# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1909&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:** 1910 --- ## [Gregorian and Julian calendars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gregorian-and-julian-calendars/926966)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2021, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gregorian-and-julian-calendars/926966 "2021-03-12T12:42:14Z")
My understanding is that the only difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars is that the Julian calendar has a leap year every 4 years, while the Gregorian has a leap year every 4 years except years that are d… --- ## [Is it just me or has TV gotten better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-me-or-has-tv-gotten-better/634404)
**Author:** [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2012, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-me-or-has-tv-gotten-better/634404 "2012-09-15T02:54:18Z")
I suspect that it has gotten better … but I’m coming off a self-imposed TV exile of approximately 15 years (with some exceptions) and I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying the programs I now watch. For example, though I… --- ## [You feel like spaghetti...however you must use a canned/jarred sauce.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-feel-like-spaghetti-however-you-must-use-a-canned-jarred-sauce/657378)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2013, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-feel-like-spaghetti-however-you-must-use-a-canned-jarred-sauce/657378 "2013-05-06T18:25:30Z")
Let’s say you want to make spaghetti. One catch, though. You have to use a canned or jarred brand of sauce, you cannot make your own. Consequently, you cannot add anything else to the already premade sauces. So, based… --- ## [Australians: Do you tip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australians-do-you-tip/725704)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2015, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australians-do-you-tip/725704 "2015-08-03T12:38:55Z")
I’ve got a trip planned there next March and my Googlefu is yielding mixed results. --- ## [Can I set the sprinklers on the JW at the door?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-set-the-sprinklers-on-the-jw-at-the-door/497097)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2009, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-set-the-sprinklers-on-the-jw-at-the-door/497097 "2009-05-22T02:03:51Z")
Inspired by Can I do a citizen's arrest on a trespasser? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board The subject says it. An undesirable person enters inside my property to knock on my door. Can I flick a switch a… --- ## [How Common Are Fatal Wild Animal-On-Human Attacks In (Western) Europe? Japan? Australia/NZ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-are-fatal-wild-animal-on-human-attacks-in-western-europe-japan-australia-nz/1000242)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-are-fatal-wild-animal-on-human-attacks-in-western-europe-japan-australia-nz/1000242 "2025-01-07T09:45:01Z")
In the US, you’re far more likely to be killed by a domesticated animal than a wild one. Nevertheless, I’d say we maybe lose 10-12 people per year from a combination of mountain lion attacks, bear attacks, shark attacks,… --- ## [The 'You Can't Copyright A Song Title Game' Progressive Edition Volume: 1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-you-cant-copyright-a-song-title-game-progressive-edition-volume-1/207942)
**Author:** [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2003, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-you-cant-copyright-a-song-title-game-progressive-edition-volume-1/207942 "2003-11-21T20:11:37Z")
In honor of Flamsterette\_X’s Song Title Game which has been running in MPSIMS since (believe it or not) June 19, 2003 (Wow! 4 months) here’s a game of a slightly different breed for Cafe’ Society Denizens. My theory: Th… --- ## [Is knowing a programming language useful if not used as a job?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-knowing-a-programming-language-useful-if-not-used-as-a-job/810187)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2018, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-knowing-a-programming-language-useful-if-not-used-as-a-job/810187 "2018-03-14T23:34:16Z")
I like to learn random useful things to a basic or medium level, I know video editing, how to use Photoshop, I am learning 3d modeling, I even know how to make a (crappy) song in Fl studio, however one thing I never lear… --- ## [How old were you when you first voted for President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-were-you-when-you-first-voted-for-president/747633)
**Author:** [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2016, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-were-you-when-you-first-voted-for-president/747633 "2016-04-04T00:47:03Z")
As we all know, the rate of voter participation increases with age. I realize that this is going to be skewed, as on this board, and especially in this forum, we are all political junkies, and that probably sets in earl… --- ## [How Many Times Have You Been Called to Jury Duty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-been-called-to-jury-duty/390170)
**Author:** [@Tikki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tikki)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2007, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-been-called-to-jury-duty/390170 "2007-02-02T04:00:48Z")
Yup. I just got called again. This is my sixth time. At least it’s for the local district court, which only a few blocks away. TikkiDad says I should make sure to get reimbursed for milage. :slight\_smile: So, I wa… --- ## [Al-Masri held, tortured, 150 days;60 AFTER cleared; are we shitheads yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/al-masri-held-tortured-150-days-60-after-cleared-are-we-shitheads-yet/334645)
