# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1650&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:** 1651 --- ## [Have you ever taken a punch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-taken-a-punch/623009)
**Author:** [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2012, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-taken-a-punch/623009 "2012-05-27T05:26:56Z")
I’ve never been in a fight- not the kind where two guys square off across from each other, put up their dukes, and punch it out. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a real-life punchout either. Not an organized bout with … --- ## [How important is it that a mystery book solution be solvable by the reader?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-it-that-a-mystery-book-solution-be-solvable-by-the-reader/938050)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-it-that-a-mystery-book-solution-be-solvable-by-the-reader/938050 "2021-03-30T15:35:04Z")
I am reading the Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman and I will not spoil\* the book, but I am very near the end and instead of the “solution” being something that a series of clues indicated, it appears to be something… --- ## [Do you think this type of behaviour is racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-this-type-of-behaviour-is-racist/646299)
**Author:** [@TheCrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCrow)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2013, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-this-type-of-behaviour-is-racist/646299 "2013-01-10T19:07:20Z")
Do you think the behaviour represented by the woman in this video is a typical racist behaviour? --- ## [Did my dad poison a bunch of Sunday school Children?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-my-dad-poison-a-bunch-of-sunday-school-children/646070)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2013, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-my-dad-poison-a-bunch-of-sunday-school-children/646070 "2013-01-06T18:51:04Z")
Way back in the 80’s my families church hosted a bible camp that involved the children learning about biblical times. My dad decided to host a booth to teach about early coinage. To do this he collected a bunch of used… --- ## [How did the phrase "VHS player" become popular](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-phrase-vhs-player-become-popular/662361)
**Author:** [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2013, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-phrase-vhs-player-become-popular/662361 "2013-07-12T15:32:03Z")
It is dumb and I am tired of hearing it The device is called a VCR --- ## [Where Can I Find 16oz -CANS- of Dr Pepper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-16oz-cans-of-dr-pepper/638564)
**Author:** [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2012, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-16oz-cans-of-dr-pepper/638564 "2012-10-24T13:38:42Z")
For years I have been saying I really would like Dr Pepper to come in “tall boy” cans. Sometimes 12 ounces just isn’t enough, but bottled Dr Pepper just isn’t the same. Then one day I was on a weekend vacation of sorts … --- ## [Apple ditching 3.5mm headphone jack on iPhone 7](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-ditching-3-5mm-headphone-jack-on-iphone-7/742568)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-ditching-3-5mm-headphone-jack-on-iphone-7/742568 "2016-01-14T23:37:04Z")
According to reports everywhere, Apple is planning to abandon the 100 year old 3.5mm headphone jack on the coming iPhone 7. What do you all think about that? I realize that technology topics don’t get a ton of attentio… --- ## [Fractured Movie Titles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fractured-movie-titles/304961)
**Author:** [@Largo62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Largo62)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2005, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fractured-movie-titles/304961 "2005-05-27T03:12:32Z")
The following are some silly bendings of OLD movie titles, giving new descriptions. ALL ABOUT STEVE: Ambitious male stripper plots to take over Chippendales. ALONG CAME THE JONES: Father Shaft is unable to keep his vow… --- ## [Larry Krasner: What justice looks like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larry-krasner-what-justice-looks-like/811613)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larry-krasner-what-justice-looks-like/811613 "2018-04-10T21:33:33Z")
The new district attorney of Philadelphia, Larry Krasner, shows what reform of the justice system means: Take a look at his unprecedented memorandum, which begins “These policies are an effort to end mass incarcerati… --- ## [If I had super strength, could I squeeze coal into diamonds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-had-super-strength-could-i-squeeze-coal-into-diamonds/504121)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2009, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-had-super-strength-could-i-squeeze-coal-into-diamonds/504121 "2009-08-07T14:03:19Z")
I don’t think the temperature requirement is a problem. Superman could presumably exert white dwarf-level pressure upon the carbon sample. If nothing else simply compressing the sample that much would provide the neces… --- ## [How did Japan manage not to get invaded or colonized (in contrast to virtually all else in SE Asia)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-japan-manage-not-to-get-invaded-or-colonized-in-contrast-to-virtually-all-else-in-se-asia/700471)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2014, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-japan-manage-not-to-get-invaded-or-colonized-in-contrast-to-virtually-all-else-in-se-asia/700471 "2014-10-08T15:34:00Z")
