# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=989&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:** 990 --- ## [Why did the I.R.A give coded warnings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-i-r-a-give-coded-warnings/456856)
**Author:** [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2008, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-i-r-a-give-coded-warnings/456856 "2008-07-18T14:10:51Z")
What was the rationale or motivation behind the IRA’s practice of sending warnings for impending bomb attacks? --- ## [Mixed gender college housing is here. About time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mixed-gender-college-housing-is-here-about-time/573146)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2011, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mixed-gender-college-housing-is-here-about-time/573146 "2011-03-05T19:55:12Z")
My, how times have changed. When I went to college, men & women were in separate dorms, men were not allowed above the first floor of women’s buildings, and women were not allowed outside of their own dorm after 10:30PM… --- ## [Why did the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk eat only boys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-giant-in-jack-and-the-beanstalk-eat-only-boys/698453)
**Author:** [@tbpavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tbpavi)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2014, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-giant-in-jack-and-the-beanstalk-eat-only-boys/698453 "2014-09-25T15:13:38Z")
In many versions of Jack and the Beanstalk, the giant was known for catching and eating boys. Actually, this seems to be a recurring theme in children’s stories. Numerous stories seem to have a villainous character seeki… --- ## [Mac OS X Yosemite bitchfest thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-os-x-yosemite-bitchfest-thread/701637)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2014, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-os-x-yosemite-bitchfest-thread/701637 "2014-10-24T00:14:54Z")
People who have great things to say about the new OS, please chime in and let me know what you like; I have to live with this so I’d like to like it. But so far, like so many recent Apple OS updates, I hate the look. W… --- ## [Dealing With Phobia On Blood Test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-phobia-on-blood-test/508295)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2013, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-phobia-on-blood-test/508295 "2013-06-26T10:26:21Z")
I’m going to have a blood test tomorrow and I am very agitated and frightened. For you see I have a sort of a phobia on bloodletting so what should I do to calm myself down? --- ## [Tea Baggers everywhere....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-baggers-everywhere/555256)
**Author:** [@pikey\_pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pikey_pete)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2010, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-baggers-everywhere/555256 "2010-10-01T14:13:16Z")
I’m a member of a forum group called UER. We are all about urban exploration. Cool site, and usually good people. Imagine my frustration when I logged into their chat room only to discover Tea Party Truthers. can the… --- ## [Who was the better foil: Frank Burns or Winchester? (MASH-related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-better-foil-frank-burns-or-winchester-mash-related/368422)
**Author:** [@tarragon918](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tarragon918)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-better-foil-frank-burns-or-winchester-mash-related/368422 "2006-08-15T14:43:48Z")
I still enjoy watching the MASH re-runs (and even watched the original MAS\*H movie a few weeks ago on AMC), and was thinking of how Frank Burns and then Charles Emerson Winchester the third were the foils of Trapper John… --- ## [Ban Boxing and Helmets In Football?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ban-boxing-and-helmets-in-football/635151)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2012, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ban-boxing-and-helmets-in-football/635151 "2012-11-18T20:15:16Z")
Why? Because both are barbaric. Boxing. What other sport do you win by bloodying and knocking your opponent senseless? Helmets takes a little more explaining, but I think you’ll have to agree they’re barbaric too. I wa… --- ## [How much cheddar cheese is used in Mexico & Italy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cheddar-cheese-is-used-in-mexico-italy/688555)
**Author:** [@Saltire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saltire)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2014, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cheddar-cheese-is-used-in-mexico-italy/688555 "2014-06-04T12:18:04Z")
When I see shredded-cheese blends in the supermarket, they invariably include cheddar. The Mexican blend has cotija and some other stuff, but with cheddar. The Italian blend has mozzarella, Parmesan, and probably Asiago,… --- ## [Are there more Atheists in prison than religious folks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-more-atheists-in-prison-than-religious-folks/585714)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2011, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-more-atheists-in-prison-than-religious-folks/585714 "2011-06-25T01:30:51Z")
A friend and I were having a debate about religion and one thing she pointed out was that there were far more violent felons in prison who were Atheist than a member of an organized religion. I asked for a cite, and she … --- ## ["War Crime" Question I Dare Anyone to Answer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-crime-question-i-dare-anyone-to-answer/609139)
