# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=921&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:** 922 --- ## [Friends & Family hamster commercial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friends-family-hamster-commercial/684802)
**Author:** [@Freddy\_the\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freddy_the_Pig)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2014, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friends-family-hamster-commercial/684802 "2014-04-25T22:40:44Z")
I’m totally in favor of hamsters in commercials. But, I don’t get the AT&T friends and family hamster commercial. At all. Why do they call the hamster “Dad”? Is the guy supposed to be the real dad? He looks too youn… --- ## [Can humans create random numbers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-humans-create-random-numbers/482430)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2009, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-humans-create-random-numbers/482430 "2009-01-26T10:14:03Z")
So, reading this thread about randomness and computers, the title question suddenly popped into my head. It seems like it would have profound consequences for the models of our cognitive processes if we either can or can… --- ## [How many times did Darth get each limb chopped off? (No spoilers boxes, please.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-did-darth-get-each-limb-chopped-off-no-spoilers-boxes-please/346217)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2006, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-did-darth-get-each-limb-chopped-off-no-spoilers-boxes-please/346217 "2006-02-28T02:58:32Z")
The first time, I could understand because they were just flesh, so Duku was a surprise. But when Obi chopped off his arm he should have ordered a stronger alloy or something. I never saw the last Star Wars movie, or is… --- ## [That's IT, I give up! Shakespeare - you suck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-it-i-give-up-shakespeare-you-suck/467454)
**Author:** [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2008, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-it-i-give-up-shakespeare-you-suck/467454 "2008-10-23T22:58:51Z")
I’ve had it. I’ve tried and I’ve tried and I’ve tried, but I just don’t get Shakespeare. I’ve studied him to A level at school, seen a couple of his plays live and watched loads of film adaptations, and I can only conclu… --- ## [Why didn't Asia outpace Europe during the dark ages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-asia-outpace-europe-during-the-dark-ages/651674)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2013, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-asia-outpace-europe-during-the-dark-ages/651674 "2013-03-04T22:00:29Z")
Why didn’t Asia explore the rest of the world, given their head start in developing civilization and lack of a religiously inspired period of stagnation (the dark ages) before the Europeans did? What were they doing whi… --- ## [Dad accidentally films his wife with his teenage son](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad-accidentally-films-his-wife-with-his-teenage-son/659026)
**Author:** [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2013, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad-accidentally-films-his-wife-with-his-teenage-son/659026 "2013-05-29T04:47:30Z")
“So that’s how it is in their family…” \[/Ed Rooney\] \*\* A TASMANIAN man set up a video camera to capture paranormal activity instead filmed his partner engaging in a sexual relationship with his teenage son, a court has… --- ## [Get me Johnny Depp! "Sir, we can't afford Johnny Depp." THEN GET ME SKEET ULRICH!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-johnny-depp-sir-we-cant-afford-johnny-depp-then-get-me-skeet-ulrich/532472)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2010, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-johnny-depp-sir-we-cant-afford-johnny-depp-then-get-me-skeet-ulrich/532472 "2010-04-01T20:57:28Z")
Who have you noticed seems to get work based on the fact that they look or act like someone else? I am convinced that the only reason Jesse Eisenburg can get a part is that he’s cheaper than Michael Cera. I just saw a … --- ## [George Galloway vs. the US Senate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-galloway-vs-the-us-senate/304265)
**Author:** [@GSV\_Consolation\_of\_Dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GSV_Consolation_of_Dreams)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2005, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-galloway-vs-the-us-senate/304265 "2005-05-19T06:54:47Z")
I’ve only been able to see little snippets on BBC News 24, but I have to say…asshole or not (and I think he is something of a boor), Galloway has some balls to take it to the Senate Comittee in the way he did. Guilty or … --- ## [Dating Service, 5¢ (FREE for Registered Dopers!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-service-5-free-for-registered-dopers/40768)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 233\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2000, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-service-5-free-for-registered-dopers/40768 "2000-11-22T03:42:19Z")
Are you lonely and miserable? There’s somebody for everybody in the world, and I bet that special someone (or a reasonable, if temporary, facsimile) posts right here at the ol’ SDMB. So sign up here and we’ll see if we … --- ## [American Idol 1/17](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-17/340339)
