# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1183&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:** 1184 --- ## [What are your main beefs w/ Atheism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-main-beefs-w-atheism/408777)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2007, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-main-beefs-w-atheism/408777 "2007-06-26T15:54:51Z")
Atheism or anti-christianity, that is. This is, of course, a response to the “main beefs w/ Christianity” thread. My main beef is a lack of understanding of where we christians are coming from. They assign us beliefs … --- ## [What other forms of mass media did older generations complain about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-forms-of-mass-media-did-older-generations-complain-about/673939)
**Author:** [@Earth001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earth001)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2014, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-forms-of-mass-media-did-older-generations-complain-about/673939 "2014-01-09T05:07:10Z")
It seems like a lot of older people and parents often like to complain about the things that the younger generation enjoys. I am not so sure if this is a recent phenomenon or has this been going on through human history.… --- ## [Poor Sleeping in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-sleeping-in-the-mmp/817989)
**Author:** [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Replies:** 222\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2018, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-sleeping-in-the-mmp/817989 "2018-07-23T02:12:43Z")
Well, again I took a much longer nap in the afternoon (from 5-9PM) which finds me awake at this hour to start the MMP (it’s 0020 here). So this is the week to complain about too little (or on the rare occasions, too muc… --- ## [3 undersea cables cut in 3 days ... coincidence, or prelude to some action?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-undersea-cables-cut-in-3-days-coincidence-or-prelude-to-some-action/435923)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2008, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-undersea-cables-cut-in-3-days-coincidence-or-prelude-to-some-action/435923 "2008-02-06T16:27:57Z")
Third undersea Internet cable cut in Mideast Interestingly, it appears that Iran’s traffic has been severely impacted (i.e., cut to zero). So, is this just coincidental? Or is someone (the U.S. military or the IDF com… --- ## [Does a cylinder have any corners?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-cylinder-have-any-corners/436533)
**Author:** [@Morrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morrison)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2008, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-cylinder-have-any-corners/436533 "2008-02-07T22:06:54Z")
I say it has 2 corners because the definition of a corner is “the position at which two lines, surfaces, or edges meet and form an angle”. Therefore, it seems to me that each edge where the top and bottom circles meet t… --- ## [Electoral College ties 269-269 Any chance Romney is not elected by House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electoral-college-ties-269-269-any-chance-romney-is-not-elected-by-house/634392)
**Author:** [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electoral-college-ties-269-269-any-chance-romney-is-not-elected-by-house/634392 "2012-09-16T17:39:14Z")
It is a hypothetical, and a lot of the numbers say achieving a 269-269 tie would be mathematically difficult… but just suppose. It is my understanding that such an election would be thrown to the House of Representativ… --- ## [Car shopping: what happens during a test drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-shopping-what-happens-during-a-test-drive/331617)
**Author:** [@E.Thorp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E.Thorp)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2005, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-shopping-what-happens-during-a-test-drive/331617 "2005-11-20T20:43:19Z")
After 22 years as a licensed driver, I am finally buying a new car on my own. This Saturday (November 19) I will be test-driving several models of Toyota and Honda. But what the heck is supposed to happen? I’ve never te… --- ## [Can people win a law suit against Harold Camping for damages caused by the world not ending?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-people-win-a-law-suit-against-harold-camping-for-damages-caused-by-the-world-not-ending/582703)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2011, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-people-win-a-law-suit-against-harold-camping-for-damages-caused-by-the-world-not-ending/582703 "2011-05-26T05:43:40Z")
There is no shortage of stories in the media about how people sold possessions, spent their savings, incurred debts, quit jobs and other things along those lines in anticipation of the world ending today. Since we’re al… --- ## [Evolution of graphics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-of-graphics/511142)
**Author:** [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2009, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-of-graphics/511142 "2009-09-28T22:21:48Z")
I randomly found this website that shows a bunch of screenshots from different generations of video games. For example: they’ll show a screenshot from Resident Evil 1, then 2, etc. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl… --- ## [Were all the major global sports played today invented by Brits or Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-all-the-major-global-sports-played-today-invented-by-brits-or-americans/627376)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2012, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-all-the-major-global-sports-played-today-invented-by-brits-or-americans/627376 "2012-07-14T16:33:29Z")
