# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=865&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:** 866 --- ## [Why is health care reform unconstitutional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-health-care-reform-unconstitutional/609815)
**Author:** [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2012, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-health-care-reform-unconstitutional/609815 "2012-01-23T18:40:06Z")
I’m far from a legal scholar, so I don’t really understand all of the outcries from the GOP that health care reform is unconstitutional (even though, ironically, the individual mandate was their idea to begin with). I m… --- ## [If your kid won't eat, take him out to a restaurant. Mm hmm.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-kid-wont-eat-take-him-out-to-a-restaurant-mm-hmm/531941)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2010, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-kid-wont-eat-take-him-out-to-a-restaurant-mm-hmm/531941 "2010-03-17T13:37:58Z")
There’s a Boston Pizza commercial on right now that pisses me right off - we start off with the husband and wife acting like they’re cops dealing with a recalcitrant prisoner. We see that the recalcitrant prisoner is the… --- ## [Chidope 2009?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chidope-2009/504271)
**Author:** [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2009, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chidope-2009/504271 "2009-09-03T17:11:17Z")
Any interest? --- ## [How can the Democrats win the election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-the-democrats-win-the-election/837262)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2019, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-the-democrats-win-the-election/837262 "2019-07-27T10:01:14Z")
If there is the slightest possibility of the Democrats winning the next election and getting rid of Trump, what steps would have to be taken? All responses are welcome…but I will keep in mind something my pappy once tol… --- ## [should I take job requiring security clearance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-take-job-requiring-security-clearance/650730)
**Author:** [@kvadrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kvadrat)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2013, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-take-job-requiring-security-clearance/650730 "2013-02-22T17:36:15Z")
Hi, Any help with this would be highly appreciated. I got a job offer as a contractor from a company that does government contracts. A requirement of the job is to get a government secret security clearance. The offer … --- ## [Let's just bypass the BCS: Who plays for the MNC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-just-bypass-the-bcs-who-plays-for-the-mnc/603570)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-just-bypass-the-bcs-who-plays-for-the-mnc/603570 "2011-12-05T06:39:17Z")
Given the top 8 teams in the traditional polls: AP Top 25 RK TEAM RECORD PTS 1 LSU (60) 11-0 1500 2 Alabama 10-1 1440 3 Arkansas 10-1 1376 4 Stanford 10-1 1224 5 Oklahoma State 10-1 1206 6 Virginia Tech 10-1 1133 … --- ## [Trump, or American citizen selected at random?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-or-american-citizen-selected-at-random/755728)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2016, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-or-american-citizen-selected-at-random/755728 "2016-06-24T20:17:51Z")
You have a presidential choice: Donald Trump, or An American citizen - over 35 years old, Constitutionally eligible for the presidency in every regard - selected at random (yes, over 100 million names put into a lot… --- ## [The only SDMB subscription thread you need](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-only-sdmb-subscription-thread-you-need/236278)
**Author:** [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2004, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-only-sdmb-subscription-thread-you-need/236278 "2004-03-31T22:51:13Z")
All right people, if you want to bitch, whine, complain, moan or otherwise comment upon the fact that the SDMB is going to start charging to post, put it in THIS THREAD, and ONLY this thread. As I find other threads on … --- ## [Covid-19 Thread: 2023 Breaking News](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-thread-2023-breaking-news/977610)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-thread-2023-breaking-news/977610 "2024-01-04T20:10:07Z")
Since we have a new year, perhaps a new Covid-19 Breaking News edition. Previous editions were started by Snowboarder\_Bo, but he seems to have left Straight Dope. A new variant \[XBB.1.5\] rapidly increasing: --- ## [Got a dog and I'm freaking out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-dog-and-im-freaking-out/776126)
**Author:** [@ReticulatingSplines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReticulatingSplines)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2017, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-dog-and-im-freaking-out/776126 "2017-01-18T02:56:24Z")
I have never had a dog before – I’d always wanted one, for years and years, but never thought it was quite the right time. Ideally, I’d be in a live-in relationship, work regular (and not excessively long hours), have a … --- ## [The New Republic taken in again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-republic-taken-in-again/416553)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2007, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-republic-taken-in-again/416553 "2007-12-03T22:42:39Z")
