# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1718&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:** 1719 --- ## [Soda Fountain Dispenser for the home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soda-fountain-dispenser-for-the-home/423100)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soda-fountain-dispenser-for-the-home/423100 "2013-11-05T22:53:08Z")
Mods: please move this if this is the wrong forum. Is it possible (meaning, for a reasonable cost) to have a soda fountain dispenser in your home? I’m not sure if soda fountain dispenser is the right term (it probably … --- ## [Name this time traveller](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-this-time-traveller/367678)
**Author:** [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-this-time-traveller/367678 "2006-08-15T03:36:52Z")
Someone help me out here. Who is that doctor fella with the time-travelling telephone booth? --- ## [What is Religion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-religion/444972)
**Author:** [@Eben](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eben)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2008, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-religion/444972 "2008-04-19T11:55:02Z")
Rather than continue to hijack another thread, and because I’d like to discuss it… What is Religion? Which is to say how can we define religion to include those groups commonly thought of as religious but exclude those… --- ## [Pitbulls should be outlawed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitbulls-should-be-outlawed/171905)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2004, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitbulls-should-be-outlawed/171905 "2004-01-09T06:44:41Z")
Possession of these dogs should be outlawed. While some perfectly nice people have perfectly well behaved pitbulls, the more typical pitbull owner is someone who owns the dogs because it has a “tough” image, and loves no… --- ## [Why Do Americans pay more for Healthcare than Canadians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-pay-more-for-healthcare-than-canadians/411554)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2007, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-pay-more-for-healthcare-than-canadians/411554 "2007-07-20T16:43:37Z")
This always comes up in threads about universal healthcare-- that the US pays “X” times more than \. So, let’s break it down and let’s use Canada as our example. Americans and Canadi… --- ## [Best backing bands of all time.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-backing-bands-of-all-time/463269)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2008, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-backing-bands-of-all-time/463269 "2008-09-15T01:30:55Z")
I’ve been in a soul music mood for the last few days, and Youtube has given me thislive performance by Sam and Dave, and thislive performance by Otis Redding, which have given rise in my mind that the Stax band (aka the … --- ## [Share your tales of "interesting" service in restaurants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-tales-of-interesting-service-in-restaurants/361313)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2006, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-tales-of-interesting-service-in-restaurants/361313 "2006-06-21T04:51:19Z")
I normally have a great respect for restaurant workers, especially waitstaff. They usually do a great job and hard work for little pay. I tend to tip well. But once in a great while you get service that is, shall we say… --- ## [24: Season 4: Episodes 1-2 (7:00am - 9:00am) Season Premiere!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/24-season-4-episodes-1-2-7-00am-9-00am-season-premiere/283960)
**Author:** [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/24-season-4-episodes-1-2-7-00am-9-00am-season-premiere/283960 "2005-01-13T00:52:59Z")
24, Season 4, Episode 1-2 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM SEASON PREMIERE SPOILERS AHEAD! Here we go again, folks! Season 3 threads 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2324 Season 2 threads 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 … --- ## [If it harelips everybody on Bear Creek!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-it-harelips-everybody-on-bear-creek/146963)
**Author:** [@chukhung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chukhung)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2003, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-it-harelips-everybody-on-bear-creek/146963 "2003-01-07T07:33:31Z")
Near the end of Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, Major T. J. “King” Kong (played by Slim Pickens) is piloting his B-52 toward the target when he finds that the bomb-bay doors won’t op… --- ## [Canada Supreme court won't hear obesity two-for one seating case vs. Air Canada](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-supreme-court-wont-hear-obesity-two-for-one-seating-case-vs-air-canada/473720)
**Author:** [@dawson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dawson)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2008, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-supreme-court-wont-hear-obesity-two-for-one-seating-case-vs-air-canada/473720 "2008-11-25T10:34:00Z")
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/081120/canada/canada\_us\_obesity\_1 What say ye? --- ## [Remember when computer mags printed source code for programs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-computer-mags-printed-source-code-for-programs/556757)
