# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1012&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:** 1013 --- ## [So what does a hummingbird fight to the death look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-does-a-hummingbird-fight-to-the-death-look-like/665720)
**Author:** [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-does-a-hummingbird-fight-to-the-death-look-like/665720 "2016-06-13T03:34:00Z")
I have hummingbirds at my feeders. Or more specifically, I have one male who’s sure that they are his feeders, and I have a few other hummingbirds who make frequent attempts to fly in under the radar and have a few sip… --- ## [Counterpoint: Pick a FICTIONAL character to be President.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counterpoint-pick-a-fictional-character-to-be-president/543121)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counterpoint-pick-a-fictional-character-to-be-president/543121 "2010-06-18T02:04:13Z")
Here is where you get to pick are Real Live Human. Here is where you get to pick someone from the fictional world to be the President. My rules are there are no rules: They can be from other countries or galaxies! Fi… --- ## [Fallout Episode 8: The Beginning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-episode-8-the-beginning/1000143)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-episode-8-the-beginning/1000143 "2024-07-08T18:29:57Z")
Spoiler policy: Anything in this episode and any previous episodes are open spoilers. Please do not discuss what happens in later episodes in this thread. Rather, go to the thread for that episode and discuss it there. A… --- ## [Raiders Of The Lost Ark Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raiders-of-the-lost-ark-question/710464)
**Author:** [@The\_Winkler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Winkler)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2015, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raiders-of-the-lost-ark-question/710464 "2015-01-23T15:38:43Z")
Pardon my ignorance and my apologies if this has been asked before. I have never really understood the ending of Raiders Of The Lost Ark. So they open the ark and it contains nothing but sand. Belloq is obviously angry. … --- ## [Mafia in Space!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mafia-in-space/200641)
**Author:** [@Aslan\_of\_Narnia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aslan_of_Narnia)\ **Replies:** 189\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2003, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mafia-in-space/200641 "2003-11-16T13:08:04Z")
Game Thread \* A ship hurtles thru space, moving onward to its varied and many destinations. The people for the most part are tourists, a scattered few part of the ship’s crew. However, what neither the crew nor the no… --- ## [Any reason I'd be screwed by not having my own birth certificate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-id-be-screwed-by-not-having-my-own-birth-certificate/629171)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2012, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-id-be-screwed-by-not-having-my-own-birth-certificate/629171 "2012-07-27T05:07:35Z")
I’m not planning to run for president. :smiley: My estranted parents are moving, and my mother emailed me that she has “some important papers” that she didn’t want to either mail to me or leave at my home. I know she’s … --- ## [Wow, I've never seen such moderator kiss-assery on a message board before!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-ive-never-seen-such-moderator-kiss-assery-on-a-message-board-before/404892)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Hildo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Hildo)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-ive-never-seen-such-moderator-kiss-assery-on-a-message-board-before/404892 "2007-05-25T01:58:28Z")
I really don’t have a beef with any particular mod, but Jesus fuckin Christ. Example: Moderator#37: I’ve always said that we are free to rape newborn babies and then kill and consume them. n00b Poster: Mod, you were r… --- ## [How do we know that C02 is a greenhouse gas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-that-c02-is-a-greenhouse-gas/530602)
**Author:** [@figure9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/figure9)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2011, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-that-c02-is-a-greenhouse-gas/530602 "2011-11-13T01:18:00Z")
Everyone knows that carbon dioxide absorbs infra red radiation and warms our planet. But how do we know? Has anyone ever done an experiment that shows CO2 absorbing infra red? --- ## [Why are conservatives so interested in controlling other people's sexuality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-conservatives-so-interested-in-controlling-other-peoples-sexuality/810950)
**Author:** [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2018, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-conservatives-so-interested-in-controlling-other-peoples-sexuality/810950 "2018-03-28T18:01:59Z")
\[N.B. I posed this question in the “Ask A Conservative Asshole” thread several months ago, and it went unanswered and un-noticed; since I really am curious about this issue, I’m floating it as a new topic.\] Why are cons… --- ## [Conventional wisdom that your personal experience has refuted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conventional-wisdom-that-your-personal-experience-has-refuted/712813)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conventional-wisdom-that-your-personal-experience-has-refuted/712813 "2015-02-26T01:26:30Z")
