# The Game Room **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=434 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 435 --- ## [So... The Pro Bowl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-pro-bowl/569572)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2011, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-pro-bowl/569572 "2011-02-03T04:44:26Z")
Figured I would make a topic for the four or five people here planning on watching it. (It’s not like there’s anything else on tonight). I’ll admit I’m pretty much only watching it to see if Hester gets a TD return. --- ## [Best way to simulate a normal distribution in RPGs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-simulate-a-normal-distribution-in-rpgs/569719)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2011, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-simulate-a-normal-distribution-in-rpgs/569719 "2011-02-02T23:52:05Z")
A normal distribution (a.k.a., a “bell curve”) is a reasonable match for how many things that have a partially random outcome turn out. Most often, values will be close to the mean, more rarely to one extreme or the othe… --- ## [Beware the sleeper… (Forza 3)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-sleeper-forza-3/569895)
**Author:** [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2011, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-sleeper-forza-3/569895 "2011-02-02T19:39:52Z")
I just discovered the “upgrade shop” in F3 (actually, I knew it was there all along, this is the first time I used it though) Scrolling through the options, I find an option in “engine and powertrain” that none of my ot… --- ## [Sports teams that are also band names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-teams-that-are-also-band-names/569816)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2011, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-teams-that-are-also-band-names/569816 "2011-02-02T18:03:42Z")
I heard a song this morning by a band called The National. Not the Nationals, but close enough to make me think of the baseball team from DC. The Eagles are a football team and a rock band. What else? (Could probably… --- ## [Fallout Fan Film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-fan-film/569708)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2011, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-fan-film/569708 "2011-02-02T04:28:39Z")
Nuka Break It’s probably better in theory than in practice but they definitely deserve an A for the effort. --- ## [Visual Trivia Quandry - STILL the hardest Scavenger Hunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visual-trivia-quandry-still-the-hardest-scavenger-hunt/565161)
**Author:** [@hawsr01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawsr01)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2011, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visual-trivia-quandry-still-the-hardest-scavenger-hunt/565161 "2011-02-02T03:52:22Z")
Hello fellow Straight Dope Readers, I’m trying to identify the pictures on my teams trivia website linked below for annual trivia contest at my college. There aren’t any prizes other than bragging rights but it’s a lot… --- ## [Nascar Fantasy Racing on Yahoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nascar-fantasy-racing-on-yahoo/527687)
**Author:** [@J-P\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J-P_L)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nascar-fantasy-racing-on-yahoo/527687 "2011-02-01T19:37:12Z")
Anybody interested in an SDMB group for Nascar Fantasy Racing on Yahoo again this year. Alternatively, there is Speed Fantasy Racing, registration opens tomorrow, Fri Feb. 5, so I do not know anything about it yet. --- ## [Qatar are already showing their true colors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qatar-are-already-showing-their-true-colors/569788)
**Author:** [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qatar-are-already-showing-their-true-colors/569788 "2011-02-01T17:51:16Z")
Via a blog on BigSoccer.com: The basic story is that once the Emir and his family entered the stadium, the guards locked the place down, keeping thousands of paying fans outside. Some were separated from their childre… --- ## [D&D 3.5 and lowbie spellcasters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-3-5-and-lowbie-spellcasters/569318)
**Author:** [@ArrMatey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArrMatey)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-3-5-and-lowbie-spellcasters/569318 "2011-02-01T09:25:41Z")
So… One of my friends has said he’s going to run a 3.5 game, and usually in such things I play the caster role, most often wizard. The problem is, I -think- we’re starting out at first level. Which means, what? 1-2 spel… --- ## [Steelers vs. Packers - throwback Super Bowl = throwback uniforms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steelers-vs-packers-throwback-super-bowl-throwback-uniforms/569476)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steelers-vs-packers-throwback-super-bowl-throwback-uniforms/569476 "2011-02-01T04:01:48Z")
