# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1502&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:** 1503 --- ## [What makes the Doubletree Hotel beds so comfy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-the-doubletree-hotel-beds-so-comfy/447725)
**Author:** [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2008, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-the-doubletree-hotel-beds-so-comfy/447725 "2008-05-03T06:46:37Z")
Damn, I’m not sure how to phrase this question, although I’m pretty sure there’s an answer. I am not known for being any good at sleeping, and particularly when traveling. But I slept amazingly well at a Doubletree Hote… --- ## [Ask the guy who grew up Gothard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-who-grew-up-gothard/605803)
**Author:** [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2011, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-who-grew-up-gothard/605803 "2011-12-14T04:39:45Z")
As requested in this thread, I am starting this to answer any questions about my life as a kid as it relates to homeschooling, growing up on the far right and Gothard. I went to a private christian school for K and 1st … --- ## [A Question for Brits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-brits/719200)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2015, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-brits/719200 "2015-05-09T13:28:02Z")
Not that I would wish such a thing on anybody, but how would the average person in Britain feel if Prince Charles were to die suddenly, however unlikely, having never had a chance to be King? Although he’s a seemingly he… --- ## [Now that Natalie Portman's off the list...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-natalie-portmans-off-the-list/423971)
**Author:** [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2007, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-natalie-portmans-off-the-list/423971 "2007-11-08T02:58:06Z")
Which film actresses over 25 or so have yet to show any of their special places in a film? Over 25 to keep from being perverted :wink: , and to distinguish between those who simply aren’t going to do it and those who wou… --- ## [trigger happy kiddie soldiers? Rashak Mani](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trigger-happy-kiddie-soldiers-rashak-mani/293382)
**Author:** [@Well](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Well)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2005, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trigger-happy-kiddie-soldiers-rashak-mani/293382 "2005-03-12T01:42:53Z")
Trigger happy kiddie soldiers who may not get their dessert? I got new for you fuckface. Those kiddies put their lives on the line daily wathcing their brother get blown up constantly with tactics that is currently be… --- ## [Sorry, But Sandy is "The New Normal"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorry-but-sandy-is-the-new-normal/639565)
**Author:** [@Troutsqueezer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troutsqueezer)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2012, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorry-but-sandy-is-the-new-normal/639565 "2012-11-02T21:34:19Z")
It must be true because that’s what Al Roker said this morning on “Today”. So, East Coasters, you had better get used to it because we all know that Roker is a weather genius. Either that or he’s a complete idiot. :smack… --- ## [Black Culture in Canada.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-culture-in-canada/535363)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2010, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-culture-in-canada/535363 "2010-04-10T18:45:12Z")
Black people in Canada seem to have an interesting history. Apparently many of them (most?) arrived there from the United States, escaping slavery. My question is simply this: What is black culture like in Canada? In pa… --- ## [Describe the perfect hamburger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-the-perfect-hamburger/678688)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2014, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-the-perfect-hamburger/678688 "2014-01-16T02:22:16Z")
Each of us must have a personal standard based on some experience that will likely never be repeated in its entirety, but which still serves as the paragon by which all others will be measured. Mine is from my pre-schoo… --- ## [Songs that name other people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-name-other-people/105560)
**Author:** [@monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monster)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2003, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-name-other-people/105560 "2003-09-23T08:19:27Z")
I was listening to “No Time” by the Monkees yesterday and I love the line, “Andy you’re a dandy. You don’t seem to make no sense.” This line in the song refers to Andy Kaufman. I want to turn to you guys to name more … --- ## [Please help me understand: personal savings rate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-personal-savings-rate/636479)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-personal-savings-rate/636479 "2012-10-11T16:17:41Z")
