# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1267&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:** 1268 --- ## [Chicago Dope Fest - Business Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicago-dope-fest-business-thread/627462)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2012, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicago-dope-fest-business-thread/627462 "2012-07-17T00:35:16Z")
The prior discussion thread rambles a lot, with a lot of side topics. I’m therefore opening a new thread, and asking that folks PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE – do not get involved in side discussions. Just post times/dates that … --- ## [What web sites do YOU love?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-web-sites-do-you-love/8818)
**Author:** [@Inky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inky)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 1999, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-web-sites-do-you-love/8818 "1999-10-04T19:33:00Z")
What web sites you love? I’m always looking for a good site in this vast sea of E-Crud. My personal favorites are: http://www.cruel.com/ A new cruel site every weekday! A real treat. http://www.brunching.com/ Brunch… --- ## [The Given Sacrifice by S M Stirling (spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-given-sacrifice-by-s-m-stirling-spoilers/668151)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2013, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-given-sacrifice-by-s-m-stirling-spoilers/668151 "2013-09-22T05:52:17Z")
This just came out, maybe the last book in the Dies The Fire universe? (mouseover space) Well, there were some good parts and some bad parts. I did enjoy reading most of it, basically finished it in one day. But the pa… --- ## [What's wrong with "teaching to the test"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-teaching-to-the-test/506994)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2009, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-teaching-to-the-test/506994 "2009-08-27T02:34:02Z")
I have often heard complaints that teachers are saddled with so many requirements w.r.t. students having to pass various standardized tests, that teachers can’t “really teach” anymore and have to “teach to the test” or (… --- ## [How Fascism Starts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fascism-starts/347211)
**Author:** [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fascism-starts/347211 "2006-03-27T18:36:40Z")
Here’s a chilling photo. Two United States Marines, in uniform, appearing at a Republican political rally. This is a direct violation of Department of Defense regulations, as well as a stunningly bad idea. One of the … --- ## [Song lyric trivia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyric-trivia/316166)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2005, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyric-trivia/316166 "2005-08-30T01:14:27Z")
In “Ode to Billie Joe,” what prank did Billie Joe play on Bobbie Gentry? In “Delaware,” by Perry Como, what sin did Wiscon commit? In “Honesty,” what doesn’t Billy Joel want a pretty face to tell him? In “Crocodile Rock… --- ## [Am I likely to have trouble getting a car loan? Newish credit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-likely-to-have-trouble-getting-a-car-loan-newish-credit/615316)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2012, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-likely-to-have-trouble-getting-a-car-loan-newish-credit/615316 "2012-03-17T04:25:37Z")
I should say, will I be able to get a loan at a decent interest rate? I had a credit card in my early 20’s but cancelled it. For the past 15 years or so, I managed to not do anything on credit. Last year, I pulled my c… --- ## [The origin of the Charlie's Angels pose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-origin-of-the-charlies-angels-pose/942286)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2021, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-origin-of-the-charlies-angels-pose/942286 "2021-05-18T00:39:54Z")
I’m having a bit of a Berenstein Bears moment. Everyone knows the famous Charlie’s Angels three-person pose. One in the middle, standing straight and facing forward, hands in an action pose (typically holding a gun, ext… --- ## [Interesting things that you family/parents say](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-things-that-you-family-parents-say/621297)
**Author:** [@gvozd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gvozd)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-things-that-you-family-parents-say/621297 "2012-05-16T17:39:27Z")
What are the funny or interesting things that your family or parents say to you when they are angry or mad at you or frustrated on by? My father never ever appreciates what I do and always criticize in a strong way as a… --- ## [How can you safely boil water in a microwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-safely-boil-water-in-a-microwave/612049)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2012, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-safely-boil-water-in-a-microwave/612049 "2012-02-09T00:34:33Z")
In order to avoid superheated water that can explode, what can a person do to prevent that from happening (aside from boiling water in a tea kettle on the stove instead of the microwave)? Snopes says putting some kind o… --- ## ["Ask a real live pimp a question"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-real-live-pimp-a-question/593562)
