# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1002&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:** 1003 --- ## ["If you're born in Samoa, you have a 1:20 chance of getting in the NFL." Bullshit statistics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-born-in-samoa-you-have-a-1-20-chance-of-getting-in-the-nfl-bullshit-statistics/659237)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2013, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-born-in-samoa-you-have-a-1-20-chance-of-getting-in-the-nfl-bullshit-statistics/659237 "2013-05-28T15:12:11Z")
The other day someone told me what he thought was an amusing factoid, phrased exactly as I quoted in the hed. I looked up what I could. The fact that Samoa, with such a small population, has produced many pro football p… --- ## [1968: Could LBJ have won if he stayed in the race?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1968-could-lbj-have-won-if-he-stayed-in-the-race/786009)
**Author:** [@Reddy\_Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reddy_Mercury)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2017, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1968-could-lbj-have-won-if-he-stayed-in-the-race/786009 "2017-12-11T03:00:10Z")
I know LBJ wasn’t popular in '68, but as it was, the election was rather close even with his (less politically capable) surrogate being the nominee. I’m wondering if LBJ could pull out all the stops to win a narrow vict… --- ## [Justice Department asked to probe Hillary Clinton's email use: NYT](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/justice-department-asked-to-probe-hillary-clintons-email-use-nyt/726045)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2015, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/justice-department-asked-to-probe-hillary-clintons-email-use-nyt/726045 "2015-08-02T12:39:06Z")
uh oh. This isn’t the typical bs, hot air political jab. :frowning: I can’t find the NY Times article. Searched for “Hillary Clinton” and configured the search for the past seven days. Is it hidden behind their paywa… --- ## [Why do people live in places with bad climate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-live-in-places-with-bad-climate/502543)
**Author:** [@Victory\_Candescence](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victory_Candescence)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2009, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-live-in-places-with-bad-climate/502543 "2009-07-14T14:48:30Z")
Hypotheses: \[ul\] \[li\]That’s where the jobs are.\[/li\]\[li\]That’s where family and friends are.\[/li\]\[li\]Similarly, that’s where you fit in culturally.\[/li\]\[li\]People enjoy the cold/heat.\[/li\]\[li\]The weather is nice for ce… --- ## [Extreme Couponing Show Has Enemies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extreme-couponing-show-has-enemies/597634)
**Author:** [@Sodalite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sodalite)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2011, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extreme-couponing-show-has-enemies/597634 "2011-10-07T17:55:50Z")
The TLC show “Extreme Couponing” filmed two episodes in North Carolina. They featured Winston-Salem, NC based Lowe’s Foods. One of the locations is about an hour from my house. I had wondered what the local reaction was … --- ## [What is the meaning of the masonic rituals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-masonic-rituals/604141)
**Author:** [@thepillar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thepillar)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-masonic-rituals/604141 "2011-12-02T16:51:12Z")
Why do Freemasons perform their rituals and what do they benefit from them? --- ## [eReader price Wars are Escalating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ereader-price-wars-are-escalating/544032)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2010, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ereader-price-wars-are-escalating/544032 "2010-11-07T19:33:57Z")
So Amazon has slashed the price of the Kindel to $189, while Barnes & Noble have cut the price of the Nook to $199. B&N also said they would sell a wi-fi only Nook for $149. IMO these are still too expensive, but they a… --- ## [It's been years, and I still can't figure this out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-been-years-and-i-still-cant-figure-this-out/90275)
**Author:** [@DAVEW0071](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DAVEW0071)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2001, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-been-years-and-i-still-cant-figure-this-out/90275 "2001-11-20T00:40:35Z")
Around the time I got married (19 years ago) we were in a little family-style restaurant/diner. Family owned, by a Greek family, IIRC. Very nice place. Clean, pleasant, good food. The menu had a brief description of eve… --- ## [Your thoughts on Ray Lewis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-thoughts-on-ray-lewis/647945)
**Author:** [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2013, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-thoughts-on-ray-lewis/647945 "2013-01-31T17:29:22Z")
I came across this articleabout Ray Lewis’s involvement in the double murder after the 2000 Super Bowl in Atlanta. I didn’t follow that trial very closely when it was going on and the details have remained fuzzy. That … --- ## [Drachillix leves North America for the first time.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drachillix-leves-north-america-for-the-first-time/717306)
