# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=874&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:** 875 --- ## [Was minimum wage ever enough to live on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-minimum-wage-ever-enough-to-live-on/697463)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2014, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-minimum-wage-ever-enough-to-live-on/697463 "2014-09-14T18:22:43Z")
Saw in the news today a protest in which demonstrators were advocating in increase in the US minimum wage. One protester held a sign saying “$7.25 isn’t enough to live on.” Question: was minimum wage ever enough to liv… --- ## [Let's cast SDMB: The Motion Picture (or, who do you look like?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-cast-sdmb-the-motion-picture-or-who-do-you-look-like/351431)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2006, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-cast-sdmb-the-motion-picture-or-who-do-you-look-like/351431 "2006-04-10T13:16:49Z")
Coming soon, to a theatre near you – SDMB: The Motion Picture. Starring Kelsey Grammer as tdn. Mr. Grammer put on 40 pounds for this role. Also staring… --- ## [Are there any non-carbonated cola-like drinks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-carbonated-cola-like-drinks/256736)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2004, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-carbonated-cola-like-drinks/256736 "2004-07-26T19:16:37Z")
I am a huge fan of diet-pepsi. Soon I will not be allowed to drink it due to an operation that I am having to fix a hiatal hernia (well, actually a para-esophogial hernia) I would like to find a substitute. Clearly ju… --- ## [We 99ers--a Straight Dope Longtimers Poll & Scrapbook.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-99ers-a-straight-dope-longtimers-poll-scrapbook/236587)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-99ers-a-straight-dope-longtimers-poll-scrapbook/236587 "2024-01-05T09:15:42Z")
We 99ers–we who joined the SDMB back in 1999. How many there were, and how few left. Some died, & shall always miss them. Other were banned, and are missed to greater or lesser degrees. Most just…vanished. Alive? Dea… --- ## [Ebay seller won't ship to Canada... advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-seller-wont-ship-to-canada-advice/558860)
**Author:** [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2010, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-seller-wont-ship-to-canada-advice/558860 "2010-11-03T05:00:17Z")
For several months now I’ve been searching for a very specific style of skirt that I know a friend of mine would love. And I have found it on Ebay, in the exact style and size I am looking for. The only problem is, the s… --- ## [Responding to a "thanks but no thanks" letter/email after applying for a job](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responding-to-a-thanks-but-no-thanks-letter-email-after-applying-for-a-job/568129)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2011, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responding-to-a-thanks-but-no-thanks-letter-email-after-applying-for-a-job/568129 "2011-01-22T00:15:26Z")
Let’s say you apply for a job that you think you’re perfectly suited for, like something where the job requirements say “x years of \, degree in \” etc. etc. and you’ve pretty much got all of them. You receive back s… --- ## [Where the heck is my MMP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-heck-is-my-mmp/579633)
**Author:** [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2011, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-heck-is-my-mmp/579633 "2011-05-02T09:42:48Z")
I’m jumping in with a placeholder MMP because I’m having withdrawals. For a topic, I’ll offer my Easter grumbles. VWife 's lupus is flaring, and I was sent to WallyWorld to get a prescription. WW was open, but the pharm… --- ## [How often do you write a cheque?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-write-a-cheque/666484)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2013, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-you-write-a-cheque/666484 "2013-08-23T02:31:04Z")
I wrote a cheque today. I used a chequebook that I got when I opened the account, which was when I turned 18. Its not even a third empty. Whenever I need cash, I use an ATM. Otherwise its credit or debit cards. Or money… --- ## [Sexual Innuendo Pick-Up Lines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-innuendo-pick-up-lines/522774)
**Author:** [@EpicNonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EpicNonsense)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2009, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-innuendo-pick-up-lines/522774 "2009-12-30T04:02:35Z")
I have a job for you, but it blows. Hi. I’m Italian. Do you have any Italian in you? Would you like some?.. What time do you get off? Can I watch? You’ve been a bad girl! Go to my room! Where you recommened a dog bur… --- ## [SDMB All-pro fantasy football league 2013](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-all-pro-fantasy-football-league-2013/665702)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2014, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-all-pro-fantasy-football-league-2013/665702 "2014-08-01T17:00:21Z")
