# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=888&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:** 889 --- ## [Who the hell lets their children call that late at night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-the-hell-lets-their-children-call-that-late-at-night/239166)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2005, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-the-hell-lets-their-children-call-that-late-at-night/239166 "2005-08-20T04:06:26Z")
My Ivykids are almost-12 and almost-15. Call me old-fashioned, but we’ve set a cut-off time of 9pm for them to call friends or receive calls. Evening is family-homework-chore time, and they’ve had all day at school to … --- ## [Sensual Erotic Porn - Any Such Thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensual-erotic-porn-any-such-thing/610841)
**Author:** [@Ken001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ken001)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2012, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensual-erotic-porn-any-such-thing/610841 "2012-01-30T02:23:28Z")
Reading the thread on foreign porn Foreign Porn - Cafe Society - Straight Dope Message Board reminded me: I’ve often wondered if sensual affectionate pornography exists? Can’t say I’ve watched a lot of porn over the yea… --- ## [So I burned myself...what happens next...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-burned-myself-what-happens-next/494041)
**Author:** [@jasonh300](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasonh300)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-burned-myself-what-happens-next/494041 "2009-04-24T17:03:02Z")
(Not seeking medical advice) Last night, I had a small grease fire on the stove and in a panic, I decided to try and get the flaming frying pan out of the house. In the process of carrying the pan to the door, the flam… --- ## [Low flying in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-flying-in-the-mmp/765746)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 212\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2016, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-flying-in-the-mmp/765746 "2016-09-19T02:05:00Z")
Yesterday was 9/11 & we had good weather. The 4-day heat wave broke, humidity was down, it was sunny, & most importantly, winds were calm. That meant I went out in the late afternoon to go help Barry fly the flag. Wh… --- ## [Whatcha readin' December edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-december-edition/428298)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2007, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-december-edition/428298 "2007-12-31T22:49:41Z")
We stayed steady enough in this thread that I figure we can keep trying a monthly thread. I know I’m a day early. I usually start these things the night before the new month, but I’m going to be out celebrating my Birt… --- ## [Can I paint in a basement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-paint-in-a-basement/562337)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2010, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-paint-in-a-basement/562337 "2010-11-30T20:49:41Z")
I’m trying to separate fact from myth here. Can I paint (actually apply a Thompson’s water-seal type product) to a new swing set in my basement? The basement is all one open space and that is where the furnace is. So … --- ## [How convicing is this fake Irish accent? Best/worst Irish accents by American actors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-convicing-is-this-fake-irish-accent-best-worst-irish-accents-by-american-actors/489347)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2009, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-convicing-is-this-fake-irish-accent-best-worst-irish-accents-by-american-actors/489347 "2009-03-26T13:50:42Z")
Skip ahead to 10:44 in this clip from Charlie’s Angels, with an Irish jockey (played by the ill-fated John David Carson.) I don’t know any Irish people, but his Irish accent sounds pretty unconvincing and over-the-top (t… --- ## [Mundane aspects of Superman's powers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-aspects-of-supermans-powers/698909)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2014, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-aspects-of-supermans-powers/698909 "2014-09-30T23:47:07Z")
He is never bothered by mosquitoes. --- ## [What was the worst POS car you have ever owned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-worst-pos-car-you-have-ever-owned/576420)
**Author:** [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2011, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-worst-pos-car-you-have-ever-owned/576420 "2011-04-01T17:52:34Z")
My wife and I dropped our truck off the other day for a tuneup and oil change and were commenting on what a good truck it has been for us and how all of our cars we have had lately have been good vehicles. We own three v… --- ## [What Do People Mean When They Say "Word"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-people-mean-when-they-say-word/102726)
**Author:** [@don\_willard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_willard)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2002, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-people-mean-when-they-say-word/102726 "2002-04-10T00:50:26Z")
What do people mean when they say, “word”? It is being used in a special meaning as a new in-word or buzz-word and I don’t know how to use it as I go about keeping up on the latest language styles. --- ## [Can you murder a corpse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-murder-a-corpse/39287)
