# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1480&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:** 1481 --- ## [Can the "intelligent design" theory be falsified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-intelligent-design-theory-be-falsified/316906)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2005, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-intelligent-design-theory-be-falsified/316906 "2005-08-25T07:56:42Z")
Some politicians in South Carolina and Utah are campaigning to have the theory of “intelligent design” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligent\_design) taught alongside the more conventional theory of unguided biologica… --- ## ["Denying my son birthday presents" Is this women being reasonable or self righteous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/denying-my-son-birthday-presents-is-this-women-being-reasonable-or-self-righteous/343104)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2006, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/denying-my-son-birthday-presents-is-this-women-being-reasonable-or-self-righteous/343104 "2006-02-09T21:51:17Z")
In reading this Slate article the author’s sense of morally pure self satisfaction just suffuses the article. Why deny a 6 year old child a normal birthday in place of a “book swap”, and then cook up some manipulative s… --- ## [The "Large" lady in the pub](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-large-lady-in-the-pub/362617)
**Author:** [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2006, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-large-lady-in-the-pub/362617 "2006-07-03T15:41:26Z")
So last Saturday we’re in the pub watching the World Cup and the place is packed solid. Lot’s of people are smoking 'cos it’s still allowed in the UK and I’m one of the smokers…I know I’m a filthy disgusting person :rol… --- ## [Name pronunciation: "Townshend"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-pronunciation-townshend/410112)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2007, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-pronunciation-townshend/410112 "2007-07-03T01:27:03Z")
How do you pronounce the family name of The Who’s front man? Is it Towns-Hend, with S and H being pronounced as distinct consonants, or is it Town-Shend, with S and H drawn together to form the sh sound? --- ## [Need advice on oil painting!!! (Beginner)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-on-oil-painting-beginner/634094)
**Author:** [@Hans35](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hans35)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2012, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-on-oil-painting-beginner/634094 "2012-09-16T10:33:58Z")
Hi, I’m looking to start oil painting soon, but I don’t really have an idea on where to start. It’s not gonna be something expensive, just a couple of OK brushes, some paper and some oil colors. However, I have some que… --- ## [WikiLeaks actions legal? How can this be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikileaks-actions-legal-how-can-this-be/553511)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2010, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikileaks-actions-legal-how-can-this-be/553511 "2010-09-15T09:08:58Z")
There has been a lot in the news over the last couple of months about the WikiLeaks site publishing classified documents. Here is one recent article. People with security clearances can get in big trouble for passing th… --- ## [What makes a MILF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-milf/432601)
**Author:** [@Emilio\_Lizardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emilio_Lizardo)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2008, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-milf/432601 "2008-01-09T19:30:47Z")
A recent play-date got me wondering: what makes someone a MILF? It seems like using the term to describe any attractive woman with kids is setting the bar a bit too low. Hell, I’m in my 40s and there are lots of 20-some… --- ## [Capping a water well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capping-a-water-well/370513)
**Author:** [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2006, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capping-a-water-well/370513 "2006-08-28T22:26:12Z")
I have an old pumphouse on my property, with a junk pump inside. Considering the pump is beyond repair, the shed is falling down, and I have municipal water anyway, I’d rather just tear it all down and be rid of it than … --- ## [Employers, what do you do if an employee never shows up again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/employers-what-do-you-do-if-an-employee-never-shows-up-again/776210)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/employers-what-do-you-do-if-an-employee-never-shows-up-again/776210 "2020-05-09T05:22:34Z")
(This is not a “need answer fast” question.) :slight\_smile: Suppose that one of your employees goes missing and never shows up to work. (He or she has abruptly died in, let’s say, a car accident, but you, the boss, do… --- ## ["Not responsible for damage, theft, etc."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-responsible-for-damage-theft-etc/686264)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2014, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-responsible-for-damage-theft-etc/686264 "2014-04-22T03:10:28Z")
I see signs like this in parking lots. Can the owners of the parking lot/building REALLY not be responsible just because they SAY they’re not responsible? Is someone MORE responsible because they didn’t put up a sign? I… --- ## [Silverware tastes like garlic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silverware-tastes-like-garlic/144241)
