# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=906&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:** 907 --- ## [Battlestar Galactica 4.21 "Daybreak" Part One](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battlestar-galactica-4-21-daybreak-part-one/489379)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2009, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battlestar-galactica-4-21-daybreak-part-one/489379 "2009-03-19T15:02:13Z")
I think next week, we should have two threads for Battlestar. We may need a live thread for those on the East Coast that want to comment on the spoilers of the final moments and one for post-show analysis. Anyway, I’m g… --- ## [More outlawed marching cadences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-outlawed-marching-cadences/318062)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2025, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-outlawed-marching-cadences/318062 "2025-05-10T16:29:05Z")
All day long I’va had this Army cadence running through my head. It makes me giggle spontaneously, but I will not explain myself–my friends would not understand. But I’ll share here. This is a cadence that works well … --- ## [A piano mysteriously appeared in my house and no one knows its origin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-piano-mysteriously-appeared-in-my-house-and-no-one-knows-its-origin/456307)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2008, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-piano-mysteriously-appeared-in-my-house-and-no-one-knows-its-origin/456307 "2008-07-24T04:32:31Z")
So I’m living in Indonesia with my husband and son, because my husband’s job brought us here. But we do own a home in the US, although we generally only see it for a few weeks every summer. My husband and son are vacati… --- ## [Sterilizing water with alcohol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sterilizing-water-with-alcohol/551276)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2010, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sterilizing-water-with-alcohol/551276 "2010-08-26T02:22:18Z")
If one was faced with water of dubious potability, how much 200-proof alcohol would one have to add to it to make it sterile enough to drink safely? --- ## [BrainGlutton, find a girlfriend or something](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brainglutton-find-a-girlfriend-or-something/418290)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2007, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brainglutton-find-a-girlfriend-or-something/418290 "2007-09-17T01:16:19Z")
BrainGlutton, Previous to your thread starting spree in Great Debates, there was always the monthly drive-by guest poster/new poster debates on legalised marijuana, how god really exists, and other standards. But beside… --- ## [The Unfortunate Effect of the Negative Stereotype \[ed. title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unfortunate-effect-of-the-negative-stereotype-ed-title/448998)
**Author:** [@focusonz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/focusonz)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2008, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unfortunate-effect-of-the-negative-stereotype-ed-title/448998 "2008-05-17T01:56:03Z")
I must be the oldest and wisest poster on the SDMB for me to see the dilemma of all political thread posters. I started this new thread because my point(s) seem to just get lost in all the noise in the political debates… --- ## [was Ancient Kemet science superior to modern science](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-ancient-kemet-science-superior-to-modern-science/726034)
**Author:** [@thanatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thanatic)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2015, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-ancient-kemet-science-superior-to-modern-science/726034 "2015-07-27T09:47:10Z")
are ancient kemetic systems superior to modern science in quantum physics, physics in general and all types of science, chemistry, biology etc.? that many of the information we find out today in modern science was alrea… --- ## [Boris Johnson moved to ICU](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boris-johnson-moved-to-icu/851212)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2020, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boris-johnson-moved-to-icu/851212 "2020-04-12T17:39:48Z")
Apparently his condition has worsened. --- ## [Does military experience "count" in the "real world"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-military-experience-count-in-the-real-world/588865)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2011, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-military-experience-count-in-the-real-world/588865 "2011-07-17T00:51:00Z")
At my job we’ve recently started having interviews for a promotion. A friend of mine was asked if he had any prior supervisory experience. He said that he’d spend the past ten years in the military. The interviewer (my b… --- ## [Jay Leno has a HUGE schlong!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jay-leno-has-a-huge-schlong/162092)
**Author:** [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2003, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jay-leno-has-a-huge-schlong/162092 "2003-03-27T23:02:05Z")
According to Sandra Bernhard on her interview with Howard Stern last week. They had a dated briefly years ago, and apparently he is so huge that she could barely “accomodate” him. He also liked to handcuff her. :o Jus… --- ## [Damn, I hate my new progressive lenses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-i-hate-my-new-progressive-lenses/456882)
