# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1769&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:** 1770 --- ## [What's up with backing into parking spots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-backing-into-parking-spots/205841)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2003, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-backing-into-parking-spots/205841 "2003-10-08T02:50:07Z")
I know in the scheme of things this is totally unimportant, but I love to understand what makes people tick, so please bear with me. I’ve noticed a massive increase in people “backing” into parking spots. Why? Parking… --- ## [Tony LaRussa is (being) an idiot. (Re: Yermín Mercedes)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-larussa-is-being-an-idiot-re-yermin-mercedes/942559)
**Author:** [@LauderdaleFort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LauderdaleFort)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2021, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-larussa-is-being-an-idiot-re-yermin-mercedes/942559 "2021-06-17T23:46:43Z")
LaRussa has mistreated Yermín needlessly and in public. Even if he had actually seen the sign and did not obey it, any issues have to go behind close doors. So, he saw at 48mph ball and took it to town, so what? They are… --- ## [Song of birth (African parenting method)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-of-birth-african-parenting-method/674131)
**Author:** [@willthekittensurvive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/willthekittensurvive)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2014, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-of-birth-african-parenting-method/674131 "2014-01-13T12:59:36Z")
Some friends are posting this story on Facebook, it’s a nice story but is a true story? --- ## [Help with a job interview question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-job-interview-question/596852)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2011, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-job-interview-question/596852 "2011-09-21T23:24:38Z")
\*\*What do you anticipate will be the hardest part of this job? \*\* I’m not sure how to answer this one. On one hand, I can tell the interviewer what I know he thinks is the hardest part of the job, but then he might thin… --- ## [Jesus Christ Superstar: Is Ted Neeley too old to play Jesus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-christ-superstar-is-ted-neeley-too-old-to-play-jesus/518533)
**Author:** [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2009, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-christ-superstar-is-ted-neeley-too-old-to-play-jesus/518533 "2009-11-26T18:33:07Z")
I think my sister is moving into my apartment building in the next couple of months. Since she’s the sister I get on best with, I’m happy. When I was talking to her about buying tickets for me and mudgirl to go see Anni… --- ## [A Question on Trebuchet Weights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-on-trebuchet-weights/276020)
**Author:** [@praetoriansentry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/praetoriansentry)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2004, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-on-trebuchet-weights/276020 "2004-11-22T23:43:19Z")
A few of my friends and I are building a classic trebuchet for physics class and we are going to launch something and take several various measurements and write a lab about it. Anywho, the other day in the shop we star… --- ## [Does 911 Work on Unactivated Cell Phones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-911-work-on-unactivated-cell-phones/47443)
**Author:** [@zut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zut)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2000, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-911-work-on-unactivated-cell-phones/47443 "2000-12-28T21:17:03Z")
I’ve been told that unactivated cell phones are still capable of connecting to 911. Is this true? If so, is it true everywhere, or only in some locations? Are there any other numbers an unactivated phone is capable of re… --- ## [How tough to install a microwave/hood combo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-tough-to-install-a-microwave-hood-combo/558724)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2011, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-tough-to-install-a-microwave-hood-combo/558724 "2011-02-08T22:36:22Z")
One of those over-the-stove microwaves that also serves as a vent hood (albeit not as good as a dedicated hood). Ours is D.E.A.D Dead and we’ve been making do with a countertop model but now we want the blasted counter … --- ## [Explain: What Is A "Broadway" Show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-what-is-a-broadway-show/308679)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2005, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-what-is-a-broadway-show/308679 "2005-06-19T01:07:03Z")
So, everyone says “it’s a Broadway show”, but what does this mean? Where did it originate…Radio City Music Hall, perhaps? Us outsiders see this as a place for chorus girls, only. So, what is meant by a “Broadway” play… --- ## [The film Groundhog Day proves Heaven isn't real](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-film-groundhog-day-proves-heaven-isnt-real/987733)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-film-groundhog-day-proves-heaven-isnt-real/987733 "2023-08-02T15:20:21Z")
