# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1900&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:** 1901 --- ## [Why are telescopes so expensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-telescopes-so-expensive/528889)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2010, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-telescopes-so-expensive/528889 "2010-02-17T23:43:05Z")
I mean, they’re basically a set of mirrors and lenses in a tube on an equatorial mount, right? And the cost of lenses has come right down. And the mirror could be made in a mould, right? Sure you can add on the fancy mot… --- ## [Metric System in US - comments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/metric-system-in-us-comments/410360)
**Author:** [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2007, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/metric-system-in-us-comments/410360 "2007-07-25T19:15:57Z")
In his column on US metric conversion, Uncle Cecil says that we may be slowly sneaking up on adoption. I feel compelled to report that there is some backsliding as well. For some years, CalTrans (California’s Departmen… --- ## [Useless math concepts you were forced to learn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/useless-math-concepts-you-were-forced-to-learn/962578)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2022, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/useless-math-concepts-you-were-forced-to-learn/962578 "2022-04-17T12:15:32Z")
Over in this thread a lot of people seemed to gravitate toward math they were forced to learn. I loved math and learned things that seemed pretty useful—the Pythagorean theorem, for instance. When people say, “Why s… --- ## [Anyone playing Warhammer online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-playing-warhammer-online/464826)
**Author:** [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-playing-warhammer-online/464826 "2008-10-03T19:56:44Z")
I’m amazed that there’s no thread on this game yet. I’ve been following its progress for about a year and have been very interested in it despite not being much of an MMO person generally. Has anyone got this yet? Any g… --- ## [raisinbread, You Dumb Bitch.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raisinbread-you-dumb-bitch/163673)
**Author:** [@Persephone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Persephone)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2003, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raisinbread-you-dumb-bitch/163673 "2003-03-28T00:31:44Z")
Stop it. Stop it right fucking now now. STOP trying to post links to pics of the captured American soldiers. The American military is pissed off that Al-Jazeera is showing these photographs, because showing them violat… --- ## [Would I Survive A Nuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-survive-a-nuke/602945)
**Author:** [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2011, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-survive-a-nuke/602945 "2011-11-17T13:40:05Z")
Fun website. You can pick from Fatman 18kt (Nagasaki) up to Dinosaur ending meteor. It will tell you, base on your location, if you can survive. --- ## [Has a Pit thread ever been started about you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-pit-thread-ever-been-started-about-you/560364)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2010, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-pit-thread-ever-been-started-about-you/560364 "2010-11-13T17:16:01Z")
So are there any Pit threads where you are the subject of the rant? If so how many? --- ## [What purpose do "imaginary numbers" serve?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-purpose-do-imaginary-numbers-serve/176389)
**Author:** [@Payton\_s\_Servant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Payton_s_Servant)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2003, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-purpose-do-imaginary-numbers-serve/176389 "2003-05-22T16:49:37Z")
Today was the first day of my summer school math class, and the teacher gave a bit of a description of imaginary numbers, such as the square root of -4. But he didn’t say what you would use imaginary numbers for. Well, h… --- ## [Ernest Hemingway](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ernest-hemingway/666159)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2013, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ernest-hemingway/666159 "2013-08-18T16:48:22Z")
I have never read anything by Ernest Hemingway, and want to know what the big deal is. What should I read first? --- ## [Stranger Things - Final Season](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-things-final-season/1020926)
**Author:** [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-things-final-season/1020926 "2026-09-07T13:02:03Z")
Netflix has just released the first teaser trailer for Stranger Things Season 5: https://youtu.be/iKZyYdwS3Wg It seems they are going for a “holiday weekend” release schedule: Vol 1 on November 26 Vol 2 on Christmas F… --- ## [Bible stories in non-religious songs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-stories-in-non-religious-songs/530283)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-stories-in-non-religious-songs/530283 "2010-03-01T15:16:41Z")
Let’s list secular songs that specifically refer to stories from the Bible. I’m not merely talking about a song that namedrops Jesus, Moses, etc. And not a a traditional or spiritual number performed by a secular artis… --- ## [My history teacher made a funny.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-history-teacher-made-a-funny/238428)
