# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1928&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:** 1929 --- ## [Welcome to the Marketplace forum!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-the-marketplace-forum/563313)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-the-marketplace-forum/563313 "2010-12-08T19:14:54Z")
Welcome to the Marketplace forum, where SDMB subscribers may promote commercial and other ventures they’re involved in. The following rules apply: Only subscribers can start threads. This includes Members, Charter Mem… --- ## [Why do train tracks sometimes separte the good parts of the town from the bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-train-tracks-sometimes-separte-the-good-parts-of-the-town-from-the-bad/568373)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2011, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-train-tracks-sometimes-separte-the-good-parts-of-the-town-from-the-bad/568373 "2011-01-23T03:17:17Z")
I’ve always thought “the other side of the tracks” was just a figure of speech, but the more places I visit, I notice that sometimes the good/bad parts ARE separated by train tracks. What is speacial about train tracks … --- ## [Libertarian asks. I answer.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-asks-i-answer/62447)
**Author:** [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2001, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-asks-i-answer/62447 "2001-05-04T14:21:36Z")
In an attempt to keep aynrandlover’s “Communism, Economics, and Planet Earth” thread in GQ and off the route to the Pit via GD, I have decided to take Libertarian’s “general questions” and answer them here. Why? I dunno.… --- ## [Ever see open animosity during perfomance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-see-open-animosity-during-perfomance/402218)
**Author:** [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2007, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-see-open-animosity-during-perfomance/402218 "2007-05-03T05:55:06Z")
Joseph Arthur, whose music I love, was in town so I went to the show Friday night. I’d say I got my $10 worth (no less, but no more). Joseph kept telling the sound guy to turn down the monitors (after every song, plus m… --- ## [How to handle an aggessive child](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-handle-an-aggessive-child/639692)
**Author:** [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-handle-an-aggessive-child/639692 "2012-11-06T03:57:34Z")
So I took the morning off of work and took my 18 month old son to a local play gym (a Gymboree to be precise). We go once a week and he loves it. He was playing by himself as I watched when a larger child (more on this… --- ## [is it illegal to block in a car taking up your space to wait for tow truck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-block-in-a-car-taking-up-your-space-to-wait-for-tow-truck/821405)
**Author:** [@helpmeout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/helpmeout)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2018, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-block-in-a-car-taking-up-your-space-to-wait-for-tow-truck/821405 "2018-09-16T01:18:29Z")
So say someone parks in your parking spot a that is assigned to you and they are trying to move out because they see you on the phone and you are calling a towing company. Is that legal or illegal? --- ## [What movies before Star Wars used the Unintelligble/Translator characters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movies-before-star-wars-used-the-unintelligble-translator-characters/591457)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2011, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-movies-before-star-wars-used-the-unintelligble-translator-characters/591457 "2011-08-05T09:09:22Z")
Lucas used these type of characters frequently in Star Wars starting with C3PO translating for R2D2 and Han Solo translating for Chewbacca. Both R2D2 and Chewbacca understood english just fine, they just couldn’t speak … --- ## [Why was that Buffy character (Anya) afraid of bunnies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-that-buffy-character-anya-afraid-of-bunnies/398590)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2007, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-that-buffy-character-anya-afraid-of-bunnies/398590 "2007-04-04T13:20:40Z")
I came in late to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series. One thing that always intrigued me but I never knew: Why was Anya afraid of bunnies? And was “fear” the right emotion, or was it disgust, revulsion, or something e… --- ## [Are you bothered if someone 'smokes' next to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-bothered-if-someone-smokes-next-to-you/667866)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2013, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-bothered-if-someone-smokes-next-to-you/667866 "2013-09-05T01:47:32Z")
FTR, I already know how this poll is going to turn out. I just want to use this as a comparison to Kobayashi’s thread Here Thanks for your input. --- ## [How to remove a broken glass stopper from a perfume bottle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-remove-a-broken-glass-stopper-from-a-perfume-bottle/502750)
**Author:** [@Elysian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elysian)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2009, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-remove-a-broken-glass-stopper-from-a-perfume-bottle/502750 "2009-07-13T07:09:24Z")
I’ve tried crazy glue and it hasn’t worked! This is what I have: http://www.getprice.com.au/Chanel-No-5-7-5-ml-Parfum-Classic-for-Women-Gpnc\_282--20649319.htm The big top bit has broken off leaving a little stub of the… --- ## [Prophetic 'Simpsons' moments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prophetic-simpsons-moments/341330)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2007, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prophetic-simpsons-moments/341330 "2007-01-07T12:53:15Z")