I’m surprised no one’s posted about The New Republic’s controversy. They printed several pieces from a correspondent later determined to be US Army Private Scott Thomas Beauchamp which recounted various stories illustrat… --- ## [How does one get kicked off the U.S. Supreme Court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-kicked-off-the-u-s-supreme-court/692035)
**Author:** [@gracefulfatsheba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gracefulfatsheba)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2014, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-kicked-off-the-u-s-supreme-court/692035 "2014-07-04T18:12:13Z")
How can one get forcibly kicked off the U.S. Supreme Court? Would any of these scenarios qualify: Make an extremely racist/antisemitic statement in public that is not open to interpretation Commit a felony Suffer from… --- ## [Great scenes made better by the music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-scenes-made-better-by-the-music/695838)
**Author:** [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2014, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-scenes-made-better-by-the-music/695838 "2014-08-29T21:39:28Z")
I was thinking the other day (never a good thing) about how there have been scenes in tv and movies that became brilliant due to an unusual choice of music that was used. Two standouts for me were the opening scene for t… --- ## [Cola Wars - Coke or Pepsi (USA Only)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921 "2011-12-07T17:05:55Z")
OK, so what’s your poison? No nitpicks here so no subcategories with diet, lite, zero or any other variations. Also no brand products associate with the two companies (Mr. Pibb, Mtn Dew, Sprite, etc.) Only two menu ch… --- ## [College Alcohol Consumption and Partying Concerns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-alcohol-consumption-and-partying-concerns/790183)
**Author:** [@RealTalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealTalk)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2017, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-alcohol-consumption-and-partying-concerns/790183 "2017-12-21T11:40:53Z")
My friends and I drink/party at a very unhealthy rate. I want to know if we are 1) normal, or 2) idiots/insane. (probably #2) DETAILS: As a group we party and see the sunrise (7am) about 4 days out of the week for th… --- ## [How comfortable is Amtrak coach?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-comfortable-is-amtrak-coach/284321)
**Author:** [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2005, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-comfortable-is-amtrak-coach/284321 "2005-02-08T21:08:17Z")
We’re considering a trip to visit family in the spring, and checking out the Amtrak option. Looks like one leg of the jouney would be 13 hours overnight. Would this be survivable in a coach seat? --- ## [Did Davey Crocket actually wear a coon skin cap and did they have any practical value?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-davey-crocket-actually-wear-a-coon-skin-cap-and-did-they-have-any-practical-value/743857)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2016, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-davey-crocket-actually-wear-a-coon-skin-cap-and-did-they-have-any-practical-value/743857 "2016-01-26T20:00:42Z")
fess Parker made it famous, but still, you meet up on the wide open plains after hundreds of mile and a few years. wouldn’t you be better off with a Grizzly, Wolf, or Eagle as your headgear? --- ## [SDMB Auction fantasy football league](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-auction-fantasy-football-league/414438)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 243\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2007, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-auction-fantasy-football-league/414438 "2007-12-24T07:31:02Z")
At this point this thread is just a guage of interest in running an auction-style FF draft league. I know some people in the other league we’re making are interested in trying it. Feel free to try this as a 2nd or 3rd l… --- ## [Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-is-a-ponzi-scheme/581719)
**Author:** [@deb2world](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deb2world)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-is-a-ponzi-scheme/581719 "2011-05-16T01:16:40Z")
The government has created a Ponzi Scheme named Social Security. Defintion of Ponzi Scheme (from CNN) Definition of where surplus monies from Social Security Taxes goes (from NASI) from Social Security online: Fro… --- ## [Woman dies after dentist attempts to extract 20 of her teeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-dies-after-dentist-attempts-to-extract-20-of-her-teeth/688754)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2014, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-dies-after-dentist-attempts-to-extract-20-of-her-teeth/688754 "2014-05-25T23:15:32Z")
I have had several horrible experiences with dentists. I am extremely happy that my current dentist is great. One of my worst ever experiences was when I was 12 years old and I went to the dentist to have 2 upper teet… --- ## [Enterprise: Horizon spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-horizon-spoilers/168992)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 366\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2003, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-horizon-spoilers/168992 "2003-08-22T05:13:00Z")
