# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=853&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:** 854 --- ## [LOTR Question: Why did Sauron need the ring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-why-did-sauron-need-the-ring/630225)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-why-did-sauron-need-the-ring/630225 "2012-08-08T17:39:53Z")
I know the movies aren’t exactly canon, but they did show part of what happened when Sauron had the ring. Through a combination of armies of different races, he and his hoards were defeated when Isildur chopped off his … --- ## [Why are Jews hated so much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-jews-hated-so-much/120749)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2002, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-jews-hated-so-much/120749 "2002-12-30T07:55:22Z")
The subject line pretty much says it all… Why has such a tiny percentage of the world population been so consistently and adamently prosecuted? --- ## [Why do so many adults bash Pixar for making kids movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-adults-bash-pixar-for-making-kids-movies/696620)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2014, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-adults-bash-pixar-for-making-kids-movies/696620 "2014-09-02T18:07:53Z")
First off I am not the sort of person that equates animation with kids movies, I love animation and know that it can be very mature. But at the same time there is clearly some animation aimed at young children, and there… --- ## [How can there be a shortage of execution drugs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-there-be-a-shortage-of-execution-drugs/684229)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2014, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-there-be-a-shortage-of-execution-drugs/684229 "2014-03-25T19:11:31Z")
Story here. Also here. Apparently it’s a multi-state problem. Here’s what I don’t get: Why don’t they just use the same stuff veterinarians use to euthanize animals? There’s no shortage of that, is there? --- ## [Honduras elects a new president. What now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honduras-elects-a-new-president-what-now/519488)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2009, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honduras-elects-a-new-president-what-now/519488 "2009-12-21T01:58:28Z")
Honduras went ahead with its scheduled election on Sunday, while ousted President Manuel Zelaya remained holed up in the Brazilian embassy. Porfirio Lobo Sosa of the opposition/conservative National Party won with 56% o… --- ## [That Screeching Moment When You Realize Just How Fucked Up Things Are](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-screeching-moment-when-you-realize-just-how-fucked-up-things-are/434004)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2008, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-screeching-moment-when-you-realize-just-how-fucked-up-things-are/434004 "2008-01-23T15:55:03Z")
So a few weeks ago, I’m listening to this Fresh Aire interview with David Cay Johnston of The New York Times about his book Free Lunch it which he makes the claim that the wealthy are essentially looting the general publ… --- ## [Why are movies geared mostly to 18-25 year olds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-movies-geared-mostly-to-18-25-year-olds/494145)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2009, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-movies-geared-mostly-to-18-25-year-olds/494145 "2009-05-03T18:31:03Z")
Ebert said in an interview with Time Magazine, " With their focus on films aimed at the 18-25 demographic, the big exhibition chains are alienating older filmgoers and failed to grow and diversify their audiences." http… --- ## [Famous/Successful People Who Were "Sickly Children"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-successful-people-who-were-sickly-children/369316)
**Author:** [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2006, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-successful-people-who-were-sickly-children/369316 "2006-08-21T20:43:07Z")
It seems that 1 out of 10 biographies I read indicates that the famous/successful person were at one time bedridden or had significant childhood illnesses. There is usually a passage like: Famous Person) was a sickly c… --- ## [Is it unprofessional for a man to request a female massage therapist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-unprofessional-for-a-man-to-request-a-female-massage-therapist/681281)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2014, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-unprofessional-for-a-man-to-request-a-female-massage-therapist/681281 "2014-02-14T18:43:32Z")
My back has been killing me lately and I am in need of a massage. Is it a no-no to request a female? I hope you’ll take me at my word when I say I’m not looking for a “happy ending” or anything shady like that, I’d just … --- ## [I want to pit chiropractors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-pit-chiropractors/714776)
**Author:** [@owlfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlfan)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2015, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-pit-chiropractors/714776 "2015-03-16T15:41:31Z")
My mom is in her late 80’s and is very active. She does water aerobics, bowls, walks and shovels snow. Her only health problem is osteoporosis. Last week she was having pain in her right buttock, which she thought was … --- ## [Best Miyazaki Film?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-miyazaki-film/551183)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2015, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-miyazaki-film/551183 "2015-07-29T18:56:27Z")