**Author:** [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2015, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drachillix-leves-north-america-for-the-first-time/717306 "2015-07-07T23:53:23Z")
30 days and counting. 2 days in Manila 5 days on Palawan 4 days on Boracay Head Home Yes I am meeting someone over there. --- ## [Why do people who aren't rich care how much in taxes rich people pay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-who-arent-rich-care-how-much-in-taxes-rich-people-pay/792663)
**Author:** [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2017, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-who-arent-rich-care-how-much-in-taxes-rich-people-pay/792663 "2017-08-10T19:32:23Z")
Not sure where to put this, but I have just been wondering about this tonight. Only 6% of Americans make over $200,000, why would the other 94% care about how much taxes they pay? For instance, 2 of the items in the Hi… --- ## [What's your name? Puddin' Tame.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-name-puddin-tame/459210)
**Author:** [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2008, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-name-puddin-tame/459210 "2008-08-09T13:29:01Z")
Ask me again and I’ll tell you the same. What is the origin of this rhyme? --- ## [Bill Cosby Himself: This may be the funniest comedy show I've ever seen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-cosby-himself-this-may-be-the-funniest-comedy-show-ive-ever-seen/683404)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2014, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-cosby-himself-this-may-be-the-funniest-comedy-show-ive-ever-seen/683404 "2014-03-17T03:11:36Z")
Here’s a convenient link to the Bill Cosby Himself standup routine that was released as a movie in the 1980s. I know every single word of this show, and I love it. It may very well be the funniest comedy routine ever re… --- ## [I just rewatched Heaven Can Wait (1978)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-rewatched-heaven-can-wait-1978/684087)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2025, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-rewatched-heaven-can-wait-1978/684087 "2025-03-20T19:41:23Z")
I remember really enjoying it when it first came out, and I have to say, it was just as good this time. Funny, warm and winning - a bittersweet supernatural comedy/romance. Warren Beatty and Julie Chris… --- ## [Fuck the IOC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-ioc/761835)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2023, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-ioc/761835 "2023-03-30T22:32:36Z")
This is some Bond level villainy. These fuckers are complicit in some of the worst human rights abuses while supporting the some of the most evil authoritarian regimes. The entire organization is rife with corruption. … --- ## [You think s/he's hot? Are we looking at the same person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-think-s-hes-hot-are-we-looking-at-the-same-person/321639)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2005, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-think-s-hes-hot-are-we-looking-at-the-same-person/321639 "2005-09-17T05:21:23Z")
Inspired by this thread and the minor argument therein about whether Jennifer Love Hewitt is all that, I’d like to ask what allegedly fair damsels or studly stallions do you like at and wonder what everyone else sees. I… --- ## [Why is Race Walking an Olympic Sport But Dodge Ball Isn't?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-race-walking-an-olympic-sport-but-dodge-ball-isnt/631230)
**Author:** [@Wordy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wordy)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2012, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-race-walking-an-olympic-sport-but-dodge-ball-isnt/631230 "2012-08-13T15:22:56Z")
I am very curious why race walking is an Olympic sport but why less “awkward” and much more popular sports, such as dodge ball, is not. Every time I watch coverage or read about race walking, it always comes out like som… --- ## [I-Pad - terrible marketing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pad-terrible-marketing/526736)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2010, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pad-terrible-marketing/526736 "2010-02-01T16:12:54Z")
Apple unveiled the I-Pad today and it’s already generated some humor. Is this a major marketing blunder? This goes beyond schoolboy snickers. Even female bloggers are commenting. Perhaps the product can overcome it… --- ## [TVAA banned. Anyone know why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tvaa-banned-anyone-know-why/218329)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2003, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tvaa-banned-anyone-know-why/218329 "2003-12-13T13:06:22Z")
Just curious. --- ## [If you can speak with a neutral American accent, any other accent is an affectation.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-can-speak-with-a-neutral-american-accent-any-other-accent-is-an-affectation/667324)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2013, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-can-speak-with-a-neutral-american-accent-any-other-accent-is-an-affectation/667324 "2013-08-29T18:46:32Z")
In an episode of 30 Rock, Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) makes a comment that at one time the government recorded his voice so “the perfect American accent could be preserved in case of nuclear war”. Jack’s natural accent … --- ## ["Single" or "Divorced"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-or-divorced/693710)
