# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1061&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:** 1062 --- ## [South Carolina Still Indebted From the Civil War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-carolina-still-indebted-from-the-civil-war/668072)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2013, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-carolina-still-indebted-from-the-civil-war/668072 "2013-09-09T15:43:14Z")
Le sigh. So my assistant’s boyfriend here in South Carolina is claiming to be very resentful that his state (I’m not native) is still paying debts incurred during the civil war. I know a bit about the civil war and I d… --- ## [Do you carry your cell phone everywhere?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-carry-your-cell-phone-everywhere/551196)
**Author:** [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-carry-your-cell-phone-everywhere/551196 "2010-08-28T15:48:31Z")
I and many other dopers grew up without cell phones, and I think we don’t necessarily feel the need to be reachable 24/7. Do you carry your cell phone everywhere with you? Or do you just grab it when you need to make a… --- ## [We're officially a nation of pussies - Add your examples here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-officially-a-nation-of-pussies-add-your-examples-here/265338)
**Author:** [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2004, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-officially-a-nation-of-pussies-add-your-examples-here/265338 "2004-09-29T13:38:24Z")
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/09/21/flight.canceled.ap/index.html The flight didn’t leave until the next morning. Feel free to add examples, they’re practically everywhere. --- ## [Incoming ICBM, what do you see?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incoming-icbm-what-do-you-see/600378)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2018, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incoming-icbm-what-do-you-see/600378 "2018-08-30T00:52:36Z")
Just finished reading this thread: And I recalled a rather morbid question I’ve wondered about. The scenario: The enemy has launched a nuclear attack on your homeland using ICBM’s and you’ve become aware of that fact.… --- ## [Diablo 3 SDMB Co-op Meetup thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-3-sdmb-co-op-meetup-thread/621925)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2012, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diablo-3-sdmb-co-op-meetup-thread/621925 "2012-09-10T23:16:26Z")
Diablo 3 supports up to 4 player coop (which is underwhelming, down from 8 in D2) with seamless transition between single player and coop, from what I understand. I’m sure there will be lots of dopers playing together, s… --- ## ["If you touch me, I'll kill you." Threat or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-touch-me-ill-kill-you-threat-or-not/353287)
**Author:** [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-touch-me-ill-kill-you-threat-or-not/353287 "2006-04-21T16:11:30Z")
If somebody says “If you touch me, I’ll kill you,” is this a threat that would be against the law? It is contingent upon an action, rather than a direct threat. But, there is a threat in it. So, have there been any court… --- ## [Could new powerful laser pointers distrupt professional sports](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-new-powerful-laser-pointers-distrupt-professional-sports/607251)
**Author:** [@the\_real\_john\_smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_real_john_smith)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2012, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-new-powerful-laser-pointers-distrupt-professional-sports/607251 "2012-01-02T22:16:12Z")
I recently checked out a website that said it had a laser that could shoot for 85miles and could leave the atmosphere that is legal in the u.s http://m.wickedlasers.com/lasers/S3\_Krypton\_Series-113-63.html. so out … --- ## [Childhood is false imprisonment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childhood-is-false-imprisonment/616924)
**Author:** [@Three\_Packs\_a\_Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Three_Packs_a_Day)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2012, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childhood-is-false-imprisonment/616924 "2012-03-28T16:31:10Z")
When a person is young, they believe anything, respect anything (and anyone), obey anyone, etc. because they don’t know better. And the worst part is, there are million of adults out there who take advantage of this. Fo… --- ## [Bread in a can? What is this thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bread-in-a-can-what-is-this-thing/783850)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2017, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bread-in-a-can-what-is-this-thing/783850 "2017-04-17T17:25:25Z")
Watching one of those stupid cook-off competitions on the telly recently, one of the contestants had to incorporate ‘canned bread’ into her menu. She wasn’t terribly thrilled with the idea (ended up making French toast … --- ## [$$$$$Cha-ching! Money made by authors per book sale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cha-ching-money-made-by-authors-per-book-sale/489017)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2009, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cha-ching-money-made-by-authors-per-book-sale/489017 "2009-03-21T14:11:23Z")