**Author:** [@firstfalseNero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/firstfalseNero)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2012, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-crime-question-i-dare-anyone-to-answer/609139 "2012-01-14T07:58:01Z")
Apparently it is a war crime to drip water down a prisoner’s throat (in the case of a certain U.S. facility located on Castro’s island, before returning him to his soccer practice). But it was NOT a war crime to vaporiz… --- ## [Will a microwave oven kill germs on food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-microwave-oven-kill-germs-on-food/477243)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2008, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-microwave-oven-kill-germs-on-food/477243 "2008-12-16T23:17:06Z")
So say my idiot brother (I don’t have one) purposefully sneezes on my pizza. Would nuking the pizza kill any germs, viruses or other bugs he might have left on it? Is there an average length of nuking that will be sure… --- ## [Why the extreme hyperbole over Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-extreme-hyperbole-over-trump/788476)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-extreme-hyperbole-over-trump/788476 "2017-06-12T23:17:18Z")
Trump has not suspended the Constitution. He has not declared martial law. He has not proclaimed himself president in perpetuum. He is not rounding people up into barb wire detention camps. He is not having critics assas… --- ## [Why don't we use daiko taxis in the U.S.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-use-daiko-taxis-in-the-u-s/563019)
**Author:** [@SavageBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SavageBob)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2010, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-use-daiko-taxis-in-the-u-s/563019 "2010-12-07T16:19:58Z")
So, I’m making plans for a night out drinking beer and singing karaoke with some friends this weekend. Of course, I live in the U.S., so the question has to arise: Who will be the designated driver? Unless we all take ca… --- ## [Non traditional Xmas songs.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-traditional-xmas-songs/521351)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2009, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-traditional-xmas-songs/521351 "2009-12-23T15:31:19Z")
Listening to the glurgy Xmas songs all day long at my job is making me replace the sweetness with not very kosher lyrics. Please suggest off beat, fun, peppy songs to keep me from getting stabby. Thanks. --- ## [Next up: Wisconsin and Hawaii](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-up-wisconsin-and-hawaii/437382)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2008, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-up-wisconsin-and-hawaii/437382 "2008-02-21T17:51:13Z")
Hawaii is easy. I doubt HRC will even get past the 15% mark there. Wisconsin … I suspect that Obama will win there and win well, despite the fact that he has not consistently polled well there to date … it’s an open pr… --- ## [BEEP BEEP BEEP - Trucks backing up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beep-beep-beep-trucks-backing-up/600756)
**Author:** [@Svejk\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Svejk_1)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2011, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beep-beep-beep-trucks-backing-up/600756 "2011-10-30T15:57:02Z")
or anything on four wheels for that matter, really. I understand that someone right behind a large truck might benefit from a subtle reminder that said truck is about to run him or her over. But such a reminder only has … --- ## [How much to pay teenagers doing yard work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-to-pay-teenagers-doing-yard-work/530870)
**Author:** [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-to-pay-teenagers-doing-yard-work/530870 "2010-03-02T18:12:20Z")
Stuff like raking, mowing, and snow shoveling. Because I’m in the US, I’m mainly looking for responses from US Dopers, but anyone is welcome to chime in. --- ## [Obama tells Putin: 'you violated international law'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-tells-putin-you-violated-international-law/682646)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2014, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-tells-putin-you-violated-international-law/682646 "2014-03-09T22:27:10Z")
Seeing how the US invaded Iraq, has used torture, is engaged in mass espionage, etc. (while at the same time refuses to prosecute financial crimes that collapsed the economy) all of which is illegal domestically and inte… --- ## [Fuck the Law. Fuck the Rules. Fuck Decency. This is Texas Football, motherfuckers!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-law-fuck-the-rules-fuck-decency-this-is-texas-football-motherfuckers/927507)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2020, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-law-fuck-the-rules-fuck-decency-this-is-texas-football-motherfuckers/927507 "2020-12-30T22:29:35Z")
Yes, his parents must be so proud of him. They done raised him up right. Personally I believe his bail was set about $ 800,000 too low. Permanently being barred from participation in sports statewide is the first step… --- ## [Ask the Poly person](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-poly-person/728291)