**Author:** [@jayrey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayrey)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2014, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-or-divorced/693710 "2014-07-27T11:43:58Z")
Why do we have different terms that essentially mean the same thing? If you were married and now you’re not and your former spouse is still alive, you’re unmarried and “divorced.” If you were married and your spouse ha… --- ## [Need clever name for wireless network](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-clever-name-for-wireless-network/461243)
**Author:** [@Randy\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randy_Seltzer)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-clever-name-for-wireless-network/461243 "2008-08-29T00:02:35Z")
In honor of the alt-text in today’s XKCD, I need a name for my wireless network. I always get a kick out of what the anonymous people of my neighborhood name their networks. What are some clever names? I don’t know th… --- ## [Hatch says destroy the downloaders computers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hatch-says-destroy-the-downloaders-computers/182560)
**Author:** [@Reeder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeder)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2003, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hatch-says-destroy-the-downloaders-computers/182560 "2003-07-04T00:02:47Z")
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6241-2003Jun17.html Reckon he’s in the RIAA’s pocket? Or perhaps they are in his? --- ## [Does anybody know exactly how to make ARBY's potato cakes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-exactly-how-to-make-arbys-potato-cakes/445971)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2017, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-know-exactly-how-to-make-arbys-potato-cakes/445971 "2017-08-25T01:50:18Z")
I love those things so much,but I just can’t figure out how to do it the same I can make the horsey sauce, but I can’t figure out the cakes. Size of Potato piece or cut, oil temp, binder, dredge? Par-bake or par-microwa… --- ## [Met my Primary Care Provider for the 1st time; she recommends homeopathy. Should I trust her?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/met-my-primary-care-provider-for-the-1st-time-she-recommends-homeopathy-should-i-trust-her/737161)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2015, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/met-my-primary-care-provider-for-the-1st-time-she-recommends-homeopathy-should-i-trust-her/737161 "2015-11-17T07:00:31Z")
After being sick a week and a half, getting better, and then suddenly feeling ill again, I finally dragged my butt to the local family clinic (attached to a hospital) to see what was up. I haven’t had to visit a clinic s… --- ## [What do modern Japanese think of Kamikaze pilots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-modern-japanese-think-of-kamikaze-pilots/814020)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-modern-japanese-think-of-kamikaze-pilots/814020 "2018-05-29T09:13:53Z")
Regardless of what you think of the war record of imperial Japan I’m curious how Kamikaze pilots are viewed by modern day Japanese people? Personally I can’t help but have respect for those men who were so willing to def… --- ## [How to get calcium deposits off my glassware](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-calcium-deposits-off-my-glassware/616288)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-calcium-deposits-off-my-glassware/616288 "2012-03-21T23:52:15Z")
We have hard water and my glassware are covered with that filmy opaque stuff that makes them not look clean. And the calcium is also clogging up my dishwasher jets. How can I get that stuff off? --- ## [The Best All-Time TV Show -- UPDATE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-all-time-tv-show-update/666727)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-all-time-tv-show-update/666727 "2013-09-29T15:33:32Z")
If you’ll refer to The Best All-Time TV Show \[vote for up to 10\], which was active a couple of years ago, you’ll see the basis of the 51 shows in this poll. Vote for YOUR FAVORITE in this group. If your favorite isn’t o… --- ## [once again, I'm missing the fucking joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-again-im-missing-the-fucking-joke/178014)
**Author:** [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2003, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-again-im-missing-the-fucking-joke/178014 "2003-06-01T03:10:41Z")
I’ve tried so hard during my past year or so on the boards to narrow down my ‘hot buttons’. It used to be that a lot of things got in my craw, but I decided to just let them go. I’ve tried. But I still cannot underst… --- ## [Songs you like by bands you otherwise hate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-like-by-bands-you-otherwise-hate/573785)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2011, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-like-by-bands-you-otherwise-hate/573785 "2011-03-27T17:23:13Z")
This morning I heard “Hero” by Nickelback on the radio. I can’t stand the rest of their stuff, but you know what? This song really kicks ass. It has a good melody, great vocals and lacks that certain douchebag sound that… --- ## [Unable to orgasm during sex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unable-to-orgasm-during-sex/599377)