**Author:** [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2002, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silverware-tastes-like-garlic/144241 "2002-12-24T22:14:37Z")
This is actually a question relayed from my girlfriend. GF and I got some heirloom type silverware (actual silver) from her mother (I believe it was originally her grandmother’s). We used only a couple times with no prob… --- ## [Help Me Stop Cracking My Knuckles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-stop-cracking-my-knuckles/193285)
**Author:** [@StanDup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StanDup)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2003, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-stop-cracking-my-knuckles/193285 "2003-08-07T08:21:00Z")
I always crack my knuckles. There is something about it that I can’t resist. Maybe it’s the satisfying sound it gives off, or maybe the fact that my mom hates when I do it. Recently, my knuckle-cracking habit has gotten … --- ## [Stupid? Uncouth? Ill-mannered? Bitch? You decide!(long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-uncouth-ill-mannered-bitch-you-decide-long/415894)
**Author:** [@SnakesCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakesCatLady)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2007, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-uncouth-ill-mannered-bitch-you-decide-long/415894 "2007-08-23T14:54:11Z")
A good friend of mine died about 2:00 am Tuesday. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on July 4th, and after her second round of chemo had developed pneumonia. The hospital kindly added a couple of staph infections, … --- ## [So where is the buckle of the Bible Belt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-where-is-the-buckle-of-the-bible-belt/589182)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2011, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-where-is-the-buckle-of-the-bible-belt/589182 "2011-07-19T13:34:38Z")
It seems like just about every other place you can name has been called the “buckle of the Bible Belt” by somebody or other. So which of these claims has a basis in fac… rea… … logic? First of all, what defines a “buckl… --- ## [Proof that the universe is just one big random fuckstory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proof-that-the-universe-is-just-one-big-random-fuckstory/480815)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proof-that-the-universe-is-just-one-big-random-fuckstory/480815 "2009-01-16T17:38:31Z")
A local group held the first ever Alaska lottery, grand prize $500,000, profits to go to STAR (Stand Together Against Rape). Lots of hoopla, lots of publicity, lots of speculation. So who wins the fucking thing? A con… --- ## [Calculators: Algebraic versus RPN](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculators-algebraic-versus-rpn/290858)
**Author:** [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2005, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculators-algebraic-versus-rpn/290858 "2005-02-26T15:43:56Z")
When I was in college, one of my teachers mentioned that back in his day, the geeks would get into fistfights over which is better in a calculator: algebraic notation or reverse polish notation and more specifically, Tex… --- ## [Is there any useful distinction between "porn", "erotica" and "pictorial nudity".](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-useful-distinction-between-porn-erotica-and-pictorial-nudity/615396)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2012, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-useful-distinction-between-porn-erotica-and-pictorial-nudity/615396 "2012-03-17T17:21:27Z")
On March 8 (International Women’s Day) I started a GD thread concerning porn and feminism, inspired by Iranian and Egyptian women who are using nudity and a nude calendar to strike back at partriarchal repression in thei… --- ## [Hollow tube from earth into outer space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hollow-tube-from-earth-into-outer-space/599524)
**Author:** [@h4ckys4ck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h4ckys4ck)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2011, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hollow-tube-from-earth-into-outer-space/599524 "2011-10-16T01:27:54Z")
What would happen if we created a giant bendy straw that stretched from the surface of the earth into outer space? Would air get sucked into space, would the vacuum of space reach the start of the straw. Could we use a… --- ## [Candy that makes you say "Yum!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/candy-that-makes-you-say-yum/447051)
**Author:** [@nikonikosuru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nikonikosuru)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2008, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/candy-that-makes-you-say-yum/447051 "2008-05-02T16:05:29Z")
Okay, we’ve had “meh” and “bleh”. I want to see what everybody’s favorite candy is. HOWEVER, you may only post only \*\*one \*\* candy. Choose wisely! :slight\_smile: Of the ones that I can come up with right now, I myself… --- ## [FPS video games -- scavenging ammo, realistic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fps-video-games-scavenging-ammo-realistic/483493)
**Author:** [@DarrenS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DarrenS)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2009, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fps-video-games-scavenging-ammo-realistic/483493 "2009-02-01T01:50:15Z")
I was torn whether this should be in Cafe Society or here. I believe it does have a factual answer. In shooter type video games, e.g. Call of Duty, a big part of the game consists in scavenging weapons and ammo from fa… --- ## [30 Rock (5/20)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-rock-5-20/540215)