**Author:** [@Runs\_With\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Runs_With_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2010, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-computer-mags-printed-source-code-for-programs/556757 "2010-10-12T23:08:27Z")
I had completely forgotten about this. In the early to mid 80s (maybe before and after, but I don’t remember this for a short time in the 80s) computer magazines printed codes for programs. I think they were usually in… --- ## [Your "style" is shit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-style-is-shit/657091)
**Author:** [@dotchan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dotchan)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2013, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-style-is-shit/657091 "2013-05-03T00:36:30Z")
No, wannabe artist, I’m not being “mean” by pointing out the flaws in “your style”. Nor am I somehow “hating” on you by telling you how to improve (just the opposite, I want you to be better than you are now and garnish… --- ## [Time to Upgrade the Ol' Gaming Rig](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-upgrade-the-ol-gaming-rig/784055)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2017, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-upgrade-the-ol-gaming-rig/784055 "2017-05-12T17:55:15Z")
Here are the specs for my new system. CPU: INTEL® CORE™ I7-7700K Processor 8M Cache 4 Cores 4.2GHZ Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S Cooler Fan GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Gaming X 1683/1569MHZ 11GB 11GHZ Case: Fractal Design… --- ## [I pit Nik Ritchie, the noble "Librarian"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-nik-ritchie-the-noble-librarian/602506)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2011, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-nik-ritchie-the-noble-librarian/602506 "2011-11-14T20:56:45Z")
I know there are far worse people out there (I live in PA, so we’re getting to know one of them). But this guy just pisses me off to no end. He basically builds a site that lets you torpedo someone without challenge and … --- ## [Test Your Movie Knowledge!: Part II](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-your-movie-knowledge-part-ii/197388)
**Author:** [@Ilsa\_Lund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ilsa_Lund)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2003, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-your-movie-knowledge-part-ii/197388 "2003-08-25T11:58:16Z")
See the earlier thread for the rules: Test Your Movie Knowledge! I\_L\_1 “Everything I need to know about going to prison, I learned from Henry Fonda” --- ## [Humans Descended from Monkeys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humans-descended-from-monkeys/505859)
**Author:** [@kevlaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kevlaw)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2009, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humans-descended-from-monkeys/505859 "2009-08-11T17:19:45Z")
Starting with what I know: Humans and chimpanzees have a common ancestor which was an ape. All modern apes have a common ancestor (presumably also an ape, but that’s not germane to my question). The Apes are a clade. … --- ## [I'm a Baby of the Atomic Bomb — and So Are You](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-baby-of-the-atomic-bomb-and-so-are-you/736741)
**Author:** [@Kamakiri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamakiri)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2015, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-baby-of-the-atomic-bomb-and-so-are-you/736741 "2015-11-12T02:27:34Z")
(That head comes with a subhead: “If you are American.”) I’m not into starting flame wars, but it just occurred to me, after watching Ken Burns’s The War — the part in which the war is finally over and everyone is comin… --- ## [Why does it still only take 4 years to complete a physics degree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-still-only-take-4-years-to-complete-a-physics-degree/496562)
**Author:** [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2009, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-still-only-take-4-years-to-complete-a-physics-degree/496562 "2009-05-19T14:15:03Z")
I can sort of understand it with engineering (my major). The time formerly spent studying vacuum tubes is now spent covering transistors. A lot of electromagnetics has been phased out to make room for digital electronics… --- ## [JC: Why did you close this thread in GD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jc-why-did-you-close-this-thread-in-gd/744667)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2016, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jc-why-did-you-close-this-thread-in-gd/744667 "2016-02-04T19:34:40Z")
This thread. Granted, it was about justifying pedophilia, but if one reads your mod post upon closing it, it looks like you did so because one poster got warned. Which would seem like a bad reason to close a thread. D… --- ## [The Brits are OK and America should lighten up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581)
**Author:** [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2003, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581 "2003-05-29T16:14:00Z")
I’ve always had great admiration for the Brits. Here’s a country that stood up to Hitler and where the person of the lowest social status speaks perfect English. Other countries have leaders who barely speak English (i… --- ## [Does Viagra work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-viagra-work/696765)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2014, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-viagra-work/696765 "2014-08-30T06:25:45Z")
