# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1592&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:** 1593 --- ## [Do elephants really "mourn" their dead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-elephants-really-mourn-their-dead/540056)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2010, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-elephants-really-mourn-their-dead/540056 "2010-05-23T00:55:52Z")
I’ve been meaning to ask about this since the most recent elephant death at the Toronto Zoo in November (the third in two years, actually). This article about the death of matriarchal elephant ‘Tara’ wasn’t the only one … --- ## [A question I will probably regret asking about BJs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-i-will-probably-regret-asking-about-bjs/529528)
**Author:** [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2010, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-i-will-probably-regret-asking-about-bjs/529528 "2010-02-23T05:52:16Z")
I just watched a movie in which a scorned woman was wondering how she could have been dumped when “I can suck the nails out of a board”. In other movies/stand up routines etc., I’ve heard things like “She can suck start… --- ## [Justification of Epistemology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/justification-of-epistemology/273934)
**Author:** [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2004, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/justification-of-epistemology/273934 "2004-11-18T18:07:23Z")
I’ve been thinking a lot about epistemology and ontology lately and I’m just not knowledgeable enough to come up with anything concrete (is that ironic?). So the question for the Great Debates is, is there a justifiable… --- ## [Books to read while living in the woods for 6 months](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-to-read-while-living-in-the-woods-for-6-months/385326)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2007, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-to-read-while-living-in-the-woods-for-6-months/385326 "2007-01-02T23:21:51Z")
So, there’s a good chance that I’m going to be thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail starting in March, and I’d like to get some good reading done while I’m out there. Without nearly as many distractions I’m hoping to get th… --- ## [The Legacy of Ariel Sharon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-legacy-of-ariel-sharon/678530)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2014, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-legacy-of-ariel-sharon/678530 "2014-01-15T21:06:29Z")
As recently announced Ariel Sharon has died: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=17005398 However it is not appropriate to flame someone in a RIP thread, so I thought I would start another one in the P… --- ## [Obsidian's Kickstarter: Project Eternity Isometric RPG!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obsidians-kickstarter-project-eternity-isometric-rpg/634717)
**Author:** [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2012, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obsidians-kickstarter-project-eternity-isometric-rpg/634717 "2012-10-17T15:35:25Z")
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/obsidian/project-eternity?ref=home\_leanback Sounds promising. An isometric, old-school RPG with modern aesthetics and gameplay. They are looking to create something akin to Baldur’s G… --- ## [X-Files: Mythology or Monster-of-the-Week?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/x-files-mythology-or-monster-of-the-week/513576)
**Author:** [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bith_Shuffle)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2009, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/x-files-mythology-or-monster-of-the-week/513576 "2009-10-14T00:32:11Z")
Do you prefer the X-Files’ Mythology episodes (episodes pertaining to the main plot of alien colonization) or the monster-of-the-week episodes (those episodes dealing with some freaky thing unrelated to the aliens)? I’m… --- ## [You recognize someone in insurrection pics. Do you ID them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-recognize-someone-in-insurrection-pics-do-you-id-them/930032)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2021, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-recognize-someone-in-insurrection-pics-do-you-id-them/930032 "2021-01-24T01:50:46Z")
I was looking at pictures posted of insurrectionists who, if identified, could face prosecution. I didn’t recognize anyone, but it got me thinking about what I’d do if I did recognize a neighbor. I generally avoid any i… --- ## [Ugh. I know a guy who fell for an internet scam.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugh-i-know-a-guy-who-fell-for-an-internet-scam/651575)
**Author:** [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2013, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugh-i-know-a-guy-who-fell-for-an-internet-scam/651575 "2013-03-12T20:19:03Z")
I always wondered who might be lured into giving their hard earned money to a random scammer. I work with one such person. Nice guy, but must not be aware of all the dishonesty and thievery that the bad guys are willin… --- ## [Time for a username change; please help me out with suggestions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-username-change-please-help-me-out-with-suggestions/339178)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2006, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-username-change-please-help-me-out-with-suggestions/339178 "2006-01-16T14:35:30Z")
