# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=793&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:** 794 --- ## [Life Inside a Computer Game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-inside-a-computer-game/149541)
**Author:** [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2003, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-inside-a-computer-game/149541 "2003-06-18T11:38:38Z")
The idea here is to describe what life would be like if you actually lived inside a computer game. Others must guess which game it is.:slight\_smile: Here is my sample: Why Me? “Why me?” asked the prisoner, as once aga… --- ## [The Big Bang Theory, Episode 618: "The Contractual Obligation Implementation"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-episode-618-the-contractual-obligation-implementation/652353)
**Author:** [@JerseySwamps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JerseySwamps)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2013, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-episode-618-the-contractual-obligation-implementation/652353 "2013-03-12T20:45:45Z")
I was disappointed that they didn’t think of the obvious solution until the end of the episode. --- ## [Oddball hypothetical: Most self-sufficient state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oddball-hypothetical-most-self-sufficient-state/41524)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oddball-hypothetical-most-self-sufficient-state/41524 "2014-02-19T20:56:17Z")
The present microscopic focus on Florida and its political minutiae has provoked a few odd trains of thought for me, as I’m sure it has for many. I’m sharing one of them here on the board in the hope that it’s an origina… --- ## [Why do medieval drawings look the way they do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-medieval-drawings-look-the-way-they-do/522989)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2009, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-medieval-drawings-look-the-way-they-do/522989 "2009-12-31T17:00:01Z")
I’ve seen many medieval drawings/paintings/tapestries, and the figures just have a certain look to them. The way the faces are – they don’t look fully human at least according to my … --- ## [Trump is no longer funny](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-is-no-longer-funny/765890)
**Author:** [@zoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoo)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2016, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-is-no-longer-funny/765890 "2016-09-15T21:05:18Z")
From here http://macezbrown.macezbrown.com/ I am curious why we don’t see this line of attack more often. --- ## [NY Cops shoot 9 people trying to kill bad guy. Reckless or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-cops-shoot-9-people-trying-to-kill-bad-guy-reckless-or-not/632725)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-cops-shoot-9-people-trying-to-kill-bad-guy-reckless-or-not/632725 "2012-08-29T00:18:12Z")
Turns out that shooting last week really wasn’t a mass shooting. Bad guy shot his boss. Cops show up and shoot 9 people trying to kill bad guy. :eek: Was this just reckless on the cops part? Were they channeling Dirty … --- ## [I am Christian first and American second. Is this an acceptable stance for the US President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-christian-first-and-american-second-is-this-an-acceptable-stance-for-the-us-president/744338)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-christian-first-and-american-second-is-this-an-acceptable-stance-for-the-us-president/744338 "2016-02-03T22:56:07Z")
My take is no. Ted Cruz said this at a rally in New Hampshire the other day and it really disturbed me. I am appalled by this, but I don’t want this to be a pit thread or even a thread about Mr. Cruz. I want this to b… --- ## [Have you ever witnessed an "action movie moment" in real life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-witnessed-an-action-movie-moment-in-real-life/609906)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2012, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-witnessed-an-action-movie-moment-in-real-life/609906 "2012-02-02T23:46:17Z")
Were one to get their impressions of life from action/adventure/suspense movies, one would witness all sorts of exciting things. But in real life those sorts of things never seem to really happen. So I ask you: Have yo… --- ## [So, if I grab an electric fence, will it shock me. . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-i-grab-an-electric-fence-will-it-shock-me/306259)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2014, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-i-grab-an-electric-fence-will-it-shock-me/306259 "2014-12-02T16:55:28Z")
If I’m holding someone else’s had? I heard someone make the claim that he had touched an electric fence, while touching someone else. The other person (not touching the fence directly) felt the shock, but the person to… --- ## [Is all Ivy the poisonous kind that breaks you out in an itchy rash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-all-ivy-the-poisonous-kind-that-breaks-you-out-in-an-itchy-rash/657686)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2013, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-all-ivy-the-poisonous-kind-that-breaks-you-out-in-an-itchy-rash/657686 "2013-05-10T13:08:47Z")