Last year’s thread Starting with the same rules as last year, open to amendment if anyone has any suggestions. Commish approval on trades, if trade intentions are clearly stated (who you’ll bench, who you’ll start) befo… --- ## [Recommend some stories set in orphanages or boarding schools, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-stories-set-in-orphanages-or-boarding-schools-please/604848)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2012, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-stories-set-in-orphanages-or-boarding-schools-please/604848 "2012-07-23T13:57:13Z")
Now that NaNoWriMo is over with for 2011, I finally have some time to read and watch movies. But both orphanages or boarding schools are still on my mind… What can you recommend for a book or movie set in either? Fictio… --- ## [How many push ups can you do without stopping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474 "2012-02-01T16:38:29Z")
The standards are here. I’m 48 years old; I did the same number as I did right out of High School…29. How 'bout you? --- ## [Where can I get marshmallow marshmallows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2015, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449 "2015-10-28T12:55:25Z")
The marshmallow is so named because it used to be made from the mucilaginous root of the marshmallow plant. However, today gelatin is used instead. Does anyone still make marshmallows from the marshmallow plant, and if… --- ## [Suggestions for selling a men's suit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-selling-a-mens-suit/313058)
**Author:** [@anamnesis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anamnesis)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2005, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-selling-a-mens-suit/313058 "2005-07-20T04:26:39Z")
Hi everyone, Just looking for quick opinions on what the potential is for selling used menswear. I have some hand-me-down suits that don’t fit well, but which are in excellent condition … I’ve asked around at different… --- ## [Mercury - how/where is it found in its "natural" state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mercury-how-where-is-it-found-in-its-natural-state/315949)
**Author:** [@XP\_inhales](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XP_inhales)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2014, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mercury-how-where-is-it-found-in-its-natural-state/315949 "2014-07-03T08:54:00Z")
I am curious as to where it’s found, what state it’s found in (I assume liquid), and how much is found at one time. Do they drill for mercury like oil, or could I be walking along and find a mercury lake? Is there a wa… --- ## [Mods banning people when they seem to have offered another chance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-banning-people-when-they-seem-to-have-offered-another-chance/635140)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2012, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-banning-people-when-they-seem-to-have-offered-another-chance/635140 "2012-10-15T14:43:16Z")
Re: The recent banning of cynyc http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=15501306&postcount=2 I have a different bone to pick here, not related to the question of what is or isn’t a slur, or to the actual mer… --- ## [Jerry Sandusky's Jury](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerry-sanduskys-jury/624379)
**Author:** [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2012, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerry-sanduskys-jury/624379 "2012-06-15T13:52:20Z")
The jury that will decide Jerry Sandusky’s fate conists of 8 people with direct ties to Penn State. And we’re not talking about people who know someone who knows someone at at Penn State. Three of them are currently em… --- ## [15-30 years for killing the insane woman who murdered your son?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/15-30-years-for-killing-the-insane-woman-who-murdered-your-son/605018)
**Author:** [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2011, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/15-30-years-for-killing-the-insane-woman-who-murdered-your-son/605018 "2011-12-13T23:14:41Z")
link Here’s what I think: it’s bullshit. If you just found out that someone murdered your children, killing them in retaliation does not suggest you are a bad or untrustworthy person. There is no point in putting him i… --- ## [Why don't the Jews build another Temple?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-jews-build-another-temple/760444)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2016, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-jews-build-another-temple/760444 "2016-07-24T16:04:06Z")
I know that the first two were destroyed and once the Jews were expelled from Jerusalem (didn’t the Romans change the name to Aelia Capitolina?) the focus of their worship became the synagogue. But the Temple was such a … --- ## [Polling a jury after their verdict, what's the point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polling-a-jury-after-their-verdict-whats-the-point/297000)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2005, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polling-a-jury-after-their-verdict-whats-the-point/297000 "2005-04-02T00:58:29Z")
I’ve seen several Law & Order episodes where they poll the jury after they render their verdict, asking each individual juror what their vote is. Ok, I understand that they are making certain that it was a unanimous ver… --- ## ["Ah Wanna Buy Me a Huntin' License" -John Kerry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ah-wanna-buy-me-a-huntin-license-john-kerry/271008)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2004, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ah-wanna-buy-me-a-huntin-license-john-kerry/271008 "2004-11-02T16:09:44Z")