**Author:** [@yellowval](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowval)\ **Replies:** 213\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2006, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-17/340339 "2006-01-19T18:48:24Z")
Good to see you, Good Egg! I’m happy to see I’m not the only one who’s excited about the start of AI. I always enjoy reading what everyone has to say Wednesday & Thursday mornings. Here’s to a great season and great comm… --- ## [Lost 3.15: "Left Behind"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-3-15-left-behind/398748)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2007, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-3-15-left-behind/398748 "2007-04-19T16:30:13Z")
Thread rules: Note: The recent dust-up about unspoilered info from a podcast has prompted an amendment to the thread rules, noted in italics, above. Please use good judgement and don’t give away info from the writers… --- ## [What movie/show was this? (trapped underwater with a surface like glass)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-show-was-this-trapped-underwater-with-a-surface-like-glass/668754)
**Author:** [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2013, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movie-show-was-this-trapped-underwater-with-a-surface-like-glass/668754 "2013-09-15T22:44:31Z")
When I was a kid–maybe 25-30 years ago–I saw some fragment of a show with this scene: A man is in a desolate, desert looking area, but has found a pool of water. He goes to drink or perhaps splash water on his face, kn… --- ## [Lost 3.10: "Tricia Tanaka is Dead"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-3-10-tricia-tanaka-is-dead/394036)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2007, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-3-10-tricia-tanaka-is-dead/394036 "2007-03-08T06:12:11Z")
Thread rules: So, Jack is caged, Juliet appears to be in custody, and Kate and Sawyer still haven’t made it back to camp yet. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do, writers! I assume that the backstory will focus on … --- ## [Aside from diamonds and chocolate, what other products are ethically questionable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-diamonds-and-chocolate-what-other-products-are-ethically-questionable/751300)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2016, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-diamonds-and-chocolate-what-other-products-are-ethically-questionable/751300 "2016-04-20T15:52:29Z")
Drugs are obvious, but what are some other products that are “blood diamonds” we should be aware of that promote slavery and other evils? --- ## [What makes murderers think they're smarter than police detectives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-murderers-think-theyre-smarter-than-police-detectives/490106)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2009, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-murderers-think-theyre-smarter-than-police-detectives/490106 "2009-03-26T00:03:27Z")
I’m not sure how to phrase this. Certain high-profile murder cases have made me wonder (particularly as I’m trying to fall asleep at night) how in the hell these people could possibly have thought they would get away wi… --- ## [All peanutbutter at lunch banned to accomodate one child's allergy-Reasonable or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-peanutbutter-at-lunch-banned-to-accomodate-one-childs-allergy-reasonable-or-not/200629)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2003, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-peanutbutter-at-lunch-banned-to-accomodate-one-childs-allergy-reasonable-or-not/200629 "2003-09-15T08:18:10Z")
Is it reasonable to have all peanut foods banned from all kids lunches because of one child’s allergy? One 5-year-old’s allergy leads to class peanut ban Dozens of parents at PTA meeting question lunch searches, nurse … --- ## [The anti-Trump resistance has become exhausted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-anti-trump-resistance-has-become-exhausted/997846)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2024, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-anti-trump-resistance-has-become-exhausted/997846 "2024-11-09T04:13:49Z")
New York Times ran a good article yesterday (one out of many, by many outlets, to the same effect): The anti-Trump resistance has run into a wall of fatigue and burnout. Democratic enthusiasm against Trump delivered goo… --- ## [Palin signs with Fux News](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-signs-with-fux-news/524550)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2010, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-signs-with-fux-news/524550 "2010-01-13T18:16:53Z")
Washington Post story here. --- ## [What is (was) for dinner tonight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-was-for-dinner-tonight/629506)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2012, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-was-for-dinner-tonight/629506 "2012-08-20T02:18:16Z")
I decided to make a chicken casserole found on YouTube here. Basically, it’s a bed of white rice in a cooking dish, then 3 chicken breasts (seasoned with salt & pepper), then cream of celery soup with water and a packet… --- ## [Why do so many public restroom doors swing inward?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-public-restroom-doors-swing-inward/593049)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2011, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-public-restroom-doors-swing-inward/593049 "2011-08-17T23:00:56Z")
