# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1604&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:** 1605 --- ## [Penny wise and pound foolish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penny-wise-and-pound-foolish/660338)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2013, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penny-wise-and-pound-foolish/660338 "2013-06-12T03:26:06Z")
This is the thread to post examples of decisions or behavior that can be said to be “penny wise and pound foolish”. It is okay if they are invented examples, but of course real-life examples are a little more fun. I can… --- ## [Klobuchar drops out and endorses Biden.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klobuchar-drops-out-and-endorses-biden/848808)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2020, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/klobuchar-drops-out-and-endorses-biden/848808 "2020-03-06T04:44:21Z")
Looks like the establishment lane is getting behind Biden. --- ## [Naming of US radio stations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naming-of-us-radio-stations/641837)
**Author:** [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2012, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naming-of-us-radio-stations/641837 "2012-11-26T19:48:41Z")
Something I’ve always wondered, why are US radio stations typically called a four letter acronym starting with ‘K’. And what does ‘K’ stand for? In the UK, radio stations are called all sorts of things, like ‘BBC London… --- ## [Obama is running out of time to fulfill these GOP predictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-running-out-of-time-to-fulfill-these-gop-predictions/770479)
**Author:** [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2016, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-running-out-of-time-to-fulfill-these-gop-predictions/770479 "2016-11-05T03:13:22Z")
There were some specific and dire predictions about the Obama presidency in the elections of both 2008 and 2012. I’m looking to collect some examples of predictions, preferably from prominent Republicans or members of t… --- ## [Is it possible to decapitate yourself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-decapitate-yourself/270570)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2004, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-decapitate-yourself/270570 "2004-10-22T15:28:25Z")
If you had a cutting object, like a sword, could you swing it with enough force to decapitate yourself? How about a chain saw? There was an Urban Legend-ish story about a guy who got drunk and allegedly sawed his head o… --- ## [Tell me about grinding your own telescope lenses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-grinding-your-own-telescope-lenses/428927)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-grinding-your-own-telescope-lenses/428927 "2012-09-12T17:30:00Z")
I’m editing a column in which the author refers to the nearly vanished hobby of building your own telescope, including grinding your own lenses. I’m not interested in the process, so much as the history of the hobby its… --- ## [A bad case of palimpsest - words that mean the wrong thing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-bad-case-of-palimpsest-words-that-mean-the-wrong-thing/854312)
**Author:** [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2020, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-bad-case-of-palimpsest-words-that-mean-the-wrong-thing/854312 "2020-06-15T00:18:41Z")
You know what I mean? There are certain words that just have no business meaning what they actually mean. OK, let me explain. For some reason I was musing on the word pulchritudinous. Now, whoever came up with that word… --- ## [What's the solution to the hysterical right's shadow government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-solution-to-the-hysterical-rights-shadow-government/510752)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2009, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-solution-to-the-hysterical-rights-shadow-government/510752 "2009-09-22T04:57:15Z")
\[TLDP\]\* As has been made clear by this summer’s Townhall shenanigans and Joe Wilson’s outburst and its aftermath, politicians–let alone elected officials–no longer set the agenda of political debate in the US: rightwing… --- ## [Electronic tracking: new constraint for Saudi women.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-tracking-new-constraint-for-saudi-women/641913)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2012, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-tracking-new-constraint-for-saudi-women/641913 "2012-11-26T17:42:16Z")
The absurdity of this leaves me stunned. :dubious: I didn’t realize Saudi women needed a relatives permission to leave the country. Electronic tracking just adds another layer of oppression. --- ## [Why North is Up - the Seasons and the Calendar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-north-is-up-the-seasons-and-the-calendar/567651)
**Author:** [@JQuaffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JQuaffer)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2011, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-north-is-up-the-seasons-and-the-calendar/567651 "2011-03-13T06:28:20Z")
Dear Cecil, Before we give in freely to the Southern Hemispheroids or those South Southeast whack jobs and start changing the maps and globes of the world I would like add to the discussion on why north should be up o… --- ## [Saffron- how do I use it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saffron-how-do-i-use-it/540407)