I can’t think of any that weren’t. If not, why not? --- ## [Recommend an ebook reader!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-an-ebook-reader/616913)
**Author:** [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2012, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-an-ebook-reader/616913 "2012-03-29T13:19:38Z")
So, my wife has decided I have Too Many Books. That means if I want more they’ll have to go on an electronic doo-dad. I don’t need one that does everything; I have a laptop and I don’t mind carrying it around when I nee… --- ## [Dunkirk - bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dunkirk-bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw/791794)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dunkirk-bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw/791794 "2017-08-15T17:36:22Z")
Can we talk about Christopher Nolan’s use of \[strikethrough\]music\[/strikethrough\] noise? I think I’ve seen every Nolan movie, so I shouldn’t be surprised anymore. And Inception is legendary for it’s bwaaaaaaaws. But D… --- ## ["If the Tea Party Was Black" music video... do you think they're right or wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-tea-party-was-black-music-video-do-you-think-theyre-right-or-wrong/555635)
**Author:** [@Le\_Jacquelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Jacquelope)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2010, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-tea-party-was-black-music-video-do-you-think-theyre-right-or-wrong/555635 "2010-10-03T20:08:06Z")
The lyrics can be found on that page. True? Not true? --- ## [The emergency MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-emergency-mmp/518676)
**Author:** [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Replies:** 198\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2009, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-emergency-mmp/518676 "2009-11-30T02:44:25Z")
Our draftee never showed this morning, and it’s now 1400 EST. I’m jonesing my MMP, so this is a placeholder. Want an emergency so there’s some semblance of an OP? I had one yesterday. I took the dog outside, and heard w… --- ## [How much do you typically tip when using valet parking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-typically-tip-when-using-valet-parking/555482)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2010, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-typically-tip-when-using-valet-parking/555482 "2010-10-01T03:45:38Z")
Question’s in the title. Poll to follow. If you’re one of the people who said that your tip varies based on the base parking charge, please post in the thread to let us know how much you’d tip in the range of situations… --- ## [Tomato juice vs. V8](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomato-juice-vs-v8/572926)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2013, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomato-juice-vs-v8/572926 "2013-07-16T17:35:54Z")
I love them both. I hadn’t tried V8 until, maybe five years ago, and it supplanted TJ for several years. Lately, though, I’ve come full circle and now prefer straight tomato juice. mmm --- ## [What ruins a book for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ruins-a-book-for-you/705652)
**Author:** [@ArztWolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArztWolf)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2014, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ruins-a-book-for-you/705652 "2014-12-01T16:16:00Z")
What puts the brakes on an otherwise good book? For me: Characters that turn into Mary Sues/Stu’s. Or worse, the story becoming one huge cliche. Right now I am reading a pretty good book set in both ancient Rome and Gr… --- ## [Shingles really hurts.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shingles-really-hurts/707099)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2014, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shingles-really-hurts/707099 "2014-12-29T06:55:31Z")
I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, and I’m a petty and vengeful fellow. Can’t sleep for the pain. Or bear to be touched. Trust me when I say you don’t want details much less pictures. That is all. --- ## [1 in 10 men- Sleep Apnea, educate yourself. (Long, but important)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-in-10-men-sleep-apnea-educate-yourself-long-but-important/78941)
**Author:** [@thinksnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thinksnow)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2004, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-in-10-men-sleep-apnea-educate-yourself-long-but-important/78941 "2004-12-10T02:54:02Z")
1 in 10 males wake in the night, gasping for air. 1 in 10 males sleep for 8 hours and wake up tired and un-rested. 1 in 10 males are sleeping their way to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, memory problems, … --- ## [Should he stay or should he go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-he-stay-or-should-he-go/546866)