**Author:** [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2010, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-rock-5-20/540215 "2010-05-26T02:23:14Z")
Question about tonight’s episode: In the credits an actor was listed as playing “Astronaut Mike Dexter” but I cannot remember any scene involving a character called that. :confused: Did I miss something? My DVR cut off d… --- ## [Ask the nude beach enthusiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-nude-beach-enthusiast/435250)
**Author:** [@nofloyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nofloyd)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2008, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-nude-beach-enthusiast/435250 "2008-02-05T01:09:09Z")
Hi ho, kinda new member here, I like the Ask the threads, and this is probably the most unique/interesting thing I do. I’m not using the word ‘nudist’, the beach is the only place I practice public nudity, I don’t belong… --- ## [Poll: What would you like to see happening with Social Security?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-would-you-like-to-see-happening-with-social-security/569170)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2011, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-would-you-like-to-see-happening-with-social-security/569170 "2011-02-05T05:06:56Z")
And how likely is it that what you want will happen? --- ## [17 years divorced, my parents are squabbling again, and I'm caught in the middle...what to do....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/17-years-divorced-my-parents-are-squabbling-again-and-im-caught-in-the-middle-what-to-do/614778)
**Author:** [@fusoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fusoya)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2012, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/17-years-divorced-my-parents-are-squabbling-again-and-im-caught-in-the-middle-what-to-do/614778 "2012-03-22T17:57:10Z")
Here’s the situation. I’m 31, my parents are both 60 or so. They got divorced in 1996, and my dad since got remarried a couple years later. Their divorce contract had him paying alimony while my brother & I were living w… --- ## [Accused 16 year old jailed for almost 3 years without trial or conviction. How is this possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accused-16-year-old-jailed-for-almost-3-years-without-trial-or-conviction-how-is-this-possible/674319)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2015, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accused-16-year-old-jailed-for-almost-3-years-without-trial-or-conviction-how-is-this-possible/674319 "2015-06-11T13:43:35Z")
Re this Kafkaesque storyhow is this even possible? Is this a screw up or does the system work this way? --- ## [England and Slavery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/england-and-slavery/565356)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/england-and-slavery/565356 "2010-12-30T13:25:36Z")
Two questions that may have some factual answers … To what extent if any did England encourage slavery and perhaps even resist movements toward ending slavery prior to our independence? In the 1830’s when England a… --- ## [If all motion stopped, would time have any meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-motion-stopped-would-time-have-any-meaning/540071)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2010, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-motion-stopped-would-time-have-any-meaning/540071 "2010-05-22T04:04:55Z")
Say all motion came to a complete stop for 5 minutes. Would it automatically mean time has stopped for 5 minutes? Or would time continue to “march on” during those 5 minutes? --- ## [Chai tea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chai-tea/259900)
**Author:** [@vanilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanilla)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2004, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chai-tea/259900 "2004-08-17T14:19:20Z")
Our neighbor, whom we visited this afternoon, gave us something called Chai Tea. It tasted great, but my stomach hurt for hours afterward. Any clues? I’d never heard of this before. --- ## [It's not funny. ItShut up.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-not-funny-itshut-up/146824)
**Author:** [@cheddarsnax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cheddarsnax)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2003, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-not-funny-itshut-up/146824 "2003-01-09T01:24:42Z")
I’m sick of people who come in to threads that are going fine and on-topic and suddenly feel the need to dazzle us all with their amazing wit. I’m not talking about new users doing this - maybe the don’t know better. I’m… --- ## [Stoneware opinions - Denby?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stoneware-opinions-denby/480129)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2009, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stoneware-opinions-denby/480129 "2009-01-14T18:49:15Z")
After nearly 20 years of use and occasional breakage, we found that our Wedgwood stoneware was getting sparse so we went shopping for some new stuff. Fell in love with some Denby stoneware… but at (say) 28 bucks for a ce… --- ## [Pitting of religious extremists . . . today it's the Hasidic Jews.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-of-religious-extremists-today-its-the-hasidic-jews/621532)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2012, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-of-religious-extremists-today-its-the-hasidic-jews/621532 "2012-12-01T01:38:40Z")
