# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1014&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:** 1015 --- ## [Academia: What's the story with "consolation" master's degrees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/academia-whats-the-story-with-consolation-masters-degrees/646058)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/academia-whats-the-story-with-consolation-masters-degrees/646058 "2013-01-07T18:00:58Z")
In this thread and elsewhere, mention is made of so called “consolation” master’s degrees that PhD candidates who are unable to complete their dissertation but who make it to some defined point are awarded. It may even … --- ## [Do hamsters & mice know they aren't actually getting anywhere when they run in a wheel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hamsters-mice-know-they-arent-actually-getting-anywhere-when-they-run-in-a-wheel/627670)
**Author:** [@nesella](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nesella)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2012, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hamsters-mice-know-they-arent-actually-getting-anywhere-when-they-run-in-a-wheel/627670 "2012-07-14T17:47:59Z")
This has bothered me forever. Sometimes my when I try to grab my mice they jump in their wheel and run for their lives. So I wonder if, in general, when they run in it, do they think they are getting some where? Or do th… --- ## [What exactly does "asdf" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-does-asdf-mean/567413)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2011, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-does-asdf-mean/567413 "2011-01-14T16:59:18Z")
Thankfully, I don’t see this acronym here, but I have seen it used on other sites. I know it is the first four letters on the left middle side of the keyboard, but I can’t grasp how that got mutated into whatever contex… --- ## [What should we call the new ninth planet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-we-call-the-new-ninth-planet/743710)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2016, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-we-call-the-new-ninth-planet/743710 "2016-01-26T14:20:47Z")
Ninth? Did they let Pluto back in? Nope, American astronomers at Caltech have found evidence for a new ninth planet beyond the Kuiper Belt, 10 times as massive as Earth, either a super-Earth or mini-Neptune. \*"The group… --- ## [Car Loan: 48, 60, or 72?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-loan-48-60-or-72/527594)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2010, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-loan-48-60-or-72/527594 "2010-02-08T13:39:48Z")
I put this here because I believe that it has an answer. I’m not looking for an opinion, just trying to see if I understand how loans are structured. If I took out a 72 month auto loan, yet paid the 48 month payment, w… --- ## [So, I got laid off today...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-got-laid-off-today/734693)
**Author:** [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2016, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-got-laid-off-today/734693 "2016-01-26T04:12:24Z")
Actually, yesterday, but I didn’t feel like posting yesterday. I was on vacation last week; spent most of Monday catching up on emails, etc. The company had upgraded my laptop a few weeks ago and some of my files had go… --- ## [How do people who say 'gabba-gool' spell capicola?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-who-say-gabba-gool-spell-capicola/706858)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2014, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-who-say-gabba-gool-spell-capicola/706858 "2014-12-13T04:06:21Z")
I heard someone mention ‘gabba-gool’ on the radio today. Since he’s a vegan, he didn’t know what it was (other than something to eat). I knew it’s a regional pronunciation of ‘capicola’ (or ‘capicolo’). That made me w… --- ## [Worst US major sports franchise, recent decades](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-us-major-sports-franchise-recent-decades/684049)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2014, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-us-major-sports-franchise-recent-decades/684049 "2014-03-29T04:20:58Z")
I was idly wondering what franchise in the major US sports leagues (NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL) was the least successful, recently. Obviously, “recently” and “least successful” are both poorly defined in that context. So… what’… --- ## [I just returned my iPad. Anyone else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-returned-my-ipad-anyone-else/539148)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2010, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-returned-my-ipad-anyone-else/539148 "2010-05-17T15:00:23Z")
I just returned my iPad, which I had for about 2 weeks. At the end of the day, I felt it was a crippled device. I bought it so I could browse the web on the couch (among other things), but so many websites just did not … --- ## [How can one be single and NOT have pets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-one-be-single-and-not-have-pets/691178)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2014, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-one-be-single-and-not-have-pets/691178 "2014-06-25T18:37:58Z")
