# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1932&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:** 1933 --- ## [M.U. The Best of Jethro Tull. M.U. ?!?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-u-the-best-of-jethro-tull-m-u/542087)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2010, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-u-the-best-of-jethro-tull-m-u/542087 "2010-06-08T09:26:08Z")
I’ve wondered about this for, oh, ten years or so. WTF does MU stand for? --- ## [Help a longtime Doper whose home was destroyed by fire on Christmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-a-longtime-doper-whose-home-was-destroyed-by-fire-on-christmas/1012246)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2025, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-a-longtime-doper-whose-home-was-destroyed-by-fire-on-christmas/1012246 "2025-03-08T13:52:10Z")
In another thread, for the Secret Santa gift exchange, I learned that one of our participants, Czarcasm and his family, lost their home in a fire on Christmas Day. In messages with him I learned that someone else in th… --- ## [Tell Me About Netflix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-netflix/611133)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2012, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-netflix/611133 "2012-01-31T01:09:12Z")
Broadcast TV is crap. Cable and satellite are overpriced and repetitive. We are now looking at Netflix. Those of you with Netflix, tell me about it - the good, the bad, and the ugly. A couple of more pointed question… --- ## [How To Explain GWB's 2004 Election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-explain-gwbs-2004-election/481751)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-explain-gwbs-2004-election/481751 "2009-01-19T20:58:47Z")
Those who have read my posts know I am no fan of the man or his policies. Those who have not, take my word for it. So, I am not here to debate: (1) GWB “stole” the 2000 election (he didn’t); (2) GWB blows (sure). … --- ## [Do transformers use electricity when not in use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-transformers-use-electricity-when-not-in-use/113186)
**Author:** [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2002, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-transformers-use-electricity-when-not-in-use/113186 "2002-06-12T14:11:12Z")
If I have my cell phone charging via a transformer plugged into the wall, is it still consuming energy when I unplug my phone? For that matter, any transformer, since it is more or less electrically isolated from the un… --- ## [Can a person's race be included in a statement without the statement being "racist"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-persons-race-be-included-in-a-statement-without-the-statement-being-racist/786659)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2017, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-persons-race-be-included-in-a-statement-without-the-statement-being-racist/786659 "2017-06-16T04:37:04Z")
The obvious answer is (at one end of the spectrum) “yes,” and it’s equally clear that at the other end of the spectrum, some statements that mention race can be clearly and intentionally racist. For purposes of this ques… --- ## [What's Your Favourite Piece of Classical Music?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-piece-of-classical-music/715193)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Why\_Bother](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Why_Bother)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-piece-of-classical-music/715193 "2015-03-18T19:38:09Z")
I’m trying to learn a bit more about classical music. Unfortunately, I’m far too lazy and impatient to go about this in any kind of systemised way, so I figured I’d just get a bunch of recommendations and go from there.… --- ## [" Three Parasites Apartments"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-parasites-apartments/476767)
**Author:** [@zenith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zenith)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2008, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-parasites-apartments/476767 "2008-12-17T06:31:08Z")
How’s this for a really dumb-assed aparment complex name? Pinhook Flats! The first time I read about them, I thought not of luxury, but of pinworms and hookworms. Then the wife pointed out that there’s also a flatworm. … --- ## [How to best americanize my name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-best-americanize-my-name/420013)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2007, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-best-americanize-my-name/420013 "2007-09-29T17:45:50Z")
My current last name means something like “Son of chaos” or “Son of anarchy”. The chaos/anarchy term refers to the region not controlled by the government (where law and order reigns.) and was the name of a rebel clan o… --- ## [Handgun Registration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handgun-registration/49332)
**Author:** [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2001, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handgun-registration/49332 "2001-01-16T19:36:33Z")
There’s a raging argument in the Pit at the moment over firearms registration. I myself have gotten way out of hand, not exactly a foreign condition for myself, I know. But I’d like to reduce the level of vicious rhetori… --- ## [Non-Rhyming poetry - legitimate or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-rhyming-poetry-legitimate-or-not/48182)
**Author:** [@Qwertyasdfg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwertyasdfg)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2002, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-rhyming-poetry-legitimate-or-not/48182 "2002-11-29T21:44:52Z")
Is poetry not written to rhyme real poetry? Similarly, is splashing paint randomnly on a canvas (ie: mordern art) art? --- ## [Execution by lethal injection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/execution-by-lethal-injection/784794)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/execution-by-lethal-injection/784794 "2017-04-24T15:09:03Z")
Arkansas planned to execute seven prisoners in two weeks due to one of the drugs used is due to expire soon. The manufacturer of one of the drugs is attempting to stop the executions. Why are various drugs used in execu… --- ## [What should I wear to my legal mediation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-wear-to-my-legal-mediation/146069)
