# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1319&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:** 1320 --- ## [Your top 5 metal vocalists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-5-metal-vocalists/676588)
**Author:** [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2013, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-5-metal-vocalists/676588 "2013-12-27T20:05:39Z")
Companion thread to go with the top 5 metal guitarists thread. I don’t have a very musical ear, so I’m unable to judge things like vocal range and technique, and end up liking or disliking vocalists based on ‘feel’. It’d… --- ## [HELP I'm going to marry a lesbian on Sat!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-im-going-to-marry-a-lesbian-on-sat/228070)
**Author:** [@Isabelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isabelle)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2004, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-im-going-to-marry-a-lesbian-on-sat/228070 "2004-02-13T12:00:28Z")
My good friend just asked me to marry her on this coming Sat. (Valentines Day) Her church is rallying a group of people to make a statement for the state of Florida to allow gay marriages in this state. Since the weddi… --- ## [Why didn't Tylenol cause liver damage in the 70's and 80's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-tylenol-cause-liver-damage-in-the-70s-and-80s/542035)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2010, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-tylenol-cause-liver-damage-in-the-70s-and-80s/542035 "2010-06-11T18:09:58Z")
When I was young, Tylenol was a wonder-drug. You could take it for anything, if it didn’t work, you took more. I carried a bottle around with me starting from middle school. Nowadays, it seems like if you swallow it too… --- ## [How does Napster make money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-napster-make-money/62493)
**Author:** [@aubries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aubries)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2001, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-napster-make-money/62493 "2001-04-20T02:12:21Z")
They provide the service for free to anyone who wants it, and then they spend what must be many many thousands of dollars defending themselves. Whence comes all this money? What am I missing here? -Ed --- ## [Weird terms and conditions for the cloud storage offered by my bank.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-terms-and-conditions-for-the-cloud-storage-offered-by-my-bank/682680)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2014, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-terms-and-conditions-for-the-cloud-storage-offered-by-my-bank/682680 "2014-03-06T08:07:13Z")
I’ve recently been looking for somewhere to keep files securely that would be (more or less) automatically accessible by my wife or kids in the event of my demise (I’ll elaborate in a later post). I found that my bank o… --- ## [Is ma'am offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-maam-offensive/843517)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2019, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-maam-offensive/843517 "2019-12-03T12:57:12Z")
Yes or no? Or does it depend? I thought it at worst benign, actually suggesting polite respect. The female equivalent of Sir. If circumstances are relevant, I’d be happy to provide. --- ## [Enterprise: Zero Hour spoilers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-zero-hour-spoilers/247096)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2004, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-zero-hour-spoilers/247096 "2004-07-04T06:34:10Z")
Dammit. I say we whack the last five minutes of this episode and end the series. Stole the “I am getting very tired of you” scene. Mice cocktails. Yum. Tell Hoshi gravity works very well in the weapon, thank you very… --- ## [Are swords as pointless a melee weapon as they seem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-swords-as-pointless-a-melee-weapon-as-they-seem/718560)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-swords-as-pointless-a-melee-weapon-as-they-seem/718560 "2015-04-28T18:38:43Z")
I’d invite discussion in both historical context and modern context(obviously against the same class of weapon, not an AK47). They are large, bulky, and require two much of an opening to use. I’d be willing to bet in no… --- ## [workshop interior walls ideas, at a standstill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workshop-interior-walls-ideas-at-a-standstill/634736)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2012, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workshop-interior-walls-ideas-at-a-standstill/634736 "2012-09-20T13:34:57Z")
Hello, My wife and I purchased a new home on five acres. I am most excited ass for once in my life I am going to have a dedicated workshop/garage to pursue my hobby of restoring old cars. The average has a free standing… --- ## [Man (or alien?) made structure on Mars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-or-alien-made-structure-on-mars/584578)
**Author:** [@Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oslo_Ostragoth)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2011, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-or-alien-made-structure-on-mars/584578 "2011-07-19T16:58:35Z")
Some guy using Google Mars (what?) claims to have discovered a structure on Mars. Story and video here. I would need a lot clearer picture before getting concerned. What do you think? --- ## [Why does sawdust burn so poorly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-sawdust-burn-so-poorly/616137)