I am soliciting suggestions, I will keep the 3-5 I like best and submit to a vote if this works. So I guess I’ll start here in MPSIMS and then link to a new thread in IMHO as that will be a poll. If there is any intere… --- ## [GOVERNMENT REFORM- TOTAL SWEEPING CHANGE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-reform-total-sweeping-change/17202)
**Author:** [@FORMERAGENT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FORMERAGENT)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2000, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-reform-total-sweeping-change/17202 "2000-01-11T14:19:00Z")
THATS IT PEOPLE, I’VE DECIDED WE ARE STOPPING JUST TALKING ABOUT THIS, LETS DO IT… HERE AND NOW. WE CREATE A NEW POLITICAL PARTY AND RETAKE AMERICA, AND BRING IT BACK, RENAISSANCE PART DEUX. THIS IS SERIOUS, NOT A JOKE, … --- ## [Grand-Master of Science Fiction: The Final Conflict](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grand-master-of-science-fiction-the-final-conflict/562452)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grand-master-of-science-fiction-the-final-conflict/562452 "2010-12-09T14:31:54Z")
Culled from the previous post, we have(in alphabetical order) Isaac Asimov Arthur C. Clarke Robert Heinlein H.G. Wells Roger Zelazny --- ## [April 2010 Weight Loss Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/april-2010-weight-loss-thread/534584)
**Author:** [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/april-2010-weight-loss-thread/534584 "2010-04-30T15:26:54Z")
Yay! I have stuck around long enough to be able to open a thread! Normally I would have dropped out by now. So: Female, 30 January 1 - 218 February 1 - 225 March 1 - 213.5 April 1 - 211.5! I’m not sure how I manag… --- ## [Letting a child believe in foolishness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/letting-a-child-believe-in-foolishness/739498)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2015, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/letting-a-child-believe-in-foolishness/739498 "2015-12-09T18:40:09Z")
At a piano lesson recently, one of my students, about 12 years old, told me he had powers. I was understandably skeptical. He insisted he was a wizard and chasing a monster that only he could see. I cast doubt that he… --- ## [Why is human-requested euthanasia illegal in the United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-human-requested-euthanasia-illegal-in-the-united-states/713656)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2015, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-human-requested-euthanasia-illegal-in-the-united-states/713656 "2015-02-27T18:28:39Z")
Let’s say I have a terminal illness and am in so much pain and want to be put to death. Now why would I not be allowed to ask the physician to kill me? --- ## [For the love of PC games....STOP PIRATING!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-love-of-pc-games-stop-pirating/441025)
**Author:** [@BlinkingDuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlinkingDuck)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2008, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-love-of-pc-games-stop-pirating/441025 "2008-03-19T19:01:38Z")
I used to pirate…when I was a poorly paid teacher, I justified it as they OWE me cuz I am paid so poorly doing a public good. I justified it as it was so unfair that I was paid so little so why should the unfairness jus… --- ## [Help! My fiance won't quit bleeding!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-fiance-wont-quit-bleeding/560879)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2010, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-fiance-wont-quit-bleeding/560879 "2010-11-19T15:42:11Z")
Yes, this is a request for medical advice. But that’s OK, as you’ll see shortly. So one morning, my fiance wakes up and notices that her index finger is bleeding at the most distal joint. It’s just a trickle; nothing … --- ## [Hmmm...Not 1 Pit thread about Sen Feingold's moronic line of questioning to AG Pryor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hmmm-not-1-pit-thread-about-sen-feingolds-moronic-line-of-questioning-to-ag-pryor/184086)
**Author:** [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2003, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hmmm-not-1-pit-thread-about-sen-feingolds-moronic-line-of-questioning-to-ag-pryor/184086 "2003-06-27T18:50:30Z")
It’s a small story, granted. And this is just one question in a sea of of many stupid ones asked throughout history in the Senate. Nor will it be the last. But where in the hell does Russ Feingold (D-WI) get off askin… --- ## [So what if speakers are connected wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-if-speakers-are-connected-wrong/527078)
**Author:** [@Homo\_litoralis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homo_litoralis)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2010, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-if-speakers-are-connected-wrong/527078 "2010-02-01T19:10:18Z")
Suppose, many years ago, I had a couple of bare-ended electrical cords embedded in the walls of my TV room specifically for the purpose of powering rear speakers for a prospective home theater. Now suppose that said cord… --- ## [Anyone thinking about getting the new Kindle Voyage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-thinking-about-getting-the-new-kindle-voyage/701975)