I was having lunch with a friend of mine the other day. The subject of conversation was “being single” to which she says: “…Thanks god for my dogs! If I didn’t have them to talk to I would be absolutely crushed with lone… --- ## [Fatal squid/octopus attacks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatal-squid-octopus-attacks/449300)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2008, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatal-squid-octopus-attacks/449300 "2008-05-16T01:11:22Z")
Have there been any documented fatal attacks on humans by large squid or octopus? --- ## [Bush orders ex-counsel to defy congressional subpoena](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-orders-ex-counsel-to-defy-congressional-subpoena/411438)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2007, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-orders-ex-counsel-to-defy-congressional-subpoena/411438 "2007-07-26T07:47:42Z")
The title says it all. Cite How completely sad. I’m pretty anti-Bush so I am comfortable saying how predictable. But you know what? Arch conservative or way left liberal, it is humiliating to all Americans that the Pre… --- ## [Did we really go to the moon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-we-really-go-to-the-moon/476055)
**Author:** [@keepsakeequine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keepsakeequine)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2008, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-we-really-go-to-the-moon/476055 "2008-12-09T07:02:05Z")
Some of my friends believe that Nasa sending men to the moon in 1969 was an elaborate hoax; only a television production. Is there any way to prove they are wrong? --- ## [What exactly is your sexual orientation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-your-sexual-orientation/733539)
**Author:** [@Futurist110](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futurist110)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-your-sexual-orientation/733539 "2015-10-10T19:28:33Z")
As for me, very slightly bisexual with an overwhelming preference for women. Also, for the record, I myself currently have a male body but identify as genderqueer. In addition to this, please state your gender here as w… --- ## [Glee: 2.09 "Special Education" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-2-09-special-education-open-spoilers/562496)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-2-09-special-education-open-spoilers/562496 "2010-12-08T14:51:13Z")
It’s Sectionals, Kurt’s at Dalton Academy, Karofsky’s back at McKinley, Emma and Carl are back, and so’s Cheyenne Jackson’s character (which means Sunshine should be back too). --- ## [Collunsbury--This is your thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collunsbury-this-is-your-thread/92788)
**Author:** [@capacitor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capacitor)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2001, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collunsbury-this-is-your-thread/92788 "2001-12-07T06:54:44Z")
Ah yes, Collunsbury, the Middle East Expert, the expert on everything, the expert on every subject we haven’t thought of yet, begs to have a pit thread for him. At the risk of being declared insane, I decided to stop his… --- ## [Skid marks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skid-marks/258614)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2004, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skid-marks/258614 "2004-08-10T20:48:21Z")
In this post ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness said: A friend of mine said that her last husband left hash marks on all of his underwear. I’ve heard other women complain about the same thing. What’s the deal with these people… --- ## [Star Wars prequels, did Palpatine know about Anakin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-prequels-did-palpatine-know-about-anakin/612597)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2012, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-prequels-did-palpatine-know-about-anakin/612597 "2012-02-17T17:44:37Z")
In TPM Schmii tells Qui Gon that Anakin was a virgin birth, when he asks her about his father(its clear he is trying to figure out where Anakin’s amazing force potential came from). In ROTS Palpatine tells Anakin about … --- ## [Any major countries with a closed economic system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-major-countries-with-a-closed-economic-system/612957)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2012, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-major-countries-with-a-closed-economic-system/612957 "2012-02-17T11:58:48Z")
The answer’s probably no, so I would also like to know if there’s a decent sized country as close to a closed economy as possible. What I mean by a closed economy is an economy that can do just as well without having to… --- ## [How do fruit flies find my bananas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-fruit-flies-find-my-bananas/445541)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2008, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-fruit-flies-find-my-bananas/445541 "2008-04-25T02:27:29Z")
Do fruit flies actually smell my bananas from outside my house and come inside, or are there tiny fruit fly eggs on my bananas that hatch and create fruit flies? I never see fruit flies unless I have bananas! What is t… --- ## [Male circumcision and masturbation - longer to climax ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-circumcision-and-masturbation-longer-to-climax/685553)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2014, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-circumcision-and-masturbation-longer-to-climax/685553 "2014-04-27T19:22:14Z")