We’ve all been given a bit of advice from friends and family that sounds good on its face. But whether by choice or happenstance, you didn’t take it. And yet the sky didn’t fall. In fact, maybe even the heavens opened… --- ## [Is my understanding of what Papa John's CEO said accurate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-understanding-of-what-papa-johns-ceo-said-accurate/818039)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2018, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-understanding-of-what-papa-johns-ceo-said-accurate/818039 "2018-07-26T21:53:51Z")
I have read several news accounts (and they can be found everywhere) but my understanding of the use of the racial slur was as follows: The CEO was in a meeting addressing the heat that Papa Johns had been taking for sp… --- ## [Chrisley Knows Best and gaydar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chrisley-knows-best-and-gaydar/682306)
**Author:** [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2014, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chrisley-knows-best-and-gaydar/682306 "2014-02-28T06:48:00Z")
Have you seen the trailers for this new reality show? Now, I don’t plan on watching another reality show about some rich family I’ve never heard of. However, am I the only one who’s gaydar started flashing, dinging and… --- ## [manhattan has resigned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-has-resigned/305376)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2005, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-has-resigned/305376 "2005-05-29T22:34:21Z")
Longtime poster and former moderator manhattan has resigned from the Straight Dope Science Advisory Board and is leaving the SDMB. This was his idea, not ours. He writes, “I came to believe that the board wasn’t a comfor… --- ## [What happens if an astronaut dies in space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-an-astronaut-dies-in-space/696713)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2014, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-an-astronaut-dies-in-space/696713 "2014-09-01T17:10:38Z")
Does NASA (edit: or other space agencies) have procedures for dealing with astronaut deaths in space, specifically in regards to body retrieval/in situ burial? If somebody gets killed by a micrometeor, or trips and falls… --- ## [Romney may be Secretary of State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-may-be-secretary-of-state/772465)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2016, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-may-be-secretary-of-state/772465 "2016-11-21T04:53:20Z")
I didn’t think this photo would ever happen. https://www.google.com/amp/amp.usatoday.com/story/94124850/?client=ms-android-motorola Its encouraging to see these three men put aside the harsh words said during the campa… --- ## [Stuff in movies that bugs me. How about you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuff-in-movies-that-bugs-me-how-about-you/412369)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2007, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuff-in-movies-that-bugs-me-how-about-you/412369 "2007-07-25T04:12:46Z")
The best example I can come up with off the top of my head is John Huston in Chinatown. Nicholson’s character’s name is Jake Gittes and he pronounces it as “git-tess” (maybe “git-tiss” for us Southern types) in an obviou… --- ## [What are you expecting from me on Thanksgiving](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-expecting-from-me-on-thanksgiving/204425)
**Author:** [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2003, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-expecting-from-me-on-thanksgiving/204425 "2003-10-05T20:44:23Z")
I put this in the pit because it seems the logical place. I will not be the one to commence hostilities here, though. It satisfy to no end if no one else did, as well. I’ve noticed that Minty has been showing a cite … --- ## [caught in the act stories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caught-in-the-act-stories/77136)
**Author:** [@justinh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justinh)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2001, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caught-in-the-act-stories/77136 "2001-09-18T17:39:23Z")
I am sure this has been covered at some point but not recently. How about stories about being caught in the act? Fresh stories that haven’t been told earlier. And dont try to top the previous post, just tell you story. … --- ## [Innocent words with disturbing etymologies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/innocent-words-with-disturbing-etymologies/711974)
**Author:** [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2015, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/innocent-words-with-disturbing-etymologies/711974 "2015-02-12T05:41:34Z")
Like a lot of four-year-old boys, my son is fascinated with heavy equipment. Most of those big wonderful machines have names that describe their form or function. Front Loader. Excavator. Dump Truck. It’s easy to see … --- ## [Household ammonia -- what's it good for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/household-ammonia-whats-it-good-for/194460)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2003, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/household-ammonia-whats-it-good-for/194460 "2003-08-13T18:04:24Z")
