# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1811&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:** 1812 --- ## ["The Aristocrats"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-aristocrats/721244)
**Author:** [@Sangahyando](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sangahyando)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-aristocrats/721244 "2015-06-14T15:35:59Z")
I’m not quite sure in which section of the board, this post best belongs – am trying MPSIMS. In a couple of recent threads in different sections, passing mention has been made of the joke – known, I would think, to near… --- ## [Smock, smock, smock . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smock-smock-smock/498930)
**Author:** [@PoorYorick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoorYorick)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2017, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smock-smock-smock/498930 "2017-03-22T01:52:45Z")
This morning, my wife was showing off some snazzy new blouses she had bought herself this week. One of the blouses had a little pleat in front, and I said, “That kind of looks like a smock.” At exactly the same time, we … --- ## [B-L Contest. Did our guy win?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-l-contest-did-our-guy-win/413844)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2007, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-l-contest-did-our-guy-win/413844 "2007-08-22T17:58:19Z")
I have been searching the boards and getting distracted by other things to find out if Our Doper BoyoJim or something similar to that name, Sorry!found out where he finished in the Bulwer Lytton Contest. This year’s win… --- ## ['Passed'; not 'died'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passed-not-died/665276)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2013, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passed-not-died/665276 "2013-08-07T13:41:17Z")
Why are we so reluctant to call a spade a spade? When someone dies, we often say they ‘passed’ or ‘passed away’. And it isn’t just people trying to soften a conversation for the bereaved. The bereaved is likely to say… --- ## [Do neck & throat exercises actually WORK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-neck-throat-exercises-actually-work/29849)
**Author:** [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2000, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-neck-throat-exercises-actually-work/29849 "2000-08-21T21:49:04Z")
I do not want to get lipo and I’m not eating much as it is—but as I slide into middle age (“slide, Kelly, slide!”), I notice with horror a creeping, incipient case of dreaded Reagan-neck. Are there any exercises that wo… --- ## [Question about refusing temp work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-refusing-temp-work/551154)
**Author:** [@gallows\_fodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gallows_fodder)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2010, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-refusing-temp-work/551154 "2010-08-25T23:37:29Z")
I’m planning on signing up with a temporary employment agency this week, and I need some advice. About five years ago, I did some temp work, and when I applied at the agency, I deliberately left off “receptionist” or an… --- ## [Ask the casino dealer....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-casino-dealer/427005)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Thalia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Thalia)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2007, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-casino-dealer/427005 "2007-12-17T03:44:47Z")
I’m a newbie, so bear with me if I make any grand SDMB faux pas! I figured I might as well make us of my month long free trial, and introduce myself right off the hop. I’ve seen a bunch of “ask the…” threads, and figur… --- ## [Rented 4WD rolls off ferry. Whose fault was this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rented-4wd-rolls-off-ferry-whose-fault-was-this/776110)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2017, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rented-4wd-rolls-off-ferry-whose-fault-was-this/776110 "2017-01-04T10:00:43Z")
Story and video here 4WD falls off barge on way to Fraser Island, sinks The vehicle brake does not appear to be on but shouldn’t the ferry have the rear gate up? Who is at fault here? --- ## [Gallium spoon "trick" - what's the trick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallium-spoon-trick-whats-the-trick/653522)
**Author:** [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2013, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallium-spoon-trick-whats-the-trick/653522 "2013-03-21T20:30:41Z")
Gallium is solid at room temperature\* but melts in your hand (melting point: 29.76°C or 85.57°F), and is available on Amazon for $1 per gram. Some reviewers are suggesting that you also buy the gallium spoon mold so tha… --- ## [is going on hajj pilgrimage now an expected life event for all Mideastern Muslims?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-going-on-hajj-pilgrimage-now-an-expected-life-event-for-all-mideastern-muslims/599918)
