# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=861&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:** 862 --- ## [Why has the word "Caesar" come to mean "Roman Emperor" ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-the-word-caesar-come-to-mean-roman-emperor/567127)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2011, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-the-word-caesar-come-to-mean-roman-emperor/567127 "2011-01-18T18:21:51Z")
I was listening to the excellent History of Rome podcast this morning, and this just occurred to me… Why do we use “Caesar” as the generic term for “Roman Emperor”, when in fact in during the Imperium it was closer to … --- ## [OkCupid: I signed up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okcupid-i-signed-up/682106)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2014, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okcupid-i-signed-up/682106 "2014-12-03T04:33:44Z")
I’m going to relate my stories of OkCupid here. I signed up an hour ago – hey what the hell – and am starting to get some hits. I’m a 51 year old white guy. Why is a 30 year old black woman in Washington DC messaging … --- ## [The Planned Parenthood thread fiasco revisited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-planned-parenthood-thread-fiasco-revisited/476504)
**Author:** [@Jaade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaade)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-planned-parenthood-thread-fiasco-revisited/476504 "2008-12-12T17:56:04Z")
I certainly hope that my title is more appropriate than Euthanasiast’s was considered. I also wish to state up front that I am close to Euthanasiast, but that does not mean we always agree on everything. On this subject… --- ## [New companion for Doctor Who announced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-companion-for-doctor-who-announced/616390)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2012, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-companion-for-doctor-who-announced/616390 "2012-03-26T19:57:34Z")
It is official that somebody named Jenna-Louise Coleman has been announced as the new Doctor Who companion, to take over after the Ponds exit, which will be partway through the coming series. Apparently she was in the C… --- ## [Christian internet rumor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christian-internet-rumor/328290)
**Author:** [@LorieSmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LorieSmurf)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2005, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christian-internet-rumor/328290 "2005-12-17T20:07:03Z")
You know that internet rumor about the atheists trying to get Christian programming off the air, trying to ban Christmans and carols in school? Well, I got it today in email, from my mom, complete with over 500 freakin’ … --- ## [Alien: Covenant opening next month](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-covenant-opening-next-month/785464)
**Author:** [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2018, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-covenant-opening-next-month/785464 "2018-03-12T14:44:53Z")
Anyone going to see it? I know that Prometheus was not highly regarded here, but I liked it. It was eerie and scary and gorgeous to look at. So what if the crew were a collection of halfwits? Somebody has to die horr… --- ## [So, some guys are breast guys, and some guys aren't](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-some-guys-are-breast-guys-and-some-guys-arent/720348)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2015, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-some-guys-are-breast-guys-and-some-guys-arent/720348 "2015-05-24T02:38:01Z")
Looking at this thread entitled “Men’s obsession with women’s breasts.” (My comment was that I didn’t care one way or the other,) What are women obsessed with, if anything? You can’t see our penises. We’re not all Mr… --- ## [Texas Solves All Major Social Problems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-solves-all-major-social-problems/302404)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2005, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-solves-all-major-social-problems/302404 "2005-05-10T03:07:52Z")
…So now they are tackling the absurdly trivial ones: Texas votes for crackdown on sexy cheerleaders --- ## [Simpsons: anticipation and the unexpected](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simpsons-anticipation-and-the-unexpected/181226)
**Author:** [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2006, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simpsons-anticipation-and-the-unexpected/181226 "2006-07-08T23:07:13Z")
Probably the prototypical example of this is when Homer is spraying bottle after bottle of lighter fluid onto the barbeque. After 25 seconds of pouring (like 3 bottles later) he carefully moves a match close to the grill… --- ## ['The Hobbit' Book Discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hobbit-book-discussion/74772)
**Author:** [@Fiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiver)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2001, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hobbit-book-discussion/74772 "2001-11-04T02:42:44Z")
As per this thread, I now launch a reading/discussion of the classic J.R.R. Tolkien novel, The Hobbit. I’ve never participated in one of these book discussions, let alone begun one, so any advice as to structure and pace… --- ## [I Am Displeased With iPod for Monopolising The MP3 Player Market](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-displeased-with-ipod-for-monopolising-the-mp3-player-market/503082)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2009, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-displeased-with-ipod-for-monopolising-the-mp3-player-market/503082 "2009-07-24T13:10:00Z")
