# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1199&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:** 1200 --- ## [Fisher Price - can your toys suck any more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fisher-price-can-your-toys-suck-any-more/267925)
**Author:** [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2004, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fisher-price-can-your-toys-suck-any-more/267925 "2004-11-20T05:15:26Z")
I have entered the phase where my child is finally old enough to start really playing with toys. Hooray for playing babies and being able to interact! We try our very best to limit the amount of toys and their quality…b… --- ## [Who's the worst American president ever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-the-worst-american-president-ever/391884)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2007, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-the-worst-american-president-ever/391884 "2007-02-14T15:40:49Z")
Subject of a recent article in The Nation. They’re also doing an on-line poll. (It offers only five choices – Buchanan, Harding, Hoover, Nixon, and GWB.) --- ## [Office politics 101](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/office-politics-101/580088)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2011, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/office-politics-101/580088 "2011-05-05T06:08:31Z")
Being new to office life, I’d like to know some of the lessons you’ve learned about office politics and working in an office environment, especially among professionals. Perhaps even professionals with personalities that… --- ## [Reasons not to kill yourself just yet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-not-to-kill-yourself-just-yet/666468)
**Author:** [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2013, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-not-to-kill-yourself-just-yet/666468 "2013-08-22T04:59:05Z")
I want to watch the remaining episodes of “Breaking Bad”. I also want to stick around to see if we discover any habitable planets in other solar systems, or maybe even some evidence of extraterrestrial life! And… no, t… --- ## [Referring to a city by its airport code](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/referring-to-a-city-by-its-airport-code/572363)
**Author:** [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/referring-to-a-city-by-its-airport-code/572363 "2011-03-05T19:45:12Z")
This thread got me thinking about this. In the six years I have lived in Portland, I have been baffled by why people refer to this city as “PDX,” after the city’s airport. No offense to anyone, but I think it’s retarde… --- ## [When did crude oil become a valuable commodity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-crude-oil-become-a-valuable-commodity/608027)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2012, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-crude-oil-become-a-valuable-commodity/608027 "2012-04-09T22:25:30Z")
Believe it or not I am watching re-runs of the Lone Ranger series from the 50’s. Episode s01E26 (1950) is very typical of the genre, some unknown person (well it’s obvious who it is) is trying to stop a rancher from maki… --- ## [Should Trekkies be Allowed to Adopt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-trekkies-be-allowed-to-adopt/146072)
**Author:** [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2003, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-trekkies-be-allowed-to-adopt/146072 "2003-01-11T15:42:00Z")
I’m really divided on this issue. After all, I’m not a Trekaphobe, some of my best friends watch Trek. Some of them even dress up. But should they be allowed to adopt? After all, if your dad dresses up like a Klingon… --- ## [Vegetarians are unable to digest meat...apparently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegetarians-are-unable-to-digest-meat-apparently/529615)
**Author:** [@Bisected8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bisected8)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2010, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegetarians-are-unable-to-digest-meat-apparently/529615 "2010-02-24T02:09:30Z")
I’ve recently encountered some people online who claim that individuals who subsists on a vegetarian diet lose the ability to digest meat (vomiting or suffering some other digestive complaint if they do), which is someth… --- ## [A coming retirement crisis? Are you worried?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-coming-retirement-crisis-are-you-worried/845024)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2019, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-coming-retirement-crisis-are-you-worried/845024 "2019-12-30T19:37:51Z")
I was watching THIS Video on “The Coming Retirement Crisis” where they basically told about how many people have unfunded pensions so either they wont get retirement or if they are retired the payments will stop or they … --- ## [Clueless Professionals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clueless-professionals/649472)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2013, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clueless-professionals/649472 "2013-02-15T14:58:36Z")
Here’s a thread for examples of people in trades who seem to have forgotten something critical about their line of work. To illustrate: I once had a yard customer I’ll call Carol. She knew I was taking law courses. Her … --- ## [Artists with a weird persona who are suprisingly normal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artists-with-a-weird-persona-who-are-suprisingly-normal/502130)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2009, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artists-with-a-weird-persona-who-are-suprisingly-normal/502130 "2009-07-11T17:05:51Z")