Why do businesses make their bathroom doors swing inward? After you have washed your hands, you have to grab the same nasty door handle used by every Tom, Dick, and Harry and all the non-hand washers to just get out of … --- ## [Kalhoun, you are out of control.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kalhoun-you-are-out-of-control/402602)
**Author:** [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2007, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kalhoun-you-are-out-of-control/402602 "2007-05-09T13:40:46Z")
We’re having a spirited discussion in this thread, and I’m stating my position as plainly as I can. Maybe not as plainly as possible, but the majority of posters there tend to get the gist of what I’m saying, and though… --- ## [How, exactly, should we enforce immigration laws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-should-we-enforce-immigration-laws/541439)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-should-we-enforce-immigration-laws/541439 "2010-06-02T23:43:46Z")
I mean, it is out of line for police to question someone when they have reasonable suspicion to believe that they are in the country illegally (that is the criticism of the Arizona law), even though the police routinely … --- ## [Dating advice needed: how can I get the nerdy guys to relax?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-advice-needed-how-can-i-get-the-nerdy-guys-to-relax/290601)
**Author:** [@SusanStoHelit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SusanStoHelit)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2005, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-advice-needed-how-can-i-get-the-nerdy-guys-to-relax/290601 "2005-02-21T03:55:18Z")
Yay, it’s another chance for Dopers to engage in their third-favorite activity\*. So here is my problem: I likes me some shy, nerdy guys, but they will never initiate a conversation with me. I have no problem taking th… --- ## [Asking for some clarity about what is and isn't trolling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asking-for-some-clarity-about-what-is-and-isnt-trolling/923621)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2021, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asking-for-some-clarity-about-what-is-and-isnt-trolling/923621 "2021-02-03T21:56:03Z")
In the Politics & Elections thread about Pennsylvania’s ruling to allow mail-in ballots to be counted up to 3 days after Election Day itself is over, I pointed out that this has the potential to invite fraud: I was the… --- ## [Any realistic way out of the Greece mess whatsoever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-realistic-way-out-of-the-greece-mess-whatsoever/613508)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2012, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-realistic-way-out-of-the-greece-mess-whatsoever/613508 "2012-03-08T05:01:06Z")
Apologies if I should’ve bumped an older thread; feel free to merge in if so. Thinking about its recent bailout. All I really “get” about this issue is that Greece going down would bring down the entire world economy w… --- ## [What are the best "classic" Doctor Who serials(1963-1989)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-classic-doctor-who-serials-1963-1989/590188)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2011, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-classic-doctor-who-serials-1963-1989/590188 "2011-11-17T17:03:48Z")
My wife and I are watching NuWho and are on series three. I’d like to go back and watch some of the “old” Doctor Who shows. I saw some(on PBS??) in the 1980’s, but I was a kid and my memory was poor. While Colin Baker a… --- ## [What's happening with SSM in your church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-happening-with-ssm-in-your-church/679976)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-happening-with-ssm-in-your-church/679976 "2019-07-03T21:44:43Z")
This is not a thread for arguing for or against same-sex marriage. I’m just interested in what is happening at various denominations regarding same-sex marriage. I know there was just an announcement in the United Meth… --- ## [How many calories/day does it take to grow your beard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-calories-day-does-it-take-to-grow-your-beard/442886)
**Author:** [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2008, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-calories-day-does-it-take-to-grow-your-beard/442886 "2008-03-30T10:51:55Z")
Can’t find anything with google and I don’t have a calorimeter. What say you? --- ## [Percent of White Americans with African-American ancestry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/percent-of-white-americans-with-african-american-ancestry/558849)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2012, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/percent-of-white-americans-with-african-american-ancestry/558849 "2012-02-28T02:51:54Z")
My wife and I were having this discussion the other day, and both of us were basically talking out our butts, so I thought I’d turn to this crowd that never ever ever talks out of their butts to see what answers turned u… --- ## [Ladies, we don't notice the shoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-we-dont-notice-the-shoes/528637)
