# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=913&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:** 914 --- ## [Whatcha readin' January (08) edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-january-08-edition/431790)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2008, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-january-08-edition/431790 "2008-02-01T13:33:38Z")
Well the new year is here. With it all kinds of good books to read! I’m still slogging through The Last Guardian of Everness. It has hints of promise of being good, but it isn’t catching me. I may put it down for The… --- ## [Are there any texts about Jesus during his life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-texts-about-jesus-during-his-life/468341)
**Author:** [@TNWPsycho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TNWPsycho)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2008, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-texts-about-jesus-during-his-life/468341 "2008-12-28T20:55:17Z")
What i mean is, is there any writing dating back to when he walked to Earth that is about him? Other than the bible. Did the Romans keep a record of his execution? Those Rabbis he talked to in the temple when he was a … --- ## [How do ZOMBIE threads happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-zombie-threads-happen/573935)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2011, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-zombie-threads-happen/573935 "2011-09-13T23:20:38Z")
Just saw another one in general questions today. Some 30 reply thread from 2004 about hoodies and BAM! someone replies without missing a beat only it’s freaking 7 years later?!? So how does this happen? People doing s… --- ## [Why isn't anyone actually looking to cut healthcare costs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-anyone-actually-looking-to-cut-healthcare-costs/745711)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2016, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-anyone-actually-looking-to-cut-healthcare-costs/745711 "2016-02-22T04:11:20Z")
Healthcare debates usually revolve around things like insurance and medicare. Nobody seems interested in saving energy, cutting staff, more efficient practices, better inventory management, or anything else that would a… --- ## [You Are An Escaped Convict: How Best to Stay "At Large"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-an-escaped-convict-how-best-to-stay-at-large/551926)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2010, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-an-escaped-convict-how-best-to-stay-at-large/551926 "2010-09-07T19:25:26Z")
Suppose you escape from prison, and you have some money (a few thousand $). Is it better for you to: head for a large city? You can blend in easier, and find a part time job, where people won’t ask too many questions.… --- ## [What drugs were found to have totally different uses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drugs-were-found-to-have-totally-different-uses/672506)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2013, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drugs-were-found-to-have-totally-different-uses/672506 "2013-11-06T16:22:08Z")
I know repurposing drugs by making minor alterations is common nowadays, but what all drugs have been found to have totally different uses than the uses which they were intended for. Example, cimetidine (tagamet) is des… --- ## [Ways to make scrambled eggs interesting.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-make-scrambled-eggs-interesting/502452)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-make-scrambled-eggs-interesting/502452 "2009-07-10T19:12:52Z")
I have been playing with flavoring scrambled eggs. I’ve put in cheese of course and onions. Recently I found that hot salsa is quite good and oddly, even spaghetti sauce. I’d like to try a few more flavorings. I’m no… --- ## [How often are terrorist bombs complex devices with many wires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-terrorist-bombs-complex-devices-with-many-wires/678508)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2014, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-terrorist-bombs-complex-devices-with-many-wires/678508 "2014-01-21T15:10:15Z")
It’s basically a tired Hollywood cliche : every time the bad guy plants a bomb, it must have a visible timer indicating the amount of time remaining, and it must have an inordinate amount of wires and extra components. … --- ## [What the hell is going on in Chicago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-going-on-in-chicago/819228)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2018, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-going-on-in-chicago/819228 "2018-08-13T18:00:50Z")
As I am sure most of you have read or seen on the news, this past weekend in Chicago was an absolute bloodbath of shootings, with over five dozen people shot, at least twelve of them dead. I am honestly curious to to wh… --- ## [The Wii Fit Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wii-fit-thread/450099)
**Author:** [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2008, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wii-fit-thread/450099 "2008-07-16T20:19:08Z")
So, who’s getting Wii Fit today? I grabbed mine this morning since I got the word that apparently there was a bit of a crush for units, and I didn’t want to end up in the same position as I was with Mario Kart, where I … --- ## [Do Today's Red Cars Fade Less?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-todays-red-cars-fade-less/701794)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2014, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-todays-red-cars-fade-less/701794 "2014-10-20T17:41:09Z")