**Author:** [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2008, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-i-hate-my-new-progressive-lenses/456882 "2008-07-19T10:31:48Z")
I got a new pair of glasses three weeks ago. My distance vision is a bit worse, my astigmatism is a bit worse and, oh the humanity, I needed bifocals. Vanity won and I got fancy progressive lenses. I set them in nice … --- ## [To Apologize or Not to Apologize](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-apologize-or-not-to-apologize/640110)
**Author:** [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2012, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-apologize-or-not-to-apologize/640110 "2012-11-11T23:37:32Z")
That is the question. So I’ve been thinking about this girl I used to see a couple years ago and how bad I used to treat her. I never hit her or did anything particularly malicious. I was just really mean and called h… --- ## [Why don't we care that McKinley was assassinated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-care-that-mckinley-was-assassinated/626241)
**Author:** [@johnspartan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnspartan)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2012, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-care-that-mckinley-was-assassinated/626241 "2012-06-27T12:55:42Z")
Having spent my weekend watching Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in the theater (thankfully not Ford’s) and the Kennedys miniseries on Netflix, I was reflecting on the fact that we almost completely skip over the fact th… --- ## [best state to recieve welfare benefits for individual](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-state-to-recieve-welfare-benefits-for-individual/554663)
**Author:** [@ultraman100](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultraman100)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2010, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-state-to-recieve-welfare-benefits-for-individual/554663 "2010-09-24T23:55:08Z")
Graduating with a philosophy degree in the fall. Hoping someone here has already looking into this info and can pass it along. What’s the best state for welfare and how soon could i receive it after moving there for a… --- ## [Actors you hate because of their personal lives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-you-hate-because-of-their-personal-lives/750320)
**Author:** [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-you-hate-because-of-their-personal-lives/750320 "2016-04-01T17:54:01Z")
Everything Mel Gibson has ever did is now a bit uncomfortable to watch. I can’t quite capture the suspension of disbelief I was once able to. I no longer see “Mad Max”\*, I see “Mel Gibson”. The celebrity fuck up has … --- ## [Do kids \*need\* braces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-kids-need-braces/518976)
**Author:** [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2009, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-kids-need-braces/518976 "2009-12-01T04:21:43Z")
There are these ads on TV where, essentially, parents are told that no matter how little money they have, no matter that they don’t have a job, this dental service can make it so they can afford to get braces on their ki… --- ## [Chicken thighs equation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-thighs-equation/531040)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2014, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-thighs-equation/531040 "2014-04-25T06:25:03Z")
I can buy chicken thighs either with or without the bones and skin. Since both prices fluctuate somewhat (either can be on sale any given week), I just assume the boneless/skinless ones cost more per ounce of meat, since… --- ## [Why I love ALDIS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-love-aldis/618673)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2013, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-love-aldis/618673 "2013-05-30T04:09:00Z")
Half kilo pumpernickel bread. First ingredient: whole kernel rye. Then some water to soften the grain and and whole rye flour to glue it together. Close to the end of the very short ingredients list: oat fiber as if… --- ## [Is there a chance for Schwarzenegger to become president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-chance-for-schwarzenegger-to-become-president/665636)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2013, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-chance-for-schwarzenegger-to-become-president/665636 "2013-08-15T07:50:29Z")
Let’s forget for a moment, how well or poorly he performed as a governor and just use him as a convenient prop. In other words, is there a chance of repealing the part in Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the Constitut… --- ## [Which of these foods/ingredients would you banish from humanity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-foods-ingredients-would-you-banish-from-humanity/602140)
