# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1496&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:** 1497 --- ## [Who wears Converse Chuck Taylors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wears-converse-chuck-taylors/440323)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2008, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wears-converse-chuck-taylors/440323 "2008-03-08T14:15:45Z")
Inspired by the current thread about your sterotypical outfit I noticed that plenty of people listed that their usual outfit includes a pair of Chucks. While I have other shoes I mostly wear a pair of black and white Ch… --- ## [Following Too Closely - Traffic Ticket Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/following-too-closely-traffic-ticket-q/425683)
**Author:** [@Kiros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiros)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2007, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/following-too-closely-traffic-ticket-q/425683 "2007-11-10T02:49:37Z")
Let me start off by saying that this is not a post asking for legal advice, if for no other reason than $103 is not worth missing work for to challenge. I was involved in a (very minor) fender bender this morning on my … --- ## [Flatulent Office Mates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flatulent-office-mates/692652)
**Author:** [@Absinthe\_Anecdote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absinthe_Anecdote)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2014, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flatulent-office-mates/692652 "2014-07-12T12:14:34Z")
Has anyone ever worked with someone who is chronically flatulent? Perhaps the worst type of these people are the ones who get some perverse enjoyment from making others suffer. I worked with a body builder guy who was … --- ## [Computer Oddity - Advice Sought](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-oddity-advice-sought/547458)
**Author:** [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2010, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-oddity-advice-sought/547458 "2010-08-17T13:39:38Z")
I bought a new PC at the start of the year, and since the beginning, it’s exhibited some odd behavior. I’ve been working with the tech support of the place form which I bought it, but I’m growing more and more frustrated… --- ## [Olive oil: Speak your words of wisdom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olive-oil-speak-your-words-of-wisdom/662283)
**Author:** [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olive-oil-speak-your-words-of-wisdom/662283 "2013-07-04T02:59:53Z")
Olive oil. Can we talk about it? I stood in the grocery today, perusing the large containers of olive oil, as I usually do when I’m getting low. I use enough of it that I buy it in Quantity. I have a little bottle sitti… --- ## [Paper's employees get death threats (guns)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papers-employees-get-death-threats-guns/646355)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2013, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papers-employees-get-death-threats-guns/646355 "2013-01-20T04:56:48Z")
We all remember the flap over the Journal News, the paper that inadvisedly printed the names and addresses of gun owners in White Plains, NY. Since then, the employees of the paper have had their names and addresses pri… --- ## [Why are some people so insistent on wearing a hat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-people-so-insistent-on-wearing-a-hat/841600)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2019, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-people-so-insistent-on-wearing-a-hat/841600 "2019-11-01T17:06:38Z")
I know some people who are absolutely inseparable from their hats, or having something cover their head. There was this kid who always had a hood on his head and would reflexively yank it back on his head anytime his hea… --- ## [SDMB 2012 NFL Mock Draft - Recruitment Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-2012-nfl-mock-draft-recruitment-thread/618915)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2012, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-2012-nfl-mock-draft-recruitment-thread/618915 "2012-04-19T23:47:35Z")
Hey football fans, at garygnu’s suggestion I think we should put together a little Mock Draft here on the Dope for the coming draft (T-minus 11 days). The first step will be getting a list of fans together who want to pa… --- ## [What will Humans look like 1000 years from now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-humans-look-like-1000-years-from-now/245745)
**Author:** [@Starguard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starguard)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2004, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-humans-look-like-1000-years-from-now/245745 "2004-05-26T00:16:47Z")
I was once made to understand that evolution never stops. If this is true, what do you think our offspring will look link in the next few millineums. According to the Darwin Theory, mankind a few millineum ago were very … --- ## [Bastion - my surprise Game of the Year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bastion-my-surprise-game-of-the-year/602606)
**Author:** [@Tanbarkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tanbarkie)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2012, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bastion-my-surprise-game-of-the-year/602606 "2012-01-31T22:45:51Z")
I just finished playing through Bastion, and I’m just stunned by how great it was. For those who haven’t heard of it, Bastion is an isometric action RPG from the indie developer Supergiant Games. It combines stellar hack… --- ## [Everybody knows the song as "Title X" but it's really called "Title Y"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everybody-knows-the-song-as-title-x-but-its-really-called-title-y/439949)