I’m including what I believe to be his full feature films. Let me know if I am missing something that is not a television series. Only things he has directed are included, by the way. --- ## [Jury duty - Can you volunteer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-duty-can-you-volunteer/40745)
**Author:** [@Viscera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Viscera)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2000, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-duty-can-you-volunteer/40745 "2000-11-13T08:34:53Z")
Being a registered voter and whatnot, I have never been called for jury duty, course, I’m only 23. But, can one “volunteer” for jury duty? Sounds kind of fun, in a way. Probably wouldn’t want to do it more than once, esp… --- ## [Sorry, SHAKES, but yes, you ARE a bigot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorry-shakes-but-yes-you-are-a-bigot/254925)
**Author:** [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2004, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorry-shakes-but-yes-you-are-a-bigot/254925 "2004-07-19T07:28:51Z")
Per the following threads: The solution to the gay marriage controversy(?) \[/quote\] It can. But why does it have to be called marriage? When marriage is already being used by mostly hetero couples. Calling it marriag… --- ## ["House Republicans Vote to Gut Independent Ethics Office"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-republicans-vote-to-gut-independent-ethics-office/776207)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-republicans-vote-to-gut-independent-ethics-office/776207 "2017-01-07T00:54:24Z")
Well obviously since Trump has vowed to “drain the swamp” there is no need for such duplication, right? --- ## [Why does the Queen of England hang on? Why can't she retire so Charles can be King?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-queen-of-england-hang-on-why-cant-she-retire-so-charles-can-be-king/367112)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2006, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-queen-of-england-hang-on-why-cant-she-retire-so-charles-can-be-king/367112 "2006-08-12T05:44:30Z")
I mean he’s almost 58 for God’s sake. Give him a few years of Kingship before he’s a senior citizen. --- ## [What are the best TV opening sequences?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-tv-opening-sequences/560212)
**Author:** [@Flying\_Saucer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flying_Saucer)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2010, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-tv-opening-sequences/560212 "2010-11-14T21:41:32Z")
I’m not aiming for a single winner; I’d prefer just to make a list of the good ones. With networks giving more airtime to commercials, TV credit sequences are getting shorter and shorter. We may have seen the last of th… --- ## [Last Living US Slave Owner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-living-us-slave-owner/662090)
**Author:** [@tvguy1979](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tvguy1979)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2016, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-living-us-slave-owner/662090 "2016-09-20T14:53:14Z")
I am a huge fan of American history up to the Civil War, and, after reading about the last living American slaves, I am curious as to who was the last living American slave owner. I would guess someone born in the 1840s … --- ## [Wesley Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wesley-clark/200529)
**Author:** [@Mambo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mambo)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2003, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wesley-clark/200529 "2003-09-25T13:51:37Z")
What do you think would happen if Wesley Clark ran for President? Would he get the nomination? Can he beat Bush? He’s got the most impressive resume out there, a stellar reputation, and has the demeanor of a true lead… --- ## [Is Starfleet more like a navy or an air force?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-starfleet-more-like-a-navy-or-an-air-force/651488)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2013, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-starfleet-more-like-a-navy-or-an-air-force/651488 "2013-03-04T21:25:17Z")
From a discussion begun with post 346 in this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=611254&page=7 I’d say it’s more like a navy, in terms of ranks, having big ships on long missions, nautical term… --- ## [Experience with WEN by Chaz Dean cleansing conditioner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-wen-by-chaz-dean-cleansing-conditioner/570703)
**Author:** [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-wen-by-chaz-dean-cleansing-conditioner/570703 "2011-02-28T17:54:33Z")
Sometimes when I’m doing other things around the house, I have one of the shopping channels on, just for background noise. Yesterday, I saw a presentation for this product: http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx?view=2&app=… --- ## [New "Let It Go" Rule in GD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-let-it-go-rule-in-gd/433363)