**Author:** [@Daithi\_Lacha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daithi_Lacha)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2010, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-he-stay-or-should-he-go/546866 "2010-09-29T04:49:26Z")
I oversee a small work group. We used to be twice as large, but layoffs a few years ago diminished our ranks. Although not truly responsible for them (my manager would take the heat if one of them really messed up), I am… --- ## [Scouting-like organizations for adults](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scouting-like-organizations-for-adults/709367)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2021, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scouting-like-organizations-for-adults/709367 "2021-10-05T20:31:30Z")
One of the critical aspects of participating in groups such as Boy Scouts and other, similar organizations is that participation is generally limited to young people, typically meaning under-18 but a few might go up to 2… --- ## [What repulses you about your partner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-repulses-you-about-your-partner/635937)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2012, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-repulses-you-about-your-partner/635937 "2012-09-30T23:37:27Z")
Loud stinky farts? Physical characteristics? --- ## [Mortal sin: leaving the toilet seat up: why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortal-sin-leaving-the-toilet-seat-up-why/661900)
**Author:** [@tralfamidor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tralfamidor)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2013, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortal-sin-leaving-the-toilet-seat-up-why/661900 "2013-06-29T14:22:38Z")
This is a transgression a male can commit that proves him to be an unreconstructed Neanderthal who is unworthy to share a dwelling with any member of the female sex. It is a mortal sin, not sufficiently punished by burni… --- ## [Origin of Yol Bolsun:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-yol-bolsun/264505)
**Author:** [@Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greenback)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2025, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-yol-bolsun/264505 "2025-05-15T10:38:17Z")
What is the origin and background of the phrase Yol Bolsun(sp). I knew of a website that explained that it came form the Turkish area (the Russian steppes?), from an ancient(?) dialect known as qip… something or other. I… --- ## [Mysterious ring around the moon-- what is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-ring-around-the-moon-what-is-it/602485)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2011, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-ring-around-the-moon-what-is-it/602485 "2011-11-13T02:02:57Z")
It’s a full moon tonight (I think) and there is a HUGE ring around the moon!!! I’ve never seen anything like it before. It goes a full 360 degrees around the moon, because it doesn’t begin until an enormous distance away… --- ## [Addressing with only ZIP code?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/addressing-with-only-zip-code/690463)
**Author:** [@joseph\_10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joseph_10)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2014, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/addressing-with-only-zip-code/690463 "2014-06-12T04:25:59Z")
Is it possible to address a letter without adding street, just ZIP code and name? I want to send a friend a letter to a specific post office (he’s travelling around the US) for him to pick it up there. Does USPS accept s… --- ## [Would you go (restaurant) if it was child-free?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-go-restaurant-if-it-was-child-free/526392)
**Author:** [@otternell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/otternell)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2010, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-go-restaurant-if-it-was-child-free/526392 "2010-01-28T05:52:19Z")
I have always wondered if people would patronize a restaurant if it actively did not allow for anyone under the age of 18 to enter. (Assuming its legal, of course, which I really don’t want to discuss, let’s just assume… --- ## [Silverfish -- Why do I only see their larvae, never adults?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silverfish-why-do-i-only-see-their-larvae-never-adults/715377)
**Author:** [@SJL4041](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SJL4041)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2015, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silverfish-why-do-i-only-see-their-larvae-never-adults/715377 "2015-03-23T18:30:51Z")
Fucking silverfish. They’re disgusting. I hate them. Anyway, I try to keep them out of my house, but in the summer (when it’s more humid, I guess?) I often find their larvae just relaxing on the walls of my bathrooms or… --- ## [Monty Python & Holy Grail Q: What'd that witch say?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-holy-grail-q-whatd-that-witch-say/78956)
**Author:** [@Seraphim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seraphim)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2001, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-python-holy-grail-q-whatd-that-witch-say/78956 "2001-09-01T13:37:24Z")
Despite having seen this movie a zillion times, there’s one part I never got. It’s the scene just after when Bedemir and Lancelot meet, where the peasants are weighing the witch in the huge scales. They knock the the su… --- ## [Boycotting a pedophile's business](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boycotting-a-pedophiles-business/300462)
