# The Game Room **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=429 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 430 --- ## [What baseball books do you buy going into a new season?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-baseball-books-do-you-buy-going-into-a-new-season/572367)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-baseball-books-do-you-buy-going-into-a-new-season/572367 "2011-03-01T17:40:59Z")
I’m going to order my Baseball Prospectus 2011. Amazon shows plenty of other baseball books available. What else do you like to read prior to and during the season? I’m both a fantasy player as well as a fan. --- ## [Puzzle: Mutated Movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puzzle-mutated-movies/572478)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puzzle-mutated-movies/572478 "2011-03-01T05:18:54Z")
It’s Oscar week, so how about a movie puzzle? This puzzle consists of a selection of movie titles with something in common. The movie titles were broken into “doublet” pairs, and then the doublets were alphabetized. E… --- ## [Any motorcycle fans who have Racing Underground membership?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-motorcycle-fans-who-have-racing-underground-membership/573016)
**Author:** [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-motorcycle-fans-who-have-racing-underground-membership/573016 "2011-03-01T03:12:29Z")
So my boyfriend loves all things motorcycle (he rides an Aprillia Shiver) and was wondering if anyone could help him join the website Racing Underground. Apparently you need an invite? Any help would be appreciated. … --- ## [Oscar Pool 2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oscar-pool-2011/570728)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oscar-pool-2011/570728 "2011-02-28T18:23:46Z")
I say it every year. This is one of the longest running annual competitions on the Dope. So…let’s do it again! The Oscars are coming up. I’ve created a pool over on FunOfficePools.com. Join and put your picks in! Na… --- ## [Can anyone solve this puzzle (Canals of Mars, word puzzle)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-solve-this-puzzle-canals-of-mars-word-puzzle/572895)
**Author:** [@Crowbar\_of\_Irony\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crowbar_of_Irony_3)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-solve-this-puzzle-canals-of-mars-word-puzzle/572895 "2011-02-28T14:40:58Z")
There’s this puzzle on Futility Closet where you have to trace out words on a map. The author provides no solution. Can you find any? --- ## [What position would you like to play in your favorite team sports?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-position-would-you-like-to-play-in-your-favorite-team-sports/572036)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-position-would-you-like-to-play-in-your-favorite-team-sports/572036 "2011-02-28T05:27:09Z")
Ice Hockey: I’d want to be a goaltender. Baseball: 3rd base. --- ## [What to buy for PS3: Red Dead Redemption or Dragon Age](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-buy-for-ps3-red-dead-redemption-or-dragon-age/572411)
**Author:** [@Zoinks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoinks)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2011, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-buy-for-ps3-red-dead-redemption-or-dragon-age/572411 "2011-02-27T23:56:17Z")
So folks, how about it: for my PS3 should I get Red Dead Redemption or Dragon Age? Which one is more fun? Which one lasts longer? Which has more replay value? Have at it, if you please. --- ## [Art Schlichter back in court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-schlichter-back-in-court/572489)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2011, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-schlichter-back-in-court/572489 "2011-02-27T19:38:38Z")
As older Dopers will recall, Art Schlichter was the Ohio State phenom QB who wrecked his career by betting on NFL games, getting suspended by the NFL and quickly cut after attempting a return. His gambling debts were so… --- ## [Which Starcraft 2 race is the best?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-starcraft-2-race-is-the-best/572095)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2011, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-starcraft-2-race-is-the-best/572095 "2011-02-26T19:44:24Z")
In the first Starcraft, the Zerg got a reputation as the best race overall. The races are better balanced in S2 but is there one which, overall, has an edge? Whatever you answer, do you have a favorite race? I’m thinki… --- ## [Can I give away a Steam Game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-give-away-a-steam-game/572728)
**Author:** [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2011, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-give-away-a-steam-game/572728 "2011-02-26T19:19:19Z")
I bought Flatout: Ultimate Carnage with the hope of playing online with some dopers, but unfortunately my laptop can’t render the graphics well enough to make it playable. Can I gift it to someone after the fact or tran… --- ## [Shogun 2: Total War announced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shogun-2-total-war-announced/541793)