Ah the distinguished Ivy league schools and their ivy covered walls. Is that stuff poison ivy? Does all ivy potentially create miserable rashes when touched or burnt? If not, then how can you tell the difference? I got … --- ## [What is a more realistic solution for rural folk: Bringing them jobs or moving them elsewhere?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-more-realistic-solution-for-rural-folk-bringing-them-jobs-or-moving-them-elsewhere/783780)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2017, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-more-realistic-solution-for-rural-folk-bringing-them-jobs-or-moving-them-elsewhere/783780 "2017-04-12T15:29:13Z")
Two articles have inspired the OP: Rural Americans turn to disability as jobs dry up. Rural Americans dying at higher rates than urban Americans What’s the solution? Trump supporters seem hopeful that jobs can be bro… --- ## [What is the main threat to global peace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-main-threat-to-global-peace/662770)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-main-threat-to-global-peace/662770 "2013-08-09T15:03:31Z")
Inspired by David Brooks’ 7/5 column in the New York Times, in which he describes radical Islam as the main threat to global peace. --- ## [How did the American Revolution affect Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-american-revolution-affect-canada/477120)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2008, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-american-revolution-affect-canada/477120 "2008-12-15T20:53:24Z")
In what way was Canada different than the 13 colonies at the start? Apart from loyalists who moved to Canada, how did Canada change after the revolution? I got the impression from a National Archives exhibit, that Engl… --- ## [I'm afraid to ask but: How do they treat an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-afraid-to-ask-but-how-do-they-treat-an-erection-that-lasts-for-more-than-4-hours/562211)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2010, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-afraid-to-ask-but-how-do-they-treat-an-erection-that-lasts-for-more-than-4-hours/562211 "2010-12-02T13:31:21Z")
So I’m watching NFL and I see lots of adverts for Viagra - and one thing that is always stated is that you should see an doctor if your erection lasts more than 4 hours. I’m sure I don’t want to know but - so what \*do \*… --- ## [Just quadded in the freeroll - SDMB Poker 2nd Quarter 2011 - Now at PokerStars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-quadded-in-the-freeroll-sdmb-poker-2nd-quarter-2011-now-at-pokerstars/577239)
**Author:** [@MentalGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MentalGuy)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2011, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-quadded-in-the-freeroll-sdmb-poker-2nd-quarter-2011-now-at-pokerstars/577239 "2011-07-08T13:05:06Z")
For those in the know, this is the thread for our second quarter. For those not in the know, there is a group of us from the SDMB that play poker online every Thursday night at 10 Eastern/9 Central. Here is the thread … --- ## ["Americatown" in foreign cities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americatown-in-foreign-cities/664394)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2013, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americatown-in-foreign-cities/664394 "2013-08-04T03:33:30Z")
In most major US cities there are certain neighborhoods that are enclaves of people with a shared ethnicity, culture, nationality, religion, etc., e.g. Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Italy, Little Tokyo, Little Havana, and… --- ## ['Guns, Germs, and Steel' - This is controversial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guns-germs-and-steel-this-is-controversial/314248)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2005, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guns-germs-and-steel-this-is-controversial/314248 "2005-08-02T19:19:12Z")
(GQ? GD? The Pit? First it was a book then a TV show so I suppose this belongs in CS but I won’t be surprised if it’s moved.) I never read the book but saw the first episode of PBS’s version of Guns, Germs, and Steel… --- ## [CPAP users, tell me some stories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpap-users-tell-me-some-stories/975105)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpap-users-tell-me-some-stories/975105 "2023-05-19T21:28:55Z")
I know we’ve had CPAP threads before but I’d like to hear any updates or new tips. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 15 years ago but I could never adapt to the CPAP. I think it was 50% discomfort and 50% wonky set… --- ## [Can I fool my new washer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-fool-my-new-washer/630372)
**Author:** [@Heckity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heckity)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-fool-my-new-washer/630372 "2016-05-24T13:41:28Z")
I’ve had the week from hell. I’ll spare you all of the detail; suffice to say that in a two-week span my washer, dryer, cable/internet, computer and frackin’ toaster all died on me. So I hurried out and bought a new was… --- ## [Ruptured my Achilles Tendon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruptured-my-achilles-tendon/633582)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2012, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruptured-my-achilles-tendon/633582 "2012-09-07T03:32:30Z")
