# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1190&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:** 1191 --- ## [Another umkay sighting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-umkay-sighting/627976)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2012, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-umkay-sighting/627976 "2012-07-17T07:46:22Z")
I saw a girl in a wheelchair today. Maybe it was umkay. --- ## [What would happen if a president really did refuse to give up the presidency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-president-really-did-refuse-to-give-up-the-presidency/724166)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2015, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-president-really-did-refuse-to-give-up-the-presidency/724166 "2015-07-07T04:25:30Z")
From around 2006 and until Obama was sworn in, I heard several people express their ominous certainty that Bush wasn’t going to go peacefully. He was going to declare himself dear leader for life instead. Obviously that … --- ## [What happened to the American melting pot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-american-melting-pot/773816)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2016, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-american-melting-pot/773816 "2016-12-12T14:17:41Z")
This always seemed to me one of the noblest ideas of the American dream. Sure there was a hell of a long way to go and many obstacles to surmount but that was always the goal: one nation, one people. You don’t hear much… --- ## [Why would English Golfer have Visa Problems to get to USA for the US Open](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-english-golfer-have-visa-problems-to-get-to-usa-for-the-us-open/585589)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2011, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-english-golfer-have-visa-problems-to-get-to-usa-for-the-us-open/585589 "2011-06-20T02:16:29Z")
Back on May 30, there was a international qualifier in England for the US Open (golf) which is played this week outside of Washington DC. Robert Rock (an Englishman) was one of the qualifiers. He played (and won) a gol… --- ## [Sex...or Q-tips?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-or-q-tips/522852)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2009, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-or-q-tips/522852 "2009-12-30T00:16:07Z")
A simple, if not a bit silly, poll. A friend of mine recently suggested that perhaps the only thing better than sex was a well-placed Q-tip. I looked at her like she was crazy, as is the custom, but she insisted that Q-t… --- ## [Are Western governments purposely driving down living standards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-western-governments-purposely-driving-down-living-standards/725724)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2015, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-western-governments-purposely-driving-down-living-standards/725724 "2015-07-24T19:38:21Z")
Was reading this about the heralding of the end of Capitalism as we know it, and something cropped up which I hadn’t noticed before, apparently Western Governments are driving down living standards to the level of the… --- ## [The terrific game 'Portal' is now free, for both PC and MAC, until May 24th](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-terrific-game-portal-is-now-free-for-both-pc-and-mac-until-may-24th/539356)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-terrific-game-portal-is-now-free-for-both-pc-and-mac-until-may-24th/539356 "2010-05-31T18:56:58Z")
I’m not one to like puzzle games in general, but ‘Portal’ is a lot of fun. And at times very funny. --- ## [Corn on Cob](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corn-on-cob/785930)
**Author:** [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2017, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corn-on-cob/785930 "2017-05-22T15:13:24Z")
The thread for all things Corn on Cob. Where do you buy it, how do you eat it, etc. Walmart had corn for 15c an ear yesterday, my fist of the new year. I grew up in eastern Wisconsin, where Corn on Cob is one of the m… --- ## [Why does everyone love Lincoln and Kennedy, but no-one cares about Garfield and McKinley?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-everyone-love-lincoln-and-kennedy-but-no-one-cares-about-garfield-and-mckinley/668843)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2013, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-everyone-love-lincoln-and-kennedy-but-no-one-cares-about-garfield-and-mckinley/668843 "2013-09-16T21:48:55Z")
Asked to name presidential assassinations, minds turn immediately to Lincoln and Kennedy and their assassins Booth and Oswald. Countless films and conspiracies about about the two. But the other two assassinated presiden… --- ## [Workplace legalities: listening to private conversations.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-legalities-listening-to-private-conversations/517157)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2009, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-legalities-listening-to-private-conversations/517157 "2009-11-16T21:06:23Z")
Background info: I work as a home-based call-centre operator for a national company. The ‘call centre’ stuff is as per what you would find in a normal office-based call centre, but instead of sitting in an office surro… --- ## [Who were the most competant Nazis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-were-the-most-competant-nazis/673888)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2013, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-were-the-most-competant-nazis/673888 "2013-11-20T01:33:25Z")