**Author:** [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2011, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-going-on-hajj-pilgrimage-now-an-expected-life-event-for-all-mideastern-muslims/599918 "2011-10-27T05:29:04Z")
given the cheap short range airplane tickets nowadays, can pretty much everybody in the Middle East and Egypt afford to save up money for the hajj? Or are there large groups of people there who don’t expect to ever do th… --- ## [Post some random advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-some-random-advice/988996)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2023, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-some-random-advice/988996 "2023-11-02T16:46:56Z")
Any topic, any style, serious or tongue in cheek. Trust dogs. They always know who to stay away from. When you know better, do better. Listen more than you speak. --- ## [This week's Marilyn Vos Idiot-Savant article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-weeks-marilyn-vos-idiot-savant-article/207119)
**Author:** [@stochastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stochastic)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2003, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-weeks-marilyn-vos-idiot-savant-article/207119 "2003-10-15T15:02:15Z")
I read Marilyn Vos Savant’s articles in Parade magazine purely for their humor- I find great pleasure in seeing smug, self-righteous and self-proclaimed “intellectuals” making fools of themselves. This week she (once aga… --- ## [Is it possible that all religions are attempts to explain one inexplicable thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-all-religions-are-attempts-to-explain-one-inexplicable-thing/310518)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2005, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-all-religions-are-attempts-to-explain-one-inexplicable-thing/310518 "2005-07-08T23:27:21Z")
Is it possible that all religions are attempts to explain one inexplicable thing? Okay, this one’s a doosey. I first want to clarify that I am NOT an atheist, and I am not trying to DISPROVE anyone’s religion (that’s a… --- ## [How does high-frequency stock trading work (as in make money)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-high-frequency-stock-trading-work-as-in-make-money/575806)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2018, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-high-frequency-stock-trading-work-as-in-make-money/575806 "2018-03-26T14:52:28Z")
This articleat Gizmodo’s iO9 website talks about high frequency stock trading. The issue it specifically addresses is the idea that the speed of light is becoming a factor in some stock trades. It says that some transa… --- ## [What would cause you to classify somebody as far left?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-cause-you-to-classify-somebody-as-far-left/968855)
**Author:** [@Jay\_Z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jay_Z)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2022, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-cause-you-to-classify-somebody-as-far-left/968855 "2022-09-23T23:43:54Z")
I often see comments to this effect: The USA is a center-right country. There is a big lump of people way over on the far right. What I am wondering are the gradations of the left. How would YOU classify someone as f… --- ## [Single members taking over music groups](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-members-taking-over-music-groups/556959)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2010, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-members-taking-over-music-groups/556959 "2010-10-14T18:46:14Z")
This is about music groups who started out equals, or close to equals, but then had one member who stood out and had their name as top billing (and some even going solo). A few I can think of off of the top of my head. … --- ## [New Trek Movie Photos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-trek-movie-photos/468179)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-trek-movie-photos/468179 "2008-10-20T21:48:46Z")
You can see them here and one more here. I’m not really sold on some of the cast, but the new bridge set looks effin weird, IMHO. Forget the whole “wrong font” issue, this does not inspire me to change my mind about mi… --- ## [How far away are we from this tech used in CSI: NY?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-away-are-we-from-this-tech-used-in-csi-ny/494300)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2009, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-away-are-we-from-this-tech-used-in-csi-ny/494300 "2009-04-25T21:38:26Z")
On one episode of CSI: NY, Sheldon Hawkes and the resident M.E. use a piece of tech that I thought was mildly interesting. Hawkes scanned a corpse using an MRI-like device (I think the word “MRI” was actually used, but … --- ## [Special Ops hand signals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-ops-hand-signals/303795)
**Author:** [@Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oslo_Ostragoth)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2005, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-ops-hand-signals/303795 "2005-05-15T03:38:00Z")
Everybody from Jack Bauer to Jack O’Neill to Eric Cartman uses those Special Ops hand signals. Does anyone have a link to a site that explains them? --- ## [Your favorite obscure olympic sports](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-obscure-olympic-sports/629698)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2012, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-obscure-olympic-sports/629698 "2012-08-08T18:25:21Z")
