# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1020&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:** 1021 --- ## [Pop Culture Pulse Check](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-culture-pulse-check/557559)
**Author:** [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2010, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-culture-pulse-check/557559 "2010-10-29T16:40:40Z")
In another thread, someone asserted that Neil Gaiman was part of “pop culture.” In order to get some feeling for whether this is the case, I’ve established the following poll, with the understanding that the SDMB isn’t n… --- ## [Baby's Own soap discontinued?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babys-own-soap-discontinued/535596)
**Author:** [@Ultraviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ultraviolet)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2019, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babys-own-soap-discontinued/535596 "2019-12-29T18:44:12Z")
My fiancee introduced me to this wonderful soap - it is extremely gentle, and non-drying. She has been using it for years, since anything else seems to make her break out in a rash. Lately I haven’t been able to find i… --- ## [What will the Republican Party be like post-Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-republican-party-be-like-post-trump/833574)
**Author:** [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2019, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-republican-party-be-like-post-trump/833574 "2019-05-15T13:31:48Z")
A recent poll shows ~90% of Republicans approve the job Trump has done. He has strong - somewhat sycophantic - support among Congressional Republicans. People like Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz and Rand Paul who ridiculed him… --- ## [Have you ever been kicked out of a bar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-kicked-out-of-a-bar/416550)
**Author:** [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2007, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-kicked-out-of-a-bar/416550 "2007-09-01T01:31:44Z")
I was once. I was probably 23 years old and was downtown Worcester at a bar called Sh-Booms with 5 (or so) friends. I had on a white shirt that said “Freak” across the front (this will come up later). Let it be known … --- ## [3D movies - here to stay or soon to vanish again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-movies-here-to-stay-or-soon-to-vanish-again/501901)
**Author:** [@TheMadHun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheMadHun)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2009, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-movies-here-to-stay-or-soon-to-vanish-again/501901 "2009-07-14T06:24:40Z")
Will 3-D movies really draw people back from DVD’s ? That’s the hope of theaters investing in expensive new equipment. Will it go mainstream, with name stars and normal plots instead of just cartoons and ones picked to … --- ## [The US is currently attacking Caracas (Venezuela), has captured Maduro](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-is-currently-attacking-caracas-venezuela-has-captured-maduro/1026296)
**Author:** [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Replies:** 339\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2026, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-is-currently-attacking-caracas-venezuela-has-captured-maduro/1026296 "2026-08-30T11:49:35Z")
Lots of airstrikes and helicopters. Bluesky is suggesting it’s likely to be a snatch and grab attempt on Maduro. Fucking wild. Puzzlegal edited to add: This is a general discussion thread. A breaking news thread has … --- ## [How many watts would the Human body consume if it ran on electricity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-watts-would-the-human-body-consume-if-it-ran-on-electricity/293835)
**Author:** [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2011, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-watts-would-the-human-body-consume-if-it-ran-on-electricity/293835 "2011-06-29T14:49:52Z")
If the Human body ran on electricity, how many watts would it consume per day? --- ## [Ask the Probation Officer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-probation-officer/476780)
**Author:** [@Don\_t\_Call\_Me\_Shirley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Call_Me_Shirley)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2012, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-probation-officer/476780 "2012-03-30T00:24:19Z")
I’ve been a probation officer for a little over 11 years. Anybody have any questions for me? --- ## ["Convenience" products and services that do the opposite](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convenience-products-and-services-that-do-the-opposite/812173)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2018, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convenience-products-and-services-that-do-the-opposite/812173 "2018-04-16T22:56:35Z")
What are products and services that promise “convenience” but in practice have the opposite effect? Example: I’ve never seen Apple Pay work correctly. It’s supposed to be this new innovation that’s going to make purcha… --- ## [Underrated Movie Recommendation Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underrated-movie-recommendation-thread/646056)