Who dreamedup this ridiculous stunt ? (John Kerry going goose hunting)? And the aprt about him buying a hunting license, why it’s as if Kerry hunts regularly with Jed Clampett and the boys! Really. these spinmeisters cr… --- ## [Are you a Male or a Female?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-male-or-a-female/537755)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2010, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-a-male-or-a-female/537755 "2010-05-07T13:18:13Z")
how would you like posters to refer to you on the SDMB? He? She? Other? I am a “he”. --- ## [Unethical Traffic Light?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unethical-traffic-light/570140)
**Author:** [@ManiacMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ManiacMan)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2011, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unethical-traffic-light/570140 "2011-02-09T03:53:17Z")
Is it justifible for a city to set up a traffic light to change the time intervals for when the various lights change? It seems that a traffic light by me takes about 4 seconds to turn red after it turns yellow most of t… --- ## [The Aesthetical Jesus - Part III](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-aesthetical-jesus-part-iii/498535)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2009, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-aesthetical-jesus-part-iii/498535 "2009-06-16T01:37:19Z")
WITNESSING THREAD In previous discusssions, we have determined the definitions of aesthetics, ethics, morality, goodness, evil, love, and sin. Let’s review those briefly, just for reference. Furthermore, I would respect… --- ## [Would skyscrapers survive rising sea levels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-skyscrapers-survive-rising-sea-levels/782423)
**Author:** [@dofe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dofe)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2018, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-skyscrapers-survive-rising-sea-levels/782423 "2018-02-13T19:26:24Z")
Inspired by this excerpt from a story of a future NYC flooded by rising water levels. Assuming that water floods the underground and first floors of a skyscraper, what changes (if any) are needed for it to remain functio… --- ## [When did people start "working out"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-people-start-working-out/678636)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2014, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-people-start-working-out/678636 "2014-01-16T15:54:57Z")
When did exercise become a necessary/highly desired part of the ordinary person’s ordinary routine? I know there’s research that suggests that in the past 40 years or so, Americans have gotten more sedentary at work whi… --- ## [VOTE OBAMA-your reply is your vote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vote-obama-your-reply-is-your-vote/469480)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 264\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2008, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vote-obama-your-reply-is-your-vote/469480 "2008-10-30T02:37:40Z")
Your reply will indicate 1 vote in favour of Obama. Please, only one reply per poster. McCain voters can go to here --- ## [Physicists: What makes sense on this gigantic blackboard, and how much holds together topically?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-what-makes-sense-on-this-gigantic-blackboard-and-how-much-holds-together-topically/663764)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2017, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-what-makes-sense-on-this-gigantic-blackboard-and-how-much-holds-together-topically/663764 "2017-12-26T14:39:57Z")
In a current thread Can those brilliant professor types really look at those long ass equations on the whiteboard?, I posted the following example, and commented on it as an aside: The main character is a physicist who… --- ## [If your spouse/S.O. suddenly pointed a gun at you, would you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-spouse-s-o-suddenly-pointed-a-gun-at-you-would-you/670685)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2013, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-spouse-s-o-suddenly-pointed-a-gun-at-you-would-you/670685 "2013-10-29T19:39:40Z")
Like it says in the Poll. What would your immediate reaction be? Feel free to elaborate. --- ## [Hit the ground in the falling dream](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-the-ground-in-the-falling-dream/246480)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-the-ground-in-the-falling-dream/246480 "2017-07-03T22:26:12Z")
Speaking of dreams, has anyone else ever hit the ground in the falling dream? I’ve hit at least three times that I can think of, and as far as I know I’m still alive. Just thought I’d dispell that myth about dying if you… --- ## [Daylight Savings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daylight-savings/714488)
**Author:** [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2015, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daylight-savings/714488 "2015-03-16T22:18:14Z")
Isn’t anyone going to talk about the time change tonight? How they like it or hate it, how it’s worthwhile or worthless? I apologize if there is already a thread. I tried searching a couple of times, but each search fro… --- ## [Will free speech always be considered a good thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-free-speech-always-be-considered-a-good-thing/829366)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2019, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-free-speech-always-be-considered-a-good-thing/829366 "2019-04-24T16:24:06Z")
