# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1951&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:** 1952 --- ## [WGA List of 101 Best Written TV Shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wga-list-of-101-best-written-tv-shows/660060)
**Author:** [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2013, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wga-list-of-101-best-written-tv-shows/660060 "2013-06-07T16:57:46Z")
List here. Can’t really complain about any of the top ten or twenty on here, all greatly written shows. I was surprised to see The Twilight Zone listed so highly though. --- ## [Has Putin's Russia awakened a sleeping giant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-putins-russia-awakened-a-sleeping-giant/788461)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2017, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-putins-russia-awakened-a-sleeping-giant/788461 "2017-06-16T02:00:31Z")
Not just the US, but pretty much all NATO countries I would assume see Putin as more of a threat than they did even a few years ago. The election hackings and attempts to push authoritarian & protofascist politicians in … --- ## [Spanish language etymology, please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spanish-language-etymology-please/511195)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2009, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spanish-language-etymology-please/511195 "2009-09-24T02:57:27Z")
As most American Dopers (who have been to a Mexican restaurant lately) know, a chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. Now the name certainly looks Spanish, but if it is, one would expect it to translate to a name in Englis… --- ## [Any other U.S. Constitution Amendments to be repealed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-u-s-constitution-amendments-to-be-repealed/758842)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2016, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-u-s-constitution-amendments-to-be-repealed/758842 "2016-07-11T13:29:13Z")
We already have threads discussing the repeal of the 2nd Amendment and the 22nd. How about the 11th? The 16th? Any others? Or any, if not actually repealed, should be . . . amended? --- ## [If the cockpit fell off a airliner while in mid-flight, could it be landed safely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-cockpit-fell-off-a-airliner-while-in-mid-flight-could-it-be-landed-safely/786779)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-cockpit-fell-off-a-airliner-while-in-mid-flight-could-it-be-landed-safely/786779 "2017-05-19T22:37:38Z")
So, let’s make a hypothetical scenario where a Boeing 787-9 is flying in the over the ocean at 12.5 kilometers. Suddenly, there is a terrible noise and the cockpit section tears away from the fuselage and falls away. Luc… --- ## [Earliest memories: how old?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earliest-memories-how-old/590720)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earliest-memories-how-old/590720 "2011-08-01T21:01:39Z")
I’m curious as to how young people can remember. When their first memories come from. Some people can allegedly remember being in the womb, but I’m dubious about that. Not that I can see why they’d want to. I think I wa… --- ## [Customer Service Horror Stories?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/customer-service-horror-stories/137671)
**Author:** [@rostfrei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rostfrei)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2002, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/customer-service-horror-stories/137671 "2002-11-27T18:44:40Z")
I had just come back from two weeks in Germany and took my 20 rolls of film to the local Wal-mart to be developed. A few days later, I went to the photo desk at the store to pick up my photos. What happened then horrif… --- ## [Gitmo suicides were really acts of warfare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gitmo-suicides-were-really-acts-of-warfare/360301)
**Author:** [@groo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/groo)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2006, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gitmo-suicides-were-really-acts-of-warfare/360301 "2006-06-13T18:51:51Z")
Three Gitmo prisoners commit suicide. Commander of the Gitmo gulag says it was “act of asymmetrical warfare waged against us.” Link Huh? Is he listening to the words coming out of his mouth? They committed suicide t… --- ## [The Power of my small Penis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-power-of-my-small-penis/60845)
**Author:** [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2001, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-power-of-my-small-penis/60845 "2001-04-09T04:02:49Z")
In this thread, the cosmically stupid OP later defends his statements by asserting that all gun owners have tiny penises, and own handguns to compensate. Needless to say I’ve lost what grudging respect I had for this un… --- ## [As a white guy, can I refer to myself as a cracker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-a-white-guy-can-i-refer-to-myself-as-a-cracker/722463)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2015, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-a-white-guy-can-i-refer-to-myself-as-a-cracker/722463 "2015-06-18T15:32:16Z")