In this thread debating the reasons for Japan’s relatively rapid industrialization (once it set its mind to it, so to speak), Lumpy said (in post #4): I had never really thought about that before, i.e. that Japan was a… --- ## [What was your most embarrassing fan phase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-most-embarrassing-fan-phase/410293)
**Author:** [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2007, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-most-embarrassing-fan-phase/410293 "2007-07-08T21:14:10Z")
We’ve all had embarrassing times that we were really into something that we realize in retrospect is shitty and embarrassing, whether it’s a band, an author, or even an entire genre of something. What’s yours? I was in … --- ## [Go and give yourselves cancer somewhere else, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-and-give-yourselves-cancer-somewhere-else-please/104516)
**Author:** [@Michael\_Ellis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Ellis)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2002, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-and-give-yourselves-cancer-somewhere-else-please/104516 "2002-04-30T14:18:45Z")
This is the third time I’ve got you fuckers smoking on the terrace next to my room. I’m sorry if I’m not polite about it, but since its 2am and I’m trying to fall asleep, please use the area everyone else uses to get th… --- ## [How is Home Schooling monitored and evaluated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-home-schooling-monitored-and-evaluated/806926)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2018, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-home-schooling-monitored-and-evaluated/806926 "2018-01-26T23:16:29Z")
I’ve been reading the news about David and Louise Turpin’s children. Found in horrific conditions last weekend. They were home schooled. How does that work? I vaguely recall that there are home school courses parents… --- ## [Wiping -- sit or stand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wiping-sit-or-stand/53327)
**Author:** [@Sublight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublight)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2003, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wiping-sit-or-stand/53327 "2003-11-10T13:23:09Z")
The other day, my fiancee and I had the following conversation: Her: Why were you at the toilet for so long? (our bathroom has a small sideroom with just a toilet inside) Me: I was taking a dump. I’ve been known to do … --- ## [I Pit the stupid trend of smokestacks on diesel trucks!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-stupid-trend-of-smokestacks-on-diesel-trucks/605836)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2011, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-stupid-trend-of-smokestacks-on-diesel-trucks/605836 "2011-12-16T20:13:11Z")
I’ve noticed quite a few diesel trucks lately, with smokestacks mounted on the bed. These things seem to be designed to spew as much noxious smoke as possible into the air. Here’s an example. Fuck these guys with a ru… --- ## [Songs that unexpectedly gut-punch you emotionally](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-unexpectedly-gut-punch-you-emotionally/809820)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2018, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-unexpectedly-gut-punch-you-emotionally/809820 "2018-03-10T23:00:33Z")
I was in a little cafe that was playing background music. Then the song “Your Wildest Dreams” came on and I could scarcely keep my composure. It triggered some combination of half-forgotten memories, nostalgia, and deja … --- ## [Tell me why a timeshare is a bad deal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-why-a-timeshare-is-a-bad-deal/494862)
**Author:** [@JerseyFrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JerseyFrank)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2009, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-why-a-timeshare-is-a-bad-deal/494862 "2009-05-05T11:31:27Z")
I’m asking about actual ownership benefits (or lack thereof), not the sales pitch. Mom has been in poor health pretty much since I was born. Nothing immediately life-threatening, but she knows her days are numbered whe… --- ## [Terr: an asshole again. No surprise.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terr-an-asshole-again-no-surprise/677340)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2014, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terr-an-asshole-again-no-surprise/677340 "2014-01-16T06:57:57Z")
In this post in the thread over A&E, and in earlier posts in the same thread, such as the one where he imitates hyena-throated laughter, Terr gives away the right wing’s true colors: purest hatred. This nasty, jeering,… --- ## [How do I get rid of fruit flies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-rid-of-fruit-flies/506962)
**Author:** [@SanibelMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanibelMan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2009, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-rid-of-fruit-flies/506962 "2009-08-22T12:07:23Z")
My kitchen and bathroom have been plagued with fruit flies for a few weeks now. About a month ago, my wife bought a bunch of bananas from Target that came in a plastic bag. A few days after she bought them, and before th… --- ## [Friends vs Cheers - Which is better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friends-vs-cheers-which-is-better/946801)