I’m about to begin my second semester of studies at University and as this will involve a lot of time on public transport and time spent in front of computers at university doing work, I thought I might upgrade my curren… --- ## [Let's name a hellebore for Unca Cece!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-name-a-hellebore-for-unca-cece/353025)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2006, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-name-a-hellebore-for-unca-cece/353025 "2006-09-09T20:24:17Z")
A hellebore (flower) breeder is having a contest to name some new varieties: linky. I just nominated 2002-097 (seventh row down, far left column) to be called “Cecil Adams.” They say they want us to stuff the ballot box… --- ## [Do People Still Do Old Drugs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-still-do-old-drugs/520456)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2009, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-still-do-old-drugs/520456 "2009-12-14T17:20:32Z")
Whatever happened to the drugs I learned about back in junior high, like PCP, Quaaludes, hash, opium, etc.? Do people still do those drugs? Pretty much all I hear about nowadays are crack, meth, heroin, prescription pain… --- ## [Torture & confession](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/torture-confession/629034)
**Author:** [@s0meguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/s0meguy)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/torture-confession/629034 "2012-07-26T13:42:06Z")
Historically, torture seems to have been used in many judicial systems to get confessions from suspected criminals. I wonder why this is? Sure, many in a position of power might have just done it because they are sadisti… --- ## [Violent Criminals Owning Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/violent-criminals-owning-guns/846306)
**Author:** [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2020, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/violent-criminals-owning-guns/846306 "2020-01-22T06:20:39Z")
I’m pitting a thread (here) rather than any particular poster. Apparently there are any number of people here at SDMB who think it’s unjust that people who have been convicted of, and/or pled guilty to, \*violent crimes … --- ## [Want to get rid of chain-link fence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/want-to-get-rid-of-chain-link-fence/660471)
**Author:** [@elninost0rm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elninost0rm)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2013, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/want-to-get-rid-of-chain-link-fence/660471 "2013-06-14T05:23:07Z")
Hi everyone, I recently purchased a house back in Dec. of last year and I really love it. It’s cozy, small, and fits my needs perfectly. The one thing I absolutely cannot stand about it is the backyard. At one point,… --- ## [What old TV Shows need to have a "Reunion" Show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-old-tv-shows-need-to-have-a-reunion-show/526051)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-old-tv-shows-need-to-have-a-reunion-show/526051 "2010-01-30T03:09:00Z")
Sometimes the series finale wraps the show up into a nice little package, like Newhart did. It was all Dr. Bob Hartley’s dream. And then other series finales don’t do the series justice. Few people like the Seinfeld f… --- ## [Thoughts on a time clock system that rounds to the nearest 15 minute increment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-a-time-clock-system-that-rounds-to-the-nearest-15-minute-increment/636215)
**Author:** [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2012, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-a-time-clock-system-that-rounds-to-the-nearest-15-minute-increment/636215 "2012-10-03T14:19:47Z")
My employer uses such a system and I kinda hate it. There are reasons this type of system was created in the first place, and also reasons why it’s not a more commonly used way of tracking labor hours and minutes. The w… --- ## [Chuck Season 5 Thread - Final Season!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chuck-season-5-thread-final-season/602856)
**Author:** [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2012, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chuck-season-5-thread-final-season/602856 "2012-02-05T00:45:41Z")
Don’t freak out. There was no thread last week, and it’s a short season anyway, so I how about we just do one thread for the season? SPOILERS AHEAD for all episodes that have already aired. Fair warning. Last week we… --- ## [Alien/human gene splicing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-human-gene-splicing/490288)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2009, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-human-gene-splicing/490288 "2009-03-27T17:48:31Z")
This is a ‘what if…’ scenario: Assume, hypothetically, for a moment that aliens came to earth and announced that what we refer to as human beings, ourselves, were the result of nothing more than an ‘experimental gene sp… --- ## [So, \[Nugenix\] endorsed by Frank Thomas is a complete scam, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-nugenix-endorsed-by-frank-thomas-is-a-complete-scam-right/817368)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2018, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-nugenix-endorsed-by-frank-thomas-is-a-complete-scam-right/817368 "2018-07-10T14:44:55Z")
