# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1549&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:** 1550 --- ## [Why are there no snakes now in Ireland?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-snakes-now-in-ireland/501741)
**Author:** [@the\_first\_supraliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_first_supraliminal)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2009, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-snakes-now-in-ireland/501741 "2009-07-07T15:19:43Z")
No, nobody believes that St. Pat drove them out, and we know why they weren’t there prior to human habitation. But that leaves the question, “Why aren’t they there now?” They exist in zoos and as pets on the island, appa… --- ## [Recommend some big fat historical fiction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-big-fat-historical-fiction/370576)
**Author:** [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2006, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-big-fat-historical-fiction/370576 "2006-10-08T23:58:27Z")
Or some densely plotted crime fiction, or some lyrical Southern/Appalachian fiction, or a historical mystery. I have an Amazon gift certificate to spend. Normally I buy used books and get more bang for the buck. Buyin… --- ## [Do you think this person is insane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-this-person-is-insane/654517)
**Author:** [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2013, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-this-person-is-insane/654517 "2013-04-13T22:26:00Z")
Obviously you can’t give a real medical diagnosis, but just from skimming this essay, do you think the author is mentally ill or insane in some way? Here is the essay. Whatever you do, do not read the whole thing or you… --- ## [ralph124c, could you please spellcheck your titles already?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ralph124c-could-you-please-spellcheck-your-titles-already/630069)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2012, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ralph124c-could-you-please-spellcheck-your-titles-already/630069 "2012-08-02T20:53:08Z")
Or at least stop posting when drunk. Thank you. Threads in evidence: A B C And I know for every one I found there were probably 3-5 where the mods eventually fixed the titles… --- ## [Am I the only Republican here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-republican-here/370991)
**Author:** [@FormerMarineGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FormerMarineGuy)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2006, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-republican-here/370991 "2006-09-14T00:07:37Z")
Exactly what the question asks. I consider myself an open-minded guy (as most of you can see by my posts on this board), and am ready for the hits I might take. But…am I the only Republican here? --- ## [G-Spot & Vaginal v. Clitoral Orgasms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/g-spot-vaginal-v-clitoral-orgasms/94)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 1999, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/g-spot-vaginal-v-clitoral-orgasms/94 "1999-06-13T19:12:00Z")
In his column about discovery of the clitoris, Cecil writes: “recall Freud’s bizarre claim that women had two kinds of orgasms, clitoral and vaginal–an idea not fully put to rest until the work of Masters and Johnson. Mo… --- ## [Let's do Trump haiku](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-do-trump-haiku/767794)
**Author:** [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-do-trump-haiku/767794 "2017-02-15T06:21:05Z")
Let’s do Trump haiku Find beauty in the best words And do it big league --- ## [Way to go Texas! (An Atheist rant.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-to-go-texas-an-atheist-rant/616988)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2012, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-to-go-texas-an-atheist-rant/616988 "2012-04-01T19:55:00Z")
Yesterday, I’m watching my local news. One of the stories covered is about an Atheist group here in Dallas. They started an ad campaign with a local theater promoting family with out god. Today, I’m watching the news an… --- ## [How many times have you almost died?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-almost-died/782894)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-almost-died/782894 "2017-05-17T15:36:40Z")
I can think of three times when I came fairly close. The one I remember best, and which makes the best story, was the time I stared down a rattlesnake on an empty road one sunny afternoon and when I say empty, I mean ne… --- ## [What words are spelled wrong, in your opinion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-words-are-spelled-wrong-in-your-opinion/780660)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2017, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-words-are-spelled-wrong-in-your-opinion/780660 "2017-03-04T21:46:50Z")
Screw Webster’s-“receive” should be spelled “recieve”, “environment” should be spelled “enviroment”, and the less said about “colonel” the better. --- ## [Why "are you of Hispanic origin" in so many surveys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-you-of-hispanic-origin-in-so-many-surveys/549518)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2010, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-you-of-hispanic-origin-in-so-many-surveys/549518 "2010-08-08T20:09:24Z")