This is an off-shoot of that other thread, about the strangest person in America. Someone there mentioned Marilyn Manson and someone else pointed out that he’s pretty much just playing a role. He comes off as fairly norm… --- ## [Are CCTV cameras the answer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cctv-cameras-the-answer/722208)
**Author:** [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cctv-cameras-the-answer/722208 "2015-06-15T13:38:55Z")
As we all know, crime is EVERYWHERE (for the most part). Therefore, ought not closed circuit TVs be placed throughout the country as much as possible, starting with our largest cities and then onto the smaller ones … and… --- ## [Anyone up for some D&D with a twist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-up-for-some-d-d-with-a-twist/416220)
**Author:** [@Omi\_no\_Kami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omi_no_Kami)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2007, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-up-for-some-d-d-with-a-twist/416220 "2007-10-15T19:58:05Z")
Not on the Board, of course. I’m leaning towards Gametable, AIM, or another free program that would let anyone who was interested join in easily. Anyway, getting down to business: I’m quite a fan of the Tomb of Horrors,… --- ## [Petroleum Jelly Taken Internally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/petroleum-jelly-taken-internally/533530)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2010, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/petroleum-jelly-taken-internally/533530 "2010-03-25T20:01:43Z")
The pharmacy at our local shopping center has a front window display of some old medicine, including Mercurochrome and an old jar of Petroleum Jelly. The PJ is from a place in Toronto, and the jar and label look really … --- ## [Food from your childhood. I remember when. . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-from-your-childhood-i-remember-when/765371)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2016, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-from-your-childhood-i-remember-when/765371 "2016-09-15T01:07:13Z")
I had the worst taste in the world. From elementary school all through intermediate (we didn’t have middle school or junior high when I went to school in The Bronx) I ate the most horrible foods and loved it. At school … --- ## [What do you think of the new false-start rule in the Olympics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-new-false-start-rule-in-the-olympics/628784)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2012, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-new-false-start-rule-in-the-olympics/628784 "2012-07-28T07:37:09Z")
It is not just for the Olympics, but for all “pro level” Track and Field, I believe. Correct me if I am wrong there. Anyway, they now have a zero tolerance policy for false starts. One false start and you are disqualifi… --- ## [Charlie Daniels' View On Evolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charlie-daniels-view-on-evolution/304845)
**Author:** [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2005, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charlie-daniels-view-on-evolution/304845 "2005-05-25T17:10:45Z")
Believe it or not I visit Charlie Daniels’ website occassionally just to get an idea of the conservative “mentality”. Well, it is interesting to see his May 13, 2005 Soapbox “rant” entitled “Silly Fight”. Basically he’… --- ## [Father of the year candidate puts daughter's face on porn photos; court gives the OK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/father-of-the-year-candidate-puts-daughters-face-on-porn-photos-court-gives-the-ok/584947)
**Author:** [@lavenderviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lavenderviolet)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2011, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/father-of-the-year-candidate-puts-daughters-face-on-porn-photos-court-gives-the-ok/584947 "2011-06-13T07:40:59Z")
Court: Dad can paste daughter’s face on porn photo I think I am pretty jaded about humanity and usually not surprised when people do terrible things, but this story was so over the top creepy that it made me go “WTF?!” … --- ## [Why am I so hopeless with women (rare photo evidence)? (long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-hopeless-with-women-rare-photo-evidence-long/105722)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2002, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-hopeless-with-women-rare-photo-evidence-long/105722 "2002-05-30T01:56:41Z")
This is me. with the lovely Gundy, courtesy of th1nksn0w, at ChiDope. Note the pursed lips, the head appearing to be on the edge of exploding… What was I thinking? I have no memory of the moment, but Gundy was as del… --- ## [How will global warming play out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-global-warming-play-out/365496)
