# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1802&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:** 1803 --- ## [I'll be here all week. Try the veal.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-be-here-all-week-try-the-veal/338229)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2006, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-be-here-all-week-try-the-veal/338229 "2006-01-04T01:59:20Z")
Little quips like “try the veal” and “remember to tip your servers” often appear after bad one-liners in SDMB posts, and on many other message baords. We know comedians always used likes like this after their performanc… --- ## [Should Government Encourage Private Home Ownership?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-government-encourage-private-home-ownership/562215)
**Author:** [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2010, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-government-encourage-private-home-ownership/562215 "2010-12-05T17:46:19Z")
I just had a thought recently, when I was driving in rush hour traffic. As I’m sitting on the freeway looking at two streams of traffic going in opposite directions, the first thought was, “If we swapped houses we would … --- ## [Firefly/Serenity Now!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-serenity-now/450307)
**Author:** [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-serenity-now/450307 "2008-05-28T23:40:13Z")
The past few years, Memorial Day weekend has been 24 Marathon Weekend. This year, with no 24 to occupy me, it’s going to be something different. My girlfriend has rented the entire Firefly/Serenity collection, and we’ll… --- ## [Can you say the word "tits" on television?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-say-the-word-tits-on-television/61113)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2001, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-say-the-word-tits-on-television/61113 "2001-04-09T02:27:41Z")
A couple of nights ago, a guest on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher uttered the phrase “tits to kill for” and didn’t get bleeped, even though this it’s on a broadcast network. But last night on The Daily Show the ho… --- ## [Whatever happened to manhattan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-manhattan/560384)
**Author:** [@Hirka\_T\_Bawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hirka_T_Bawa)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2010, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-manhattan/560384 "2010-11-16T17:47:01Z")
Manhattan used to be the mod in GQ back when I started hanging out on the SDMB, and I have many memories of seeing him moderate that forum. However, I don’t remember why he stopped being a mod, and now has left the SDMB … --- ## [How does exertion make blood pressure too low?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-exertion-make-blood-pressure-too-low/447957)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2008, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-exertion-make-blood-pressure-too-low/447957 "2008-05-06T19:40:54Z")
My grandpa has some heart problems, one of them being low blood pressure. I talked to him today and he said Wednesday he was working in the yard all day, then Thursday he spent the day feeling miserable and recuperating… --- ## [How are humans "Carbon based" lifeforms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-humans-carbon-based-lifeforms/105807)
**Author:** [@rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rabbit)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2002, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-humans-carbon-based-lifeforms/105807 "2002-04-27T16:09:07Z")
Ok, I know I’m probably missing something obvious, but how exactly are we carbon based? What determines this? We’re about 60% water (thats Hydrogen and oxygen), bones are Calcium, theres lots of Iron in blood, so why do … --- ## [World of Warcraft Straight Dope Guild](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-of-warcraft-straight-dope-guild/277157)
**Author:** [@Darkhold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darkhold)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2005, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-of-warcraft-straight-dope-guild/277157 "2005-03-27T13:02:19Z")
Well since SenorBeef hasn’t replied yet about starting a guild I thought I’d start to get things in order myself. Here’s what I have planned so far. I’m starting some Horde characters on Central Time Server Thunderhorn.… --- ## [Catholic pharmacist refuses to sell Morning After Pill. Should he have that choice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catholic-pharmacist-refuses-to-sell-morning-after-pill-should-he-have-that-choice/276453)
**Author:** [@One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/One_And_Only_Wanderers)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2004, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catholic-pharmacist-refuses-to-sell-morning-after-pill-should-he-have-that-choice/276453 "2004-11-26T21:58:13Z")
Link to Story So, potentially at least this woman may now fall pregnant because of the delay in getting the pill. Does he also refuse to serve customers with Condoms and other forms of contraceptives? Should the pharma… --- ## [CDC says 1 million vaccinations given in 10 days. Is that possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cdc-says-1-million-vaccinations-given-in-10-days-is-that-possible/928816)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2021, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cdc-says-1-million-vaccinations-given-in-10-days-is-that-possible/928816 "2021-01-12T23:39:45Z")