**Author:** [@dwc1970](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwc1970)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2008, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everybody-knows-the-song-as-title-x-but-its-really-called-title-y/439949 "2008-03-05T21:56:03Z")
I am looking for examples of songs whose title is different from what most people call it. Most of the time people will assume the title of a song is the phrase that is repeated in the chorus (and many times it is), but … --- ## [UK woman demands refund for daughter’s cake. See OP for the reason.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-woman-demands-refund-for-daughter-s-cake-see-op-for-the-reason/723110)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2015, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-woman-demands-refund-for-daughter-s-cake-see-op-for-the-reason/723110 "2015-08-06T16:19:32Z")
I don’t want to influence what you see. Here is the cake. http://static1.nydailynews.com/polopoly\_fs/1.2265888.1434900800!/img/httpImage/image.jpg\_gen/derivatives/article\_400/cake22n-2-web.jpg very pretty cake. Nice … --- ## [My CD "Guitarias" is about to be released; details on my brand-new website!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cd-guitarias-is-about-to-be-released-details-on-my-brand-new-website/679329)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2014, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cd-guitarias-is-about-to-be-released-details-on-my-brand-new-website/679329 "2014-04-06T20:33:22Z")
I have the great pleasure of announcing the imminent release of my CD Guitarias, on February 16th, 2014. According to my press release - I’m planning a CD launch party in Toronto for Feb. 16th - I’ll post details abou… --- ## [Geez, Battlestar Galactica is really good!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geez-battlestar-galactica-is-really-good/487973)
**Author:** [@Omi\_no\_Kami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omi_no_Kami)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2009, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geez-battlestar-galactica-is-really-good/487973 "2009-03-13T11:53:56Z")
Alright, I know the title is kind of stating the obvious, but I’ve never been able to get into the new BSG series until this morning, when a friend finally persuaded me to try watching the first few episodes. I’ve subseq… --- ## [An Interesting Day, indeed (Bush on the morning of 9/11)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-day-indeed-bush-on-the-morning-of-9-11/254432)
**Author:** [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2004, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-day-indeed-bush-on-the-morning-of-9-11/254432 "2004-07-14T23:21:42Z")
This could go in Great Debates, but I’m not a debater, so I hate to start a thread there. It could go in MPSIMS, but since it could get heated, I’m putting it in the Pit. “It was an interesting day.” - President Bush, r… --- ## [Is Programming and Software Engineering more of a mathematical or language based activity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-programming-and-software-engineering-more-of-a-mathematical-or-language-based-activity/630468)
**Author:** [@supery00n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/supery00n)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2012, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-programming-and-software-engineering-more-of-a-mathematical-or-language-based-activity/630468 "2012-08-08T13:40:32Z")
In school, it’s a fairly common for a person to be better with languages and verbal subjects on one hand and mathematically based subjects on the other. It seems to be that programming lies somewhere in between these tw… --- ## [Did Someone Order a MMP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-someone-order-a-mmp/814119)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2018, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-someone-order-a-mmp/814119 "2018-05-21T02:50:35Z")
Well, here it is then! :smiley: Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 70 Amurrkin out and clear (dark actually) with a predicted high of 89 Amurrkin and mostly N.O.S. for the day. Rain is allegedly movin’ i… --- ## [Will Romney condemn Joseph Smith?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-romney-condemn-joseph-smith/618104)
**Author:** [@gamerunknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gamerunknown)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2012, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-romney-condemn-joseph-smith/618104 "2012-04-15T17:48:34Z")
Romney claims to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman in this video. However, the founder of his Church had multiple wives. Do you think he’ll disavow Joseph Smith in public in order to satisfy those that … --- ## [Is this joke funny?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-joke-funny/584648)
**Author:** [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2011, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-joke-funny/584648 "2011-06-09T17:14:42Z")
Q: Why did the Siamese twins move to Europe? A: So the other one could drive. Edit: Maybe it should be England. . . --- ## [Lose your house, lose your vote: Pubs using foreclosure list to block voters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lose-your-house-lose-your-vote-pubs-using-foreclosure-list-to-block-voters/463296)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lose-your-house-lose-your-vote-pubs-using-foreclosure-list-to-block-voters/463296 "2008-10-14T19:13:22Z")