**Author:** [@Geiselcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geiselcat)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2007, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-global-warming-play-out/365496 "2007-01-03T05:29:19Z")
I watched Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and I have studied meteorology a little. I would like to hear your opinions on what will actually happen, climatologically, in the coming 50 years or so. How will th… --- ## [The No-Fly List and the US Constitution.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-no-fly-list-and-the-us-constitution/757947)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2016, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-no-fly-list-and-the-us-constitution/757947 "2016-07-09T18:32:07Z")
I could be wrong, but it seems you can be put on the “No-Fly” list almost on a whim. Some are even put there by mistake. And certain groups, like Muslims, are more likely than others to be targeted, in any event. I gues… --- ## [My mom says my house smells like cats.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-mom-says-my-house-smells-like-cats/418939)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2007, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-mom-says-my-house-smells-like-cats/418939 "2007-09-15T04:46:48Z")
Well, I can’t tell - you know, you live in your house, and other people’s houses smell funny but your house smells like your house. It isn’t the litterbox, I have the Litter Robot. I guess it’s just that “cat lady” cat… --- ## [2011 NFL Mock Draft 1.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2011-nfl-mock-draft-1-0/568271)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2011, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2011-nfl-mock-draft-1-0/568271 "2011-02-15T23:39:24Z")
Mel Kiper released his first 2011 NFL Mock Draft today. ESPN Insiders can see it here: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=KiperMockDraft1.0 For those of you who aren’t Insiders let me know… --- ## [Whose business is it whether I voted or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whose-business-is-it-whether-i-voted-or-not/623817)
**Author:** [@justrob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justrob)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2012, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whose-business-is-it-whether-i-voted-or-not/623817 "2012-06-04T05:30:56Z")
I came home today and found a mailer in the slot trying to get people to come out and vote in the recall. They mailer starts out… \[QUOTE=Greater Wisconsin Political Fund\] \*\*Dear Registered Voter: Scott Walker won in … --- ## [Believing in God](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believing-in-god/592534)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believing-in-god/592534 "2011-08-23T11:53:22Z")
Hello All, I guess I much have too much time on my hands because it leads me to think critically on things such as God. I was raised a Catholic and I do believe that there is a God. What disturbs me is that when I try t… --- ## [Why the rose in teeth when dancing the tango?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-rose-in-teeth-when-dancing-the-tango/462348)
**Author:** [@Full\_Metal\_Lotus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Full_Metal_Lotus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2008, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-rose-in-teeth-when-dancing-the-tango/462348 "2008-09-07T19:46:16Z")
It has become almost a clich’e, when two people are shown dancing the tango, a rose is clenched between the woman’s teeth. Why is this, and where did the practice originate? Regards FML --- ## [Things/strategies you wish sports teams/competitors should do more often](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-strategies-you-wish-sports-teams-competitors-should-do-more-often/607659)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2012, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-strategies-you-wish-sports-teams-competitors-should-do-more-often/607659 "2012-01-06T19:03:53Z")
For example, fake punts. I’ve been noticing lately on punts in football that everyone often will start running down the field BEFORE the punter has kicked the ball, actually all turning their backs on him in a lot of ca… --- ## [Why is the reason for "Mpemba effect" (warm water can freeze faster than cold) still a mystery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-reason-for-mpemba-effect-warm-water-can-freeze-faster-than-cold-still-a-mystery/626666)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-reason-for-mpemba-effect-warm-water-can-freeze-faster-than-cold-still-a-mystery/626666 "2012-07-18T17:41:31Z")
Why is the “Mpemba effect” still a mystery. Seems it ought to be easily explainable. --- ## [The Big Bang Accounts for only a Minor Part of the Universe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-accounts-for-only-a-minor-part-of-the-universe/524814)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2010, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-accounts-for-only-a-minor-part-of-the-universe/524814 "2010-01-19T20:50:53Z")
If I’ve understood it correctly, in this link (near or at the bottom of the page), an assertion is made that the “Big Bang” was ‘merely’ a bang of baryonic matter and light energy, i.e. a minority (~4%) of the Universe. … --- ## [how big is the "EMP cannon" for stopping cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-is-the-emp-cannon-for-stopping-cars/585577)
**Author:** [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2012, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-is-the-emp-cannon-for-stopping-cars/585577 "2012-09-21T20:14:26Z")
well, the question says it all. How big a vehicle would it take to lug it around? --- ## [How conservative are the conservatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-conservative-are-the-conservatives/607605)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2012, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-conservative-are-the-conservatives/607605 "2012-01-01T00:12:08Z")