This was Tweeted Dec 23 at 12:18pm (my time zone). The number of vaccinations is even higher by the time you read this post. I believe the number. It’s just hard to wrap my head around 1 million syringes stacked up in a… --- ## [Are there any stores left with gift registries where you can return for cash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-stores-left-with-gift-registries-where-you-can-return-for-cash/609341)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2012, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-stores-left-with-gift-registries-where-you-can-return-for-cash/609341 "2012-01-14T15:51:23Z")
Not to be crass. If people wouldn’t get upset, we’d say “no gifts” at our wedding. We need a few things, okay, but not a ton of stuff. And I’m sure some people will give us cash. But if we get more than we need, we’d… --- ## [Do you have a microwave oven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-microwave-oven/635003)
**Author:** [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2012, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-microwave-oven/635003 "2012-09-24T15:03:31Z")
I can remember what life was like before microwaves. I can’t imagine doing without one now. It’s so much easier to put a plate of leftovers in the microwave than to pull out a bunch of pots and pans to heat up dinner. … --- ## [How did people lube bikes in the olden days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-people-lube-bikes-in-the-olden-days/623299)
**Author:** [@cynyc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cynyc)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2012, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-people-lube-bikes-in-the-olden-days/623299 "2012-05-30T20:22:44Z")
I put together a bike for The Kid who would like to go for a spin NOW. I’ve been asking all the bike riders in my building and they all take it to the shop or recommend I buy a special “bike lube.” WTF? WHat happened … --- ## [What counts as 'hate speech'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-counts-as-hate-speech/607445)
**Author:** [@SDMBKL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SDMBKL)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2011, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-counts-as-hate-speech/607445 "2011-12-30T15:26:27Z")
Are there certain qualifications for one to report a ‘hate speech’ vs. ‘a harsh criticism’ of a certain religion? Where do the moderators/administrators draw a line between a harsh criticism of a certain religion and a v… --- ## [Neighbor accusations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbor-accusations/675308)
**Author:** [@Blindsided](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blindsided)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2013, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neighbor-accusations/675308 "2013-12-05T00:22:18Z")
2 days ago a neighbor stopped by to complain about the ‘lady that drives the white SUV’. (Me) she told my fiancé I’ve been giving her dirty looks for several weeks, I’ve been passive aggressive to her, and hat I’ve been … --- ## [Stephen Harper grows up.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-harper-grows-up/568078)
**Author:** [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-harper-grows-up/568078 "2011-01-30T18:15:03Z")
I’m shocked.\[ \[QUOTE=CBC’s The National\] PM: LAST YEAR WHEN WE TALKED ABOUT THIS TIME WHEN YOU WERE APPROACHING THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY, I ASKED YOU HOW YOU PERSONALLY HAD CHANGED. AND YOUR ANSWER AT THAT TIME WAS THAT … --- ## [Dog on driver's lap + airbag deploys = what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-on-drivers-lap-airbag-deploys-what/682574)
**Author:** [@weef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/weef)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2014, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-on-drivers-lap-airbag-deploys-what/682574 "2014-03-06T15:36:26Z")
It seems to be a more common occurrence now where I see someone driving with a small dog on their lap with the dog usually looking out the driver side window or just sitting in front of the steering wheel. What would hap… --- ## [That nut killed by a Grizzly bear In alaska?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-nut-killed-by-a-grizzly-bear-in-alaska/435089)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2008, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-nut-killed-by-a-grizzly-bear-in-alaska/435089 "2008-02-02T04:41:51Z")
I caught a bit about this guy-was he crazy or not? He seemed to think he had some kind of special relationship with these extremely powerful predators-what was he thinking? I saw part of a film he made himself-he was ec… --- ## [Shodan Marks Women's Day With A Breast Cancer Joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shodan-marks-womens-day-with-a-breast-cancer-joke/810271)