I am considering buying a new, red car. (Well, actually maroon.) Now, there’s never been a red (or maroon) car in the family. Yet, I am aware that, over the decades, red cars have been consistently vulnerable to fadin… --- ## [What fictional spacecraft could conquer the Earth all by their lonesome.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fictional-spacecraft-could-conquer-the-earth-all-by-their-lonesome/556837)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fictional-spacecraft-could-conquer-the-earth-all-by-their-lonesome/556837 "2010-10-13T20:20:42Z")
Obviously Serenity couldn’t have a chance of conquering even NEBRASKA. Just as obviously, the Death Star could do it over lunch. What others? Only rule here is that fictional fleets are ineligible. Has to be a single sh… --- ## [Best super-hero role model](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2011, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-super-hero-role-model/599461 "2011-10-15T21:20:06Z")
Because I’m really, really bored. Poll in a moment. --- ## [Why do they try and scare smokers to give up instead of trying to help them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-try-and-scare-smokers-to-give-up-instead-of-trying-to-help-them/680234)
**Author:** [@Europan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Europan)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-try-and-scare-smokers-to-give-up-instead-of-trying-to-help-them/680234 "2014-10-15T20:41:17Z")
Now I get that their hearts are in the right place, smoking is bad for you in so many ways. I smoked for thirty years and not one of the scare adverts or posters ever convinced me to give up. Call me weak willed or even … --- ## [Baby Corn is freaky and I hate it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-corn-is-freaky-and-i-hate-it/118940)
**Author:** [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2012, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-corn-is-freaky-and-i-hate-it/118940 "2012-04-05T17:25:42Z")
What’s the deal with baby corn? I’m talking about the variety they use in Chinese cooking. It looks like a corn fetus and doesn’t taste anything at all like corn. I hate it and it freaks me out. The end. :o --- ## [Kimmi's boobs (Survivor II)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kimmis-boobs-survivor-ii/55659)
**Author:** [@tclouie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tclouie)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2001, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kimmis-boobs-survivor-ii/55659 "2001-03-02T17:19:20Z")
Boy am I heartbroken now that Kimmi’s gone. So she was a little grungy, so what? I would have gladly scrubbed her back, giving me an excuse to “accidentally” undo her bikini top, letting all kinds of new revelations (wel… --- ## [Thoughts on the Koran](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-the-koran/775771)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2017, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-the-koran/775771 "2017-01-02T09:49:42Z")
I’m starting the thread here advisedly, discussions about religion tend to get a little heated. OK, first things first. I’m an atheist and I don’t believe any of the so-called holy books are divinely inspired. But it’s … --- ## [Proper punctuation for "et al."?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-punctuation-for-et-al/211606)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2003, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-punctuation-for-et-al/211606 "2003-11-08T01:16:31Z")
How do you properly punctuate “et al.”? Let’s say I have multiple authors, for one example. Here’s a muliple choice. You pick! a) …Smith, et al. b) …Smith et al. c) …Smith, et al d) …Smith et al Notice the subtle… --- ## [Why did the maid keep putting stones in my bed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-maid-keep-putting-stones-in-my-bed/354565)
**Author:** [@Tappi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tappi)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2006, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-maid-keep-putting-stones-in-my-bed/354565 "2006-04-30T00:46:56Z")
On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic my brother and I noticed the maid had strange methods when it came to making the beds each day. She would always place a stone somewhere in the bedding that flew out when I untu… --- ## [What does "The war to end all wars" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-war-to-end-all-wars-mean/573365)
**Author:** [@Shmendrik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shmendrik)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2011, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-war-to-end-all-wars-mean/573365 "2011-03-05T20:53:53Z")
I always understood this phrase as equivalent to Saddam Hussein’s “mother of all battles,” in other words a really big fricking war. But it appears that some people understand it literally; cf. the lyrics from “No Man’… --- ## [Musicians, Movie and Tv Celebrities with Coronavirus. Discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-movie-and-tv-celebrities-with-coronavirus-discussion/849312)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2020, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-movie-and-tv-celebrities-with-coronavirus-discussion/849312 "2020-05-23T14:04:04Z")