**Author:** [@Bambro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bambro)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2011, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unable-to-orgasm-during-sex/599377 "2011-10-13T20:02:57Z")
I don’t know if this goes in IMHO or GQ… I have an embarrassing problem. I have a new girlfriend and I seem to be unable to orgasm during sex. Sorry if that seems blunt, but I am not sure how to sugarcoat it. This is t… --- ## [Ask the Neo-Con](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-neo-con/257306)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2004, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-neo-con/257306 "2004-08-05T14:56:13Z")
I’ve seen on these boards what seems to be misrepresentations of what neoconservativism is, and what neoconservatives believe. It seems like a lot of people are careless when using the term. Hence, this thread, where I… --- ## [I pit handicap stalls that open inward.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-handicap-stalls-that-open-inward/623520)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2012, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-handicap-stalls-that-open-inward/623520 "2012-06-01T18:00:34Z")
They make no sense and are not actually ‘accessible’ for someone using a wheelchair (which is what the design of the stall is supposed to be based around). If someone using a chair wanted to use such a stall, they would… --- ## [Throwing a hand grenade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/throwing-a-hand-grenade/612043)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2012, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/throwing-a-hand-grenade/612043 "2012-02-08T03:37:02Z")
I have no personal experience, but I have noticed that, in every war movie or television program I have seen where a grenade is tossed, it is done so in a peculiar and awkward manner. The tosser uses a stiff-armed, overh… --- ## [Will a dog really run itself to death?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-dog-really-run-itself-to-death/451161)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2008, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-dog-really-run-itself-to-death/451161 "2008-06-02T11:56:34Z")
This current thread other thread discusses “hunt you down like a dog” Rather than hijack I wanted to ask a related question. I have always heard this bit of “knowledge” that a dog is genetically programmed to not give… --- ## ["Can't get no satisfaction/Can't get no pearly action" Was that ever a lyric?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-get-no-satisfaction-cant-get-no-pearly-action-was-that-ever-a-lyric/633179)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2012, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-get-no-satisfaction-cant-get-no-pearly-action-was-that-ever-a-lyric/633179 "2012-09-02T03:31:13Z")
I could have sworn that in the song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones, there was a lyric that went I can’t get no satisfaction I can’t get no pearly action I seem to remember that the reference to … --- ## [What's the hot shit in PC hardware these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-hot-shit-in-pc-hardware-these-days/559649)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2011, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-hot-shit-in-pc-hardware-these-days/559649 "2011-02-20T18:28:49Z")
It doesn’t seem like clock speeds have made too many gains since 5 years ago when I shopped for a PC. Is stuff getting faster? Better? How should I be evaluating systems differently than I was 5 years ago? I’m run… --- ## [How annoying are your neighbors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-annoying-are-your-neighbors/625606)
**Author:** [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2012, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-annoying-are-your-neighbors/625606 "2012-06-22T14:37:55Z")
It’s summertime, so we have our windows open all day (we only have one a/c unit in the bedroom and it’s really old and loud). That means we get to hear the comings and goings of all our neighbors. They’re ok for the most… --- ## [Do any dopers know what this old large iron tool / artifact is? (with photo)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-dopers-know-what-this-old-large-iron-tool-artifact-is-with-photo/725821)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2015, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-dopers-know-what-this-old-large-iron-tool-artifact-is-with-photo/725821 "2015-09-11T15:58:34Z")
Article and photo here --- ## [Questions about the movie "Eyes Wide Shut"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-movie-eyes-wide-shut/679094)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2016, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-movie-eyes-wide-shut/679094 "2016-09-20T15:02:58Z")
I just saw the movie “Eyes Wide Shut” starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman and came away from it feeling confused and having several questions. I read the Plot Summary in Wikipedia and that seemed to reveal a few answe… --- ## [What was wrong with "Waterworld"? (spoilers everywhere)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-wrong-with-waterworld-spoilers-everywhere/418615)
**Author:** [@Dijon\_Warlock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dijon_Warlock)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2007, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-wrong-with-waterworld-spoilers-everywhere/418615 "2007-09-11T15:05:17Z")
I remember (IIRC) that it was the most expensive movie ever made at the time. I remember that it was a flop at the box office. I remember that it became a running joke on late night talk shows, not only about Kevin Costn… --- ## [Promote critical thinking? Or introduce religion into science class?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/promote-critical-thinking-or-introduce-religion-into-science-class/618443)