**Author:** [@alaricthegoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alaricthegoth)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2005, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/al-masri-held-tortured-150-days-60-after-cleared-are-we-shitheads-yet/334645 "2005-12-14T21:47:27Z")
http://www.forbes.com/business/services/feeds/ap/2005/12/07/ap2375481.html A german citizen was kidnapped, “\*rendered”, and interrogated aggressively for 5 months. (\*this being Germany, prudence dictates a reference to… --- ## [Prankgate: mistake or lie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prankgate-mistake-or-lie/65846)
**Author:** [@Tejota](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tejota)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2001, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prankgate-mistake-or-lie/65846 "2001-06-10T04:52:59Z")
It turns out that the Bush teams’ allegations that the Clintonistas vandalized the White house has no basis in fact. No truth in White House vandal scandal, GSA reports http://www.kcstar.com/item/pages/home.pat,local/3… --- ## [Find a definition of homosexuality that mentions anal sex...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/find-a-definition-of-homosexuality-that-mentions-anal-sex/225626)
**Author:** [@pizzabrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pizzabrat)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2004, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/find-a-definition-of-homosexuality-that-mentions-anal-sex/225626 "2004-01-31T05:35:49Z")
Didn’t? I thought so! NOW STOP EQUATING THE TWO! I understand that anal sex is as far as your little imagination can go with the situation of relations between two men, but then there’s really no reason for you to be … --- ## [Steve Bannon and "the fourth turning"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steve-bannon-and-the-fourth-turning/779397)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steve-bannon-and-the-fourth-turning/779397 "2017-02-14T23:36:40Z")
Story. This would seem to verify that this festering pustule on humanity’s ass is indeed batshit crazy. Good thing he has the ear of the guy who pushes buttons. --- ## [Personal procedural rules](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/personal-procedural-rules/737671)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2015, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/personal-procedural-rules/737671 "2015-11-19T19:22:01Z")
Do you have specific procedural rules WRT ordinary, everyday things? Possibly you developed these rules because of some mishap. My examples: I never set my glasses down on any surface where anyone typically sits or stan… --- ## [Bess Truman comes off as a disagreeable & bigoted bitch. Any redeeming qualities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bess-truman-comes-off-as-a-disagreeable-bigoted-bitch-any-redeeming-qualities/471798)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2008, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bess-truman-comes-off-as-a-disagreeable-bigoted-bitch-any-redeeming-qualities/471798 "2008-11-09T07:09:23Z")
Per the wikiand this vignette she does not seem to be an especially nice or gracious person. Is there more to her story than this bitchiness and bigotry? --- ## [Why don't boogers smell bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-boogers-smell-bad/570081)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2011, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-boogers-smell-bad/570081 "2011-02-06T08:47:01Z")
I just noticed this the other day: boogers are odorless. Is this true for everyone, or do just I have mutant boogers? (Not including, of course, when you’re sick.) Follow-up questions: If they have a taste, why not a … --- ## [Fakin' again: FAKE BOOKS (list or guess 'em)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fakin-again-fake-books-list-or-guess-em/392061)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2007, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fakin-again-fake-books-list-or-guess-em/392061 "2007-02-20T01:40:51Z")
In honor (or outright plagiarism) of this thread, what are some fake books mentioned in other books, TV shows, movies, etc? I’ll include a few with author given but a couple of the more obscure ones I’m interested to se… --- ## [Where do I go to get my car's CD player fixed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-go-to-get-my-cars-cd-player-fixed/319183)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2005, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-go-to-get-my-cars-cd-player-fixed/319183 "2005-08-30T22:58:19Z")
My 6 year old stock CD player in my car won’t eject CDs anymore. Where do I take it to get it fixed? I assume a car audio shop but I don’t know where to look in yahoo yellow pages to find one as audio turns up nothing. I… --- ## [Rapex anti rape condom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rapex-anti-rape-condom/396713)