I just saw the episode with the casino, where the lion mauls the Siegfried and Roy spoof guys. What other Simpsons’ moments turned out to be prophetic? --- ## [Are you smart enough to be a Florida High School Science or Math teacher? Here's some exam questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-smart-enough-to-be-a-florida-high-school-science-or-math-teacher-heres-some-exam-questions/629785)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2012, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-smart-enough-to-be-a-florida-high-school-science-or-math-teacher-heres-some-exam-questions/629785 "2012-08-01T03:20:34Z")
This article below made me curious just how tough these exams were Tougher standards may worsen science-teacher shortage Here are all the exam guides with sample questions FTCE Subject Area Examinations Here is the … --- ## [What programs/tools/policies in other countries should Americans know about/implement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-programs-tools-policies-in-other-countries-should-americans-know-about-implement/559238)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2010, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-programs-tools-policies-in-other-countries-should-americans-know-about-implement/559238 "2010-11-07T17:10:19Z")
Fareed Zakaria brought up something I’ve thought about a lot. In his recent article, the part where he talks about benchmarking, I was happy to read someone say this. Living in France and Taiwan, I have seen so many li… --- ## [When your children are ashamed of you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-your-children-are-ashamed-of-you/244453)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2004, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-your-children-are-ashamed-of-you/244453 "2004-05-11T17:41:38Z")
My children attend a private school in our neighborhood. Ivylad and I have sacrificed much to get them into this school, mainly because the county public school system sucks. This morning I offered to drive my children… --- ## [Will history judge it a "damn fool war"? Yes or no.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-history-judge-it-a-damn-fool-war-yes-or-no/208074)
**Author:** [@ready29003](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ready29003)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2003, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-history-judge-it-a-damn-fool-war-yes-or-no/208074 "2003-10-22T08:01:20Z")
This is a poll. Just wondering if more people agree with Cecil now. Yes or no. This is a poll. (I hope this subject is not off limits.) --- ## [Men's obsession with women's breasts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-obsession-with-womens-breasts/720282)
**Author:** [@tc7231](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tc7231)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2015, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-obsession-with-womens-breasts/720282 "2015-05-22T21:48:22Z")
According to this article “the human obsession with breasts is weird and unique among mammals”: http://\[URL=“www.alternet.org/take-action/breasts-science-behind-why-everybody-loves-them”\] I also wondered, why as a man,… --- ## [Oil Pressure: How low is too low?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-pressure-how-low-is-too-low/627000)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2012, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-pressure-how-low-is-too-low/627000 "2012-07-03T01:36:08Z")
I have a 2002 4.7L Jeep Grand Cherokee. When the engine is hot in the summer, traditionally the oil pressure has been had 40 psi while moving, 25-30 psi while idling. Yesterday it got down to 20 psi while idling. Somethi… --- ## [Plausible "Happy" Ending for Avatar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plausible-happy-ending-for-avatar/618439)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2012, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plausible-happy-ending-for-avatar/618439 "2012-04-16T20:25:13Z")
Here’s a question: Is there any possible way that Avatar could have a happy\* ending? I mean, at the end of the movie, a planet of stone age level mystical blue giants barely fended off a small fleet meant only to guard a… --- ## [How do you phrase the 2nd person plural](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-phrase-the-2nd-person-plural/605672)
**Author:** [@Scathach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scathach)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2011, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-phrase-the-2nd-person-plural/605672 "2011-12-13T00:51:15Z")
Question as in title really. And supplementary question - if you use “you” for both first and second person plural, does it make it awkward to phrase some questions? --- ## ["Hateful chatter behind the veil"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hateful-chatter-behind-the-veil/362714)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2006, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hateful-chatter-behind-the-veil/362714 "2006-07-06T01:55:51Z")
“Hateful chatter behind the veil”, what a terrific headline from this article in today’s Globe. I urge you to check it, even registering if need be (it’s free and being able to read the full piece makes the small investm… --- ## [Fanfiction That Makes Baby Jesus Cry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fanfiction-that-makes-baby-jesus-cry/111985)