This was a post in another thread, but it deserves to be its own thread: Erroneous. In red are the things that actually reflect 1960’s USA; in blue the things that do not: No birth control, no abortion–pre-Griswold, … --- ## [GO SEE... The Witch (2016)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-see-the-witch-2016/746531)
**Author:** [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2016, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-see-the-witch-2016/746531 "2016-06-21T02:36:23Z")
A purely fresh horror film. Not gory, not jump out of your seat scary, but damned unsettling. Set circa 1645, Massachusetts, Family decides to move away from Commonwealth village to their own place near a brook and mass… --- ## [Why are receipts such a big deal for accountants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-receipts-such-a-big-deal-for-accountants/829690)
**Author:** [@Nanoda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanoda)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2019, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-receipts-such-a-big-deal-for-accountants/829690 "2019-02-26T17:50:03Z")
This could have gone in a few forums, but I really do want to know. Apparently accounting requires years of school with possibly weeks of additional coursework later; why does it seem like none of that education is help… --- ## [Long term effects of giving blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-effects-of-giving-blood/5590)
**Author:** [@kylen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kylen)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 1999, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-effects-of-giving-blood/5590 "1999-12-28T00:24:00Z")
Does anybody know if there are any long-term effects of giving blood? Have any studies been done to determine if people who regularly donate have increased risk of health ailments or other conditions? --- ## [Barak Obama = Harry Truman?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barak-obama-harry-truman/703872)
**Author:** [@Waymore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waymore)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2014, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barak-obama-harry-truman/703872 "2014-11-27T06:01:18Z")
Both two term Democrat presidents. Both suffered major defeats in their last midterm. Both have low approval ratings late in their presidency. Both end their terms with turmoil overseas, Korea and Isis. Both known for th… --- ## [Why do airplane noses have lines on the front?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-airplane-noses-have-lines-on-the-front/655231)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2013, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-airplane-noses-have-lines-on-the-front/655231 "2013-04-27T11:45:04Z")
Why do airplane noses have lines on the front? I was under the impression the radar is up there so I assume it might have something to do with that? --- ## [Other Cringeworthy Blackface/Yellowface/Etc. movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-cringeworthy-blackface-yellowface-etc-movies/1031135)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 287\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2026, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-cringeworthy-blackface-yellowface-etc-movies/1031135 "2026-10-25T18:45:46Z")
We’re all familiar with the classic embarrassing parts in movies --John Wayne in The Conqueror, Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Marlon Brando as Sakini in Teahouse of the August Moon. But there a… --- ## [I hope the fire marshal puts you out of business, moron.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hope-the-fire-marshal-puts-you-out-of-business-moron/556863)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hope-the-fire-marshal-puts-you-out-of-business-moron/556863 "2010-10-13T18:56:42Z")
Okay, so Columbia went a little balls-up nuts Saturday. Evidently our football team failed to humiliate us as expected and several thousand drunk morons were released on the town drinking and fucking and running each ot… --- ## [The Name of the Place](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-name-of-the-place/295543)
**Author:** [@Rue\_DeDay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rue_DeDay)\ **Replies:** 228\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2005, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-name-of-the-place/295543 "2005-03-29T13:50:30Z")
For beckwall, who will be sorely missed. :frowning: This is a big country. (I’m being all biased here and just talking about the United States of America, because it would just be crazy to talk about the whole world.) T… --- ## [Opposable thumbs - what does this actually mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opposable-thumbs-what-does-this-actually-mean/416906)
**Author:** [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2007, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opposable-thumbs-what-does-this-actually-mean/416906 "2007-08-26T01:33:33Z")
\[QUOTE=Wikipedia\] The thumb, unlike other fingers, is opposable, in that it is the only digit on the human hand which is able to oppose or turn back against the other four fingers, and thus enables the hand to refine it… --- ## [Why would Hell have to be such a bad place?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-hell-have-to-be-such-a-bad-place/136073)