**Author:** [@Bemused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bemused)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2012, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/promote-critical-thinking-or-introduce-religion-into-science-class/618443 "2012-04-13T00:46:32Z")
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/27/tennessee-evolution-bill-goes-to-bill-haslam/ Sooooo… The sponsors say this bill will “promote critical thinking” by allowing students to critique “scientific weaknesses”… --- ## [What's with all the hand chopping in star wars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-all-the-hand-chopping-in-star-wars/526940)
**Author:** [@The\_Piranha\_Brothers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Piranha_Brothers)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2010, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-all-the-hand-chopping-in-star-wars/526940 "2010-02-08T22:54:29Z")
Take for example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akF2ljenqYE Why does it happen all the time? Why can’t they just kill people instead? And also, why are there no hands lost in episode I or the holiday special? --- ## [Anybody know why Bob Birch (Elton John's longtime bassist) committed suicide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-why-bob-birch-elton-johns-longtime-bassist-committed-suicide/632149)
**Author:** [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2014, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-why-bob-birch-elton-johns-longtime-bassist-committed-suicide/632149 "2014-09-19T21:40:09Z")
On August 15, Bob Birch, Elton John’s longtime bassist and prolific session man when not on tour with Elton appears to have committed suicide at the age of 56 via gunshot to the head. (For those not familiar with Birch, … --- ## [sexism. workplace. clueless coworkers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-workplace-clueless-coworkers/717769)
**Author:** [@bashere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bashere)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-workplace-clueless-coworkers/717769 "2015-05-26T16:44:31Z")
Dear two clueless nitwits I have to work with, Let me explain something. I know that you view women as some strange, fascinating, foreign species. I get that members of that species are something you desperately want … --- ## [Anyone playing the new generation of board games?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-playing-the-new-generation-of-board-games/739143)
**Author:** [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2016, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-playing-the-new-generation-of-board-games/739143 "2016-02-22T06:31:50Z")
My friends and I (all in our forties) have jumped on the board game bandwagon in a big way. A friend got Catanmaybe 4 or 5 years ago and we’ve played that a ton. After a hundred games or whatever, we got a bit bored and… --- ## [Was Babel subtitled in the theaters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-babel-subtitled-in-the-theaters/396440)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2022, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-babel-subtitled-in-the-theaters/396440 "2022-11-13T21:05:28Z")
:smack: My wife and I watched Babel last night on DVD. Pretty much figured out what was happening and enjoyed it, despite the fact that one family was speaking Moroccan and another Japanese. But this morning, I looked… --- ## [What's the proper procedure for paying a restaurant bill with cash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-proper-procedure-for-paying-a-restaurant-bill-with-cash/260373)
**Author:** [@biqu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/biqu)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2004, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-proper-procedure-for-paying-a-restaurant-bill-with-cash/260373 "2004-08-19T22:06:12Z")
I happen to find and carry around a lot of loose change (the lowest denomination especially abundant) and frequently dispose of it in favor of coins more usable in vending machines, using cash purchases rather than coin … --- ## [The 14th annual SDMB Shot Glass Exchange is HERE!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-14th-annual-sdmb-shot-glass-exchange-is-here/834965)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2019, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-14th-annual-sdmb-shot-glass-exchange-is-here/834965 "2019-09-21T18:03:48Z")
Usually feppytweed honchos this gig, but since he’s apparently been waylaid by life\*, I’m going to kick off this year’s exchange. I’ve shamelessly stolen much of the below from a previous year’s announcement. The rules … --- ## [Word search puzzles as spelling aids... it's just so wrong!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-search-puzzles-as-spelling-aids-its-just-so-wrong/554745)
**Author:** [@Looey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Looey)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2011, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-search-puzzles-as-spelling-aids-its-just-so-wrong/554745 "2011-02-26T07:58:45Z")
I didn’t want to hijack JFLuvly’s thread so started a new one on a similar subject. Over the past few years I’ve noticed an astonishing number of word search puzzles in my kids’ homework. It didn’t bother me too much w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1001&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1003&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)