I am curious about how much money the average author would make on the sale of a book. Let’s say he is a mid to slightly upper selling author similar to Wilbur Smith. If the hardback costs $25.00 how much is his rake o… --- ## [Taxpayer money should not be used on stadiums](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxpayer-money-should-not-be-used-on-stadiums/737296)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2015, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxpayer-money-should-not-be-used-on-stadiums/737296 "2015-11-17T13:47:45Z")
It is a ridiculous waste of money to use tax funds to build stadiums for teams. Sports teams that make their own profit I might add. Any other business has to pay for its own facilities, why should sports teams be any … --- ## [Why do people like dogs so much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-like-dogs-so-much/453377)
**Author:** [@scrambledeggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scrambledeggs)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2008, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-like-dogs-so-much/453377 "2008-07-03T23:37:45Z")
So why do people like their dogs so much – they treat them better than children, and clean up after their junk, and will do anything to protect them from the real world. What is the attraction that makes people go crazy… --- ## [The King's Speech - Differences between Movie and Reality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kings-speech-differences-between-movie-and-reality/579687)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2011, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kings-speech-differences-between-movie-and-reality/579687 "2011-04-28T19:18:38Z")
I saw The King’s Speech last weekend. Great film. Anyway, as “historical” films frequently take liberties with the truth, can anyone please point out the ways in which TKS differed from the historical record? Also, on … --- ## [Composers whose reputation has changed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/composers-whose-reputation-has-changed/624920)
**Author:** [@Condescending\_Robot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Condescending_Robot)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2012, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/composers-whose-reputation-has-changed/624920 "2012-06-18T06:45:22Z")
Anyone who reads up on the history of classical music hears the story of the “Bach revival,” turning on Felix Mendelssohn’s famous conducting of the St. Matthew’s Passion. Are there other composers who have fallen so in… --- ## [Bathrobes (Need Answer Fast!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathrobes-need-answer-fast/521196)
**Author:** [@tr0psn4j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tr0psn4j)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2009, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathrobes-need-answer-fast/521196 "2009-12-17T06:04:15Z")
Well, how exactly do you use one? I guess when to use one would be a good thing to know as well. I don’t think I’ve ever actually met someone who has used one and while it seemed like a good idea at the time of purchase… --- ## [Coca-Cola syrup as medication.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coca-cola-syrup-as-medication/45506)
**Author:** [@mblackwell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mblackwell)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2000, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coca-cola-syrup-as-medication/45506 "2000-12-15T01:13:33Z")
I have read that Coke is pretty acidic. If this is true, why is it used to treat stomach aches? --- ## [I Am Now Officially Wierd](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-now-officially-wierd/722503)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2015, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-now-officially-wierd/722503 "2015-06-24T19:17:29Z")
I took some KitKat bars and dipped them in Tostito brand chunky salsa. And liked it. I think I may need professional counseling. Does anyone else have my condition? --- ## [Is "fundie" a pejorative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2004, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266 "2004-12-27T15:08:07Z")
Simple question really, inspired by many a thread, including this one. Is the term “fundie” a pejorative? Can something be mainly, mostly, somewhat, slightly pejorative? Does it depend on context for some words? Does… --- ## [Nationalities not ending in "ese," "ish" or "an" (ex. Savoyard)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nationalities-not-ending-in-ese-ish-or-an-ex-savoyard/507939)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2009, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nationalities-not-ending-in-ese-ish-or-an-ex-savoyard/507939 "2009-08-28T18:44:33Z")
The other thread about “The Irish, the Swedish, the Jewish” got me wondering about uncommon suffixes for denoting somebody’s nationality. Most of them are either “ish,” “ese” or “an.” Scottish, Chinese, Italian, etc. Le… --- ## [Complaints From PornoWorld](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complaints-from-pornoworld/116228)
**Author:** [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2002, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complaints-from-pornoworld/116228 "2002-07-06T18:43:11Z")
Boy. Come on folks. Let’s have a crab-in. Just get all your complaints all out in the open. I’ll start. First of all…I live with two girls ok? And we’re friends…and sometimes we like to take baths together. Right?… --- ## [Trees catch on fire by rubbing together?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trees-catch-on-fire-by-rubbing-together/657198)
