# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1487&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:** 1488 --- ## [Why use profanity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-use-profanity/388088)
**Author:** [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2007, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-use-profanity/388088 "2007-01-20T18:15:33Z")
This could easily degenerate into a Pit thread or turn into a GD, but I’m really after an explanation for a phenomenon I simply don’t understand, so I’m putting it in GQ. I understand the fundamental uses of profanity: … --- ## [So how deadly is acetaminophen really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-deadly-is-acetaminophen-really/616202)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2012, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-deadly-is-acetaminophen-really/616202 "2012-03-26T19:54:56Z")
For all purposes let us assume the patient is a average person with no hepatic problems in average health. I see warnings that say anywhere from 2-4 grams in a 24 hour period COULD be deadly and to seek medical attentio… --- ## [Online job application with NO cover letter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-job-application-with-no-cover-letter/523782)
**Author:** [@bellybean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bellybean)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-job-application-with-no-cover-letter/523782 "2010-01-08T03:35:16Z")
I am currently looking for work. I found an potential job on a job site I visit, which directed me to apply through the company web site. Ok, no problem. So I go to the site and fill out this online form and upload my r… --- ## [Recommend me: Adventure book.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-adventure-book/583467)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2011, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-adventure-book/583467 "2011-06-05T07:26:22Z")
I’m in the mood for a well written adventure. What is the first rollicking good yarn that pops into your mind, any genre. --- ## [When the plague is over in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-plague-is-over-in-the-mmp/915194)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 323\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2020, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-plague-is-over-in-the-mmp/915194 "2020-07-23T13:57:10Z")
Once the virus is tamed/vaccinated/reduced to insignificance, what do you plan to do first? When you no longer need a mask and the kids can all go back to school and “social distancing” disappears from daily conversatio… --- ## [What's so difficult about English "th"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-difficult-about-english-th/486592)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2009, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-difficult-about-english-th/486592 "2009-02-21T19:19:24Z")
Don’t want to hijack a semi-related thread. I readily concede that some sounds — especially vowels, but some consonants too — are very difficult for people to learn to pronounce. Or even hear. But I don’t understand why… --- ## [EMail from the Religious Right (Homosexuals have "Super" Rights)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/email-from-the-religious-right-homosexuals-have-super-rights/404457)
**Author:** [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2007, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/email-from-the-religious-right-homosexuals-have-super-rights/404457 "2007-05-18T21:57:27Z")
"Text is taken directly from an excerpt of a press release by a religious-right group. The Texas Freedom Network does not edit the content for grammar or accuracy. Date: May 16, 2007 From: Family Research Institute By… --- ## [John Gibson fo Fox Nwes, a Class Act in the War on Christmas.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-gibson-fo-fox-nwes-a-class-act-in-the-war-on-christmas/336864)
**Author:** [@Apos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apos)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2005, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-gibson-fo-fox-nwes-a-class-act-in-the-war-on-christmas/336864 "2005-12-26T02:33:52Z")
Buy his book! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595230165/103-0930295-1294266?v=glance&n=283155 John Gibson, popular “anchor” on FoxNews thinks there’s a coordinated War on Christmas. Problem is, most of the examples … --- ## [Its too easy but I pit Ronulans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-too-easy-but-i-pit-ronulans/608670)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2012, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-too-easy-but-i-pit-ronulans/608670 "2012-01-12T13:31:00Z")
Probably not noticed by many around here but in military circles Ron Paul bringing a uniformed man up on stage in Iowa is a big topic. Being at a political rally in uniform is a big no-no. Speaking on behalf of a candida… --- ## [What popular things were you into or aware of WAY before everyone else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-popular-things-were-you-into-or-aware-of-way-before-everyone-else/417635)
**Author:** [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2007, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-popular-things-were-you-into-or-aware-of-way-before-everyone-else/417635 "2007-09-06T02:05:07Z")
It’s the ultimate hipster coup - being into something on the ground floor, knowing about it before everyone else. Everyone loves to claim that they were into things before anyone else, but what were you really into, or a… --- ## [Would Al Gore have invaded Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-al-gore-have-invaded-iraq/401109)