**Author:** [@Pimpster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pimpster)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2011, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-real-live-pimp-a-question/593562 "2011-08-21T21:43:13Z")
Ask a real live pimp a question --- ## [U.S. snipers urged to scatter weapons as "bait" for insurgents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-snipers-urged-to-scatter-weapons-as-bait-for-insurgents/420328)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2007, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-snipers-urged-to-scatter-weapons-as-bait-for-insurgents/420328 "2007-10-18T02:43:30Z")
Story here. Hey, waitaminnit! Maybe the person who picks up the stuff is not an insurgent at all, but an average, unemployed, broke Iraqi who just found something valuable lying in the street and hopes to sell it off.… --- ## [Is there any real evidence that Kagan and Napolitano are gay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-real-evidence-that-kagan-and-napolitano-are-gay/539063)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2010, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-real-evidence-that-kagan-and-napolitano-are-gay/539063 "2010-05-14T21:07:57Z")
There has been a lot of speculation that Janet Napolitano and Elena Kagan are both lesbians. As far as I can tell this is based on gossip and the fact that both are ambitious, political middle-aged women who aren’t marr… --- ## [Will Bush II be Regarded as a Great President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-bush-ii-be-regarded-as-a-great-president/402093)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2007, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-bush-ii-be-regarded-as-a-great-president/402093 "2007-05-06T05:17:52Z")
Look, I’m fascinated with drawing historical comparisons from the past to present situations. We don’t seem to learn from the past and keep repeating mistakes. If history is relevant, then I see the Truman presidency off… --- ## [Why do Europeans dislike Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-europeans-dislike-americans/145366)
**Author:** [@Theom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theom)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2002, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-europeans-dislike-americans/145366 "2002-12-29T18:08:56Z")
Why is it that Europeans dislike Americans? 42% of their high school graduates can’t name a country in Asia but so what? I am genuinly interested as to if there is a specific reason across europe or if each country has … --- ## [If The Germans Did Not Fight The Battle of Kursk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-germans-did-not-fight-the-battle-of-kursk/609800)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-germans-did-not-fight-the-battle-of-kursk/609800 "2012-01-20T17:46:09Z")
What if the Germans didn’t fight the Battle of Kursk? I just finished an excellent book (“The Battle of the Tanks”-by Lloyd Clark). I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to know all about this battle. As I see… --- ## [Henry VIII / turkey leg](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/henry-viii-turkey-leg/240759)
**Author:** [@RTA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTA)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2004, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/henry-viii-turkey-leg/240759 "2004-04-20T12:35:22Z")
So I went to the Renaissance Fair today and while eating my turkey leg I got to thinking about Henry the Eighth. You see a picture of that guy, chances are you’re looking at a picture of a guy with a turkey leg in his ha… --- ## [I didn't "catch teh gay" you moron!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-didnt-catch-teh-gay-you-moron/380639)
**Author:** [@Daffyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daffyd)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2006, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-didnt-catch-teh-gay-you-moron/380639 "2006-11-20T14:56:29Z")
I’ve been noticing more and more posters online and even on here using “teh gay”… I didn’t “catch teh gay”. I, and the other members of the Gay community don’t have “teh gay”. So shut the fuck up with your childish, i… --- ## [Why was it unexpected that Darth Vader would tell Luke he is his Father?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-it-unexpected-that-darth-vader-would-tell-luke-he-is-his-father/917016)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-it-unexpected-that-darth-vader-would-tell-luke-he-is-his-father/917016 "2020-12-05T00:03:13Z")
Yoda: Told you, did he? Luke: Yes Yoda: Unexpected this is, and unfortunate Why did Yoda think Darth Vader would not tell Luke? If they thought it was a secret to Vader, they did a bad job hiding it since Anakin an… --- ## [What will 2045 look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-2045-look-like/708646)
**Author:** [@Frazzled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frazzled)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2015, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-2045-look-like/708646 "2015-01-14T18:17:37Z")
In a few months Marty McFly will appear in “The Future”, aka the present from our point of view. He sees a couple of young people (let’s call them Amy and Rory) using a Smart Phone. Amazed, he stops his Delorian to inves… --- ## [Repair pvc pipe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repair-pvc-pipe/401951)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2007, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repair-pvc-pipe/401951 "2007-04-30T15:12:02Z")
