# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=778&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:** 779 --- ## [Need to vent about my marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-vent-about-my-marriage/747041)
**Author:** [@Sterling\_Archer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sterling_Archer)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2016, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-vent-about-my-marriage/747041 "2016-02-27T16:32:53Z")
I just don’t know if I can take it anymore. This kind of stuff happens ALL the time. On it’s own, it may seem like a silly thing, but this is a perfect example of what I deal with in this marriage every. single. day. TH… --- ## [How Likely is a Worldwide Ebola Outbreak? (pt 2)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-likely-is-a-worldwide-ebola-outbreak-pt-2/696882)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2014, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-likely-is-a-worldwide-ebola-outbreak-pt-2/696882 "2014-10-04T10:25:31Z")
Back in March when we first began hearing about the current ebola outbreak, I posed the question \[thread=719203\]here\[/thread\] about the chances that such an outbreak could go worldwide. We all pretty much dismissed this … --- ## [The white flag dem, GOP campaign is coming.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-white-flag-dem-gop-campaign-is-coming/334822)
**Author:** [@lonesome\_loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lonesome_loser)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2005, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-white-flag-dem-gop-campaign-is-coming/334822 "2005-12-14T21:00:31Z")
Dont the republicans realize that the majority of Americans think Iraq is a wasted and lost cause? http://www.drudgereport.com/flash2.htm I predict this will blow up in their faces. --- ## [Bailey's Irish Cream substitute](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baileys-irish-cream-substitute/483784)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2009, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baileys-irish-cream-substitute/483784 "2009-01-31T22:57:24Z")
The situation: The girlfriend and I LOVE Bailey’s. The problem: It’s $20 a bottle. There’s not much alcohol in the drink, and not much drink in the bottle. What else can we try that tastes great that’s a little chea… --- ## [Do Americans have shared beliefs and values?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-americans-have-shared-beliefs-and-values/635781)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2012, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-americans-have-shared-beliefs-and-values/635781 "2012-09-30T22:24:16Z")
“American national identity and political culture is based on shared political and civic beliefs and values. These beliefs and values are important in maintaining our constitutional democracy in an increasingly diverse … --- ## [Let's come up with a new term now that "dive bar" is completely meaningless](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-come-up-with-a-new-term-now-that-dive-bar-is-completely-meaningless/695232)
**Author:** [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2014, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-come-up-with-a-new-term-now-that-dive-bar-is-completely-meaningless/695232 "2014-08-13T12:49:27Z")
So apparently a “dive” bar is anyplace that isn’t TGI Friday’s. People casually recommend bars with words like, “Oh, it’s great. Low on the bro factor, totally divey,” while in the same paragraph using terms like “craft … --- ## [Is the newly unapologetic racist, nativist GOP power base basically the KKK for the new millennium?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-newly-unapologetic-racist-nativist-gop-power-base-basically-the-kkk-for-the-new-millennium/744638)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2016, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-newly-unapologetic-racist-nativist-gop-power-base-basically-the-kkk-for-the-new-millennium/744638 "2016-03-01T18:37:45Z")
Regarding the KKK from a non-expert historical perspective I’ve always considered them just a pack of lower class, Bible Belt white panic racists who tried to be as oppressive and terrifying as possible to black people … --- ## [Shut the fuck up about cell phones now.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2005, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-the-fuck-up-about-cell-phones-now/336291 "2005-12-27T02:05:13Z")
Yes, they are annoying. Yes, people abuse the priviledge and use them in public place where it’s less than appropriate. But now it’s fashionable to chew out people should they forget that they’ve left it on and it, Og … --- ## [Your Favourite Star Wars Character](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favourite-star-wars-character/539008)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2010, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favourite-star-wars-character/539008 "2010-05-23T20:30:56Z")
Who are your favourite Star Wars characters? My personal favourite is Senator/Supreme Chancellor/Emperor (Cos?) Palpatine. From an objective viewpoint the Republic was dying and gridlocked and would have been monstrously… --- ## [My Volkswagen is a piece of shit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-volkswagen-is-a-piece-of-shit/175532)