It’s not racist if you use a racial or ethnic slur in respect to yourself, right? --- ## [How would the USMC do it today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-usmc-do-it-today/680375)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2014, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-usmc-do-it-today/680375 "2014-02-03T22:07:56Z")
The world owes the United States Marine Corps a debt of gratitude for its role in the destruction of Imperial Japan. Despite having all the technological and material advantages of the United States and its immensely pow… --- ## [Why was the NY bomb such a POS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-ny-bomb-such-a-pos/539355)
**Author:** [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-ny-bomb-such-a-pos/539355 "2010-05-21T05:02:04Z")
This guy claims he received terrorist training, is he just all talk. The “bomb” seems like it wouldn’t have caused much damage if any at all. I know this is a hard question to answer because we still do not know all the … --- ## [UK users of the NHS - show of hands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-users-of-the-nhs-show-of-hands/506385)
**Author:** [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2009, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-users-of-the-nhs-show-of-hands/506385 "2009-08-17T10:20:49Z")
As a counterpart to a general doper poll about healthcare, and the arguments currently in the US press about the NHS, I wanted to garner the opinions of UK residents/former UK residents who have lived with this service, … --- ## [Marijuana Side Effect Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marijuana-side-effect-question/550485)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2010, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marijuana-side-effect-question/550485 "2010-08-18T14:25:21Z")
Does marijuana usage increase the probability of anger-related over-reaction? --- ## [Pop songs of the 80s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-songs-of-the-80s/475319)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2008, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-songs-of-the-80s/475319 "2008-12-06T00:10:26Z")
What were the greatest pop songs of the 80s? You can define “great” and “pop” however you want. --- ## [Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Opening](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoover-dam-bypass-bridge-opening/556759)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2010, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoover-dam-bypass-bridge-opening/556759 "2010-10-14T00:22:58Z")
For those of you not aware of this, the brand new $240 million bypass bridge next to the Hoover Dam is opening to pedestrians this week! Word has it they will be opening it to traffic shortly afterward to less fanfare. … --- ## [How many people were born on my birthday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-were-born-on-my-birthday/190617)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2003, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-were-born-on-my-birthday/190617 "2003-07-25T13:41:46Z")
And how would you figure this out? What equations would you use? What data would collect? I don’t mean the average amount of people born each day (although that would be interesting) I mean the number of people born on a… --- ## [SDMB Crushes! Get em while their hot!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-crushes-get-em-while-their-hot/105779)
**Author:** [@pezpunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezpunk)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2002, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-crushes-get-em-while-their-hot/105779 "2002-05-20T18:44:26Z")
The following is a list of my current SDMB crushes. They have been alphabetized for your convenience. If you did not make the cut this go around don’t be discouraged. New lists come out quarterly. \*\* !ceQueen Abby… --- ## [Recess police successful in removing the play from playground-more PC head in assery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recess-police-successful-in-removing-the-play-from-playground-more-pc-head-in-assery/261031)
**Author:** [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2004, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recess-police-successful-in-removing-the-play-from-playground-more-pc-head-in-assery/261031 "2004-08-25T18:58:36Z")
The children of this generation are at risk, IMHO. Now we have to make all playground games free of bodily contact? What a fragrant steaming pile. Reflecting on recess from my own youth, they’d have put the whole lot … --- ## [Texas "anti-anime" law kicks in, already having fallout](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-anti-anime-law-kicks-in-already-having-fallout/1023023)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2025, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-anti-anime-law-kicks-in-already-having-fallout/1023023 "2025-10-06T18:50:16Z")
The language and intent of the law is vague enough to potentially include vast amounts of widely available anime and manga, (This topic came up in the nutty “demons and porn” thread weeks ago but has been declared off-to… --- ## [Weirdest/Funniest Graffiti you've come across](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdest-funniest-graffiti-youve-come-across/415924)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Socks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Socks)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2007, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdest-funniest-graffiti-youve-come-across/415924 "2007-08-21T00:31:41Z")