**Author:** [@fluffball86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluffball86)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2004, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-history-teacher-made-a-funny/238428 "2004-04-10T12:04:38Z")
We were talking about Dialectical thinking (w/ regaurds to Euthinasia), and he said, and I quote: “Handicapped people are not like real people”, when he was referring to the fact that handycapped people are different tha… --- ## [TV show with fewest locations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-show-with-fewest-locations/744261)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2016, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-show-with-fewest-locations/744261 "2016-02-01T05:00:46Z")
I’m guessing it’s going to be almost entirely sitcoms simply because of the nature of the format, but what TV show had/has the fewest number of regular locations, i.e. locations that appeared all or nearly every episode? … --- ## [Fight Club ( warning spoiler)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fight-club-warning-spoiler/21973)
**Author:** [@aha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aha)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2000, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fight-club-warning-spoiler/21973 "2000-06-25T18:19:38Z")
Ok now I need help with the movie “Fight Club”. I watched it last night and it seeemed kind of on the heels of Eyes Wide Shut although I must say I liked it better than EWS. I wanted to like it alot, cause I like Ed No… --- ## [Intelligent, thoughtful, challenging films for kids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intelligent-thoughtful-challenging-films-for-kids/771061)
**Author:** [@Not\_Carlson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Not_Carlson)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intelligent-thoughtful-challenging-films-for-kids/771061 "2016-11-16T16:41:58Z")
My youngest son (11) and daughter (14) like to sit down and watch movies with me at least once a week, and I try to get interesting or thoughtful films to mix in with the Harry Potter and Marvel superhero stuff. I recen… --- ## [So - I've started my medical transition last week](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-ive-started-my-medical-transition-last-week/1033380)
**Author:** [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Replies:** 217\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2026, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-ive-started-my-medical-transition-last-week/1033380 "2026-11-08T19:00:01Z")
Quick note to the folks who know me IRL: This is not your news to share. I am no where near my social transition at this time. Last November, I had a life shattering revelation. The long and short of it, is that I re… --- ## [The Phrase "Ever-Loving" -- Origin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-ever-loving-origin/595292)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2011, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-ever-loving-origin/595292 "2011-09-08T15:05:15Z")
Where did the phrase “ever-loving” originate, as in “You’re out of your ever-lovin’ mind!” It seems very “1960s” to me, but I might be wrong. --- ## [Why do companies change their names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-companies-change-their-names/213214)
**Author:** [@Mr.Babbington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Babbington)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2003, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-companies-change-their-names/213214 "2003-11-16T02:14:10Z")
I have noticed lately that a lot of companies keep changing their names. Audio King is now Ultimate Electronics, Verizon is a relatively new name, Dayton’s decided to be Marshall Field’s, Accenture used to be another na… --- ## [Ask the guy who knows way too much about Futurama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-who-knows-way-too-much-about-futurama/256416)
**Author:** [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2004, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-who-knows-way-too-much-about-futurama/256416 "2004-07-27T01:47:48Z")
Having used my immense brain power, I have put all the knowledge of Futurama into a memory bank twice the size of three ordinary memory banks in my own head! C’mon, ask me anything, I dare you! I only request you don’t… --- ## [Ask the guy who's got a lot of time on his hands and enjoys talking about himself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-whos-got-a-lot-of-time-on-his-hands-and-enjoys-talking-about-himself/287702)
**Author:** [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2005, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-whos-got-a-lot-of-time-on-his-hands-and-enjoys-talking-about-himself/287702 "2005-03-09T01:35:20Z")
Fire away! Nothing off limits, so long as it comes back to me. --- ## [Doc Martin \[British TV series\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doc-martin-british-tv-series/677332)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2016, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doc-martin-british-tv-series/677332 "2016-10-18T01:51:01Z")
Currently showing on PBS. Anyone watching it? Or maybe you saw it when it came out in 2007? I’ve taped the first four episodes and I’ve just started watching number one. The doc is a quirky, awkward sort of fellow. I … --- ## [SF movies and suspension of disbelief](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sf-movies-and-suspension-of-disbelief/233988)