**Author:** [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2011, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-foods-ingredients-would-you-banish-from-humanity/602140 "2011-11-17T21:53:38Z")
Which of these ingredients would you choose to banish from existence if you had to pick one? Also, the alien overlords forcing you to choose are also not going to allow you to use any sort of substitute, natural/artific… --- ## [What are the chances that prostitution will be legalized within the next 20 to 30 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-that-prostitution-will-be-legalized-within-the-next-20-to-30-years/703885)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2014, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-that-prostitution-will-be-legalized-within-the-next-20-to-30-years/703885 "2014-11-21T08:57:10Z")
I don’t really have much interest in today’s current social hot button issues like marijuana and gay marriage. But from memorable experiences during my travels abroad, I will admit that having legalized prostitution back… --- ## [Your favorite scene from The Sopranos. (RIP, James Gandolfini.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-scene-from-the-sopranos-rip-james-gandolfini/661413)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2013, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-scene-from-the-sopranos-rip-james-gandolfini/661413 "2013-06-22T22:51:43Z")
I have many but one that stands out is Tony and Christopher stealing the wine from the biker guys. They are reliving the days when things like a simple rip-off like that was an exciting adventure yet still an everyday ty… --- ## [America's great economic "boom" exposed for what it was: the great American fraud](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-great-economic-boom-exposed-for-what-it-was-the-great-american-fraud/850772)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2021, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-great-economic-boom-exposed-for-what-it-was-the-great-american-fraud/850772 "2021-10-26T15:18:12Z")
So who were the real winners of America’s longest economic expansion? It probably wasn’t you, lol. It sure as hell wasn’t the average ‘gig’ worker, server, or fulfillment center worker, lol. But bring on the tax cut? lol… --- ## [Rap Sucks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rap-sucks/665647)
**Author:** [@MIDWESTcowboy8312](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MIDWESTcowboy8312)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2013, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rap-sucks/665647 "2013-08-11T00:26:10Z")
So how much longer will the utterly horrible type of music known as “rap” be popular? --- ## [Help! How to Meet Men???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-how-to-meet-men/623150)
**Author:** [@saralee504](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saralee504)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2013, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-how-to-meet-men/623150 "2013-04-25T16:05:04Z")
I’m 23yrs old and I’ve never had a boyfriend, I’ve never had sex and I didn’t experience my 1st kiss til I was 22. There is a reason behind this. But not one most would fully understand. I’ve suffered with social anxiety… --- ## [I Am Duly Awestruck By Your Loud Vehicle.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-duly-awestruck-by-your-loud-vehicle/303411)
**Author:** [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2005, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-duly-awestruck-by-your-loud-vehicle/303411 "2005-06-15T20:09:50Z")
It is now obvious to me that it requires enormous genitals to ride a motorcycle that loud. When you sit in your driveway and rev it for 10 minutes at 6AM each weekday before roaring down the street on it, it makes it th… --- ## [How many cats is the tipping point from cat lover to crazy cat collector?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2005, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321 "2005-03-13T10:34:53Z")
In the opinon of cat owning Dopers, how many cats can a single (non-farm) household reasonably handle before you go from cat lover to crazy animal collector? --- ## [Semi-Offensive Terms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-offensive-terms/557065)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2010, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-offensive-terms/557065 "2010-10-23T08:49:45Z")
What are some terms for people of a race, ethnicity, or religion that while not directly derogatory (ie “Nigger”) but still offensive. Some examples: Asian-Oriental Roman Catholic-Papist, Popish, Romish --- ## [Matthew 5: 38-40 and today's "Conservative Christians"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matthew-5-38-40-and-todays-conservative-christians/660407)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2013, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matthew-5-38-40-and-todays-conservative-christians/660407 "2013-07-14T11:22:45Z")
Today’s “conservative Christians” are generally big on law and order, the right of private citizens to shoot burglars, etc. How exactly does that jibe with Matthew 5: 38-40? “You have heard that it has been said, An eye… --- ## [2012 - A New Year MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-a-new-year-mmp/608112)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2012, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-a-new-year-mmp/608112 "2012-01-09T03:20:56Z")
I love all the news shows that show montages of important happenings for the past year. 2011 was an eventful year. We had the royal wedding, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and Osama bin Laden was killed. Kim Jong… --- ## [How do I get my cat to quit climbing our Christmas tree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-cat-to-quit-climbing-our-christmas-tree/562769)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-cat-to-quit-climbing-our-christmas-tree/562769 "2010-12-04T20:54:50Z")