**Author:** [@teneisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teneisha)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2003, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-wear-to-my-legal-mediation/146069 "2003-01-02T06:28:11Z")
I have been involved in a lawsuit due to an automobile accident that resulted in my being injured. My first mediation is Friday, and I would like to dress correctly. I don’t want to look too business woman like. I would… --- ## [Wanna be a baller, shot caller. Twenty inch blades on the Impala](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanna-be-a-baller-shot-caller-twenty-inch-blades-on-the-impala/930629)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2021, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanna-be-a-baller-shot-caller-twenty-inch-blades-on-the-impala/930629 "2021-01-16T03:28:25Z")
Lets go old skool! Li’l Troy’s only “hit” Wanna Be a Baller has this passage: Wanna be a baller, shot caller Twenty inch blades on the Impala A caller gettin’ laid tonight Swisher rolled tight, gotta sprayed by Ike … --- ## [Port wine. Seriously?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/port-wine-seriously/480500)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/port-wine-seriously/480500 "2009-01-10T01:11:58Z")
I received a gift of a bottle of port this year. This is the second time I’ve gotten a bottle of this sort. The first time was probably 10 years ago, and the gifter included a block of cheese (gorgonzola? I don’t recall)… --- ## [Ever had two jobs simultaneously?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-two-jobs-simultaneously/642840)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2012, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-two-jobs-simultaneously/642840 "2012-12-08T01:39:27Z")
I might need to get a night job in addition to my full-time day job. This means that for 5 days of the week, I might have to function on 3 hours of sleep a day, making up the “sleep debt” over the weekend. I expect this … --- ## [Most Disturbing Movie Lines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-disturbing-movie-lines/294140)
**Author:** [@me\_jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/me_jane)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2005, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-disturbing-movie-lines/294140 "2005-03-22T16:44:57Z")
The one that makes me feel the most uneasy is from Hannibal Lecter. “Toughed your nipples, didn’t it?” --- ## [What happened to CornQuistos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-cornquistos/53014)
**Author:** [@Alonist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alonist)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2021, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-cornquistos/53014 "2021-03-26T05:47:38Z")
Why did they stop making CornQuistos? For those who don’t remember, they were little tubes of crunchy cornmeal, filled with tomato-based sauce-- like Combos, except that Combos use a wheat crust and slightly less volatil… --- ## [What's your favorite Britcom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-britcom/52298)
**Author:** [@ageless6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ageless6)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2001, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-britcom/52298 "2001-02-14T07:14:53Z")
We hear a lot about the Simpsons and the boys from South Park, and I love them both, but for you who get BBC America, what’s your favorite British comedy series? I just watched Knowing Me, Knowing You, and I was laughin… --- ## [When did the news media stop trying to appear non-partisan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-news-media-stop-trying-to-appear-non-partisan/789542)
**Author:** [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-news-media-stop-trying-to-appear-non-partisan/789542 "2017-06-29T16:43:37Z")
I turned on CNN last night at a break in a baseball game to see how the Georgia Congressional election was going, and I didn’t need to hear a word. Each of the four talking heads looked like someone had shot their dog. … --- ## [Must you like an actor, comedian, or singer's real-life personality to appreciate their work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-you-like-an-actor-comedian-or-singers-real-life-personality-to-appreciate-their-work/816633)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2018, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-you-like-an-actor-comedian-or-singers-real-life-personality-to-appreciate-their-work/816633 "2018-07-10T12:08:27Z")
One of my sisters apparently despises LL Cool J of NCIS: Los Angeles because he is a Republican (rather than the far more substantial reason of despising him because he is on that horrible TV show). A good friend of min… --- ## [Historical long shots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-long-shots/665890)
**Author:** [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2013, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-long-shots/665890 "2013-08-16T07:42:19Z")
Christianity. A small Jewish cult replacing the ancient Roman pantheon and then becoming the world’s number one religion? Whoa. Didn’t see that coming. The English language. An obscure Germanic mongrel tongue from some … --- ## [Give me an idea what Beatlemania was like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-me-an-idea-what-beatlemania-was-like/604980)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-me-an-idea-what-beatlemania-was-like/604980 "2011-12-05T23:19:14Z")
For those Dopers around in early '64 (or whenever the Beatles broke big in your country) I got some questions. When did you and your friends first hear the Beatles? Did it take anyone time to warm to their music? Did … --- ## [Magiver, are you okay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magiver-are-you-okay/839777)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magiver-are-you-okay/839777 "2019-09-25T12:35:26Z")
Like, seriously, man, are you okay? Is everything all right in your life? Do you have some kind of problem going on that you’re working through, or…? Did you get off your meds? I’m kinda worried about you, and I’m guessi… --- ## [The Office Feb 12th '09 (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-feb-12th-09-open-spoilers/485632)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2009, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-feb-12th-09-open-spoilers/485632 "2009-02-17T14:51:05Z")