Just wondering if this has been discussed, or if the throwback uniforms are only for the regular season. Also, are the Steelers wearing their white or black jerseys? I believe the AFC is visitor this year, so they will… --- ## [Sony Unveils the PSP2...err, NGP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sony-unveils-the-psp2-err-ngp/569159)
**Author:** [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sony-unveils-the-psp2-err-ngp/569159 "2011-02-01T01:35:14Z")
So a shit-ton of information just came out about the PSP2, code-named NGP (Next Generation Portable). Here are the main things: \[ul\] \[li\]5" OLED screen 960x544\[/li\]\[li\]Close to PS3 in graphical abilities\[/li\]\[li\]Capaci… --- ## [Need help: Value of Magic: The Gathering unopened sample pack](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-value-of-magic-the-gathering-unopened-sample-pack/569206)
**Author:** [@jaron80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaron80)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-value-of-magic-the-gathering-unopened-sample-pack/569206 "2011-02-01T00:09:17Z")
I just found an unopened, 10- card sampler pack of Magic:The Gathering cards. On the front, it says “Starter Level” in an oval; below that, it says “Special Offer Inside”; at the bottom, it says "Sampler (then underneat… --- ## [What's Moebius playing at? (Starcraft 2 spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-moebius-playing-at-starcraft-2-spoilers/569245)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-moebius-playing-at-starcraft-2-spoilers/569245 "2011-01-31T21:24:39Z")
Spoiler space to protect mouseover . . . . . . . . . . OK, so in the Starcraft 2 single-player storyline, there’s some group called the Moebius Foundation that’s collecting the pieces of an ancient Xel’naga ar… --- ## [Scoring opportunities per hour](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scoring-opportunities-per-hour/568959)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scoring-opportunities-per-hour/568959 "2011-01-31T18:38:30Z")
Lately I’ve been wondering if there’s a correlation between the scoring opps/hr and the popularity of a sport. People say that cricket and basketball have too much scoring while soccer has too little. Baseball and footb… --- ## [What do you think of this year's NHL All-star game format? (Captains pick teams)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-years-nhl-all-star-game-format-captains-pick-teams/569419)
**Author:** [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swords_to_Plowshares)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-years-nhl-all-star-game-format-captains-pick-teams/569419 "2011-01-31T15:21:49Z")
This year for the NHL All-Star game, two captains (Erik Staal and Nicklas Lidstrom) picked teams from a pool of players who were selected by ballot. You can see the results of the draft here, and for the most part the p… --- ## [\>\>TENNIS\<\< 2011 Australian Open](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2011-australian-open/567577)
**Author:** [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2011-australian-open/567577 "2011-01-31T14:32:50Z")
SEEDS Men Rafael Nadal, Spain Roger Federer, Switzerland Novak Djokovic, Serbia Robin Soderling, Sweden Andy Murray, Britain Thomas Berdych, Czech Republic David Ferrer, Spain Andy Roddick, United States Fernando Verd… --- ## ["Barred from classes" for wearing Steelers jersey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barred-from-classes-for-wearing-steelers-jersey/567702)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barred-from-classes-for-wearing-steelers-jersey/567702 "2011-01-31T14:31:37Z")
Link. I’unno. Perhaps they gave him a chance to avoid getting his ass kicked, and he took it. Being a Steelers fan, I won’t say he would have deserved it, but it probably would have happened. And yes, Seattle fans shoul… --- ## [Global Game Jam, anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-game-jam-anyone/569631)
**Author:** [@Dinaroozie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinaroozie)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-game-jam-anyone/569631 "2011-01-31T11:55:40Z")
Was anyone else aware that this weekend just gone contained the Global Game Jam? Basically, it’s an event that involves locking yourself in a room with a bunch of other nerds, and you are given a theme (kept secret prior… --- ## [Chaos reigns at Asian Cup in Qatar \[soccer\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chaos-reigns-at-asian-cup-in-qatar-soccer/569625)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chaos-reigns-at-asian-cup-in-qatar-soccer/569625 "2011-01-31T09:23:12Z")
Link. Qatar riot police go apeshit and lock out ticket holding fans who have flown half the world away to watch Japan play Australia: Great choice for a World Cup venue! --- ## [Great video games that would make terrible movies.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-video-games-that-would-make-terrible-movies/569370)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-video-games-that-would-make-terrible-movies/569370 "2011-01-31T05:18:24Z")