Well, the first Coronavirus entry is Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson. Hanks was in Australia preparing to play Colonial Tom Parker in an Elvis film. Tom & Rita are 63 and in good health. Hopefully they’ll recover and… --- ## [How much do men really have to do with female body image issues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-men-really-have-to-do-with-female-body-image-issues/733682)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2015, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-men-really-have-to-do-with-female-body-image-issues/733682 "2015-10-16T14:42:06Z")
I was reading this and it brings female body image into the fold as front and center feminist issue. Why Millennial Feminists Don’t Like Hillary Yes fat people are discriminated against in modern society where physica… --- ## [How Do You Pronounce The Word "Button"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-the-word-button/495229)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2009, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-the-word-button/495229 "2009-05-04T17:40:44Z")
Sounds like an easy question, but I have begun to notice an odd pronunciation of it - was wondering if it is a regional thing. I had a teacher a few years ago, and now several students, who pronounce the word “button” b… --- ## [What connects The Odyssey with "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-connects-the-odyssey-with-oh-brother-where-art-thou/436761)
**Author:** [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2008, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-connects-the-odyssey-with-oh-brother-where-art-thou/436761 "2008-02-09T08:18:40Z")
Honestly, I’m not going to read the Odyssey, so please tell me what parts of “Oh Brother Where Art Thou?” are derived from The Odyssey. That way I can pretend I’m well read with people that won’t know any better. --- ## [Pool question (specifically about 8-Ball)...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-question-specifically-about-8-ball/293612)
**Author:** [@freewill39](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freewill39)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2005, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-question-specifically-about-8-ball/293612 "2005-03-16T11:59:40Z")
Hello, all! Ok, if someone can settle this, I’d appreciate it. Here’s the scenerio: a player has two balls left on the table…HIS OWN 10 ball, and the 8 ball. The player calls and makes, in one impressive shot, the … --- ## ["No Irish Need Apply" - how was it defined and applied in real life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-irish-need-apply-how-was-it-defined-and-applied-in-real-life/706782)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-irish-need-apply-how-was-it-defined-and-applied-in-real-life/706782 "2014-12-16T18:11:31Z")
In this thread, I compared a recent hate crime with historical anti-Irish prejudice in the US. This is typified with the infamous NINA (No Irish Need Apply) policy that many employers in the northeastern cities of the US… --- ## [What do you call a 3D rectangle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-a-3d-rectangle/194526)
**Author:** [@Trigonal\_Planar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trigonal_Planar)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2003, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-a-3d-rectangle/194526 "2003-08-13T04:35:29Z")
I know there’s the generic term, “rectangular prism”, but is there a one-word term for it (like sphere, cube, etc.)? --- ## [Man rips out his wife's eyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-rips-out-his-wifes-eyes/396821)
**Author:** [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2007, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-rips-out-his-wifes-eyes/396821 "2007-03-23T19:39:39Z")
This has to be one of the most revolting things I’ve read in a while: Husband rips wife’s eyes out after she refuses sex What a loathsome human being. --- ## [Why are calibers of firearms such weird diameters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-calibers-of-firearms-such-weird-diameters/650040)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2013, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-calibers-of-firearms-such-weird-diameters/650040 "2013-02-15T09:38:34Z")
I understand the gauge system and I am not talking about that. What I want to know is why are the bores of firearms drilled out to such weird fractions, e.g. .44, .22, .303, 7.92mm, etc.? Were these chosen because of s… --- ## [Health and fitness myths that need to die.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-and-fitness-myths-that-need-to-die/703054)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-and-fitness-myths-that-need-to-die/703054 "2014-11-03T20:23:50Z")
Lumped in health and fitness together as focussing on one without the other to me is like riding a unicycle on a Tour de France stage - technically possible, but making life difficult for yourself. YMMV, of course. Insp… --- ## [Was the Agricultural Revolution a mistake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-agricultural-revolution-a-mistake/954740)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 198\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2022, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-agricultural-revolution-a-mistake/954740 "2022-01-27T04:25:11Z")