Our hot tub develped a leak and I found a hairline crack, about 2 inches long in a section of pvc pipe. The tub is outside, so I was hoping there is an easy way to fix it, like with glue or something, rather than havin… --- ## [Re story about cheating pro-bicyclist how do you hide a cheating "motor" in a racing bicycle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-story-about-cheating-pro-bicyclist-how-do-you-hide-a-cheating-motor-in-a-racing-bicycle/744886)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-story-about-cheating-pro-bicyclist-how-do-you-hide-a-cheating-motor-in-a-racing-bicycle/744886 "2016-02-05T02:42:42Z")
Per the story below (which does not have tech details) how do you put/hide a useful motor in a skinny frame racing bike? Any pics of how this is accomplished? Cyclist withdraws from race after officials find a hidden mo… --- ## ["Good neighbor" and common sewer lines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-neighbor-and-common-sewer-lines/574826)
**Author:** [@Tuareen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuareen)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2011, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-neighbor-and-common-sewer-lines/574826 "2011-03-17T04:13:05Z")
I share a common sewer line with two neighbors. The neighbor on the left was having sewer problems. I found out because he hired a contractor who came over and told me Left Neighbor had hired him, he thought the problem … --- ## [Why do cities often have hellhole ghetto inner cores? Any solution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-cities-often-have-hellhole-ghetto-inner-cores-any-solution/486813)
**Author:** [@What\_the\_deuce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the_deuce)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2009, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-cities-often-have-hellhole-ghetto-inner-cores-any-solution/486813 "2009-02-23T21:06:26Z")
Why would people live in such a place? My guess is that they can’t afford to live anywhere else. Is there any possible solution to this problem? --- ## [Fight For Your Right to Parody . . . the Beastie Boys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fight-for-your-right-to-parody-the-beastie-boys/674841)
**Author:** [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2013, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fight-for-your-right-to-parody-the-beastie-boys/674841 "2013-11-27T21:12:30Z")
So a startup company that wants to encourage little girls to get into science and engineering has used a parody of 1980’s Beastie Boy’s song Girls to market one of their products. I think the ad is even one that’s sched… --- ## [Lessons of SnakeSpirit: The burden of patience is on the majority.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lessons-of-snakespirit-the-burden-of-patience-is-on-the-majority/271415)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2004, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lessons-of-snakespirit-the-burden-of-patience-is-on-the-majority/271415 "2004-11-02T03:08:30Z")
We’ve just lost yet another charter member to the paranormal. No, Snakespirit has not been whisked away to the Beyond, where his firearm collection might precipitate an Evil Dead 3-like adventure. Like lekatt before him… --- ## [What's NOT good at Trader Joe's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-not-good-at-trader-joes/701064)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2015, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-not-good-at-trader-joes/701064 "2015-03-02T17:08:25Z")
The opposite of this thread. Everyone knows I’m a big fan of Trader Joe’s, and that I’ve been shopping there since 1987. But once in a while, I come across something I don’t like. (If you don’t like it, bring it back!… --- ## [Why kill the bear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-kill-the-bear/632775)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-kill-the-bear/632775 "2012-08-31T23:31:13Z")
A San Diego man was reported killed by a bear up in Denali Park/Alaska. Apparently he pushed his luck by getting too close in order to take a picture. As in similar types of incidents the animal is hunted down and kill… --- ## [If they win, would the Miami Heat be the most hated team to win a major sports championship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-they-win-would-the-miami-heat-be-the-most-hated-team-to-win-a-major-sports-championship/583498)
**Author:** [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2011, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-they-win-would-the-miami-heat-be-the-most-hated-team-to-win-a-major-sports-championship/583498 "2011-06-04T00:11:12Z")
Of course, there may not be a quantifiable answer to this, and I’m sure they’re possibly just as popular as they are hated. But I’ve never noticed as much “Somebody please stop these guys” sentiment as I have with this t… --- ## [Looting and the 2024 election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looting-and-the-2024-election/990805)