**Author:** [@chargerrich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chargerrich)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underrated-movie-recommendation-thread/646056 "2013-01-19T19:14:20Z")
So many great movies get missed by the masses because they do not have enough commercial success. Others achieve cult status but still might be under the radar of the majority of casual movie watchers. This thread is de… --- ## [Afghani Islam , Its All About Masturbation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/afghani-islam-its-all-about-masturbation/491811)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2009, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/afghani-islam-its-all-about-masturbation/491811 "2009-04-07T18:39:38Z")
If you need a fucking law to force your woman to have intercourse, then all you’re doing is masturbating. Check these new proposed laws that Karzai signed off on. What the fuck are we fighting for over there? These pe… --- ## [The Cognitive Dissonance of North Dakota (yet another health care thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cognitive-dissonance-of-north-dakota-yet-another-health-care-thread/533465)
**Author:** [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2010, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cognitive-dissonance-of-north-dakota-yet-another-health-care-thread/533465 "2010-03-24T16:47:05Z")
N. Dakota is peculiar in its politics. According to Wikipedia, the Republican party has held the Governor’s office since 1992 and they traditionally vote Republican in the presidential election, including 2008. However, … --- ## [What is your area's nickname?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-areas-nickname/572387)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2011, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-areas-nickname/572387 "2011-03-06T03:53:21Z")
Inspired by this thread, what is the nickname of your local region? Here in Tacoma you can refer to this region as “west side” (anything west of the Cascades), “the Sound” (Everett to Olympia), or “the South Sound” (jus… --- ## [Why do WWE wrestlers have such small](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-wwe-wrestlers-have-such-small/412628)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2007, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-wwe-wrestlers-have-such-small/412628 "2007-07-21T22:05:12Z")
penises? Steroids? Peace, mangeorge --- ## [New NASA night view of US - what are those things?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-nasa-night-view-of-us-what-are-those-things/643348)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-nasa-night-view-of-us-what-are-those-things/643348 "2012-12-12T10:36:58Z")
Found this image on a NASA site. http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/05dec\_earthatnight/ It’s a recently updated view of the US at night. Two questions arise for me - 1) are all the little light … --- ## [Joelle Lockwood rescued 2 months after abduction living in a cage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joelle-lockwood-rescued-2-months-after-abduction-living-in-a-cage/697832)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2014, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joelle-lockwood-rescued-2-months-after-abduction-living-in-a-cage/697832 "2014-09-11T20:28:14Z")
This is my nomination for the years strangest abduction and rescue. :slight\_smile: This couple really thought this guy wouldn’t react to them keeping a sex slave? :smack: Glad he stepped up and got her out of there. h… --- ## [IF it is obvious that Biden should step aside, who should take his place?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-it-is-obvious-that-biden-should-step-aside-who-should-take-his-place/1003462)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2024, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-it-is-obvious-that-biden-should-step-aside-who-should-take-his-place/1003462 "2024-07-21T19:22:55Z")
I see that some here think that Biden should step aside, but who specifically do you think should step up to do the job of beating Trump this fall? If there is a consensus here on a particular candidate then perhaps my … --- ## [EXTREMELY Violent, Pornographic, or In Really REALLY Poor Taste PC Games?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extremely-violent-pornographic-or-in-really-really-poor-taste-pc-games/500138)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2009, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extremely-violent-pornographic-or-in-really-really-poor-taste-pc-games/500138 "2009-06-24T15:26:38Z")
In this thread we’re discussing the fact that platform developers (Sony, Nintendo) have veto power over the content of games released for their consoles, but that the PC market is basically wide open. I’m curious: have … --- ## [Would using a 5.7V charger on a phone that officially has a 5V phone cause problems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-using-a-5-7v-charger-on-a-phone-that-officially-has-a-5v-phone-cause-problems/647673)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2013, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-using-a-5-7v-charger-on-a-phone-that-officially-has-a-5v-phone-cause-problems/647673 "2013-02-13T02:03:55Z")
My cell phone’s official (re: name brand) charger has an output of 5V and 1000ma. My old cell phone had a charger with the same charging port (micro USB) and it has a 5.7V, 700ma output. So I was wanting to use my old ph… --- ## [People who finish other people's sentences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-finish-other-peoples-sentences/710006)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2015, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-finish-other-peoples-sentences/710006 "2015-03-20T02:28:16Z")
