# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1871&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:** 1872 --- ## [Model rockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-rockets/308273)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2005, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-rockets/308273 "2005-08-04T19:51:00Z")
When I was a kid – pre-teen – I used to love seeing the UPS truck come with a nice box from Estes. I loved those rockets! As an adolescent, I loved being in the desert where I had any number of spots from which to laun… --- ## [When does it end?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-it-end/850796)
**Author:** [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2020, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-it-end/850796 "2020-04-06T21:11:00Z")
It’s fairly easy to predict that within thirty days or so, the graphs will start flattening out; even with more widespread testing, due to spreading immunity of those who have already survived and recovered, and social i… --- ## [Remember to turn off visitor access!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-to-turn-off-visitor-access/280895)
**Author:** [@Viscera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Viscera)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2004, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-to-turn-off-visitor-access/280895 "2004-12-30T23:26:58Z")
Childish, sure. Long thread that has now been linked on many different websites. The story of a guy who got caught with his pants down (literally), and tried to threaten everyone that didn’t believe him that he got scamm… --- ## [That's not something you see every day! (yes it is)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-not-something-you-see-every-day-yes-it-is/988017)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2023, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-not-something-you-see-every-day-yes-it-is/988017 "2023-08-13T17:43:26Z")
This is not about a particular event, but a chance to tell your story of someone who experienced a special and unique event, that’s actually totally commonplace. #1, I was up with the Scouts at Scout Camp. This being a … --- ## [Advice requested on a delicate matter involving "exfamily".](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-requested-on-a-delicate-matter-involving-exfamily/652105)
**Author:** [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2013, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-requested-on-a-delicate-matter-involving-exfamily/652105 "2013-06-04T13:10:57Z")
I am honestly asking for opinions here. I will try to give all the information up front. If you have issues with the person I married, please take it to the pit, it happened a dozen years ago, and I got a wonderful chi… --- ## [What's the PBR of Europe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-pbr-of-europe/510104)
**Author:** [@BKReporter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BKReporter)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2009, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-pbr-of-europe/510104 "2009-09-19T04:57:34Z")
Inspired by the thread last week on the Budweiser of Europe. What’s the cheap shitty beer that hipsters in Europe drink ironically? --- ## ["Get government off your back and out of the way!" Is it still 1988?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-government-off-your-back-and-out-of-the-way-is-it-still-1988/463717)
**Author:** [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-government-off-your-back-and-out-of-the-way-is-it-still-1988/463717 "2008-09-17T16:24:41Z")
Sarah Palin seems to be the candidate in charge of the 20 year old campaign slogans. She goes on and on about fixing all of America’s woes by “getting government off your back and out of the way.” Except for taxes in ge… --- ## [Quick Chicago poll: steak, pizza or hot dogs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-chicago-poll-steak-pizza-or-hot-dogs/606512)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2011, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-chicago-poll-steak-pizza-or-hot-dogs/606512 "2011-12-20T02:06:43Z")
It’s December, and you’re on a short business trip with a single night’s stay in Chicago. Because you’re arriving mid-day and basically in meetings until you leave the next afternoon, you’ll only have one meal to yoursel… --- ## [Major event upcoming on TCM](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-event-upcoming-on-tcm/389193)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2007, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-event-upcoming-on-tcm/389193 "2007-08-27T12:32:10Z")
I’m sorry I didn’t warn about this sooner; I didn’t realize it was coming up so soon. But in a little over 24 hours–2:30am EST on January 25\*–Billy Wilder’s darkest film, Ace in the Hole (retitled The Big Carnival after… --- ## [Stage hypnotists...legit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stage-hypnotists-legit/400393)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2007, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stage-hypnotists-legit/400393 "2007-04-20T15:11:45Z")
I recently had the opportunity to see, for the first time, a stage hypnotist’s act. We probably all know the drill: hypnotist takes the stage, and takes a group of volunteers from the audience. Hypnotizes them, and the… --- ## [We're all going to Mars. You get to bring one book.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-all-going-to-mars-you-get-to-bring-one-book/563573)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-all-going-to-mars-you-get-to-bring-one-book/563573 "2010-12-14T20:03:02Z")