I actually saw a few examples on my train ride from my Maryland home into DC this morning, they are what inspired this thread. The first one you may get if you’re from DC and maybe Baltimore. All these were seen on my MA… --- ## [TV pranks gone bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-pranks-gone-bad/361811)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2006, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-pranks-gone-bad/361811 "2006-06-24T14:41:20Z")
In all the hidden camera shows like scare tactics, candid camera, bloopers & practical jokes, etc. have there been pranks that went totally wrong and where the mark ends up assaulting the actors or anything like that? --- ## [Advice to the middle-aged, from teens and young adults!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-to-the-middle-aged-from-teens-and-young-adults/671932)
**Author:** [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2013, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-to-the-middle-aged-from-teens-and-young-adults/671932 "2013-10-26T02:38:09Z")
Remember back when you knew everything, and adults were always doing stupid stuff that made no sense? If you’re under thirty, this is your chance to tell them what’s up and how they should be living their lives. If you… --- ## [Michele Bachmann and the corndog](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michele-bachmann-and-the-corndog/593238)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2011, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michele-bachmann-and-the-corndog/593238 "2011-08-20T23:02:10Z")
Feel free to add your own captions to these pictures. :stuck\_out\_tongue: I love corndogs too. They are difficult to eat and look dignified. :wink: http://www.ukprogressive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bachmann-c… --- ## [What foods/ingredients do you just blow through at your homestead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-foods-ingredients-do-you-just-blow-through-at-your-homestead/586754)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2011, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-foods-ingredients-do-you-just-blow-through-at-your-homestead/586754 "2011-06-30T19:17:24Z")
These are often fun - it’s a hot Friday afternoon, so let’s do a new one again! Prompted because I was at a friend’s house the other day and idly commented on the onion sprouting merrily in his produce basket. His fianc… --- ## [Red Dawn - Is this map correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-dawn-is-this-map-correct/449917)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2008, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-dawn-is-this-map-correct/449917 "2008-05-22T01:57:06Z")
I tried to search for the script online, but could not find it. I seem to remember Colonel Tanner saying that the Soviet forces came up through Mexico to invade the Great Plains. They got stopped at the Rockies and the M… --- ## [So Going to Waltham, MA...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-going-to-waltham-ma/691670)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2014, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-going-to-waltham-ma/691670 "2014-08-28T17:39:45Z")
In late August I’ll be going to Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts from Orange County, California where I’ve lived up to this point of my life. Besides the obvious precaution of getting bulkier clothing for th… --- ## [Have you gotten up close and personal with a star?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-gotten-up-close-and-personal-with-a-star/366181)
**Author:** [@ltfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ltfire)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2006, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-gotten-up-close-and-personal-with-a-star/366181 "2006-07-29T17:00:34Z")
Something triggered a memory for me today, and it concerns famous people that I have met, up close and personal. I am, by no means, famous myself, but, on seven occasions in my life, I have shaken hands and engaged with… --- ## [A one-act play chronicling my dog walk last night](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-one-act-play-chronicling-my-dog-walk-last-night/663130)
**Author:** [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2013, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-one-act-play-chronicling-my-dog-walk-last-night/663130 "2013-07-14T03:20:47Z")
\[JUSTIN BAILEY, MRS. BAILEY, and their DOG are approaching THE VACANT HOUSE\] JUSTIN BAILEY: I know it’s after midnight, but I think our dog likes taking walks in the middle of the night. MRS. BAILEY: Yes, it’s so hot d… --- ## [Histories of empires and why the US must fall.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/histories-of-empires-and-why-the-us-must-fall/192023)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/histories-of-empires-and-why-the-us-must-fall/192023 "2003-08-06T21:17:23Z")
Because they all do eventually. I was reading a review of and a few excerpts from Simon Schama’s A History of Britain: The Fate of Empire, 1776-2000 (here’s an on-line review) where the author makes the case that one of… --- ## [Movie titles that are spoilers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-titles-that-are-spoilers/645450)
