# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1294&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:** 1295 --- ## [Name a good "backup" or "fallback" job](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-good-backup-or-fallback-job/710989)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2015, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-good-backup-or-fallback-job/710989 "2015-01-30T21:55:49Z")
What is a good fallback job one can do which if times get tough, they can usually do? This would be some talent you have done in the past but didnt want a career in it. It could also be some job where if no matter what c… --- ## [People with an accent entirely their own...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-an-accent-entirely-their-own/727297)
**Author:** [@syncrolecyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/syncrolecyne)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2015, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-an-accent-entirely-their-own/727297 "2015-08-11T01:50:09Z")
Which notable people had an accent of their own– meaning one not a recognizable regional accent or foreign accent – but perhaps a unique creation or rare mixture of accents. Or perhaps an accent that is out of place with… --- ## [Do men spray outside the bowl?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-men-spray-outside-the-bowl/617230)
**Author:** [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2012, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-men-spray-outside-the-bowl/617230 "2012-04-03T02:37:49Z")
When men pee standing up into a toilet bowl, do they spray pee outside the bowl? \*\*POLL: No Yes I don’t, never. No, they don’t; at least my man doesn’t. Probably. Don’t know; wouldn’t know. I / my man sit(s) down to p… --- ## [Do people honestly believe Snopes is biased?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-honestly-believe-snopes-is-biased/767654)
**Author:** [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2017, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-honestly-believe-snopes-is-biased/767654 "2017-07-10T19:59:23Z")
On another board, I quoted Snopes, and someone responded: FYI…Snopes is a notoriously-biased site when it comes to certain political figures/issues. Do you have a more ‘neutral’ source that I could consult? Seriously? … --- ## [I pit Scentsy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-scentsy/741784)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2023, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-scentsy/741784 "2023-07-21T02:35:58Z")
I got my hair cut earlier today, and while I was there, I mentioned that I could smell pumpkin. She replied, “Yeah, I have a Scentsy at home” and not only did the smell linger on her, I can STILL smell it at home. :mad: … --- ## [Let's create the official Straight Dope Mythology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-create-the-official-straight-dope-mythology/352706)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2006, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-create-the-official-straight-dope-mythology/352706 "2006-05-03T23:33:32Z")
so that centuries now our descendants can fight over it. Simple rules: 1-Nobody can say anything to close the thread, such as but not limited to “And Wilford Brimley came along and created everything out of oatmeal. T… --- ## [Songwriters in their 30's...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songwriters-in-their-30s/585740)
**Author:** [@samjones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samjones)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2011, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songwriters-in-their-30s/585740 "2011-06-18T12:52:38Z")
Who wrote songs that were just as good as the songs they wrote when they were in their 20’s. Tom Waits --- ## [What's your Porn Star Name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-porn-star-name/238357)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2004, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-porn-star-name/238357 "2004-04-11T14:47:43Z")
Mine would be Steve Rivers. A Quick Guide: Your middle name becomes your first name, and the name of the street you grew up on becomes your last name. Alternatively: If the standard formula doesn’t produce a sexy enoug… --- ## [Paul Hogan says that "People, Not Places" are the key to Australian Tourism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-hogan-says-that-people-not-places-are-the-key-to-australian-tourism/508594)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2009, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-hogan-says-that-people-not-places-are-the-key-to-australian-tourism/508594 "2009-09-17T10:00:31Z")
Interesting piece from the ABC (The Australian one) today, about how Australian Actor Paul “Crocodile Dundee” Hogan believes that Australia needs to focus its tourism advertising on Australian people and the Australian l… --- ## [How much would you pay for PC virus removal/cleanup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-you-pay-for-pc-virus-removal-cleanup/523969)
