but who knows?) There is nothing I enjoy more on warm, summer nights than to take Poochie on… --- ## [Health Myths](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-myths/692292)
**Author:** [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2014, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-myths/692292 "2014-09-03T22:28:08Z")
Kind of like to get this one out of the way first, then I’ve got a zillion more to come as I’m sure you might have as well if there is enough interest. I hope so. This is one I just read about and need to find out if it … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=718&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=720&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)