I know the dictionary definition is something like personal income minus personal spending. But isn’t it also true that spending is always equal to income? (Every transaction has a buyer and a seller - the sum of all sp… --- ## [Is opposition to same sex marriage bigoted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-opposition-to-same-sex-marriage-bigoted/687574)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2014, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-opposition-to-same-sex-marriage-bigoted/687574 "2014-05-07T03:42:10Z")
With the understanding that it CAN be depending on the reasons for opposition, is it a bigoted position in and of itself to oppose same sex marriage? For example, if it’s your religious beliefs that inform your opinion? --- ## [Were Early Cartoons Racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-early-cartoons-racist/64528)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2001, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-early-cartoons-racist/64528 "2001-07-04T10:47:19Z")
re : http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=69932 I’m attempting to move this over here from the Pit because I think there is a discusssion somehwere here. Racial stereotypes in quite a few of Disn… --- ## [The Ski thread 2019-20 - Come, and trip it as ye go, On the light fantastick toe.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ski-thread-2019-20-come-and-trip-it-as-ye-go-on-the-light-fantastick-toe/845075)
**Author:** [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ski-thread-2019-20-come-and-trip-it-as-ye-go-on-the-light-fantastick-toe/845075 "2020-09-08T06:07:00Z")
Here’s to another fine season for all y’all, with bright snow crystals to dance on, and family and friends to dance with. --- ## [Who and Whom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-and-whom/632686)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-and-whom/632686 "2012-08-27T10:21:45Z")
“Who will Mitt speak to”? Or is it: “Whom will Mitt speak to”? This isn’t about Mitt. It’s just the title of a piece I saw in a magazine. Is the title grammatically correct? At first, I thought no, and that the autho… --- ## [Is AOC going to get re-elected?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-aoc-going-to-get-re-elected/923226)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-aoc-going-to-get-re-elected/923226 "2020-11-01T12:57:07Z")
I haven’t been able to find any polling data for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district. How is she doing? Is she likely to get re-elected to a second term in Congress? --- ## [Vegetarian in-law at carnivore family dinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegetarian-in-law-at-carnivore-family-dinner/830324)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2019, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegetarian-in-law-at-carnivore-family-dinner/830324 "2019-05-14T22:41:22Z")
My sister-in-law is a vegetarian. The only one in the extended family of 15 or so. Her husband and kids eat meat and all 4 will be attending a family dinner hosted by another family member. Said family member said they w… --- ## [Sea of Cecil War Planning Council](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sea-of-cecil-war-planning-council/193015)
**Author:** [@Blackeyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackeyes)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2003, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sea-of-cecil-war-planning-council/193015 "2003-12-04T02:18:35Z")
\[Mustached British commander accent\] Some of you may rememeber the brave and heroic assault on Mare Una this recent past, and the subjugation of the native peoples under the Dread Pirate King Cecil, as well as the defac… --- ## [Nude model's hubby wishes she would stop posing while pregnant. Should he speak up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nude-models-hubby-wishes-she-would-stop-posing-while-pregnant-should-he-speak-up/604509)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nude-models-hubby-wishes-she-would-stop-posing-while-pregnant-should-he-speak-up/604509 "2011-12-07T03:06:33Z")
Yes, it’s a Skaldthetical with storytelling OP. If you don’t like 'em, there’s the door. There may be a poll, but then again, there may not be. I never know till I hit submit. Today’s story is about\*\* Micheal \*\*and hi… --- ## [What is Calvinism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-calvinism/471068)
**Author:** [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-calvinism/471068 "2008-11-05T18:44:36Z")
I can read the wiki. It just seems that maybe there would be a better way of finding what the general philosophy is. It seems a bit fatalist in that God chooses whom he will save rather than the individuals own work. … --- ## [Is it true that cars degrade faster if they are never driven at highway speeds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-cars-degrade-faster-if-they-are-never-driven-at-highway-speeds/637842)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2012, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-cars-degrade-faster-if-they-are-never-driven-at-highway-speeds/637842 "2012-10-17T16:52:34Z")
Or for that matter pretty much only driven for short trips? The logic I’ve heard is that longer trips and highway speeds get the condensation out of the fluids and that an engine not running hot enough will cause faster… --- ## [Re forced inbreeding of people in a confined area. Would they survive or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-forced-inbreeding-of-people-in-a-confined-area-would-they-survive-or-not/550217)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2010, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-forced-inbreeding-of-people-in-a-confined-area-would-they-survive-or-not/550217 "2010-08-16T00:04:28Z")