Been reading Sapiens and the author argues that the Agricultural Revolution, one of the most significant events of our species, was bad for individual people and more bad than good for humans despite allowing bigger popu… --- ## [Are black babies really born white?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-black-babies-really-born-white/416359)
**Author:** [@leptity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leptity)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2007, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-black-babies-really-born-white/416359 "2007-08-23T20:08:49Z")
Are black babies really white when they are born? Quote: “The children of the blackest Africans are born white.\[088\] In this state they continue for about a month, when they change to a pale yellow. In process of time … --- ## [sunrise vs. sunset: do they look different?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunrise-vs-sunset-do-they-look-different/573208)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2011, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunrise-vs-sunset-do-they-look-different/573208 "2011-03-03T19:11:06Z")
Sunrise and sunset seem different to me when I look at them, and I’m not sure why. It doesn’t seem like there should be anything objectively different about them, but is there? For example: -temperature gradients in t… --- ## [Am I going to go into labour soon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-going-to-go-into-labour-soon/548216)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2010, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-going-to-go-into-labour-soon/548216 "2010-07-29T22:06:24Z")
Obviously, short of being induced or having a scheduled C-Section, this is the type of thing that happens when it happens. That being said, do any lady dopers who’ve had babies (or partners of lady dopers who’ve had babi… --- ## [Lack of moderation of quotes in McCain GBT thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lack-of-moderation-of-quotes-in-mccain-gbt-thread/791873)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2017, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lack-of-moderation-of-quotes-in-mccain-gbt-thread/791873 "2017-07-26T13:53:14Z")
One general rule of the Dope is that quotes are pretty much sacrosanct. So I’m writing about this thread and two posts in particular: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20357413&postcount=10 http://boar… --- ## [A Tale (Tail?) of Two Dogs - the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tale-tail-of-two-dogs-the-mmp/566209)
**Author:** [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2011, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tale-tail-of-two-dogs-the-mmp/566209 "2011-01-10T13:32:43Z")
Well, it’s been a couple of busy weeks, inside and outside of the home for us. First, we took a loooong Christmas Weekend Getaway to London… The view of Kensington Park from our hotel room. We spent one day in Winchest… --- ## [Detective discovers consensual incest during (and incidental) to case. What do do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detective-discovers-consensual-incest-during-and-incidental-to-case-what-do-do/587178)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2011, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detective-discovers-consensual-incest-during-and-incidental-to-case-what-do-do/587178 "2011-07-01T04:15:14Z")
Yes, it’s a Skaldthetical with a long OP. No, there won’t be a poll, though I may change my mind between now and hitting submit. Persons who don’t like these should leave now, as should anyone who is distressed by the fo… --- ## [Do people really bang on the ambulance door?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-really-bang-on-the-ambulance-door/664905)
**Author:** [@Dingbang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dingbang)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2014, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-really-bang-on-the-ambulance-door/664905 "2014-02-07T03:00:36Z")
On TV and in the movies, you see this all the time: Someone is loaded into an ambulance, the doors are closed, and the person outside bangs on the door a couple times to signal the driver is good to go. Does that really… --- ## [Stories where the big twist is that the protagonist is actually the bad guy (spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stories-where-the-big-twist-is-that-the-protagonist-is-actually-the-bad-guy-spoilers/432155)
**Author:** [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stories-where-the-big-twist-is-that-the-protagonist-is-actually-the-bad-guy-spoilers/432155 "2008-01-16T22:16:52Z")
“Bad Guy” being a relative term. I’m not talking about antiheroes and so on. Also, THIS THREAD WILL BE NOTHING BUT OPEN SPOILERS BY ITS NATURE. From another thread, about the book I am Legend - “The vampire creatures e… --- ## [Armpit shaving, male and female](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armpit-shaving-male-and-female/500476)
**Author:** [@Telcontar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telcontar)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2009, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armpit-shaving-male-and-female/500476 "2009-06-27T20:53:39Z")
Hello all, This is the latest entry on my list of things that I often wonder about but can’t really discuss in public. Thankfully this one is less potentially disgusting than my last one on wiping after using the toilet… --- ## [Not hiring teachers... bullshit!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-hiring-teachers-bullshit/594173)