**Author:** [@matt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2002, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-murder-a-corpse/39287 "2002-11-20T03:47:39Z")
Here’s the scenario: I set out to kill someone. I arm myself in advance, break into their home and fire several shots into their sleeping body. I carelessly leave evidence all over the place. I am arrested but it trans… --- ## [Are you bothered if someone 'vapes' next to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-bothered-if-someone-vapes-next-to-you/667797)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2013, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-bothered-if-someone-vapes-next-to-you/667797 "2013-09-06T19:52:34Z")
In a non-smoking area? Inspired by this thread. Say you’re in an area where smoking is clearly prohibited, a nice restaurant for example. You’re enjoying your meal while a stranger on the next table takes out an e-cigare… --- ## [Can I polyurethane on Green wood? I'm building a cane!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-polyurethane-on-green-wood-im-building-a-cane/230038)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2004, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-polyurethane-on-green-wood-im-building-a-cane/230038 "2004-02-20T22:25:56Z")
Ok, awhile back I posted a thread about making a cane for a friend who has a stroke. Well, I made one alright…looked really nice. I thought, \*I’ll stain and poly it over the weekend. Well, I went down to the basement an… --- ## [Tell me about Cheese Curds.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cheese-curds/604986)
**Author:** [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2011, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-cheese-curds/604986 "2011-12-06T00:26:57Z")
I decided to buy some food items as gifts for my employees and friends and some to keep. After reading here and other places about Cheese Curds I got five packages to give as gifts and one to keep. I have never had ch… --- ## [Going Into Space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-into-space/159678)
**Author:** [@coachjames](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coachjames)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2003, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-into-space/159678 "2003-03-23T11:38:00Z")
Regarding the column in the Miami Sun Post, March 6, Vol 16, No 10 about whether or not we should go into space. I think Cecil’s last sentence says it all, “But I’d be hard put to say we should send people into space ju… --- ## [I am dreading Election day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-dreading-election-day/1007558)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 314\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-dreading-election-day/1007558 "2024-11-06T23:41:51Z")
I’m so fucking worried about the election this year. If Harris wins, trump is not going to accept the results and I expect many isolated violent acts. If trump wins, I believe things are going to get very ugly when his … --- ## [Should Corporate and Union Political Contributions Be Banned ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-corporate-and-union-political-contributions-be-banned/576598)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2011, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-corporate-and-union-political-contributions-be-banned/576598 "2011-04-06T11:37:17Z")
Here in British Columbia, a provincial Conservative Party leadership candidate has put forth a proposal to ban political contributions from corporations and unions. I think it is a great idea. We are going to have a p… --- ## [Great songs performed in totally different genres](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-songs-performed-in-totally-different-genres/766618)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2016, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-songs-performed-in-totally-different-genres/766618 "2016-10-03T13:16:26Z")
I’m sure we’ve done this before, including a recent thread about Postmodern Jukebox, but why not do some more? I just found Iron Horse doing a wonderful bluegrass rendition of Metallica’s Enter Sandman: And, erm, \*Ent… --- ## [Not speaking to police period](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-speaking-to-police-period/609586)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2012, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-speaking-to-police-period/609586 "2012-01-23T16:55:38Z")
I’ve noticed this advice handed out online, it seems to me to be very bad advice unless you do have a lawyer on retainer and enjoy pointless confrontation with the legal system. I mean false arrest lawsuits seem nice but… --- ## [Anyone get scammed by sound alike compilation albums. (fakes pawned off as the real stars)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-get-scammed-by-sound-alike-compilation-albums-fakes-pawned-off-as-the-real-stars/691078)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2014, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-get-scammed-by-sound-alike-compilation-albums-fakes-pawned-off-as-the-real-stars/691078 "2014-06-20T20:31:39Z")
I did when I was 12. Cost me two weeks of saved up allowance. I’m pretty sure it was at Gibsons Discount dept store. They had this display bin of 8 tracks at a great price. All these great songs! Cheap! I got 3 or 4, 8 … --- ## [Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Ending Question (Spoiler)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vampire-hunter-d-bloodlust-ending-question-spoiler/92660)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Maximino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Maximino)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2002, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vampire-hunter-d-bloodlust-ending-question-spoiler/92660 "2002-04-27T04:00:03Z")