**Author:** [@Lesath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lesath)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2002, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fanfiction-that-makes-baby-jesus-cry/111985 "2002-08-20T16:42:40Z")
Just a short notice: This rant deals with fanfiction, which is stories written about TV shows, movies, books etc. by the fans. It only deals with one section of fanfics and one type of writer. There are others that des… --- ## [Is this the issue \[conflict of interest\] that is actually going to bring Trump down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-the-issue-conflict-of-interest-that-is-actually-going-to-bring-trump-down/772779)
**Author:** [@ganthet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ganthet)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2016, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-the-issue-conflict-of-interest-that-is-actually-going-to-bring-trump-down/772779 "2016-12-14T21:22:55Z")
Conflict of interest. It’s definitely not sexy or particularly salacious except in the most clear-cut of circumstances where some policy decision is definitely against U.S. interests but clearly benefits a Trump enterpr… --- ## [Factual Discussion about Canada’s Hate Speech Laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factual-discussion-about-canada-s-hate-speech-laws/843166)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2019, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factual-discussion-about-canada-s-hate-speech-laws/843166 "2019-11-18T14:26:28Z")
There’s a lively debate going on in GD about hate speech laws, and from time to time Canadian hate speech laws get mentioned: WaPo editorial “Why America needs a hate speech law” I thought it might be helpful to have a… --- ## [Anonymous vs. Church of Scientology: Internet 'War'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-vs-church-of-scientology-internet-war/435690)
**Author:** [@Windwalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Windwalker)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2008, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-vs-church-of-scientology-internet-war/435690 "2008-02-13T13:42:13Z")
Has anyone been following this? Apparently, assorted people that hang out in the chans (message board/IRC?) have banded together under the name “Anonymous” to take down Scientology. They’ve already done some Denial of Se… --- ## [Republicans: How satisfied are you with the current GOP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-how-satisfied-are-you-with-the-current-gop/605671)
**Author:** [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2011, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-how-satisfied-are-you-with-the-current-gop/605671 "2011-12-14T06:17:57Z")
There’s some talk about Republicans who are discontent with the current direction of the Republican Party, in particular with the current selection of presidential candidates and their policies. This poll is for you. I’… --- ## [Illegal To Be Gay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-to-be-gay/561063)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-to-be-gay/561063 "2010-11-19T20:41:54Z")
I hear people say it all the time. In such-and-such a place (Saudi Arabia, e.g.) it’s “illegal to be gay”. The only thing is, that really isn’t the case. What they really mean is that it is illegal to commit homosexual a… --- ## [So we didn't renew the lease on our deli.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-we-didnt-renew-the-lease-on-our-deli/653627)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2015, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-we-didnt-renew-the-lease-on-our-deli/653627 "2015-10-21T04:01:47Z")
March 1st was our last day at our cute little deli. We could not come to an agreement with the landlord for a new lease. We wanted a serious rent reduction because we were prohibited from serving alcohol in the attache… --- ## [I'm cocky, pigheaded, conceited and priggish...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-cocky-pigheaded-conceited-and-priggish/553720)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2010, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-cocky-pigheaded-conceited-and-priggish/553720 "2010-09-22T15:30:54Z")
I looked up the English synonyms for the Dutch word “eigenwijs”. The Google translator gave a several words, none of them favourable: cocky conceited pigheaded perky priggish perk pedantic pedantical So, that’s … --- ## [Prime day, schmime day. Yawn.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-day-schmime-day-yawn/725272)
**Author:** [@tenacious\_j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tenacious_j)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2016, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-day-schmime-day-yawn/725272 "2016-07-12T20:49:20Z")
I don’t have enough vitriol in me tonight for the pit so let me just say how tremendously disappointed I am with Prime Day on Amazon. Then I heard about how today was going to be the most super awesome day ever with mor… --- ## [How do you determine if laptop graphics are good enough for gaming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-determine-if-laptop-graphics-are-good-enough-for-gaming/605191)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2011, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-determine-if-laptop-graphics-are-good-enough-for-gaming/605191 "2011-12-13T01:05:56Z")