**Author:** [@weef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/weef)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2013, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trees-catch-on-fire-by-rubbing-together/657198 "2013-05-04T06:12:52Z")
My neighbor has two trees that became tangled with each other and make noise when they rub together in the wind. The noise is an annoyance for the neighbors during the night so they called a tree removal expert for evalu… --- ## [Internal conflict in the Wisconsin Supreme Court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internal-conflict-in-the-wisconsin-supreme-court/989277)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2024, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internal-conflict-in-the-wisconsin-supreme-court/989277 "2024-02-20T19:23:49Z")
Background: I considered putting this in FQ because I’m hoping for a reasonably objective discussion, but it’s inherently political so I chose this forum. Short version: Conservative justices held the majority on the… --- ## [X-files coming back next season? \[Yes!\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/x-files-coming-back-next-season-yes/715646)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2016, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/x-files-coming-back-next-season-yes/715646 "2016-01-25T21:20:35Z")
I don’t care if it kind of sucks, I still support this and think it would be awesome. Apparently, it is with David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Please, no alien conspiracy story. We’ve flown past 2012 already and the… --- ## [sexism in college](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-in-college/467688)
**Author:** [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2014, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-in-college/467688 "2014-02-10T19:56:31Z")
There are no all-white schools so why is it alright to have all-female schools? Can they be sued for discrimination, and can I get a sex change operation (Male to female) and be accepted? --- ## [I guess vegetarian and Runners don't always live longer after all.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-guess-vegetarian-and-runners-dont-always-live-longer-after-all/614531)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2012, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-guess-vegetarian-and-runners-dont-always-live-longer-after-all/614531 "2012-03-04T20:54:45Z")
Quite a buzz on the web since Davy Jones died unexpectedly at 66. He had been a strict vegetarian and Runner for a long time. By all appearances he was the picture of health. Dude died in his sleep and never knew what… --- ## [Why has the NFL dropped the white lines from its footballs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-the-nfl-dropped-the-white-lines-from-its-footballs/515142)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2009, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-the-nfl-dropped-the-white-lines-from-its-footballs/515142 "2009-10-27T16:56:38Z")
Footballs used to have white lines on them. I’ve noticed that the NFL balls no longer have them. How come? --- ## [Is Snapple just MSU now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-snapple-just-msu-now/540132)
**Author:** [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2010, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-snapple-just-msu-now/540132 "2010-05-23T05:35:06Z")
You know the little fun facts that Snapple prints on the inside of its bottle caps. Recently I’ve seen some that seem rather incredible, such as “A cubic mile of fog contains less than a gallon of water” and “Any Rubik’… --- ## [It's time to predict the ruling of King v. Burwell!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-predict-the-ruling-of-king-v-burwell/721482)
**Author:** [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2015, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-predict-the-ruling-of-king-v-burwell/721482 "2015-06-25T20:27:35Z")
I’m sure most people on the Dope have heard about this upcoming Supreme Court ruling. This concerns a case heard in March - vertically integrated into the GOP consciousness by two rightwing zealots - that threatens to t… --- ## [Africans discovered America - they both have pyramids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/africans-discovered-america-they-both-have-pyramids/213694)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2013, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/africans-discovered-america-they-both-have-pyramids/213694 "2013-06-23T22:26:36Z")
In this week’s Commentary, James Randi gives us the report of a man whose little sister, a fourth-grader in Savannah, Georgia, is learning in class: The man goes on to report that he and his family obtained some of the… --- ## [So is this what we can expect if leftists are allowed into Republican events?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368)
**Author:** [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2005, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-this-what-we-can-expect-if-leftists-are-allowed-into-republican-events/297368 "2005-04-22T17:36:59Z")
There has been a lot of concern on these boards for a while now about the practice by the Bush administration to tightly control access to events so that there isn’t a disruption of the event by people with a contrary ag… --- ## [What's the strangest thing that ever happened at your high school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-strangest-thing-that-ever-happened-at-your-high-school/210127)