**Author:** [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2021, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-volkswagen-is-a-piece-of-shit/175532 "2021-03-02T00:48:31Z")
After reading consumer reports, I thought, hey, I’ll get a Volkswagen! They’re really safe, they’ve got great engines and they’re supposed to be indestructable. They’re also damn cool looking. Well, that was in 1999. … --- ## [Attorney's: Can you legally represent a close friend of yours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attorneys-can-you-legally-represent-a-close-friend-of-yours/588076)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2011, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attorneys-can-you-legally-represent-a-close-friend-of-yours/588076 "2011-07-08T16:53:03Z")
I do not know the ins and outs of choosing an attorney, and I am lucky enough to not have to do that, or be forced to do that {knocks on wood) - but I do happen to have a lot of attorneys as friends. So, is there any leg… --- ## [Minor Pittings of the Week](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-pittings-of-the-week/339684)
**Author:** [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2006, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-pittings-of-the-week/339684 "2006-01-26T02:39:00Z")
People who leave their shopping carts next to the handicapped spaces in parking lots because “there’s a space there”–into the Pit with you! People who make left turns v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y–into the Pit with you! Stores (… --- ## [List of things NOT to do while 36 weeks pregnant.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/list-of-things-not-to-do-while-36-weeks-pregnant/547844)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2010, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/list-of-things-not-to-do-while-36-weeks-pregnant/547844 "2010-07-27T23:02:20Z")
I’ll start: Trying on your stash of bikinis. \ \*Yes, I just did this. It was clearly a mistake. --- ## [Has anyone sucessfully gotten out of a "bait car" theft using entrapment as a reason?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-sucessfully-gotten-out-of-a-bait-car-theft-using-entrapment-as-a-reason/416332)
**Author:** [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2018, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-sucessfully-gotten-out-of-a-bait-car-theft-using-entrapment-as-a-reason/416332 "2018-04-25T15:03:01Z")
There’s a new show on Court TV called Bait Car. Basically they leave a vehicle in a high crime area, usually with the keys in the ignition. The car is equipped with cameras and an engine kill switch that is remotely acti… --- ## [What would be wrong with a norm of explicit, enthusiastic consent to every sex act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-wrong-with-a-norm-of-explicit-enthusiastic-consent-to-every-sex-act/806734)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-wrong-with-a-norm-of-explicit-enthusiastic-consent-to-every-sex-act/806734 "2018-01-23T11:56:50Z")
“I’m going to do X now.” “Cool do it!” “Okay now I’m going to Y” “Alright! I’m into it.” “Can I do Z now?” “Yes, please do!” “I suggest now we do A, B, and then C.” “I’m down!” Suppose things evolved into a state… --- ## [It's a weight machine, not a park bench!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-a-weight-machine-not-a-park-bench/480160)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2009, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-a-weight-machine-not-a-park-bench/480160 "2009-01-09T16:56:06Z")
Or, I Hate Januarys at the Gym. I get it. It’s January, a new year, and you’ve made resolutions to get fit/lose weight/quit smoking/whatever. You’ve given yourself a gym membership for Christmas and you’re raring to g… --- ## [A Philosophical Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-philosophical-question/321233)
**Author:** [@Rue\_DeDay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rue_DeDay)\ **Replies:** 259\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2005, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-philosophical-question/321233 "2005-11-04T06:07:05Z")
What is a Tootsie Roll? OK, as far as philosophical questions go, it’s not up there with “What is the meaning of Life?” or “What is beauty?” or “Why Wal-Mart?” but it’s what I got. I guess I could hop over to the Tootsi… --- ## [Charles Lindbergh's flight--how did he navigate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charles-lindberghs-flight-how-did-he-navigate/705659)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2014, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charles-lindberghs-flight-how-did-he-navigate/705659 "2014-12-02T19:02:30Z")
Specifically, how did he account for cross-winds? I’m reading\* an entertaining history of 1927, which covers the many attempts to fly across the Atlantic, both before and after Lindbergh’s famous flight. One part of Lin… --- ## [Karen Carpenter as a drummer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/karen-carpenter-as-a-drummer/203510)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2014, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/karen-carpenter-as-a-drummer/203510 "2014-04-30T02:02:46Z")
I am a young music fan who has just recently found time to start aquainting himself with the Carpenters. (I know it’s late, but remember- I am young and didn’t get a chance to experience the music the first time around!… --- ## [We're Pretty Much Fucked, Aren't We?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-pretty-much-fucked-arent-we/372446)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-pretty-much-fucked-arent-we/372446 "2006-09-18T13:43:01Z")