Michael goes to Nashua tonight. :slight\_smile: We get to see Holly again. --- ## [Evidence for Neanderthal (and other early human) language?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evidence-for-neanderthal-and-other-early-human-language/688065)
**Author:** [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2014, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evidence-for-neanderthal-and-other-early-human-language/688065 "2014-05-25T15:43:48Z")
It seems to me that I have come across the claim in a number of places , now, that Neanderthal Man probably had language, comparable to modern human language. The only source for this that I can now pinpoint is a talk I … --- ## [cops--do arrested people give fake names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cops-do-arrested-people-give-fake-names/250343)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2004, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cops-do-arrested-people-give-fake-names/250343 "2004-06-15T21:33:16Z")
So I’ve been watching COPS (the TV show): After stopping a suspect, the policeman asks the guy if he’s been arrested before, or if he is on parole. And often, the suspect says “yes”. DUH!—that doesn’t seem like a good … --- ## [Book Recommendation: Complex Experimental Surreal Books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/book-recommendation-complex-experimental-surreal-books/625810)
**Author:** [@czxcjx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/czxcjx)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2012, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/book-recommendation-complex-experimental-surreal-books/625810 "2012-06-27T13:24:47Z")
I really LOVE those fiction books that actively try to screw with your head with experimental styles and breaking the 4th wall. Can anyone recommend me any books like these? So far those I’m aware off are Pale Fire by… --- ## [How many times do you let the phone ring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-do-you-let-the-phone-ring/750459)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-do-you-let-the-phone-ring/750459 "2016-04-01T17:48:26Z")
When I started to use the phone, back in the Dark Ages before answering machines were common in homes (let alone cell phones) I was told “the rule” was to wait through six rings – no more or less – before giving up and … --- ## [On banning threads in general](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-banning-threads-in-general/527584)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-banning-threads-in-general/527584 "2010-02-05T20:36:08Z")
Note the words \*\*in general \*\* in the title. This is not about any specific banning. It’s about the announcement of any and all bannings. from here Why is this done? It doesn’t make sense. IIRC, it used to be the ru… --- ## [Is it worth 38 million people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-worth-38-million-people/324449)
**Author:** [@Alistair\_McCello](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alistair_McCello)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2005, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-worth-38-million-people/324449 "2005-10-14T22:16:17Z")
A friend of mine is taking a sociology class this semester and his professor recently posed what I thought was an interesting question. The scenario is this: An alien race comes to the US and offers us inexhaustible cl… --- ## [Are day traders parasites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-day-traders-parasites/633278)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2012, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-day-traders-parasites/633278 "2012-09-29T02:58:23Z")
My brother has been a full-time day trader for the past twelve years or so. Whatever HFT algorithm he’s found, it seems to work well; he’s been quite successful at it. As he lives in the Pacific time zone, his day star… --- ## [My vision got \*better\* ??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-vision-got-better/687293)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2014, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-vision-got-better/687293 "2014-05-14T04:06:53Z")
My vision had been troubling me lately, so I had a visit to the optometrist the other day. I was surprised by the results: my eyeglass prescription was out of whack because my vision had improved. Wait, what? The optome… --- ## [A depressing thought from a confirmed atheist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-depressing-thought-from-a-confirmed-atheist/720094)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2015, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-depressing-thought-from-a-confirmed-atheist/720094 "2015-05-23T00:19:28Z")
I don’t know why I find it depressing, I just do. Here’s what occurred to me - a Christian will never know that he was wrong, an atheist will never know that he was right. --- ## [How to get rid of a (human) pest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-a-human-pest/529925)
**Author:** [@koufax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koufax)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2010, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-a-human-pest/529925 "2010-02-22T22:07:34Z")
There is a guy hanging around my 92 year old widowed aunt. He is getting money from her legally (unfortunately) . We have gone the legal route with this crook, but it hasn’t worked. We don’t want to use violence and nev… --- ## [How about that Illuminati?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-that-illuminati/196549)
**Author:** [@Thylacinewas\_taken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thylacinewas_taken)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-that-illuminati/196549 "2015-11-06T12:27:19Z")
What does everyone have to say about the Illuminati? According to Cecil they existed and have since fizzled out. According to the friend I’m talking to now they are behind everything. Can someone give me some convinci… --- ## [Returning your rental car with a "full" tank](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/returning-your-rental-car-with-a-full-tank/678582)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2014, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/returning-your-rental-car-with-a-full-tank/678582 "2014-01-15T19:54:55Z")
Here’s something to be wary of… at least with Dollar Rentacar. I returned the car I rented and was charged about $30 for fuel. In looking at the fineprint I now see the requirement to provide a receipt from a gas stati… --- ## [Monopoly is going cashless?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monopoly-is-going-cashless/422636)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2007, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monopoly-is-going-cashless/422636 "2007-10-17T19:48:08Z")