**Author:** [@katie1341](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/katie1341)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2010, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saffron-how-do-i-use-it/540407 "2010-05-28T17:18:38Z")
I went a little nuts with my last order from Penzey’s and I got two little bitty containers of saffron. I’ve never cooked with it before, and it’s a little pricey so I don’t want to waste it. What’s the best way to use… --- ## [Please educate me on canned salmon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-educate-me-on-canned-salmon/595975)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-educate-me-on-canned-salmon/595975 "2011-09-15T15:32:23Z")
What’s the best? In my fogeydom I’ve started to really enjoy a salmon sandwich at lunch. For the last 6 months or so, I’ve been buying whatever is on sale with varying degrees of success. What really got me started do… --- ## [What species of Doper are YOU? (May offend.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-species-of-doper-are-you-may-offend/57402)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2001, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-species-of-doper-are-you-may-offend/57402 "2001-04-24T14:36:43Z")
WARNING: May offend. Dopers are a funny breed. A funny genus, too. As I see it, there are about 20 known species of Dopers although more are constantly being discovered. According to my records, the following species of… --- ## [Northern English foods.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northern-english-foods/372075)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2006, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northern-english-foods/372075 "2006-09-16T14:53:16Z")
How many foods are there that originate (or are presumed to originate) in the north of England? I can think of a few, but I need some new recipes. I’ll discount things like sausages and cheeses. I’ve got: Lancashire … --- ## [How do you manage/cope with your loneliness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-manage-cope-with-your-loneliness/692490)
**Author:** [@jayrey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayrey)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2014, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-manage-cope-with-your-loneliness/692490 "2014-07-23T20:59:44Z")
A few months ago, I accepted the fact that I am not suited to be in a close, physically intimate relationship so I stopped actively seeking one. For the first few weeks, I felt a great sense of relief. Lately though, I’… --- ## [I can't believe it would be illegal for me to set you on fire.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-believe-it-would-be-illegal-for-me-to-set-you-on-fire/184871)
**Author:** [@Juniper200](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Juniper200)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2003, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-believe-it-would-be-illegal-for-me-to-set-you-on-fire/184871 "2003-07-04T05:08:18Z")
I’ve had a bad week. Wednesday night after work, I was pulled over for speeding. That was my fault. I was doing 45 in a 25, and the cop was nice enough to give me a warning even though I deserved a ticket. Because the… --- ## [There soon will be no Loch Ness Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-soon-will-be-no-loch-ness-monster/543995)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2010, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-soon-will-be-no-loch-ness-monster/543995 "2010-06-24T01:47:27Z")
I am thinking this through, I am willing to be argued out of this position. You know those Chinese jumping catfish (CJC) that is coming up the Mississippi? I read someplace a few months ago that CJC DNA has been found i… --- ## [How does one adjust a toilet to flush harder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-adjust-a-toilet-to-flush-harder/130229)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2002, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-adjust-a-toilet-to-flush-harder/130229 "2002-10-01T01:15:30Z")
A couple of the toilets on my place simply don’t flush hard enough, often it takes a couple of flushes to do the job. What factors how hard/fast a flush a toilet produces? Is it mainly the amount of water in the tank? --- ## ["Bad" books/movies you actually like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-books-movies-you-actually-like/484657)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2009, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-books-movies-you-actually-like/484657 "2009-02-11T14:54:24Z")
Tell me if this sounds familiar: you buy popular book Xyz, read, and really like it. Then you surf the Cafe Society, or TVTropes, and lo and behold, everyone is talking about it. That is, everyone is saying, “Gee, Xyz is… --- ## [Does the theory of "death is like before you're born" also 100% support reincarnation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-theory-of-death-is-like-before-youre-born-also-100-support-reincarnation/784650)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2017, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-theory-of-death-is-like-before-youre-born-also-100-support-reincarnation/784650 "2017-04-20T14:53:50Z")
I mean, if there are no gods or demons that do some things, not saying that there aren’t but the “dead is the same as before you’re born” is usually secular, so if it’s before you’re born, doesn’t that mean reincarnation… --- ## [Homemade French Onion soup of the Gods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-french-onion-soup-of-the-gods/438914)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2014, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-french-onion-soup-of-the-gods/438914 "2014-12-31T07:09:06Z")