**Author:** [@BoringDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoringDad)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2004, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sf-movies-and-suspension-of-disbelief/233988 "2004-03-22T21:40:29Z")
Why oh why is it so hard for movie makers to properly use the concept of susension of disbelief? It drives me mad! MAD I tell you! BWAHAHAAAAA.!!! What? You have no idea what I’m ranting about? I just watched The Lea… --- ## [congratulating the bride](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congratulating-the-bride/219765)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2003, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congratulating-the-bride/219765 "2003-12-20T06:05:34Z")
A friend of mine got engaged over the weekend, and when I said “congratulations” she told me that I was not supposed to congratulate the bride, only the groom–that not only was it a breach of etiquette, but that this is … --- ## [Ask the lawyer about tort reform laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-lawyer-about-tort-reform-laws/284630)
**Author:** [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2005, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-lawyer-about-tort-reform-laws/284630 "2005-01-20T01:07:00Z")
Tort reform is a hot item these days. While some surveys indicate a lack of public concern about the issue, the President seems intent on passing some sort of tort reform. Does anyone have questions about how tort law … --- ## [TIL you can be charged in court for a crime that occurred without your knowledge 1000s of miles away](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/til-you-can-be-charged-in-court-for-a-crime-that-occurred-without-your-knowledge-1000s-of-miles-away/801597)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/til-you-can-be-charged-in-court-for-a-crime-that-occurred-without-your-knowledge-1000s-of-miles-away/801597 "2017-11-18T03:55:54Z")
I could see civil liability, but criminal? Seriously? I did not know the law worked quite this way, and it seems unfair. How can we as a society expect anyone to want to open a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol if… --- ## [men suck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-suck/474432)
**Author:** [@jujuju](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jujuju)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2008, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-suck/474432 "2008-11-28T13:22:53Z")
What do you do when you are involved with someone who is batshit crazy? He’s got me with blackmail, as i am not a perfect person. Sometimes a 22 looks good. AGGGGGGTGG \\ I just wish i could hurt something or well i … --- ## [NFL: what's an "illegal" snap count? (Ravens)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-whats-an-illegal-snap-count-ravens/419599)
**Author:** [@Jurph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jurph)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2007, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-whats-an-illegal-snap-count-ravens/419599 "2007-09-20T12:51:28Z")
First of all, go Ravens. They got off to a rough start, but McNair is out and Boller did a great job steering the team to victory. They managed to do the same thing against the Jets that the Bengals did to them: snatch… --- ## [Why do you think the Democrats aren't acting like there's an existential threat to American democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-think-the-democrats-arent-acting-like-theres-an-existential-threat-to-american-democracy/967535)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2022, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-think-the-democrats-arent-acting-like-theres-an-existential-threat-to-american-democracy/967535 "2022-07-18T17:45:40Z")
I ask this question because I think its answer would inform some of my reactions on various political news stories and discussions. There’s a lot of despair and frustration out there amongst those on the left, enough th… --- ## [Are people less likely to get into fisticuffs today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-less-likely-to-get-into-fisticuffs-today/708222)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2015, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-less-likely-to-get-into-fisticuffs-today/708222 "2015-01-05T18:20:24Z")
In another thread, folks are talking about the fighting skills of the average man. A side question has come up, and I’m having trouble finding an answer to it. Briefly, how common are fistfights (or other unarmed fights)… --- ## [My friend confesses committing a crime to me. What are my legal obligations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-confesses-committing-a-crime-to-me-what-are-my-legal-obligations/274528)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2004, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-friend-confesses-committing-a-crime-to-me-what-are-my-legal-obligations/274528 "2004-11-16T00:06:48Z")
My friend comes to me out of the blue consumed by guilt, confesses to a crime, and goes away. We both live in Wisconsin. We have no relationship that could be construed to grant some level of privileged communications … --- ## [Hey, Cisco, You're Not Fooling Anyone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-cisco-youre-not-fooling-anyone/573031)
**Author:** [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-cisco-youre-not-fooling-anyone/573031 "2011-03-02T15:56:13Z")
This is weak for the pit I know, but come-the-fuck-on. It’s obvious you were chumming the the lefties in an inappropriate forum. I don’t buy your I-was-just-kidding(wink wink) post. If you don’t want to “bother ever vis… --- ## [The Sun turns off! How long do we have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sun-turns-off-how-long-do-we-have/378489)