**Author:** [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-let-it-go-rule-in-gd/433363 "2008-01-16T18:02:07Z")
In this thread in Great Debates you with the face used personal insults toward me several times. Someone else, perhaps more than one, called attention to it. Although Tom was posting to that thread, he said nothing ab… --- ## [Bands that are the same as other bands, except for one person](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bands-that-are-the-same-as-other-bands-except-for-one-person/716753)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2015, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bands-that-are-the-same-as-other-bands-except-for-one-person/716753 "2015-04-11T10:11:50Z")
Tom Tom Club was basically Talking Heads without David Byrne. Hindu Love Gods was R.E.M. with Warren Zevon instead of Michael Stipe. Any other bands that are essentially the same as another band except for adding/remov… --- ## [Why doesn't WalMart carry real margarine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-walmart-carry-real-margarine/595786)
**Author:** [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2012, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-walmart-carry-real-margarine/595786 "2012-11-22T07:34:50Z")
I cannot, usually, say enough good about WalMart, but, I am confused: Why do they not carry margarine? I mean the real stuff, not Country Crock’s ‘Margarine Spread’ or some such clones of that. I love margarine, ten time… --- ## [Best use of clichéd movie elements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-use-of-cliched-movie-elements/518330)
**Author:** [@Kizarvexius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kizarvexius)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2010, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-use-of-cliched-movie-elements/518330 "2010-01-21T18:42:00Z")
It’s an SDMB staple. Og knows how many times it’s been done, but it seldom fails to draw a crowd: discussions of overused situations, effects, and any number of devices in movies. So let’s turn this around and sing out… --- ## [Are women who have more than two cats mentally ill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-women-who-have-more-than-two-cats-mentally-ill/172600)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2003, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-women-who-have-more-than-two-cats-mentally-ill/172600 "2003-09-08T18:24:05Z")
Growing up, the lady down the street had about 10 cats. She was manic depressive. In college I knew a girl with 5 cats. Suffered from anxiety and depression. My aunt has 3 or 4 cats. Reclusive and depressed. Admitt… --- ## [An open letter to those wearing jammies at the store this morning. Sunday, Nov. 3rd.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998)
**Author:** [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2013, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998 "2013-11-10T23:34:57Z")
To the infant in the stroller: You probably wear something very-like jammies every day! I know it is frustrating, not being able to satisfy your own needs; but, trust me, there is a blissful innocence to human infancy. … --- ## [What's going on in the Kansas Senate election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-in-the-kansas-senate-election/698237)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2014, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-in-the-kansas-senate-election/698237 "2014-10-03T02:09:56Z")
There is a thread on it GQ, but it’s not intended to be an elections thread. It led me to this post by Nate Silver at 538: Upheaval In The Kansas Senate Race Is Making Our Chart Kinky So the Republican is leading, the… --- ## [Games/game genres you will never touch with a 100 foot pole](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/games-game-genres-you-will-never-touch-with-a-100-foot-pole/580913)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2011, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/games-game-genres-you-will-never-touch-with-a-100-foot-pole/580913 "2011-05-17T19:00:37Z")
Inspiring post. Me, I have absolutely no interest in something like the Sims-the gameplay seems incredibly banal to me. I’ve steered clear of MMO’s so far-I dislike the static shallow gameplay which is inherent if you … --- ## [why do girls play softball instead of baseball?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-girls-play-softball-instead-of-baseball/570526)
**Author:** [@TGWATY](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TGWATY)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2011, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-girls-play-softball-instead-of-baseball/570526 "2011-02-08T19:40:22Z")
Straightforward question. extra credit: why do grown men play softball instead of baseball? --- ## [Wordless, Spontaneous Sex With Strangers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wordless-spontaneous-sex-with-strangers/356550)
**Author:** [@wonderlust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonderlust)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2015, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wordless-spontaneous-sex-with-strangers/356550 "2015-10-17T14:02:51Z")
Wordless, spontaneous sex with strangers: you’ve seen it. It happens on tv and in movies, and if they’re representing reality, it’s happening to lots of people. And I’m not talking about nightclub pickups. It starts in a… --- ## [Biggest Collapse of Relevance/Importance/Respect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biggest-collapse-of-relevance-importance-respect/556568)