Okay, I just tried out a recipe at home. I made us a batch of french onion soup. And OMG I have been translated bodily into heaven! The key is to brown the HELL out of the onions. Really! I took 4 pounds of yellow o… --- ## [Scrap metal; what’s the deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scrap-metal-what-s-the-deal/517876)
**Author:** [@Janx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Janx)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2009, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scrap-metal-what-s-the-deal/517876 "2009-11-19T17:01:20Z")
So we hear that gold has hit an all time high, silver is pretty good too, but there are all these scavengers around looking for Aluminum, as well as Copper and Brass and what ever else they can get their hands on. Weird … --- ## [Has the Obama presidency made racism acceptable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-obama-presidency-made-racism-acceptable/553404)
**Author:** [@joew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joew)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2010, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-obama-presidency-made-racism-acceptable/553404 "2010-09-14T22:10:57Z")
Little caveat: I read these forums regularly and know that i am not up to your all’s standards of posting so please go easy on me :slight\_smile: I am hillbilly from Eastern Kentucky that recently moved to Louisville and… --- ## ['94 Corvette Dangerous throttle surge.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/94-corvette-dangerous-throttle-surge/617806)
**Author:** [@brewha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brewha)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2012, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/94-corvette-dangerous-throttle-surge/617806 "2012-05-02T23:34:05Z")
My coworker’s car has a dangerous tendency to occasionally surge while idling. It’s a 1994 Corvette automatic with the 300HP V8. It doesn’t do it very often and only does it after it gets warm. It’s bad enough that it c… --- ## [Atheist: If you HAD to chose a religion, what would it be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-if-you-had-to-chose-a-religion-what-would-it-be/567556)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2011, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-if-you-had-to-chose-a-religion-what-would-it-be/567556 "2011-01-17T14:45:46Z")
Title says it all. Me, I’ll go with Muslim. From my limited understanding, it seems to make the most sense. --- ## [A Britishism? What does it mean if the weather is "parky"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-britishism-what-does-it-mean-if-the-weather-is-parky/301791)
**Author:** [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-britishism-what-does-it-mean-if-the-weather-is-parky/301791 "2012-10-11T18:31:20Z")
My mom asked me this. She is listening to a book on tape, so she is uncertain of the spelling. Parky weather? Thanks! --- ## [evenly misquoted expressions...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evenly-misquoted-expressions/29760)
**Author:** [@mikep777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikep777)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2000, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evenly-misquoted-expressions/29760 "2000-08-29T21:15:13Z")
Thinking about expressions that are mis-uttered by about half of the people who say them. Not sure if either is “right” anymore, since both versions are so common. Any others that are like this? (not sayings which are un… --- ## [Why the stigma about masturbation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-stigma-about-masturbation/271857)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2004, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-stigma-about-masturbation/271857 "2004-11-11T17:07:07Z")
A great many cultures and religions have told, and are still telling, people, especially young people, that Touching Yourself is Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. Why? Maybe because some religions prohibit anything that might be ple… --- ## [Can we end up with another "Jimmy Carter"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-end-up-with-another-jimmy-carter/462346)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-end-up-with-another-jimmy-carter/462346 "2008-10-03T04:01:51Z")
I don’t remember the Jimmy Carter years all that well, but in reading about his term in office the impression I get is that he didn’t have a political base. Essentially, he didn’t have the right friends despite being a … --- ## [I pit everyone in the "how do you wipe your ass" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-everyone-in-the-how-do-you-wipe-your-ass-thread/401853)
**Author:** [@zuma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zuma)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2007, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-everyone-in-the-how-do-you-wipe-your-ass-thread/401853 "2007-05-02T23:20:58Z")
Wendigo started this pointless and disgusting thread. What’s to be accomplished there? A few people made jokes about it, so I’ll maybe exempt them from the pitting. But come on, such a disgusting OP doesn’t really d… --- ## [WTF -- things you don't see every day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-things-you-dont-see-every-day/519357)