**Author:** [@FlyingCowOfDoom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyingCowOfDoom)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2007, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rapex-anti-rape-condom/396713 "2007-03-24T18:26:23Z")
I heard about this device a couple years ago when the idea first surfaced, but after reading another article about it today I thought I’d make a thread about it. The device is a sort of female condom that a woman insert… --- ## [Right or Wrong? Elderly man run over and seriously injured in Road Rage Incident](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-or-wrong-elderly-man-run-over-and-seriously-injured-in-road-rage-incident/681938)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2014, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-or-wrong-elderly-man-run-over-and-seriously-injured-in-road-rage-incident/681938 "2014-02-25T20:02:19Z")
I’m sorry. But I seem to have posted this thread in the wrong forum. I think it should have been posted in the “General Questions” forum. I would have posted this thread in the “General Questions” forum, except for th… --- ## [Decapitation by hanging?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decapitation-by-hanging/388424)
**Author:** [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2007, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decapitation-by-hanging/388424 "2007-01-19T23:15:52Z")
Obviously this thread is inspired by recent events in Iraq. But I chose GQ because I wanted to know if this is a common occurence. Please don’t get this thread bumped to The Pit, or even worse to GD. No need to remind… --- ## [So you are a member of a tribute band...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-you-are-a-member-of-a-tribute-band/506604)
**Author:** [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2009, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-you-are-a-member-of-a-tribute-band/506604 "2009-09-24T02:19:00Z")
Ok I’ve been mulling this thread over for a while. Suppose that you are a member of a tribute band. That means your band plays the song of one particular band or artist. For the sake of this thread you automatically h… --- ## [oracle pl/sql concatenate columns & text for display](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oracle-pl-sql-concatenate-columns-text-for-display/517299)
**Author:** [@TheGraemeGardenGoodie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheGraemeGardenGoodie)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2009, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oracle-pl-sql-concatenate-columns-text-for-display/517299 "2009-11-12T12:03:56Z")
I’m trying to concatenate two columns for display in an sql calendar (Application Express) and insert text to describe what the two numbers are showing. The columns need to be concatenated because Apex can display a dat… --- ## [Hitting the reset button: Tell me your stories of starting over from scratch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitting-the-reset-button-tell-me-your-stories-of-starting-over-from-scratch/487450)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitting-the-reset-button-tell-me-your-stories-of-starting-over-from-scratch/487450 "2009-03-03T06:58:34Z")
I’m 37 though I feel more like 100 lately. Part of me wants to go back to school, possibly law school. Part of me feels too old to consider a massive revamp of my life. Tell me your tales of people (you or others) who… --- ## [Kissing Friends](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kissing-friends/504519)
**Author:** [@Frazzled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frazzled)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2009, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kissing-friends/504519 "2009-07-31T13:06:17Z")
I’m having a debate with a younger friend in my office about friends kissing each other good bye. I think this is normal behavior in close friendships while she can’t imagine kissing anybody else besides her husband or c… --- ## [Great...so good hygeine might cost me my hands..or job:(](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-so-good-hygeine-might-cost-me-my-hands-or-job/168430)
**Author:** [@80sHairMetalMaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/80sHairMetalMaven)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2003, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-so-good-hygeine-might-cost-me-my-hands-or-job/168430 "2003-04-17T23:58:49Z")
I realize that as a food svc industry worker,it is imperative I wash my hands frequently.At my current job,we are required to wash our hands every 15 min or so, as well as use Purel antibiotic hand sanitizer after washin… --- ## [At what point am I responsible for the behavior of groups I join?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-am-i-responsible-for-the-behavior-of-groups-i-join/296685)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2005, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-am-i-responsible-for-the-behavior-of-groups-i-join/296685 "2005-04-06T00:12:42Z")
If a person voluntarily and deliberately joined, say, the KKK, people on this board would reasonably hold them accountable for the actions and beliefs of the KKK. They would be judged based on their choosing membership … --- ## [So my brother crashed my car...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-brother-crashed-my-car/494739)
**Author:** [@Teaira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teaira)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2009, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-brother-crashed-my-car/494739 "2009-05-02T00:42:06Z")
No idea why I’m writing this. So I bought my first car a month ago (my first car, at age 22, that I had to sell basically everything to get). Since I’m still trying really hard to get my license and pass the test, I le… --- ## [Is this bigoted? \[Ed. title, per OP\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-bigoted-ed-title-per-op/551815)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2010, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-bigoted-ed-title-per-op/551815 "2010-08-31T05:28:33Z")