There is a small-but-significant portion of the populace that is disenchanted with free speech or considers it synonymous with “loophole that allows hate speech” and is very actively trying to move towards limited-and-ce… --- ## [What are all you people texting about all the time ?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-you-people-texting-about-all-the-time/745268)
**Author:** [@Hooleehootoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hooleehootoo)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2016, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-you-people-texting-about-all-the-time/745268 "2016-02-13T20:29:14Z")
The other day I saw a woman crossing a busy grocery store parking lot holding an infant in one hand and texting with the other. To me, the risk vs. reward of this action means you should not do it. I am prepared to be p… --- ## [I had that dream again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-that-dream-again/629119)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2013, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-that-dream-again/629119 "2013-08-12T04:42:24Z")
The one where I had to go back to college. And it’s around the last week of the semester and I notice that everyone around me is working really hard, studying up on the stuff they’ve learned all semester long. I realize … --- ## [Some serious number crunching (charachter builds in Dragon Age Origins)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-serious-number-crunching-charachter-builds-in-dragon-age-origins/523251)
**Author:** [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2010, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-serious-number-crunching-charachter-builds-in-dragon-age-origins/523251 "2010-01-02T08:30:13Z")
So, unlike Fallout 3 which was pretty clear and allowed you to min/max with ease, or Borderlands which offered up some fairly simplistic power gaming potential, DAO seems a good bit more complicated. Especially with no h… --- ## [How Much Cash Savings is Appropriate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cash-savings-is-appropriate/587089)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2011, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cash-savings-is-appropriate/587089 "2011-07-02T12:55:11Z")
This will probably seem like a bit of a strange question, but I can’t figure out how much of my savings I should keep in cash as opposed to stocks or investments. And by cash I mean in a checking/savings account where i… --- ## [Trump caved. Now what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-caved-now-what/828463)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2019, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-caved-now-what/828463 "2019-02-04T23:32:23Z")
With Trump’s (temporary) capitulation, the shutdown is now (temporarily) over. What lies ahead? If Trump can’t get funding for the wall within the next three weeks, will there be a Shutdown II? Would he have GOP support … --- ## [How Did the Ancients Know These Five Were Planets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-ancients-know-these-five-were-planets/267956)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2004, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-ancients-know-these-five-were-planets/267956 "2004-10-11T21:00:49Z")
Something has perplexed me to the longest time now. There were 5 of our presently 9 known planets that the ancients knew about: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn (I’m leaving earth out, since many of the ancients… --- ## [London-bound passengers stranded in Canada military barracks as flight crew rests in hotel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-bound-passengers-stranded-in-canada-military-barracks-as-flight-crew-rests-in-hotel/722545)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2015, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-bound-passengers-stranded-in-canada-military-barracks-as-flight-crew-rests-in-hotel/722545 "2015-06-23T17:25:01Z")
The airlines just seem to continue to get worse and worse. I’m so thankful my job rarely requires me to travel. I drove to the last computer conference my employer sent me to. I’ll take a 4 hour car trip \*any day \*over … --- ## [Works of Fiction Where the Villain is the (or a) Main Character](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/works-of-fiction-where-the-villain-is-the-or-a-main-character/621778)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2012, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/works-of-fiction-where-the-villain-is-the-or-a-main-character/621778 "2012-05-17T02:25:42Z")
Mrs. Homie and I were discussing this last night over some… medicine. What are some movies, novels, etc., where the villain is the main character? Here are a few we came up with: \[Some content will contain open spoilers… --- ## [If Hillary wins, can she have Bill help her on every decision?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-hillary-wins-can-she-have-bill-help-her-on-every-decision/730119)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2015, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-hillary-wins-can-she-have-bill-help-her-on-every-decision/730119 "2015-09-14T18:47:13Z")