It happened again today. I held a meeting with the people in my group, including the manager. Something has been bugging me about a couple of people lately, one of them being the manager. They finish other people’s se… --- ## [What kind of laundry detergent do you use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-laundry-detergent-do-you-use/598523)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2011, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-laundry-detergent-do-you-use/598523 "2011-10-07T12:47:45Z")
What kind of laundry detergent do you use? Laundry detergent tends to be something that people are either extremely picky about or don’t care at all. Some people just use whatever is the cheapest in the aisle, or whatev… --- ## [Atheists: Do you believe you are an atheist because you are smart?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-do-you-believe-you-are-an-atheist-because-you-are-smart/839238)
**Author:** [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2019, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-do-you-believe-you-are-an-atheist-because-you-are-smart/839238 "2019-09-01T00:19:10Z")
Tell me. --- ## [What happens if an heir/executor refuses to have anything to do with the estate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-an-heir-executor-refuses-to-have-anything-to-do-with-the-estate/522027)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2009, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-an-heir-executor-refuses-to-have-anything-to-do-with-the-estate/522027 "2009-12-21T18:45:17Z")
What happens if an heir and/or executor refuses to have anything to do with the estate? For example John Doe Sr. dies and leaves the bulk (or entirety) of his estate to his estranged son John Doe Jr. Junior doesn’t… --- ## [Spider-Man teams up with the MCU](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spider-man-teams-up-with-the-mcu/712281)
**Author:** [@Wolverine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolverine)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2015, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spider-man-teams-up-with-the-mcu/712281 "2015-03-24T21:48:50Z")
News here. It’s official that Spider-Man will be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sony will be retaining the movie rights (creative control and distribution) to the character but a deal has been struck to have Spi… --- ## [SDMB FOOTIE FOCUS: September](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-footie-focus-september/198942)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 250\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2003, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-footie-focus-september/198942 "2003-10-01T14:15:55Z")
Since the “Footie support group” thread was a little out of date, I thought I would start a new one each month specifically for discussing all aspects of the beautiful game, including individual member’s performances in … --- ## [I doubt the existence of ghosts/God/supernatural things will ever be factually proved](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-doubt-the-existence-of-ghosts-god-supernatural-things-will-ever-be-factually-proved/475750)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2008, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-doubt-the-existence-of-ghosts-god-supernatural-things-will-ever-be-factually-proved/475750 "2008-12-11T21:31:16Z")
I almost started this in GD but then I figured I didn’t want a huge debate about it. After all, I’m not here to debate it. But I was thinking about this off and on for the past five or six years. I’m positive that ther… --- ## [wanting a tattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanting-a-tattoo/571891)
**Author:** [@phoenix11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phoenix11)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2011, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanting-a-tattoo/571891 "2011-02-24T16:37:23Z")
I have been wanting to get a tattoo forever but was never sure what of. I have an idea in my head and needa get more opinions about it. The tattoo would look something like this http://3.bp.blogspot.com/\_vtyo4Tlz\_k0/SNm… --- ## [The word Shiksa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-word-shiksa/973444)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2022, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-word-shiksa/973444 "2022-11-01T15:50:35Z")
Recently I started a thread that asked if other languages have non-derogatory words like Shiksha and Gentiles that Jews used. @puzzlegal points out that Shiksa is derogatory Then I ask her to moderate a post where thi… --- ## [Lack of trust in women is still a huge problem (a very sad rape story)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lack-of-trust-in-women-is-still-a-huge-problem-a-very-sad-rape-story/740691)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2019, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lack-of-trust-in-women-is-still-a-huge-problem-a-very-sad-rape-story/740691 "2019-09-11T13:23:42Z")