I don’t share many personal things here, but if there’s any group whose advice, experiences and tidbits I’d love to hear, it’s the SDMB members. I had to play one last game of pickup basketball yesterday, and what a mis… --- ## [Is touching a ground wire dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-touching-a-ground-wire-dangerous/510699)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2009, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-touching-a-ground-wire-dangerous/510699 "2009-09-21T04:18:52Z")
I have a 3-prong adapter, the one with the little metal loop that is screwed into the outlet screw. Is that metal loop part dangerous? --- ## [Could Detroit Revive? Would This Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-detroit-revive-would-this-work/568948)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2011, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-detroit-revive-would-this-work/568948 "2011-02-15T05:34:38Z")
You have all seen the (extremely depressing) video clips of “Dying Detroit” on YouTube-there are hundreds of them. It is obvious that the city is in serious trouble. Frome a population peak of over 2 million, they are n… --- ## [A Rant: I Fucking Hate My Job](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rant-i-fucking-hate-my-job/667348)
**Author:** [@Crumbled\_Bumble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crumbled_Bumble)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2013, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rant-i-fucking-hate-my-job/667348 "2013-09-03T15:30:33Z")
I hate my job. The only reason I stay is because they pay me well, but I can’t fucking enjoy it because I can never even wind down from my workday. I just get out of work angry all the time. They train me for 3 months i… --- ## [What exactly is the point of Life Of Pi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-point-of-life-of-pi/653757)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2013, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-point-of-life-of-pi/653757 "2013-11-01T03:17:39Z")
I’ve seen bits of the movie that alternately make it look like a disaster survival movie and some kind of fantasy scifi flick(weird floating meercat island). What is the point of the story? --- ## [Buh Bye Bayh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buh-bye-bayh/529110)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2010, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buh-bye-bayh/529110 "2010-02-18T19:17:08Z")
Well, Evan Bayh, we hate to see you go. And who does a longtime advisor to Bayh blame? I think this is a bad loss for Democrats, notwithstanding the apparent wishes of “left bloggers.” It’s good for the GOP, most like… --- ## [Head Coach in professional sports who never was an active athlete himself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-coach-in-professional-sports-who-never-was-an-active-athlete-himself/620112)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2012, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-coach-in-professional-sports-who-never-was-an-active-athlete-himself/620112 "2012-05-06T23:50:38Z")
Many athletes who have had very undistinguished active playing careers move on to become successful coaches in their sports on the highest level. Up until recently, there was a team manager in the highest division of pr… --- ## [This cycle's crop of Republican candidates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-cycles-crop-of-republican-candidates/606869)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2011, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-cycles-crop-of-republican-candidates/606869 "2011-12-31T06:42:56Z")
Is McDonald’s putting Psychosis-inducing drugs in its french fries? (This thread may belong in IMHO – I state my opinion and ask for others’ – but I’m choosing BBQ Pit to allow Dopers free rein at venting any ire.) Fir… --- ## [What if US Taxes Were More Progressive (More Brackets)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-us-taxes-were-more-progressive-more-brackets/490258)
**Author:** [@hobscrk777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hobscrk777)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-us-taxes-were-more-progressive-more-brackets/490258 "2009-04-01T05:42:37Z")
This is inspired by this article over at Five-Thirty-Eight. The gist of it is that the top marginal tax rate has been much higher than it currently is in US history. However, in previous decades this top tax rate applied… --- ## [Adapt a Shakespearean play for the screen in the worst possible way.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adapt-a-shakespearean-play-for-the-screen-in-the-worst-possible-way/726912)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2015, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adapt-a-shakespearean-play-for-the-screen-in-the-worst-possible-way/726912 "2015-08-08T00:56:38Z")
In which we discuss the worst possible ways any of Bill S’s oeuvre might be turned into a movie. Really, I can’t think of a clearer way to put this. Go! --- ## [Do magazines generally pay for interviews of famous people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-magazines-generally-pay-for-interviews-of-famous-people/504946)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2009, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-magazines-generally-pay-for-interviews-of-famous-people/504946 "2009-08-02T09:55:27Z")