First of all, I know the new thinking is that a lady asking her husband for help is highly patriarchal, etc. Except, in the case of Bill and Hillary Clinton, her husband is conveniently one of the most popular president… --- ## [Miami Juvenile Jail Official Told Dying Teen To 'Suck It Up'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miami-juvenile-jail-official-told-dying-teen-to-suck-it-up/231514)
**Author:** [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2004, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miami-juvenile-jail-official-told-dying-teen-to-suck-it-up/231514 "2004-03-04T20:32:25Z")
http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/C36660/ This just tears me up. I hope some serious heads roll for this one. --- ## [Is there really any \*real world\* way modern society could collapse back to pure survival levels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-any-real-world-way-modern-society-could-collapse-back-to-pure-survival-levels/764172)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2016, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-any-real-world-way-modern-society-could-collapse-back-to-pure-survival-levels/764172 "2016-09-01T08:35:32Z")
In looking at some prepper videos like the one linked below (actually fairly well done production wise) I wonder how fragile industrialized society is. It seems pretty robust to me, but in most prepper’s view social coll… --- ## [nightshifters....how do you keep your bedroom dark?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nightshifters-how-do-you-keep-your-bedroom-dark/327242)
**Author:** [@LorieSmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LorieSmurf)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2005, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nightshifters-how-do-you-keep-your-bedroom-dark/327242 "2005-10-22T13:09:41Z")
Do you have some kind of blackout blinds or shades? Do they work well? Do you slather duct tape over your windows?? --- ## [movies that fail the BS test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-that-fail-the-bs-test/89473)
**Author:** [@scampering\_gremlin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scampering_gremlin)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2001, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-that-fail-the-bs-test/89473 "2001-10-30T06:55:02Z")
Few things are more annoying than a premise that defies common sense. In Murder at 1600, for instance, someone gets killed at the White House. Only one Washington, DC police detective cares about solving the case and he… --- ## [Use of non metric units in the US for scientific purposes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-non-metric-units-in-the-us-for-scientific-purposes/619700)
**Author:** [@superfahd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superfahd)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2012, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-non-metric-units-in-the-us-for-scientific-purposes/619700 "2012-05-03T04:08:35Z")
Ok ok first post. dont mess it up! Heres something thats been bothering me for ages. Not being a US native, I’ve done my studies uptil my BS outside the US. I’m a software engineer and have always been keen on scientifi… --- ## [Why Is Earwax So Bitter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-earwax-so-bitter/238557)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2004, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-earwax-so-bitter/238557 "2004-04-09T14:36:29Z")
What causes the taste of earwax to be so bitter? Obviously there is some bitter-tasting compound present in the earwax that causes this, but is the bitterness just a coincidence, or did human evolution somehow preferenti… --- ## [Foreigners assassinated in the United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreigners-assassinated-in-the-united-states/560686)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2010, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreigners-assassinated-in-the-united-states/560686 "2010-11-20T23:22:55Z")
If you saw a commercial for this week’s episode of Hawaii Five-O, you heard McGarrett claim “no foreign dignatary has ever been assassinated on American soil.” Is that factually correct? Has a foreign government officia… --- ## [Will a Sirius Satellite Radio Work in the Caribbean Sea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-sirius-satellite-radio-work-in-the-caribbean-sea/484430)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-sirius-satellite-radio-work-in-the-caribbean-sea/484430 "2009-02-07T16:54:47Z")
I’m planning a Caribbean Cruise for later this year. If I take my Sirius receiver onto the ship with me, will it work? I’d love to be able to dig some jazz while laying on the deck. --- ## [Any possibility the Beatles DIDN'T write their own songs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-possibility-the-beatles-didnt-write-their-own-songs/453762)
**Author:** [@Soapbox\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soapbox_Monkey)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2008, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-possibility-the-beatles-didnt-write-their-own-songs/453762 "2008-06-27T15:08:35Z")
It’s a retarded question, I know, but this evening I got into a heated exchange with my best friend who feels that the Beatles are the most overrated band of all time. I agreed that, while whether or not they are a “good… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=873&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=875&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)