Just saw the movie – I’m lucky, there was one theater in my area showing it. It was heads-and-shoulders above the original, IMHO, and I really liked it. It had a great score, incredible visuals, and all the badassitude y… --- ## [Why doesn't my cat meow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-my-cat-meow/92274)
**Author:** [@typo\_mna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typo_mna)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2001, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-my-cat-meow/92274 "2001-11-09T12:04:44Z")
So, this cat. She’s only been known to meow 4 times. Twice when her tail got stepped on, once (well, continuously) when in a carrier on the way to the vet, and once when she sniffed a box full of stuff that had come from… --- ## [Father-daughter dances\* that aren't sappy, inappropriate, or lame.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/father-daughter-dances-that-arent-sappy-inappropriate-or-lame/343322)
**Author:** [@Only\_Mostly\_Dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Only_Mostly_Dead)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2006, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/father-daughter-dances-that-arent-sappy-inappropriate-or-lame/343322 "2006-02-08T11:08:12Z")
Now that Only Mostly Missus and I are getting to the nitpicky details stage of wedding planning, we’re stumped on a father-daughter song that is neutral enough to knock out the anticipated mother-son dance (feh) at the s… --- ## [Roberts, Scalia oppose the invisible hand of the market](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roberts-scalia-oppose-the-invisible-hand-of-the-market/609113)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roberts-scalia-oppose-the-invisible-hand-of-the-market/609113 "2012-01-18T18:35:38Z")
The Supreme Court is considering a suit by broadcasters to relax the standards of decency imposed by the FCC on broadcast networks but not on cable networks. But conservatives on the high appear to be reluctant to ease… --- ## [Cake vs. Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cake-vs-pie/561006)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2010, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cake-vs-pie/561006 "2010-11-22T06:49:43Z")
Cake or pie? Assume your favorite type of each (no caveats, e.g. “Cake, unless the pie is…”); doesn’t necessarily have to be sweet. You can only have one and must choose; no “neither” here. The one you don’t choose wi… --- ## [Catastrophe of Historic Proportion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catastrophe-of-historic-proportion/414105)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2007, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catastrophe-of-historic-proportion/414105 "2007-08-08T20:55:03Z")
Sorry, gov, I know you are a politician, but a bridge collapse with nine dead doesn’t exactly rate even a mention in history. Jamestown Flood? Katrina? The Tsunami? 9/11? All catastrophes of historic proportion. Your bri… --- ## [Laurence Fishburne daughter in porn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laurence-fishburne-daughter-in-porn/548946)
**Author:** [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2010, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laurence-fishburne-daughter-in-porn/548946 "2010-08-12T00:32:10Z")
That’s the rumor on webs. I tried to search it here and got nothing, so if I missed it, my mistake. Her name is Montana Fishburne, and I guess she has decided to do porn. I have always believed (with zero evidence) th… --- ## [Modern Family \[SPOILERS\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-family-spoilers/511080)
**Author:** [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2010, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-family-spoilers/511080 "2010-02-06T13:40:48Z")
TWOP and ABC offered a preview of this online, and we watched it last night. Mouseover buffer. . . . . . . We really liked it. I had been spoiled on so many of the jokes from the commercials, but I still laughed… --- ## [Movies With a Good Twist \*Please, no spoilers\*](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-with-a-good-twist-please-no-spoilers/729927)
**Author:** [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2015, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-with-a-good-twist-please-no-spoilers/729927 "2015-09-13T04:33:05Z")
If anyone likes a surprising twist to a movie, it’s me. So, I nominate - to those who haven’t seen them - Fight Club, Memento, Shutter Island and Seven. Which movies were you surprised by, in that the trailer didn’t gi… --- ## [Why do birds have beaks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-birds-have-beaks/558788)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2015, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-birds-have-beaks/558788 "2015-11-25T20:32:03Z")
From what I understand, birds evolvd from small dinosaurs that were probably already covered in feathers. But from (artists’ impressions) pictures of Archaeopteryx (one of the first “birds”, I believe), its head looked … --- ## [Jaycee Duggard pictures and interview](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jaycee-duggard-pictures-and-interview/513772)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2009, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jaycee-duggard-pictures-and-interview/513772 "2009-12-04T04:02:16Z")