**Author:** [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2014, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-thinking-about-getting-the-new-kindle-voyage/701975 "2014-10-28T09:38:36Z")
Anyone thinking about getting the new Kindle Voyage? I’m thinking about getting it as I read recreationally about 2 hours per day. The higher resolution, better contrast and lighting look appealing. I’m not looking for … --- ## [Are You Circumcised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-circumcised/513734)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2010, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-circumcised/513734 "2010-01-06T14:23:16Z")
Are you circumcised (this applies to both males and females)? --- ## [Ah, what the hell, I'll pit Michael Schiavo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ah-what-the-hell-ill-pit-michael-schiavo/308803)
**Author:** [@threemae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/threemae)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2005, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ah-what-the-hell-ill-pit-michael-schiavo/308803 "2005-06-21T23:25:04Z")
Really, what the hell, I’m going to pit Michael Schiavo. On the whole, I think that this board overwhelmingly agrees that the whole Terry Schiavo deal down in Florida regarding lawsuit after repetitive lawsuit, bizarre … --- ## [Who's Driven Drunk? (inspired by the "writing a letter" thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-driven-drunk-inspired-by-the-writing-a-letter-thread/747469)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-driven-drunk-inspired-by-the-writing-a-letter-thread/747469 "2016-03-06T00:08:39Z")
I did, once, when I was about 22. I had about 5 blocks to drive home, and if my car hadn’t been in danger of being towed if I’d left it where it was, I would have walked. It was maybe 3am, and I didn’t encounter another … --- ## [Is Pat Buchanan Right? (America's Problems Due to American Empire)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-buchanan-right-americas-problems-due-to-american-empire/543819)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2010, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-buchanan-right-americas-problems-due-to-american-empire/543819 "2010-06-21T23:09:35Z")
Buchanan has a unique worldview…one which I think is correct. Basically, the USA is in trouble because we : Maintain military forces around the world. This drain on the treasury is winning us few friends and many enemi… --- ## [Modern instruments of torture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-instruments-of-torture/181847)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2003, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-instruments-of-torture/181847 "2003-06-16T22:57:14Z")
The torture devices of old are well-known by many (the iron maiden, etc.) but what are “common” modern implements? --- ## [Why live poker is still profitable, episode #193](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-live-poker-is-still-profitable-episode-193/680191)
**Author:** [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2014, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-live-poker-is-still-profitable-episode-193/680191 "2014-03-14T13:20:30Z")
I play at a local casino a couple of times a week. I see a lot of the same faces, and I continue to be (happily) amazed at the ridiculous mistakes people make over and over again. So let’s add some anecdotes and frien… --- ## [Romney Policy Position: Vows to combat Lyme Disease](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-policy-position-vows-to-combat-lyme-disease/636192)
**Author:** [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2012, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-policy-position-vows-to-combat-lyme-disease/636192 "2012-09-30T20:10:17Z")
I for one am glad that Romney isn’t spending time telling us about his proposed tax policies or approach to the Middle East. I’m glad that he isn’t taking the Senata bait to stop those jobs from being sent to China (… --- ## [12 Monkeys (1995) Confusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-monkeys-1995-confusion/793090)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2017, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-monkeys-1995-confusion/793090 "2017-08-21T03:30:14Z")
I just watched this movie again and really paid attention, but I am woefully confused. :confused: Potential Spoilers: A few+ questions: Why did James Cole (Bruce Willis) eat the spider in the mental hospital? Was tha… --- ## [What is the oldest still extant company?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-still-extant-company/137002)
**Author:** [@imperative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/imperative)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2005, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-still-extant-company/137002 "2005-03-24T20:30:23Z")
What’s the company that was established the earliest and is still around today? --- ## [Huns and Hungarians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huns-and-hungarians/594631)
**Author:** [@antonio107](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonio107)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2011, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huns-and-hungarians/594631 "2011-09-02T18:40:21Z")
I’ve been replaying Age of Empires II: The Conquerors again on my PC. One of my favorite campaigns is Attila the Hun, which (I supposed) chronicled my mother’s ancestors slaughtering those of dear old dad. But realistica… --- ## [Big Bang 4/28--The Agreement Dissection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-4-28-the-agreement-dissection/580050)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2011, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bang-4-28-the-agreement-dissection/580050 "2011-05-01T22:41:00Z")