**Author:** [@pinkfreud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkfreud)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2005, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boycotting-a-pedophiles-business/300462 "2005-05-01T14:33:32Z")
My husband recently received an email from an acquaintance. The email, which has apparently been widely forwarded, asks the reader to boycott several local restaurants because the restaurants’ owner is a registered sex o… --- ## [Professors, post your student gripes here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professors-post-your-student-gripes-here/90383)
**Author:** [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2001, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professors-post-your-student-gripes-here/90383 "2001-11-03T20:15:52Z")
This is an “equal time” for professors thread. IANAP, but my spouse is a Bio-Statistics Professor in a medical school. She appreciates most of her students, but I’ve heard her complain about the following: Students who… --- ## [John Belushi...not funny](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-belushi-not-funny/74894)
**Author:** [@dp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dp)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2001, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-belushi-not-funny/74894 "2001-08-12T14:33:58Z")
being a loud-mouthed, drug crazed, slapstick comic never made me laugh. Fithy,moronic, one-dimensional character with no acting talent didn’t deserve the money he was making or poon he was getting. Falling down is not fu… --- ## [Do you ever wake up punching and kicking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-wake-up-punching-and-kicking/383511)
**Author:** [@Gut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gut)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-wake-up-punching-and-kicking/383511 "2017-10-03T10:47:30Z")
This generally happens to me about twice a year however I’ve just gone two nights in a row putting up with this most unpleasant method of waking up. It’s not often I’m actually punching or kicking with any force although… --- ## [Changing maiden name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-maiden-name/472175)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2009, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-maiden-name/472175 "2009-01-12T16:13:07Z")
A friend of mine told me a few months ago that she was finally after 8 years of marriage taking her husbands name. I got her new business card last week. A professional woman (she is a financial consultant) she did not t… --- ## [If you say "tea cake" what do you mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-say-tea-cake-what-do-you-mean/546870)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2010, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-say-tea-cake-what-do-you-mean/546870 "2010-07-18T07:40:26Z")
If I say “I had a tea cake after lunch” I would be referring to something that looks like this: a round, shortbread-like cookie with nuts and powdered sugar. When my boyfriend says “tea cake” he means something entirel… --- ## [wc fields quote: what does it mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wc-fields-quote-what-does-it-mean/493965)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2009, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wc-fields-quote-what-does-it-mean/493965 "2009-04-23T01:31:08Z")
Watched a movie last night. Mae West basically locks him out of the hotel room, to which he exclaims. “It appears an Ethiopian has raided the fuel supply!” This makes no sense to me. Any help at all in explaining th… --- ## [What happens if parents refuse to name their child?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-parents-refuse-to-name-their-child/635629)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2012, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-parents-refuse-to-name-their-child/635629 "2012-09-26T15:35:44Z")
A friend of mine is eighth months pregnant and still has no idea what she’s going to call the baby. She says she can’t wait too long after the birth as by law she and her husband have to register the child. So what would… --- ## [Nordic Jesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nordic-jesus/560425)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Girl)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2010, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nordic-jesus/560425 "2010-11-20T22:49:31Z")
I have seen in several websites belonging to Mormons a picture of Jesus that makes me scratch my head. He looks like somebody Hitler would be proud to have over for tea.See here. Can somebody explain to me why Jesus is… --- ## [Fuck the "Newhart" Finale.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-newhart-finale/541263)
**Author:** [@kidneyfailure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidneyfailure)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2010, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-the-newhart-finale/541263 "2010-06-08T16:11:16Z")
Yep, I said it. Fuck the finale of Newhart, fuck it right in the goddamn ear. I’m so sick of it showing up in threads like this one Most perfect series ending - Cafe Society - Straight Dope Message Board while everyone s… --- ## [What do you watch on Christmas Day in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-watch-on-christmas-day-in-the-us/550760)
**Author:** [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2010, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-watch-on-christmas-day-in-the-us/550760 "2010-08-24T11:34:41Z")
Reading the frequent threads on Dr Who, such as this one got me thinking about Christmas TV, as that’s the only time I watch it. On Christmas Day, it feels like tradition that, after a big lunch, the whole nation sits d… --- ## [Could YOU Serve on a Firing Squad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-serve-on-a-firing-squad/543786)