Calling all cat people. I have a problem. My daughters have a cat named Roxxy who keeps climbing our Christmas tree. She did this last year too. She gets all the way to the top, and she scratches at the lights. I think s… --- ## [Favorite fake product names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-fake-product-names/932158)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 190\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2021, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-fake-product-names/932158 "2021-02-18T08:47:36Z")
For example, The Simpsons has a board game named “Ravenous Ravenous Rhinos” and Sabrina the Teenage Witch has a chocolate-flavored drink named “Hey, Over Here!”. --- ## [Number of Sexual Partners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-of-sexual-partners/83653)
**Author:** [@robgruver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robgruver)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2002, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-of-sexual-partners/83653 "2002-03-19T10:27:14Z")
From this thread and a conversation I had with Mrs. robgruver and robfriend it caused me to rethink my ideas on wheter the number of sexual partners can interfere with a relationship. A random poll of the people at last… --- ## [Women keep their girlfriends away from me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-keep-their-girlfriends-away-from-me/608664)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2013, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-keep-their-girlfriends-away-from-me/608664 "2013-02-04T05:09:12Z")
The women I’m talking about are lesbian/bisexual friends, co-workers, bar regulars, or bartenders. All of the relationships I’ve had with these women were platonic, no dating or fucking. At first I was just imagining th… --- ## [Gene Roddenberry=Communist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-roddenberry-communist/90880)
**Author:** [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2010, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-roddenberry-communist/90880 "2010-08-08T07:23:32Z")
Is it just me, or is the Earth of the Star Trek universe a communist society? It has been said many times that money is not used, that basic needs are provided to everyone at the same level. In First Contact, Picard hims… --- ## [I have a new obsession and I don't care who knows it: Steampunk.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-obsession-and-i-dont-care-who-knows-it-steampunk/578354)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2011, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-obsession-and-i-dont-care-who-knows-it-steampunk/578354 "2011-05-10T05:08:46Z")
After reading a couple of Steampunk books, I am all over this genre, which apparently was written just for me to squeeeee all over like a fangirrrrl. So, that said, recommendations for me to queue up books at my local … --- ## [When can I shoot a neighbor for putting Christmas lights up too soon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-can-i-shoot-a-neighbor-for-putting-christmas-lights-up-too-soon/732269)
**Author:** [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2015, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-can-i-shoot-a-neighbor-for-putting-christmas-lights-up-too-soon/732269 "2015-09-29T10:37:20Z")
Please tell me that its today. They are honest to gawd Christmas lights. My BB was giving her credit for maybe putting Halloween lights up too soon, so I went out and looked. If I can’t shoot her, can I use a pellet gu… --- ## [Why do you post on the Straight Dope Message Board?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-post-on-the-straight-dope-message-board/843619)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2019, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-post-on-the-straight-dope-message-board/843619 "2019-12-19T16:47:08Z")
Personally, I’m here to visit friends, learn new things, unlearn things that are wrong, and learn how to fight bullshit effectively. You? --- ## [A new model that predicts no Big Bang](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-model-that-predicts-no-big-bang/712314)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2015, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-model-that-predicts-no-big-bang/712314 "2015-02-18T22:25:07Z")
Some theoretical physicists have presented a new model that would result in an infinitely-aged universe and no Big Bang. See No Big Bang? Quantum equation predicts universe has no beginning. A few questions: Is this a l… --- ## ["I'm sorry I can't talk about what I do."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-sorry-i-cant-talk-about-what-i-do/609579)
**Author:** [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2012, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-sorry-i-cant-talk-about-what-i-do/609579 "2012-01-17T21:04:49Z")
This came up in a conversation with a (slightly odd) woman the other day. I found it quite irksome. If someone said to you “I’m sorry, I can’t talk about what I do” what would you think? Spy, detective, other - or bull… --- ## [Russian and Chinese hacking. What can / should be done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-and-chinese-hacking-what-can-should-be-done/766596)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-and-chinese-hacking-what-can-should-be-done/766596 "2017-06-30T15:38:08Z")