**Author:** [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-things-you-dont-see-every-day/519357 "2009-12-08T00:27:47Z")
I had to work yesterday – woe is me-- after work I stopped by a favorite bar for a beer. I looked across the street to see three people leaving a building and they proceeded to walk across the street toward my location… … --- ## [How Unrealistic is Starfleet's Chain of Command?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-unrealistic-is-starfleets-chain-of-command/160033)
**Author:** [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2003, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-unrealistic-is-starfleets-chain-of-command/160033 "2003-03-14T05:15:10Z")
I hope this is the right forum… it concerns Trek but I’m asking a factual question. So I wasn’t sure. Anyway… are there any Trekkers out there that have been in the military or are familiar enough with it to give me an … --- ## [All right, fess up! Who's black?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-right-fess-up-whos-black/386437)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2007, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-right-fess-up-whos-black/386437 "2007-01-06T18:22:15Z")
I am. As are few other regular posters. I’m also Puerto Rican (but this rarely comes up.) It’s not like it’s a secret or anything but people are continually surprised to find this out about me. I was reading another thr… --- ## [Indiana man locked in cave for 60 hours, forgotten by group](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-man-locked-in-cave-for-60-hours-forgotten-by-group/796990)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-man-locked-in-cave-for-60-hours-forgotten-by-group/796990 "2017-09-26T17:07:56Z")
Okay, this should scare the bejeezus out of ya: Indiana man locked in cave for 60 hours, forgotten by group More than 2 days went by… Unsurprisingly, Mr. Cavar Ya think? Just imagine what would have happened if h… --- ## [Let's say Congress wants to see Obama's Birth Certificate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-congress-wants-to-see-obamas-birth-certificate/473770)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2010, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-congress-wants-to-see-obamas-birth-certificate/473770 "2010-12-04T23:50:44Z")
This is not in GD since I don’t want to get into whether or not Obama is an NBC. But let’s say a representative (like Michele Bachmann) and a senator (like Lisa Murkowski) demand to see Obama’s birth certificate - the “… --- ## [Did you (or your parents) ever own a "mangle"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-or-your-parents-ever-own-a-mangle/545239)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2010, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-or-your-parents-ever-own-a-mangle/545239 "2010-07-07T02:07:14Z")
This is a mangle. When I was a kid in the 50s my mother used one in the basement. Hers was electric and much more modern-looking than the ones pictured. She used it for ironing sheets, tablecloths and pants, etc. I think… --- ## [What are some famous Olympic judging controversies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-famous-olympic-judging-controversies/529159)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2010, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-famous-olympic-judging-controversies/529159 "2010-02-23T00:29:15Z")
What were some of the classic cold war Olympic judging controversies? I remember the whole 2002 Olympic figure skating scandal, but aside from that, I can’t really remember any. I know there was always talk about them du… --- ## [Actors known for dramatic roles that find later success in comedy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-known-for-dramatic-roles-that-find-later-success-in-comedy/620459)
**Author:** [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2012, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-known-for-dramatic-roles-that-find-later-success-in-comedy/620459 "2012-05-12T01:39:33Z")
This may have been done many times before, but I’m not great at searching the archives. You often hear about comedic actors that surprisingly prove to have great dramatic chops when given the right role (Adam Sandler, R… --- ## [Are U.S. students regularly taught in rhethorics/debating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-u-s-students-regularly-taught-in-rhethorics-debating/553086)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2010, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-u-s-students-regularly-taught-in-rhethorics-debating/553086 "2010-09-11T03:13:32Z")
So long as I’ve been following this board, I’ve been impressed by the debating skills of a lot of the Dopers, especially the American ones. Especially the techniques to debunk logical fallacies and false arguments are in… --- ## [At what point did you realize the limit of your intelligence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-did-you-realize-the-limit-of-your-intelligence/459243)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2008, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-did-you-realize-the-limit-of-your-intelligence/459243 "2008-08-15T13:19:04Z")
Most people think they’re of above average intelligence, and on the SDMB doubly so. But most of us also know we’re not the smartest folks around. I grew up being told that the only reason I wasn’t doing better than I w… --- ## [Just this side of trolling. Solutions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-this-side-of-trolling-solutions/843511)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2019, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-this-side-of-trolling-solutions/843511 "2019-11-18T19:10:41Z")