Re inbreeding. Hypothetically, if you started with an initial breeding pair population of a brother and a sister and contained the population in a defined area (say a good sized island), what would happen to that populat… --- ## [Why are there no Russian consumer products?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-russian-consumer-products/836323)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-russian-consumer-products/836323 "2019-07-08T17:55:47Z")
I’m talking about any available in the US. I have seen Russian (or Soviet) products for sale in the past, but those were always military surplus, or collectables. I can’t think of a single Russian-made consumer product. … --- ## [Dog Semen Allergy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-semen-allergy/253392)
**Author:** [@Kel\_Varnsen\_Latex\_Division](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kel_Varnsen_Latex_Division)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2004, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-semen-allergy/253392 "2004-07-04T22:33:55Z")
What percentage of the population is allergic to dog semen? --- ## [Wine with "notes of asphalt"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wine-with-notes-of-asphalt/799918)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2017, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wine-with-notes-of-asphalt/799918 "2017-11-26T00:13:34Z")
As someone who enjoys wine but is no means a connoisseur, I find the descriptions on bottles and placards interesting. Recently, I found a bottle whose label claimed it had “notes of asphalt.” What kind of note IS asphal… --- ## [Government taking your guns - really worth it for gun owners to die over?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-taking-your-guns-really-worth-it-for-gun-owners-to-die-over/829788)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2019, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-taking-your-guns-really-worth-it-for-gun-owners-to-die-over/829788 "2019-03-06T18:10:54Z")
Splicing several spin-offs of recent threads together: Say the Democrats issue a national-emergency and try to confiscate all privately owned guns. Plenty of gun owners brag, on social media, that the government agents … --- ## [NCAA Stupid Celebration Rule](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-stupid-celebration-rule/599026)
**Author:** [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2011, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-stupid-celebration-rule/599026 "2011-12-11T16:26:52Z")
If you celebrate at all on the field before scoring a touchdown in the NCAA, it is a 15 yard unsportsman like conduct penalty. I’ve got no real objection to that. Before this year, that penalty was applied on the kicko… --- ## [Will the 21st century see the sweeping change the 20th did?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-21st-century-see-the-sweeping-change-the-20th-did/791454)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2017, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-21st-century-see-the-sweeping-change-the-20th-did/791454 "2017-08-23T16:50:00Z")
I’m going to go out on a limb and say “no”. I think the change in the 20th century was unique and will never be paralleled again. In 1900 most of the world (outside of cities like Paris, San Francisco, and New York) was… --- ## [Firefox: how can I get my forward arrow back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefox-how-can-i-get-my-forward-arrow-back/688153)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2014, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefox-how-can-i-get-my-forward-arrow-back/688153 "2014-05-13T19:50:06Z")
Firefox has updated, and the forward arrow that I use frequently has disappeared, and furthermore, I can’t find it at all in the view:toolbars:customize interface. Please tell me that there is some way of recovering thi… --- ## [What's the most perfect action movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-perfect-action-movie/430503)
**Author:** [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2008, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-perfect-action-movie/430503 "2008-01-12T00:51:12Z")
What’s the best action movie out there? My criteria: Lots of gun play. Somewhat realistic would be nice. Car chases are a bonus Minimal “slow” scenes. Keep the action coming. Maybe throw in some nudity I’m told The… --- ## [What is up with strings of random letters in spam mail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-strings-of-random-letters-in-spam-mail/201908)
**Author:** [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2003, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-strings-of-random-letters-in-spam-mail/201908 "2003-09-17T16:17:28Z")
I seem to be getting more and more spam with strings of garbage. Anyone know what’s up with that? --- ## [Are we heading for an education bubble?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-heading-for-an-education-bubble/518095)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2009, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-heading-for-an-education-bubble/518095 "2009-11-24T13:27:57Z")