I’m taking the 2010 Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell survey, and came across a ubiquitous question which seems present in almost all surveys/census forms I have to take: So, why do many surveys focus on Hispanic culture? Why don… --- ## [Obama sounds like Osama!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-sounds-like-osama/384853)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2006, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-sounds-like-osama/384853 "2006-12-22T19:53:34Z")
There’s this guy at work who, in spite of being such a conservative, seems like a pretty decent person. Which is why I’m having trouble believing something he has said. We were talking about who may be in the running fo… --- ## [Americans: Vote Now - Bush or Kerry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-vote-now-bush-or-kerry/234773)
**Author:** [@Omnipresent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omnipresent)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-vote-now-bush-or-kerry/234773 "2004-03-23T01:18:38Z")
Just a one word answer will suffice. No comments, no indicision. I’ll tally after a while. --- ## [Please Explain Mad Max to Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-mad-max-to-me/335077)
**Author:** [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2005, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-mad-max-to-me/335077 "2005-12-14T00:03:00Z")
Okay, I’ve seen Mad Max. I’ve seen Beyond Thunderdome. Haven’t seen the Road Warrior, but that’s because it wasn’t available for rental on DVD last time I thought about it. So can someone please explain to me what the he… --- ## [Simple question: Killer Whale or Orca?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-killer-whale-or-orca/633124)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-question-killer-whale-or-orca/633124 "2012-09-05T17:39:15Z")
Which name do you call the world’s biggest species of dolphin, Orcus Orcaby? Orca or Killer Whale. --- ## [When did automatic transmissions become readily available?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-automatic-transmissions-become-readily-available/152415)
**Author:** [@Hermann\_Cheruscan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermann_Cheruscan)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2003, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-automatic-transmissions-become-readily-available/152415 "2003-02-04T06:13:54Z")
So I’m teaching my kid how to drive a stick shift. I try to give him the lowdown on the differences between automatic transmissions vs. manual transmissions. What I want to know is, when did automatics become widely avai… --- ## [You're invulnerable. Are you allowed to defend yourself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-invulnerable-are-you-allowed-to-defend-yourself/547763)
**Author:** [@Uosdwis\_R.Dewoh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uosdwis_R.Dewoh)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2010, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-invulnerable-are-you-allowed-to-defend-yourself/547763 "2010-07-30T14:03:04Z")
Suppose You’re invulnerable and someone comes at you with a knife with the full intent of killing you. How far are you allowed to go to defend yourself? The man attacking you has no possibility of actually harming you. A… --- ## ["Anthropomorphism" antonym?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anthropomorphism-antonym/413023)
**Author:** [@Stringer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringer)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2011, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anthropomorphism-antonym/413023 "2011-06-14T16:00:28Z")
Is there a reasonable antonym for anthropomorphism? (The ascribing of non-human, animal or inanimate traits onto human beings) A Google search suggests that it’s not, but I thought somebody here might know. --- ## [What is the past tense of "cast"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-past-tense-of-cast/694744)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2014, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-past-tense-of-cast/694744 "2014-08-06T00:52:50Z")
I looked up the word “cast” at www.dictionary.com cast \[kast, kahst\] Show IPA verb (used with object), cast, cast·ing. to throw or hurl; fling: The gambler cast the dice. to throw off or away: He cast the advertise… --- ## [Your username?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-username/70893)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2001, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-username/70893 "2001-08-24T18:43:20Z")
How did you come by your username? This question was asked almost 2 years ago (Sept 99), and was fun and interesting. So I thought I’d renew it, and give the newbies a chance. Here’s the old one; http://boards.straigh… --- ## [Should Obama use "Born in the USA" as a re-elect theme song?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-obama-use-born-in-the-usa-as-a-re-elect-theme-song/622297)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2012, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-obama-use-born-in-the-usa-as-a-re-elect-theme-song/622297 "2012-05-25T15:49:49Z")