Yes, it’s a question of earth-shattering import. Last week I absent-mindedly purchased a bottle of ammonia, meaning to get bleach. Now, bleach is useful. It keeps both my underwear and my coffee cup from appearing din… --- ## [Is the NBA Draft Lottery unfair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nba-draft-lottery-unfair/582308)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2011, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nba-draft-lottery-unfair/582308 "2011-05-24T14:00:41Z")
In 18 years of the current system used by the NBA Draft Lottery (1000 balls, teams given weighted number of chances based on final record) the team with the worst record has won the 1st overall pick only twice (Cavs in 2… --- ## [Taking back what the Nazis stole.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-back-what-the-nazis-stole/674786)
**Author:** [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2013, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-back-what-the-nazis-stole/674786 "2013-12-01T19:46:39Z")
A lot of things are exclusively identified (by many people) with Hitler and his Nazis, among them are the swastika, the roman salute and the toothbrush mustache. Anyway these things have long histories predating Hitler b… --- ## [what wa sthe incredible metallic/soapy taste in my chinese hot pot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wa-sthe-incredible-metallic-soapy-taste-in-my-chinese-hot-pot/639410)
**Author:** [@scm1001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scm1001)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wa-sthe-incredible-metallic-soapy-taste-in-my-chinese-hot-pot/639410 "2017-09-22T21:29:15Z")
I recently went to Shenzhen and had a “Chilli Chicken” at an umarket restaurant which came as chicken stew intensly colored red. Normally I love chilli hot food, but this had an intense metallic perhaps soapy taste that… --- ## [Elena Kagan should not be confirmed as Justice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elena-kagan-should-not-be-confirmed-as-justice/545398)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2010, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elena-kagan-should-not-be-confirmed-as-justice/545398 "2010-08-05T23:28:04Z")
Looking at this thread, I am struck by the fact that Elena Kagan filed a “friend of the court” brief claiming that even if a prosecutor frames a defendant, said prosecutor should be considered personally inviolate. I … --- ## [Greg Smith and Goldman Sachs -- justified opinion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greg-smith-and-goldman-sachs-justified-opinion/615863)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2012, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greg-smith-and-goldman-sachs-justified-opinion/615863 "2012-03-24T07:03:14Z")
What do you all think of this? Is his opinion justified? I once worked in the finance industry and found it to be quite stifling. I ended up quitting to go into science. --- ## [Can the race of the fetus be determined prenatally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-race-of-the-fetus-be-determined-prenatally/414504)
**Author:** [@Delphine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Delphine)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2007, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-race-of-the-fetus-be-determined-prenatally/414504 "2007-08-08T21:27:47Z")
The thread title is pretty self-explanatory. Can ultrasound, blood work, or even amniocentesis tell the race of a baby? Or would specialized genetic testing have to be arranged? --- ## [Was JFK a Meth Addict?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-jfk-a-meth-addict/577427)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2011, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-jfk-a-meth-addict/577427 "2011-06-14T20:06:03Z")
This month’s isse of “American History” has an article about JFK and his “Dr. Feelgood”. According to the article, Kennedy received regualr injections of some substance that contained methamphetamines…this was done to … --- ## [Rush Limbaugh, most perfect newsman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rush-limbaugh-most-perfect-newsman/398497)
**Author:** [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2007, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rush-limbaugh-most-perfect-newsman/398497 "2007-04-12T20:57:45Z")
Yes, that’s right! Rush Limbaugh is by far the most accurate and most correct person in the news industry. There are so many ways that one can get one’s news and opinions concerning world events. TV, newspapers, the i… --- ## [What is your favourite funny novel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-funny-novel/998832)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2024, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-funny-novel/998832 "2024-04-14T16:36:56Z")
This NYT free article had me questioning what my favourite funny novel is. They give their 22 opinions. I’ve only read six of them, and have never even seen or heard of many of their recommendations. --- ## [Dividing up a vacation rental with friends.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dividing-up-a-vacation-rental-with-friends/669638)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dividing-up-a-vacation-rental-with-friends/669638 "2013-09-27T17:09:08Z")