I am in the market for a laptop and looking to spend an amount of money that would give me one that has integrated graphics rather than a dedicated graphics card. Probably in the $400 range but if it is worth it I’d go u… --- ## [Why do obesity rates vary among various races](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-obesity-rates-vary-among-various-races/672706)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2013, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-obesity-rates-vary-among-various-races/672706 "2013-11-04T02:51:19Z")
Please don’t say lifestyle. Among adults the obesity rates (in the US) among blacks are about 50%, about 40% for latinos, about 33% for whites and about 11% for asians. So what causes this exactly? Did whites and asian… --- ## [SCTV-The show SNL wanted to be when it grew up!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sctv-the-show-snl-wanted-to-be-when-it-grew-up/325604)
**Author:** [@want2know](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2know)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2005, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sctv-the-show-snl-wanted-to-be-when-it-grew-up/325604 "2005-10-15T03:17:27Z")
In the current SNL thread, the postings seem to be struggling for good things to say about the current episode of Saturday Night Lame . So now is as good a time as any for a nostalgia thread about the true giant of sketc… --- ## [What Are Some American Cities With Names That Actually Man Something In English?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-american-cities-with-names-that-actually-man-something-in-english/830028)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2019, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-american-cities-with-names-that-actually-man-something-in-english/830028 "2019-03-02T00:44:41Z")
Many American cities are based on Native American words - Chicago, Milwaukee. Many are Spanish - El Paso, Los Angeles. Loads of them are based on people - Jacksonville, Washington, St. Louis, Ft. Smith. Even the names th… --- ## [Scotland's Haggis Surrenders - Norway wins disgusting food crown](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotlands-haggis-surrenders-norway-wins-disgusting-food-crown/331941)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2005, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotlands-haggis-surrenders-norway-wins-disgusting-food-crown/331941 "2005-11-29T23:14:16Z")
Link via Fark It must be autumn: Norway feasts on sheep’s head --- ## [Only one ocean.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-one-ocean/573657)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2011, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-one-ocean/573657 "2011-03-10T17:09:30Z")
looking at this rather sinple map seems to confirm my opinion that there is only one ocean. I don’t see, ignoring ice, where a ship couldn’t sail. I first came to this when I was a little kid and looked at a globe. The n… --- ## [Atheists: When someone sneezes, do you say...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-when-someone-sneezes-do-you-say/742514)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-when-someone-sneezes-do-you-say/742514 "2016-01-18T03:44:13Z")
I long ago decided that since I don’t believe in any god, saying “God bless you” or even just “bless you” was inconsistent and potentially gave people the wrong impression about me. So I always say “gesundheit.” What do… --- ## ["Dennis Hastert didn't kill anybody"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dennis-hastert-didnt-kill-anybody/376065)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2006, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dennis-hastert-didnt-kill-anybody/376065 "2006-10-17T02:24:08Z")
Well there is that I suppose “Shays Hits Hard In Page Scandal Invokes Chappaquiddick In Rebuking Farrell” --- ## [People who use you as a backup plan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-use-you-as-a-backup-plan/439763)
**Author:** [@dgrdfd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dgrdfd)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2008, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-use-you-as-a-backup-plan/439763 "2008-03-08T17:26:19Z")
I have no intention of going into great detail, because frankly it’s a bit boring, but I hate it when people commit to doing something with you only to change plans later because something better came up. If you don’t wa… --- ## [Is Fundamentalist Atheism real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundamentalist-atheism-real/387047)
**Author:** [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2007, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundamentalist-atheism-real/387047 "2007-01-10T17:34:58Z")
This is a term we’ve used here on the SDMB and I laughed when I saw it in an article on the Huff post. One by RJ Eskow who criticizes those who loudly propose the elimination of religion, and one by Cenk Uygur who critic… --- ## [How long does a freezer keep food good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-a-freezer-keep-food-good/472054)
**Author:** [@SeanArenas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeanArenas)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2008, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-a-freezer-keep-food-good/472054 "2008-11-16T14:10:40Z")
I had a repair guy out to service my (built-in to refrigerator) freezer on Saturday. During the visit, he told me that if I expect the freezer to keep any food good longer than 2 or 3 weeks or a month, I’ve got too high… --- ## [Movies that were overrated garbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-that-were-overrated-garbo/917319)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2020, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-that-were-overrated-garbo/917319 "2020-08-13T20:56:11Z")