Here is the link to the story. It is quite long – here is how I would sum it up: A teenage girl who had a rough and troubled early life was assaulted in her home. She reports it to the police. In their interviews with … --- ## [Survivor April 6 2011 "This Game Respects Big Moves"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-6-2011-this-game-respects-big-moves/577473)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2011, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-6-2011-this-game-respects-big-moves/577473 "2011-04-09T23:24:16Z")
Spoilers after this post. --- ## [Etiquette for looking into people's houses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etiquette-for-looking-into-peoples-houses/638887)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etiquette-for-looking-into-peoples-houses/638887 "2012-10-27T02:16:56Z")
I really enjoy the evening time. It’s dark outside, but bright inside. Many people leave their curtains open, for the world to view their personal lives. I enjoy looking through people’s houses from my car. I like to tak… --- ## [Next debate suspended over 'gotcha' questions per RNC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-debate-suspended-over-gotcha-questions-per-rnc/736213)
**Author:** [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2015, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-debate-suspended-over-gotcha-questions-per-rnc/736213 "2015-11-03T19:17:16Z")
GOP tells NBC next debate suspended over ‘gotcha’ questions It seems the Republicans want softballs pitched at them from the moderators during the debates. I’m wondering if it’s because they are afraid their field of … --- ## [The Pirate's story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pirates-story/492910)
**Author:** [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2009, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pirates-story/492910 "2009-04-20T04:24:40Z")
Just a little disclaimer this is not my opinion but an article I have just recently read that showed the pirates side of things. Thought it might be worth a read: http://www.sfbayview.com/2009/you-are-being-lied-to-abou… --- ## [Why does the U.S. spend so much on health care?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-u-s-spend-so-much-on-health-care/533663)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2010, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-u-s-spend-so-much-on-health-care/533663 "2010-03-25T20:15:38Z")
Hopefully, there is a GQ answer to this question. I am told that the U.S. spends much more proportionally than other industrialized nations on health care with little extra to show for it. First of all, is this proposi… --- ## [Should I be conserving water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-conserving-water/745552)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2016, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-conserving-water/745552 "2016-02-19T03:21:29Z")
During the SuperBowl yesterday, they ran an ad about conserving water, making me feel bad because I let the water run while I brush my teeth. But then I got to thinking, would it matter if I didn’t? I know that if I li… --- ## [What’s the smallest change you made in your life that made the biggest difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-smallest-change-you-made-in-your-life-that-made-the-biggest-difference/995345)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-smallest-change-you-made-in-your-life-that-made-the-biggest-difference/995345 "2024-02-05T18:14:16Z")
Soon people will be resolving this or that. But small resolutions are the easiest to keep. The article below may or may not inspire you. But it is time to tell the world what worked for you! --- ## [Anyone else get celebrities confused?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-get-celebrities-confused/543183)
**Author:** [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-get-celebrities-confused/543183 "2010-06-17T16:45:00Z")
I was perusing the “Jimmy Dean is dead” thread, which by the way has the best pun ever in it… … and someone made the reference: which applies to the OTHER James Dean. It WAS confusing having two celebs with the same… --- ## [How are baseball announcers able to distinguish different pitch types?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-baseball-announcers-able-to-distinguish-different-pitch-types/618137)
**Author:** [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-baseball-announcers-able-to-distinguish-different-pitch-types/618137 "2012-04-14T04:03:49Z")
I can definitely tell the difference between a fastball and a curveball, and sometimes I can even guess correctly that a pitch was a slider. However, there are so many other types of pitches, like changeups, split-finge… --- ## [Let's talk Dim Sum.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-dim-sum/755225)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2016, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-dim-sum/755225 "2016-05-29T22:41:53Z")
So I went to a Chinese restaurant yesterday. They had ladies there pushing around the carts. I wound up ordering an entree off the menu. Mainly because the Dim Sum card they dropped on my table was all in Chinese, and of… --- ## [If the USS Enterprise had been an actual military vessel...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-uss-enterprise-had-been-an-actual-military-vessel/724479)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2015, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-uss-enterprise-had-been-an-actual-military-vessel/724479 "2015-07-09T21:09:13Z")