A lot of people are curious about this case so here you go. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20312090,00.html --- ## ["Britain reserves the right to bomb n\*\*\*\*rs."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/britain-reserves-the-right-to-bomb-n-rs/699773)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2014, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/britain-reserves-the-right-to-bomb-n-rs/699773 "2014-10-03T13:56:13Z")
Quote attributed to David Lloyd George, Britain’s Prime Minister during World War I. Censored the n-word because I’d imagine having the worst racial epithet in a GQ title is…frowned upon. Googling to find out whether he… --- ## [Movies with inappropriate fake accents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-with-inappropriate-fake-accents/316462)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2005, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-with-inappropriate-fake-accents/316462 "2005-08-28T04:37:12Z")
In the trailers for the movie The Brothers Grimm, U.S. born Matt Damon and Australian Heath Ledger both speak in lower-class British accents. I find this annoying considering that the Brothers Grimm lived in what’s now … --- ## [...New earthquake hits Christchurch, NZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-earthquake-hits-christchurch-nz/572174)
**Author:** [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2011, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-earthquake-hits-christchurch-nz/572174 "2011-02-27T20:13:07Z")
…well, this one was smaller than the big one, but it hit at a much worse time of day and apparently was shallower. “Multiple fatalities” are expected has just been reported on the news: the footage is absolutely terrify… --- ## [Has an incumbent US President ever voluntarily not run for a second term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-an-incumbent-us-president-ever-voluntarily-not-run-for-a-second-term/410467)
**Author:** [@FlyingCowOfDoom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyingCowOfDoom)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2007, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-an-incumbent-us-president-ever-voluntarily-not-run-for-a-second-term/410467 "2007-07-04T20:29:57Z")
Have any of the US Presidents ever, upon completing his first term, simply not run for a second? TIA! –FCOD --- ## [Could BP Just Declare Bankruptcy & Walk Away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-bp-just-declare-bankruptcy-walk-away/541988)
**Author:** [@Gus\_Handsome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gus_Handsome)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2010, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-bp-just-declare-bankruptcy-walk-away/541988 "2010-06-11T12:41:34Z")
I’m not a “business minded” kind of guy, so my apologies if my question is a stupid one. Myself being a ‘regular guy’, I don’t think any amount of money is ever going to make things right as far as this environemtnal di… --- ## [My daughter really wants to see RIPD..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-really-wants-to-see-ripd/663934)
**Author:** [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2013, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-really-wants-to-see-ripd/663934 "2013-07-23T23:33:19Z")
But it’s at 10% at rottentomatoes. And even the good review, which was giving a hometown discount since it’s a Boston website reviewing a movie set in Boston, couldn’t give it more praise than this: Now how to break h… --- ## [You & your pet are stranded far from home. Do you abandon the pet if it means you get to go back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-your-pet-are-stranded-far-from-home-do-you-abandon-the-pet-if-it-means-you-get-to-go-back/547480)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2010, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-your-pet-are-stranded-far-from-home-do-you-abandon-the-pet-if-it-means-you-get-to-go-back/547480 "2010-07-28T15:34:17Z")
So I’m listening to the Wizard of Oz in concert. At the end of it, when Glinda tells Dorothy that she (that, the “Good” Witch) has gotten bored with torturing her (Dorothy) for her own amusement, little miss naive says, … --- ## [Solve Penrose's chess puzzle that's 'impossible for a computer'!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solve-penroses-chess-puzzle-thats-impossible-for-a-computer/782154)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2017, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solve-penroses-chess-puzzle-thats-impossible-for-a-computer/782154 "2017-03-18T01:35:08Z")
So, British mathematician and physicist Roger Penrose has designed a chess puzzle that, he claims, is impossible to solve for a computer, but easy for a human being. Now, I don’t want to discuss the merits of the claim h… --- ## [An "A List" celebrity sent me a friend request on Facebook this weekend.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-a-list-celebrity-sent-me-a-friend-request-on-facebook-this-weekend/813355)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2018, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-a-list-celebrity-sent-me-a-friend-request-on-facebook-this-weekend/813355 "2018-05-08T00:43:20Z")
I can’t be certain that it is her or a Russian spy. I never asked her to friend me but the two or three times I have commented on her posts have elicited thumbs up. I just read her posts. I can see all of her personal… --- ## [TV Actors successful in sitcoms and dramas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-actors-successful-in-sitcoms-and-dramas/614575)