Sheldon goes dancing with the girls while Priya tries to break down the roommate agreement using legal theory. --- ## [Rank the Pixar Films](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rank-the-pixar-films/519291)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2009, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rank-the-pixar-films/519291 "2009-12-07T19:28:30Z")
Here are all 10, chronologically from 1995 to 2009: Toy Story A Bug’s Life Toy Story 2 Monsters, Inc. Finding Nemo The Incredibles Cars Ratatouille WALL-E Up Commentary is welcome. My own ranking: The Incred… --- ## [People who brush their teeth at work - tell me about it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-brush-their-teeth-at-work-tell-me-about-it/640260)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2012, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-brush-their-teeth-at-work-tell-me-about-it/640260 "2012-11-08T18:08:45Z")
I want to start doing this but I admit I’m feeling a bit awkward about it. I don’t know anyone else in the building who does it. We’re a very small building, with only about four tenants, and I’m not sure I want to be kn… --- ## [New Orleans--French Quarter Hotels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-french-quarter-hotels/583154)
**Author:** [@Lor213](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lor213)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2011, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-french-quarter-hotels/583154 "2011-08-11T14:08:00Z")
Myself and a friend of mine are thinking about going to New Orleans in August as sort of a celebration of our 30th birthdays, mine was in February and hers is in August. She’s been there before but it was about 9 years a… --- ## [Why do Germans sometimes pronounce "V" as "W"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-germans-sometimes-pronounce-v-as-w/249987)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2004, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-germans-sometimes-pronounce-v-as-w/249987 "2004-06-15T14:29:58Z")
A lot of Germans do this when they speak English. For example, “village” comes out as “willage.” That is, as an English “W.” It seems especially weird because the “V” sound exists in German. Interesting sidebar: Joh… --- ## [Here's a depressing headline: 12 year old girl charged with murder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-a-depressing-headline-12-year-old-girl-charged-with-murder/354241)
**Author:** [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-a-depressing-headline-12-year-old-girl-charged-with-murder/354241 "2016-05-20T14:57:44Z")
From a news story from Alberta. --- ## [What inappropriate movies did you watch as a kid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-inappropriate-movies-did-you-watch-as-a-kid/692176)
**Author:** [@franz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/franz)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2014, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-inappropriate-movies-did-you-watch-as-a-kid/692176 "2014-07-05T03:37:20Z")
I remember being pretty damn freaked out by A Nightmare on Elm Street when I was ten. Also watched a lot of Hollow Man when I was fourteen for obvious reasons. And, in hindsight, that is a pretty \*\*\*\*ed up movie with sc… --- ## [Tina Fey on SNL, 4/10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tina-fey-on-snl-4-10/535721)
**Author:** [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tina-fey-on-snl-4-10/535721 "2010-04-18T02:02:19Z")
No thread on yesterday’s Saturday Night Live? What’s this forum coming to. Former head writer and cast member Tina Fey returned as the guest host. Yes, there was the obligatory (and pretty funny) Sarah Palin sketch, in w… --- ## [Why is tree bark brown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-tree-bark-brown/48227)
**Author:** [@Phobos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phobos)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2013, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-tree-bark-brown/48227 "2013-12-10T09:48:14Z")
ok. My 11-year old neice started asking me questions the other day. “Why is the sky blue?” HA! I knew that one! I’m not sure she understood the scattering of blue light, but at least it was the Straight Dope. Then she … --- ## [Did I ever tell you about the time I was an exchange student from the Soviet Union?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-ever-tell-you-about-the-time-i-was-an-exchange-student-from-the-soviet-union/686876)
**Author:** [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2014, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-ever-tell-you-about-the-time-i-was-an-exchange-student-from-the-soviet-union/686876 "2014-06-27T18:48:00Z")
There’s a thread going on now in In My Humble Opinion on why Red Lobster is failing as a restaurant chain. I’m afraid I may be the reason for the restaurant’s decline, and it’s time to come clean. Waaaay back in the mid… --- ## [What is a Zinc bar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-zinc-bar/28594)