\*\*This is not a thread about the merits or demerits of circumcision or masturbation (please start your own thread if you want to discuss them) \*\* Also - here is the link to all the euphemisms for masturbation - so need t… --- ## [Unintentionally funny scenes in old movies due to "cutting edge" technology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unintentionally-funny-scenes-in-old-movies-due-to-cutting-edge-technology/240025)
**Author:** [@Morbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morbo)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2004, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unintentionally-funny-scenes-in-old-movies-due-to-cutting-edge-technology/240025 "2004-04-20T11:41:13Z")
This thread was inspired by me watching Wall Street recently. In one scene, billionaire Gordon Gekko is walking along the beach, talking to Bud Fox on his \ cellular phone. Trouble is it looks like he’s holding a… --- ## [Is it illegal to secretly record conversations between other coworkers without their consent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-secretly-record-conversations-between-other-coworkers-without-their-consent/659684)
**Author:** [@Questioneverything](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Questioneverything)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2013, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-secretly-record-conversations-between-other-coworkers-without-their-consent/659684 "2013-06-02T19:20:30Z")
In Kentucky is it illegal for a coworker to secretly record private conversations between other coworkers in a public school? This person is not the boss, not the principal or superintendent, and the conversations took p… --- ## [Psychoanalyze this suspect behavior for me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychoanalyze-this-suspect-behavior-for-me/614525)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2012, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychoanalyze-this-suspect-behavior-for-me/614525 "2012-06-26T23:55:05Z")
So I’m watching The First 48 again tonight, and I’ve noticed that it is not uncommon for suspects in the interrogation room to pull their arms completely inside their shirts and huddle up. Why? I assume it’s not becaus… --- ## [Amazing Race 4/17](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-4-17/578751)
**Author:** [@kiz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kiz)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2011, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-4-17/578751 "2011-04-23T02:03:19Z")
Placeholder! From India to Vienna… Eating challenge while in a Ferris wheel (the one in Prater Park, I presume?) Freudian Slips? --- ## [If the Universe is infinite does anything we imagine exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-universe-is-infinite-does-anything-we-imagine-exist/1964)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2016, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-universe-is-infinite-does-anything-we-imagine-exist/1964 "2016-05-01T07:28:36Z")
Here is one to wrap your minds around. If the universe is infinite and life exists on this planet it stands to reason that there is a chance that it exists elsewhere. Taking that chance what ever it happens to be (let’s… --- ## [how hard is learning conversational Korean for Mandarin speakers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-learning-conversational-korean-for-mandarin-speakers/542178)
**Author:** [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2010, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-learning-conversational-korean-for-mandarin-speakers/542178 "2010-06-14T14:32:29Z")
for English speakers learning Spanish is easy, German or Arabic harder, and Russian or Mandarin really hard. So how is Korean for Mandarin speakers? --- ## [Major Storm LUCIFER to Hit Southern California](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-storm-lucifer-to-hit-southern-california/780059)
**Author:** [@RadioWave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadioWave)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-storm-lucifer-to-hit-southern-california/780059 "2017-02-22T18:37:28Z")
If this is my last post… Please tell the authorities to search for my bloated corpse somewhere in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Over two and a half inches of rain are expected to fall in the L.A. area over the next … --- ## [Pitting Westboro Baptist (Probably for the 10th time here)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-westboro-baptist-probably-for-the-10th-time-here/629095)
**Author:** [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-westboro-baptist-probably-for-the-10th-time-here/629095 "2012-08-31T05:36:29Z")
The pain these people cause is beyond measure. --- ## [How much does a horse cost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-a-horse-cost/636774)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2012, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-a-horse-cost/636774 "2012-10-08T22:51:29Z")
I put this here becaus eof the number of variables that people will be throwing at me, and I know little about horses. What I am looking for: the horse should be friendly and be willing to be ridden by me primarily, or… --- ## ["Homosexuality is caused by overcrowding."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality-is-caused-by-overcrowding/375069)