I’ve been listening to the latest episode of Harry Shearer’s Le Show, which is a slightly more serious version of The Daily Show. The segment where he reads from various newspapers is pretty much depressing. For exampl… --- ## [Is there any way you can politely ask people NOT to bring their kid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-you-can-politely-ask-people-not-to-bring-their-kid/353304)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-you-can-politely-ask-people-not-to-bring-their-kid/353304 "2006-04-20T11:20:25Z")
Mr. Athena and I are friends with a couple with a young daughter. I think she’s around four. We like the friends, and we like the daughter, but they bring her every time we get together. She’s a good kid, but she’s a fo… --- ## [Pronunciations which are legit but sound pretentious to outsiders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciations-which-are-legit-but-sound-pretentious-to-outsiders/823939)
**Author:** [@Yorkshire\_Pudding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorkshire_Pudding)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2018, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciations-which-are-legit-but-sound-pretentious-to-outsiders/823939 "2018-11-08T17:52:53Z")
This came up on another thread a day or two back: when hearing the usual North American pronunciation of “pecan” (piKAHN), it sounds - to a British ear - like an over the top hypercorrection, like a gauche attempt to sou… --- ## [Why should Santa be regarded differently than God?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-santa-be-regarded-differently-than-god/827442)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 260\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2019, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-santa-be-regarded-differently-than-god/827442 "2019-02-04T02:52:05Z")
Tangential spinoff of the recent thread where a teacher was fired for telling students that Santa didn’t exist: There was considerable outrage on Facebook over the incident as well - I would guesstimate that about 75% o… --- ## ["Blackadder Goes Forth" without the laugh-track](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackadder-goes-forth-without-the-laugh-track/522807)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2009, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackadder-goes-forth-without-the-laugh-track/522807 "2009-12-30T22:04:20Z")
Has anyone released a DVD of “Blackadder Goes Forth” without the laugh-track? I think it’s one of the finest TV shows ever made, and it’s often hilarious - but good Ford, at times it’s about as black as comedy can get, a… --- ## [Do you agree with Paul Ryan's lambasting of the IRS commissioner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-agree-with-paul-ryans-lambasting-of-the-irs-commissioner/691442)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2014, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-agree-with-paul-ryans-lambasting-of-the-irs-commissioner/691442 "2014-07-04T06:12:35Z")
I know he’s not a popular figure in these parts, but in regard to the content of the dressing down given by Paul Ryan to the IRS commissioner, do you agree or disagree? Poll to follow. --- ## [EU referendum: with respect, Mr Trump, fuck off.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-referendum-with-respect-mr-trump-fuck-off/756413)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-referendum-with-respect-mr-trump-fuck-off/756413 "2016-06-13T11:51:17Z")
Donald Trump is now going to visit the UK the day before the EU Referendum. Mr Trump, it’s OUR vote, not yours. Please respect us enough to let us get on with it. President Obama’s comments were ill-received to say the l… --- ## [Why is the lowermost button/buttonhole different from the others on some shirts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-lowermost-button-buttonhole-different-from-the-others-on-some-shirts/573868)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2011, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-lowermost-button-buttonhole-different-from-the-others-on-some-shirts/573868 "2011-03-09T05:06:48Z")
On some shirts, any or all of the following may be true of the lowermost button/buttonhole: The buttonhole is oriented horizontally (whereas all the others are oriented vertically) The buttonhole is lined with a differ… --- ## [How do the branches of the (US) military differ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-branches-of-the-us-military-differ/837050)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-branches-of-the-us-military-differ/837050 "2019-07-23T14:11:04Z")
I know: The Army is not the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps is not the Army. But what does the Corps do that the Army doesn’t, and vice versa? In terms of training and function. Also, we have an Air Force for a reason, b… --- ## [Is rusty cutlery dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rusty-cutlery-dangerous/277476)
**Author:** [@Ross](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ross)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2004, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rusty-cutlery-dangerous/277476 "2004-12-01T23:24:10Z")
'Cos most of mine seems to be going rusty. But I have to buy cheaper stuff 'cos it all slowly disappears anyway. But is the rust going to give me some ghastly disease or am I okay? What about my little girl? --- ## [Why did people used to overcook vegetables?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-people-used-to-overcook-vegetables/426292)