**Author:** [@The\_Man\_With\_The\_Golden\_Gun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Man_With_The_Golden_Gun)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2003, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-strangest-thing-that-ever-happened-at-your-high-school/210127 "2003-11-04T02:54:29Z")
I figured I’d start this thread after my high school (soon to be former high school, gotta love transfer and open enrollment) had a bit of a sex scandal. Apparently the band director had sex with a 17-year-old female stu… --- ## [Oliphant cartoon lampoons "speaking in tongues" ... out of bounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oliphant-cartoon-lampoons-speaking-in-tongues-out-of-bounds/464049)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2008, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oliphant-cartoon-lampoons-speaking-in-tongues-out-of-bounds/464049 "2008-09-19T22:19:25Z")
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctpolitics/2008/09/readers\_say\_was.html The WP Ombudsman wrote: Was this really so far out of bounds? It is certainly, to borrow the word Pat Oliphant’s syndicate uses to describe hi… --- ## [Paramedics - medic alert bracelets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paramedics-medic-alert-bracelets/372298)
**Author:** [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2006, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paramedics-medic-alert-bracelets/372298 "2006-09-15T02:27:32Z")
This is for all you paramedics and other first-response type emergency medical people. Do you normally check for medic-alert type bracelets? What about necklaces? Is one better than the other? (Better in that you check t… --- ## [Biggest athlete . . . biggest fall from grace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biggest-athlete-biggest-fall-from-grace/840364)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2019, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biggest-athlete-biggest-fall-from-grace/840364 "2019-10-21T02:13:40Z")
Well, the most obvious answer (arguably?) would be OJ Simpson. Looking for highly regarded athletes, not one hit wonders or mediocre jocks who fell through the cracks anyway. Other nominees: Lenny Dykstra— former near … --- ## [My wife wants to try bondage!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-wants-to-try-bondage/728001)
**Author:** [@Figure8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Figure8)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2015, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-wants-to-try-bondage/728001 "2015-08-21T05:08:00Z")
My wife has lately gotten into bondage stuff, and wants me to be a Dom. I have done a little reading to learn about it. Truly though, I’m nervous to try. I don’t have a big imagination when it comes to the bedroom, and b… --- ## [Best of the Beatles: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-of-the-beatles-sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band/682648)
**Author:** [@Octarine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octarine)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2014, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-of-the-beatles-sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band/682648 "2014-03-15T04:29:26Z")
It was forty-seven years ago today That the Beatles took our breath away. They released a groundbreaking album - It was great until the final strum. So may I introduce to you The post you’ve all been waiting for: S… --- ## [Can children be forced by their parents to donate bone marrow/organs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-children-be-forced-by-their-parents-to-donate-bone-marrow-organs/662223)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2013, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-children-be-forced-by-their-parents-to-donate-bone-marrow-organs/662223 "2013-07-02T05:58:08Z")
Last night I ended up on the gross side of youtube. I watched a series of videos from a UK TV show called “Embarrassing Bodies.” Looks like a really great show, for people who are into gross things (which I am, so it is)… --- ## [Dallas County DA - going a bit too far?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dallas-county-da-going-a-bit-too-far/832622)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2020, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dallas-county-da-going-a-bit-too-far/832622 "2020-03-06T18:25:11Z")
So the local district attorney here in Dallas County published an open letter describing the guidelines for his office during his term. https://www.dallascounty.org/Assets/uploads/docs/district-attorney/messages-from-da… --- ## [Beautiful/striking/or interesting brick structures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beautiful-striking-or-interesting-brick-structures/575648)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2011, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beautiful-striking-or-interesting-brick-structures/575648 "2011-03-25T00:26:03Z")
I have to do a presentation in a couple of weeks at a place where the slogan is “building communities one brick at a time”. The brick is the official logo of the initiative. (I didn’t choose it and don’t particularly l… --- ## [Annoying Assumptions About Names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-assumptions-about-names/249461)
**Author:** [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2004, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-assumptions-about-names/249461 "2004-06-21T13:19:38Z")
My first name is James. I don’t usually go by it, using my initials for common everyday correspondence. However, in environments like college and work, official lists need your actual name, not your preferred name. That’… --- ## [Are there any issues a person must agree with you on to be remain your friend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-issues-a-person-must-agree-with-you-on-to-be-remain-your-friend/719869)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2015, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-issues-a-person-must-agree-with-you-on-to-be-remain-your-friend/719869 "2015-05-16T19:27:57Z")