Are the rising costs of college tuitions together with the stagnation of wages leading us to a position where we’ll see massive defaults on student loans? Inspired by this diary on the DailyKOS http://www.dailykos.com/… --- ## [How do I stop a dog from pooping in my yard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-stop-a-dog-from-pooping-in-my-yard/230220)
**Author:** [@TheJungOnes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheJungOnes)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2004, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-stop-a-dog-from-pooping-in-my-yard/230220 "2004-03-17T16:05:46Z")
How do I stop my neighbor’s dog from pooping in my back yard? A fence is not an option. Expensive techniques are not an option. The neighbor, elderly, can’t help the fact that dog wonders into my yard. Keep in mind tha… --- ## [The Diplomat - what a hoot! {Spoilers Allowed}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-diplomat-what-a-hoot-spoilers-allowed/983189)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2026, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-diplomat-what-a-hoot-spoilers-allowed/983189 "2026-11-01T01:15:03Z")
Anyone else watching? Not sure what the policy is on spoilers. Keri Russell is great - as is the rest of the cast. “A MONTH?!” :smiley: --- ## [TV License In Countries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-license-in-countries/612013)
**Author:** [@KneeSid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneeSid)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2012, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-license-in-countries/612013 "2012-02-13T00:49:08Z")
Here in the USA we don’t pay a license fee to have a TV, but I know other countries like the UK do. What is the cost of the licenses in other countries you know of? Also what happens if you’re too poor to afford one. Is … --- ## [Questions for Catholics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-catholics/540207)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2010, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-catholics/540207 "2010-05-23T14:22:16Z")
I was raised Catholic, though I’m an atheist now, and stopped practicing at age 12. So my knowledge of Catholicism is limited, dated, and fogged by time. One of my sisters still considers herself a practicing Catholic.… --- ## [Tech Levels: "Firefly" vs. "Battlestar Galactica"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tech-levels-firefly-vs-battlestar-galactica/329835)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2005, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tech-levels-firefly-vs-battlestar-galactica/329835 "2005-11-13T05:02:31Z")
Or, the long way, “Which universe is more technologically advanced—that of ‘Firefly’ or the new ‘Battlestar Galactica’?” I’ve not been, I regret to say, a regular viewer of the new “Galactica,” though from what little I… --- ## [Is there no end to the greasiness of the Clintons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-no-end-to-the-greasiness-of-the-clintons/435525)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-no-end-to-the-greasiness-of-the-clintons/435525 "2008-02-04T15:08:34Z")
While Obama honors the pledge he made to the Democratic Party to bypass the Florida primary, Hillary, having made the same pledge, plans to make an appearance tonight to thank people for voting and promise to fight for t… --- ## [I'm tired of hearing about North Korea, the regime needs to be obliterated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-tired-of-hearing-about-north-korea-the-regime-needs-to-be-obliterated/789402)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-tired-of-hearing-about-north-korea-the-regime-needs-to-be-obliterated/789402 "2017-06-23T16:03:33Z")
You all have heard about Otto dying, who knows what they did to him to render him a vegetable, but this kind of thing often happens there. Labor camps, torture, murder, hostages. How many DECADES of that is tolerable t… --- ## [What is the historical endgame for a spiral of political extremism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-historical-endgame-for-a-spiral-of-political-extremism/534060)
**Author:** [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2010, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-historical-endgame-for-a-spiral-of-political-extremism/534060 "2010-04-03T03:58:09Z")
Right now the Republican Party seems to be caught in a destructive feedback loop. More moderate members who might compromise with the Democrats are often marginalized or excluded. As a result, the party has shifted to … --- ## [Is gratitude for the military overemphasized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gratitude-for-the-military-overemphasized/603981)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gratitude-for-the-military-overemphasized/603981 "2011-11-30T01:13:32Z")
In the US, everyone seems to be tripping over themselves in an effort to thank veterans and those currently serving their country. Make no mistake, I have nothing but respect for those that serve. They are risking their … --- ## [What countries have more lax gun laws than the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-countries-have-more-lax-gun-laws-than-the-us/653550)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2013, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-countries-have-more-lax-gun-laws-than-the-us/653550 "2013-03-25T10:25:32Z")