**Author:** [@Arglefraster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arglefraster)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2010, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-you-pay-for-pc-virus-removal-cleanup/523969 "2010-01-09T23:19:06Z")
So I have this idea. I’m the person that my friend and family members always go to when their PC’s are malware infected, or just bogged down with years of software installs/uninstalls, temp files, etc. I’m very good at c… --- ## [The Apprentice -- 12/1 and 12/2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-apprentice-12-1-and-12-2/277495)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2004, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-apprentice-12-1-and-12-2/277495 "2004-12-07T01:36:28Z")
Just a reminder that there’s a highlights show on tonight (against both Lost and Rudolf, so I know there’s gonna be some Tivo-ing and taping happening tonight!), followed by the usual ep tomorrow. We know that Ivana drop… --- ## [Workplace Bullying - Your Experiences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-bullying-your-experiences/531469)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2010, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-bullying-your-experiences/531469 "2010-03-15T17:20:06Z")
I was reading this article on workplace bullying earlier today, and it mentioned that workplace bullying is growing fast. I’ve been on the receiving end of workplace bullying a couple of times now, and went exactly like … --- ## [The Health Care Summit: What did you think?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-health-care-summit-what-did-you-think/530452)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-health-care-summit-what-did-you-think/530452 "2010-03-01T12:37:38Z")
Especially if you actually watched it, as opposed to seeing soundbites on YouTube or reading about what other people thought of it on blogs. --- ## [Dewey Cheatem Undhow, step in here for a second.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dewey-cheatem-undhow-step-in-here-for-a-second/287155)
**Author:** [@Kel\_Varnsen\_Latex\_Division](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kel_Varnsen_Latex_Division)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2005, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dewey-cheatem-undhow-step-in-here-for-a-second/287155 "2005-01-29T22:16:37Z")
In a past thread you stated that I flatly wrong when I said the Justice Scalia was not a strict contructionist. You told me to read his book. Well let’s just see what he has to say in his book: page 23 http://boards.s… --- ## [Why is the Frankenstein's head squared-off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-frankensteins-head-squared-off/585523)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2011, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-frankensteins-head-squared-off/585523 "2011-06-15T21:23:33Z")
(Referring to the monster, of course, and the 1931-onward Universal Studios version, specifically) Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been familiar with the explanation by Frankenstein makeup artist Jack Pierce: The thing i… --- ## [Sorel vs. Ugg](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorel-vs-ugg/221879)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2004, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorel-vs-ugg/221879 "2004-01-03T02:41:37Z")
I’ve had a pair of Sorel pack boots for yonks. I guess I got them around 1992. Great things to get into after a day of skiing. A few years ago I got a pair of high-top Ugg boots. I found that they were much more comf… --- ## [2012 Olympics - Most hilarious competitor names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-olympics-most-hilarious-competitor-names/629928)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2012, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-olympics-most-hilarious-competitor-names/629928 "2012-08-10T18:28:01Z")
Yeah, I know I’m not supposed to find this funny, but I am easily amused and I love a cheap laugh. Here’s my three submissions (and why I find it hilarious): Destinee Hooker - USA Indoor Volleyball Laszlo Cseh - Hung… --- ## ["Parental rights" my ass (sex ed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-rights-my-ass-sex-ed/302373)
**Author:** [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2005, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-rights-my-ass-sex-ed/302373 "2005-05-06T20:00:49Z")
If there were any lingering doubts that the controversy over what to teach in sex ed was really about interferring with parental right (“I don’t want my child taught things I don’t believe in”) here’s this: http://www.w… --- ## [Argentine submarine (44 aboard) goes missing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/argentine-submarine-44-aboard-goes-missing/802007)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2018, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/argentine-submarine-44-aboard-goes-missing/802007 "2018-11-17T06:58:23Z")
Hasn’t been heard from since Wednesday the 15th. Hope it won’t be a Kursk-like incident. --- ## [Would you call this woman a thief?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-call-this-woman-a-thief/744293)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2016, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-call-this-woman-a-thief/744293 "2016-01-30T03:39:27Z")
If you don’t like these hypotheticals, why are you reading this? Today’s story is about Iris, a twentysomething single mother working at a call lcenter. Iris commutes by bus, something that’s been a problem recently bec… --- ## [What do you consider clearest evidence of ongoing US racism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-clearest-evidence-of-ongoing-us-racism/919067)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2020, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-clearest-evidence-of-ongoing-us-racism/919067 "2020-11-20T01:57:17Z")