Guys, I’ve been having troube “down there” and I wonder if Viagra has helped, maybe a friend? --- ## [Bush Administration gives 22 year old guy a $300M arms contract](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-administration-gives-22-year-old-guy-a-300m-arms-contract/442934)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2008, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-administration-gives-22-year-old-guy-a-300m-arms-contract/442934 "2008-06-25T22:34:02Z")
And he fucks it up, of course. There was apparently little if any evidence that these guys knew jack shit about dealing arms. Apparently any of us could do the same thing tomorrow. --- ## [How to maintain my charcoal grill at 220 degrees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-maintain-my-charcoal-grill-at-220-degrees/664208)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2013, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-maintain-my-charcoal-grill-at-220-degrees/664208 "2013-07-30T15:43:20Z")
I have a charcoal grill with an attached smoker box. I have been experimenting with barbecued brisket lately and have been having a hard time getting the heat right. I have tried adding extra charcoal inside the grill … --- ## [sexuality and choice: a metaphor and a god question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexuality-and-choice-a-metaphor-and-a-god-question/51588)
**Author:** [@jumblemind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jumblemind)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2001, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexuality-and-choice-a-metaphor-and-a-god-question/51588 "2001-02-13T16:12:15Z")
While I of course welcome our resident atheists and agnostics to chime in, this question is directed more to the posters who feel that homosexuality is a choice and regard the act as a sin. First, the metaphor that I thi… --- ## [Is it safe to put dry ice into food for dramatic effect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-put-dry-ice-into-food-for-dramatic-effect/280222)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2004, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-put-dry-ice-into-food-for-dramatic-effect/280222 "2004-12-18T01:39:10Z")
Well, the thread title says it all. The background: Today, we had our shop Holiday parties, where everyone brought in a little sumthin’ sumthin’ for everyone to get a good meal and hang out. Last night, I made “Festiv… --- ## [Is visiting your deceased mother's gravesite on Mother's Day a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-visiting-your-deceased-mothers-gravesite-on-mothers-day-a-thing/719350)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2015, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-visiting-your-deceased-mothers-gravesite-on-mothers-day-a-thing/719350 "2015-05-11T05:49:31Z")
My wife says it is, so I’m stuck with it. She suggested it to my father, and a bunch of us will schlep out there. My mother died June 2014. I’m not too happy with it, as you can tell. Mother’s Day was nice. Full of live… --- ## [What was the earliest national/international event that you remember?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-earliest-national-international-event-that-you-remember/831450)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2019, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-earliest-national-international-event-that-you-remember/831450 "2019-03-29T20:15:36Z")
One day when I was 7yo, my mother sat me down in front of our little b/w TV, and said “Watch this. It’s something you’ll always remember.” It was the coronation of Elizabeth II, on June 2, 1953. I remember her riding thr… --- ## [Anyone use the search engine Dogpile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-the-search-engine-dogpile/683211)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2014, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-the-search-engine-dogpile/683211 "2014-03-11T03:53:58Z")
I have always used Dogpile. I like it because it isn’t Google. And it has served me well. But the last few days, it is there, but searches give no results. Anyone know what happened to Dogpile? I Googled Dogpile, bu… --- ## [Rate your feelings towards dogs and cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rate-your-feelings-towards-dogs-and-cats/569965)
**Author:** [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2011, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rate-your-feelings-towards-dogs-and-cats/569965 "2011-02-06T12:33:53Z")
I am interesting in determining what correlation exists between people’s feelings towards dogs and cats. I don’t dislike cats, but I don’t care much about them. Based on the many cats I’ve met, I’m sure the feeling is … --- ## [How many people have at least one seriously messed up family member](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-have-at-least-one-seriously-messed-up-family-member/711945)
**Author:** [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2015, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-have-at-least-one-seriously-messed-up-family-member/711945 "2015-02-27T19:48:30Z")
I mean, alcoholic, compulsive shoplifter, majorly depressed, bipolar, chronically unemployed, etc etc etc. This can include aunts and uncles or cousins and grandparents. I’m just curious to see how common it is. Both of … --- ## [What should I do about my lifting, discoloured toenails?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-about-my-lifting-discoloured-toenails/608159)