In Michigan. :mad::mad::mad: This is a new low, and that’s quite an achievement at this point. After all that happened in 2004, haven’t they learned any shame yet?! --- ## [Some glass-half-full thoughts for dispirited Dems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-glass-half-full-thoughts-for-dispirited-dems/772069)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2016, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-glass-half-full-thoughts-for-dispirited-dems/772069 "2016-11-29T13:30:30Z")
A week after Election Day… As it now stands, Hillary has a popular-vote majority of more than 672k votes out of some 121 million cast. The Democratic candidate for President has now won the popular vote in every electi… --- ## [Become a Navy Officer or seek a career in Supply Chain Management?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/become-a-navy-officer-or-seek-a-career-in-supply-chain-management/667764)
**Author:** [@Sigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigma)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2013, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/become-a-navy-officer-or-seek-a-career-in-supply-chain-management/667764 "2013-09-04T15:58:50Z")
I seem to be faced with two primary choices on where to take my career: Become a Navy Officer or pursue a career in Supply Chain Management. Currently I am waiting to see if I will be accepted in late October to become … --- ## ["Maybe Attending" Muppets (Facebook)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-attending-muppets-facebook/499610)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2009, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-attending-muppets-facebook/499610 "2009-06-22T19:50:21Z")
OK, if it’s a big, impersonal event, sure, check Maybe Attending as a passive aggressive form of not attending, I don’t care. But if I’ve carefully chosen the guest list and it’s an event that actually requires some adva… --- ## [The SDMB, 20 years from now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-20-years-from-now/14837)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2018, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-20-years-from-now/14837 "2018-12-15T06:52:48Z")
What will the SDMB look like twenty years from now? Will you still be posting here? Will it even exist? I’m betting that it will still be around. Here’s my view of the SDMB in 20 years. This Week’s Column - Why do AI co… --- ## [No name index for the 1940 census everybody has been waiting for.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-name-index-for-the-1940-census-everybody-has-been-waiting-for/617698)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2012, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-name-index-for-the-1940-census-everybody-has-been-waiting-for/617698 "2012-08-01T16:23:26Z")
What kind of games is our government playing? They force everybody to wait 72 years for this thing and there’s no name index? :dubious: http://openchannel.msnbc.msn.com/\_news/2012/04/02/10972767-a-tsunami-swamps-archiv… --- ## [Adjacent capital cities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adjacent-capital-cities/672745)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2013, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adjacent-capital-cities/672745 "2013-11-05T02:39:37Z")
Germany is subdivided politically into sixteen states. For two of these states—Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate—there is something which always struck me as an interesting geographical oddity. Namely, their respective ca… --- ## [Virginia's compensation fund for victims of "Massive Resistance"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginias-compensation-fund-for-victims-of-massive-resistance/586640)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2011, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginias-compensation-fund-for-victims-of-massive-resistance/586640 "2011-07-02T15:17:02Z")
Hey! We finally get to talk about reparations with a real life example! Some of Virginia’s Desegregation Scholarships Go to White Applicants, Sparking Controversy Essential background reading from Wikipedia: \*Senator… --- ## [10,000 B.C. -- This Film STILL Bothers Me (Unboxed Spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-000-b-c-this-film-still-bothers-me-unboxed-spoilers/461411)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-000-b-c-this-film-still-bothers-me-unboxed-spoilers/461411 "2008-09-26T23:20:33Z")
…as if anyone cares about the spoilers. Okay, I KNOW it was a stupid, hopelessly anachronistic movie. I rented it fully knowing and expecting this. I have a soft spot in my head for Bad Movies (I have a Bad Film Festiva… --- ## [sitcom jokes that need to be retired](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sitcom-jokes-that-need-to-be-retired/484718)
**Author:** [@johnspartan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnspartan)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2009, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sitcom-jokes-that-need-to-be-retired/484718 "2009-02-10T15:56:58Z")
Sort of an offshoot of the “cliche” thread we had going on… Jokes that are a sign of lazy writing in sitcoms and must die painful deaths… “He looks just like my mother-in-law, except for the mustache.” “He doesn’t hav… --- ## [Coordinated Terrorist Attacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coordinated-terrorist-attacks/80862)
**Author:** [@Joe\_Cool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joe_Cool)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2001, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coordinated-terrorist-attacks/80862 "2001-09-15T04:07:31Z")
Two planes deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center this morning, and there was another plane crash at the Pentagon. The debate? What do we do? It’s really easy to talk “sense” to Israel when they get bombed. W… --- ## [Update on the roommate situation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-the-roommate-situation/642325)