**Author:** [@Anne\_Neville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anne_Neville)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2007, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-people-used-to-overcook-vegetables/426292 "2007-11-19T16:27:36Z")
In the “disgusting food you like” thread, a number of the foods that were mentioned were vegetables that I like if cooked properly, but I agree that they’re disgusting if they’re overcooked the way that a lot of older pe… --- ## [What's your LEAST favorite Looney Tunes character?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-least-favorite-looney-tunes-character/504587)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2009, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-least-favorite-looney-tunes-character/504587 "2009-07-30T22:48:02Z")
Me? Gotta be Sniffles the Mouse. His blood must be molasses. He’s just plain dull. (I got this idea from the Foghorn Leghorn thread.) --- ## [High Rise Fire London](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-rise-fire-london/789013)
**Author:** [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-rise-fire-london/789013 "2017-06-29T01:29:37Z")
This is 2017. How can a high rise building exist without fire sprinklers, multiply stairways, or full fire alarm? I do not understand! The British PM made the statement that there will be a proper investigation into wha… --- ## [Movie where couples go island drink drugs kind of die](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-where-couples-go-island-drink-drugs-kind-of-die/755780)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2016, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-where-couples-go-island-drink-drugs-kind-of-die/755780 "2016-07-01T08:24:29Z")
identify? --- ## [How to Train Your Dragon 2 (no spoilers...in op at least)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-train-your-dragon-2-no-spoilers-in-op-at-least/691176)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2014, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-train-your-dragon-2-no-spoilers-in-op-at-least/691176 "2014-07-02T13:00:17Z")
Holy shit what a movie. I heard reviews that it was more intense, and it was darker, but I never thought they’d do this much. The action sequences were good, the voice acting was decent, the animation style (they used … --- ## [Help me plan an exit strategy in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-plan-an-exit-strategy-in-the-mmp/844268)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 240\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2019, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-plan-an-exit-strategy-in-the-mmp/844268 "2019-12-09T02:31:33Z")
First off, no I’m not leaving my fellow Mumpers or the Dope. I am, however, on the cusp of leaving my job. As you know, I’ve been sharing an office with Baby Engineer (OK, his real name is Robert) for over 3 years. I’… --- ## [Origin of Nigger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-nigger/325385)
**Author:** [@Debuhdee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debuhdee)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-nigger/325385 "2017-06-07T19:26:20Z")
Long time lurker, first time poster. I’m black, so calm down. What is the origin of the word nigger? Wikipedia tells me all sorts of things I already know, but it doesn’t tell me what the origin of the word is. Can D… --- ## [Tell me you don't want this desk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-you-dont-want-this-desk/666284)
**Author:** [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2013, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-you-dont-want-this-desk/666284 "2013-08-23T17:57:37Z")
Really. Come on, you can NOT convince me you do not want this desk. Can you? --- ## [This is the title Discourse lets me put in as a MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-the-title-discourse-lets-me-put-in-as-a-mmp/923912)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 270\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-the-title-discourse-lets-me-put-in-as-a-mmp/923912 "2020-11-02T09:31:18Z")
Witty title: It’s HalloHaunuThanksChristKwazaavus, Charlie Brown! A MMP. Although there will be no broadcast of the Peanuts holiday specials this year(Thanks, AppleTV and 2020! :face\_with\_symbols\_over\_mouth:). But it’… --- ## [Why should police be allowed to lie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-police-be-allowed-to-lie/690383)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2014, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-police-be-allowed-to-lie/690383 "2014-07-01T21:49:54Z")
I’ve never understood why it seems to be universally accepted that police being allowed to blatantly lie to suspects is a good thing. “Listen just confess to this crime whether you did it or not, and we will let you go … --- ## [Could artists in the past not have drawn more realistic portraits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-artists-in-the-past-not-have-drawn-more-realistic-portraits/638615)
**Author:** [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2012, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-artists-in-the-past-not-have-drawn-more-realistic-portraits/638615 "2012-10-25T06:30:53Z")
Just saw this article on Giz: This Picture Is Actually a Drawing An artist drew what looks like a highly detailed photograph with a pencil. It made me think, did artists of the past have the ability to draw something l… --- ## [Ben Affleck caught counting cards at casino - how did he get caught?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ben-affleck-caught-counting-cards-at-casino-how-did-he-get-caught/687558)