I think it would be clever on several levels, but mainly on the level of “Here’s a guy with confidence to play up what only his worst idiot opponents take seriously as an issue,” and I don’t think the Boss would mind, t… --- ## [Elseworlds and What-Ifs the comics ought to do](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elseworlds-and-what-ifs-the-comics-ought-to-do/761556)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elseworlds-and-what-ifs-the-comics-ought-to-do/761556 "2016-08-16T20:09:40Z")
DC and Marvel comics have done lots of these, but are there story lines that haven’t been done yet that you would like to see? The occasion of this thread is one idea that occurred to me: After his parents are killed not… --- ## [SDMB 2015 NCAA Tournament Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-2015-ncaa-tournament-pool/715043)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2015, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-2015-ncaa-tournament-pool/715043 "2015-04-07T17:12:07Z")
It’s tournament time again! The SDMB pool will be on ESPN’s tournament site again this year. Here is the group info. Link: http://games.espn.go.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2015/en/game Group Name: Straight Dope … --- ## [Buenos noches mein Fuhrer! (Hitler escaping theories)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buenos-noches-mein-fuhrer-hitler-escaping-theories/689278)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2014, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buenos-noches-mein-fuhrer-hitler-escaping-theories/689278 "2014-06-02T23:22:17Z")
Saw this book about Hitler’s supposed escape to Argentina on sale while browsing, it did make me chuckle. How seriously were these sorts of theories taken at the time? Allied intelligence released pics to show how Dolfy… --- ## [How do I sell a vehicle in a private sale with no license plate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-sell-a-vehicle-in-a-private-sale-with-no-license-plate/695483)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2014, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-sell-a-vehicle-in-a-private-sale-with-no-license-plate/695483 "2014-08-14T14:36:54Z")
I am buying a new car and selling my old car on my own. I’ll be transferring the license plate to the new car. How can I sell the old car (and let someone test drive it) if there is no plate on it? I’m sure this is done… --- ## [Pitch Your Worst Idea for a TV Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitch-your-worst-idea-for-a-tv-show/398229)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2007, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitch-your-worst-idea-for-a-tv-show/398229 "2007-04-04T21:35:58Z")
Title says it all. Can You Outfight a Fifth Grader? (a Bing Crosby Production) Who Wants to Adopt Dannielynn- hosted by Andy Dick. Contestants vying to adopt Dannielynn must explain in as much detail and eloquence as … --- ## [Cow orientation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cow-orientation/688850)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2014, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cow-orientation/688850 "2014-05-24T22:13:55Z")
Sometimes I drive past a field with 50 or more cows and they’re all pointed in the exact same direction. Heads one way, tails the other way. Other times I drive past a field where the cows are pointed haphazardly in al… --- ## [Is "Flip" a slur agains Phillipinos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-flip-a-slur-agains-phillipinos/256251)
**Author:** [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2004, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-flip-a-slur-agains-phillipinos/256251 "2004-07-26T11:48:40Z")
An overly PC person at work today told us that we shouldn;t use the word “flip” anymore because it’s a slur against those from the Phillipines. I went to the internet to see if there was any proof to this. All I could … --- ## [The Little People](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-little-people/242347)
**Author:** [@ghuff1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ghuff1)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2004, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-little-people/242347 "2004-07-01T22:02:43Z")
I know this sounds strange but here goes. A couple years ago I was falling asleep at the wheel on a rural highway. All of the sudden this little guy dressed like a gnome runs across the road. I became more alert needl… --- ## [What if the US had a good education system would this lead to a more scrutinize governance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-us-had-a-good-education-system-would-this-lead-to-a-more-scrutinize-governance/699106)
**Author:** [@malghe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/malghe)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2014, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-us-had-a-good-education-system-would-this-lead-to-a-more-scrutinize-governance/699106 "2014-09-24T23:47:30Z")
If america had a better educative system. They would believe like the rest of the world in evoution. They would not sell guns to the public. They would not have stupid evangelist brainwashing them and taking their mon… --- ## [Students with Myspace accounts will be suspended...WTF??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/students-with-myspace-accounts-will-be-suspended-wtf/397667)