With the wonders of a live feed of all events, it means you can choose to watch sports that NBC doesn’t deem popular enough to use in their main coverage (or even in the secondary cable networks). I’ve been watching han… --- ## [My Highbeams work but my Lowbeams don't what gives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-highbeams-work-but-my-lowbeams-dont-what-gives/361308)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-highbeams-work-but-my-lowbeams-dont-what-gives/361308 "2006-06-19T20:31:48Z")
Well I’ve got a 92’ Jeep Cherokee that I got for $100… It’s in remarkably good shape - new water pump, head gasket, valve covers, breaks, and some other odds and ends. It’s a 4X4 and can pull my boat which is all I need … --- ## [Would you rather display a bad facial deformity, or hide your face?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-rather-display-a-bad-facial-deformity-or-hide-your-face/571093)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2012, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-rather-display-a-bad-facial-deformity-or-hide-your-face/571093 "2012-07-31T13:14:18Z")
One of the things that has always fascinated me, ever since I was a tiny kid, was how much someone’s face influences our idea of them, and also the fact that changing or deforming that face drastically alters how that pe… --- ## [How can two computers share our AT&T DSL?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-two-computers-share-our-at-t-dsl/551061)
**Author:** [@qsecofr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qsecofr)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2010, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-two-computers-share-our-at-t-dsl/551061 "2010-08-23T11:56:31Z")
We have a Siemens Speedstream 4100 modem (for wired connections) with AT&T DSL and I have the modem connected to an unmanaged HP Procurve 2124 switch. Desktop connects to switch and internet works fine. If I connect a … --- ## [Most people want "equal treatment," but disagree on what that means.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-people-want-equal-treatment-but-disagree-on-what-that-means/740202)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-people-want-equal-treatment-but-disagree-on-what-that-means/740202 "2015-12-14T15:30:35Z")
Much of the political quarreling over “equality” today stems from a disagreement over just what exactly that means. Almost everyone claims they support ‘equality’ - but they’re envisioning different things. The best way… --- ## [Hah! Fuck YOU, Line-Jumping Guy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hah-fuck-you-line-jumping-guy/296947)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2005, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hah-fuck-you-line-jumping-guy/296947 "2005-04-05T14:33:05Z")
OK, here’s the deal. The bus stop at which I wait in order to get to work is directly in front of a garden apartment complex. One four-apartment unit has a path that leads directly from it to the bus stop. In one of t… --- ## [NFL Offseason Thread: Combine Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-thread-combine-edition/573262)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-thread-combine-edition/573262 "2011-04-09T17:36:04Z")
Well, the NFL Combine is over and there wasn’t a thread started. I’m really starting to worry about you guys. Is it despair over the CBA talks? Have I offended you with my bombast? Is it Mel Kiper’s hair that’s the probl… --- ## [Movies whose general crapitude you've excused because they're so visually compelling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-whose-general-crapitude-youve-excused-because-theyre-so-visually-compelling/680724)
**Author:** [@Desert\_Dumpster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Dumpster)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2014, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-whose-general-crapitude-youve-excused-because-theyre-so-visually-compelling/680724 "2014-02-09T15:59:28Z")
\#1, of course, which will still be #1 300 years from now, is “Avatar.” Idiotic plot stolen from “Dances With Wolves,” horrible dialogue, and no acting. But it really is a sight to see. I also would include all the “Stup… --- ## [Bacon: Crispy or chewy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bacon-crispy-or-chewy/607954)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2012, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bacon-crispy-or-chewy/607954 "2012-01-05T16:45:01Z")
I know. I should have posted this in the Pit. But I figured we could at least try to a a civil conversation about this. (poll to follow) --- ## [Big Bad Terry Gross vs. Poor Defenseless Bill o'Reilly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bad-terry-gross-vs-poor-defenseless-bill-oreilly/206379)
**Author:** [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2003, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-bad-terry-gross-vs-poor-defenseless-bill-oreilly/206379 "2003-10-20T21:08:41Z")
Terry Gross interviews Bill o’Reilly, Bill walks out I’m listening right now. Dr. J --- ## [How do I tell which plants are poisonous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-tell-which-plants-are-poisonous/526149)
**Author:** [@Christopher\_K.Starr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Christopher_K.Starr)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-tell-which-plants-are-poisonous/526149 "2010-02-10T22:17:59Z")
Dear Cecil, I think you missed a key factor in responding to Jermain’s question of what unknown plants one can safely eat (or at least sample) in an emergency. Your tip no. 6 – Watch what animals eat. – deserves much m… --- ## [LoTR: Meaning of English word "dwimmer"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-meaning-of-english-word-dwimmer/125010)