**Author:** [@h.ergaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h.ergaster)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2007, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-al-gore-have-invaded-iraq/401109 "2007-04-24T13:27:44Z")
If Al Gore had won the election instead of George Bush would Iraq be occupied today? --- ## [How should I tell my parents about my internet relationship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-tell-my-parents-about-my-internet-relationship/473132)
**Author:** [@Zygoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zygoma)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-tell-my-parents-about-my-internet-relationship/473132 "2008-11-20T03:13:37Z")
Greetings Dopers, I lack an adult in my life, other than my parents, who I can confide in/question, and since I’ve noticed this is quite a mature board I’m hoping to gain some advice and additional perspective on my cur… --- ## [The murder of a rapist? Or "gay panic" killing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-murder-of-a-rapist-or-gay-panic-killing/578441)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-murder-of-a-rapist-or-gay-panic-killing/578441 "2011-04-18T11:18:50Z")
A totally bizarre and horrific incident occurred in Bloomington, IN, involving a guy who I actually knew, Mike Griffin, and a literature professor, Don Belton. The incident happened at the end of 2009 but the trial is no… --- ## [One Take/One Camera Scenes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-take-one-camera-scenes/753279)
**Author:** [@Dante\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dante_G)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2018, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-take-one-camera-scenes/753279 "2018-12-20T00:44:53Z")
Got to thinking about the Daredevil Netflix series and that truly awesome “one take” hallway fight scene. It was a pretty lengthy scene, which made the fact that it was all one take more impressive. Which brings me to … --- ## [9-11 -- Above the point of impact](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-above-the-point-of-impact/668457)
**Author:** [@want2befree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2befree)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2013, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-above-the-point-of-impact/668457 "2013-09-13T16:19:52Z")
Forgive me if this has been beaten to death, but upon the almost-anniversary of 9-11, I find myself considering: If you were on the floors above the point of impact and knew you had no escape, what would you do? Feel f… --- ## [Actors who have done a 180 in your estimation of them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-have-done-a-180-in-your-estimation-of-them/475149)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-have-done-a-180-in-your-estimation-of-them/475149 "2008-12-04T18:35:09Z")
I just saw a clip of \*Milk \*with Victor Fucking Garber. Now, “Victor Garber” will always mean “Hippie Jesus” to me, so every time I see him in his current guise it freaks me a little out. Who else has undergone a HUGE c… --- ## [IBM Computer to Compete on Jeopardy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ibm-computer-to-compete-on-jeopardy/494492)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2011, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ibm-computer-to-compete-on-jeopardy/494492 "2011-01-16T01:41:18Z")
http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2009/04/27/daily1.html What do you think? I think that it’ll lose, as it won’t be very good at buzzing in on time against humans. I am very curious as to how it will bet… --- ## [Tally your newly arrived birds. Spring!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tally-your-newly-arrived-birds-spring/532235)
**Author:** [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2010, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tally-your-newly-arrived-birds-spring/532235 "2010-03-15T16:42:00Z")
Today I consider winter to be on it’s way out. Snow or not in the future spring has started. We had a couple warm days and rain. Yesterday hit 49F. Much of the snow is gone, and the ground is thawed inches deep. This mor… --- ## [Names of Biblical characters in other languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-of-biblical-characters-in-other-languages/352059)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2006, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-of-biblical-characters-in-other-languages/352059 "2006-04-12T06:46:41Z")
Is there a web page that has a list or table of common Biblical characters showing their names in common languages? Example: \[ul\] \[li\]English: Adam Noah Moses Jesus Peter\[/li\]\[li\]German: Adam Noach Moses Jesus Petrus\[… --- ## [How do actors get the toothless look?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-actors-get-the-toothless-look/604609)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-actors-get-the-toothless-look/604609 "2011-12-03T00:17:35Z")