**Author:** [@Syntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syntropy)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2006, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality-is-caused-by-overcrowding/375069 "2006-10-07T19:35:56Z")
That little gem was dropped in my lap this afternoon. Followed quickly by: “If you put too many rats in one cage, they engage in increased male on male homosexuality and violence. It has a purpose, which is to reduce th… --- ## [What country has the best/worst/unique candy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-country-has-the-best-worst-unique-candy/820731)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2018, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-country-has-the-best-worst-unique-candy/820731 "2018-09-18T10:58:26Z")
I have never been a world traveler but I always find it interesting when browsing international stores, trying out different countries candy. Candy seems to be universal and most countries have their own unique tastes. F… --- ## [LORD STANLEY'S CUP.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-stanleys-cup/62158)
**Author:** [@Feynn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Feynn)\ **Replies:** 213\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2001, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-stanleys-cup/62158 "2001-06-10T20:46:00Z")
It’s the good old hockey game, it’s the best game in the land… ~Stompin Tom Connors Playing on the radio lately… Parking off Wayne Gretzky Drive: $5.00 Gold Club Seats: $138.00 Having George Laraque check Mike Modan… --- ## [Enterprise: The Crossing (spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-the-crossing-spoilers/165364)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 313\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2003, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-the-crossing-spoilers/165364 "2003-07-30T14:27:47Z")
Pre-emptive post. It airs in a few days, but already I know this much: Sound good? Sound goo, NCB? --- ## [Spaceport to be established on Earth. Convince us it belongs in Country X.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spaceport-to-be-established-on-earth-convince-us-it-belongs-in-country-x/635087)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2012, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spaceport-to-be-established-on-earth-convince-us-it-belongs-in-country-x/635087 "2012-10-02T00:03:20Z")
Yes, it’s a hypothetical. No poll, though. You’ll see why in a minute. So it turns out that Gene Roddenberry right. Faster-than-light travel and communication are both possible, and there’s thousands of stargoing humano… --- ## [Why is circuit city doing so badly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-circuit-city-doing-so-badly/472074)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2008, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-circuit-city-doing-so-badly/472074 "2008-11-18T15:16:01Z")
Circuit City is now filing for bankruptcy – and they keep closing stores. My question is why are they doing so badly, and for so long? For years they seem to have worse and worse sales, just going in one, the one i went… --- ## [I hate my job but I feel guility about quitting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-my-job-but-i-feel-guility-about-quitting/520301)
**Author:** [@Crowbar\_of\_Irony\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crowbar_of_Irony_3)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2014, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-my-job-but-i-feel-guility-about-quitting/520301 "2014-01-22T20:34:20Z")
As mentioned before, I am planning to resign from my current position and move on to a new job (the new position is more or less secured). However, I am the only software developer on the project, and I feel guility abou… --- ## [Thermostats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thermostats/562784)
**Author:** [@yawetag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yawetag)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2011, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thermostats/562784 "2011-01-10T07:24:49Z")
So, Cecil is telling me that my $1,000,000 idea will also save people money? BRILLIANT! My idea was to have the ability to program a temperature range for your house. For example, in the winter, you set it to be 65-74. … --- ## [2010: Miss. county schools ordered to comply with desegregation order](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-miss-county-schools-ordered-to-comply-with-desegregation-order/536002)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2010, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-miss-county-schools-ordered-to-comply-with-desegregation-order/536002 "2010-04-19T01:59:57Z")
Also known as: Jesus Christ what fucking year is this? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/13/AR2010041302867.html?hpid=topnews Two questions occur to me right away… How did they think they… --- ## [Do children of US citizens always get citizenship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-children-of-us-citizens-always-get-citizenship/524530)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2010, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-children-of-us-citizens-always-get-citizenship/524530 "2010-01-15T09:09:14Z")