I’m not talking about Tetris here. I’m talking about story driven games that tell a great story but wouldn’t be good movies. For instance: Call of Duty Modern Warfare. This game is great, has great cinematics, and is … --- ## [Anyone play the Sims?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-play-the-sims/569519)
**Author:** [@fuzzypickles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fuzzypickles)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-play-the-sims/569519 "2011-01-31T02:10:10Z")
Seems like everyone’s talking about Sims 2 & 3 these days, but everyone forgets how the series really began. Any original Sims players out there? To sweeten the pot, here’s a few old-school comics I found, based on the… --- ## [Which is more annoying: CheeseHeads or Terrible Towel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-more-annoying-cheeseheads-or-terrible-towel/569037)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-more-annoying-cheeseheads-or-terrible-towel/569037 "2011-01-31T01:52:07Z")
Which Superbowl fan paraphernalia do you find more annoying? The Cheesehead Hat or The Terrible Towel? --- ## [Senior Bowl -- North and South schools -- what determines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senior-bowl-north-and-south-schools-what-determines/569504)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senior-bowl-north-and-south-schools-what-determines/569504 "2011-01-30T23:03:20Z")
I’ve tried to locate some “official” version of how the North and South teams are built. Is there a dividing line? Is it based on conferences/divisions? Is it random? --- ## [Tennis is boring.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-is-boring/569551)
**Author:** [@Wood\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wood_Man)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-is-boring/569551 "2011-01-30T22:12:37Z")
I would like to see them go back to wooden racquets. I would even like to start an alternative tour event. Quote from John Rubin - “The problem is that these racquets do not allow subtle styles to compete at a world-cla… --- ## [Time to start a "Jay Cutler is so tough..." meme](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-start-a-jay-cutler-is-so-tough-meme/568851)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-start-a-jay-cutler-is-so-tough-meme/568851 "2011-01-30T20:32:41Z")
First off let me say that I do think Jay Cutler is a tough QB andcriticisms of him are pretty baseless. What is funny is the backlash to the backlash is in full effect with the standard line about how tough Jay Cutler i… --- ## [Champions Online free-to-play: anyone playing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/champions-online-free-to-play-anyone-playing/569445)
**Author:** [@B.B.Fuller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B.B.Fuller)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/champions-online-free-to-play-anyone-playing/569445 "2011-01-30T12:32:15Z")
Champions Online recently went free to play a-la LOTRO, and I was wondering if anyone else had tried it? I’ve been playing a Behemoth and enjoy it in theory, although it really, really irritates me that they’ve stripped … --- ## [How would you describe the Doper above you to a RL friend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-describe-the-doper-above-you-to-a-rl-friend/567918)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-describe-the-doper-above-you-to-a-rl-friend/567918 "2011-01-30T10:54:15Z")
How would you describe the poster above you, based just on what they’ve posted on the Dope, to a real life friend? --- ## [What was this Worms-style Mac game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-this-worms-style-mac-game/569364)
**Author:** [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2011, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-this-worms-style-mac-game/569364 "2011-01-29T03:17:16Z")
There’s a game I remember playing in school around 1996-97, but haven’t been able to remember the name. It was Mac game that featured Worm/Artillery-style (hell, I thought it was called “artillery,” but that doesn’t seem… --- ## [Best COACHES Who Have Never Won Championships](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-coaches-who-have-never-won-championships/568131)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2011, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-coaches-who-have-never-won-championships/568131 "2011-01-29T00:35:04Z")
Inspired by the thread asking for the best NFL quarterback never to wi na Super Bowl. Who are the best coaches in the major sports never to win a championship? I’ll include the NFL, college football, the NBA, college b… --- ## [Getting better at solving puzzles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-better-at-solving-puzzles/569273)
**Author:** [@Sehmket](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sehmket)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-better-at-solving-puzzles/569273 "2011-01-28T16:51:37Z")
I’m an avid geocacher (see here if you don’t know what it is, although it’s not entirely relevant to my question), but most of what I find are pretty standard caches. I’ve been wanting to get into puzzle caches (caches w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=433) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=435)