Two recent news items have me wondering about what can or should be done about foreign governments hacking. First is a recent hack that includes Michelle Obama’s passport. Another is about a half billion yahoo email acco… --- ## [Help ID a car model](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-id-a-car-model/669951)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2016, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-id-a-car-model/669951 "2016-11-05T19:10:27Z")
Twice now, I’ve encountered a summer car in my area that to my great gearheaded shame I can’t identify. The first time, the driver drove past me and parked and I had a few moments to look the car over, but it was dark. T… --- ## [Reasons why I hate Harry Potter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-why-i-hate-harry-potter/756416)
**Author:** [@Amir\_Gaul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amir_Gaul)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2016, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-why-i-hate-harry-potter/756416 "2016-06-09T16:21:31Z")
I knw that many of you hv read the books and watched the Harry Potter series. At first, I liked it very much, but later on, it got really boring to the point I had to force myself to watch tthe movies and read the books.… --- ## [How quickly does the new Pope have to decide on a papal name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-quickly-does-the-new-pope-have-to-decide-on-a-papal-name/651107)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2013, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-quickly-does-the-new-pope-have-to-decide-on-a-papal-name/651107 "2013-03-21T04:59:13Z")
They get elected, they get taken to the balcony, the crowd cheers, they get announced as Pope Whatsisname XIV - so how much time do they have to decide? do papabile go into conclave with little cheat sheets of the papal… --- ## [What does "Poitín" / "Poteen" or Irish potato whisky taste like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-poitin-poteen-or-irish-potato-whisky-taste-like/374704)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2006, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-poitin-poteen-or-irish-potato-whisky-taste-like/374704 "2006-10-01T16:40:56Z")
This wiki article doesn’t go into a lot of detail re the taste. It’s the first I’ve heard of a whisky made from potatoes. What does it taste like? Re the article I never realized that the word “moonshine” was of Irish d… --- ## [Been meaning to...a show and tell MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/been-meaning-to-a-show-and-tell-mmp/577122)
**Author:** [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/been-meaning-to-a-show-and-tell-mmp/577122 "2011-04-11T02:08:29Z")
Finally…I uploaded pictures last week. I’ve been meaning to share knitting pics. And then we went to the conservatory and saw butterflies on Friday. Got some good pictures there. Also, my nephew is silly. And did I m… --- ## [Oddities in Canadian homes (from a US perspective)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oddities-in-canadian-homes-from-a-us-perspective/666839)
**Author:** [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2013, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oddities-in-canadian-homes-from-a-us-perspective/666839 "2013-09-10T05:14:08Z")
Having watched quite a few episodes of Holmes on Homes and various other DIY/home repair type shows that are produced in Canada, (seems to be most of the shows on the DIY Network and HGTV) I’ve noticed two particular dif… --- ## [Does science fiction fear democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-science-fiction-fear-democracy/582719)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2011, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-science-fiction-fear-democracy/582719 "2011-05-30T00:48:03Z")
I was reading an online blog when I came across this article. This passage really stood out: Now I will admit my knowledge of science fiction is very limited. But it does seem sf tends to focus on dictatorships or mo… --- ## [Great movies that have not stood the test of time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-movies-that-have-not-stood-the-test-of-time/552936)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2010, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-movies-that-have-not-stood-the-test-of-time/552936 "2010-09-08T16:08:46Z")
What are some movies that were great when they were released, but now just look ridiculous? The inspiration for this thread was last night when I was watching Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. There were lots of little t… --- ## [Esperanto? Why not sign language as a universal language?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/esperanto-why-not-sign-language-as-a-universal-language/339608)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/esperanto-why-not-sign-language-as-a-universal-language/339608 "2012-07-26T14:08:28Z")
With the obvious exceptions of conditions like Parkinson’s, paralysis and double hand amputation, I’ve been trying to figure out why American sign language isn’t promoted as a legitimate universal language. Let me get a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=905&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=907&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)