**Author:** [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2012, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-the-roommate-situation/642325 "2012-11-29T19:45:58Z")
First, let me say up front that everything’s under control, I’ve put in calls to some people who can help diffuse the situation, and while I haven’t called 911 yet, I’m prepared to if things continue to escalate. I thin… --- ## [What magazine have you stuck with the longest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-magazine-have-you-stuck-with-the-longest/962937)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-magazine-have-you-stuck-with-the-longest/962937 "2023-12-30T00:31:30Z")
Magazines come and go. Subscriptions end. Maybe you were introduced to a magazine when relatively young that you still read in digital form, or subscribe to. Maybe you only buy it occasionally but have done so for yea… --- ## [Clinton and DOMA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-and-doma/687082)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2014, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-and-doma/687082 "2014-05-06T18:59:24Z")
Did Clinton sign DOMA because he knew a veto would be overridden? Given his change of heart on the issue, this explanation seems plausible. --- ## [Ever witness someone eat a normal food in a really strange way?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-witness-someone-eat-a-normal-food-in-a-really-strange-way/406748)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2007, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-witness-someone-eat-a-normal-food-in-a-really-strange-way/406748 "2007-06-07T19:24:13Z")
Last week I was at a hot dog restaurant, and saw a woman eating in the strangest of ways. The hot dog, bun, and a little pile of relish were arranged on her plate as if they were seperate dishes. She was eating with a kn… --- ## [Tesla's Model S electric car "insane mode" button. Is this a good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teslas-model-s-electric-car-insane-mode-button-is-this-a-good-idea/711212)
**Author:** [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2015, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teslas-model-s-electric-car-insane-mode-button-is-this-a-good-idea/711212 "2015-07-20T14:03:57Z")
The car can accelerate from zero to 60 in just three seconds after pressing the “insane-mode” button. I was taken for a spin in a protoype of the original Tesla Roadster. The thing could really move. No noise. You just … --- ## [Why was Davy Jones the most popular Monkee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-davy-jones-the-most-popular-monkee/253673)
**Author:** [@Da\_Cissy\_Pimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Da_Cissy_Pimp)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2004, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-davy-jones-the-most-popular-monkee/253673 "2004-07-08T04:30:19Z")
Compared with many of the other debates I see posted here, this one is going to seem rather silly, but what the hell; a bit of light relief every now and then is always a good thing! :slight\_smile: For a while now, I’v… --- ## [Why shouldn't women have to register for the draft?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-women-have-to-register-for-the-draft/336274)
**Author:** [@Rodgers01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodgers01)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2005, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-women-have-to-register-for-the-draft/336274 "2005-12-28T01:43:41Z")
Hot off the tails of this thread… Is there any good reason why women still don’t have to register for the draft when they turn 18? I can’t think of a single one. While there are still (I believe) some positions in the… --- ## ["Did you find everything you needed today?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-find-everything-you-needed-today/656916)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2013, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-find-everything-you-needed-today/656916 "2013-04-30T16:38:05Z")
Okay. Admittedly this is possibly the weakest Pit ever. But it does annoy me. Why do stores have their cashiers ask that every damn time now? And when did that start anyway? So what if I did not find the particular spic… --- ## [Fork etiquette](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fork-etiquette/584557)
**Author:** [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fork-etiquette/584557 "2011-06-10T16:51:01Z")
As some may know, there are two major styles to using a fork: American style, where the fork goes tines down for cutting, and tines up for scooping into the mouth (and hands swap between phases); and European style, wher… --- ## [List board phrases that have degenerated to useless from intended purpose.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/list-board-phrases-that-have-degenerated-to-useless-from-intended-purpose/538732)
**Author:** [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2010, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/list-board-phrases-that-have-degenerated-to-useless-from-intended-purpose/538732 "2010-05-16T18:25:16Z")
List board phrases that have degenerated to useless from intended purpose. Add to the list if you have one Need answer fast. This one was allowed to be used in attempts at humor too many times by people that didn’t n… --- ## [A person makes $85,000/year US. Middle class?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-person-makes-85-000-year-us-middle-class/807336)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2018, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-person-makes-85-000-year-us-middle-class/807336 "2018-01-30T03:37:18Z")