**Author:** [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2018, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shodan-marks-womens-day-with-a-breast-cancer-joke/810271 "2018-03-14T01:41:41Z")
Shodan marks International Women’s Day with a joke about breast cancer, because if boobs are funny, mastectomies are comedy gold. Fucking piece of misogynist shit. --- ## [Romans and the middle ages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romans-and-the-middle-ages/669295)
**Author:** [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romans-and-the-middle-ages/669295 "2013-09-26T09:20:41Z")
At which time in history did most of the nations of the middle ages reach the levels of knowledge and skill that the Romans had at their peak. --- ## [Pole dancing--inherently sexual?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pole-dancing-inherently-sexual/777531)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2017, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pole-dancing-inherently-sexual/777531 "2017-01-27T19:38:14Z")
I came across an interesting (or disturbing, depending on your point of view) article, about a mother who was filmed apparently teaching her daughter, a toddler, how to pole dance. Out of an abundance of caution, I wil… --- ## [How does Yahoo! Mail stay around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-yahoo-mail-stay-around/700911)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2014, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-yahoo-mail-stay-around/700911 "2014-10-11T21:05:02Z")
I opened a Yahoo! Mail account way back before gmail using my full name as the address. I only use it for “official” personal email, like on resumes or such. It was ok for years. Then something happened. It now sucks… --- ## [recycling granite waste](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-granite-waste/448055)
**Author:** [@cedman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cedman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2008, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-granite-waste/448055 "2008-05-05T15:04:01Z")
A friend of mine has a problem; his company makes and installs countertops. The granite ones are real nice but the very heavy leftover waste takes up a lot of time, money and manpower to take to the dump. This cost is ea… --- ## [Discontinuous range selection in Excel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discontinuous-range-selection-in-excel/627347)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2012, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discontinuous-range-selection-in-excel/627347 "2012-07-06T01:36:03Z")
I want to average up a6:f6 AND a10, all in one formula. How do I do this? I figured =average(a6:f6; a10) should work, but apparently not. --- ## [How fast would one have to go to keep up with the sun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-would-one-have-to-go-to-keep-up-with-the-sun/241084)
**Author:** [@TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TellMeI_mNotCrazy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2004, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-would-one-have-to-go-to-keep-up-with-the-sun/241084 "2004-04-21T15:43:03Z")
My son asked me this theoretical question, and I had to confess that I couldn’t answer it. So, I’m turning to my fellow Dopers, hoping someone might already know the answer. How fast would someone (or something) have t… --- ## [What was your high school mascot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-high-school-mascot/286335)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2005, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-high-school-mascot/286335 "2005-02-21T14:05:41Z")
Goooooooooooooo Mountain Lions! --- ## [Avatars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avatars/819133)
**Author:** [@Panther\_Modern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Panther_Modern)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2018, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avatars/819133 "2018-08-08T18:20:00Z")
Hello! I am new here and was wondering if avatars are disabled on this site? I saw in the CP the option to see other people’s avatars, but I’m not seeing any in threads nor the ability to upload my own. --- ## ["Day of Silence" silliness countered by "Day of Truth" hatefulness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/day-of-silence-silliness-countered-by-day-of-truth-hatefulness/299292)
**Author:** [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2005, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/day-of-silence-silliness-countered-by-day-of-truth-hatefulness/299292 "2005-04-18T14:09:07Z")
I’d call this mind-boggling, but really, my mind is no longer capable of being boggled. It’s just all boggled-out. My mind is now boggle-proof. --- ## [Kill Bill 2 plot point questions -- spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kill-bill-2-plot-point-questions-spoilers/260767)
**Author:** [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2004, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kill-bill-2-plot-point-questions-spoilers/260767 "2004-09-08T02:47:09Z")
I just rented Kill Bill 2. One point bothered me a little – where does Budd live? When Bill and Budd are speaking about O-Ren, Bill asks about Budd’s swordplay. Budd says that he sold his Hattori Hamzo sword. Bill re… --- ## [Numbers assigned to digital TV channels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/numbers-assigned-to-digital-tv-channels/681816)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/numbers-assigned-to-digital-tv-channels/681816 "2014-02-21T01:16:09Z")