**Author:** [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2010, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-we-dont-notice-the-shoes/528637 "2010-02-13T06:45:12Z")
Really. That hour you spent selecting the perfect shoes for today? The wad of cash you spent buying them? Wasted. On a good day, we’ll notice your hair, your eyes, your dress, your figure, your smile, and possibly your … --- ## [Botticelli - Oct. 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-oct-2020/922262)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 569\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2020, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-oct-2020/922262 "2020-11-04T17:55:57Z")
And our next letter is Z --- ## [Wait a second--those are the same song!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-a-second-those-are-the-same-song/692685)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2014, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-a-second-those-are-the-same-song/692685 "2014-07-16T13:49:48Z")
In the late 60s and for much of the 70s the US experienced a revival of 50s R&R and R&B. One of my favorite songs that I had not heard as a kid was The Chantels’ Maybe, a perfect Doo-Wop confection. It sounded vaguely … --- ## [Should we stop shampooing, showering & using deodorants daily? Is being over clean unhealthy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-stop-shampooing-showering-using-deodorants-daily-is-being-over-clean-unhealthy/558920)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2010, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-stop-shampooing-showering-using-deodorants-daily-is-being-over-clean-unhealthy/558920 "2010-11-04T03:05:51Z")
The article linked below talks about some pepole who have made this a lifestyle. Is being over clean unhealthy? Would it be better for our skin and hair not to shower or bathe so much? The Great Unwashed --- ## [FEMA won''t let the press photograph recovery of the dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fema-wont-let-the-press-photograph-recovery-of-the-dead/320451)
**Author:** [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2005, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fema-wont-let-the-press-photograph-recovery-of-the-dead/320451 "2005-09-14T15:20:56Z")
Let the pitting begin. --- ## [British Airways thinks all men are pedophiles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-airways-thinks-all-men-are-pedophiles/525382)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2010, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-airways-thinks-all-men-are-pedophiles/525382 "2010-01-21T13:04:37Z")
“A businessman is suing British Airways over a policy that bans male passengers from sitting next to children they don’t know - even if the child’s parents are on the same flight” So this man was seated next to an u… --- ## [Got a 1099 form after taxes filed. What do I do? Need answer fast!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-1099-form-after-taxes-filed-what-do-i-do-need-answer-fast/618783)
**Author:** [@Shadowfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shadowfyre)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2012, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-1099-form-after-taxes-filed-what-do-i-do-need-answer-fast/618783 "2012-04-15T02:43:57Z")
Well, maybe I need the answer fast. I’m not entirely positive. I used Turbo Tax to file my federal and state (IL) tax returns at the end of February. I got my return and used the money to pay off a couple credit cards. … --- ## [Why should the 'uncontacted' tribes remain so?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-the-uncontacted-tribes-remain-so/592338)
**Author:** [@wisernow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wisernow)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2011, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-the-uncontacted-tribes-remain-so/592338 "2011-08-18T16:59:59Z")
From here. The link is about how there is a danger to the ‘uncontacted’ tribes of the Amazon. Disclaimer: I am in no way advocating that these people be allowed or permitted contact with drug runners and such. This st… --- ## [I pit Randroids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-randroids/606019)
**Author:** [@Hambil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hambil)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2011, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-randroids/606019 "2011-12-18T04:14:05Z")
My first pit, we’ll see how it goes. Today, with unemployment at nearly 16% (actual, not the silly government released number that doesn’t account for folks who have been unemployed so long they’ve fallen off the system… --- ## [Steak au poivre without Cognac](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steak-au-poivre-without-cognac/719532)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2015, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steak-au-poivre-without-cognac/719532 "2015-05-09T18:34:14Z")
dopers, I’m newly living by myself and love to cook. I’ve been taking the time to try to tackle some of the big classic French recipes and learn a thing or two. I’ve been wanting to do steak au poivre, with its insane, h… --- ## [How would you have screwed up the quest of the One Ring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-have-screwed-up-the-quest-of-the-one-ring/527574)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-have-screwed-up-the-quest-of-the-one-ring/527574 "2010-02-10T01:26:57Z")
Not as an author, but as a character. Imagine, if you will, that you are somehow translated to Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age, as one of the major characters in you-know-what. You have your basic personality,… --- ## [Beck's Update: second kidney successfully removed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/becks-update-second-kidney-successfully-removed/944775)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/becks-update-second-kidney-successfully-removed/944775 "2021-07-05T22:22:57Z")