**Author:** [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2006, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sun-turns-off-how-long-do-we-have/378489 "2006-10-31T22:40:41Z")
Eight minutes and some-odd seconds ago, our Sun abruptly turned off due to a little-known physical law. We’re just about to find out. How long until the Earth becomes too cold to support life? Granted, most plant life… --- ## [What is your favorite ginger beer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-ginger-beer/272642)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2011, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-ginger-beer/272642 "2011-06-13T05:06:54Z")
I love ginger beer and ginger ale. Good taste, and good for the digestion. Currently I am sipping on a Bundaberg…“Brewed Soft Drink, Product of Australia.” What is your favorite, and is it available in California? … --- ## [What other band/group just up and changed their name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-band-group-just-up-and-changed-their-name/601313)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2011, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-band-group-just-up-and-changed-their-name/601313 "2011-11-02T05:07:01Z")
Listening to The Rhythm Revue (geezersoul) on the radio and and Special Lady came on. “Moments!” “Ray, Goodman and Brown!” Me and my husband yelled. Because that’s what we do when we listen to geezer music-- see who can… --- ## [How do Air Marshals get on planes without setting off the security?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-air-marshals-get-on-planes-without-setting-off-the-security/413034)
**Author:** [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2007, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-air-marshals-get-on-planes-without-setting-off-the-security/413034 "2007-07-25T18:36:39Z")
Currently Air Marshals get on the plane with the other passengers instead of before the rest. Assuming they go through secuirty like everyone else how do they get on the planes with their weapon? --- ## [What Were The Straigh-8 Engines of the 1950's like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-straigh-8-engines-of-the-1950s-like/539208)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2010, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-straigh-8-engines-of-the-1950s-like/539208 "2010-05-15T00:50:31Z")
Modern (high-compression) V-8 engines swiftly became the standard power plants, for American cars in the late 1950’s, early 60’s. I can see how that happened, because gasoline was cheap, the V-8 offers high power for a s… --- ## [Is it legal to photocopy professional photos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-photocopy-professional-photos/345561)
**Author:** [@Zahava424](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zahava424)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2006, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-photocopy-professional-photos/345561 "2006-02-24T22:55:41Z")
I had my senior portait taken a few months ago. I paid for the sitting and ordered several prints, including some wallet-size copies. The photographer is charging a ridiculous amount of money for additional copies of p… --- ## [Experienced manager of money taking care of poverty stricken household's finances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experienced-manager-of-money-taking-care-of-poverty-stricken-households-finances/615734)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2012, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experienced-manager-of-money-taking-care-of-poverty-stricken-households-finances/615734 "2012-03-16T13:15:29Z")
This seems like something someone might have done once, and if anyone’s done it, it seems like the kind of thing some doper would have heard about. I wonder whether, as a pure stunt or to make a point or for experimenta… --- ## [I pit the Chinese ethos re sex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-chinese-ethos-re-sex/307424)
**Author:** [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2005, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-chinese-ethos-re-sex/307424 "2005-06-16T00:36:53Z")
A couple of nights back, we were watching When Harry Met Sally on the Star Movies channel, which is operated by NOW Broadband, part of the largest telecommunications company here, PCCW. We were of course waiting with ba… --- ## [Is There a Permanent Record of Everything I’ve Ever Googled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-permanent-record-of-everything-i-ve-ever-googled/453376)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2008, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-permanent-record-of-everything-i-ve-ever-googled/453376 "2008-06-19T23:24:46Z")
The first two paragraphs of this article on cnn.com sent a major chill down my spine. Is everything a person Googles recorded in perpetuity? I’ve Googled things like “how to build a nuclear bomb” and “synthesis of crysta… --- ## [Can an elephant stand up after laying down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-elephant-stand-up-after-laying-down/329948)
**Author:** [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-elephant-stand-up-after-laying-down/329948 "2005-11-09T04:29:03Z")
On Rome recently, one of the characters mentioned that if an elephant is layong on his side, that means he’s going to die, because they can’t stand up again after laying down. Straight dope? --- ## ['Risk' board game: Rules clarifications, strategy tip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risk-board-game-rules-clarifications-strategy-tip/682711)