If a magazine wants to interview someone reasonably famous, and they are essentially offering them free promotion for their upcoming movie/album/show/whatever, do they usually pay for the interview on top of that? If so … --- ## [Joe Rogan and his massive audience](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-rogan-and-his-massive-audience/957296)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 239\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-rogan-and-his-massive-audience/957296 "2022-02-14T00:32:50Z")
If this image is accurate, that’s just jaw droppingly amazing… and sad. I don’t know if any of you are aware of who Eithan Klein is, (He’s a popular YouTube influencer who may or may not be problematic himself - I would… --- ## [I pit the useless fucking Electoral College](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-useless-fucking-electoral-college/775186)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-useless-fucking-electoral-college/775186 "2016-12-24T13:51:02Z")
The Electoral College is a civic airbag made by Takata - you thought it was there to protect you and when the fan hit the shit, it just spewed useless shrapnel. It’s a carefully-designed reserve chute that turns out to b… --- ## [Which is more important to the economy, government or private sector?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-more-important-to-the-economy-government-or-private-sector/757724)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2016, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-more-important-to-the-economy-government-or-private-sector/757724 "2016-06-23T01:13:25Z")
People have been very hard on Obama about the economy. I am not asking if he or Congress did the right things. Those are topics for another thread. What I am asking is, is it really up to the government? The crash occ… --- ## [Do you play 'adult' words in Scrabble or WWF with friends of the opposite gender?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-play-adult-words-in-scrabble-or-wwf-with-friends-of-the-opposite-gender/685433)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2014, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-play-adult-words-in-scrabble-or-wwf-with-friends-of-the-opposite-gender/685433 "2014-04-17T17:37:26Z")
I play Words with Friends (it’s like Scrabble) with some female friends (I’m male) and I sometimes find that I can make good words, but they are of an ‘adult’ nature: eg ‘horny’, ‘erection’, etc I choose not to play the… --- ## [Where was all this attention on bullying when I was a youngster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-was-all-this-attention-on-bullying-when-i-was-a-youngster/619905)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2012, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-was-all-this-attention-on-bullying-when-i-was-a-youngster/619905 "2012-05-20T18:19:48Z")
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad there’s a higher level of awareness these days on how miserable life can be if you’re a kid that’s being picked on or bullied. Being bullied myself, I would have to say that there’s definite… --- ## [Walking Dead Spin Off Now has a Title...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walking-dead-spin-off-now-has-a-title/716151)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2015, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walking-dead-spin-off-now-has-a-title/716151 "2015-08-23T23:47:49Z")
It’s Fear the Walking Dead. Somehow they have found a title that is simultaneously boring and easy to confuse with the original. --- ## [MacTech's first Constitutional Carry (concealed carry) adventure!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mactechs-first-constitutional-carry-concealed-carry-adventure/734927)
**Author:** [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2016, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mactechs-first-constitutional-carry-concealed-carry-adventure/734927 "2016-10-20T22:42:19Z")
On Oct. 15, Maine joined the Constitutional Carry crowd, any citizen legally able to own a handgun now no longer needs to apply for a Concealed Carry permit, CCW permits are still available, and give the carrier a few ad… --- ## [Silly things I miss from the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-i-miss-from-the-us/438532)
**Author:** [@TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TellMeI_mNotCrazy)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2008, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-things-i-miss-from-the-us/438532 "2008-02-27T18:40:53Z")
Some days I just get a little nostalgic and start daydreaming about things from the US. Recently, a client sent me a package that was wrapped in a bunch of circulars from his Sunday newspaper, and it triggered a whole s… --- ## [The SPAM thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-spam-thread/543910)
**Author:** [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2010, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-spam-thread/543910 "2010-06-29T01:59:16Z")
I just listened to an interesting clip on NPR about a guy who bought SPAM for his wife because it was cheaper than bacon. She was not amused but tried it. The only good thing she could say about it was that it was salty. … --- ## [NBA season 16-17](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-season-16-17/779924)