**Author:** [@boozilu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boozilu)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2012, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-actors-successful-in-sitcoms-and-dramas/614575 "2012-03-07T23:30:51Z")
Recently thinking about Ted Dansen (big success on Cheers and now Damages & CSI), I was wondering how many actors have done well on TV in both sitcoms (NOT dramadies a la Desperate Housewives) and dramas. Doesn’t seem l… --- ## [Alien vs 2001, a space odyssey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-vs-2001-a-space-odyssey/701161)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2014, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-vs-2001-a-space-odyssey/701161 "2014-10-20T05:23:28Z")
Which do you prefer between these two movies and why? How are they similar and how are they different in your view? I am particularly interested in the styles and moods of those movies, since they have been so influent… --- ## [So...Grey Squirrels eat turtles.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-grey-squirrels-eat-turtles/370610)
**Author:** [@JoeSki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoeSki)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2006, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-grey-squirrels-eat-turtles/370610 "2006-09-06T15:51:19Z")
Last week I had a day off and decided to explore Orlando some. The plan was to hit up the Orlando Muesuem of Art and then bum around the downtown area for a while. So I get to Lake Eola, which I haven’t been to since I… --- ## [Who the fuck is responsible for these dinky-assed parking spaces in every fucking parking lot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-the-fuck-is-responsible-for-these-dinky-assed-parking-spaces-in-every-fucking-parking-lot/536530)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2010, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-the-fuck-is-responsible-for-these-dinky-assed-parking-spaces-in-every-fucking-parking-lot/536530 "2010-04-20T18:36:23Z")
I thought this would fit in a minirants thread, but fuck that shit. I think we need a forum for this topic! I have a Mazda6. Not a huge car. But the lots at Central Market, the hospital, and the freakin’ parking garage … --- ## [What ever happened to cherry-flavored dip for ice cream cones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ever-happened-to-cherry-flavored-dip-for-ice-cream-cones/729142)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2015, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ever-happened-to-cherry-flavored-dip-for-ice-cream-cones/729142 "2015-08-31T13:18:48Z")
When I was a kid, back in Wisconsin in the '70s, one of my favorite treats was a soft-serve ice cream cone dipped in cherry-flavored topping. Although it hasn’t disappeared — the internet turns up photos and other examp… --- ## [Clueless guy wants to get back together with ex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clueless-guy-wants-to-get-back-together-with-ex/523278)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2010, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clueless-guy-wants-to-get-back-together-with-ex/523278 "2010-01-15T09:55:10Z")
Any tips or even harsh advice welcome… Background info: I broke up with her in July 2009. I said that I didn’t love her enough and that people on the internet said I wasn’t good enough for her. Anyway she pays me for t… --- ## [Seriously... is Vin Diesel any good as an actor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seriously-is-vin-diesel-any-good-as-an-actor/458974)
**Author:** [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2008, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seriously-is-vin-diesel-any-good-as-an-actor/458974 "2008-08-14T19:40:15Z")
I just saw the commercial for Babylon AD and I felt strangely interested in it in a “this looks like a mildly intriguing summer action movie with a twist” sort of way. I might put it on my Netflix queue. However, I hav… --- ## [How did Derren Brown perform the Red Envelope trick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-derren-brown-perform-the-red-envelope-trick/629760)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2012, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-derren-brown-perform-the-red-envelope-trick/629760 "2012-08-01T13:20:19Z")
(Performed recently on BBC’s “One Show”). I reject the idea that Derren’s drawing was in the red envelope the whole time. I think he would have let the hosts keep hold of his envelope if that was the case. So how did h… --- ## [Do Military troops normally march with a bullet in the chamber?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-military-troops-normally-march-with-a-bullet-in-the-chamber/694681)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2014, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-military-troops-normally-march-with-a-bullet-in-the-chamber/694681 "2014-08-07T06:10:11Z")
Marching in parades or just a double time march cross country. Would they carry a rifle racked with a bullet in the chamber? I can imagine accidents. Some guy trips and oh sorry mate, you just got shot. Specifically fo… --- ## [As if the torture photos weren't enough...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-if-the-torture-photos-werent-enough/243504)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 211\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2004, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-if-the-torture-photos-werent-enough/243504 "2004-05-06T20:59:01Z")
French TV to show video of US helicopter killing unarmed Iraqis Thanks a lot, fuckos. I hope you got your jollies. Why don’t you just go to work for Al Jazeera? How much more of this shit has been going on that didn’t … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=887&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=889&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)