If so, what are they? How many issues are you sufficiently passionate about, and why do they press your buttons so? And now the story that prompted the thread. A while ago, my wife and I invited several friends of ours… --- ## [Bungee jumping!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bungee-jumping/492057)
**Author:** [@I\_Have\_Hippos\_In\_My\_Garden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Have_Hippos_In_My_Garden)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2012, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bungee-jumping/492057 "2012-01-12T00:54:39Z")
I was pondering about random things the other day and I was thinking about what it might feel like to do a bungee jump. Has anyone here done a jump? What does it feel like when you bounce at the bottom and you go bong-d… --- ## [Why aren't prenuptial agreements the norm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-prenuptial-agreements-the-norm/635772)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2012, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-prenuptial-agreements-the-norm/635772 "2012-09-26T20:30:36Z")
I know a lot of people who have gone through divorce. Their stories read like a mix of Kafka and Lovecraft, as directed by David Lynch. I’ve read that 40 to 50 percent of marriages do/will end in divorce. I’m part of t… --- ## [Why does Ed Hardy = Douchebag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-ed-hardy-douchebag/520178)
**Author:** [@BKReporter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BKReporter)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2009, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-ed-hardy-douchebag/520178 "2009-12-19T04:31:44Z")
I went out tonight and noticed a couple of guys who would probably fit the douchebag stereotype wearing these shirts. It made me think back to this thread I started a few months ago. Anyway what is it that makes these s… --- ## [Questions about the Enigma Machine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-enigma-machine/710422)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-enigma-machine/710422 "2015-01-22T18:08:28Z")
The movie ‘The Imitation Game’, which is about Alan Turing and the breaking of the German WWII Enigma code, brought a few questions to mind. Did the Allies have an equivalent ‘unbreakable’ code for their secret messag… --- ## [Democrat Thugs Disrupting Events](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrat-thugs-disrupting-events/632324)
**Author:** [@Chen019](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chen019)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrat-thugs-disrupting-events/632324 "2012-08-25T06:15:12Z")
I wonder how much of a feature of the campaign this will become? Another incident in Virginia: --- ## [How do they trust "digital" slot machines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-trust-digital-slot-machines/693806)
**Author:** [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2014, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-trust-digital-slot-machines/693806 "2014-07-28T00:25:47Z")
On Vegas and on other Casino-lands we see plenty of flashy slots machines that are 100% digital - no mechanical parts, only a screen and a few buttons. Isn’t it really easy to rig those machines to make the house win… a … --- ## [Letterbox eliminator: sign of the apocalypse.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/letterbox-eliminator-sign-of-the-apocalypse/238118)
**Author:** [@Brainiac4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brainiac4)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2004, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/letterbox-eliminator-sign-of-the-apocalypse/238118 "2004-07-09T20:57:24Z")
It’s not bad enough that the morons are winning and every goddamn movie now comes in a fullscreen “all of my TV” version, so I have to be extra-careful every time I go shopping. Come on, people, you’re using all of your … --- ## [Navel piercing = outdated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navel-piercing-outdated/462026)
**Author:** [@Emeria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emeria)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2008, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navel-piercing-outdated/462026 "2008-09-06T00:02:40Z")
Hey all, this has recently come up in conversation, in which the parties in attendance all agreed that a navel piercing has a '90s connection. This was an early 20s group, male and female both. I was surprised by this a… --- ## [Reccommend some historical/fantasy military campaign fiction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reccommend-some-historical-fantasy-military-campaign-fiction/566710)
**Author:** [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2011, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reccommend-some-historical-fantasy-military-campaign-fiction/566710 "2011-10-04T08:48:51Z")
I was recently thinking about the Paksanarrion/Gird novels by Elizabeth Moon and realized that my favorite parts were the mercenary campaigns Paks went on and the campaign portions of the Gird book. I don’t know that th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1060&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1062&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)