**Author:** [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2021, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friends-vs-cheers-which-is-better/946801 "2021-07-21T08:47:46Z")
In a thread about the Pit, this claim was made. I could not let that stand. Friends is definitely the better show. What say you? Poll is public. Stand by your convictions. :stuck\_out\_tongue\_winking\_eye: poll --- ## [Wrong number calling my cell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrong-number-calling-my-cell/430713)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2011, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrong-number-calling-my-cell/430713 "2011-11-03T16:02:50Z")
About twice a week I get a call that caller ID says is a “private call.” When I answer it, a voice-activated recording (female voice) says, “Oops! Wrong number!” and hangs up. Bizarre! Has this happened to anyone els… --- ## [Are all women's faces filthy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-womens-faces-filthy/524763)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2010, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-womens-faces-filthy/524763 "2010-01-21T03:49:18Z")
Nearly every time I use the bathroom, I pass my wife while she is washing her face. She also has around 20 bottles of face cleaning products all over the bathroom and in the refrigerator. She even has pre- and post- wash… --- ## [HBO Max launch thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hbo-max-launch-thread/854571)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hbo-max-launch-thread/854571 "2020-12-17T07:14:15Z")
HBO Max launched today. Here’s a look at everything that’s available right now: HBO Max I spent all day watching shows on HBO Max. While I’m disappointed by the lack of old Cartoon Network shows, there’s still MORE tha… --- ## [Please tell me about sous vide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-about-sous-vide/816164)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2018, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-about-sous-vide/816164 "2018-07-27T17:46:45Z")
I’ve been enjoying the “sous vide” eggs bites at Starbucks lately. I’ve started wondering if this is something I could make at home. Please educate me. What is sous vide? What kind of equipment do I need for this? How d… --- ## [Tell us about anyone you’ve known who has an odd or semi-unusual nickname](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-anyone-you-ve-known-who-has-an-odd-or-semi-unusual-nickname/762642)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-anyone-you-ve-known-who-has-an-odd-or-semi-unusual-nickname/762642 "2016-08-25T02:26:33Z")
The only rule: this person must have been known by his or her nickname more than their given name. In other words, they ‘go’ by it. \*\*Gus \*\*– I’ve known 2. My dad’s friend when I was a kid, and a cousin. \*\*Skip \*\*– 2 a… --- ## [Can a person (or animal) run into a wall hard enough to kill itself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-person-or-animal-run-into-a-wall-hard-enough-to-kill-itself/476389)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2008, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-person-or-animal-run-into-a-wall-hard-enough-to-kill-itself/476389 "2008-12-12T12:33:37Z")
So let’s say that a regular, healthy man is running as fast as he can, and doesn’t see the flat wall straight in front of him. Can he run face first into that wall hard enough to kill himself? I suspect the answer is yes… --- ## [Does an area's topography affect the likelihood of a tornado touching down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-areas-topography-affect-the-likelihood-of-a-tornado-touching-down/621461)
**Author:** [@cutman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cutman74)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2012, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-areas-topography-affect-the-likelihood-of-a-tornado-touching-down/621461 "2012-05-17T01:38:40Z")
Nova had a special tonight on the tornadoes in april in 2011. I live just East of the Mississippi valley in Illinois, just on the lea side of the bluffs that flank the river on either side. Through many years of obser… --- ## [Why is Ticket Scalping Illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-ticket-scalping-illegal/309382)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2005, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-ticket-scalping-illegal/309382 "2005-06-24T13:35:23Z")
Ticket scalping is the practice of re-selling tickets to events. It is legal in some places, and illegal in others. Bob Gheldof is running “Live8” and is hitting the roof that some people are scalping tickets on (where … --- ## [Musicians I Hate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-i-hate/34015)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2000, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-i-hate/34015 "2000-09-26T23:38:20Z")
Everybody always rags on Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys and other bubblegum acts, but frankly that’s like shooting fish in a barrel. It’s like saying you don’t like puppy-kickers. So who does everyone hate in th… --- ## [Are we doomed? Will the SDMB die under the new ownership?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-doomed-will-the-sdmb-die-under-the-new-ownership/951883)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2021, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-doomed-will-the-sdmb-die-under-the-new-ownership/951883 "2021-11-03T09:26:48Z")