**Author:** [@boilercake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boilercake)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2010, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biggest-collapse-of-relevance-importance-respect/556568 "2010-10-15T12:41:06Z")
Frankly, not sure where to put this so I imagine it will be put in its place shortly by the mods. What person in the last century in your opinion has cratered the most spectacularly/substantially? Mao? Paul McCartney? … --- ## [Worst Fast Food Menu Gimmick Item You Ever Tried?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-fast-food-menu-gimmick-item-you-ever-tried/785701)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2017, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-fast-food-menu-gimmick-item-you-ever-tried/785701 "2017-05-11T14:53:14Z")
Worst as either “Worst Quality” or “Dumbest Concept”, and I say Gimmick just so people don’t flood it with “Any McDonalds burger” or chains they don’t like in general. I think the “Loaded Taco” from Taco Bell just from… --- ## [What's the deal with "training money"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-training-money/755071)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2016, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-training-money/755071 "2016-06-25T23:56:50Z")
If you look up “training money” or “training banknotes” on Ebay you’ll get over 1000 auctions like this. The bills (mostly UDS but also Euros and other currencies) look pretty real except for some Chinese writing stampe… --- ## [Breaking Bad returns August 11! (spoilers?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-returns-august-11-spoilers/663640)
**Author:** [@Peanut\_Gallery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanut_Gallery)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2013, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-returns-august-11-spoilers/663640 "2013-08-07T05:33:35Z")
Or should I say, “begins to end!” I am torn between excitement and loathing that the finale is around the corner. For some reason I thought it wasn’t coming back until Sept or Oct. I have been re-watching the series t… --- ## [Need quick help pronouncing an Asian name (Vietnamese I think)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-quick-help-pronouncing-an-asian-name-vietnamese-i-think/111392)
**Author:** [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2002, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-quick-help-pronouncing-an-asian-name-vietnamese-i-think/111392 "2002-06-01T00:20:36Z")
My neighbor, Mrs. Ngon, is coming over this evening. I had the pronounciation down when we introduced ourselves, but it is gone now. How do I pronounce Ngon? Thanks! --- ## [Babylon 5 Question: Why was the Vorlon Suit so badly done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babylon-5-question-why-was-the-vorlon-suit-so-badly-done/680560)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2014, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babylon-5-question-why-was-the-vorlon-suit-so-badly-done/680560 "2014-02-06T01:55:47Z")
Fans used to call it the shower curtain. It’s big and blocky looking. The screen cap shows just how odd the proportions were. It’s almost as bad as Daniel’s shower curtain costume in … --- ## [The Amazing Race 30](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-amazing-race-30/805785)
**Author:** [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2018, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-amazing-race-30/805785 "2018-02-26T18:23:00Z")
The 30th season of The Amazing Race begins Wednesday, Jan 3, in the timeslot vacated by Survivor. There are apparently going to be some double episodes in the latter half of the season. The teams this season: \[ul\] \[l… --- ## [Athiest Dopers would you be mad if your kid found God?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/athiest-dopers-would-you-be-mad-if-your-kid-found-god/249361)
**Author:** [@START](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/START)\ **Replies:** 223\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2004, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/athiest-dopers-would-you-be-mad-if-your-kid-found-god/249361 "2004-06-20T20:31:15Z")
I have a friend that had started going with me to my church youth group because it was something to do besides sit at home on Wednesday and besides we did weekend activities too anyway much to my surprise he eventually w… --- ## [What If Trump Doesn't Leave?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-trump-doesnt-leave/816172)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2018, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-trump-doesnt-leave/816172 "2018-06-19T16:10:29Z")
A lot of Americans are woefully uninformed. It’s not their fault. It’s just the truth. Anyway, I heard something interesting on Real Time with Bill Maher (I get some of my best information that way;)). 52% of Republican… --- ## [Raising the debt ceiling with more balanced budgeting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-debt-ceiling-with-more-balanced-budgeting/589156)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-debt-ceiling-with-more-balanced-budgeting/589156 "2011-08-09T03:18:29Z")
According to ththe latest news, the Republicans want to add a balanced budget amendment to the debt ceiling talks. What concessions would Republicans have to make for Democrats to consider this? If the Dems dig in … --- ## [To the obese woman whose cell phone rang at the tomb of the unknown soldier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-obese-woman-whose-cell-phone-rang-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier/402573)