**Author:** [@spazurek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spazurek)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2014, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/risk-board-game-rules-clarifications-strategy-tip/682711 "2014-03-09T23:33:07Z")
I’m new at playing Risk and some things are unclear. (1) Suppose I attack a territory with some armies. The battle ends. I move some armies into the conquered territory. Can I use those armies that don’t move be used fo… --- ## [Well, if we really need a "correct" term for the room with the toilet in it...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-if-we-really-need-a-correct-term-for-the-room-with-the-toilet-in-it/498026)
**Author:** [@Histrion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Histrion)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2009, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-if-we-really-need-a-correct-term-for-the-room-with-the-toilet-in-it/498026 "2009-06-21T03:53:51Z")
Here’s the recent Staff Report, which refers back to earlier Master-penned columns about the various terms used for That Room In Which We Excrete. Cecil comments, at one point, that the English language appears to have b… --- ## [Caught Riding Dirty.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caught-riding-dirty/520034)
**Author:** [@Cat\_In\_A\_Top\_Hat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_In_A_Top_Hat)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2009, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caught-riding-dirty/520034 "2009-12-06T16:02:33Z")
Have they ever caught you ‘riding dirty’? If so, under what conditions, and what happened as a result? Thankee, –CiaTH --- ## [What is the smallest, simplest nuclear reactor that could be made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-smallest-simplest-nuclear-reactor-that-could-be-made/687343)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2014, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-smallest-simplest-nuclear-reactor-that-could-be-made/687343 "2014-05-04T22:23:45Z")
Let’s say someone wanted to make a nuclear reactor to make electricity, what is the least demanding version of that? What would it look like? More specifically, if one wanted to make a CANDU reactor, what is the smalles… --- ## [Wow... Ontario sucks.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-ontario-sucks/205064)
**Author:** [@sk8rixtx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sk8rixtx)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2003, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-ontario-sucks/205064 "2003-10-05T02:53:25Z")
So I had no idea that Ontario was the bitch province of Canada. I took a nice trip with a few of my freinds to Grand Island in upstate New York over the summer. Turns out, the Canadian/US border is just down the road. Go… --- ## [How did the stereotype of ice cream truck drivers being creepsters come about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-stereotype-of-ice-cream-truck-drivers-being-creepsters-come-about/635010)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2012, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-stereotype-of-ice-cream-truck-drivers-being-creepsters-come-about/635010 "2012-09-21T03:49:06Z")
How did ice cream truck drivers earn the reputation for being molesters, drug dealers, and kidnappers? I almost never hear anything about them doing bad things on the news or whatever. Was their some particular incident… --- ## [Programmers: please learn when to not use while loops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/programmers-please-learn-when-to-not-use-while-loops/244841)
**Author:** [@LordVor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordVor)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2004, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/programmers-please-learn-when-to-not-use-while-loops/244841 "2004-05-23T11:34:42Z")
Fairly lame, and fairly geeky, but I’ve just been reviewing too much bad code lately, and this style’s a particular pet peeve of mine. While loops have their place. They’re great when you want to run until a condition i… --- ## [drinking ice cubes in developing countries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drinking-ice-cubes-in-developing-countries/684088)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2015, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drinking-ice-cubes-in-developing-countries/684088 "2015-06-24T21:19:39Z")
I live in Thailand and am having a debate with other expats about whether its safe to drink ice cubes made from local tap water. I’ve done it a few times with no ill effects. They tell me I’m an idiot and am slowly poi… --- ## [London Bomb Plotters- How serious were they?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-bomb-plotters-how-serious-were-they/370691)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2006, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-bomb-plotters-how-serious-were-they/370691 "2006-09-06T08:28:19Z")
So, the British Police have briefed the US Press about their investigations into the supposed bomb plot last month which led to the virtual closing down of normal air traffic too and from the UK and has left us with spec… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1899&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1901&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)