**Author:** [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2012, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-about-my-lifting-discoloured-toenails/608159 "2012-01-03T02:35:29Z")
They’ve been like this for about a year and a half. It started when I was skiing a couple of seasons ago and had some high impact landings, and got worse when I was running last summer. I backed off on the running mid-wa… --- ## [Why have bike helmets become mainstream?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-bike-helmets-become-mainstream/485402)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2009, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-bike-helmets-become-mainstream/485402 "2009-02-14T06:14:39Z")
Back when I was a kid, nobody wore helmets, and even our protective suburban parents said nought of it. Yet now even big strong adult men wear what to me seem ridiculous little styrofom hats. How did this safety device… --- ## [Off to war. Leave a message.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/off-to-war-leave-a-message/329288)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/off-to-war-leave-a-message/329288 "2005-11-09T01:04:08Z")
Yes, I’m outta here this evening for an indeterminate period of time. I know approximately when I’ll be back, but that might change. Hopefully I’ll be back for the next semester (I had to withdraw from this one), but you… --- ## [It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia/653366)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2013, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia/653366 "2013-03-23T07:09:45Z")
I’m coming late to this game. I tried to watch a couple of episodes when they aired but never got hooked. So finally I got the episodes on Netflix, seven seasons I think. This has turned out to be one of the most enjoya… --- ## [Lord of the Rings...in Elvish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-of-the-rings-in-elvish/512340)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2009, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lord-of-the-rings-in-elvish/512340 "2009-10-06T09:08:27Z")
Surely someone has translated LotR into Sindarin or Quenya? Is it available in an actual book? On-line? Or am I going to have to cut back on smoking pipeweed? --- ## [Do GM and Chrysler have any hope of surviving?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gm-and-chrysler-have-any-hope-of-surviving/477924)
**Author:** [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gm-and-chrysler-have-any-hope-of-surviving/477924 "2009-02-17T21:56:24Z")
According to this CBC article Chrysler and GM have been saved by a 17 billion dollar injection of taxpayer money. My question is does this do anything other than delay the inevitable? My understanding of the financial c… --- ## [The best lame-duck session EVAH!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-lame-duck-session-evah/565143)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2010, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-lame-duck-session-evah/565143 "2010-12-26T09:16:54Z")
I mean, jeez, look at the list: DADT repealed, New START ratified, a budget resolution, tax cuts (although I didn’t like some of the details), and healthcare for 9-11 responders. Wow. Congress can get stuff done when… --- ## [Daddy issues: just a sexist pejorative, or is there a psychological basis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daddy-issues-just-a-sexist-pejorative-or-is-there-a-psychological-basis/660313)
**Author:** [@Desolation\_Island](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desolation_Island)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2013, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daddy-issues-just-a-sexist-pejorative-or-is-there-a-psychological-basis/660313 "2013-06-10T11:38:12Z")
Hello fellow dopers! My topic for discussion today is about the term ‘daddy issues’, used in the context of dismissing the sexual lifestyles of certain women. First, I want to make sure that my understanding of the term… --- ## [What to make out of 4 bowling pins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-make-out-of-4-bowling-pins/521981)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2009, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-make-out-of-4-bowling-pins/521981 "2009-12-22T00:02:40Z")
I have 4 bowling pins. I have a sister-in-law who loves to bowl. What can I make out of these bowling pins for a present to her? I’ve seen bowling pins painted to look like odd characters, but I don’t like them very much… --- ## [Like it or Not: There are some places where little kids just DONT belong!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/like-it-or-not-there-are-some-places-where-little-kids-just-dont-belong/150900)
**Author:** [@ganglian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ganglian)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2003, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/like-it-or-not-there-are-some-places-where-little-kids-just-dont-belong/150900 "2003-02-01T06:47:51Z")
Let me start off by saying that every self righteous Soccer Mom wannabe out there that is offended by this, GOOD! You deserve it! Kids do not belong in bars Kids do not belong at the gym! NO they dont! They are at ris… --- ## [Educators: ever refused a request for a letter of recommendation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educators-ever-refused-a-request-for-a-letter-of-recommendation/562556)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2010, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educators-ever-refused-a-request-for-a-letter-of-recommendation/562556 "2010-12-04T05:37:21Z")