We’ve all had that thought about going back in time and killing Hitler, right? If it weren’t for his Time Travel Exemption Act. However, Hitler was a total fantasist, incompetent commander and a liability to the German w… --- ## [is "hir" an official term now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hir-an-official-term-now/658592)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2013, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hir-an-official-term-now/658592 "2013-05-20T18:03:34Z")
According to Google it is. I have actually already started using it. So is it an official word that can be used now? If so, please state its official date of entry into the English language and its pronunciation. --- ## [The Hypocrisy of Bernie Sanders and the question of what's important to him and his movement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hypocrisy-of-bernie-sanders-and-the-question-of-whats-important-to-him-and-his-movement/784882)
**Author:** [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2017, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hypocrisy-of-bernie-sanders-and-the-question-of-whats-important-to-him-and-his-movement/784882 "2017-04-25T00:38:42Z")
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/main/2017/4/19/the-strangeness-of-progressivism After attacking, correctly IMHO the Democratic leadership for not doing more to support James Thompson in the special election for Congress i… --- ## [Guess the movie from the TV shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-movie-from-the-tv-shows/633769)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2012, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-the-movie-from-the-tv-shows/633769 "2012-09-16T02:30:13Z")
Solve a puzzle or create a puzzle. A puzzle should list 3 or 4 TV shows. From each show pick a fairly prominent actor (not obscure, and not a guest star, but a regular). What movie were all of those actors in? Example: … --- ## [This is a cocktail bar, not fucking Jamba Juice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-a-cocktail-bar-not-fucking-jamba-juice/406988)
**Author:** [@iwakura43](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iwakura43)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2007, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-a-cocktail-bar-not-fucking-jamba-juice/406988 "2007-06-16T00:11:50Z")
Twice this week I’ve gone to a cocktail bar trying to get a decent drink and was unable to order even a basic cocktail. This place in King’s Cross (Sydney) didn’t even have a whisky sour on his computer menu. At least th… --- ## [Was Lenny Bruce \*actually\* funny, or was he just offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-lenny-bruce-actually-funny-or-was-he-just-offensive/229561)
**Author:** [@RevCo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RevCo)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2011, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-lenny-bruce-actually-funny-or-was-he-just-offensive/229561 "2011-11-22T08:15:14Z")
Was Lenny Bruce ever funny? I’ve heard him praised for his offensiveness and his battling the law and censors, but did he have any funny bits? Books I’ve perused on him are big on facts but short on anything particularly… --- ## [We should end homelessness in America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-homelessness-in-america/810137)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2018, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-homelessness-in-america/810137 "2018-03-17T21:18:30Z")
In the richest nation on earth, it’s a disgrace that we still have people living on the streets. The solution is simple: give homeless people homes. Not only is it the humane thing to do, it’s savestaxpayer’s money. --- ## [What have I done?!?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-i-done/199761)
**Author:** [@ArtyDooDoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArtyDooDoo)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2004, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-i-done/199761 "2004-01-29T09:20:17Z")
AAAAARGH!! I’m sitting watching The Price is Right. Saying things out loud like “no you idiot!!”. I have the soft rubbery end of a turkey baster. I’m mindlessly playing with it. Squishing it, then sticking it to vari… --- ## [What's the origin of "Hooptie" (beat up car)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-hooptie-beat-up-car/424501)
**Author:** [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-hooptie-beat-up-car/424501 "2026-09-15T20:06:02Z")
An older coworker was asking me what “hooptie” meant, and I explained what it was but was unable to come up with the derivation. UrbanDictionary.com says that it goes back to the fifties and came from “Coupe De,” as in C… --- ## [Show the breadth of your music taste with 4 songs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/show-the-breadth-of-your-music-taste-with-4-songs/688796)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2014, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/show-the-breadth-of-your-music-taste-with-4-songs/688796 "2014-05-27T09:14:19Z")