All Dopers are going on a long space voyage to Mars. Each person gets one book. Only one. No collected works. No omnibus editions. One title only. If it’s normally published separately, it’s one book. The Fellowsh… --- ## [How useful would a pistol be against terrorists shooting at you from a distance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-useful-would-a-pistol-be-against-terrorists-shooting-at-you-from-a-distance/475005)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2008, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-useful-would-a-pistol-be-against-terrorists-shooting-at-you-from-a-distance/475005 "2008-12-03T13:44:16Z")
Referencing the Mumbai situation in practical self defense terms how useful is a pistol going to be against wandering groups of terrorists spraying bullets at you from 50-100 feet away? it seems most people were cowering… --- ## [Are you ethnic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-ethnic/916086)
**Author:** [@kswiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kswiss)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2020, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-ethnic/916086 "2020-08-10T19:33:44Z")
My initial thoughts on this question focused on European Americans. I am vaguely aware of my Irish-German heritage. But I am pretty much a generic white guy who is American. Other than my mom baking Irish soda bread a… --- ## [Were "ancient times" as violent as we think?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-ancient-times-as-violent-as-we-think/649526)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-ancient-times-as-violent-as-we-think/649526 "2013-02-08T18:28:33Z")
It’s a familiar trope that ancient times were a lot more violent than modern days. Depictions of Ancient Rome or Midevil Europe are particularly violent and give the impression that you could be stabbed or have your sku… --- ## [What food flavor or flavors do you dislike the most and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-food-flavor-or-flavors-do-you-dislike-the-most-and-why/949655)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2021, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-food-flavor-or-flavors-do-you-dislike-the-most-and-why/949655 "2021-09-13T02:38:54Z")
For me, it is hazelnut flavored coffee. I find even the smell of it off-putting. To me hazelnut coffee is a complex flavor. It starts with a strong base of “creme” very similar to creme soda, which I also dislike. The… --- ## [Why Arabs lose wars...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arabs-lose-wars/131041)
**Author:** [@Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weird_AL_Einstein)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2002, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arabs-lose-wars/131041 "2002-10-14T20:42:52Z")
In my GQ thread of a few months ago, I asked, How did Israel win the 1948 war? In my OP, I said: I never got a really good answer. Then, a few months later while putzing around on Google, I came across this article: W… --- ## [Would I have received the smallpox vaccine as a kid in the 1970s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-have-received-the-smallpox-vaccine-as-a-kid-in-the-1970s/675638)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2014, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-have-received-the-smallpox-vaccine-as-a-kid-in-the-1970s/675638 "2014-02-08T19:11:13Z")
I was born in 1971 and lived in Indianapolis. I’m curious if they gave this to kids in the US at that time. I don’t have my immunization records from that time, so I can’t check that. Wikipedia isn’t very helpful on this… --- ## [how do svengali cards work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-svengali-cards-work/37240)
**Author:** [@juan2003](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/juan2003)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2000, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-svengali-cards-work/37240 "2000-10-21T17:26:44Z")
i saw svengali cards on a cheesy infomercial. the cards appear to change from a normal deck to a deck of the same card. how exactly does this work? how could one make such a deck using household materials? and can such a… --- ## [Unlikely Record Holders (Sports)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unlikely-record-holders-sports/643359)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unlikely-record-holders-sports/643359 "2012-12-12T20:47:23Z")
I just learned that the NBA player with the most 4-point plays all-time is: I didn’t expect him to hold that record. Sure, he’s a good 3-point shooter, but I wouldn’t have even placed him in the top 30. --- ## [What is the Dem strategy with Landrieu?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-dem-strategy-with-landrieu/705064)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2014, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-dem-strategy-with-landrieu/705064 "2014-12-08T17:43:36Z")
Seems like they have given up on her and are simply hoping the run-off election ends without further damage. --- ## [Greatest sports team you've ever seen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-sports-team-youve-ever-seen/618808)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2012, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-sports-team-youve-ever-seen/618808 "2012-04-20T22:12:47Z")