**Author:** [@JoePockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoePockets)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2023, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looting-and-the-2024-election/990805 "2023-10-30T10:31:12Z")
With current trends of increasing of looting in cities across America would this play role in independent & middle of road Democrats thoughts of supporting a candidate like Trump or a Republican ? Over the next year this… --- ## [BIG, bad bad bad ways to go home (yes, you can go home again!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bad-bad-bad-ways-to-go-home-yes-you-can-go-home-again/963092)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2022, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bad-bad-bad-ways-to-go-home-yes-you-can-go-home-again/963092 "2022-05-18T02:44:36Z")
Wow. The last few weeks have been a real trial! Let us sum-up, ok? (It’s not necessary to read my list, but, hey, it might entertain🤭) Have giant seizure. And more seizures. Go directly to the hospital. Don’t pass go… --- ## [The amazing mucus rope (TMI, natch)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-amazing-mucus-rope-tmi-natch/372069)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-amazing-mucus-rope-tmi-natch/372069 "2017-11-06T19:18:39Z")
I had a bad, really snotty cold for most of last week. It’s pretty much gone now, but my nose is still all stuffed up. Or, should I say, was. I was fed up with sniffling and trying to get air through my gunged up passag… --- ## [Liquid inside WWII bombs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-inside-wwii-bombs/636336)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-inside-wwii-bombs/636336 "2012-10-10T11:43:56Z")
In the mesmerizing ‘The Master’, one scene shows a character unscrewing a plate from the surface of a (WWII era) bomb. Doing so allows him to drain a liquid from inside the bomb which he then proceeds to drink - to get s… --- ## [The Big Bang Theory, Season 10, Episode 7 (November 3, 2016) -- "The Veracity Elasticity"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-10-episode-7-november-3-2016-the-veracity-elasticity/770557)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2016, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-season-10-episode-7-november-3-2016-the-veracity-elasticity/770557 "2016-11-10T13:03:48Z")
I am starting this thread in anticipation of tonight’s episode. --- ## [Numbers on people who abuse entitlement programs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/numbers-on-people-who-abuse-entitlement-programs/536124)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/numbers-on-people-who-abuse-entitlement-programs/536124 "2010-04-18T11:09:41Z")
I’m just curious if there’s any way to measure the number of people who are abusing entitlement programs like welfare, medicaid, etc.? Have the numbers changed over time? \[I ask because it dawned on me yesterday that t… --- ## [The Godfather (I & II): Why are they so well regarded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-godfather-i-ii-why-are-they-so-well-regarded/821318)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2018, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-godfather-i-ii-why-are-they-so-well-regarded/821318 "2018-10-02T14:38:22Z")
I just re-watched “The Godfather” (I & II) and I am hard pressed to see why these movies are considered some of the best movies ever made. They are good, to be sure, but I can only think they are considered so amazing o… --- ## ['Embolden' (weak)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embolden-weak/389628)
**Author:** [@born\_too\_late](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/born_too_late)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2007, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embolden-weak/389628 "2007-02-01T08:21:53Z")
Stupid bushisms. It might be a real word. It might be in the dictionary. It might be used by the sheep media. But I hate that freakin’ word, because it sounds so stupid. Before W got into office, people used the word ‘en… --- ## [If Israel Kills Arafat, What Next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-israel-kills-arafat-what-next/201619)
**Author:** [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2003, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-israel-kills-arafat-what-next/201619 "2003-10-06T12:31:56Z")
It looks as if the gloves have come off. Israel is now openly talking about the possibility that Arafat may be killed in the process of attempting to exile him. My own distance from the situation makes it far too easy to… --- ## [Woodworkers - help me with my hand plane!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woodworkers-help-me-with-my-hand-plane/424283)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2007, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woodworkers-help-me-with-my-hand-plane/424283 "2007-11-10T22:02:14Z")
I thought woodworking sounded like sooo much fun, right? And I’ve been reading all these great books about making my own furniture and stuff, and I’ve been getting tools together, and tonight I actually set plane to woo… --- ## [UFO Theory and Middle Ground.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ufo-theory-and-middle-ground/828073)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2019, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ufo-theory-and-middle-ground/828073 "2019-01-29T05:32:18Z")
I have to tell you, I am probably as skeptical as anyone else on these boards, particularly when it comes to UFO conspiracy theories. Greys, Area 51, men in black. All of it is clearly nonsense, I agree. But I do wonder… --- ## [Speaking of gardening, my sweet peas won't flower](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-gardening-my-sweet-peas-wont-flower/624637)