Just a fun game but pretty stimulating nonetheless. Pick 4 song a from your iPod that show the breadth and depth of your regular, everyday musical taste. Now obviously I could just go on YouTube and pick up some avant ga… --- ## [Take The Whole F-ing Donut!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/take-the-whole-f-ing-donut/493477)
**Author:** [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2009, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/take-the-whole-f-ing-donut/493477 "2009-04-21T14:31:16Z")
Every Friday someone brings donuts to the office and without fail someone will leave halves. Please. Eating the entire thing is not going to wreck whatever fad diet you’re on this week. And no one cares how many times yo… --- ## [Who's your SO's celebrity crush?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-your-sos-celebrity-crush/520969)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Buttons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Buttons)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-your-sos-celebrity-crush/520969 "2009-12-17T20:16:45Z")
We’ve all been there before, at the bar, on a couch, or watching TV, when the SO pipes in: Female: He gets me so hot, if I got him alone in a room and you weren’t there, oh my god the things I’d do to/teach him. Male:… --- ## [Rape Laws and how they have changed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-laws-and-how-they-have-changed/668122)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2013, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-laws-and-how-they-have-changed/668122 "2013-09-09T11:25:22Z")
I was reviewing old cases and came across this rape law from West Virginia which was only modified in 1978. I can’t imagine how people then thought this was sufficient. \[QUOTE=W.Va. Code 61-2-15 (Repld. 1978)\] If any … --- ## [best mousetrap bait](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-mousetrap-bait/299133)
**Author:** [@Joe\_Mahma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joe_Mahma)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2005, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-mousetrap-bait/299133 "2005-04-16T22:23:41Z")
I’ve found evidence of a mouse (or mice) in the garage. What’s the best bait for a trap? I’ve heard it’s peanut butter - is this true? --- ## [Hurricane Irene: how are you feeling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-irene-how-are-you-feeling/594179)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2011, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-irene-how-are-you-feeling/594179 "2011-08-29T18:50:46Z")
Hurricane Irene hype is in full swing. About where are you and how are you feeling? I’m in DC and it’s my experience through a dozen or so of these that nothing is going to happen. It’s going to rain. It might get a … --- ## [I am getting shot in the neck with laser beams tomorrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-shot-in-the-neck-with-laser-beams-tomorrow/587863)
**Author:** [@Analogue\_Skywalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Analogue_Skywalker)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2011, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-shot-in-the-neck-with-laser-beams-tomorrow/587863 "2011-07-08T22:56:27Z")
I have no other reason to post this other than I ran out of people to tell about my decision to get my neck tattoos removed. I will gladly field any questions the masses might have --- ## [The NFL has moved the extra point try back to the 15. Opinions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nfl-has-moved-the-extra-point-try-back-to-the-15-opinions/731009)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2016, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nfl-has-moved-the-extra-point-try-back-to-the-15-opinions/731009 "2016-01-05T12:16:27Z")
I’m all for it. I don’t know what the overall stats are but from the 2 it was just too easy. Now, it’s the equivalent of a 32-33 yard field goal. I’d like to see college follow suit. --- ## [Running and knees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-and-knees/707732)
**Author:** [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2014, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-and-knees/707732 "2014-12-23T19:24:21Z")
Unabashedly asking for medical advice here. In an effort to become a bit less of a fat bastard and stick around to see my grandkids someday, I’ve been working in regular exercise to my routine for a while know. I’ve be… --- ## [Which of these fall and Oscar season movies are you interested in seeing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-fall-and-oscar-season-movies-are-you-interested-in-seeing/697542)
**Author:** [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2014, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-fall-and-oscar-season-movies-are-you-interested-in-seeing/697542 "2014-10-07T17:41:33Z")
Okay, this is not a list of every single movie scheduled to be released between now and the end of the year. These are just the 44 most high profile, Oscar-buzzworthy titles, as well as stuff I thought sounded interestin… --- ## [Sesame Street (older shows) not suitable for kids?!?!???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sesame-street-older-shows-not-suitable-for-kids/427071)