**Author:** [@tofergregg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofergregg)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2007, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-obese-woman-whose-cell-phone-rang-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier/402573 "2007-05-16T05:06:38Z")
Friends and I went to Washington, D.C. a couple of weeks ago, and while there we visited Arlington National Cemetery. We arrived at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier just as a wreath laying ceremony was starting. It was … --- ## [Il mio viaggio in Italia, an MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/il-mio-viaggio-in-italia-an-mmp/470845)
**Author:** [@Tupug\_Anachi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tupug_Anachi)\ **Replies:** 256\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2008, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/il-mio-viaggio-in-italia-an-mmp/470845 "2008-11-10T01:50:42Z")
So over a year ago I decided to mark my 60th year on the planet with a celebration that would be meaningful for me which translated itself into a trip to Italy. Three family members and a friend decided to come along an… --- ## [Owners of Invicta watches, what do you think of them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/owners-of-invicta-watches-what-do-you-think-of-them/507461)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2009, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/owners-of-invicta-watches-what-do-you-think-of-them/507461 "2009-08-27T04:26:09Z")
Invicta watches are heavily promoted both on shopping channels and the net. There are many different styles but the feature common to all is the cheesy ploy of a “recommended selling price” that is 3 to 6 times the price… --- ## [Why can't ugly people act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-ugly-people-act/473514)
**Author:** [@Burger\_Time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Burger_Time)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-ugly-people-act/473514 "2008-11-21T13:26:04Z")
So why can’t ugly people act and subsequently never get roles in television series’ and movies? I’ve never seen such gross underrepresentation of a group by an organization…well, maybe black people in hockey; but hockey… --- ## [I just threw away a bottle of cloudberry jam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-threw-away-a-bottle-of-cloudberry-jam/462810)
**Author:** [@unspun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/unspun)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2016, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-threw-away-a-bottle-of-cloudberry-jam/462810 "2016-05-01T16:04:17Z")
The other day at the supermarket my eye was caught by a posh-looking jar of jam, cloudberry jam the label proclaimed. “Sounds interestingly tasty!” I thought, having never heard of cloudberries before, and bought it (£4 … --- ## [Is this "hostile work environment" claim full of shit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-hostile-work-environment-claim-full-of-shit/485821)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-hostile-work-environment-claim-full-of-shit/485821 "2009-02-18T21:33:12Z")
So on Monday I’m going to have to give the sexual harassment lecture to two of the staff, and I don’t think they deserve it. Here’s the scoop: There is a Starbuck’s not far from my office frequented by many of the staf… --- ## [Guys: is sitting to pee weird?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-is-sitting-to-pee-weird/258210)
**Author:** [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2004, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-is-sitting-to-pee-weird/258210 "2004-08-05T23:10:37Z")
My son is finishing up his 30-day jail sentence, and we visited him yesterday. A lot of new prisoners have been brought in, and he now has a roommate, an older married guy my son says is “weird”. Being a concerned mom, I… --- ## [Neutrinos break speed of light](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neutrinos-break-speed-of-light/597267)
**Author:** [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2012, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neutrinos-break-speed-of-light/597267 "2012-03-19T09:01:57Z")
According to this Reuters article, so say scientists. They shot neutrinos from CERN near Geneva to Gran Sasso Italy and the particles traveled the distance 60 nanoseconds faster than light would have. Kinda interesting,… --- ## [Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shakespeare/326207)
**Author:** [@jamesd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jamesd)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2005, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shakespeare/326207 "2005-10-25T18:54:05Z")
Regarding the quote from Richard III: “I say, without characters, fame lives long.” There is a third, more generally accepted, interpretation of this line. 'Without certain aspects of personal character (thus being left… --- ## [(Perhaps Surprising) Things That Make a Guy Sexy To You](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perhaps-surprising-things-that-make-a-guy-sexy-to-you/84775)
**Author:** [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2001, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perhaps-surprising-things-that-make-a-guy-sexy-to-you/84775 "2001-10-12T00:22:56Z")
Anyone got any things that really get them going, especially things that we wouldn’t think of offhand as being traditional hallmarks of male sexiness? Here’s my partial list: Premature greying (yeah yeah Milo, stop pre… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=852&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=854&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)