**Author:** [@Lucretia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucretia)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-poly-person/728291 "2015-08-27T21:10:27Z")
Given the news about the data dump from the Ashley Madison site, and the current prominence of the subject of non-monogamy in the public consciousness, it seems timely to start this thread, one I’ve wanted to start for … --- ## [The Cowboys' new stadium](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cowboys-new-stadium/507311)
**Author:** [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2009, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cowboys-new-stadium/507311 "2009-09-01T14:43:46Z")
Apparently the ridiculous jumbotron that hangs over the field is low enough that punters can routinely hit it during warm-ups and was hit during the Dallas-Tennessee preseason game last night, requiring a do-over. Ho… --- ## [The ethics of interference in other parties primary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ethics-of-interference-in-other-parties-primary/692109)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2014, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ethics-of-interference-in-other-parties-primary/692109 "2014-08-10T20:56:46Z")
Black Democrats crossing party linesis widely credited with giving McDaniel the victory over Cochran in Mississippi. Aligations have also been made (although not substantiated) that Democrats voting in the Republican pr… --- ## [Why won't Bricker come out and play?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-bricker-come-out-and-play/396073)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2007, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-bricker-come-out-and-play/396073 "2007-03-20T11:16:37Z")
Back in January, a GD thread was started concerning the firing of several US Attorneys. Bricker saw fit to weigh in with a nitpicking post that concluded: Later, clarifying his position he stated: That thread ended … --- ## [Tom Clancy has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-clancy-has-died/670180)
**Author:** [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2013, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-clancy-has-died/670180 "2013-10-06T16:18:52Z")
First thought: RIP. I spent many enjoyable hours in high school and college with the Jack Ryan series. (And Red Storm Rising.) Second thought: I wonder if this is a good time to try to sell my signed copy of Patriot G… --- ## [Who would you choose as benevolent dictator or philosopher king today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-choose-as-benevolent-dictator-or-philosopher-king-today/607582)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2012, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-choose-as-benevolent-dictator-or-philosopher-king-today/607582 "2012-03-03T18:35:21Z")
I would choose Warren Buffett. I know conservatives hate him but he is beyond reproach, honest, brilliantly intellectual, and disinterested in terms of making money from public graft. Our current form of government is … --- ## [Tell us about your favorite female police officers on TV.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-your-favorite-female-police-officers-on-tv/599223)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2011, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-your-favorite-female-police-officers-on-tv/599223 "2011-10-18T22:42:10Z")
A few rules: let’s restrict ourselves to more-or-less real-world police women, okay? No fantasy or scifi characters. Also no spies. I’m only interested in actual police officers, not Tasha Yar. I’ll start with Anita … --- ## [Unwarranted Tendency to Occupy Passing Lanes By City/State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unwarranted-tendency-to-occupy-passing-lanes-by-city-state/609891)
**Author:** [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2012, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unwarranted-tendency-to-occupy-passing-lanes-by-city-state/609891 "2012-01-20T21:05:25Z")
Do drivers in your neck of woods likely to move over from highway/multi lane road’s left/passing lane when faster traffic approach from behind? Majority of drivers in Chicagoland are unlikely to move over even when fast… --- ## [Does Avatar have underlying plausibility?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-avatar-have-underlying-plausibility/523683)
**Author:** [@alterego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alterego)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2010, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-avatar-have-underlying-plausibility/523683 "2010-01-10T00:27:55Z")
I may not understand all of the plot elements in Avatar having only seen it once and it being very complex, but this is my thinking as to how this movie could have underlying plausibility. I haven’t read any online info … --- ## [Hunky vampires.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hunky-vampires/511435)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2009, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hunky-vampires/511435 "2009-09-29T11:43:28Z")
I really do not understand the sex appeal of a vampire. It’s not looks, for sure. And women (gay men too, I understand) have pretty much always been turned on by the blood suckers. So, maybe it’s the neck thing? Peace, … --- ## [Where do I get bumper stickers that mock Palin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-bumper-stickers-that-mock-palin/544133)
**Author:** [@zamboniracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zamboniracer)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2010, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-get-bumper-stickers-that-mock-palin/544133 "2010-06-29T03:08:56Z")
While driving yesterday I saw two cars which had on them anti-Obama bumper stickers. (ie “How’s that hopey/changing working for you?” “Palin 2012”). Wanting to fight back - or at least to put a humorous pro-Obama/and or … --- ## ["Gift Cards Are Not Gifts" proclaims idiot columnist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gift-cards-are-not-gifts-proclaims-idiot-columnist/426298)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2007, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gift-cards-are-not-gifts-proclaims-idiot-columnist/426298 "2007-11-21T19:45:17Z")