Radio stations have never used arbitrarily-chosen channel numbers. FM goes by frequency, and AM by amplitude, plain and simple. But this thread isn’t about radio, it’s about television. Analog television (at least in th… --- ## [Butter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butter/821288)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2018, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butter/821288 "2018-09-19T03:27:24Z")
What is a person supposed to do who wants to spread butter on his toast? Leave butter out at room temperature. It goes rancid before you can use it up. Keep butter in refrigerator. Too hard to even get a pat off th… --- ## [Deadbeat Dad my ass !](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deadbeat-dad-my-ass/52334)
**Author:** [@KP235](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KP235)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2001, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deadbeat-dad-my-ass/52334 "2001-02-03T05:22:42Z")
There’s a thread in IMHO titled ‘Deadbeat Dads’. The poster who originated it does appear like she is having a serious dilemma with her ex husband, but I’m not here to comment on her situation one way or the other. What … --- ## [Spanish world cup crowd - Confederate flag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spanish-world-cup-crowd-confederate-flag/361352)
**Author:** [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2006, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spanish-world-cup-crowd-confederate-flag/361352 "2006-06-23T18:01:53Z")
I’m sure I saw a fairly large Confederate flag being waved among the Spanish fans at tonight’s game. Was I (a) imagining it, (b) seeing another flag with a blue saltire with white decoration on a red background, or © ac… --- ## [Using the word "tranny" to describe a transsexual person. Mortally insulting or just annoying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-word-tranny-to-describe-a-transsexual-person-mortally-insulting-or-just-annoying/669409)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2013, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-word-tranny-to-describe-a-transsexual-person-mortally-insulting-or-just-annoying/669409 "2013-09-24T15:58:45Z")
Here on the dope the world “tranny” is considered to be extremely offensive, almost close to “n word” status if used in the context of describing a transsexual person. Based on that response I’d kind of gotten the vibe t… --- ## [\[GoT\] If Jon is \[Something spoilery\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-if-jon-is-something-spoilery/724691)
**Author:** [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2015, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-if-jon-is-something-spoilery/724691 "2015-07-22T04:58:47Z")
…I will be absolutely shocked. The attack on Jon Snow by the Night’s Watch seemed like serious overkill (heh) to me, like the show writers had to ensure the viewers believed, without a hint of doubt, that Jon was dead a… --- ## [Welcome to the Straight Fark](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-the-straight-fark/384706)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2006, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-the-straight-fark/384706 "2006-12-28T02:19:13Z")
Man, I am so tired of skimming Fark, then coming over here and finding a bunch of the exact same links, dragged over here and cut and pasted from Fark. If you want to discuss a link you read at Fark, there are discussion… --- ## [How many of the ten Best Picture nominees have you seen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-the-ten-best-picture-nominees-have-you-seen/569955)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2011, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-the-ten-best-picture-nominees-have-you-seen/569955 "2011-02-22T02:53:09Z")
I’ve seen 8 of 10 (still need to see True Grit and Black Swan). For reference: 127 Hours Black Swan The Fighter Inception The Kids are All Right The King’s Speech The Social Network Toy Story 3 True Grit Winte… --- ## [Movies you walked out of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-you-walked-out-of/75357)
**Author:** [@deb2world](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deb2world)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2001, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-you-walked-out-of/75357 "2001-08-21T03:43:32Z")
I do not walk out on very many movies. I seem to suffer til the end and then wish I had left earlier. But Leaving Las Vegas was so bad I suggested to my date that we leave about a third of the way thru. While leaving we… --- ## [Doesn't Passive Voice Have A Place?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-passive-voice-have-a-place/684339)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2014, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-passive-voice-have-a-place/684339 "2014-04-02T19:56:13Z")
If one is trying to write objectively, without the use of pronouns, doesn’t it then turn into passive voice? And, is that REALLY so awful? I think passive voice has its place in this instance instead of saying “I did t… --- ## [National Review on Obama's birth & citizenship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-review-on-obamas-birth-citizenship/504559)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2009, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-review-on-obamas-birth-citizenship/504559 "2009-07-29T01:58:29Z")