Meriweather speaks. A lot. And we find out why so rarely. The famed Trek critic Mrs. Plant says, “It was different.” A predictable going home making good episode. Entertaining. T’Pol is less irritating than usual. Be… --- ## [Professional 'Women' Fora](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professional-women-fora/567546)
**Author:** [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2011, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professional-women-fora/567546 "2011-02-08T16:44:00Z")
I belong to a popular professional on-line network, and I joined two groups for women in particular professions. Both boards address issues of particular concern to women. One board posts a lot about differential salar… --- ## [I Pit my inconsiderate peanut-feeding neighbors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-inconsiderate-peanut-feeding-neighbors/630757)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2012, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-inconsiderate-peanut-feeding-neighbors/630757 "2012-08-10T15:22:06Z")
My retired next-door neighbors are fond of feeding the birds. No problem there. Unfortunately, however, they feed them whole peanuts (shell and everything) and a sizable fraction of the shells end up strewn across my l… --- ## [Cheap (or free!) places to be private with my girlfriend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-or-free-places-to-be-private-with-my-girlfriend/126181)
**Author:** [@Silentgoldfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silentgoldfish)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2002, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-or-free-places-to-be-private-with-my-girlfriend/126181 "2002-08-30T05:37:01Z")
I’m gonna be visiting Sydney to see my girlfriend. Among other activities planned we’re hoping to have quite a bit of sex while I’m there. (I gave up trying to make that last sentence less crude). The problem is that sh… --- ## [Irish company invents free energy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-company-invents-free-energy/369419)
**Author:** [@mrrealtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrrealtime)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2006, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-company-invents-free-energy/369419 "2006-09-08T20:03:21Z")
Great big scam or what? My concern is, mabey they are pulling energy from one of the other dimensions and causing some major problems for those folks. The real question is…how did this end up in “The Economist” ?? --- ## [My Days with the Cute, Sweatshirt Wearing Girl.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-days-with-the-cute-sweatshirt-wearing-girl/154405)
**Author:** [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-days-with-the-cute-sweatshirt-wearing-girl/154405 "2021-10-25T05:51:12Z")
She was sitting on a padded bench outside the classroom when I first saw her. One of her legs was folded up under her, and she was wearing khaki shorts and sweatshirt with G\*\*\*\*\* (a small midwestern college) printed acro… --- ## [Why does Cecil Adams refuse to be photographed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-cecil-adams-refuse-to-be-photographed/454617)
**Author:** [@scrambledeggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scrambledeggs)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-cecil-adams-refuse-to-be-photographed/454617 "2008-07-04T17:50:11Z")
Why does Cecil Adams refuse to be photographed? I’ve read and bought his old books back in the ‘day’ and noticed he always keeps himself mysterious. I admit this question may have been asked here before but I couldn’t f… --- ## [Star Trek II, Wrath of Khan question re: ending](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-trek-ii-wrath-of-khan-question-re-ending/686182)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2014, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-trek-ii-wrath-of-khan-question-re-ending/686182 "2014-04-20T19:25:45Z")
I served in the Navy on a submarine. If there were a similar situation (the only thing I can think of is an enemy helo inbound a few hours away, we are on the surface recovering from an emergency, the reactor is ‘shut d… --- ## [Is Publicly-Shaming A Miscreant On The Internet The Right Thing To Do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-publicly-shaming-a-miscreant-on-the-internet-the-right-thing-to-do/817001)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-publicly-shaming-a-miscreant-on-the-internet-the-right-thing-to-do/817001 "2018-07-09T20:22:17Z")
You know all the stories: the lawyer who threatened to call Immigration on restaurant employees for speaking Spanish. The woman who called the cops on a little African American girl for selling water. The other woman who… --- ## [Using a generic nicotine patch - Are they just as good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-a-generic-nicotine-patch-are-they-just-as-good/143417)
**Author:** [@NYR407](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NYR407)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2002, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-a-generic-nicotine-patch-are-they-just-as-good/143417 "2002-12-19T22:03:03Z")
This is really a question to people who have quit using a nicotine patch or have knowledge in the nicotine patch field. A little backbround: So I wanted to quit smoking but I knew from past experience that I would need… --- ## [No Civ4 thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-civ4-thread/328007)