So now there’s a new owner of the StraightDope. And in the thread about it most of the posts are light-hearted and optimistic. But me, well…I’m wondering about the potential for disaster. From older threads, it seems… --- ## [Best book(s) you read in 2016?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-book-s-you-read-in-2016/776016)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2017, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-book-s-you-read-in-2016/776016 "2017-01-11T04:21:57Z")
I go through phases of reading and not reading, but I read a pretty good amount during 2016. Feel free to list your favorites, but try to tell us the “top” book you read as well. Oh, please don’t just list titles. Tell … --- ## [Two lifesaving firefighters suspended](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-lifesaving-firefighters-suspended/748235)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2016, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-lifesaving-firefighters-suspended/748235 "2016-03-17T01:02:56Z")
So a father in Virginia called in an emergency call because his 18 month old daughter was having a seizure. Two volunteer firefighters were the first responders on the scene. The nearest medic was about 10 to 15 minu… --- ## [Real experiment? Failure to notice gorilla at basketball game \[new title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-experiment-failure-to-notice-gorilla-at-basketball-game-new-title/304744)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2005, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-experiment-failure-to-notice-gorilla-at-basketball-game-new-title/304744 "2005-05-21T07:49:08Z")
Is it true that if you asked people to watch a very short video clip of a basketball game, during which a person in a gorilla suit visibly walks into the scene, looks directly at the camera, pounds on its chest, and then… --- ## [Fender G-Dec junior problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fender-g-dec-junior-problem/557741)
**Author:** [@CBEscapee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CBEscapee)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2010, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fender-g-dec-junior-problem/557741 "2010-10-24T19:56:29Z")
I decided to save some money and bought this used but supposedly like new amp on Ebay. Had it shipped to me in México and it arrived today. I plugged it in today at 6:30 and played around with the different features. It … --- ## [Election crow and eat crow thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/election-crow-and-eat-crow-thread/640077)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2012, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/election-crow-and-eat-crow-thread/640077 "2012-11-08T19:32:04Z")
The last few weeks have been increasingly frantic on this sub-forum, and I think things have gotten pretty heated. I propose this thread as a place to crow about your successful predictions (“I knew left-handed Eskimos … --- ## [In the US, what determines my gender for legal purposes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-us-what-determines-my-gender-for-legal-purposes/557130)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2010, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-us-what-determines-my-gender-for-legal-purposes/557130 "2010-10-19T16:51:42Z")
In the US, what determines my gender for legal purposes? --- ## [Why is the DMV so terrible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-dmv-so-terrible/838030)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2019, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-dmv-so-terrible/838030 "2019-08-30T13:16:19Z")
Inspired by something in another thread: it seems to be a common belief in the US that the DMV is extremely slow/incompetent/bureaucratic, and I’ve seem plenty of Americans complain about it over the years. Living in the… --- ## [Riker sits down like a crazy person](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riker-sits-down-like-a-crazy-person/657905)
**Author:** [@Morbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morbo)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2013, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riker-sits-down-like-a-crazy-person/657905 "2013-05-13T22:07:15Z")
I found this rather amusing, especially since I never noticed it before. Why did he do that? Character trait added by Frakes? Afraid to split his pants? I got nothin’, but I do know I’ll be watching for it every time… --- ## [So what IF I am a communist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-if-i-am-a-communist/620105)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2012, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-if-i-am-a-communist/620105 "2012-04-29T23:16:28Z")
Does it bug anyone that government forms still ask if you are a communist? Is that illegal? I want to answer yes one time just to see what happens. --- ## [Why do science fiction fans dislike the term "sci-fi"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-science-fiction-fans-dislike-the-term-sci-fi/506679)