**Author:** [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2007, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sesame-street-older-shows-not-suitable-for-kids/427071 "2007-11-28T00:35:04Z")
From the IMDB Gee, I guess seeing Cookie Monter smoke a pipe is why I’m not living up to my full pontential today. --- ## [Is there something in quinine that may affect a pilot enough that there is a regulation against](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-something-in-quinine-that-may-affect-a-pilot-enough-that-there-is-a-regulation-against/731180)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2015, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-something-in-quinine-that-may-affect-a-pilot-enough-that-there-is-a-regulation-against/731180 "2015-09-15T23:45:39Z")
drinking it before flights? --- ## ["It's not racist (or sexist, or homophobic, etc.) if it's true."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-not-racist-or-sexist-or-homophobic-etc-if-its-true/714625)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-not-racist-or-sexist-or-homophobic-etc-if-its-true/714625 "2015-03-12T02:40:09Z")
There are two sides to the argument that something “is not racist (or sexist, or homophobic, etc.) if it’s true.” The one side argues that the \*\*truth \*\*of the content is what matters, saying that a statement cannot be … --- ## [Why has China always had so MANY people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-china-always-had-so-many-people/814260)
**Author:** [@Lizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lizard)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2018, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-china-always-had-so-many-people/814260 "2018-05-18T17:41:54Z")
I was doing some general reading on Wikipedia and came across a chart of world population and distribution. Apparently the proportion of the population in the entire world that is Chinese (or living in what it referred t… --- ## [3 songs from a group: love it, like it, hate it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-songs-from-a-group-love-it-like-it-hate-it/632132)
**Author:** [@oreally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oreally)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-songs-from-a-group-love-it-like-it-hate-it/632132 "2012-11-07T20:36:51Z")
Thought I’d see or done this before but couldn’t find, so… The idea is list three songs from a given group: one song you love, one you just like, and one you hate. I’ll start: Lynyrd Skynyrd Love: I Know a Little … --- ## [Schoolteacher fashions and dating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schoolteacher-fashions-and-dating/362064)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2006, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schoolteacher-fashions-and-dating/362064 "2006-06-30T20:34:46Z")
This afternoon, I met a woman for come caffinated beverages at a neighborhood coffeehouse. I couldn’t help but notice what she was wearing; a black blouse with patterns of bunnies, baloons, rainbows and so on, with slac… --- ## [Taco Time or Taco Bell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taco-time-or-taco-bell/16759)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 1999, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taco-time-or-taco-bell/16759 "1999-09-23T03:43:00Z")
If you had to pick only one to eat dinner at, and you only had $5, which would you go to? Me, I’d go to Taco Time simply because the line is shorter (in my part of the world). But I gotta say, Taco Time’s crisp bean bur… --- ## [Debit Cards: How do you keep track of your transactions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debit-cards-how-do-you-keep-track-of-your-transactions/341972)
**Author:** [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2006, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debit-cards-how-do-you-keep-track-of-your-transactions/341972 "2006-02-02T00:48:37Z")
This was touched on briefly in another thread, but here’s the deal: I just got my first debit card. That’s right…I’m the lady that writes a check at the grocery store and keeps you all waiting. Well, I might move into th… --- ## [Just so you know(about savekaryn.com)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-so-you-know-about-savekaryn-com/136336)
**Author:** [@Jurhael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jurhael)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2002, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-so-you-know-about-savekaryn-com/136336 "2002-11-17T13:47:13Z")
She managed to get her debt paid off! I posted this in the pit because I KNOW how much some of you just love her… --- ## [When will we have an ACTIVE openly gay athlete in one of the big 4 sports?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-we-have-an-active-openly-gay-athlete-in-one-of-the-big-4-sports/600549)
**Author:** [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2013, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-we-have-an-active-openly-gay-athlete-in-one-of-the-big-4-sports/600549 "2013-05-03T03:22:36Z")
For the purposes of this discussion, I’m using “Big 4” in the American way: MLB Baseball, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, and NHL Hockey. Anyway, I don’t why the question recently popped into my head, but it did, and I wa… --- ## [SETI logically proves advanced intersteller civilizations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seti-logically-proves-advanced-intersteller-civilizations/683369)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2014, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seti-logically-proves-advanced-intersteller-civilizations/683369 "2014-03-12T22:59:33Z")