Some movie characters have missing teeth. How is this look achieved? I find it hard to believe that a dentist with a conscience would pull an actor’s teeth and then put crowns in after shooting. And I find it hard to bel… --- ## [Disney pulls Merida (or, People With Too Much Time On Their Hands)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disney-pulls-merida-or-people-with-too-much-time-on-their-hands/658650)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2013, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disney-pulls-merida-or-people-with-too-much-time-on-their-hands/658650 "2013-05-20T08:50:49Z")
Well, yet another faketroversy (i.e., a fake controversy) has arisen. People are apparently outraged - outraged! - that different artists had slightly different views of character design. One can find details, along wit… --- ## [Ohio dad gets jail for mocking girl with cerebral palsy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-dad-gets-jail-for-mocking-girl-with-cerebral-palsy/642405)
**Author:** [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2012, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-dad-gets-jail-for-mocking-girl-with-cerebral-palsy/642405 "2012-12-02T04:10:50Z")
I thought we had discussed this at the time it happened, but I couldn’t find anything. Anyway, what an enormous douchenozzle. Who the hell makes fun of a handicapped child? And then lies about it? If dad decides to … --- ## [What's up with the US Forest Service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-us-forest-service/553104)
**Author:** [@Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_the_Impaler)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2010, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-us-forest-service/553104 "2010-09-11T04:06:02Z")
So, I’m looking through the Federal job vacancies, and there is page after page after page of jobs available in the US Forest Service. Granted, they are nationwide, so maybe there’s only one or two per locality but ther… --- ## [Should these 5 "bikini baristas" be charged with prostitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-these-5-bikini-baristas-be-charged-with-prostitution/511429)
**Author:** [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2009, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-these-5-bikini-baristas-be-charged-with-prostitution/511429 "2009-10-05T20:07:51Z")
…'cuz that’s exactly what appears to be happening. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33003900/ns/us\_news-weird\_news/?GT1=43001 Essentially, these five (hot) young entrepreneurs are making a bit of tip money on the side by fl… --- ## [Your classic comic book story arc or series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-classic-comic-book-story-arc-or-series/620736)
**Author:** [@Dave\_Hartwick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dave_Hartwick)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2012, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-classic-comic-book-story-arc-or-series/620736 "2012-05-04T21:22:25Z")
I saw Marvel’s Avengers last night and enjoyed it hugely. It got me thinking about back when I used to read comics regularly and the outstanding moments. I thought about it some more today, and there’s been a few, and m… --- ## [American State Geology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-state-geology/478864)
**Author:** [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2008, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-state-geology/478864 "2008-12-29T07:43:26Z")
In most American films depicting the countryside there are usually mountains/hills/valleys/woods and all the rest of it. Is any US State without mountains? Also, which is the flattest? --- ## [Happy with a boring life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-with-a-boring-life/325160)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2005, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-with-a-boring-life/325160 "2005-10-09T19:10:17Z")
One thing I’ve come to realize about myself recently is that I really lead a somewhat boring life. And I enjoy it. I do the same things every week, for the most part. I eat the same foods. I read the same kinds of books … --- ## [Help me diagnose my weird itching...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-diagnose-my-weird-itching/648538)
**Author:** [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2013, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-diagnose-my-weird-itching/648538 "2013-01-29T18:41:32Z")
No insurance, not lifethreatening, chronic (of the intermittent type), so I’m not going to a doctor. I realize any advice I get here is worth exactly what I pay for it, but I’m just curious if anyone has had anything sim… --- ## [Monte Cristo sandwich: Bring It On or Take It Away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monte-cristo-sandwich-bring-it-on-or-take-it-away/559227)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2010, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monte-cristo-sandwich-bring-it-on-or-take-it-away/559227 "2010-11-04T23:08:43Z")
I’ve only had one of these in my life. It was more than a decade ago, and it was so nasty I recall it to this day. I took exactly one bite, then shit-canned the remainder. I wonder now, though, if I merely got a hold of… --- ## [I drive a Geo Metro: Don't you realize that makes me a badass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-drive-a-geo-metro-dont-you-realize-that-makes-me-a-badass/125534)