Apologies if you feel this an ignorant question, but I intend it sincerely. And I’m a little embarrassed to be asking hte questing. I recently had a discussion w/ someone who questioned how much ongoing racism existed … --- ## [Names for a goth girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-a-goth-girl/392494)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-a-goth-girl/392494 "2007-03-03T17:54:27Z")
Not the name her parents give her; the one she’d give herself. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! --- ## [Refusing a Direct Order from Your Supervisor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refusing-a-direct-order-from-your-supervisor/722801)
**Author:** [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2015, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refusing-a-direct-order-from-your-supervisor/722801 "2015-06-23T15:45:36Z")
Suppose a direct order from your Supervisor is made and you think that it is ridiculous and for various reasons there is no ability to question it How much trouble would you be in if it was refused. To give you an exam… --- ## [My girlfriend's uncle is buying a gun this weekend...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-girlfriends-uncle-is-buying-a-gun-this-weekend/574090)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-girlfriends-uncle-is-buying-a-gun-this-weekend/574090 "2011-03-15T15:42:44Z")
He has also started getting his savings converted into gold coins. He says he wants the gun so he’s prepared for the “Obama wars”. This is a man in his 50s in Northeast OH. :confused: --- ## [Artificial meat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificial-meat/614275)
**Author:** [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2012, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificial-meat/614275 "2012-03-15T10:56:49Z")
I have often thought that artificial meat could be one of the most important technologies of the 21st century. This articlegot me thinking about it again. Animals raised for meat consumer lots of land and water and em… --- ## [(Almost) all across the spectrum, most Americans favor "path to citizenship" for illegals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/almost-all-across-the-spectrum-most-americans-favor-path-to-citizenship-for-illegals/586061)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2011, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/almost-all-across-the-spectrum-most-americans-favor-path-to-citizenship-for-illegals/586061 "2011-06-27T13:48:10Z")
From the 2011 version of the Pew Political Typology study. See here – scroll down to middle of page: :confused: So, why does “amnesty” still work as a political scareword?! --- ## [I've had it. All I want is a job.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-had-it-all-i-want-is-a-job/229110)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2004, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-had-it-all-i-want-is-a-job/229110 "2004-02-21T03:09:52Z")
So I go to a place that’s hiring security guards. I go through all the stuff about background checks, work history, convictions, yadda yadda yadda, same stuff everybody does, but then they do something different. Maybe n… --- ## [URGENT!TIME SENSITIVE! DO NOT DISREGARD (yeah, right)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urgent-time-sensitive-do-not-disregard-yeah-right/662804)
**Author:** [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2013, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urgent-time-sensitive-do-not-disregard-yeah-right/662804 "2013-07-08T19:17:57Z")
Just got 2 indentical pieces of mail marked in huge letters "TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL. DO NOT DISCARD. On the back “TIME SENSITIVE. OPEN IMMEDIATELY.” Just how time-sensitive were these urgent missives? Well, they were … --- ## [Bad u-joint on a Ford F150?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-u-joint-on-a-ford-f150/446619)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2008, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-u-joint-on-a-ford-f150/446619 "2008-04-28T03:16:15Z")
Automatic and when put into gear (reverse or drive) the backend starts to grind. Roll backwards or forwards the car feels like the parking brake is on and the front end starts to squeak. What could this be? --- ## [Typos that became official?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typos-that-became-official/816286)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2018, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typos-that-became-official/816286 "2018-07-04T05:25:13Z")
Today I learned about an Anne McCaffrey collection that was supposed to be titled Get of the Unicorn (meaning “offspring of the unicorn”) but there was a typo in the contract that read Get Off the Unicorn. They decided t… --- ## [Canned foods you eat straight from the can.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canned-foods-you-eat-straight-from-the-can/701329)