I am curious about where the US stands compared to other countries in terms of ease of gun ownership, concealed/open carry, weapon/owner registration, etc. I understand coutries such as England, Australia, Canada have c… --- ## [Can someone explain why this is offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-why-this-is-offensive/526245)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2010, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-why-this-is-offensive/526245 "2010-01-30T04:17:11Z")
The Russian Ice Dancing team is in hot water after doing this: http://perezhilton.com/2010-01-23-offensive-ice-skating routine at the European figure skating championships. It was apparently designed as a tribute to t… --- ## [Please tell me I'm not the only one dealing with The Worst MIL Ever...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-im-not-the-only-one-dealing-with-the-worst-mil-ever/602835)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2011, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-im-not-the-only-one-dealing-with-the-worst-mil-ever/602835 "2011-11-17T18:05:37Z")
My wife, her mother, and her sister attend the same church. They see each other 4-5 times a week, including Sundays. My wife thinks this normal, I think its absolutely batshit crazy. Have some friends outside the damn f… --- ## [If Neil Armstrong would have murdered Buzz Aldrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-neil-armstrong-would-have-murdered-buzz-aldrin/337615)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2006, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-neil-armstrong-would-have-murdered-buzz-aldrin/337615 "2006-01-04T01:10:06Z")
What would have been the result besides one dead astronaut if Neil Armstrong had murdered Buzz Aldrin on the way to the moon? Would the fact that they were in space matter? They were, after all, in an American space cr… --- ## [Earliest Memory of a Downer Ending (Spoilers Aplenty!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earliest-memory-of-a-downer-ending-spoilers-aplenty/477188)
**Author:** [@Meltdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meltdown)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2008, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earliest-memory-of-a-downer-ending-spoilers-aplenty/477188 "2008-12-18T02:33:44Z")
What was the first piece of fiction that you remember reading, having read to you, or watching (in the case of a movie, TV show, or a play) without a happy ending – where good fails to triumph, where the hero fails to pr… --- ## [From whence and when did the term "Woo" as a term for crackpottery come to prominence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-whence-and-when-did-the-term-woo-as-a-term-for-crackpottery-come-to-prominence/568193)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2011, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-whence-and-when-did-the-term-woo-as-a-term-for-crackpottery-come-to-prominence/568193 "2011-01-24T15:34:20Z")
I’ve seen the word “Woo” being used increasingly on the boards in reference to things that I’d consider as being “Crackpot” or “Pseudoscience” (Ancient Aliens, Vaccines being linked to autism, New Age Religions, etc) of … --- ## [Parents taking separate flights- anyone here do that (or did your parents)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-taking-separate-flights-anyone-here-do-that-or-did-your-parents/539996)
**Author:** [@katie1341](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/katie1341)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-taking-separate-flights-anyone-here-do-that-or-did-your-parents/539996 "2010-05-21T16:22:49Z")
When I was a kid, my parents would take separate flights when they went anywhere without us kids. I never thought it was particularly weird, they just wanted to make sure that if a plane crashed, we’d still have one par… --- ## [The light at the end of the tunnel & other advice MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-other-advice-mmp/823320)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2018, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-other-advice-mmp/823320 "2018-10-29T21:44:19Z")
When the light at the end of the tunnel is getting larger one should step to the side, far to the side, because sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel really is an oncoming train. Flytrap, you should check this pl… --- ## [How many first cousins do you have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-first-cousins-do-you-have/268975)
**Author:** [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2004, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-first-cousins-do-you-have/268975 "2004-10-15T18:29:12Z")
We’ve been having a discussion in the office this afternoon about first cousins and, in particular, how many of them people have. One woman has over 30! So - how many first cousins do you have? By first cousins I mean t… --- ## [What are the penalties for violating NC HB2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-penalties-for-violating-nc-hb2/752468)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-penalties-for-violating-nc-hb2/752468 "2016-04-21T13:42:49Z")
Here’s the text of the law. And here’s a scenario: Mary is a trans woman who works at UNC-CH. She goes to a basketball game at the Dean Dome. At halftime she has to pee. There’s a security guard who, earlier in the day,… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1501&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1503&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)