Wanted to make this about a fantastic Stephen King short story, but realized I’d ruin great literature for new comers just by making a thread topic to discuss it so I found an alternative. The film Groundhog Day doesn’t… --- ## [Is road salt worth it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-road-salt-worth-it/809417)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2019, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-road-salt-worth-it/809417 "2019-04-16T13:56:16Z")
Has there ever been a study about how many lives a year road salt saves? --- ## [Why Do We Take Babies For Strolls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-take-babies-for-strolls/556686)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2010, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-take-babies-for-strolls/556686 "2010-10-11T18:53:13Z")
In my neighborhood, there’s a lot of stroller activity. Why? In the old days I suppose there was some myth that “fresh air” was essential to health. It isn’t, I take it (tell me if there’s anything about being outside… --- ## [How can you tell if someone is two faced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-tell-if-someone-is-two-faced/677285)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2013, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-tell-if-someone-is-two-faced/677285 "2013-12-31T11:36:00Z")
I know most car salesman are two faced and of course little children that tell little innocent lies, but how can you tell if someone at work or a friend is two faced? --- ## [Why do new cars shutoff at intersections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-new-cars-shutoff-at-intersections/848058)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-new-cars-shutoff-at-intersections/848058 "2020-02-28T16:39:26Z")
A few months ago I rented a car for a business trip. It started shutting off at intersections. Then, it would start agin when I went “what the hell?” and took my foot off the brake. Why? What’s the reason? --- ## ['Hey laaaah...' Chorus: Song/Artist name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-laaaah-chorus-song-artist-name/663406)
**Author:** [@LegendHasit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LegendHasit)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2013, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-laaaah-chorus-song-artist-name/663406 "2013-07-15T17:35:50Z")
I was listening to the radio on my way home from work (channel surfing) and heard a song that I can only remember part of (the chorus). Here’s what I remember: Its a current song. The singer is male. It’s nice and laid… --- ## [Snow storm Linus.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snow-storm-linus/711533)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2015, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snow-storm-linus/711533 "2015-02-04T00:37:03Z")
Yeah I know, I think naming them is stupid too but seems pointless to avoid using it out of spite. Here in SE Michigan I guess we aren’t going to skate by again this time. Got about 3 inches on the sidewalks,with the bu… --- ## [What, exactly, is a 'wig hat'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-wig-hat/586050)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2011, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-wig-hat/586050 "2011-10-29T19:10:11Z")
I was listening to Call Of The Wighat the other day. What is a ‘wighat’/‘wig hat’/‘wig-hat’? Google images show them as: A wig, a hat with hair coming from under it, a knitted hat whose ribs resemble hair, a knitted ha… --- ## ["Southernisms"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southernisms/94089)
**Author:** [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2001, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southernisms/94089 "2001-11-23T19:12:38Z")
on this thread I started, I was asking about foghorn leghorn. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?postid=1835773#post1835773 I am also looking for words and sayings that are unique to the south (or words… --- ## [Senseless Pop Song Lyrics-How Do They Write This Stuff?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senseless-pop-song-lyrics-how-do-they-write-this-stuff/575487)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2011, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senseless-pop-song-lyrics-how-do-they-write-this-stuff/575487 "2011-03-25T06:17:55Z")
I recently heard an old Doobie Brothers tune on the radio: “she came from somewhere out in the country…trying hard to recreate what had yet to be created” What does this mean? Was this song dreamed up during a drug in… --- ## [Watched "Spirited Away" last weekend - that was pretty silly.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watched-spirited-away-last-weekend-that-was-pretty-silly/478468)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2008, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watched-spirited-away-last-weekend-that-was-pretty-silly/478468 "2008-12-27T08:54:14Z")
“Spirited Away” link on Rotten Tomatoes. I’d heard so much about this movie, I expected to be blown away, or at least to be wildly entertained. I was not. It was marginally enteraining, but mostly it was silly, with sill… --- ## [Do conkers deter spiders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-conkers-deter-spiders/465058)