**Author:** [@Vicullum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicullum)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2012, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-sawdust-burn-so-poorly/616137 "2012-03-19T13:27:26Z")
Take a log and set if afire and you get a nice flame. Break it down into kindling first, and it’ll burn even faster. Reduce it to sawdust, however, and at best you get a weak, smoldering flame. Why? (I realize sawdust c… --- ## [Smallest thing that can kill you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-thing-that-can-kill-you/674179)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2013, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-thing-that-can-kill-you/674179 "2013-11-22T23:19:17Z")
This question came to mind as I watched the distressed look on my 300+ pound friend hold a tiny little shot of Patron. I know he hates shots - they make him vomit - but someone bought an unannounced round. The only exc… --- ## [What countries have never had leaders who held high military rank (e.g. general/flag officers)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-countries-have-never-had-leaders-who-held-high-military-rank-e-g-general-flag-officers/713876)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2015, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-countries-have-never-had-leaders-who-held-high-military-rank-e-g-general-flag-officers/713876 "2015-03-02T18:48:27Z")
I was just wondering: how many countries have never had a political leader who has held high military rank: general or flag rank? By “political leader” I mean actual leader, not ceremonial, so a Prime Minister in a par… --- ## [Awesome moments with strangers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/awesome-moments-with-strangers/573496)
**Author:** [@Arglefraster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arglefraster)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2011, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/awesome-moments-with-strangers/573496 "2011-03-10T22:48:23Z")
Inspired by This thread about times when a stranger has said something random/weird/disturbing. What are some random but awesome moments you’ve shared with complete strangers? Here’s mine. I normally buy my underwear in… --- ## [The Anti-420 thread - when and why did you quit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-anti-420-thread-when-and-why-did-you-quit/579090)
**Author:** [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2011, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-anti-420-thread-when-and-why-did-you-quit/579090 "2011-08-10T23:08:52Z")
For me, I quit years ago because of the “paranoids”. In some cases, I was experiencing anxiety for days or weeks after having smoked. I became quite concerned that I’d done permanent damage, so I quit for good. I’m ha… --- ## [A Man's View of the Ladies' Room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-mans-view-of-the-ladies-room/490019)
**Author:** [@Smitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smitty)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2009, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-mans-view-of-the-ladies-room/490019 "2009-03-21T14:31:27Z")
OK, I’m not some pervert that goes sneaking into the women’s john to get his jollies. I have been in a few for legitimate purposes, and have gotten a glimpse inside others as I passed by. And I have to say, “What the h… --- ## [Abortion is interrupting an imminent life, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-is-interrupting-an-imminent-life-right/212757)
**Author:** [@hauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hauss)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2003, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-is-interrupting-an-imminent-life-right/212757 "2003-11-21T16:36:41Z")
If you are pro-choice, why do you think it is ok to interrupt a natural life-producing process? Yeah, it may or may not be a life at a certain point in time, but why does that matter? You may or may not be killing a li… --- ## [When did you first realize there were sequential threads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-realize-there-were-sequential-threads/439507)
**Author:** [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Replies:** 198\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2008, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-realize-there-were-sequential-threads/439507 "2008-03-28T13:55:29Z")
Detroit! Ann Arbor! A DOPEFEST draws nigh! How the hell am I supposed to sleep now? So I got an Obscene Phone Call this morning… I so do this… If You Could Make Any Film You Wanted To! ( 1 2 ) What were those old s… --- ## [I have a lump behind my ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-lump-behind-my-ear/514932)
**Author:** [@purple\_haze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purple_haze)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2009, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-lump-behind-my-ear/514932 "2009-10-28T10:18:07Z")
What next? If it’s not one thing, it’s another. It’s behind my left ear behind my ear lobe on the very top of where my neck meets my ear. It feels like a marble, and hurts when I touch it. I guess I need to have the … --- ## [When did canned goods Net Wt change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-canned-goods-net-wt-change/289625)
**Author:** [@KP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KP)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2016, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-canned-goods-net-wt-change/289625 "2016-12-31T04:56:01Z")
As a kid in the 1970s, I remember when new labelling laws came into effect. Among other things, all canned goods started displaying “Net Weight” or “drained weight” in the front of their labels. (Before that, they simply… --- ## [My boyfriend quit smoking, but I didn't.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boyfriend-quit-smoking-but-i-didnt/505769)