**Author:** [@partly\_warmer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/partly_warmer)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2012, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-meaning-of-english-word-dwimmer/125010 "2012-08-12T02:00:22Z")
In “The Two Towers”, Chapter 2, “The Riders of Rohan”, Eomer is talking about Saruman, and says “It is ill dealing with such a foe: he is a wizard both cunning and dwimmer-crafty, having many disguises.” I’ve looked up … --- ## [What variety of Spanish is taught in US schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-variety-of-spanish-is-taught-in-us-schools/269207)
**Author:** [@pyrrthon1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pyrrthon1)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2004, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-variety-of-spanish-is-taught-in-us-schools/269207 "2004-10-19T21:24:15Z")
Years ago it was Castilian, but this hasn’t been the case for a long time. I asked one student of Spanish and he told me it was Columbian, but I can’t verify this. --- ## [What was wrong with Dell before they got superhot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-wrong-with-dell-before-they-got-superhot/550976)
**Author:** [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2010, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-wrong-with-dell-before-they-got-superhot/550976 "2010-08-28T02:46:59Z")
I remember in 1998, that a friend of mine, who knew a lot about computers, told me that ‘everything by HP is great, everything by Dell is terrible." And, at the time, my experience matched up, and, IIRC, that was pretty … --- ## [Moving to Canada from Europe, experience anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-to-canada-from-europe-experience-anyone/405121)
**Author:** [@Corporal\_Nobbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corporal_Nobbs)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-to-canada-from-europe-experience-anyone/405121 "2007-05-25T19:10:26Z")
I am getting more and more fed up with the quality of life in the UK… I don’t wish to get into a debate regarding this, I am patriotic, damn proud of my country’s achievements and work for the Ministry of Defence in a j… --- ## [Glee 4/10: Big Brother](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-4-10-big-brother/618418)
**Author:** [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2012, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-4-10-big-brother/618418 "2012-04-23T18:43:02Z")
Glee is back this week! --- ## [Which of these female celebrities is least like the others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-female-celebrities-is-least-like-the-others/716224)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2015, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-female-celebrities-is-least-like-the-others/716224 "2015-04-01T01:38:14Z")
Using your own scale of measurement select the ONE woman who is least like the others in the list. --- ## [Crashing a military plane](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crashing-a-military-plane/776998)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2017, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crashing-a-military-plane/776998 "2017-01-19T04:12:18Z")
How much trouble would military pilot be in for showboating and then crashing a jet or helicopter? Don’t these things cost about 60 million dollars? What would be the standard punishment? Link to video example: --- ## [2012 PGA Championship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-pga-championship/631112)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-pga-championship/631112 "2012-08-26T23:16:36Z")
What the hell kind of board is this? No thread for the PGA, but active threads on team handball? I didn’t know it was even played in the US. Anyway, Tiger has been averaging over 29 putts per round this year, but yest… --- ## [I pit the stupid housewife study](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-stupid-housewife-study/402639)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2007, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-stupid-housewife-study/402639 "2007-05-08T17:21:10Z")
You know the one I mean. The one that says that a stay at home mom works 92 hours a week and ought be making 140 grand a year. I get their point: stay at home mothers (and mothers in general) are underappreciated. For… --- ## [What's your favorite console controller?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-console-controller/482705)
**Author:** [@Commander\_Keen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Commander_Keen)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2009, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-console-controller/482705 "2009-01-30T23:50:48Z")
Let’s talk about controllers for video game consoles. When they’re designed well I tend not to even think about them much, because I can focus on the games I’m playing instead. But when done poorly, they’re just a source… --- ## [Chemical burns from concrete question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemical-burns-from-concrete-question/240698)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2018, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemical-burns-from-concrete-question/240698 "2018-09-16T09:17:57Z")