**Author:** [@Wabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wabbit)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2002, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-drive-a-geo-metro-dont-you-realize-that-makes-me-a-badass/125534 "2002-08-29T10:01:12Z")
(hope the second time is a charm!) Yea, I really do drive a Geo Metro and I’m getting just a little SICK of folks not giving ‘Little G’ (as I fondly call it) the respect it deserves. People really don’t know what they’… --- ## [Pain During Executions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pain-during-executions/530646)
**Author:** [@Frank\_apisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank_apisa)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2010, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pain-during-executions/530646 "2010-03-06T03:43:27Z")
First…a bit of background: I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy done last week…procedures that are now performed under anesthesia. The anesthesiologist was a very personable guy who went over a long check-list of question… --- ## [Having a heart attack and not knowing it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-a-heart-attack-and-not-knowing-it/642396)
**Author:** [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2012, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-a-heart-attack-and-not-knowing-it/642396 "2012-12-02T03:45:09Z")
I read a while ago (I forget where, sorry) that many heart attacks are small, and people don’t realize that they’ve had them. If you don’t realize that you’ve had a heart attack, then how would you (or your doctor) late… --- ## [Help me Diagnose my Broken Washing Machine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-diagnose-my-broken-washing-machine/640680)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2012, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-diagnose-my-broken-washing-machine/640680 "2012-11-12T04:59:49Z")
My washer won’t spin. It just suddenly stopped and when I found it, there was a burning rubber smell emanating from it. Thinking it was the belt, I opened my machine. When I popped open the front panel, I noticed that o… --- ## [What's your sick fantasy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-sick-fantasy/414656)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2007, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-sick-fantasy/414656 "2007-08-23T15:00:01Z")
\*Two rules if I may be permitted: No pedophilia related fantasies - and please keep it as civil as possible. Mine: I have this sick fantasy that I will get pulled over by a cop, in a spot check and get a full field sobr… --- ## [Blue eyes vs brown eyes in music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-eyes-vs-brown-eyes-in-music/371446)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2006, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-eyes-vs-brown-eyes-in-music/371446 "2006-10-08T23:16:46Z")
I have a sneaking suspicion that blue eyes are sung about more often, leaving us poor brown-eyed people feeling like we’re all second-class, but I can’t really come up with a list comprehensive enough to make a reasonabl… --- ## [parkega3, is there something wrong with you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parkega3-is-there-something-wrong-with-you/675466)
**Author:** [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2014, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parkega3-is-there-something-wrong-with-you/675466 "2014-01-18T00:52:02Z")
So, one day I see this in the “Good jokes you’ve heard recently” thread: Okay, you hate cats. I get it. I guess not everyone likes the same things I do. Really, it’s just one cat-related joke - and it’s not too mean fo… --- ## [ARRGGHHH you fucking hijacking virus making SOBS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrgghhh-you-fucking-hijacking-virus-making-sobs/550802)
**Author:** [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2010, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrgghhh-you-fucking-hijacking-virus-making-sobs/550802 "2010-08-25T15:09:23Z")
Just got that nifty security suite virus that masks itself as an antivirus and won’t let you open any dam thing while it warns you that everything is infected. It makes me want to find the creators and kick them square i… --- ## [mad magazine to cease publication](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mad-magazine-to-cease-publication/836496)
**Author:** [@bionic\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bionic_man)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2020, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mad-magazine-to-cease-publication/836496 "2020-06-15T19:44:38Z")
Aftermany decades mad magazine is ceasing publication .are any of you dopers former fans of the magazine as kids?? --- ## [The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nightly-show-with-larry-wilmore/710356)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2015, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nightly-show-with-larry-wilmore/710356 "2015-02-13T02:22:38Z")
It premieres in about 9 minutes and I’m curious what people thought. I likely will not watch it until tomorrow, but I hope for the best. Wilmore is a really smart guy and has been hilarious on the Daily Show. I have no … --- ## [US ranks only eighth in the world in "Economic Freedom"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-ranks-only-eighth-in-the-world-in-economic-freedom/535900)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-ranks-only-eighth-in-the-world-in-economic-freedom/535900 "2010-04-14T13:04:04Z")