In this sanctimonous screed, columnist Liz Pulliam Weston smarily announces that gift crads and gift certificates are not gifts. According to her: I don’t disagree that ideally, a gift says what she thinks it says. I d… --- ## [Does the self exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-self-exist/796413)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2017, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-self-exist/796413 "2017-09-25T21:03:05Z")
It’s a question that is on my mind ever since Buddhism, does the self exist? They seem to say that it is an illusion and it’s a thought shared by other philosophers (I think so). I think Thomas Ligotti (of "the conspirac… --- ## [I just cancelled cable and bought a Roku...help talk me off of the ledge!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-cancelled-cable-and-bought-a-roku-help-talk-me-off-of-the-ledge/588238)
**Author:** [@Jennmonkye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennmonkye)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-cancelled-cable-and-bought-a-roku-help-talk-me-off-of-the-ledge/588238 "2011-08-07T02:13:54Z")
So, after a long love affair with my cable company…I finally cut the $200 per month cord and got rid of my cable and DVR. Goodbye Doctor Who and Big Bang Theory (on the first night of broadcast)… In the meantime, my ne… --- ## ["Father's outrage over pornographic candy wrappers" - and it's not The Onion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fathers-outrage-over-pornographic-candy-wrappers-and-its-not-the-onion/507896)
**Author:** [@Scougs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scougs)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2009, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fathers-outrage-over-pornographic-candy-wrappers-and-its-not-the-onion/507896 "2009-08-31T01:27:03Z")
Story from the UK Daily Mail here. Not much to add really, but I laughed out loud. I love the bit where the wife has to go and sit in the car park. One further observation - love the way the headline is in English Eng… --- ## [When Did "Ancient Times" End; Modern Times Begin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-ancient-times-end-modern-times-begin/391685)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-ancient-times-end-modern-times-begin/391685 "2007-02-13T02:53:24Z")
I associate the ancient world with times before the end of the Roman Empire (ca. 525 AD). As far as “Modern Times”; I am a bit hazy-perhaps 1492? (Columbus’ discovery of N. America). What do historians consider to be the… --- ## [Bitcoin's going to crash. What now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bitcoins-going-to-crash-what-now/804791)
**Author:** [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2018, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bitcoins-going-to-crash-what-now/804791 "2018-11-26T19:15:28Z")
If you’re not living in a cave, you’re aware that bitcoin has been going crazy the past few weeks, with current prices hovering between $10,000 and $20,000 per coin. This is for an easily replaceable cryptocurrency with… --- ## [That's right, we're closed.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-right-were-closed/321652)
**Author:** [@Amazon\_Floozy\_Goddess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amazon_Floozy_Goddess)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2005, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-right-were-closed/321652 "2005-10-02T16:01:26Z")
This is the same shit I’ve had to repeat to about 15 people in just the last 10 minutes: Sorry, we’re closed now. We close at 3 pm. That’s right, we’re closed now. No, we can’t open back up for just a minute. No, we … --- ## [In "Self Made Man" a female journalist posed as a man. Any men ever done the same in female groups?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-self-made-man-a-female-journalist-posed-as-a-man-any-men-ever-done-the-same-in-female-groups/508332)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2009, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-self-made-man-a-female-journalist-posed-as-a-man-any-men-ever-done-the-same-in-female-groups/508332 "2009-10-05T17:51:06Z")
Re this book(and ABC story) A Self-Made Man - Woman Goes Undercover to Experience Life as a Man Has a man ever infiltrated a female group like this and writtten about it? --- ## [Does this article say that all passwords of up to 55 characters can be brute-forced now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-article-say-that-all-passwords-of-up-to-55-characters-can-be-brute-forced-now/671057)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2013, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-article-say-that-all-passwords-of-up-to-55-characters-can-be-brute-forced-now/671057 "2013-10-16T13:58:24Z")
I can’t quite tell exactly what’s being said here. It doesn’t strictly say that each 55-or-fewer-characters password can be cracked, but it does say that passwords of “up to fifty five” characters “can now” be cracked.… --- ## [What musical genre has the most obnoxious musical snobs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-musical-genre-has-the-most-obnoxious-musical-snobs/510405)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2009, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-musical-genre-has-the-most-obnoxious-musical-snobs/510405 "2009-09-20T15:45:05Z")