Beckdawrek had some exploratory surgery scheduled for today to see if her leftover kidney would need to come out. If so they would remove it while she was open and asleep. This is the latest info from her youngest daug… --- ## [Bush II to Not Attend RNC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-ii-to-not-attend-rnc/628904)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-ii-to-not-attend-rnc/628904 "2012-08-26T21:28:56Z")
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/20/george-w-bush-will-not-attend-republican-national-convention/ This was to be expected, although I wish President Bush would at least comment more on current events. He seems… --- ## [Songs/Bands with Guitar Tones You Love](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-bands-with-guitar-tones-you-love/505816)
**Author:** [@Talon\_Karrde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Talon_Karrde)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2011, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-bands-with-guitar-tones-you-love/505816 "2011-12-20T14:01:34Z")
Sometimes the way a guitar sounds can effect the enjoyment of a song as much as the notes it’s playing, so I thought it would be interesting to see specific examples. Some of mine are: Going Out West by Tom Waits- the … --- ## [Plant or animal first?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-or-animal-first/517974)
**Author:** [@deadindays](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deadindays)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2009, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-or-animal-first/517974 "2009-11-21T13:30:28Z")
This has been bugging me lately. Which came first, plants or animals? Do plants and animals share a common ancestor? Thanks, SD! --- ## [Hanging a Pickle in your Christmas tree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hanging-a-pickle-in-your-christmas-tree/383250)
**Author:** [@Mouse\_Maven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mouse_Maven)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2006, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hanging-a-pickle-in-your-christmas-tree/383250 "2006-12-25T02:00:15Z")
I have been looking for orniments and several stores carry green pickle Christmas tree decorations. Is there something behind this? Does the vinger-soaked veggie represent something? Is there a pickle cult in my area? … --- ## [Thoughts on Carol Moseley Braun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-carol-moseley-braun/566046)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2011, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-carol-moseley-braun/566046 "2011-02-08T02:59:27Z")
I see in the paper today that Danny Davis has bowed out of the mayoral race, leaving CMB as the sole African American candidate. I’m going to do a little surfing, but I wondered what thoughts any of you might have as to… --- ## [Mark Zuckerberg is a fucking sociopath - seriously, just delete that shit already!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-zuckerberg-is-a-fucking-sociopath-seriously-just-delete-that-shit-already/843159)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2019, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-zuckerberg-is-a-fucking-sociopath-seriously-just-delete-that-shit-already/843159 "2019-11-26T09:32:57Z")
If you have Facecrook, you’re a fucking stooge. Srsly! I’m so fucking sick of this smug piece of shit showing up and just asserting his right to be a politically disruptive c\*nt. Are people so addicted to their own s… --- ## [Holy OMG, I preggers!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-omg-i-preggers/651198)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2013, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-omg-i-preggers/651198 "2013-03-27T17:05:46Z")
Well, I’ve known this for about 11 weeks, but it’s starting to sink in that this is really going to happen. It’s a good time. I’ve got a great newly-minted husband who is a family man through and through, a newly stable… --- ## [Do you see colors when you close your eyes, too?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-see-colors-when-you-close-your-eyes-too/201485)
**Author:** [@SanguineSpider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanguineSpider)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2012, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-see-colors-when-you-close-your-eyes-too/201485 "2012-11-03T16:25:23Z")
Now, first off… I am NOT a drug user, I do not “booze it up”, I do not smoke or toke. When I am very tired, sometimes I see a very dim, neon green ring of color in my mind when I close my eyes. It seems to be moving away… --- ## [Women- if you haven't tried anal sex, why not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-if-you-havent-tried-anal-sex-why-not/341502)
**Author:** [@andrewdt85](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrewdt85)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2006, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-if-you-havent-tried-anal-sex-why-not/341502 "2006-01-26T00:05:10Z")
I read a study (from a men’s magazine, possibly, so take it with a heap of salt) that said that 35% of American women ages 25-44 have never tried anal sex. If you don’t, can I ask why? I think many of the reasons for th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=920&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=922&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)