**Author:** [@Gukumatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gukumatz)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2011, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shogun-2-total-war-announced/541793 "2011-02-26T18:52:53Z")
Trailer at www.totalwar.com First look from IGN here: PC Games, Wikis, Cheats, Walkthroughs, News, Reviews & Videos - IGN Only thing that remains to say is: Fuck yeah! Man, I’m way more excited about this than Starcr… --- ## [It's another "Which PS3 game should I get?" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-another-which-ps3-game-should-i-get-thread/572509)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2011, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-another-which-ps3-game-should-i-get-thread/572509 "2011-02-26T17:29:21Z")
Well, I’m out of games to play at the moment (sort of). So I’m looking for suggestions. Here’s what I’ve narrowed it down to: \*\*Fallout: New Vegas. \*\*I loved Fallout 3 - I platted it even. The local Disc Replay has it f… --- ## [Nuggets trade Billips. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuggets-trade-billips-why/572587)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2011, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuggets-trade-billips-why/572587 "2011-02-25T21:03:16Z")
I keep hearing here on the Colorado radio that The Denver Nuggets had to trade Chauncey Billips even though they didn’t want to to make the 'Melo deal. My question is why? What was it about the deal that made them nee… --- ## [Most Decisive Naval Battle Nomination thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-decisive-naval-battle-nomination-thread/571590)
**Author:** [@BlinkingDuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlinkingDuck)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2011, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-decisive-naval-battle-nomination-thread/571590 "2011-02-25T12:51:41Z")
As was done in the Worst military leader of all time thread (winner: Luigi Cadorna, followed closely by Arthur Percival and Francisco Solano López) which I joined late but was amused greatly…I would like to do a simil… --- ## [So I'm playing an MMO and the servers shut down due to maintenance. What is "maintenance"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-playing-an-mmo-and-the-servers-shut-down-due-to-maintenance-what-is-maintenance/572271)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2011, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-playing-an-mmo-and-the-servers-shut-down-due-to-maintenance-what-is-maintenance/572271 "2011-02-25T08:15:59Z")
As in, what do they actually do? I get this whimsical image of gnomes and fairies gluing things back together and sprinkling fairy dust over things, but these are just rows and rows of servers. What are they doing that… --- ## [NBA Trade Deadline thread: Knicks get Carmelo, Nets get Deron Williams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-trade-deadline-thread-knicks-get-carmelo-nets-get-deron-williams/572359)
**Author:** [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2011, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-trade-deadline-thread-knicks-get-carmelo-nets-get-deron-williams/572359 "2011-02-24T22:47:48Z")
The Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes and its interminable list of “Melo” puns is finally over. It was an interesting situation that dragged out way too long, and in the end the Knicks improved but gave up a lot. The new team … --- ## [Ambivalent to the Paralympics - am I a bad person](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ambivalent-to-the-paralympics-am-i-a-bad-person/572105)
**Author:** [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2011, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ambivalent-to-the-paralympics-am-i-a-bad-person/572105 "2011-02-24T20:18:37Z")
My wife and I were discussing our ticket purchases for the 2012 London Olympics (we live just a short train ride away) and the subject of taking in some of the paralympic events came up. It was a short discussion. Consi… --- ## [The Feud: 'Sain't a Hard Feud by Baker \[Game Over\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-feud-saint-a-hard-feud-by-baker-game-over/571976)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2011, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-feud-saint-a-hard-feud-by-baker-game-over/571976 "2011-02-24T17:37:31Z")
Object of the game: Give the most popular answer for each category. Rules: No reading the thread before answering. This is on the honor system. Formatting rules must be followed (see below). Joke answers will not be … --- ## [Hall of Fame Voting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hall-of-fame-voting/572108)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2011, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hall-of-fame-voting/572108 "2011-02-24T12:25:03Z")
I happened to be looking at voting percentages for players in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I find it amazing that even those at the top of the list were not voted in with 100% of the vote. Is there any particular reason … --- ## [Pujols and Cards let contract deadline pass](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pujols-and-cards-let-contract-deadline-pass/571648)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2011, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pujols-and-cards-let-contract-deadline-pass/571648 "2011-02-24T02:26:01Z")
Am I over-thinking this? How do the Cardinals let this happen? The deal they offered supposedly would not have made Pujols one of the top 5 paid players. Seriously? Now he’ll play out the year and test free agency. Is th… --- ## [Gaming Dopers: Please help the middle-aged clueless guy pick a new game system for his kids.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaming-dopers-please-help-the-middle-aged-clueless-guy-pick-a-new-game-system-for-his-kids/563911)