Just curious. I always though musical snobbery was mostly seen in the classical and jazz worlds, but over the years having read many threads here devoted to all tastes it’s interesting that you can have musical snobbery … --- ## [Two Royal Flushes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-royal-flushes/4695)
**Author:** [@poppyp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poppyp)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2011, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-royal-flushes/4695 "2011-10-03T01:13:34Z")
In the '70s, I was a dealer in Vegas. I remember the Las Vegas Review Journal announcing that there were two royal flushes in the final hand of a Sahara poker tournament, involving big time players! Can’t remember their … --- ## [OMG a Black Moron!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omg-a-black-moron/592929)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2011, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omg-a-black-moron/592929 "2011-08-18T09:58:50Z")
Here’s his latest:He argues that municipalities could do what the EPA does and do it much better. Like municipalities don’t have a motivation to bend the laws for local corporations that might not be in the country’s, o… --- ## [How many cats does it take to make someone a "crazy cat person"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-does-it-take-to-make-someone-a-crazy-cat-person/540179)
**Author:** [@mikews99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikews99)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2010, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-does-it-take-to-make-someone-a-crazy-cat-person/540179 "2010-05-24T00:33:01Z")
I wish there were an increment/decrement button for number of cats so that I could make this poll much more thorough, adjusting for age, sex, family size, other pets, location (rural, suburban, city, etc.). As it is, I’l… --- ## [Time Zones: why is Mumbai off by half an hour?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-zones-why-is-mumbai-off-by-half-an-hour/552006)
**Author:** [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2010, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-zones-why-is-mumbai-off-by-half-an-hour/552006 "2010-09-02T05:26:53Z")
Whenever I set up one of my electro-gadgets for the time zones I have colleagues in, I notice Mumbai is offset by half an hour. For instance in New York it’s 10:47 but in Mumbai it’s 8:17 rather than XX:47. Why is that… --- ## [Who in society decided that short "clean" haircuts are the ONLY ones that look good on men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-in-society-decided-that-short-clean-haircuts-are-the-only-ones-that-look-good-on-men/726706)
**Author:** [@justjake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justjake)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2015, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-in-society-decided-that-short-clean-haircuts-are-the-only-ones-that-look-good-on-men/726706 "2015-08-12T07:57:25Z")
I have long hair as a man, and to be 100% honest, it looks great. How it feels,how it looks, how it tastes.(kidding on that one) I just don’t get the whole stereotype. Whenever I or anyone i know grows their hair out … --- ## [Why are people so damn stupid?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-people-so-damn-stupid/570911)
**Author:** [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2011, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-people-so-damn-stupid/570911 "2011-02-17T03:14:33Z")
Calgary’s City Council voted on Tuesday to end the fluoridation of our water. Idiots. Calgary removing fluoride from water supply Not surprisingly, actual experts on health are not happy, including Dr. Richard Musto, … --- ## [American secret agent must choose between saving small US city or Chinese metropolis. What to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-secret-agent-must-choose-between-saving-small-us-city-or-chinese-metropolis-what-to-do/584445)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2011, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-secret-agent-must-choose-between-saving-small-us-city-or-chinese-metropolis-what-to-do/584445 "2011-06-21T11:22:24Z")
Yes, it’s a Rhymer hypothetical. If you don’t like it, bite me. The story’s short, though, and I just now decided I’m too lazy to include a poll. In addition, for the thirteen year old boys among you, there’s lesbians. … --- ## [Ever meet an Author?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-meet-an-author/516634)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-meet-an-author/516634 "2009-11-10T19:18:38Z")
Someone you’d read and admired? Did you gush? What did you say? Did you feel silly afterward? Do you think authors are like celebrities who grow weary of being complimented on their books? Answering the same old questi… --- ## [Ball-carriers no longer allowed to lower helmet outside tackle box](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ball-carriers-no-longer-allowed-to-lower-helmet-outside-tackle-box/653492)
**Author:** [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2013, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ball-carriers-no-longer-allowed-to-lower-helmet-outside-tackle-box/653492 "2013-03-24T04:21:18Z")
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/owners-pass-rules-changes-on-peel-back-blocks-overloaded-kick-formations/2013/03/19/85267e08-90f9-11e2-9173-7f87cda73b49\_story.html ugh every year they come up with new rule… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=988&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=990&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)