**Author:** [@Busy\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Busy_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-conkers-deter-spiders/465058 "2008-09-27T06:20:40Z")
I’ve been hearing this homepsun tip a lot recently - placing conkers in the corners of rooms keeps spiders away. It’s the time of year in the UK where they seem to be at their most visible. It sounds faintly ridiculous, … --- ## [How do you open a wine bottle without a corkscrew?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-open-a-wine-bottle-without-a-corkscrew/270721)
**Author:** [@davenportavenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davenportavenger)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2004, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-open-a-wine-bottle-without-a-corkscrew/270721 "2004-10-24T20:50:17Z")
This may seem like a really stupid question, but I bought a bottle of wine and I just realized I don’t know how to open it. I almost never drink wine (I’m more into the girly drinks that come in those big pre-mixed jugs)… --- ## [Single Parent Leaving US With Children?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-parent-leaving-us-with-children/604156)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-parent-leaving-us-with-children/604156 "2011-12-01T01:22:55Z")
This happened to a relation recently. His family was going out of the US on vacation. He and his daughters were leaving on one day, and his wife would be joining them a few days later. He found out, fortunately just in … --- ## ["Watch ..." spam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watch-spam/624388)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2012, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watch-spam/624388 "2012-06-10T13:23:41Z")
It’s been a pretty consistent and persistent series of the same spam (the latest with a teaser about the latest Avatar/Airbender show and placed in the wrong forum for such threads) and I am assuming that some effort has… --- ## [Hugo Boss designed the Nazi uniforms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hugo-boss-designed-the-nazi-uniforms/246322)
**Author:** [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2004, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hugo-boss-designed-the-nazi-uniforms/246322 "2004-05-21T22:53:09Z")
One thing that I gotta hand to the Nazis, they had the most awesome uniforms ever. Nothing looks more cool and intimidating than the black SS officer uniform with trench coat. I had recently heard that the reason for… --- ## [How do you close venetian blinds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-close-venetian-blinds/636913)
**Author:** [@NeedProfessionalHelp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NeedProfessionalHelp)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2012, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-close-venetian-blinds/636913 "2012-10-06T17:31:59Z")
I am having an argument. Do you tilt venetian blinds upward or downward to close them? I am under the impression that tilting them upward allows for more reflected light to enter. Thoughts? --- ## [Roman neopaganism-How would that work, exactly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-neopaganism-how-would-that-work-exactly/504202)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2009, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-neopaganism-how-would-that-work-exactly/504202 "2009-07-28T12:16:44Z")
There are, I know, in this world, neo-pagans, who believe in and have tried to revive the worship of religions that existed in Europe before Christianity. So, you have people worshiping the Celtic gods, people worshipin… --- ## [The best music with wonky time signatures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-music-with-wonky-time-signatures/369909)
**Author:** [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-music-with-wonky-time-signatures/369909 "2006-08-25T22:08:54Z")
I was listening to “Saint Augustine in Hell” by Sting the other day, a piece writting almost entirely in 7/4 time signature. Truly a great piece of music on what I consider to be Sting’s best album. I thought it might … --- ## [Should paranoid schizophrenics be forcibly committed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-paranoid-schizophrenics-be-forcibly-committed/248757)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2004, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-paranoid-schizophrenics-be-forcibly-committed/248757 "2004-06-07T12:37:49Z")
I was watching this show on Court TV this evening, about how this woman with paranoid schizophrenia killed a harmless man because she believed he was a government assassin out to get her. In the course of her trial it b… --- ## [How did early explorers calculate the South Pole's location so precisely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-early-explorers-calculate-the-south-poles-location-so-precisely/624797)