Today the New York Times ran an extensive story about how ultra-orthodox Jews shun people in their own community who report child sex abuse. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/nyregion/ultra-orthodox-jews-shun-their-own-… --- ## [People Who Steal From the Grocery Store](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-steal-from-the-grocery-store/464380)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-steal-from-the-grocery-store/464380 "2008-09-25T00:33:16Z")
Because I’ve been ill and the kitchen is a mess the spouse and I did the unusual an opted for frozen dinners tonight. I did a quick run to the store and picked up mac and cheese for me and egg rolls for him. I have to … --- ## [How to gracefully bow out of stripper portion of bachelor party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-gracefully-bow-out-of-stripper-portion-of-bachelor-party/397700)
**Author:** [@Whiteknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whiteknight)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2007, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-gracefully-bow-out-of-stripper-portion-of-bachelor-party/397700 "2007-04-02T12:56:02Z")
One of my friends from HS is getting married later this summer and planning for the bachelor party has already begun. I keep in loose touch with this group of friends but we don’t usually see each other more than once o… --- ## [How do bar bouncers typically handle rowdy, threatening customers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-bar-bouncers-typically-handle-rowdy-threatening-customers/364526)
**Author:** [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2006, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-bar-bouncers-typically-handle-rowdy-threatening-customers/364526 "2006-07-19T12:59:32Z")
My nightclubbing days are long past and I freely admit to having never seen a bouncer spring into action. My frame of reference is a product of Hollywood. Are heated altercations between bouncers and unruly customers un… --- ## [Do liquid fabric softeners harm clothing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-liquid-fabric-softeners-harm-clothing/71554)
**Author:** [@Oldmaid85](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oldmaid85)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2010, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-liquid-fabric-softeners-harm-clothing/71554 "2010-10-18T05:18:52Z")
That’s my question, but after reviewing this site: http://www.ourlittleplace.com/fabric.html maybe I should reconsider. (It talks about the serious health effects of all fabric softeners.) Anyway, I’ve heard about the… --- ## [Khomeini and Animal Sex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khomeini-and-animal-sex/239880)
**Author:** [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2004, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khomeini-and-animal-sex/239880 "2004-04-16T19:47:06Z")
I am reading a book called “Reading Lolita in Tehran”, by Azar Nafisi - a memoir of an Iranian women teaching literature to a group of female students in Iran. One of the students was busy translating the dissertation o… --- ## [Yet A(nother) sex poll: What is your favorite act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-a-nother-sex-poll-what-is-your-favorite-act/459464)
**Author:** [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2008, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-a-nother-sex-poll-what-is-your-favorite-act/459464 "2008-08-19T03:42:35Z")
Inspired by this thread, and the fact that my tenth anniversary is tomorrow ;), what is your go to, gets me there everytime sex act? I like oral, both giving and receiving. SSG Schwartz --- ## [Which language is spoken in this video?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-language-is-spoken-in-this-video/567161)
**Author:** [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2011, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-language-is-spoken-in-this-video/567161 "2011-02-09T15:53:17Z")
http://www.break.com/index/little-girl-smacks-sister-on-webcam-1980408 The reason I’m curious is I was distractedly watching it, and it took me a while before I could tell they weren’t speaking English instead of the au… --- ## [Which Kid's Books Kick Ass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-kids-books-kick-ass/79368)
**Author:** [@sjc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sjc)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2002, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-kids-books-kick-ass/79368 "2002-10-30T07:01:55Z")
Which children’s books do you still enjoy? (Or really liked as a kid.) This is pretty free-form, I am thinking of young kids books, but you are free to talk about ‘young adult’ or whatever. I still love most of Dr. Seu… --- ## [How do you pronounce it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-it/773731)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2016, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-it/773731 "2016-12-15T03:25:35Z")
Budapest or Budapesht? Kiper Belt or Kuiper Belt? Houseton or Hyouston? Van Wick or Van Whyk? The last two are kind of New York specific. Me, I pronounce them all the first way. What pronunciation controversies are going… --- ## [Can you get your $ back from auto mechanic, legally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-your-back-from-auto-mechanic-legally/63658)