I was advised to start a new thread. I think this is important and hope I’m not alone, so here goes. We have a few posters here who repeatedly skate juuust up to the line of trolling and are quite good at it. It’s very … --- ## [In Dungeons & Dragons, could you theoretically have a sorceror wizard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-dungeons-dragons-could-you-theoretically-have-a-sorceror-wizard/599794)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2011, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-dungeons-dragons-could-you-theoretically-have-a-sorceror-wizard/599794 "2011-10-19T22:23:00Z")
I’ve been re-reading Order of the Stick a lot recently, especially Start of Darkness because I have the actual physical paper book in my bedroom. A big theme of SoD is the difference between sorcerers and wizards- chiefl… --- ## [Remember the joke about the penguin who blew a seal.......](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-the-joke-about-the-penguin-who-blew-a-seal/447754)
**Author:** [@One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/One_And_Only_Wanderers)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2008, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-the-joke-about-the-penguin-who-blew-a-seal/447754 "2008-05-14T17:31:19Z")
BBC Link Now it’s the seal’s turn! --- ## [Midway, The naval Campaign in the Pacific and a Catch All](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midway-the-naval-campaign-in-the-pacific-and-a-catch-all/584385)
**Author:** [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2011, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midway-the-naval-campaign-in-the-pacific-and-a-catch-all/584385 "2011-06-14T12:04:39Z")
We have had this thread running in Cafe Society and it is clearly not the correct forum. There have been quite a few participants and a "robust " discussion has of course had plenty of thread drift. I’m just restarting … --- ## [y^2=x vs y=sqrt(x). Is they is or is they ain't the same thing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/y-2-x-vs-y-sqrt-x-is-they-is-or-is-they-aint-the-same-thing/680352)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2014, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/y-2-x-vs-y-sqrt-x-is-they-is-or-is-they-aint-the-same-thing/680352 "2014-02-05T16:13:38Z")
Apparently, they ain’t. Not homework – just spending some time puttering around with math and trying to work this out in my old, gnarled, withered brain. The graph of y=sqrt(x) is a half-parabola lying on its side – ju… --- ## [Why don't bikers want to wear helmets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-bikers-want-to-wear-helmets/357179)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2006, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-bikers-want-to-wear-helmets/357179 "2006-05-23T13:14:33Z")
Around here, one of the radio personalities is an empassioned motorcyclist. So he tells us about “biker rights rallies” and such as they occur. One of the main bones of contention seems to be that bikers don’t want lawma… --- ## [Movies/TV where the writer is clearly much older than the character](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-tv-where-the-writer-is-clearly-much-older-than-the-character/597096)
**Author:** [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2011, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-tv-where-the-writer-is-clearly-much-older-than-the-character/597096 "2011-09-26T22:31:00Z")
I noticed this when watching a repeat of How I Met Your Mother last night. During “The Leap”, Marshall threatens to jump over to the next building (and into the cool hot tub they have). Lily, obviously, has concerns abou… --- ## [How does this July 4th optical illusion work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-july-4th-optical-illusion-work/692384)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2014, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-july-4th-optical-illusion-work/692384 "2014-07-15T16:37:20Z")
Every time I watch fireworks, I’m struck by the fact that the explosions I see always appear as if they’re blowing outward, toward me. It never looks like we’re seeing one of those things from behind. Nothing ever seem… --- ## [Where are my commas?! (Math)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-my-commas-math/600219)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2011, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-my-commas-math/600219 "2011-10-24T09:46:58Z")
I’m currently taking a pre-algebra math course. In the textbook, every single whole number greater than 999 is written without commas. For instance, 23,456,789 is written as 23456789. WTF? When I was in school (elementar… --- ## [Did Helen keller have Some Limited sight/Hearing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-helen-keller-have-some-limited-sight-hearing/376639)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2006, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-helen-keller-have-some-limited-sight-hearing/376639 "2006-10-17T13:16:58Z")
I ask because i saw the movie “THE MIRACLE WORKER” 9good flick), and i cannot imagine how anyone born with total blindness and deafness, could ever learn to speak and read. I suspect that Ms. Keller had some limited visi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1603&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1605&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)