This is a campaign ad for a political party in Sweden. A) Is it racist? B) Should they be allowed to air it? --- ## [Are there other Hollywood bigwigs about to fall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-other-hollywood-bigwigs-about-to-fall/798981)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2021, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-other-hollywood-bigwigs-about-to-fall/798981 "2021-06-30T22:39:29Z")
Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein. These guys have allegedly been harassing (and worse) women for decades. Some say it was an open secret in Hollywood, while others are shocked, SHOCKED to learn about it. Which leaves me w… --- ## [Monotheism rising amidst polytheism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monotheism-rising-amidst-polytheism/497980)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2009, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monotheism-rising-amidst-polytheism/497980 "2009-06-02T00:39:00Z")
My post is inspired by the recent DVD Caprica, set in the universe created by the reimagined Batlestar Galactica. In the story, the majority of humans (known as the Colonials) are polytheists, nominally worshiping the G… --- ## [Why didn't Germany use chemical weapons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-germany-use-chemical-weapons/668208)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-germany-use-chemical-weapons/668208 "2013-09-10T03:46:52Z")
I read that the Germans invented chemical weapons during WW2 but decided not to use them; why is that? Was it really a sense of ethical concern? --- ## [Should people who spend their child support on themselves be punished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-who-spend-their-child-support-on-themselves-be-punished/652310)
**Author:** [@the\_apples\_fell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_apples_fell)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2013, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-who-spend-their-child-support-on-themselves-be-punished/652310 "2013-03-08T20:40:27Z")
I know a woman who always goes after her ex in court, and has gotten increased child support payments. She spends NONE of it on her son, who she kicked out of the house for months but finally took back. Rather, she spe… --- ## [Parents - would you be mad if you were seated away from your children at a wedding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-would-you-be-mad-if-you-were-seated-away-from-your-children-at-a-wedding/481045)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-would-you-be-mad-if-you-were-seated-away-from-your-children-at-a-wedding/481045 "2009-01-16T11:37:04Z")
So, Walter Lang and I are busily planning our wedding. We are planning for a smallish wedding and are expecting to have a handful (6 or 7) of younger guests with us. The children range in age from 4 to about 11. We are … --- ## [Someone murders your spouse or child. Can you imagine yourself NOT taking vengeance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-murders-your-spouse-or-child-can-you-imagine-yourself-not-taking-vengeance/435668)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-murders-your-spouse-or-child-can-you-imagine-yourself-not-taking-vengeance/435668 "2008-02-04T05:00:18Z")
Lest any mods grow vexed, let’s all agree that taking revenge on a murderer by murdering him or her is a bad thing, okay? What I’m interested in is Dopers’ self-assessments of their ability to control themselves. So her… --- ## [I work with a five year old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-work-with-a-five-year-old/423331)
**Author:** [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2007, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-work-with-a-five-year-old/423331 "2007-10-24T19:07:19Z")
Actually, it would be more tolerable if he was actually five. This man is old enough to be my dad (except I’d kill myself if he was). He intentionally tries to annoy me (my boss has said so. I assumed he was an asshole … --- ## [What First Names Suggest...er... Qualities Other Than Physical Beauty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-first-names-suggest-er-qualities-other-than-physical-beauty/460578)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2008, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-first-names-suggest-er-qualities-other-than-physical-beauty/460578 "2008-08-20T23:15:22Z")
No offense intended to any reader named Gertrude or Hortense, but frankly, neither of those names makes me suspect a supermodel is attached. What names just say, “Wow! She (or he) has…um… a great personality.” --- ## [Extreme disappointment upon learning the sex of a child.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extreme-disappointment-upon-learning-the-sex-of-a-child/511872)
**Author:** [@torie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/torie)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2009, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extreme-disappointment-upon-learning-the-sex-of-a-child/511872 "2009-09-30T21:14:58Z")
Has anyone experienced this, or known someone going through it. I felt a twinge of disappointment when we found out my youngest was a boy, but it was transitional, and now he’s our little sweetie. My mother, who has bee… --- ## [Dead Poet's Society: Wasn't the stuffy headmaster right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-poets-society-wasnt-the-stuffy-headmaster-right/455388)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2008, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-poets-society-wasnt-the-stuffy-headmaster-right/455388 "2008-07-08T19:12:40Z")