**Author:** [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2017, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-season-16-17/779924 "2017-04-13T00:46:44Z")
I did not see a thread dedicated to this NBA season and considering that All Star weekend is days away, what better time to start one? There haven’t been any major surprises so far this season, which is pretty much the … --- ## [Things you learned the hard way](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-learned-the-hard-way/850922)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2021, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-learned-the-hard-way/850922 "2021-09-27T07:49:25Z")
Today I learned that “kerosene” is NOT “lamp oil”. Not if you want to use it indoors. --- ## [Impeachment? Then, what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impeachment-then-what/827331)
**Author:** [@Dr.Conrad\_Shadowdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Conrad_Shadowdale)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impeachment-then-what/827331 "2019-01-13T16:39:01Z")
It is perfectly clear that many of the Democrats in the House of Representatives — especially younger or more progressives members consider “impeachment of the President” a fairly high priority. However, the odds of act… --- ## [Definite articles in ship names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definite-articles-in-ship-names/578760)
**Author:** [@tmoh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tmoh)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2013, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definite-articles-in-ship-names/578760 "2013-06-24T03:54:39Z")
In my limited (read: pop-cultural) experience, it seems like some ships (and spacecraft) take definite articles before their names, but others don’t. Compare: Malcolm Reynolds is the captain of Serenity. (no article) … --- ## [Dear kanicbird:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-kanicbird/539117)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2010, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-kanicbird/539117 "2010-05-24T17:01:58Z")
Elsewhere on the dope, in response to the question, "Why does child molestation happen, you write: \[bolding mine\] I am not sure why I’m bothering with this. You give every impression of being an impervious to both cr… --- ## [Why are there no brown cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-brown-cats/528674)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2010, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-brown-cats/528674 "2010-02-15T15:55:42Z")
Why is it that there are cats in just about every colour and pattern there is, except for brown? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cat that was brown all over. Why? --- ## [Two days off for the death of an immediate family member? WTF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-days-off-for-the-death-of-an-immediate-family-member-wtf/190547)
**Author:** [@summerbreeze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/summerbreeze)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-days-off-for-the-death-of-an-immediate-family-member-wtf/190547 "2015-11-15T22:16:37Z")
My next door neighbor’s 28-year-old daughter was killed yesterday when a truck ran a red light and slammed into her car. Because the funeral is tomorrow (Thursday), he won’t be expected back at work until Monday. So he … --- ## [More LOTR questions!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-lotr-questions/828442)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2020, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-lotr-questions/828442 "2020-05-17T13:39:53Z")
I’m going by the movies, extended versions: Are elvish bows enchanted, or just really well crafted? Legolas gets a new white bow from Galadriel, is that one enchanted in some way? For that matter, what enchantments… --- ## [The Walking Dead; 2.04 "Cherokee Rose" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-2-04-cherokee-rose-open-spoilers/602121)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2011, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-walking-dead-2-04-cherokee-rose-open-spoilers/602121 "2011-11-19T21:19:59Z")
The Sophia is still missing, Carl’s got his surgery, Shane killed Otis, most of the gang’s still at the farm, and nobody knows what really happed to Otis. Also Dale is still stuck with Andrea & Carol. If you have spoi… --- ## [NatNoWriMo!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natnowrimo/515048)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2009, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natnowrimo/515048 "2009-11-30T18:05:12Z")
So the National Novel Writing Month is coming right up. I am currently waiting for a Saudi visa. I have won the contest in the past. Any ideas for characters or settings? I am a sucker for time-travel and science ficti… --- ## [Vagina Dialogues - canceled, too offensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vagina-dialogues-canceled-too-offensive/726119)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2015, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vagina-dialogues-canceled-too-offensive/726119 "2015-08-02T21:15:57Z")
…As first reported in Campus Reform, a theater group at a women’s college says it will stop showing the play – forever. … The student-run theater group’s leaders asked the dean of students to send out an e-mail askin… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=792&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=794&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)