**Author:** [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2012, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-gardening-my-sweet-peas-wont-flower/624637 "2012-06-12T22:21:12Z")
This is my first year trying sweet peas, though I’ve grown snap peas many times with great success (like fantasizing about sneaking snap peas onto neighbor’s doorstops to get rid of them successful :D). But I can’t get … --- ## [Royal wedding--dish the clothes and hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/royal-wedding-dish-the-clothes-and-hats/580220)
**Author:** [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2011, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/royal-wedding-dish-the-clothes-and-hats/580220 "2011-05-01T15:44:10Z")
I liked the dress, but heard someone calling it modern. Hmmm…not in my opinion. In fact, I thought it was a bit retro. My favorite hat to hate is this one, worn by Sarah and Andrew’s daughter: http://clutch.mtv.com/tag… --- ## [Clarification Inside: Clearing the air and revealing PMs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clarification-inside-clearing-the-air-and-revealing-pms/510452)
**Author:** [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clarification-inside-clearing-the-air-and-revealing-pms/510452 "2009-09-19T22:53:28Z")
First and foremost, let me just say that these are the facts of what happened, including the contents of all PMs. There is no embellishment. Just clearing the air. The steps are in chronological order. If you don’t c… --- ## [Why did Columbus Think that He Discovered a Route to the Far East?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-columbus-think-that-he-discovered-a-route-to-the-far-east/328233)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2007, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-columbus-think-that-he-discovered-a-route-to-the-far-east/328233 "2007-10-23T13:21:10Z")
I have always heard that Columbus was trying to find a better trading route to the for trade. He was convinced that he had found it and made four voyages. Something doesn’t add up. Columbus mainly just sailed around the… --- ## [My annual Miss America rant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-annual-miss-america-rant/202922)
**Author:** [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2003, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-annual-miss-america-rant/202922 "2003-09-26T21:44:43Z")
I’m not a feminist but Miss America is from the 7th level of hell. According to their website, they give away 40 million in scholarships per year. This isn’t just for those that make it to the “big” pageant, but also f… --- ## [The Office 2/8/07](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459)
**Author:** [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459 "2007-02-13T23:42:07Z")
I didn’t see a thread. So. Admit it. If you worked for Michael Scott, wouldn’t you elope? Michael was just being Michael, but it’s hard to believe people let him drag that wheelchair down the aisle. And everything e… --- ## [How Much Income Is Rich?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-income-is-rich/376325)
**Author:** [@Foxy40](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foxy40)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2006, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-income-is-rich/376325 "2006-10-19T02:47:20Z")
On a recent thread, one of the posters referred to me as “rich.” When I contradicted that assumption, it was pointed out to me that the median income in the USA is around $50,000 and since my salary is almost double tha… --- ## [How do YOU keep your social security card intact?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-keep-your-social-security-card-intact/675486)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-keep-your-social-security-card-intact/675486 "2013-12-10T03:19:47Z")
Of course, if you still know where it is (you’d be surprised by how many people don’t know!) My card, despite saying on the back, “This card is invalid if laminated”, is laminated. My parents did it, long before I ever … --- ## [Jack Vance / Dying Earth bestiary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-vance-dying-earth-bestiary/521437)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2014, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-vance-dying-earth-bestiary/521437 "2014-10-27T23:30:23Z")
After having been told I needed to read Jack Vance’s ‘Dying Earth’ novels for about twenty years, I finally am doing so. I picked up a book that has four of the DE novels collected into one place. They are fantastic! B… --- ## [Obama admits regulations bad for business](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-admits-regulations-bad-for-business/594322)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2011, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-admits-regulations-bad-for-business/594322 "2011-09-04T10:47:42Z")
Scrapping Regulations Will Save Businesses $10 Billion It seems the Democratic Party is taking a page from the Libertarian Party. “Administration officials said the plans unveiled Tuesday include 500 regulatory reforms… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1266&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1268&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)