**Author:** [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2007, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/students-with-myspace-accounts-will-be-suspended-wtf/397667 "2007-04-02T14:56:53Z")
CNN article. Color me bewildered. What the bloody hell business is it of any school - public, private, or parochial - what my kid does when she’s at home? How do they have the gall to make such a rule as this? If my … --- ## [Have you ever been on an adventure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-on-an-adventure/681893)
**Author:** [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2014, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-on-an-adventure/681893 "2014-02-24T21:02:19Z")
Have you ever been on a real adventure? a car chase, wild fire, plane crash or any other situation that is common in action movies? Have you ever done something that would look amazing with huge explosions and tense musi… --- ## [triple-ought buckshot??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/triple-ought-buckshot/363140)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2010, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/triple-ought-buckshot/363140 "2010-07-15T12:59:54Z")
Today’s “classic column” (originally run April 14, 1995) contains a reference to triple-ought buckshot: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a950414b.html Is this a typo? I’ve never heard of anything bigger than doubl… --- ## [Who is the most powerful woman in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-powerful-woman-in-the-world/556386)
**Author:** [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2010, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-powerful-woman-in-the-world/556386 "2010-10-11T11:59:13Z")
In a local news report Irene Rosenfeld, CEO of Kraft Foods was called ‘the second most powerful woman in the world’. Who is the most powerful? --- ## [If your Dope is running slow.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-dope-is-running-slow/542044)
**Author:** [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2010, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-dope-is-running-slow/542044 "2010-06-08T20:03:24Z")
It seems to be the fault of this mob. http://www.rubiconproject.com/ Anyone else having delays while this site seems to be scanning the Dope? --- ## [Why do we pretend days, weeks, months exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-pretend-days-weeks-months-exist/822288)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2018, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-pretend-days-weeks-months-exist/822288 "2018-10-14T13:40:50Z")
Why do we act like these things exist? Isn’t it just changes in light? How do we divide such things in a manner like that? How do we decide how many days in a month? Would it apply if we weren’t on earth? --- ## [Electing the Pope, past and present](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electing-the-pope-past-and-present/651515)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2013, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electing-the-pope-past-and-present/651515 "2013-03-04T23:12:08Z")
Some questions about electing the Pope, past and present: Why are Cardinals over the age of 80 prohibited from voting? Are they also prohibited from becoming Pope? How long has the over-80 rule been in effect? 500 ye… --- ## [Explain to me how American taxation is fair.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-to-me-how-american-taxation-is-fair/528228)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2010, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-to-me-how-american-taxation-is-fair/528228 "2010-03-17T21:16:26Z")
First off, American corporations are taxed on profit and not revenue. It may make since to expense out such things as payroll, COGS, factory depreciation etc, but it also allows the company to expense out buying naming … --- ## [Pregnant women and the obese have similar problems. Why do we treat them differently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnant-women-and-the-obese-have-similar-problems-why-do-we-treat-them-differently/518183)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2009, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnant-women-and-the-obese-have-similar-problems-why-do-we-treat-them-differently/518183 "2009-11-22T17:52:33Z")
I know this is going to sound a little weird but stick with me here. Overweight and obese people and pregnant women have several similar mobility/postural difficulties, and also suffer some musculo-skeletal problems due… --- ## [Hilarious things you have witnessed from children.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilarious-things-you-have-witnessed-from-children/260653)
**Author:** [@Amazon\_Floozy\_Goddess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amazon_Floozy_Goddess)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2004, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilarious-things-you-have-witnessed-from-children/260653 "2004-09-16T06:12:43Z")
My mom and her best friend came over to my place for tea yesterday. Her friend told us a story that had me nearly rolling on the floor. Her daughter, who is 5, came running up to her one day, having discovered her mom’s… --- ## [Climate change: children taking legal action because adults are complacent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-change-children-taking-legal-action-because-adults-are-complacent/753657)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2016, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-change-children-taking-legal-action-because-adults-are-complacent/753657 "2016-05-16T15:18:03Z")