**Author:** [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2006, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-civ4-thread/328007 "2006-02-03T03:32:28Z")
Ok, I know it’s only a day old, but c’mon. Unless the game is so good, you can avoid the Dope for it, you’ve got to let the rest of us know what you think, etc. etc. I’ve got to justify getting a new video card to the … --- ## [Ban the flag in schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ban-the-flag-in-schools/542429)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2010, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ban-the-flag-in-schools/542429 "2010-06-09T18:43:53Z")
My uncle received an email, and he’s asking me if it’s true: Yes, there is a poll on the Fox site. But what’s the deal? Why would they post the poll? Has someone suggested banning the flag in schools? Or did Fox cr… --- ## [Was the United States government right at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-united-states-government-right-at-the-end-of-raiders-of-the-lost-ark/600355)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2011, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-united-states-government-right-at-the-end-of-raiders-of-the-lost-ark/600355 "2011-10-28T22:24:53Z")
So, instead of studying it with “top men”, they lock the Ark of the Covenant up in a crate and put it in a big warehouse. I was discussing this with my wife last night and we both kind of agreed that…well, it was proba… --- ## [Last Nazi War Criminal To be Tried](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-nazi-war-criminal-to-be-tried/501817)
**Author:** [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2009, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-nazi-war-criminal-to-be-tried/501817 "2009-07-12T02:49:02Z")
Link As much as I have empathy with the victims, is anything much going to be achieved now? If he is imprisoned for ten years it will be meaningless. Why is it pursued?? --- ## [Quote Game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quote-game/146500)
**Author:** [@Orange\_Skinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orange_Skinner)\ **Replies:** 274\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2003, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quote-game/146500 "2003-01-23T06:38:35Z")
The object of the game is to carry out a seemingly normal conversation by using nothing but movie quotes. (No back-to-back quotes from the same movie, though). Hope this works. Starting with, When did you turn into a n… --- ## [Another economic domino falls - Bear Stearns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-economic-domino-falls-bear-stearns/441605)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2008, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-economic-domino-falls-bear-stearns/441605 "2008-03-25T03:06:35Z")
I don’t have a debate question but I’d like to generate a debate about what this means, why it happened, and what the next casualty will be. Bear Stearns was sold to JP Morgan today for 250 million dollars. Thats right… --- ## [Why all the misplaced hatred for The Little Drummer Boy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-all-the-misplaced-hatred-for-the-little-drummer-boy/843807)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2019, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-all-the-misplaced-hatred-for-the-little-drummer-boy/843807 "2019-12-02T01:43:48Z")
Anytime the subject of Christmas music comes up there are sure to be multiple people who sneer at this particular song? Yet I never get a good answer why. There are so many annoying overplayed Christmas songs, but this i… --- ## [Have You Ever Posted Something You Regret Posting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-posted-something-you-regret-posting/621399)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2012, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-posted-something-you-regret-posting/621399 "2012-05-15T08:48:27Z")
Maybe here on the SDMB, maybe on Facebook, maybe on another site - have you ever posted something that was out there for all to see, for a long time (or still is), that you wish you had never posted/uploaded? Perhaps it … --- ## [A longbow could shoot how far???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-longbow-could-shoot-how-far/391406)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2007, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-longbow-could-shoot-how-far/391406 "2007-02-16T03:27:11Z")
I was recently doing some reading on medieval warfare and was again astounded by the ranges they said longbows were effective to. The source I was reading said up to 400 yards – holy crap! Having a passing familiarity … --- ## [How does one address a 'Sir'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-address-a-sir/514660)
**Author:** [@blinkingblinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blinkingblinking)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2009, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-address-a-sir/514660 "2009-10-25T04:44:01Z")
If I am talking to a man who has been Knighted, how should I address him over the phone? The reason I ask is that I was talking to a moron at work on the phone and instead of calling him Mr Smith I was calling him ‘Sir’… --- ## [The 2025 Papal Conclave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-papal-conclave/1017913)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 390\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2026, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-papal-conclave/1017913 "2026-05-30T06:59:24Z")