**Author:** [@dragongirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragongirl)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boyfriend-quit-smoking-but-i-didnt/505769 "2017-11-22T16:00:58Z")
Last weekend, my boyfrined of about 18 months quit smoking. While I knew that he didn’t like being smoker, I didn’t know he was going to quit. I didn’t get to see him last weekend and becasue he was alone, he took the bi… --- ## [What would the Earth look like if humans disappeared?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-earth-look-like-if-humans-disappeared/741910)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-earth-look-like-if-humans-disappeared/741910 "2016-01-12T18:48:02Z")
Cecil’s column: What would the earth look like if humans disappeared? - The Straight Dope I’ve read the Alan Weisman book he refers to, The World Without Us, and it’s fascinating. One point Cecil doesn’t mention is tha… --- ## [German Speakers: Is There a Word for "Put?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-speakers-is-there-a-word-for-put/715301)
**Author:** [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2015, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-speakers-is-there-a-word-for-put/715301 "2015-03-26T22:44:41Z")
I remember my German professor from college telling us that German had no word for “put.” Instead, a word that more specifically described the action would be used. Here are examples of the concept (illustrated in Engl… --- ## [Spice snobs, teach me your snobbery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spice-snobs-teach-me-your-snobbery/604397)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spice-snobs-teach-me-your-snobbery/604397 "2011-12-05T16:39:27Z")
I just finished a 4 year old bottle of store-brand ground cinnamon. Recollections of past browsings of the Penzeys catalog tell me that there are all sorts of varieties I can purchase, but I have to wonder if Ceylon vs V… --- ## [Federal court ruling slashes presidential recess-appointment power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-court-ruling-slashes-presidential-recess-appointment-power/648466)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2013, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-court-ruling-slashes-presidential-recess-appointment-power/648466 "2013-02-01T06:26:18Z")
Story here. Apparently this means about 300 decisions made the National Labor Relations Board over the past year can be challenged and nullified, because the board lacked a quorum of legitimately appointed members. Bu… --- ## [2 bits 4 bits 6 bits a dollar..what the heck is a bit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-bits-4-bits-6-bits-a-dollar-what-the-heck-is-a-bit/5091)
**Author:** [@KissThis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KissThis)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 1999, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-bits-4-bits-6-bits-a-dollar-what-the-heck-is-a-bit/5091 "1999-12-04T06:57:00Z")
I have always wonder what a bit is. The old timers around here still use it sometimes. 2 bits= 25 cents 4 bits= 50 cents 6 bits =75 cents what the heck is a bit? --- ## [Where can I get some tiny bolts/screws and nuts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-some-tiny-bolts-screws-and-nuts/443329)
**Author:** [@chorpler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chorpler)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2008, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-some-tiny-bolts-screws-and-nuts/443329 "2008-04-04T13:40:40Z")
My glasses have a tiny screw that holds the left lens in place; if the screw comes out, the metal oval that holds the lens separates into two pieces and the lens falls out. Unfortunately, the hole that the screw screws … --- ## [Regaining lost muscle mass is easier than putting on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regaining-lost-muscle-mass-is-easier-than-putting-on/351855)
**Author:** [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2006, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regaining-lost-muscle-mass-is-easier-than-putting-on/351855 "2006-04-10T00:00:23Z")
Due to shifts in training regimen, workload at work, and basic interest, I’ve added, lost, regained, lost, regained again and then lost maybe 15 pounds of muscle over the years. Because of this, it seems much easier for … --- ## [Why doesn't someone market a helium balloon emergency signal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-someone-market-a-helium-balloon-emergency-signal/260039)
**Author:** [@observer11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/observer11)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-someone-market-a-helium-balloon-emergency-signal/260039 "2014-08-03T19:14:54Z")
I raised a question in another thread about whether the “Open Water” scenario happens in the real world, and I subsequently took a look at some diving and boating catalogs to see what kind of emergency equipment is avail… --- ## [Is it ethical to pay someone to get the Covid vaccine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ethical-to-pay-someone-to-get-the-covid-vaccine/941426)
**Author:** [@turtlescanfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/turtlescanfly)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2021, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ethical-to-pay-someone-to-get-the-covid-vaccine/941426 "2021-05-21T23:48:05Z")
Placing this here be cause it seems like prime debate material, but if mods determine it should be in the Covid forum, so be it. So the company that both of my daughters work for has recently announced that they will pr… --- ## [Minneapolis hits 90F and the schools close?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minneapolis-hits-90f-and-the-schools-close/667480)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2013, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minneapolis-hits-90f-and-the-schools-close/667480 "2013-08-31T21:09:00Z")