**Author:** [@EdwardLost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardLost)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2009, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-science-fiction-fans-dislike-the-term-sci-fi/506679 "2009-08-20T14:32:40Z")
Why do science fiction fans dislike the term “sci-fi”? --- ## [What's the deal with X-out golf balls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-x-out-golf-balls/294476)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2005, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-x-out-golf-balls/294476 "2005-03-14T23:05:52Z")
I was always told that X-out balls were found to be defective in some way by the manufacturer, and thus sold at a lower price. But if you’ve ever gone to a golf or sporting goods store, you know that they’re sold in lar… --- ## [Moms - why is breastfeeding such a hot issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moms-why-is-breastfeeding-such-a-hot-issue/356400)
**Author:** [@Elza\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elza_B)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2006, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moms-why-is-breastfeeding-such-a-hot-issue/356400 "2006-05-15T21:38:06Z")
I’ve noticed this for a couple of years now, but now that I’m really hanging out on parenting boards in preparation for our new arrival, I’ve noticed it in spades. I think BFing is even more of a hot issue than circumci… --- ## [How do you address a Catholic Archbishop informally? (need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-address-a-catholic-archbishop-informally-need-answer-fast/683108)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2014, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-address-a-catholic-archbishop-informally-need-answer-fast/683108 "2014-03-08T16:37:47Z")
I’ve googled this, but looking for precedents to not use the correct, formal answer. We’re having an event today (in about two hours) where the Archbishop is coming to dedicate a building. Prayers, sprinkle holy water, … --- ## [Person of Interest: Is anyone else still watching?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/person-of-interest-is-anyone-else-still-watching/600336)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/person-of-interest-is-anyone-else-still-watching/600336 "2011-11-04T20:20:14Z")
I’ve watched every episode since it debuted this fall, and I have to say, it’s really growing on me. I recall a thread on the show here just after it debuted, and people didn’t seem too keen on it. I’m finding the main c… --- ## [The person who reads manuscript submissions for a publishing house--where did s/he start?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-person-who-reads-manuscript-submissions-for-a-publishing-house-where-did-s-he-start/515332)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2009, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-person-who-reads-manuscript-submissions-for-a-publishing-house-where-did-s-he-start/515332 "2009-10-29T02:47:14Z")
What’s a typical job trajectory that ends (or passes through a phase) with the employee reading manuscripts submitted to a publishing company by hopeful authors? And typically, do the people with this kind of job just r… --- ## [Bush bungled the diplomacy...how did he do that, exactly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-bungled-the-diplomacy-how-did-he-do-that-exactly/168411)
**Author:** [@Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weird_AL_Einstein)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2003, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-bungled-the-diplomacy-how-did-he-do-that-exactly/168411 "2003-04-22T04:03:01Z")
This is a thread for folks here (and I know there are a lot of them) who supported at least in principle the idea of using force against Iraq, but who didn’t like this particular war because they thought Bush and his adm… --- ## [Tall Chinese](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tall-chinese/107224)
**Author:** [@Lure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lure)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2002, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tall-chinese/107224 "2002-05-05T11:09:51Z")
I’ve asked a Chinese friend who doesn’t seem to know,or just never questioned it.Where do these tall Chinese basketball players come from?I’m thinking specifically of the 7’4 or 5’'guy the NBA is thinking of drafting. C… --- ## [Bought Yuban Coffee for the first time in years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bought-yuban-coffee-for-the-first-time-in-years/567848)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bought-yuban-coffee-for-the-first-time-in-years/567848 "2011-01-18T17:54:59Z")
Decades before Starbucks and the other gourmet coffees, there was Yuban. It was always a little more expensive and richer in flavor. I’d splurge once in awhile and buy a can. It was hard to justify the extra cost and I a… --- ## [Value of Pirelli Calendars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/value-of-pirelli-calendars/409750)
**Author:** [@shootermcqueen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shootermcqueen)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2007, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/value-of-pirelli-calendars/409750 "2007-06-29T07:10:54Z")
I have in my posession Pirelli Calendars for 2000 through 2007, in fully original or mint condition. They were passed to me by PIrelli marketing office. I am shipping them and have to put a value on them for insurance … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1649&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1651&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)