My nomination would be the 1980’s Gretzky-era Edmonton Oilers. If a team with such talent existed in either a big media center and/or in a sport with a higher profile, they’d still be talking about them today, but in th… --- ## [Origin of the expression "To level the playing field"--does any sport NOT have level fields?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-the-expression-to-level-the-playing-field-does-any-sport-not-have-level-fields/636390)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2012, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-the-expression-to-level-the-playing-field-does-any-sport-not-have-level-fields/636390 "2012-10-02T12:47:30Z")
We’ve all heard the expression “to level the playing field”, meaning to keep it fair for all the players. Usually it’s used in a political sense. Examples: Affirmative action, to “level the field” for minorities. Or a t… --- ## [What paranormal phenomena, if demonstrated to be true, would you consider proof of the supernatural?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-paranormal-phenomena-if-demonstrated-to-be-true-would-you-consider-proof-of-the-supernatural/543693)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2010, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-paranormal-phenomena-if-demonstrated-to-be-true-would-you-consider-proof-of-the-supernatural/543693 "2010-06-21T18:21:13Z")
Imagine, if you will, that I am a genuine telepath of the Charles Xavier type: I can read and cast thoughts over a limited distance, as well as probing another person’s memories. My brain’s obviously better than average… --- ## [With hindsight, when did McCain actually lose all hope of winning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-hindsight-when-did-mccain-actually-lose-all-hope-of-winning/471860)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2008, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-hindsight-when-did-mccain-actually-lose-all-hope-of-winning/471860 "2008-11-13T00:48:38Z")
For me, the election was Obama’s to lose: the Republican ‘brand’ was too tainted. McCain had to hold in there and hope that Obama made a mistake while making no mistakes himself. But Obama made no mistakes, whereas, for … --- ## [Do you really need to obtain your child’s consent for literally everything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-really-need-to-obtain-your-child-s-consent-for-literally-everything/814027)
**Author:** [@Warm\_blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Warm_blood)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2018, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-really-need-to-obtain-your-child-s-consent-for-literally-everything/814027 "2018-05-15T03:53:16Z")
Parents should ask babies for consent before diaper changes, expert says — here’s what she meant The story above is making the rounds on social media due to how absurd the lady’s advice sounds. I’m all for teaching ch… --- ## [Bohemian Rhapsody - Greatest Rock Song?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bohemian-rhapsody-greatest-rock-song/356262)
**Author:** [@Improv\_Geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improv_Geek)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2006, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bohemian-rhapsody-greatest-rock-song/356262 "2006-05-14T16:50:01Z")
This might find it’s way to GD, but I’ll start it here. So what do you guys think? Is it the best? Did Freddie Mercury create the Rock masterpiece? Or do you have something you consider better? If so, what? And if anyo… --- ## [How useful are laser sights to the military?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-useful-are-laser-sights-to-the-military/579470)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2011, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-useful-are-laser-sights-to-the-military/579470 "2011-04-25T15:21:29Z")
Does it make marksmanship, target practice and sniper skills obsolete? Can you shoot from the hip with one? Is this technology seeing widespread use? How much of a benefit and force multiplier does it bestow? --- ## [When should we put "the" in front of acronyms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-we-put-the-in-front-of-acronyms/472625)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2008, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-we-put-the-in-front-of-acronyms/472625 "2008-11-17T05:21:23Z")
People say “the BBC”, but no one says “the NBC”, they just say “NBC”. Things that are preceded by “the” CIA FBI UN BBC Things that are \*\*not \*\*preceded by “the” Nato NBC CBS Is there a general rule, or is it just … --- ## [You have to clean an air conditioning unit's grill. Huh.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-to-clean-an-air-conditioning-units-grill-huh/589135)
**Author:** [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2011, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-to-clean-an-air-conditioning-units-grill-huh/589135 "2011-07-18T14:34:49Z")
I’m pretty sure there was a thread not too long ago about stupid stuff people didn’t know, but I can’t find it. I suspect this is something everyone but me knows:\* if you have central air, you have to regularly clean th… --- ## [Do old people deal with death better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-old-people-deal-with-death-better/479540)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2009, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-old-people-deal-with-death-better/479540 "2009-01-03T14:28:29Z")