And this is according to the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank (oxymoron, anyone?). The have devised a scale of Economic Freedom, which they define thusly: So, after all the data is tabulated, the US has fal… --- ## [Recommend a fantasy newbie some books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-fantasy-newbie-some-books/484519)
**Author:** [@mcca1iban](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcca1iban)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-fantasy-newbie-some-books/484519 "2009-02-06T14:12:45Z")
Hey all, long time lurker, first time poster, as it goes. So, being aware of the general demographics and reading habits of the straight dope masses, I felt like here was a place to turn for some good advice on books. … --- ## [AlahAkbar (NOT about the banning)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alahakbar-not-about-the-banning/209850)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2003, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alahakbar-not-about-the-banning/209850 "2003-11-04T19:57:48Z")
The reason I’ve put this in the Pit is because that particular username got banned, so I think I’m just heading off getting it moved here anyway. The actual question I have is: Is that username offensive to Muslims? I… --- ## [The body's recovery from bulimia.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bodys-recovery-from-bulimia/506919)
**Author:** [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2013, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bodys-recovery-from-bulimia/506919 "2013-10-26T00:41:48Z")
Once a bulimic actually quits the behavior for good, how long does it take before the body is able to function normally again? Does it ever? Is it like quitting smoking, where there’s almost a complete recovery? Or co… --- ## [What relatively inexpensive products do you splurge on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2017, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808 "2017-04-10T17:40:53Z")
Several years ago an acquaintance made a remark that has stuck with me. She was eating a Dove ice cream bar and mentioned that it cost $4. Someone in the group expressed astonishment that she would spend so much for an i… --- ## [POTUS sends 2,000 National Guard troops to L.A. to handle ICE protests - 6/7/2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potus-sends-2-000-national-guard-troops-to-l-a-to-handle-ice-protests-6-7-2025/1019320)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 263\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2025, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potus-sends-2-000-national-guard-troops-to-l-a-to-handle-ice-protests-6-7-2025/1019320 "2025-06-13T23:18:16Z")
The extent of these protests, and any outright rioting and damage, of course depends on the news source as of now. Are there any Dopers in the L.A. area who can tell us more? I did consider posting this in the Politics… --- ## [R.I.P. Mary Jo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-i-p-mary-jo/255738)
**Author:** [@milroyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/milroyj)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2004, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/r-i-p-mary-jo/255738 "2004-07-19T03:01:33Z")
After 35 years, why is her killer still in the Senate? --- ## [Why do Americans know so little about Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-know-so-little-about-canada/358159)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2006, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-know-so-little-about-canada/358159 "2006-06-04T20:10:31Z")
I consider myself fairly sophisticated about politics and current events. Yet, when I came across the title of this thread – Do you still support Harper? - Great Debates - Straight Dope Message Board – I had to think a … --- ## [Over 60 dopers, are you staying home??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-60-dopers-are-you-staying-home/849247)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-60-dopers-are-you-staying-home/849247 "2020-03-31T17:20:56Z")
We pretty much do anyway, maybe venturing out a couple times a week for appts. or shopping. But I know a LOT of over 60’s are working, so how are you handling that? --- ## [Non-Apology Apologies and why they don't help a goddamn thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-apology-apologies-and-why-they-dont-help-a-goddamn-thing/299187)
**Author:** [@MinniePurl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MinniePurl)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2005, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-apology-apologies-and-why-they-dont-help-a-goddamn-thing/299187 "2005-04-15T05:22:01Z")
Yes. Read this article: http://www.outsports.com/columns/20031217buzinskiapology.htm We all clear on what an actual apology is? And what a non-apology apology is? Good. If you are going to offer an apology, offer one… --- ## [Scots Song/Poem. Identify, please.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scots-song-poem-identify-please/179009)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2003, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scots-song-poem-identify-please/179009 "2003-10-10T13:09:56Z")
The lyrics/verses I heard clearly… The rest of the song refers to a “beast”, & it may be linked to Loch Ness, or even Nessie. It was set to music that sounded rather like the few traditional Scots ballads I’ve heard … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1486&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1488&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)