The ads are myriad. A middle aged couple spots former MLB star Frank Thomas with 24" pythons, approach him and he cheerfully pronounces he is in great shape because of this testosterone supplement. He even reveals on the… --- ## [Should it be illegal to work on your own car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-it-be-illegal-to-work-on-your-own-car/719631)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-it-be-illegal-to-work-on-your-own-car/719631 "2015-05-18T22:43:24Z")
What do you think of this?. \*\* From the article:\*\* "In arguing against an exemption, John Deere and General Motors have argued that motorists don’t necessarily buy a car; they merely buy a license to use the car for t… --- ## [Making cookies without a mixer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-cookies-without-a-mixer/481181)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2009, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-cookies-without-a-mixer/481181 "2009-01-26T18:29:06Z")
Can it be done? I would like a very simple cookie recipe I can make with my kids (3 & 4) and that doesn’t need a mixer (that I don’t have). Is there such a thing? Thanks in advance. --- ## [What exactly is the problem with Scientology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-problem-with-scientology/224001)
**Author:** [@singular1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singular1)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2004, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-problem-with-scientology/224001 "2004-01-15T22:53:05Z")
All it takes is the mere mention of Scientology, and stand back to watch the vitriol gush. But I’m not really sure what all the hate is about. It’s easy enough to glean that people hate it, but I can’t pin down exactly… --- ## [Your best friend just confessed to you that he/she boinked your SO before you met. Do you care?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-best-friend-just-confessed-to-you-that-he-she-boinked-your-so-before-you-met-do-you-care/604281)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-best-friend-just-confessed-to-you-that-he-she-boinked-your-so-before-you-met-do-you-care/604281 "2011-11-30T18:13:33Z")
Just finished watching a movie where in a guy finds out his BF boinked his wife three months before he even met his wife. In the movie, the guy is all upset about this. I’m thinking: “Who the fuck cares?” I can’t imagin… --- ## [Santa delivers a present to the "fake pimp" O'keefe.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santa-delivers-a-present-to-the-fake-pimp-okeefe/555488)
**Author:** [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2010, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santa-delivers-a-present-to-the-fake-pimp-okeefe/555488 "2010-10-05T13:42:55Z")
Well, not the Santa, but O’keefe just found a being that he also could had thought that it never existed: A conservative with ethics in his own media organization: That ethical behavior deserves commendations, No? U… --- ## [I'm going to kill my husband. Who wants to help me bury the body?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-kill-my-husband-who-wants-to-help-me-bury-the-body/102224)
**Author:** [@seawitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seawitch)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2002, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-kill-my-husband-who-wants-to-help-me-bury-the-body/102224 "2002-04-11T22:00:04Z")
I’ve been really busy lately. That makes me tired. Which in turn makes me like taking naps in the afternoon. This isn’t laziness, it’s just enough to keep me going. Apparently napping makes me irresistable. But not … --- ## [Why don't you clean up your ass instead, bitch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-you-clean-up-your-ass-instead-bitch/506835)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2009, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-you-clean-up-your-ass-instead-bitch/506835 "2009-08-21T14:32:35Z")
So I was taking Captain out for his morning constitutional, as the neighborhood miscreants have traumatized him so badly he can’t go crap in his own yard, when there’s a woman walking a little yip dog down my sidewalk. … --- ## [What would it take to cause the collapse of the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-to-cause-the-collapse-of-the-us/622751)
**Author:** [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2012, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-to-cause-the-collapse-of-the-us/622751 "2012-06-04T03:56:08Z")
There are plenty of stories that take place in a “Post United States” North America; where for some reason the government and nation has collapsed. The reasons range from war to nuclear holocaust to . . . all kinds of s… --- ## [Leaving O a Jet MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-o-a-jet-mmp/792983)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 218\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-o-a-jet-mmp/792983 "2017-08-14T01:19:50Z")
Obligatory Song I’ll be in sunny(N.O.S. SoCal for a week, for the hockey Booster Club Convention. Obigatory dunken psots to follow. Talk amongst yourselves. --- ## [Fallacies get imprinted young...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallacies-get-imprinted-young/305237)
**Author:** [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2005, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallacies-get-imprinted-young/305237 "2005-06-14T11:37:23Z")
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/23/girl.found/index.html I am glad for her rescue, really, I am. But shouldn’t she be thanking Sgt. Mike Hall? You know, the guy that actually found her? Where was God during the act of e… --- ## [How did the Sweet Sixteen tradition get started?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-sweet-sixteen-tradition-get-started/141488)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2002, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-sweet-sixteen-tradition-get-started/141488 "2002-12-09T17:11:23Z")