There is no one voice that speaks for all conservatives, but over the years, National Review has come close. Their word on Barack Obama’s birth and citizenship is here: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZTRjMTFhMzQx… --- ## [Can we start ground fires with space lasers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-start-ground-fires-with-space-lasers/932132)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2021, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-start-ground-fires-with-space-lasers/932132 "2021-02-20T05:42:41Z")
Just in case you haven’t heard, there’s a conspiracy theory out there which claims that the 2018 Camp Fire in California was deliberately started by a space-based solar power collection system. For the record, I don’t b… --- ## [Are we overly sensitive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-overly-sensitive/993342)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2023, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-overly-sensitive/993342 "2023-11-28T11:47:59Z")
I frequently see trigger warnings on videos, etc. and am of two minds about them. On the one hand, I don’t want to be an insensitive asshole. On the other hand, I feel like those that are sensitive to such things perha… --- ## [Silly Lord of the Rings Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-lord-of-the-rings-thoughts/986810)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-lord-of-the-rings-thoughts/986810 "2023-08-01T01:23:17Z")
So I am both watching Lord of the Rings, and playing Lord of the Rings Online, and a silly thought came to me - and it would actually be a cute cartoon - What does the Rider of the Nazgul do when he isn’t out threatenin… --- ## [Quayle for President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quayle-for-president/719125)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2015, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quayle-for-president/719125 "2015-05-21T19:01:55Z")
Can anyone here ever see Marilyn Quayle running for President in the future? --- ## [Babies laughing at tearing paper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babies-laughing-at-tearing-paper/573503)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babies-laughing-at-tearing-paper/573503 "2011-03-06T19:16:49Z")
I’ve seen the video. In fact, I’ve now seen several different videos. Is this really a common phenomenon? Do a lot of babies love to see someone tearing a piece of paper in half? --- ## [What's the best song you've ever seen done live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-song-youve-ever-seen-done-live/752365)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2016, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-song-youve-ever-seen-done-live/752365 "2016-04-25T07:29:48Z")
I recently saw Don McLean in concert for the very first time. Exceptional talent. And when he broke into American Pie…well, it was magical. Surreal. Damn near unbelievable. The audience participation gave the band a gr… --- ## [Are restrictions on pet adoptions a net benefit for animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-restrictions-on-pet-adoptions-a-net-benefit-for-animals/514648)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-restrictions-on-pet-adoptions-a-net-benefit-for-animals/514648 "2009-10-26T22:49:26Z")
In this thread, a poster asks how to politely tell someone who they are considering adopting a pet from that they don’t feel comfortable having someone they don’t know visit their home. This is a fairly common requireme… --- ## [What is the best way to close a polite formal letter in Japanese?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-close-a-polite-formal-letter-in-japanese/511241)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2009, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-close-a-polite-formal-letter-in-japanese/511241 "2009-09-24T03:37:08Z")
I’m asking this for a friend who is entering a “win a trip to Japan” essay contest. She wants to use it for the cover letter. I know that “dozo” is a generically applicable “thank you” that I would assume would be app… --- ## [Hotel card keys...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotel-card-keys/2064)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 1999, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotel-card-keys/2064 "1999-07-20T12:57:00Z")
How do those hotel card keys work? I know that they get “programmed” for your door at the front desk, but how? The door’s lock doesn’t seem to be hooked up to a network of any sort. Does each door have one “combination” … --- ## [Snide Comment From Relative: Do you say something?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snide-comment-from-relative-do-you-say-something/386680)
**Author:** [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2007, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snide-comment-from-relative-do-you-say-something/386680 "2007-01-05T18:36:42Z")
A close relative made a comment (on New Year’s Day at the family outing, thankyouverymuch) regarding a painful incident that happened to me over ten years ago. While the incident will never be forgotten, I have moved on … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1801&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1803&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)