**Author:** [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2012, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-early-explorers-calculate-the-south-poles-location-so-precisely/624797 "2012-06-13T16:41:28Z")
This question could probably apply even more to the North Pole since I imagine it was reached first. A few months ago, I read the story about Robert Scott’s attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole. He made it onl… --- ## [Tattoos on Females](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoos-on-females/243690)
**Author:** [@OhFace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OhFace)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2004, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoos-on-females/243690 "2004-05-12T17:51:50Z")
I have a question for the guys out there, though anyone’s opinions are appreciated. What do you think about tattoos on females? Is there such thing as be too many? Are certain spots/designs considered not attractive? … --- ## [What is the "other" on my iPod Touch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-other-on-my-ipod-touch/537973)
**Author:** [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-other-on-my-ipod-touch/537973 "2010-05-03T18:38:51Z")
During a sync, you can see a how much of the memory is audio, apps, other, and free. Photos, too, if you have any. What is this “other?” There seems to be a fair amount of it. Nearly 280mb worth. --- ## ['Opt-out' Organ Donation plans for UK and other issues...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opt-out-organ-donation-plans-for-uk-and-other-issues/433400)
**Author:** [@pretend\_my\_name\_is\_witty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pretend_my_name_is_witty)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2008, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opt-out-organ-donation-plans-for-uk-and-other-issues/433400 "2008-01-19T01:41:18Z")
The PM has show his support today for a radical change in the organ donation system in the UK. Under the current system, you are only a donor if you opt-in by carrying a donor card and even then family consent is necess… --- ## [Governor Spitzer caught with his pants down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-spitzer-caught-with-his-pants-down/440865)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-spitzer-caught-with-his-pants-down/440865 "2008-03-14T15:07:30Z")
Apparently, quite literally. Why do they always think no one will find out? --- ## [Bill Maher - Flip The District](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-maher-flip-the-district/680205)
**Author:** [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2014, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-maher-flip-the-district/680205 "2014-02-24T18:37:13Z")
From HuffPo From NY Times This could be very interesting… --- ## [i Never Have Headaches. Anybody Else? Anybody Know Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-have-headaches-anybody-else-anybody-know-why/436586)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2017, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-have-headaches-anybody-else-anybody-know-why/436586 "2017-07-10T22:44:06Z")
Never have them, and I mean never as in never ever. First noticed it just before my son was born, twenty five years ago. Thought about it, and wondered on it, and thought to notice it first time I did. But I never did… --- ## [Why are National Socialists called "Nazis"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-national-socialists-called-nazis/113053)
**Author:** [@Barking\_Spider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barking_Spider)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2002, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-national-socialists-called-nazis/113053 "2002-06-11T04:08:25Z")
Did the National Socialists in Germany call themselves Nazis? Is there some reason why National Socialists are called “Nazis” instead of National Socialist? --- ## [What's this song \[mentioned in the Maltese Falcon\]?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-song-mentioned-in-the-maltese-falcon/4209)
**Author:** [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-song-mentioned-in-the-maltese-falcon/4209 "2021-07-05T20:27:55Z")
In Dashiell Hammett’s THE MALTESE FALCON (published in 1930 in BLACK MASK magazine, in book form the following year) there are a number of oblique references. In Sam Spade’s first encounter with Wilmer, the gunman emplo… --- ## [Are Race and Genes unrelated??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-race-and-genes-unrelated/423108)
**Author:** [@ElMarco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElMarco)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2007, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-race-and-genes-unrelated/423108 "2007-10-23T01:36:33Z")
Recently in a sociology lecture I was told that “race has nothing to do with genes”. Surely this is false? (I mean race as in black/white/asian etc, not religious classifications) --- ## [Milky Way, not the candy bar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milky-way-not-the-candy-bar/552292)
**Author:** [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2011, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milky-way-not-the-candy-bar/552292 "2011-04-23T05:16:27Z")
If I’m facing South, in the Northern Hemisphere, and look up, in what direction does the Milky Way appear? I think it’s SE to NW, but would like to confirm. --- ## [Taking Your Husband's Last Name, or, The Name Game: Paging Married Dopers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-your-husbands-last-name-or-the-name-game-paging-married-dopers/273497)