Due to start in two days on May 7th. I started the thread today because reality seems to be mirroring the movie even more than we thought. Mrs Cad can’t wait for it to end because at least once a day I’ll walk into the… --- ## [Why are the potatoes not cooking in my crock pot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-potatoes-not-cooking-in-my-crock-pot/566580)
**Author:** [@Ruffian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruffian)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2011, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-potatoes-not-cooking-in-my-crock-pot/566580 "2011-08-12T13:30:45Z")
Okay, I don’t get this. I’ve been cooking in my crock pot for years, but somehow lately, my veggies are not cooking through. Potatoes and carrots are still crunchy. What am I doing wrong? FTR: I always put the veggie… --- ## [How long would it take to die from strangulation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-it-take-to-die-from-strangulation/450174)
**Author:** [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2008, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-it-take-to-die-from-strangulation/450174 "2008-05-23T22:24:21Z")
According to most relevant movies and TV shows I’ve seen, it takes maybe thirty seconds. But I know plenty of people who can easily hold their breath for thirty seconds or more without even passing out, let alone dying. … --- ## [Which uses more juice? Flashing or Static LED?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-uses-more-juice-flashing-or-static-led/638938)
**Author:** [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-uses-more-juice-flashing-or-static-led/638938 "2012-10-27T03:03:19Z")
It’s that time of year again, when cyclists are breaking out our lights. Which got me to wondering this morning, will my battery last longer if I set my lights to flashing, or static?My first guess is flashing means the … --- ## [Why are people so emotional and worked up about the Leno/O'Brien fiasco?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-people-so-emotional-and-worked-up-about-the-leno-obrien-fiasco/537297)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2010, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-people-so-emotional-and-worked-up-about-the-leno-obrien-fiasco/537297 "2010-05-06T07:49:03Z")
In a recent thread (and a number of previous ones) discussing the switcheroo thing with Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno’s talk shows, the discussion seems to invariably approach a level of religious zealotry and blindness, wi… --- ## [Gestation period different for different races?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gestation-period-different-for-different-races/62519)
**Author:** [@Badtz\_Maru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Badtz_Maru)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2001, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gestation-period-different-for-different-races/62519 "2001-04-21T17:01:50Z")
I heard that the average gestational period varies somewhat among different races of people, that it tends to be shorter by a week or two for Asians. I can’t seem to find anything about this on google so it’s probably fa… --- ## [Seven underage kids killed in car crash - Grandfather dies later when he finds out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seven-underage-kids-killed-in-car-crash-grandfather-dies-later-when-he-finds-out/341733)
**Author:** [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2006, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seven-underage-kids-killed-in-car-crash-grandfather-dies-later-when-he-finds-out/341733 "2006-01-27T05:23:55Z")
CNN story I have only one question: why were these children allowed to be out on the road without an adult? It is illegal for a 15-yr-old to drive without one. --- ## [Zovirax for canker sores? Is that a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zovirax-for-canker-sores-is-that-a-thing/620877)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2012, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zovirax-for-canker-sores-is-that-a-thing/620877 "2012-05-07T08:01:04Z")
My wife asked her doctor for something for canker sores which have been annoying her lately, and when I picked up her prescription, it was Zovirax - in pill and cream form. My initial reaction is that her doctor simply … --- ## [I sneeze down my shirt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-sneeze-down-my-shirt/49439)
**Author:** [@ThisYearsGirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisYearsGirl)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-sneeze-down-my-shirt/49439 "2017-01-14T04:16:31Z")
My mother hates germs. She taught me not to sneeze in my hands, because that spreads germs, so she told me to sneeze down my shirt. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid, so even though I don’t mind germs so much, I can… --- ## [Onanism in the military.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/onanism-in-the-military/680292)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2014, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/onanism-in-the-military/680292 "2014-02-06T20:08:18Z")
Heh heh. I saw a video of a group of solders performing a ceremony ending a “pass the porn” tradition. Log in | RTM - RightThisMinute Well, that got me to thinking. I’m a vet ('64 to '68) and I don’t recall any prohibi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=864&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=866&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)