And they did this by not not getting anything except a on off WOW signal that may be a anomaly. This is the argument I have heard and trying to boil it down: 1 - SETI has not found intersteller communications looking a… --- ## [I'm disappointed that we're getting Discourse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-disappointed-that-were-getting-discourse/855427)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2020, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-disappointed-that-were-getting-discourse/855427 "2020-06-22T22:38:01Z")
My prediction, based on other boards that have moved to Discourse, is that Discourse will kill this community. I’m sticking around, hoping I’m wrong, but I think this is the end of the SDMB. --- ## [Using a car backup camera - Do you have to relearn backing up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-a-car-backup-camera-do-you-have-to-relearn-backing-up/648384)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2013, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-a-car-backup-camera-do-you-have-to-relearn-backing-up/648384 "2013-01-29T21:22:53Z")
Some of the new cars have backup cameras. I’m concerned about the learning curve and property damage learning to use them. Is it exactly the same as backing up using a rear view mirror? What about judging distances? H… --- ## [Most ominous-sounding threats made by people in movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-ominous-sounding-threats-made-by-people-in-movies/511764)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2009, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-ominous-sounding-threats-made-by-people-in-movies/511764 "2009-09-29T00:52:12Z")
I always love it when someone in a movie makes a really evil and scary-sounding threat to another character. Here are some of my favorite examples: David Lynch’s Dune - towards the end of the movie the Guild guy visits … --- ## [Worst Hollywood director](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-hollywood-director/337402)
**Author:** [@Floyd\_Remora](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Floyd_Remora)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2006, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-hollywood-director/337402 "2006-01-05T18:33:32Z")
Who do you think the worst or most overrated film director is? I nominate that hack Paul Verhoeven because of the stool like Showgirls he’s responsible for. --- ## [Does it make sense to play the Powerball now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-make-sense-to-play-the-powerball-now/742692)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-make-sense-to-play-the-powerball-now/742692 "2016-01-14T15:46:35Z")
Generally, lotteries are a tax on people who are bad at math. Today, however, it seems like it might make sense to buy a ticket. The odds of winning are something like 1/300,000,000 but the jackpot is over 1 Billion dol… --- ## [Your Favourite Diner Meals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favourite-diner-meals/987241)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favourite-diner-meals/987241 "2024-06-22T03:08:39Z")
Just wondering what Dopers’ favourite diner meals are. For the purposes of this thread, “diner” refers to a place to get a meal. Nothing more, nothing less. It might be in a repurposed streetcar, or it might be a hole… --- ## [What household/kitchen gadget will vastly improve my quality of life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-household-kitchen-gadget-will-vastly-improve-my-quality-of-life/553715)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2010, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-household-kitchen-gadget-will-vastly-improve-my-quality-of-life/553715 "2010-12-13T14:33:15Z")
This was inspired by the great toaster thread. (VERY cool toaster.) My quality of life needs improvement. This obviously means I need one or more household or kitchen gadgets. Not so much straight electronics or compute… --- ## [Connecticut has nor coastline - really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecticut-has-nor-coastline-really/581786)
**Author:** [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecticut-has-nor-coastline-really/581786 "2011-05-15T18:57:09Z")
I was just watching a TV game show “Pointless” here in the UK. This show is usually pretty much on-the-money accuracy wise but I was taken aback a bit by one round. Contestants were asked to each name one of the 22 US st… --- ## [Why does my cat try to trip me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-try-to-trip-me/394101)
**Author:** [@fimy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fimy)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-cat-try-to-trip-me/394101 "2007-03-02T04:46:28Z")
Hi, I got myself a cat recently and, as far as I can tell, I treat her well. I make sure she has food, clean her litter periodically and I pet her every day. Nonetheless, she seems hell-bent on tripping me. Even while p… --- ## [\[tech\] Satellite dish behind glass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tech-satellite-dish-behind-glass/130720)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2002, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tech-satellite-dish-behind-glass/130720 "2002-10-04T18:09:12Z")
So, I just moved to a new apratment. The cable system offered there sucks, so I was thinking of getting a satellite dish. I can get away with one that’s only 20" across, but can’t put it outside the building, since I’m o… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1189&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1191&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)