**Author:** [@AWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AWB)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2011, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-hiring-teachers-bullshit/594173 "2011-08-31T22:50:40Z")
I moved to this city just over 2 years ago, just as the economy was really tanking. With smaller government revenues, school districts either stopped hiring or severely curtailed hiring. So instead of getting a regular… --- ## [Average prison sentence for a murder conviction in the United States: 7 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-prison-sentence-for-a-murder-conviction-in-the-united-states-7-years/719468)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2015, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-prison-sentence-for-a-murder-conviction-in-the-united-states-7-years/719468 "2015-05-07T23:20:32Z")
I was reading an article about Kentucky’s longest serving prison inmate, Willie Gaines Smith, who has been incarcerated for almost 55 years: http://www.wdrb.com/story/25999947/sunday-edition-after-54-years-kentuckys-lon… --- ## [When HR goes goofy, what recourse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-hr-goes-goofy-what-recourse/687939)
**Author:** [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2014, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-hr-goes-goofy-what-recourse/687939 "2014-05-25T01:04:40Z")
I have a friend who tried to play the peacemaker between two at-odds co-workers. One of the co-workers dissed the other. Other complained about dissing by the one. Emails sent. At the end of the day, peacemaker was writ… --- ## [How many mosquitoes are in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-mosquitoes-are-in-the-world/424445)
**Author:** [@WF\_Tomba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WF_Tomba)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2007, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-mosquitoes-are-in-the-world/424445 "2007-10-30T10:47:31Z")
And how great is their mass put together? (If possible, I would also like to know how many are in each stage of the life cycle at any given time.) --- ## [The Official New York RibFest Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-new-york-ribfest-thread/164002)
**Author:** [@DAVEW0071](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DAVEW0071)\ **Replies:** 297\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2003, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-new-york-ribfest-thread/164002 "2003-06-20T11:57:24Z")
Yes, the response has been very positive to a June RibFest at Casa Dave-Guy. So it’s going to happen. Here’s how it works: I’ll be supplying the ribs and beer and soft drinks. Once I speak to my local butcher, I’ll p… --- ## [The Lawrence of Arabia appreciation thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lawrence-of-arabia-appreciation-thread/551079)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2010, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lawrence-of-arabia-appreciation-thread/551079 "2010-08-28T19:34:26Z")
So I just finished watching this movie for the first time (all 3 hours and 45 minutes of it) and I was really impressed. Not just by the sweeping landscapes and cinematography, and not even by the amazing acting. What I… --- ## [An Estimated 600K Iraqis Have Died in the War](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-estimated-600k-iraqis-have-died-in-the-war/376034)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2006, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-estimated-600k-iraqis-have-died-in-the-war/376034 "2006-10-17T11:56:06Z")
Putting this here, since I’m sure it’s going to generate some heat. Well, we know what we’ve accomplished, what exactly was the mission? --- ## [Ever watched a comedy that had no laughs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-watched-a-comedy-that-had-no-laughs/976094)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2023, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-watched-a-comedy-that-had-no-laughs/976094 "2023-01-13T04:39:22Z")
So a couple of weeks ago, my wife and I ran across the movie "Drinking Buddies’ from 2013 on Netflix. It’s billed as a comedy/drama/romance, and has the cast to make that work. Olivia Wilde, Ron Livingston, Anna Kendri… --- ## [Why won't HBO just let me sign up for HBO?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-hbo-just-let-me-sign-up-for-hbo/624562)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2012, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-hbo-just-let-me-sign-up-for-hbo/624562 "2012-06-12T23:35:56Z")
I have basic cable. Called the company and they said they can’t just flip the switch and put HBO on my TV without my signing up for a bundled package of cable, internet, and phone. What if I’m happy with the way things… --- ## [Test Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-thread/729120)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2019, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-thread/729120 "2019-04-08T03:41:24Z")
My plan is to test things from time to time. Forever Portfolio http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=18636195#post18636195 BDC Indexes to Posts in Reverse Chronological Order http://boards.straightdope… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=912&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=914&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)