**Author:** [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canned-foods-you-eat-straight-from-the-can/701329 "2014-10-16T00:11:05Z")
Sardines or kippers. I eat them right out of the can with a fork. And they’re very nutritious. Black olives. I prefer the spendier oil- or brine-cured deli olives, but the plain ones right out of the can make a great sn… --- ## [Why did South Africa need nuclear weapons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-south-africa-need-nuclear-weapons/698829)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2014, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-south-africa-need-nuclear-weapons/698829 "2014-09-24T15:07:37Z")
South Africa once had nuclear weapons but then disassembled them. What kind of threat made South Africa think a nuclear arsenal was necessary? --- ## [Yet Another Pick-a-Doper Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-pick-a-doper-thread/169299)
**Author:** [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2003, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-pick-a-doper-thread/169299 "2003-04-29T01:04:15Z")
Okay, we’ve done who you like/respect, who you (would) flirt with, who doesn’t annoy you… let’s get a tough one: Based on your current state of knowledge about people (IRL meetings, photos, etc., can be included), if yo… --- ## [Survivor: Nicaragua premiers Sept 15(next Wednesday)!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-nicaragua-premiers-sept-15-next-wednesday/552957)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2010, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-nicaragua-premiers-sept-15-next-wednesday/552957 "2010-09-18T02:53:22Z")
Well, I guess it sucks if you are a great contestant and you are in your 30’s. This Fall’s Survivor includes no 30 year-olds, opting for those under 30 and those over 40. I don’t mind the idea, actually. I’m glad that s… --- ## [Why did everyone roll up the bottoms of their jeans in the 50's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-everyone-roll-up-the-bottoms-of-their-jeans-in-the-50s/114728)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2002, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-everyone-roll-up-the-bottoms-of-their-jeans-in-the-50s/114728 "2002-06-21T23:17:52Z")
It seems that in the first decade or so after blue jeans became familiar casual wear, it seems that they were always bought three inches too long and rolled up at the bottoms. After about 1965, on the other hand, t see… --- ## [She spins me about](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/she-spins-me-about/523358)
**Author:** [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2010, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/she-spins-me-about/523358 "2010-01-04T19:44:44Z")
She spins me about, and I end up traveling over my own wake. I get lost, and it takes a few days to get my bearings again. I caught her cheating on me last Super Bowl Sunday. Ugly breakup, and I hadn’t talked to her sin… --- ## [I'm offering to buy you a Whopper from Burger King (your choice of toppings), do you take it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-offering-to-buy-you-a-whopper-from-burger-king-your-choice-of-toppings-do-you-take-it/768206)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2016, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-offering-to-buy-you-a-whopper-from-burger-king-your-choice-of-toppings-do-you-take-it/768206 "2016-10-18T18:03:36Z")
Poll to come. Basically, would you like a Burger King Whopper if I offered to buy you one? There’s only one “Yes”, but there are many, many different kinds of “No” answers, so if your answer is a “No”, why not? Hopeful… --- ## [Strange "hobbies" of well known people.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-hobbies-of-well-known-people/431879)
**Author:** [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2008, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-hobbies-of-well-known-people/431879 "2008-01-05T01:48:37Z")
Yesterday I was reading a column about “fame” by Australian actor William McInnes. And he told this great little tale: \*I was on a television series once that was basically all about being famous. Well, not exactly, but… --- ## [Americans: on a scale of 0 to 12, how much do you worry about becoming a victim of violent crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-on-a-scale-of-0-to-12-how-much-do-you-worry-about-becoming-a-victim-of-violent-crime/699268)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2014, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-on-a-scale-of-0-to-12-how-much-do-you-worry-about-becoming-a-victim-of-violent-crime/699268 "2014-09-27T03:42:50Z")
Zero means you don’t worry at all. Twelve means that even if you could wear Iron Man armor outside your house and live inside a castle besides, you’d still be a little nervous. Don’t wait for the poll; there isn’t one.… --- ## [Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D S02E17: Melinda](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d-s02e17-melinda/717702)
**Author:** [@pricciar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pricciar)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2015, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d-s02e17-melinda/717702 "2015-04-26T01:24:44Z")
“Melinda” Directed by: Garry A. Brown Written by: DJ Doyle With an episode title like this, I don’t know how they can go wrong. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D S02E01: Shadows Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D S02E02: Heavy is the Head A… --- ## [What's the big deal about home ownership?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-about-home-ownership/543584)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-about-home-ownership/543584 "2010-06-18T20:51:35Z")