I don’t know if this is confirmation bias or small sample bias, but I notice at most funerals I go to that I am less likely to see old people cry. Sometimes I see old folks joking around or being relaxed while the younge… --- ## [Small TV Coincidences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-tv-coincidences/943538)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2021, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-tv-coincidences/943538 "2021-07-15T17:46:00Z")
I saw a weird little coincidence yesterday morning- I had the Today Show on background. There was a new commercial for (I think) a Buick SUV in which the driver and all three of her passengers were the same person. The t… --- ## [Why do Russian spacecraft designs look so different from American designs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-russian-spacecraft-designs-look-so-different-from-american-designs/584922)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2011, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-russian-spacecraft-designs-look-so-different-from-american-designs/584922 "2011-06-12T17:16:37Z")
You know what I mean: We went angular, the Soviets (and Russians after them) went blobby. We built things that looked like odd crystals and dixie cups, they built things that looked like a glassblower hiccuped. Obviously… --- ## [I pit McDonald's "McCafe" coffee drinks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-mcdonalds-mccafe-coffee-drinks/465327)
**Author:** [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2008, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-mcdonalds-mccafe-coffee-drinks/465327 "2008-09-29T20:00:43Z")
It’s 9:05 and it’s been a long day already. Figuring out what to eat for breakfast at home just wasn’t happening, so I decided to indulge myself in an egg McMuffin for breakfast, because it’s Friday, and I’m leaving for … --- ## [Screw you overabundant fragrance wearer!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screw-you-overabundant-fragrance-wearer/431680)
**Author:** [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2008, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screw-you-overabundant-fragrance-wearer/431680 "2008-01-05T05:56:11Z")
Gawd, whatever that stench was, you were wearing a bucketful of it lady. I paid my 10 bucks to see National Treasure, got there early and picked good seats - halfway up and in the middle. By the time you came in and pl… --- ## [Most egregious violations of continuity (spoilers likely)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-egregious-violations-of-continuity-spoilers-likely/410738)
**Author:** [@Autumn\_Almanac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autumn_Almanac)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2007, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-egregious-violations-of-continuity-spoilers-likely/410738 "2007-07-12T20:43:40Z")
Inspired by the suspension of disbelief thread: I usually don’t have a problem suspending disbelief for fantasy and sci-fi shows as long as the show is internally consistent; what jars me is when a show breaks its own r… --- ## [Camping DIY and hints](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/camping-diy-and-hints/432394)
**Author:** [@FourPaws](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FourPaws)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2008, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/camping-diy-and-hints/432394 "2008-01-14T18:19:57Z")
Inpired by this thread, http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=450169 I was thinking of little hints for camping (tenting, or otherwise) to improvise things yo forgot or might want while you’re camping. f… --- ## [Pregnancy test on non-humans.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy-test-on-non-humans/663964)
**Author:** [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2013, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy-test-on-non-humans/663964 "2013-07-21T05:51:26Z")
Inspired by this post on another website. If I have have a cat pee on a pregancy test kit, will it tell me if she’s pregnant? What about other mammals? I’m aware that birds and lizards don’t really urinate in the same w… --- ## [What jobs require a large amount of international travel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-jobs-require-a-large-amount-of-international-travel/337701)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2013, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-jobs-require-a-large-amount-of-international-travel/337701 "2013-08-15T17:49:07Z")
As some dopers know, I’m quite interested in a career in medicine. However, if that falls through, one thing I’ve always wanted to do is travel extensively around the world. Doing this on a company’s dime sounds much b… --- ## [Very Basic Science That You Still Don't Understand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-basic-science-that-you-still-dont-understand/94401)
**Author:** [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2001, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-basic-science-that-you-still-dont-understand/94401 "2001-11-28T06:17:35Z")
Here’s a thread for those 4th grade science questions that you still don’t get. Post with immunity, you will not be laughed at. I hope. Because here’s mine. I still don’t understand how the moon works. When I see a cr… --- ## [What part of the U.S. is West Virginia in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-part-of-the-u-s-is-west-virginia-in/764269)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-part-of-the-u-s-is-west-virginia-in/764269 "2016-09-02T12:28:42Z")