I’ve always wondered what one does when they’re in a position that they get a lot of requests for recommendation letters and have to decide what to do when the person is a miserable failure who you wouldn’t honestly reco… --- ## [Does Day Trading amount to a form of gambling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-day-trading-amount-to-a-form-of-gambling/551592)
**Author:** [@antonio107](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonio107)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-day-trading-amount-to-a-form-of-gambling/551592 "2010-08-30T17:18:01Z")
So, as best as I can tell, buying stocks of Amalgamated Centrifuge for 99 dollars a piece at 10:02 AM, and then selling them for 102 at 10:04 AM seems to be much different than long-term investment for value. If anything… --- ## [How many US cities share a common (but mispronounced) name with a world city?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-us-cities-share-a-common-but-mispronounced-name-with-a-world-city/179796)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2003, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-us-cities-share-a-common-but-mispronounced-name-with-a-world-city/179796 "2003-06-07T22:20:44Z")
For some reason this comes up occasionally between me and Mr. Butrscotch. Right off the top of my head (and on my first cup of coffee this morning), I can think of: Lima, Ohio (LIE-ma) Bellfontaine, Ohio (Bell-FOUN… --- ## [Ladies: Hot or not hot when turned down for sex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-hot-or-not-hot-when-turned-down-for-sex/719219)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-hot-or-not-hot-when-turned-down-for-sex/719219 "2015-05-06T16:50:29Z")
So let’s just say you’re at the end of your third date (or whatever date) you and “Mr. Wonderful” are stranding on your front porch saying your goodbyes when a spontaneous make out session starts. After a few minutes of… --- ## [Psych vs The Mentalist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psych-vs-the-mentalist/506442)
**Author:** [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2009, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psych-vs-the-mentalist/506442 "2009-08-14T22:27:15Z")
My daughter has been watching a Psych marathon on USA all day. I’ve seen bits and pieces as I go in and out of the family room. Apparently the main character on Psych (Spenser?) likes to mention The Mentalist quite of… --- ## [Poor Poor Boston](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-poor-boston/713107)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2015, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-poor-boston/713107 "2015-02-20T15:48:38Z")
From various “news” sources, Boston is suffering from such more terrible winter weather than the rest of us in the Northern Hemisphere. So much so that their very existence is at stake. Don’t get me wrong - I love the p… --- ## [What exactly is 'elitism'? (Not a rhetorical question.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-elitism-not-a-rhetorical-question/448269)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2008, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-elitism-not-a-rhetorical-question/448269 "2008-05-08T18:55:02Z")
This may be more apropos for GQ or IMHO since I’m actually seeking a definition, but since 1- I’m specifically asking about it in relation to Obama 2- It requires opinion and since it’s related to the election 3- I’m … --- ## [Buffy season premiere \[MAJOR SPOILER ALERT\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buffy-season-premiere-major-spoiler-alert/129430)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2002, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buffy-season-premiere-major-spoiler-alert/129430 "2002-10-01T20:49:58Z")
You’ve been warned. Spoilers to come. It seems to me that Joss Wheadon needs to have a setting in high school, or at least college, to be able to make Buffy work. So, the very first episode of S.7 contains more humor i… --- ## ["Last Man on Earth" scenario: Where is the best place for them to settle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-man-on-earth-scenario-where-is-the-best-place-for-them-to-settle/740748)
**Author:** [@EdwardLost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardLost)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2015, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-man-on-earth-scenario-where-is-the-best-place-for-them-to-settle/740748 "2015-12-22T14:40:37Z")
A handful of people in the US are all the only known survivors of a global plague. Assume that (unlike on the TV show) they are serious about surviving indefinitely, where would be the best place for them to settle down? … --- ## [Military policy on former drug use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-policy-on-former-drug-use/115335)
**Author:** [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2002, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-policy-on-former-drug-use/115335 "2002-06-23T19:14:53Z")
Someone has asked my advice about joining the military. I’m giving him what relavant information I can but I got out of the navy 18 years ago and he’s considering the army. Different services, different circumstances a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1717&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1719&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)