A couple of weeks ago, during a family dinner, the subject of Barak Obama’s birth certificate came up. I’ve always thought that the birth certificate controversy was irrelevant, that even if Obama wasn’t born in the Uni… --- ## [Hugo Chavez might be too sick to attend his own inaugural](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hugo-chavez-might-be-too-sick-to-attend-his-own-inaugural/643903)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hugo-chavez-might-be-too-sick-to-attend-his-own-inaugural/643903 "2013-01-19T19:15:45Z")
Or even to leave Cuba for it. It doesn’t look good for him. Chavez has at least had the foresight to name a successor: So, there could be a smooth succession and a continuation of the “Bolivarian Revolution” under es… --- ## [Recommend some lesser-known fantasy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-lesser-known-fantasy/499006)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2009, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-lesser-known-fantasy/499006 "2009-07-17T15:49:15Z")
I read really fast, and I’m always in need of new books. The thing about looking for new stuff on the Web is that they always recommend the authors you already know about. Pratchett, George RR Martin, Robin Hobb- yes, I… --- ## [Dr. Oz promotion of quackery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dr-oz-promotion-of-quackery/665695)
**Author:** [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2014, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dr-oz-promotion-of-quackery/665695 "2014-06-18T16:28:21Z")
Yesterday I was flipping through the channels, and seen where he had numerologist expert Glynis McCant on. Dr. Oz said he first learned about numerology by meeting wise men in India. He said he didn’t learn anything abou… --- ## [CIA Assessment on Russian Election Interference](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cia-assessment-on-russian-election-interference/774564)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2016, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cia-assessment-on-russian-election-interference/774564 "2016-12-16T00:57:35Z")
Secret CIA assessment says Russia was trying to help Trump win White House Trump, predictably, has dismissed this. But it’s a major concern. I think it should be thoroughly investigated, and I’m sure it will be. The i… --- ## [Fallout 4 details](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-4-details/676193)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2013, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-4-details/676193 "2013-12-19T05:50:24Z")
War…war never changes. Even when it’s apparently set in New England. According to casting documents obtained by Kotaku the next Fallout is going to be set in Boston. Those who played through that Rivet City quest in Fal… --- ## ["Some people are looking for reasons to be offended"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-people-are-looking-for-reasons-to-be-offended/776415)
**Author:** [@Maurie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maurie)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2017, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-people-are-looking-for-reasons-to-be-offended/776415 "2017-01-11T22:34:59Z")
DISCLAIMER: I am not in any way offended by this. I do not need to lighten up, relax, untwist my panties, or chill out. I’m just curious. I see this sentiment thrown about regularly, both here and IRL. It seems to be… --- ## [Do gay people believe George Clooney is gay (and beards in 2016)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gay-people-believe-george-clooney-is-gay-and-beards-in-2016/747084)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gay-people-believe-george-clooney-is-gay-and-beards-in-2016/747084 "2016-02-26T23:38:33Z")
First, just to get it out there, I’m very pro-LGBTQ rights, and anyone should be free to be what they want sexually so long as it doesn’t hurt someone else. Second, I care about who is gay only as a matter of curiosity;… --- ## [Good Young-Adult or Easy-Adult Post-Apocalyptic/Zombie Books?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-young-adult-or-easy-adult-post-apocalyptic-zombie-books/606572)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-young-adult-or-easy-adult-post-apocalyptic-zombie-books/606572 "2011-12-23T18:37:30Z")
I’m looking for good post-apocalyptic or zombie books for my teen daughters, who are reluctant readers. So far I’ve got The Stand, Z For Zachariah, and Rise Again. I think World War Z might be a little too disjointed to … --- ## [Question for no-beans chili purists: What about other vegetables?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-no-beans-chili-purists-what-about-other-vegetables/557952)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2010, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-no-beans-chili-purists-what-about-other-vegetables/557952 "2010-10-26T01:08:25Z")
Is it still real chili if it’s made with celery? Corn? Carrots? (I’ve got all these in a no-beans batch I just made, it’s good.) --- ## [Snappy Comebacks for my Passive-Agressive Boss](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snappy-comebacks-for-my-passive-agressive-boss/549063)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2010, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snappy-comebacks-for-my-passive-agressive-boss/549063 "2010-08-06T08:39:19Z")
(well, boss’s boss) I was sitting at my computer and working quietly (the Dope safely hidden in a side tab) when I heard my boss’s boss walk into the room adjacent to my office, sigh loudly, and say, loud enough for me … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1013&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1015&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)