This is just another thread for me to complain about ‘The Joker’. It wasn’t THAT bad… But the fact that people love it so much makes me want to gag in my throat. If it’s not political, why is it rich vs poor!? No. No. C… --- ## [how strong is a gorilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strong-is-a-gorilla/654168)
**Author:** [@e.fred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/e.fred)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2013, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strong-is-a-gorilla/654168 "2013-03-29T06:22:54Z")
i was wondering if you can train a gorilla to do bench presses and if anyone ever has seen a gorilla lift weights. I figure if a man can bench press 1000 pounds a gorilla might be able to do 5000 pounds and squat 7000 po… --- ## [It's true, people don't stop to help someone in trouble](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-true-people-dont-stop-to-help-someone-in-trouble/498718)
**Author:** [@Claire\_Beauchamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claire_Beauchamp)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2009, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-true-people-dont-stop-to-help-someone-in-trouble/498718 "2009-06-09T18:34:59Z")
I live on a street that’s just off of a very busy main thoroughfare in my city, one of a handful of “pikes” that radiate from downtown. This pike is all businesses, but the side streets are residential. Driving home fro… --- ## [Is there an optimum gas-buying strategy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-optimum-gas-buying-strategy/701217)
**Author:** [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2014, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-optimum-gas-buying-strategy/701217 "2014-10-17T15:27:48Z")
So gasoline prices are stochastic, and my fill up times sample that signal at random intervals. While I can’t go farther than a full tank of gas between fill ups, I could, for example, fill up now that it’s cheap even th… --- ## [What is the straight dope on this ice cream scoop ("Heat-conductive liquid in the handle")](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-straight-dope-on-this-ice-cream-scoop-heat-conductive-liquid-in-the-handle/586742)
**Author:** [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2011, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-straight-dope-on-this-ice-cream-scoop-heat-conductive-liquid-in-the-handle/586742 "2011-06-25T17:26:43Z")
I am arguing with my friend about this ice cream scoop. He argues that this magical liquid inside of it (see product description) makes it cut through hardened ice cream better. I argue that it’s actually the fact that i… --- ## [Neo-medieval folk rock](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neo-medieval-folk-rock/511090)
**Author:** [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2009, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neo-medieval-folk-rock/511090 "2009-09-29T21:42:59Z")
I am a huge fan of Renaissance’s early work (e.g., Carpet of the Sun, Song of Scheherazade, Mother Russia, At the Harbour, Kiev), and Blackmore’s Night (e.g., Crowning of the King, Dandelion Wine, Village on the Sand, Ca… --- ## [Calvin and Hobbes - wisdom you live by.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calvin-and-hobbes-wisdom-you-live-by/204668)
**Author:** [@Short\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Short_Guy)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2003, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calvin-and-hobbes-wisdom-you-live-by/204668 "2003-10-08T05:29:27Z")
For something that’s “just a comic”, Calvin and Hobbes contains an amazing amount of highly quotable wisdom and (semi-)philosophy. Some of these quotes have made into my daily view on life. Examples: “Things are never… --- ## [The best Celtic instrumental music?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-celtic-instrumental-music/177594)
**Author:** [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2003, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-celtic-instrumental-music/177594 "2003-05-27T23:04:36Z")
Can anyone recommend a few good CDs of Celtic instrumental music? I’m thinking of the type with fiddles, that people would have danced to. Nothing with vocals, please, and nothing New Agey. Thanks. --- ## [Did children fight in the gladiatorial games?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-children-fight-in-the-gladiatorial-games/616590)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2012, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-children-fight-in-the-gladiatorial-games/616590 "2012-03-25T03:53:25Z")
Let’s define “children” in this instance as “people too young to be allowed to fight in the military according to the practices of the time.” And my question is, did the Romans ever put children into the arena to fight … --- ## [Why Is River Silt Bad For Farmlands? \[Mississippi Floods\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-river-silt-bad-for-farmlands-mississippi-floods/580565)
**Author:** [@MysteryFellow63427](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysteryFellow63427)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2011, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-river-silt-bad-for-farmlands-mississippi-floods/580565 "2011-05-04T04:35:48Z")
Late last night, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers blew up a levee in order to save the town of Cairo, Illinois. See http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/05/03/missouri.levee.breach/index.html?hpt=T2. Why would river silt damage… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1927&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1929&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)