And how long has it been an American custom? Mexican families have quinceaneras for their daughters: a party that’s like a mix of confirmation, debut and wedding, on their fifteenth birthday. I went to one once. Well, I … --- ## [Would you let your young (under ten) child hang out with teenagers unsupervised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-let-your-young-under-ten-child-hang-out-with-teenagers-unsupervised/454937)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2008, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-let-your-young-under-ten-child-hang-out-with-teenagers-unsupervised/454937 "2008-07-05T00:12:17Z")
From this thread: The punks who assaulted my daughter (long) - Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share - Straight Dope Message Board \[QUOTE=phil417\] I’m know I’m going be unpopular for these questions: (1) Were t… --- ## [Should the Minimum Wage Be Increased to $15?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-minimum-wage-be-increased-to-15/933945)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 229\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2021, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-minimum-wage-be-increased-to-15/933945 "2021-03-18T00:28:06Z")
I mean in the US, of course. I think it should be. Some people argue that they would have to increase prices, that inflation would just increase, and so forth. But as I said in another thread, rich people have disgusting… --- ## [Space Shuttle Endeavour's California Flyover & Final Flight,This Thursday Morning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-shuttle-endeavours-california-flyover-final-flight-this-thursday-morning/634866)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2012, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-shuttle-endeavours-california-flyover-final-flight-this-thursday-morning/634866 "2012-10-04T06:15:17Z")
Space Shuttle Endeavour’s California Flyover & Final Flight,This Thursday Morning Come out to see the space shuttle! Before Endeavour retires to its permanent home at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, this T… --- ## [Origin of (Incorrect) Sterotype of 'Cheap' Scots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-incorrect-sterotype-of-cheap-scots/505915)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2009, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-incorrect-sterotype-of-cheap-scots/505915 "2009-08-14T05:07:37Z")
I once heard there was a vaudeville comedian who did a routine on a cheap Scotsman that was responsible for a widespread and incorrect perception of all Scots as being cheap. Google has not willingly yielded information… --- ## [How long could a public figure live without aging past 35 before "the government" got involved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-a-public-figure-live-without-aging-past-35-before-the-government-got-involved/619666)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2012, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-a-public-figure-live-without-aging-past-35-before-the-government-got-involved/619666 "2012-04-29T12:10:37Z")
People joked forever about Dick Clark not aging. It made me wonder, if it was real, when do the jokes stop and the serious examinations begin? The hypothetical is that this person is effectively immortal but they don’t… --- ## [I pit the fetal personhood statute of Wisconsin for jailing a pregnant woman for no good reason](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-fetal-personhood-statute-of-wisconsin-for-jailing-a-pregnant-woman-for-no-good-reason/672200)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2013, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-fetal-personhood-statute-of-wisconsin-for-jailing-a-pregnant-woman-for-no-good-reason/672200 "2013-10-31T05:17:21Z")
Here is the link. In short, the woman told the clinic during a pre-natal visit that she was getting over a prescription drug addiction, using medication specifically designed for that purpose. She had no insurance, so … --- ## [So, tell me about ALDI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-aldi/178686)
**Author:** [@Phouchg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phouchg)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-aldi/178686 "2016-04-13T19:17:53Z")
Once I stumbled across a rather depressing looking store in a strip mall in Woodbridge, VA. ALDI. I didn’t go in, but I knew it was a grocery store, that it was based in Germany, and it is owned by one of the wealthiest … --- ## [Political Compass #44: Abstract art that doesn't represent anything isn't art at all.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-44-abstract-art-that-doesnt-represent-anything-isnt-art-at-all/278345)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2004, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-44-abstract-art-that-doesnt-represent-anything-isnt-art-at-all/278345 "2004-12-10T07:22:00Z")
Many political debates here have included references to The Political Compass, which uses a set of 61 questions to assess one’s political orientation in terms of economic left/right and social libertarianism/authoritaria… --- ## [2025 college football season thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-college-football-season-thread/1022628)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 418\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2026, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-college-football-season-thread/1022628 "2026-04-24T15:11:26Z")