**Author:** [@Liz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liz)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2005, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-your-husbands-last-name-or-the-name-game-paging-married-dopers/273497 "2005-04-06T23:39:48Z")
This is something I’ve been curious about for a while. If I remember my history correctly, the origins of the female taking the male’s name in marriage has origins in women being considered “property”. Obviously, there… --- ## [Wherein I'm gobsmacked by ignorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-im-gobsmacked-by-ignorance/512072)
**Author:** [@GameHat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GameHat)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2009, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-im-gobsmacked-by-ignorance/512072 "2009-10-22T14:44:07Z")
So, I work for a chemical company. Said company makes some reasonably complex chemicals. The QC (quality control, meaning testing) of said chemicals is fairly rigorous. I’m talking viscosity tests, calculations of non… --- ## [What's so special about a .38 Special?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-special-about-a-38-special/768579)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2016, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-special-about-a-38-special/768579 "2016-10-20T02:06:33Z")
Here’s the Wiki. So, why ‘Special’? --- ## [Southern stereotypes and casual slurs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-stereotypes-and-casual-slurs/6233)
**Author:** [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2000, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-stereotypes-and-casual-slurs/6233 "2000-05-04T08:01:45Z")
Okay, a bit of intro to this pallid rant: I loathe cringing PC idiocies. They too often stifle honest talk under an unconvincing mask. But over time I’ve noticed a particular stereotype used here with suprising venom an… --- ## [When celebrities' reputations jump the shark](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-celebrities-reputations-jump-the-shark/1028887)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2026, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-celebrities-reputations-jump-the-shark/1028887 "2026-05-04T17:28:26Z")
Dionne Warwick recorded decades worth of hit songs. Then one day in the 1990s she signed on to become the spokesperson for a 1-900 service called ‘the Psychic Friends Network’. Celebrities have, of course, been using the… --- ## [Desecration of enemy's corpse: when taboo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desecration-of-enemys-corpse-when-taboo/609418)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2012, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desecration-of-enemys-corpse-when-taboo/609418 "2012-03-27T05:42:14Z")
With the current condemnation of the incontinent U.S. soldiers and the dead Taliban I was wondering: when did it become unacceptable to mistreat the body of your enemy? Achilles dragged Hector’s body around Troy, but I … --- ## [Conduct Unbecoming a Moderator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2001, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conduct-unbecoming-a-moderator/94771 "2001-11-26T19:34:12Z")
It has been brought to my attention that some have thought that my remarks taking Libertarian to task in this thread were not those than an even-handed moderator should have made. In looking back at the situation, I can … --- ## [Does anyone still make a Wankel engine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-still-make-a-wankel-engine/421097)
**Author:** [@solkoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solkoe)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2007, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-still-make-a-wankel-engine/421097 "2007-10-03T08:50:14Z")
This engine used to be in the Mazda RX7. I wonder if it is still available in some new cars. If not, when was the last time it was used and why is it not used anymore? --- ## [Grocery Store Economics: Why not have any baggers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grocery-store-economics-why-not-have-any-baggers/644630)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2012, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grocery-store-economics-why-not-have-any-baggers/644630 "2012-12-23T00:16:35Z")
So I’ve noticed a downward trend at my two local Giant grocery stores. Several years ago they had a few roaming baggers for all the registers. This makes economic sense because their services are not necessarily needed 1… --- ## [Sleeping attire/habits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleeping-attire-habits/583758)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2011, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleeping-attire-habits/583758 "2011-06-03T02:24:45Z")
I was going to make this a poll, but the combinations were too many. Something store-bought and labeled “pajamas”? Top and bottom or just one or the other? T-shirt, tank or sleeveless undershirt? Long-sleeved shirt? … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1768&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1770&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)