**Author:** [@sangfroid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sangfroid)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2011, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaming-dopers-please-help-the-middle-aged-clueless-guy-pick-a-new-game-system-for-his-kids/563911 "2011-02-23T23:18:02Z")
Several threads here have discussed this topic, but none that I’ve found works for my particular situation. I’m not completely clueless about video games, just hopelessly outdated. (I actually know what “Pong” is :eek: )… --- ## [PS2 Band Hero Problem - Drum Pad Doesn't Work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ps2-band-hero-problem-drum-pad-doesnt-work/572197)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ps2-band-hero-problem-drum-pad-doesnt-work/572197 "2011-02-23T19:16:54Z")
I just bought my husband the PS2 Band Hero set for his birthday today, and right out of the box, one of the drum pads seems to have stopped working (it worked for a couple of songs and then stopped). Everything else seem… --- ## [Trevor Bayne wins the Daytona 500!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trevor-bayne-wins-the-daytona-500/572127)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2011, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trevor-bayne-wins-the-daytona-500/572127 "2011-02-23T15:58:26Z")
Really, no thread on this yet? Bayne is the youngest driver ever to win this race, and the only racer to win his first Daytona 500 since the first Daytona 500. Pretty impressive, if you ask me. I was thrilled for the k… --- ## ["Street Soccer" movement in US: Will it work (or is it just a jerk?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/street-soccer-movement-in-us-will-it-work-or-is-it-just-a-jerk/571823)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2011, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/street-soccer-movement-in-us-will-it-work-or-is-it-just-a-jerk/571823 "2011-02-23T15:31:23Z")
Word on the street is that the US has 10 million kids playing soccer/futbol, but doesn’t have the talented world-class players (in sufficient number) that should result from those kids. No American superstars The blame … --- ## [Gaming Keyboard Ergonomics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaming-keyboard-ergonomics/572143)
**Author:** [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2011, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaming-keyboard-ergonomics/572143 "2011-02-23T15:23:24Z")
So it seems like literally every gaming-oriented keyboard (Microsoft Sidewinder, Logitech G15, etc) that I see is a standard-layout straight-key-rows keyboard. I get pretty bad pains when I try to use one of those for e… --- ## [Sports teams named after a region's working people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-teams-named-after-a-regions-working-people/569689)
**Author:** [@LateComer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LateComer)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2011, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-teams-named-after-a-regions-working-people/569689 "2011-02-23T14:41:30Z")
There has been a lot of talk about the upcoming Super Bowl regarding some rare aspects of the teams. Two old franchises, neither has cheerleaders, etc. One thing I noticed is the they are both examples of the rare tea… --- ## [Keyboard with arrow keys on left](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keyboard-with-arrow-keys-on-left/571920)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2011, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keyboard-with-arrow-keys-on-left/571920 "2011-02-22T19:53:03Z")
I’m a righty. I like to play games on my computer but I’ve always hated using WASD. I know that some “left-handed” keyboards have the arrow keys on the left but most of them just move the keypad to the left (which is w… --- ## [Help me: 360 or PS3?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-360-or-ps3/571795)
**Author:** [@Icemanistheking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icemanistheking)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2011, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-360-or-ps3/571795 "2011-02-22T19:28:57Z")
Hey all, Just registered, been looking for a cool online community that is not Facebook, and seems like I found one. Anyway, I have been without a videogame system since Summet 2009 when my first-gen 360 redlighted. Any… --- ## [Anyone here has played "Junta"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-has-played-junta/571015)
**Author:** [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2011, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-has-played-junta/571015 "2011-02-22T17:43:39Z")
The demos and events in Egypt have reminded me a lot of a diplomacy type game I used to play a lot, named “Junta” (Junta (game) - Wikipedia ). Anyone here has played that game, or still plays it? --- ## [Any Nethack fans out there? Best game ever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-nethack-fans-out-there-best-game-ever/571283)
**Author:** [@Recliner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Recliner)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2011, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-nethack-fans-out-there-best-game-ever/571283 "2011-02-22T11:00:04Z")
I know its a tad obscure. I know its praises have been sung to death already. Screw dat, I wanna talk about it. I’ve been playing a lot of Diablo 2 lately (yeah…found it in the closet, never really played it when I bo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=428) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=430)