Not sure if there was already a thread for this. After all that hype, the Longhorns laid an egg and lost to the Buckeyes, 14-7. Arch Manning had a bad debut. No. 8 Alabama was also stunned on the road at Florida State.… --- ## [The Pivotal Moment: Stupid Villain Mistakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pivotal-moment-stupid-villain-mistakes/542271)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2010, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pivotal-moment-stupid-villain-mistakes/542271 "2010-06-14T19:25:49Z")
Sometimes, in a book or film or television show, the villain will do something, usually through a misunderstanding or a complete disconnect with the hero’s motivations or plans, that leads to his or her own detriment. F… --- ## [A new friend I invited to go with me to a concert wants to invite one of her friends to go with us](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-friend-i-invited-to-go-with-me-to-a-concert-wants-to-invite-one-of-her-friends-to-go-with-us/585217)
**Author:** [@jccb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jccb)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2011, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-friend-i-invited-to-go-with-me-to-a-concert-wants-to-invite-one-of-her-friends-to-go-with-us/585217 "2011-09-05T21:51:01Z")
I met a friend, Kathy, through a fan club for an artist we both like a lot. None of my friends like this artist so when I found out they were having a concert in the city I invited her to go with me. I got the ticke… --- ## [Who loves their private health insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-loves-their-private-health-insurance/848339)
**Author:** [@Fugazi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fugazi)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2020, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-loves-their-private-health-insurance/848339 "2020-03-12T15:58:21Z")
I’m following the election and there’s a bunch of talk about “165 million Americans have private insurance and love it and would be mad if you took theirs away”. I’m wondering who these people are and what percentage of … --- ## [Kids in the Hall appreciation thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-in-the-hall-appreciation-thread/612327)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2012, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-in-the-hall-appreciation-thread/612327 "2012-10-18T13:08:28Z")
Since DCnDC’s thread didn’t pan out, but the subject is worthwhile (and I recognized the quote instantly, myself), here’s another shot. “Daddy drank for the government!” --- ## [What's a good adult height for a man?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-good-adult-height-for-a-man/788144)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2017, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-good-adult-height-for-a-man/788144 "2017-07-24T15:11:25Z")
We are facing a situation where we may essentially be selecting our son’s height. Here’s what is going on. He is right now 10 years, and 8 months, and 5’2, which is over the 100th percentile for that age. His projected … --- ## [Best UK bands that never 'broke' America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-uk-bands-that-never-broke-america/810788)
**Author:** [@Asympotically\_fat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asympotically_fat)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2018, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-uk-bands-that-never-broke-america/810788 "2018-04-01T03:18:34Z")
UK bands have been very successful in breaking the American market: the top 4 best-selling bands of all-time are from the UK and the key to that success has always been the easy transition to the huge American market. Ho… --- ## [Another Try At Understanding Definitions: "Hypocrite"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-try-at-understanding-definitions-hypocrite/533048)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2010, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-try-at-understanding-definitions-hypocrite/533048 "2010-03-24T23:44:59Z")
Inspired by various exchanges, of which the following is a good example. My response in that thread: My further comment for this thread: This is an issue that’s been batted around here before. And for whatever reaso… --- ## [Dads giving female babysitter ride home.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dads-giving-female-babysitter-ride-home/218580)
**Author:** [@beagledave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beagledave)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2003, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dads-giving-female-babysitter-ride-home/218580 "2003-12-13T14:15:14Z")
There is an advice columnist in the local paper who had an article today about babysitters. One of the points he was trying to emphasize is that fathers should never be giving female babysitters rides home (or I guess pi… --- ## [Help me decide: Convertible car seat or infant carrier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-convertible-car-seat-or-infant-carrier/618117)
**Author:** [@iftheresaway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iftheresaway)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2012, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-convertible-car-seat-or-infant-carrier/618117 "2012-12-15T13:36:23Z")
I am getting overwhelmed with baby stuff. I know nothing about the little creatures, except that there’s all this stuff. So, wise dopers, please help me narrow down the decision making process: should we get a convertibl… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=860&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=862&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)