My brother and I finished pouring and finishing 7 yards of concrete on Saturday at my brothers house. My brother is much more experienced than I with this, but I have done it before. We both got what seems to be chemi… --- ## [Best ways to ventilate a house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-ways-to-ventilate-a-house/695634)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2014, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-ways-to-ventilate-a-house/695634 "2014-08-18T17:47:48Z")
My old house doesn’t have central heat and air. In the Summer, if it’s not too hot, I don’t run the one window air conditioner during the day while I’m gone. Often by the time I get home from work it’s cooler outside tha… --- ## [Suggest portable, reactive shooting targets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-portable-reactive-shooting-targets/496492)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-portable-reactive-shooting-targets/496492 "2009-05-20T21:12:18Z")
I’m headed out to the desert next week with some friends to do some shooting. Unfortunately, I’m going to have my car crammed full of people and the only targets I can bring with me are what will fit in my average sized … --- ## [More Blatant Oppression of Christians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-blatant-oppression-of-christians/687568)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2014, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-blatant-oppression-of-christians/687568 "2014-05-08T00:42:15Z")
Over the last few months, you may have read stories about wedding photographers or cake makers not wanting to accept gay couples as clients. In some cases they were sued, so Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant took steps… --- ## [Very Petty Theft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-petty-theft/19009)
**Author:** [@Rosebud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rosebud)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2000, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-petty-theft/19009 "2000-09-12T18:02:19Z")
Argh. I’ve just been tidying up my cube here at the jolly old office, and discovered that a couple of my toys were missing. Nothing valuable; just a few little trinkets I had sitting out so people could fiddle with them… --- ## [Did Minnesota come up with the great compromise re: Gay Marriage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-minnesota-come-up-with-the-great-compromise-re-gay-marriage/657990)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2013, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-minnesota-come-up-with-the-great-compromise-re-gay-marriage/657990 "2013-05-19T22:23:53Z")
Next week, Minnesota is set to legalize gay marriage by redefining how the government recognizes ALL marriages. HF 1054 was passed yesterday by the House and it has the Senate and Governor’s backing. The text of the bill … --- ## [Anyone else hear music/singing when a fan is on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-hear-music-singing-when-a-fan-is-on/732663)
**Author:** [@Heckity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heckity)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2018, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-hear-music-singing-when-a-fan-is-on/732663 "2018-05-11T15:11:34Z")
For as long as I can remember, whenever there is a fan on, or something softly oscillating in the air, I hear music. I’ve never spoken to anyone else who has this experience. What’s both odd and fascinating to me is tha… --- ## [Objection: Sustained/Overruled](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objection-sustained-overruled/508619)
**Author:** [@SeanArenas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeanArenas)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2009, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objection-sustained-overruled/508619 "2009-09-04T14:20:21Z")
I’ve been watching Boston Legal, and while I have no illusions that the show displays proper courtroom proceedings as it’s a comedy, there is one point I’d like to know about… Often, someone will Object during a trial. … --- ## [World's DUMBEST Dog!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worlds-dumbest-dog/314379)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2005, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worlds-dumbest-dog/314379 "2005-07-29T03:27:43Z")
Maybe it’s because I’m tired, but I have to say I’ve not seen anything funnier in ages. It’s painfully funny. It’s a bull terrier that got in a fight with a porcupine! Poor dog! --- ## [Blue Christmas lights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-christmas-lights/381907)
**Author:** [@RetroVertigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RetroVertigo)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2006, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-christmas-lights/381907 "2006-11-28T04:09:31Z")
Every once in awhile I’ll drive by a house with all blue christmas lights and my wife will mention how ugly they are. This got me wondering if these lights are actually for christmas, but nobody seems to know why people … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1810&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1812&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)