Inspired by this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=567413&page=2 I truly don’t understand why it seems that The American Dream is home ownership. I mean, homeowners still pay mortgages for dec… --- ## [Why were all the top 100 meters runners black?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-all-the-top-100-meters-runners-black/460432)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2008, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-all-the-top-100-meters-runners-black/460432 "2008-09-10T20:52:30Z")
I’ve been watching the Olympics and the racial makeup of the runners has been striking. In the marathon, there was a pretty even mix of races. Asian, white, black etc. But in both the men’s and women’s finals of the 1… --- ## [The Hell is it with Christmas penguins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hell-is-it-with-christmas-penguins/644963)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2012, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hell-is-it-with-christmas-penguins/644963 "2012-12-26T12:55:21Z")
Santa hangs out and has his Elven slave factory at the North Pole. Penguins dwell in the vicinity of the South Pole. Inflatable penguins are almost as common as puffed up Santas in yard displays. What is this, some so… --- ## [End of an era: Ringling Bros. Circus to close in May 2017](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-an-era-ringling-bros-circus-to-close-in-may-2017/777204)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2017, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-an-era-ringling-bros-circus-to-close-in-may-2017/777204 "2017-01-19T22:32:45Z")
\[The Greatest Show On Earth is about to end. \](http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US\_RINGLING\_BROS\_CLOSING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-01-14-22-14-17)Now that I am older I understand the issues… --- ## [A friend doesn't like telling women she was a pilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-friend-doesnt-like-telling-women-she-was-a-pilot/541209)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-friend-doesnt-like-telling-women-she-was-a-pilot/541209 "2010-06-04T18:28:07Z")
Just got off the horn with a friend (ex-fiancée). She was a pilot in the 101st Airborne during the Gulf War. She says she doesn’t like telling women she used to be a pilot. Guys think it’s cool, but she says women ten… --- ## [World's most shocking industrial accidents.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worlds-most-shocking-industrial-accidents/462000)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2008, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worlds-most-shocking-industrial-accidents/462000 "2008-09-06T23:27:30Z")
Can anyone beat the Byford Dolphin diving bell incident? :eek: :eek: --- ## [Obnoxious people at the gym](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obnoxious-people-at-the-gym/653548)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2013, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obnoxious-people-at-the-gym/653548 "2013-03-27T19:08:37Z")
There have been topics like this in the past, but last night… man oh man, I wanted to knock this chick’s block off. She was using the chest press machine, with a starbucks beverage on the floor close by. She moved to a… --- ## [Are silver, gold, bitcoins, etc worth anything in Venezuela](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-silver-gold-bitcoins-etc-worth-anything-in-venezuela/792100)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2017, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-silver-gold-bitcoins-etc-worth-anything-in-venezuela/792100 "2017-08-07T16:44:38Z")
During the great recession some people in the US were stockpiling gold, silver, bitcoins because they felt if the US economy collapsed they could use them as currency. But Venezuela is collapsing. Does silver or gold wo… --- ## [Music bad enough to be considered criminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/music-bad-enough-to-be-considered-criminal/338954)
**Author:** [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2007, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/music-bad-enough-to-be-considered-criminal/338954 "2007-01-07T21:22:22Z")
Right now, I’m working for an AM station that recently changed its format to Adult Standards. In a nutshell, this entails stuff like Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como; music that appeals to an older… --- ## [You better hope your little ratdog pulls through.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-better-hope-your-little-ratdog-pulls-through/200777)
**Author:** [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2003, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-better-hope-your-little-ratdog-pulls-through/200777 "2003-09-16T01:58:50Z")
Because if he doesn’t, he’s getting an all-expenses-paid trip to Raleigh. Well, his head is, anyway. I don’t care if the little fucker’s been vaccinated for rabies, and neither does the state. If he dies in the next 1… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1293&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1295&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)