**Author:** [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2010, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-serve-on-a-firing-squad/543786 "2010-06-29T05:41:27Z")
This thread got me to wondering: Imagine for a moment that there was a job available on a firing squad. You would essentially be on call, maybe perform your duties once a month. On the weeks you don’t work, you are … --- ## [Let's say that the UK simply let Argentina have the Falklands that it seized in 1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-that-the-uk-simply-let-argentina-have-the-falklands-that-it-seized-in-1982/726843)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2015, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-that-the-uk-simply-let-argentina-have-the-falklands-that-it-seized-in-1982/726843 "2015-08-15T07:25:49Z")
Suppose that the UK simply gave up in 1982 and said, “Whatever Argentina, you can keep the Falklands, it’s yours now.” Would it have been political doom for the Thatcher administration? Did Thatcher go to war mainly be… --- ## [The fucking stupid fuck French](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fucking-stupid-fuck-french/329577)
**Author:** [@Operation\_Ripper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Operation_Ripper)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fucking-stupid-fuck-french/329577 "2005-11-08T01:25:02Z")
WTF is going on over there? How the fuck can RIOTS go on for weeks? How can a nation function when it can’t do shiite to stop a bunch of punk kids from torching cars FOR WEEKS? FOR WEEKS I SAY! What has become of Fra… --- ## [old rotary phone vs. fiber optic phone lines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-rotary-phone-vs-fiber-optic-phone-lines/617963)
**Author:** [@pabstist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pabstist)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2012, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-rotary-phone-vs-fiber-optic-phone-lines/617963 "2012-04-07T19:05:32Z")
Will my old rotary phone work with the new fiber optic phone lines? The current copper phone lines carry current to power my old phone, so it works even when the power is out. Do the new fiber optic lines carry power, o… --- ## [Simpsons Didn't Do It!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simpsons-didnt-do-it/256216)
**Author:** [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2004, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simpsons-didnt-do-it/256216 "2004-08-11T06:13:22Z")
Is there anything the Simpsons hasn’t covered yet. I can only think of two: -a rape -going to Antartica (though Homer did have an encounter with the battleship of the Antarticans) --- ## [Repeal the Eleventh Amendment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repeal-the-eleventh-amendment/620608)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2012, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repeal-the-eleventh-amendment/620608 "2012-06-07T03:38:54Z")
Has the time come to repeal the Eleventh Amendment to the US Constitution? In case you don’t know, this deals with the sometimes horribly unfair doctrine of sovereign immunity. I know prosecutors enjoy something similia… --- ## [Why does tap water sting a wound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-tap-water-sting-a-wound/242658)
**Author:** [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2004, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-tap-water-sting-a-wound/242658 "2004-04-29T22:12:54Z")
I havent tried distilled water. However, tap water when used to rinse a wound will burn or sting. Saliva doesnt sting. What in the water causes the stinging? (I\`m guessing it has something to do with the treatment pro… --- ## [How far "inland" can I get a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-inland-can-i-get-a-nimitz-class-aircraft-carrier/501236)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2009, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-inland-can-i-get-a-nimitz-class-aircraft-carrier/501236 "2009-06-29T23:54:08Z")
…as in up a river, or a waterway? (Weird yet straightforward enough, I think) I’m no expert, though I’m guessing the answer is “not far”…as much as that spoils my plans for one kick-ass Amazon cruise, but it’s been pest… --- ## [Are there some people who will just never acquire a taste for beer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-some-people-who-will-just-never-acquire-a-taste-for-beer/583073)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2011, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-some-people-who-will-just-never-acquire-a-taste-for-beer/583073 "2011-05-29T15:49:50Z")
I don’t drink beer often anymore, maybe 3-4x a year at this point, and it is still just exactly as nasty as the first time I had a Coors, 6 years ago. I spent a lot of time drinking beer in college and it just stayed nas… --- ## [How many generations to change skin colour?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-generations-to-change-skin-colour/506054)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2009, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-generations-to-change-skin-colour/506054 "2009-08-20T15:08:18Z")
As I understand it, all non-African humanity descends from a small group of humans who crossed from modern day Somalia / Ethiopia to modern-day Saudi Arabia about 75000 years ago. Presumably these people were black, as m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1182&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1184&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)