I’m subscribed to those travel alerts for low fares and 99% off them aren’t good deals. Well, a couple weeks back, there was a great deal. Minneapolis, MN to San Juan, PR round trip for $214 in February on American Airli… --- ## [Holy Fuck, Illuminatiprimus!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-fuck-illuminatiprimus/473100)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-fuck-illuminatiprimus/473100 "2008-11-20T08:49:17Z")
Don’t know how to post a quote in a different thread, so Post 26. What the fuck, man? Calling me out in a thread about a thread that we derailed? You didn’t even quote what I said! You totally misrepresented my argu… --- ## [I've never eaten Hamburger Helper...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-never-eaten-hamburger-helper/588531)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2011, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-never-eaten-hamburger-helper/588531 "2011-07-12T16:00:25Z")
Am I missing anything? :confused: --- ## [The Hags of the Straight Dope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hags-of-the-straight-dope/19460)
**Author:** [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Replies:** 254\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2001, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hags-of-the-straight-dope/19460 "2001-06-12T20:26:20Z")
In a recent thread, a poster stated the following: Now, I am not sure which ladies this poster was referring to as “hags,” but I was obviously one of them. Upon reviewing the thread, I realized that that I was in very … --- ## [No, seriously. What the hell do you pay State income taxes for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-seriously-what-the-hell-do-you-pay-state-income-taxes-for/565014)
**Author:** [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2010, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-seriously-what-the-hell-do-you-pay-state-income-taxes-for/565014 "2010-12-28T11:28:44Z")
First off, I am not a teabagger dumbshit who thinks that taxation is bad, and is theft, bla bla bla. I’m quite staunchly in favor of collective bootstrapping - i.e. taxing everyone to provide for everyone. However, I am… --- ## [Most Clueless Depiction of Hippies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-clueless-depiction-of-hippies/504583)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2009, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-clueless-depiction-of-hippies/504583 "2009-08-01T16:35:27Z")
Not that I’m a big fan of hippies, but in the late 60’s/early 70’s, there was a plethora of mainstream media pathetic attempts to portray them in dramas and comedies. Which was the worst? My vote goes to The Lucy Show.… --- ## [The Big Bang Theory, October 24, 2013 -- "The Romance Resonance"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-october-24-2013-the-romance-resonance/672103)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2013, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-october-24-2013-the-romance-resonance/672103 "2013-10-26T22:07:39Z")
I am starting this thread in anticipation of tonight’s episode. --- ## [Words that make you sound stupid if you pronounce them the way they're spelled](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-make-you-sound-stupid-if-you-pronounce-them-the-way-theyre-spelled/278933)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2004, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-make-you-sound-stupid-if-you-pronounce-them-the-way-theyre-spelled/278933 "2004-12-30T19:33:05Z")
I’m trying to put together a list for a family member who isn’t a lifelong English speaker. She was reading something aloud in her college class and came across the word “indict”. She pronounced it the way its spelled … --- ## [Lord help me, I agree with Sarah Palin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-help-me-i-agree-with-sarah-palin/539361)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2010, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-help-me-i-agree-with-sarah-palin/539361 "2010-05-18T02:27:48Z")
At least for the first 3 paragraphs, anyway. Then she moves on to her usual wingnut talking points. But really, keeping a high school girls’ basketball team from playing in a tournament because you don’t like a law in t… --- ## [DDDOOOOOOOMMMM! Ver. 64586: Asteroid Apophis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dddooooooommmm-ver-64586-asteroid-apophis/570607)
**Author:** [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2011, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dddooooooommmm-ver-64586-asteroid-apophis/570607 "2011-02-09T21:44:39Z")
April 13, 2036. That’s how long you’ve got, folks. At least according to some Russian scientists, that is. It seems that they believe there is a non-zero chance that Asteroid Apophis, which will just miss us in 2029, co… --- ## [What non-alcoholic drink do non-drinkers order in bars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-alcoholic-drink-do-non-drinkers-order-in-bars/365553)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2006, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-alcoholic-drink-do-non-drinkers-order-in-bars/365553 "2006-07-25T20:07:20Z")
If you never frequent bars ordinarily, but friends happen to take you to one? I never know what to ask for. What I really want, San Pellegrino, isn’t always available. Perrier could substitute for that, but it isn’t alwa… --- ## [Have you known many people that lied/boasted regularly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-known-many-people-that-lied-boasted-regularly/583290)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2011, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-known-many-people-that-lied-boasted-regularly/583290 "2011-05-29T22:58:38Z")