I’m doing some policy writing and am working with a definitional problem, namely “define the middle class.” James is single and makes $85,000/year. Is James middle class? Is your first question “Where does he live?” --- ## [Line About Wal-Mart Style Companies: Explain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/line-about-wal-mart-style-companies-explain/370722)
**Author:** [@FrantzJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrantzJ)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2006, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/line-about-wal-mart-style-companies-explain/370722 "2006-09-13T22:26:07Z")
I am reading Power Down by Richard Heinberg. He says something, with no citation, that I find confusing. Not to suggest that he is lying, or anything, Heinberg has obviously done his homework. But I’m just wondering: … --- ## [Would you buy a house with a utility easement in the backyard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-house-with-a-utility-easement-in-the-backyard/275542)
**Author:** [@SilentButDeftly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SilentButDeftly)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2004, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-house-with-a-utility-easement-in-the-backyard/275542 "2004-11-19T13:28:00Z")
So in the process of hunting for our first house, my wife and I came upon a new construction house. There was a ranch-style house on this lot, and somebody bought it, knocked it down, and split the lot in two. Two new … --- ## [Interstellar Commerce](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interstellar-commerce/804202)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2017, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interstellar-commerce/804202 "2017-12-17T02:38:18Z")
I just read the Kindle free sample of a space opera. It was set on a space freighter. It did not hold my interest and I will not be buying the book. I could write better than this. (As I often claim.) So anyway if Huma… --- ## [Anyone have any experience of renting to "Section 8" recipients](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-experience-of-renting-to-section-8-recipients/575818)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2011, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-experience-of-renting-to-section-8-recipients/575818 "2011-03-27T17:24:43Z")
So I’m thinking of moving out of the home I purchased in the East San Francisco bay area, currently looking at the various options w.r.t. renting versus selling. I talked to a property manager today about my options for… --- ## [How are they intending to have electric-car charging stations in urban areas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-they-intending-to-have-electric-car-charging-stations-in-urban-areas/954250)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2021, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-they-intending-to-have-electric-car-charging-stations-in-urban-areas/954250 "2021-12-02T00:58:33Z")
I’ve spent much of my life living in areas like Manhattan, some of those years as a car-owner who (tried to) park on the street, and I can’t figure out where the charging-stations would go. First place, I used to park m… --- ## [Let's write a scientifically illiterate movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-write-a-scientifically-illiterate-movie/631470)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-write-a-scientifically-illiterate-movie/631470 "2012-08-16T20:16:29Z")
Not just a movie filled with the usual chiche’s but one based on total ignorance of even basic science and math, especially misuse of technical terms. My contribution: a planet that’s an infamous haven of vice and perve… --- ## [Data, facts, and institutional/systemic racism/bigotry/bias](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/data-facts-and-institutional-systemic-racism-bigotry-bias/814278)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2018, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/data-facts-and-institutional-systemic-racism-bigotry-bias/814278 "2018-05-23T18:31:53Z")
We’ve had many discussions on this board in which the disagreement boils down to, fundamentally, whether systemic and institutional bigotry/racism/bias exists as a significant force in America, in the justice system, pol… --- ## [The world dodged a bullet with Clinton's defeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-dodged-a-bullet-with-clintons-defeat/771466)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2016, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-dodged-a-bullet-with-clintons-defeat/771466 "2016-11-12T20:46:11Z")
Interesting article from The Hill. The article goes on to examine that record and I think it makes some cogent points. I myself posted a couple of times before the election that I thought Hillary Clinton’s statement th… --- ## [Anyone up for another Diplomacy Game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-up-for-another-diplomacy-game/500097)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2009, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-up-for-another-diplomacy-game/500097 "2009-07-05T09:48:44Z")
This thread kind of has me jonesing for one. I don’t know about what everybody would think of completely open press (no PMs/emails all communication is done here on the board-Honor Rule in strict effect). If we got mor… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1495&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1497&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)