One of the main conflicts of the movie was between Robin Williams’s character who wants the students to be more independent and freethinking and the headmaster who thinks the students are not ready for this and not emoti… --- ## [Maine Coon cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maine-coon-cats/330964)
**Author:** [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2005, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maine-coon-cats/330964 "2005-11-19T06:19:53Z")
Does anyone own one of these cats? After owning three dear shelted adopted cats I decided to treat myself. We purchased a very sweet Maine Coon kitten this afternoon from a wonderful breeder. She looks something like t… --- ## [Why does my natural gas furnace need a flue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-natural-gas-furnace-need-a-flue/670970)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2013, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-natural-gas-furnace-need-a-flue/670970 "2013-10-11T22:33:55Z")
I have a natural gas stove and oven. Apparently someone thought that the byproducts of burned natural gas were safe enough for me to turn on my oven and four burners with no extra ventilation. Why does my furnace and m… --- ## [Anyone else hate the idea of black friday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-hate-the-idea-of-black-friday/737895)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-hate-the-idea-of-black-friday/737895 "2015-11-20T13:09:03Z")
People rushing to the mall at midnight(Stores can’t be open Thanksgiving Day where I live) to fight other idiots to get a discount on inferior goods. Some of those doorbusters are specifically made at a lower quality to… --- ## [What secret are you taking to your grave?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-secret-are-you-taking-to-your-grave/618910)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2012, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-secret-are-you-taking-to-your-grave/618910 "2012-04-17T21:39:15Z")
Spill something on the couch? Dent the car? What have you done that you’ve decided really is a case of “what they don’t know won’t hurt them”, so you’re just keeping quiet? --- ## [This One Isn't Even Close](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-one-isnt-even-close/840102)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2019, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-one-isnt-even-close/840102 "2019-09-13T04:23:21Z")
Re: this warning. Arguing that an all-black school purporting to teach “black culture” as an alternative to whatever-it-is that is being taught in other schools and their test scores are abysmal - is trolling? WTH? Th… --- ## [What will it take to fix Playboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-it-take-to-fix-playboy/518818)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2009, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-it-take-to-fix-playboy/518818 "2009-11-27T21:40:49Z")
Here’s a story from today’s Wall Street Journal about the company outsourcing some of its business operations: http://online.wsj.com/article\_email/SB10001424052748703819904574554020184998350-lMyQjAxMDA5MDIwNDEyNDQyWj.ht… --- ## [You have won $100 million. Now what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-won-100-million-now-what/498017)
**Author:** [@davekhps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davekhps)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2009, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-won-100-million-now-what/498017 "2009-05-31T15:53:38Z")
Like many people, I play the U.S. state lotteries from time to time-- Mega Millions usually, Powerball sometimes. I don’t play regularly-- I’m good at math, I have no illusions that I’m going to ever win with my dollar … --- ## [Why don't we hear more about men being abused by women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-hear-more-about-men-being-abused-by-women/385174)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2006, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-hear-more-about-men-being-abused-by-women/385174 "2006-12-29T20:47:48Z")
From what I’m reading, women batter men as often as men batter women. Women are as likely as men to initiate violence. The studies were done many years ago - this isn’t new information. And still, all we ever hear is abo… --- ## [How to get back at my ex landlord](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-back-at-my-ex-landlord/127572)
**Author:** [@Emilio\_Lizardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emilio_Lizardo)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2002, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-back-at-my-ex-landlord/127572 "2002-09-10T16:42:33Z")
Recently, my wife and I decided it was time to stop paying rent and buy a house. The DC housing market moves quickly, so we soon found one we liked. Due to the speed of the transaction, we were only able to give our l… --- ## [Why aren't there any women late-night hosts in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-there-any-women-late-night-hosts-in-the-us/680366)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2014, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-there-any-women-late-night-hosts-in-the-us/680366 "2014-02-05T03:25:26Z")
Letterman, Leno, Kimmel, Conan, Fallon, Ferguson, Stewart, Colbert, and now Seth Meyers. Why are there only men? I’m sure this has been noticed by others, so what are the leading hypotheses as to why this is the case? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1908&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1910&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)