**Author:** [@monica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monica)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2002, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-hell-have-to-be-such-a-bad-place/136073 "2002-11-18T16:28:24Z")
I was thinking earlier… If there is a Hell, why would it be such a bad place? If it’s run by Satan, wouldn’t he treat people who have gone against his enemy, God, well? Why would he torture them? --- ## [Super Star Athlete's Worst Last Performance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-star-athletes-worst-last-performance/526503)
**Author:** [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-star-athletes-worst-last-performance/526503 "2010-02-02T21:49:08Z")
If Favre’s inexplicable interception in the NFC Championship game turns out to be his last, last play, could this be considered the worst last play to end a super star athlete’s career? (You know what I mean.) Not that… --- ## [Cop uses taser on handcuffed 9 yr old girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cop-uses-taser-on-handcuffed-9-yr-old-girl/247449)
**Author:** [@Reeder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeder)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2004, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cop-uses-taser-on-handcuffed-9-yr-old-girl/247449 "2004-06-02T05:03:21Z")
http://www.dailystar.com/dailystar/metro/23436.php Will it ever end? A 9 yr old girl? Handcuffed? She must have been one scary 9 yr old. People called these kind of cops pigs. Deservedly so. --- ## [Did Seven Samurai Invent the "Getting the Gang Together” genre?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-seven-samurai-invent-the-getting-the-gang-together-genre/695079)
**Author:** [@Tarwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarwater)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2014, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-seven-samurai-invent-the-getting-the-gang-together-genre/695079 "2014-08-09T20:03:30Z")
Because I’m having trouble thinking of an earlier instance. I wish I had more to add to this discussion. --- ## [7 year old Pomeranian becoming grumpy and somewhat mean](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-year-old-pomeranian-becoming-grumpy-and-somewhat-mean/612590)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2012, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-year-old-pomeranian-becoming-grumpy-and-somewhat-mean/612590 "2012-02-14T19:06:25Z")
Hello Everyone, We are having a dog problem again, so back here for some advice. We have had our Pom for 7 years and lately he has turned very very grumpy and somewhat “mean”. If we can’t find a solution to the problem … --- ## [Pronunciation of "Gotham"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-gotham/709231)
**Author:** [@vontsira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vontsira)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2015, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-gotham/709231 "2015-01-14T04:43:54Z")
A trivia matter of the most trivial triviality – but: how is this name generally pronounced, or are there more than one rival renderings? In my understanding, the original Gotham was – and is – a village in England, som… --- ## [The Penny Debate - Canuck Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-penny-debate-canuck-edition/617208)
**Author:** [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2012, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-penny-debate-canuck-edition/617208 "2012-04-10T19:16:24Z")
The current news (or rather, currency news :wink: ) is that Canada is to phase out the penny: Here’s the debate: is this a good move? I’m inclined to think it is, as the penny coin is effectively useless due to infla… --- ## [Tea (the drink) in America - should I bring my own?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896 "2017-06-30T14:03:37Z")
I’m going to be spending 3 weeks in America. You’re all coffee drinkers; I don’t drink coffee - doctor’s orders. Should I bring a stock of tea bags or do hotels stock decent teas? --- ## [Button up shirt, slacks, tie, jacket, etc.. when will it end!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/button-up-shirt-slacks-tie-jacket-etc-when-will-it-end/474427)
**Author:** [@EpicNonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EpicNonsense)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2008, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/button-up-shirt-slacks-tie-jacket-etc-when-will-it-end/474427 "2008-11-28T16:43:50Z")
I noticed that this “attire” is the norm for many occasions. It’s a uniform, basically. What I hate about it the most is the compliments people receive when they dress this way… I rarely wear this outfit but whenever I d… --- ## [Why some nations are wealthier than others](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-some-nations-are-wealthier-than-others/660158)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2013, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-some-nations-are-wealthier-than-others/660158 "2013-06-07T15:09:29Z")
237 years ago Adam Smith published a book called An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Today there’s a great deal of debate about how to produce economic growth, jobs, income gains, and so fort… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1198&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1200&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)