Yes, I know how to find it on a map. There’s a reason this Thread is in IMHO instead of General Questions. West Virginia Border States are all easy to place as to what region of the country they’re in:\[ul\] \[li\]Ohio - T… --- ## [Why don't Americans use "mate" when talking to others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-americans-use-mate-when-talking-to-others/751576)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-americans-use-mate-when-talking-to-others/751576 "2016-04-11T20:02:02Z")
That’s a poor title, I know. I just couldn’t think of a good way to phrase it. I just got back from Australia and was called “mate” on a fairly regular basis. I believe that the British use the term frequently as well… --- ## [20 Ridiculous Complaints Made by Holidaymakers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-ridiculous-complaints-made-by-holidaymakers/490229)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2009, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-ridiculous-complaints-made-by-holidaymakers/490229 "2009-03-23T22:50:10Z")
See them here. I especially like the first one listed: “A tourist at a top African game lodge overlooking a waterhole, who spotted a visibly aroused elephant, complained that the sight of this rampant beast ruined his h… --- ## [Ladies, virginity question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-virginity-question/581465)
**Author:** [@Ladymarmalade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ladymarmalade)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2011, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-virginity-question/581465 "2011-05-13T11:13:10Z")
When you were a virgin, did you think penises were scary? In other words, did you fear intercourse? --- ## [Wizard Of Oz](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wizard-of-oz/331535)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2020, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wizard-of-oz/331535 "2020-07-27T01:52:47Z")
For fans, the big news is a new release that, according to this Hollywood Reporter site claims to be the best version of the film ever presented. My favorite quote from this article is: “The filmmakers also turn to Joh… --- ## [Wal-Mart Thanksgiving commercial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wal-mart-thanksgiving-commercial/378791)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2006, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wal-mart-thanksgiving-commercial/378791 "2006-11-08T14:10:31Z")
This may not even be worth pitting cause it just made me laugh with how poor an idea it was for a commercial rather than angry. It opens with a typical American family getting ready to sit down for Thansgiving meal. Ni… --- ## [The Doper Dudes getting in shape thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doper-dudes-getting-in-shape-thread/385087)
**Author:** [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2007, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doper-dudes-getting-in-shape-thread/385087 "2007-03-10T20:02:28Z")
I never wanted to be one of those guys who stood around saying, “Yeah, so how much can you bench? I just ate a crate of that Super Bulk food supplement and I put on 2,400 pounds of pure muscle mass.” I also never reall… --- ## [Wedding Ring Material Selection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wedding-ring-material-selection/542026)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2010, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wedding-ring-material-selection/542026 "2010-06-08T20:38:48Z")
The last time I got married choices were pretty simple: Some precious metal that I could barely afford. (The time I married before that predates the discovery of the circle, so we won’t talk about it.) Now there’s the … --- ## [When Did Interior Phone Booths Disappear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-interior-phone-booths-disappear/573571)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2011, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-interior-phone-booths-disappear/573571 "2011-03-10T20:06:38Z")
I can still remember these-they were in locations like the bathroom areas of bars and restaurants-they had solding glass doors, and when you shut the door, a dome light and blower came on. This enabled yo to make a pho… --- ## [Should I surrender my driver's license to work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-surrender-my-drivers-license-to-work/520107)
**Author:** [@Batfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batfish)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2016, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-surrender-my-drivers-license-to-work/520107 "2016-08-27T16:05:12Z")
My technician job takes me to my employer’s customer’s facilities. Many of them require some sort of security sign-in which can include issuing a visitors/contractors badge. Some have taken an additional step of requiri… --- ## [Do these types of restaurants exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-these-types-of-restaurants-exist/587092)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2011, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-these-types-of-restaurants-exist/587092 "2011-07-05T04:43:06Z")
Many years ago I heard of restaurants for the very wealthy that do not have prices on the menu because, “If you have to ask how much it costs, then you can’t afford it.” So, are there, or were there places like this, or… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1870&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1872&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)