Someone offhandedly mentioned it today. I thought it was a joke. No, they said, they’d really heard that. Huh. What does Snopes say? Nothing. Okay, google it. I’ll be dipped. I’m of two minds on this. One says “It’s no… --- ## [Who killed more Americans in WWII: the Japanese or the Germans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-killed-more-americans-in-wwii-the-japanese-or-the-germans/729210)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-killed-more-americans-in-wwii-the-japanese-or-the-germans/729210 "2015-09-02T15:16:23Z")
Who killed more Americans in WWII: the Japanese or the Germans? --- ## [Anyone else a misanthrope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-a-misanthrope/462070)
**Author:** [@mutantmoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mutantmoose)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2009, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-a-misanthrope/462070 "2009-03-11T04:11:57Z")
Most of the time, I’m pretty cheerful. I swan about the world with nary a care. My heart leaps at the smallest things, like a flock of geese flying overhead in a V honking away like it matters. Other times, and this usu… --- ## [What's the racket, financially, behind these anti-tobacco / 'truth' ads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-racket-financially-behind-these-anti-tobacco-truth-ads/781515)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2017, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-racket-financially-behind-these-anti-tobacco-truth-ads/781515 "2017-03-07T17:27:00Z")
Example. Sure, tobacco isn’t good for anybody. But this anti-tobacco group that calls itself ‘truth’ has ostensibly spent quite a bit of money creating and running all these ads, which obviously aren’t free. I assume th… --- ## [Medical question: What does one have when one poops oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-question-what-does-one-have-when-one-poops-oil/502081)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-question-what-does-one-have-when-one-poops-oil/502081 "2009-07-08T20:52:58Z")
Or when one’s poop is very very oily? --- ## [Scientific name for boogers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-name-for-boogers/676954)
**Author:** [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2016, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-name-for-boogers/676954 "2016-02-10T01:59:02Z")
A “booger” is a dried piece of nasal mucus (snot), as opposed to the more slimy liquidy snot. But is there an actual scientific/medical term for boogers? --- ## [Long-term effects of Gulf oil spill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-effects-of-gulf-oil-spill/541488)
**Author:** [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2010, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-effects-of-gulf-oil-spill/541488 "2010-06-06T18:55:12Z")
I searched and couldn’t find a thread specifically addressing this; I apologize if there’s an ongoing one that I missed. Anyway, I know this is going to be speculative, but what’s the going thought on what the long-term… --- ## [How do restraining orders actually work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-restraining-orders-actually-work/446862)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-restraining-orders-actually-work/446862 "2008-04-28T00:33:05Z")
If you have to stay X yards away from someone, does that mean you could be arrested if you happen to run into them at the grocery store? Or would you just be obligated to leave the area as soon as you saw them? If they… --- ## [Leverage; worth watching?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leverage-worth-watching/543419)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leverage-worth-watching/543419 "2010-06-19T21:20:16Z")
When Leverage began, I thought it looked interesting but kept forgetting to record it; now the ads for the new season are airing and my interest is piqued again; any fans of the show out there? --- ## [Banning head scarves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banning-head-scarves/783525)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2017, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banning-head-scarves/783525 "2017-11-28T04:04:59Z")
I gather that France has banned head scarves for some people (school kids in particular). Quebec has proposed do it for all people in public service (this includes all teachers and professors) along with all other relig… --- ## [(Old) Spot-ify: The MMP That's The Cat's Meow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-spot-ify-the-mmp-thats-the-cats-meow/1013809)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 466\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2025, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-spot-ify-the-mmp-thats-the-cats-meow/1013809 "2025-02-10T07:13:57Z")
I’ve had pets(dogs and cats) all my life, but before Spot I never had to say things like: “Why are you eating me?” “Did you just lick my toothbrush?” “GIVE ME BACK MY UNDERWEAR, YOU SICKO!” He’s also very willing to … --- ## [If NASA announced that a massive solar flare was headed our way](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-nasa-announced-that-a-massive-solar-flare-was-headed-our-way/711489)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2015, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-nasa-announced-that-a-massive-solar-flare-was-headed-our-way/711489 "2015-02-03T21:44:02Z")
Could I use my oven as a Faraday Cage for my phone and laptop? --- ## [Arrested and charged with inciting hatred for pictures of poppy burning posted to facebook.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrested-and-charged-with-inciting-hatred-for-pictures-of-poppy-burning-posted-to-facebook/602571)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2012, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrested-and-charged-with-inciting-hatred-for-pictures-of-poppy-burning-posted-to-facebook/602571 "2012-11-13T14:09:33Z")
Three teenagers in Northern Ireland have been up in court for burning poppies. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1103/breaking37.html They were arrested and charged with incitement to hatred by the PSNI … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1931&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1933&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)