I saw this story about how Minneapolis is closing schools because of high temperatures. And the temperature predictions I’m reading are for about 90F. Snerk. Seriously? You know how Minneapolitans might laugh when pe… --- ## [My Papa Bear is gone.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-papa-bear-is-gone/843073)
**Author:** [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2020, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-papa-bear-is-gone/843073 "2020-11-06T20:41:01Z")
Neither mundane or pointless but yesterday was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Woke up about 2 am to find my husband on the couch. I thought he was just asleep but I realized he wasn’t breathing. Called 911… --- ## [Please explain Climategate.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-climategate/519899)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2009, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-climategate/519899 "2009-12-06T02:33:29Z")
I have been reading about this lately but I haven’t been having a lot of success cutting through the religion on both sides. Please explain what the implications are for the Global Warming debate. Pithy dismissals wher… --- ## [Assholes in old TV westerns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assholes-in-old-tv-westerns/807429)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2018, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assholes-in-old-tv-westerns/807429 "2018-01-29T16:25:22Z")
I am watching old TV Westerns that I saw with my Grandmother. Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel was an asshole. He was more educated than anyone else on the show in history and literature. He spoken some fifteen or twenty… --- ## [Bosses - why don't you fire people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bosses-why-dont-you-fire-people/743890)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bosses-why-dont-you-fire-people/743890 "2016-02-01T03:43:12Z")
You see this a lot, right? Even nowadays - someone who is clearly underperforming and yet stays on and on. Have you had experience with this? I am trying to get into someone’s head and see what they’re thinking. This pe… --- ## [Ask (and Tell) the Prospective Kidney Donor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-and-tell-the-prospective-kidney-donor/680012)
**Author:** [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2014, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-and-tell-the-prospective-kidney-donor/680012 "2014-10-02T22:41:39Z")
On Thursday, I will be flying out to San Diego for the last phase of testing to see whether I can donate a kidney. I have done preliminary blood and urine testing here in Louisville, KY, but the intended recipient lives … --- ## [Do happy Mormon couples get to rule a planet in the afterlife?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-happy-mormon-couples-get-to-rule-a-planet-in-the-afterlife/590274)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2011, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-happy-mormon-couples-get-to-rule-a-planet-in-the-afterlife/590274 "2011-07-31T15:39:56Z")
So said Bill Maher in his Cleveland standup appearance last night. According to him, a happy marriage between two Mormons means they get to rule their own world in the hereafter. Dunno how much, if at all, he lied/exag… --- ## [How expensive to take a case to the Supreme Court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-to-take-a-case-to-the-supreme-court/572734)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-to-take-a-case-to-the-supreme-court/572734 "2011-02-28T05:42:54Z")
Let’s say I have a suit whose merits are such that it will be appealed either by me or by the government (federal or state) to the Supreme Court of the United States. Let’s say that I’m bearing the cost of my suit- no on… --- ## [Keep a promise to your best friend and remain middle-class, or break it and become a billionaire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-promise-to-your-best-friend-and-remain-middle-class-or-break-it-and-become-a-billionaire/761122)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2016, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-promise-to-your-best-friend-and-remain-middle-class-or-break-it-and-become-a-billionaire/761122 "2016-08-01T21:53:21Z")
Continuing my current theme, here is the story of DAVE, DON, and CHRISTOPHER. The former two are both men in their late 30s. A year ago one might hae said the same thing about Christpher, but today only the past tense i… --- ## [How much do hearing aids cost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-hearing-aids-cost/599463)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2013, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-hearing-aids-cost/599463 "2013-01-24T19:13:55Z")
I’ve seen numerous full-page ads in the newspaper for hearing aids. There’s never a price, just some offer of a free trial. The use of full-page ads leads me to believe that there is a very high margin in the hearing a… --- ## [Survey Response Error: Variance v. Bias (Another Election Thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survey-response-error-variance-v-bias-another-election-thread/40787)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2001, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survey-response-error-variance-v-bias-another-election-thread/40787 "2001-01-27T14:21:27Z")