**Author:** [@Stellablue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stellablue)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2001, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-your-back-from-auto-mechanic-legally/63658 "2001-04-29T23:45:51Z")
Calling all legal minds or car owners. If they say they will fix your car for money and you pay but the car is not fixed, what can you do? Here is the situation- Mom has a 7 year old car. She bought it new from local d… --- ## [Illegal to arrest someone on LSD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-to-arrest-someone-on-lsd/242875)
**Author:** [@Ender\_Will](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ender_Will)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2004, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-to-arrest-someone-on-lsd/242875 "2004-05-04T21:05:56Z")
A guy I work with was talking about raves the other day, and someone asked him what they’d do if the cops showed up. “We’d tell them that we were all on acid” he replied. I was a little confused by this, and he explain… --- ## ["Raising the tone of the board"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-tone-of-the-board/121735)
**Author:** [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2002, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-tone-of-the-board/121735 "2002-08-02T05:16:21Z")
In Scylla’s “I think my testicles are going to explode” thread, TubaDvia wrote: I must have missed this memo. When did this start? What does “raising the tone of the board” mean? I didn’t realize anything was in nee… --- ## [Blue Bloods -- Who Played Melanie Mains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-bloods-who-played-melanie-mains/614617)
**Author:** [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2012, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-bloods-who-played-melanie-mains/614617 "2012-03-06T15:55:48Z")
Tonight’s episode featured a TV reporter as Tom Seleck’s love interest. She reminded me of a younger Stockard Channing. Any idea who it was? --- ## [What's the first vehicle that could travel 20000 Leagues Under the Sea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-first-vehicle-that-could-travel-20000-leagues-under-the-sea/715951)
**Author:** [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2015, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-first-vehicle-that-could-travel-20000-leagues-under-the-sea/715951 "2015-04-01T19:27:36Z")
I’m wondering t if any current submarine has ever traveled that far without surfacing, or if no, whether any current sub could. It does not have to be a manned vehicle, any submersible traveling under its own power will… --- ## [Songs that always make you cry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-always-make-you-cry/342419)
**Author:** [@Little\_Plastic\_Ninja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Plastic_Ninja)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2006, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-always-make-you-cry/342419 "2006-02-02T10:09:52Z")
I thought of this one when I turned my handy dandy mp3 player on random. It picked up Into the West, the Annie Lennox song from Return of the King. It was also one of the songs at the funeral of a good friend in Decembe… --- ## [NYT to air McCains affair with Lobbyist tomorrow.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyt-to-air-mccains-affair-with-lobbyist-tomorrow/438513)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2008, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyt-to-air-mccains-affair-with-lobbyist-tomorrow/438513 "2008-03-02T00:45:16Z")
I have run into this story in a couple sites browsing tonight. Boy will that throw a monkey wrench into politics for the next week or so. Huffington shows her picture…cute. McCain has already denied it. --- ## [What's the deal with China's short-sighted, unsustainable car policy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-chinas-short-sighted-unsustainable-car-policy/588987)
**Author:** [@Rusalka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rusalka)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2011, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-chinas-short-sighted-unsustainable-car-policy/588987 "2011-07-24T18:34:52Z")
We know that the Chinese government has the political will to be able to enact unpopular social policies that it feels necessary (i.e., the one child policy). So why didn’t the government make sure that the streets rema… --- ## [Twin Peaks Returns - Parts 3 and 4 (Open spoilers! Enter at your own risk if you haven't seen them!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twin-peaks-returns-parts-3-and-4-open-spoilers-enter-at-your-own-risk-if-you-havent-seen-them/787217)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2017, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twin-peaks-returns-parts-3-and-4-open-spoilers-enter-at-your-own-risk-if-you-havent-seen-them/787217 "2017-06-05T21:50:04Z")
Discussion of Eps 1 & 2 are here: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=826711 Many of us have been able to see 3 & 4, so let’s discuss. --- ## [What did carpenters do in Jesus's day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-carpenters-do-in-jesuss-day/59862)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2001, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-carpenters-do-in-jesuss-day/59862 "2001-03-29T16:47:51Z")
Just curious what sort of work they were involved with. Building houses? Thatching roofs? Did they only handle making post-and-beam supports or something? Or did they cart rocks, mix plaster, etc.? In other words, was t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1479&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1481&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)