For me, climate change will most likely be of little consequence, playing out past my tenure on this here wetrock. But young people – too young to vote – have been taking action, through the courts. And they have had a m… --- ## [Did I see a suicide or just an accident?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-see-a-suicide-or-just-an-accident/662203)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2013, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-see-a-suicide-or-just-an-accident/662203 "2013-07-03T12:44:04Z")
Saw something really wild this a.m. - still shaking and trying to process it. I think I saw a motorcyclist die, and I’m turning over in my mind what happened. I was driving N on the Dan Ryan in Chicago around 7 a.m., S… --- ## [Why "primmer" vs "prymer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-primmer-vs-prymer/490817)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2009, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-primmer-vs-prymer/490817 "2009-03-27T17:37:42Z")
Since I was a kid everyone (adults, teachers, newscasters et al) pronounced primer, as in an introductory book, the same as for a base coat of paint. Now I hear everyone, it seems, pronouncing the word as if there were t… --- ## [The piano: Percussion or string instrument?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-piano-percussion-or-string-instrument/169886)
**Author:** [@Avalonian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avalonian)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2003, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-piano-percussion-or-string-instrument/169886 "2003-04-24T06:10:49Z")
I’ve heard different theories on this, but I wonder if the Straight Dope has the straight answer on whether the piano should be considered a percussion instrument or a stringed instrument. On the one hand, it makes soun… --- ## [Can I take additional college classes after I've already gotten my Bachelors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-take-additional-college-classes-after-ive-already-gotten-my-bachelors/389184)
**Author:** [@DxZero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DxZero)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2007, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-take-additional-college-classes-after-ive-already-gotten-my-bachelors/389184 "2007-01-24T23:47:01Z")
This is a probably a simple question, but basically, I want to get my MA in International Relations, but one of the admission requirements for most programs is proficiency in a foreign language. During my time as an und… --- ## [Are Vulcans Possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vulcans-possible/806249)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vulcans-possible/806249 "2018-01-16T02:42:57Z")
Possibly one for GQ, possibly one for GD. But it involves the fictional Vulcans. So I will put it in Café. In the purely dramatic Star Trek universe, the Vulcans are a only logical. They have emotions. But they keep fir… --- ## [Lumpy plays devil's advocate on gun control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lumpy-plays-devils-advocate-on-gun-control/488807)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2009, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lumpy-plays-devils-advocate-on-gun-control/488807 "2009-03-21T00:19:57Z")
In the AWB thread, I posted an open question to YogSosoth; I never got an answer and he hasn’t participated in that thread since. Which is a pity because the more I think about it, the more it seems that in a few lines I… --- ## [Trade has halted -or- Trump can celebrate when the Market goes over 24,000](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trade-has-halted-or-trump-can-celebrate-when-the-market-goes-over-24-000/849146)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trade-has-halted-or-trump-can-celebrate-when-the-market-goes-over-24-000/849146 "2020-03-19T11:27:07Z")
The circuit breaker broke. :eek: --- ## ["Friend zone" dilemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friend-zone-dilemma/688306)
**Author:** [@drewc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewc)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2014, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friend-zone-dilemma/688306 "2014-05-16T15:12:38Z")
I’m 99% certain the person of which I speak doesn’t know of the SDMB. I’m 42 years old, a year post divorce, and haven’t been in the dating scene for decades. Nor have I been in a situation quite like this before and a… --- ## [How do they encode information on radio waves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-encode-information-on-radio-waves/112407)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2016, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-encode-information-on-radio-waves/112407 "2016-08-29T13:32:11Z")
Alright, bear with me. I understand the basics of electromagnetic radiation and how transmitters emit information to receivers using carrier waves and specific modulations. (At least I think I understand). What I don’t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1548&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1550&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)