**Author:** [@weef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/weef)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2014, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ben-affleck-caught-counting-cards-at-casino-how-did-he-get-caught/687558 "2014-05-06T02:23:51Z")
Ben Affleck was caught counting cards at a Las Vegas casino Tuesday and banned for life. http://nypost.com/2014/05/02/ben-affleck-banned-for-life-from-vegas-casino/ How does a casino catch someone counting cards? --- ## [It doesn't sell! Let's call it something else!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-doesnt-sell-lets-call-it-something-else/978624)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2023, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-doesnt-sell-lets-call-it-something-else/978624 "2023-02-15T19:03:13Z")
I wanted to make a pasta dish that I’ve made in the past. It has a cream sauce made with smoked salmon and dill. Went shopping for ingredients last week, and grabbed a couple of packets of smoked salmon off the cooler sh… --- ## [Grammar question: "There didn't use(d) to be..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-question-there-didnt-use-d-to-be/565941)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2011, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-question-there-didnt-use-d-to-be/565941 "2011-01-03T01:33:54Z")
The title says it all, essentially. If you want to negate a phrase like “There used to be so and so back in the days”, is it “There didn’t use to be” or “There didn’t used to be”? I would have guessed the former, since … --- ## [Yes! I KNOW her husband blew his brains out! So the fuck what!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-i-know-her-husband-blew-his-brains-out-so-the-fuck-what/294148)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2005, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-i-know-her-husband-blew-his-brains-out-so-the-fuck-what/294148 "2005-03-23T20:43:03Z")
Okay, this is probably going to be a little long and it’s not quite as heartless as it sounds, but the over-sensitivity of co-workers is getting on my nerves. Here’s the backstory: I have a co-worker who I’ll call Cind… --- ## [A religious argument I mishandled in Great Debates: Better handled here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-religious-argument-i-mishandled-in-great-debates-better-handled-here/663984)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2013, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-religious-argument-i-mishandled-in-great-debates-better-handled-here/663984 "2013-07-23T16:31:19Z")
The following is a reply to a testy remark I made in a thread concerning evolution, Christianity, and science in general in Great Debates: \*Comparing a poster directly to a three-year-old and then posting metaphorical c… --- ## [Why do so many US cities have holes in them? (Border question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-us-cities-have-holes-in-them-border-question/643591)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-us-cities-have-holes-in-them-border-question/643591 "2012-12-11T22:47:22Z")
For a little while now, when you search for a US town or city in Google Maps, it has helpfully highlighted the boundaries of the place in question rather than just dropping a marker pin somewhere in the middle. I’ve not… --- ## [Talk to me about beer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-beer/611672)
**Author:** [@DeweyDecibel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeweyDecibel)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2012, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-beer/611672 "2012-03-26T00:18:10Z")
I am not much of a beer drinker but have lately been liking it more. However, I am not knowledgeable about what words describe what I like (yeast? Hop? Malt? Huh?), so I’m turning to the almighty SDMB. I do NOT like any… --- ## [Lies about toddler-wrangling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lies-about-toddler-wrangling/637028)
**Author:** [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lies-about-toddler-wrangling/637028 "2012-10-12T15:31:29Z")
“Give them a choice” and everything will go hunky-dory! They will feel empowered and be compliant little angels! You know how that ACTUALLY goes down? Like this: “Do you want the Hello Kitty shirt or the ruffly purple … --- ## [Atheists: What superstitions do you still practice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-superstitions-do-you-still-practice/630767)
**Author:** [@Nature\_s\_Call](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nature_s_Call)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2012, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-superstitions-do-you-still-practice/630767 "2012-09-07T06:36:53Z")
(IMHO / MPSIMS \> flip coin) I have finally purged the need to respond in any fashion to someone’s sneezing (it was hard to do), though I do like Penn Jillette’s family’s “That’s funny” as a replacement for “Bless you” a… --- ## [Brown, Green, Black, White as surnames](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brown-green-black-white-as-surnames/473435)
**Author:** [@Toxylon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxylon)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brown-green-black-white-as-surnames/473435 "2008-11-21T13:33:26Z")
English-speaking countries have a whole bunch of colors as surnames. To a Finn like me, this is peculiar - we have no color-names, and the thought of such (in Finnish) brings up mental images of elves or children’s book … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=777&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=779&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)