When a statistical survey is taken, there are several steps at which error can occur. Most of them have to do with whether those people actually surveyed are a representative sample of the population you wanted to gather… --- ## [Why did Heinlein report incorrectly about Cox in Starship Troopers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-heinlein-report-incorrectly-about-cox-in-starship-troopers/428303)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2019, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-heinlein-report-incorrectly-about-cox-in-starship-troopers/428303 "2019-05-16T21:29:49Z")
In Starship Troopers, Heinlein has the commander at OCS scare his charges (who have just received their Third Lieutenant “commissions” and are about to ship out) by telling them the story of William Sitgreaves Cox, Third… --- ## [Communism v. Capitalism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/communism-v-capitalism/113184)
**Author:** [@Sublime54465](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublime54465)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2002, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/communism-v-capitalism/113184 "2002-06-26T14:06:40Z")
now i’m not an expert on politics, nor am i extrememly well educated on either ideal…but to me, i think capitalism is not as good a system…in a perfect world. however, as we are NOT in a perfect world…nor are there infi… --- ## [The earth has shifted on its axis.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-earth-has-shifted-on-its-axis/574475)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2011, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-earth-has-shifted-on-its-axis/574475 "2011-03-15T23:53:43Z")
Four inches is what I heard. Still, the earth has shifted on its axis. What does this mean for mankind? --- ## [American cheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-cheese/523548)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2024, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-cheese/523548 "2024-05-08T14:24:53Z")
Kraft Deli Deluxe American Cheese is a ‘Pasturized process cheese’. By legal definition, it is 100% cheese. Kraft Singles is a ‘Pasteurized process cheese product’. By legal definition, it contains less than 51% chees… --- ## [Rubber hoses laid across roads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rubber-hoses-laid-across-roads/82510)
**Author:** [@Major\_Feelgud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Major_Feelgud)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2001, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rubber-hoses-laid-across-roads/82510 "2001-09-20T13:11:32Z")
I keep seeing two long rubber hoses being laid across local roads. They’re attached to a box at one end. Sometimes both hoses go across both lanes, sometimes one hose is short and runs across one lane only. What are the… --- ## [Have US vice-presidents ever been changed for the second term ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-us-vice-presidents-ever-been-changed-for-the-second-term/248325)
**Author:** [@Rashak\_Mani](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rashak_Mani)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2004, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-us-vice-presidents-ever-been-changed-for-the-second-term/248325 "2004-06-03T15:11:52Z")
Seeing how the Chalabi stories are getting hot, I wondered if its an attempt at knocking out Cheney. My boss asked me if there was ever a change of Vice-Presidents in US history. Did a US president change his running ma… --- ## [Will The Hobbit suffer the same fate the Star Wars Prequels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-hobbit-suffer-the-same-fate-the-star-wars-prequels/630098)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2012, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-hobbit-suffer-the-same-fate-the-star-wars-prequels/630098 "2012-12-16T12:44:28Z")
Ok, full disclosure time. I like the prequels. They are in some ways better than the prequels. (like having light saber duels between more than just a cyborg and and old man/farmboy and yeah, Natalie Portman)/. Of course… --- ## [Brainstorm some war movie ideas about underappreciated parts of the military!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brainstorm-some-war-movie-ideas-about-underappreciated-parts-of-the-military/489828)
**Author:** [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2009, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brainstorm-some-war-movie-ideas-about-underappreciated-parts-of-the-military/489828 "2009-03-27T01:56:59Z")
So, I got bored, and figured that a movie about Air Force Para Rescue Jumpers (AKA The PJ’s) could be rather cool. Basically, they’re trained to jump out of airplanes behind enemy lines to rescue downed pilots and soldi… --- ## [Sharks at the Tables, Lab Girls on the Rails - SDMB World Poker Tour 1st QTR 2007](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sharks-at-the-tables-lab-girls-on-the-rails-sdmb-world-poker-tour-1st-qtr-2007/385957)
**Author:** [@Kyyrewyyoae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyyrewyyoae)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2007, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sharks-at-the-tables-lab-girls-on-the-rails-sdmb-world-poker-tour-1st-qtr-2007/385957 "2007-04-05T01:09:23Z")
The first game of the new year will be January 4th, 2007 at 10:00 pm EST. Congrats to mf’r Dag Otto for the 4th quarter 2006 crown. For those keen on history, this game has been running every thursday night since early… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1318&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1320&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)