**Author:** [@Outrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Outrider)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2016, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-zinc-bar/28594 "2016-05-03T01:55:33Z")
I just ran across the concept of a “Zinc bar” in Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”. The context is post-WWI Paris. Anyone know what Zinc has to do with bars? “Some Zinc with your wine, monsieur?” “No thanks. I only take… --- ## [Did you do the "spring break experience"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-do-the-spring-break-experience/615828)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2012, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-do-the-spring-break-experience/615828 "2012-03-23T02:19:58Z")
It’s spring break time at a couple of local colleges, which got me thinking about the much mytholigized “college spring break”. You know, the one where you go to South Padre/Arizona/Cancun on your colleges’ spring break… --- ## [The Skinny on Dog Food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-skinny-on-dog-food/330970)
**Author:** [@CrazyFoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyFoo)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2005, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-skinny-on-dog-food/330970 "2005-11-18T17:09:18Z")
I’ve spent the past few hours “trying” to research the best possible dog food, and the stuff I’m reading scares the crap out of me. Is it really as bad as the google hits make it? Pet food made from dead cats and dogs,… --- ## [Why don't websites simply refuse to serve ad-blocking users?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-websites-simply-refuse-to-serve-ad-blocking-users/680946)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2014, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-websites-simply-refuse-to-serve-ad-blocking-users/680946 "2014-03-08T04:15:22Z")
First a question: How do sites know I’m using an ad-blocker? I use Firefox. It would seem that Firefox could “accept” the ads coming in and simply not show them to me graphically, and thus the sites would never know. But… --- ## [MST3K memories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mst3k-memories/88679)
**Author:** [@Anal\_Scurvy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anal_Scurvy)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2009, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mst3k-memories/88679 "2009-10-15T18:07:06Z")
I was just reading some other thread about the good ol’ gang and started reminiscing about my favourite episodes: Manos: The Hands of Fate Little Girl: “Mommy, the dog’s getting pointy again!” And, of course, there’s … --- ## [Who is the most powerful Governor in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-powerful-governor-in-the-us/673520)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2013, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-powerful-governor-in-the-us/673520 "2013-11-18T17:03:07Z")
This is a question about the different state constitutions in the United States, not about individual politicians. Are there significant differences in how powerful the office of Governor is in each of the 50 states in t… --- ## [Different Cultures, Different Swords: Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-cultures-different-swords-why/74669)
**Author:** [@tsunamisurfer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tsunamisurfer)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2001, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-cultures-different-swords-why/74669 "2001-10-06T18:49:59Z")
Allow me to start with an admittedly shaky premise: fighting is fighting. Yet, instead of converging toward a universal standard, swords throughout history seem to have varied considerably in form and function. I’m talki… --- ## [Old-timey abbreviations for first names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-timey-abbreviations-for-first-names/542652)
**Author:** [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2010, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-timey-abbreviations-for-first-names/542652 "2010-06-12T03:08:10Z")
In many documents from The Past, one encounters seemingly standardized abbreviations for peoples’ first names, like Geo. for George, Chas. for Charles, Jos. for Joseph, and so on. What are those called? And is there a l… --- ## ['The 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches of All Time'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-50-greatest-comedy-sketches-of-all-time/447564)
**Author:** [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2008, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-50-greatest-comedy-sketches-of-all-time/447564 "2008-05-03T05:53:43Z")
http://www.nerve.com/dispatches/nerveeditors/50greatestcomedysketches/01/ Worth linking to mostly because almost all of the selections include clips, and it’d be very hard for someone to be familiar with all of these al… --- ## [No Labels Party and Its Impact on Election 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-labels-party-and-its-impact-on-election-2024/987166)
**Author:** [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2024, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-labels-party-and-its-impact-on-election-2024/987166 "2024-04-06T03:40:54Z")
I made mention of No Labels a couple of times in this thread, most recently here: But this concern really deserves its own thread. What impact, if any, do you believe No Labels will have on the 2024 election? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1591&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1593&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)