I recall a family in my neighborhood that that always told these exaggerated lies about the success of their furniture store. The father seem to lie about anything he did. He was always the best and most successful at ev… --- ## [Relative popularity of lamb/mutton in American cuisine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relative-popularity-of-lamb-mutton-in-american-cuisine/480317)
**Author:** [@sundog66](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sundog66)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2009, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relative-popularity-of-lamb-mutton-in-american-cuisine/480317 "2009-01-10T04:49:41Z")
My impression is that lamb and mutton are not as popular in American cuisine as they are in the cuisine of many other countries. Why is this? According to a friend of mine, it is because lamb is too flavorful and Americ… --- ## [Dopers are banned from using "whomever"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-are-banned-from-using-whomever/526659)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-are-banned-from-using-whomever/526659 "2010-02-03T04:41:08Z")
…until you learn to use it correctly: Predicate nominative. Predicate Nominative. Subject of “to make”. Subject of “had”. Subject of “would have looked”. And these were just the first 5 of 6 threads I clicked … --- ## [What Did Your Parents Teach You About Masturbation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-your-parents-teach-you-about-masturbation/516598)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2009, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-your-parents-teach-you-about-masturbation/516598 "2009-11-15T04:34:20Z")
Inspired by several ongoing threads about this topic going on at the Dope: What did your parents teach you about masturbation? My dad, for whatever reason, didn’t address this subject when he and I had “the talk,” so I … --- ## [It was 25 years ago today that Marty McFly went back in time.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-was-25-years-ago-today-that-marty-mcfly-went-back-in-time/558411)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2010, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-was-25-years-ago-today-that-marty-mcfly-went-back-in-time/558411 "2010-10-28T11:32:53Z")
On Oct. 26, 1985, he set out from Twin Pines Mall in Hill Valley for 1955. Truly a red letter day in science. Also iirc, Doc had originally planned to travel to 2010. But he thought 30 was a nice round number so went… --- ## [Gene dilution over generations: does Elizabeth II have any of The Conqueror's Genes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-dilution-over-generations-does-elizabeth-ii-have-any-of-the-conquerors-genes/602307)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2011, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-dilution-over-generations-does-elizabeth-ii-have-any-of-the-conquerors-genes/602307 "2011-11-10T15:31:36Z")
From The Selfish Gene by the Dawkster: Is that true? How could those billions of ‘genes’ down to the last have disappeared over just 1000 years? Does that mean she really isn’t related to him anymore than I am? (I have… --- ## [Did George III ever say anything after Washington retired?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-george-iii-ever-say-anything-after-washington-retired/640968)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2012, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-george-iii-ever-say-anything-after-washington-retired/640968 "2012-11-15T16:13:38Z")
There’s a famous exchange that occurred at the end of the American Revolution. As the war was ending, there was speculation about what kind of country the newly independent America would become and many people assumed Wa… --- ## [Let me tell you about some stupid shit I did](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-tell-you-about-some-stupid-shit-i-did/687754)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2014, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-tell-you-about-some-stupid-shit-i-did/687754 "2014-11-04T20:51:36Z")
My wife woke up one morning to discover one of her eyes was swollen shut. It was pink eye, and we knew it was pinkeye. We were unable to make an appointment with her doctor, and decided to go to the MedCheck center for c… --- ## [Does coal float in water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-coal-float-in-water/426307)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2007, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-coal-float-in-water/426307 "2007-11-15T17:57:41Z")
Does coal float in water? I’ve got a bet on this with my housemate. Because I’m a dork. --- ## [Cheer me up: send a cheery message from your country, and or state.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheer-me-up-send-a-cheery-message-from-your-country-and-or-state/695669)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2014, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheer-me-up-send-a-cheery-message-from-your-country-and-or-state/695669 "2014-08-22T11:51:04Z")
Send me a cheery message from your specified location, in your own vernacular. I need some support right now. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1011&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1013&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)