There wouldn’t have been whole families on board. The helmsman would repeat navigation changes. The high ranking officers wouldn’t leave on “away missions”. Are away missions even a real thing? Please continue. --- ## [Espresso machines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/espresso-machines/713588)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2015, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/espresso-machines/713588 "2015-10-18T19:18:31Z")
I’m in the market for an espresso machine. Anything I should know? They go from 50$ to 1000$. How do they differ? What do the more expensive machines do that the cheaper ones don’t? What types of coffee work best in e… --- ## [Help me decorate my sex room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-sex-room/116748)
**Author:** [@The\_Mermaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Mermaid)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2002, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-sex-room/116748 "2002-07-04T00:55:22Z")
I seem to be in a perpetual state of lust lately and frankly we are getting tired of making love in our bedroom. So yesterday after finding the big brass bed in the guest bedroom a refreshing change of pace from our wat… --- ## [Godlike Powers, Human Mind: What Would You Do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/godlike-powers-human-mind-what-would-you-do/686963)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2014, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/godlike-powers-human-mind-what-would-you-do/686963 "2014-04-29T15:41:07Z")
Thought experiment: you have super powers. You can do fucking ANYTHING without consequence to yourself or those you care about. You can make every human being on Earth float upside down and sing “I’ve Got A Loverly Bunch… --- ## [Are hotels in Dubai and others in the mideast welcoming to Jews?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-hotels-in-dubai-and-others-in-the-mideast-welcoming-to-jews/665607)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2013, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-hotels-in-dubai-and-others-in-the-mideast-welcoming-to-jews/665607 "2013-09-12T13:03:24Z")
I’ve always wondered - if people who are Jewish want to experience the wonders of, say, Dubai, are they welcome in the UAE? In Dubai? In various venues and accommodations? Are there any restrictions on their opportuni… --- ## [Viewing audience for "The Wire," by race.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viewing-audience-for-the-wire-by-race/480403)
**Author:** [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viewing-audience-for-the-wire-by-race/480403 "2009-01-16T02:47:27Z")
I’ve been reading a bit of stuff online about The Wire, and in a few places i’ve come across some general statements regarding the show’s audience on HBO. A few of these have said, without providing any figures, that the… --- ## [HAL 9000 Playing Chess in 2001](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hal-9000-playing-chess-in-2001/626465)
**Author:** [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hal-9000-playing-chess-in-2001/626465 "2012-07-07T15:32:31Z")
How “futuristic” was a chess playing computer at the time 2001 came out? I turn 30 this year, and I begin to think that I “missed” most of the wow factor of the scene. I then read a book, from the same time period, tha… --- ## [Area 51: No ETs, but the truth is even weirder?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/area-51-no-ets-but-the-truth-is-even-weirder/584946)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2011, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/area-51-no-ets-but-the-truth-is-even-weirder/584946 "2011-06-14T01:30:09Z")
Investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen recently published Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base. Based in large part on interviews with retired Area 51 personnel. She claims astonishing … --- ## [What causes "Ethiopian Pot Belly"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-ethiopian-pot-belly/71196)
**Author:** [@Sultan\_Kinkari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sultan_Kinkari)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2001, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-ethiopian-pot-belly/71196 "2001-07-06T18:37:08Z")
We’ve all seen the emaciated poor souls with the paunchy bellies. If they havn’t had much to eat in a while, or ever for that matter, what makes their bellies pop out? Is it all fluid, like water? And if so, does their … --- ## [What is Your Skin Color?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-skin-color/750102)
**Author:** [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2016, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-skin-color/750102 "2016-06-06T19:38:41Z")
This is a bit of a tricky question, if the Mods delete it I won’t argue. We have a lot of questions about age and sexual preferences but I can’t recall any about the ethnicity or skin color of Dopers. My skin would be d… --- ## [What the hell is wrong with my thumb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-my-thumb/319559)
**Author:** [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2016, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-my-thumb/319559 "2016-07-04T15:27:15Z")
I first noticed the pain on Saturday. It was a mild ache, so I thought I slept on my hand weird or something and it would go away. But no, it just grew worse and worse. Early Tuesday morning I woke up because my thumb fu… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1019&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1021&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)