**Author:** [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-titles-that-are-spoilers/645450 "2013-01-17T13:54:31Z")
Last night I watched “Journey for Margaret” (1942). At one point in the story, it was uncertain if Margaret would go on the journey or not. Except, no, the title clearly told me she would. Admittedly, the “journey” of th… --- ## [You know what? Fuck unions after all.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-what-fuck-unions-after-all/381474)
**Author:** [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2006, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-what-fuck-unions-after-all/381474 "2006-11-24T04:42:05Z")
Or specifically, fuck whatever union it is that the mechanics at my local car dealership are in. As I’ve posted in a couple of other threads, I’m having problems with my car. The sort of problems where, when the thing fi… --- ## [Your otherwise-wonderful new lover refuses to touch, hug, or kiss. Are you bothered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-otherwise-wonderful-new-lover-refuses-to-touch-hug-or-kiss-are-you-bothered/553980)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-otherwise-wonderful-new-lover-refuses-to-touch-hug-or-kiss-are-you-bothered/553980 "2010-09-17T14:09:16Z")
After an extended-but-not-pathetic period of singlehood you embark upon a new love affair. The person in question is smart, hot, funny, financially-stable, and everything else you’re looking for in a partner. But, except… --- ## [Bigger ass: Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bigger-ass-tony-stark-or-bruce-wayne/452460)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2008, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bigger-ass-tony-stark-or-bruce-wayne/452460 "2008-06-18T10:34:25Z")
One is a brilliant billionaire who, because of a long ago trauma, has decided to put on a funny suit and fight crime. Born on third base, he thinks he’s hit a home run, and thus believes all his fellow heroes should foll… --- ## [Creationist view on Language Development? What language did Adam and Eve speak?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creationist-view-on-language-development-what-language-did-adam-and-eve-speak/317764)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2005, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creationist-view-on-language-development-what-language-did-adam-and-eve-speak/317764 "2005-08-25T08:01:41Z")
I was wondering what the Christian Creationist view of Language Development is? Did Adam just arrive on this physical plane with the ability to speak? Did he really need that ability before Eve arrived from his Ribs…? W… --- ## [The Truth About Answering Controversial Questions...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-truth-about-answering-controversial-questions/606163)
**Author:** [@SDMBKL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SDMBKL)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2011, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-truth-about-answering-controversial-questions/606163 "2011-12-17T15:56:16Z")
You may have heard the question, “Do you support gay marriage?” or “Do you support same-sex marriage?”, and you may have given the time to answer it. If you are a person completely uninformed about this issue, and comple… --- ## [Debate - Kerry and Mary Cheney](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-kerry-and-mary-cheney/269277)
**Author:** [@Kel\_Varnsen\_Latex\_Division](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kel_Varnsen_Latex_Division)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2004, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-kerry-and-mary-cheney/269277 "2004-10-18T19:23:49Z")
Why exactly are the Cheney’s angry about Kerry mentioning their lesbian daughter? Is there any reason other than they are ashamed of her? Mary Cheney has been quite open with the public about her sexuality. It is not lik… --- ## [Can you brake hard enough to go through the windshield?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-brake-hard-enough-to-go-through-the-windshield/520151)
**Author:** [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2009, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-brake-hard-enough-to-go-through-the-windshield/520151 "2009-12-07T01:24:23Z")
I was just flipping channels and caught the opening of Tango and Cash where two guys in a transfer truck slam on the brakes and fly through the windshield and it dawned on me that I’ve seen this in movies before and neve… --- ## [Gee, what a surprise. Kerry affair rumors were bogus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-what-a-surprise-kerry-affair-rumors-were-bogus/229541)
**Author:** [@elf6c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elf6c)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2004, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-what-a-surprise-kerry-affair-rumors-were-bogus/229541 "2004-02-17T20:39:37Z")
To the surprise of no one Drudge et al was full of crap with their partisan attack on Kerry. I am sure they will apologize. I will just start holding my breath now. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20… --- ## [Can either sexual preference be an "acquired taste"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-either-sexual-preference-be-an-acquired-taste/194775)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2020, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-either-sexual-preference-be-an-acquired-taste/194775 "2020-08-30T21:35:13Z")
Recently on PBS, there was a 3-hour documentary about the Spartans of ancient Greece. According to this documentary, young Spartan boys at the age of 7 were taken away from their families to train to become warriors. (… --- ## [Dying From Lack of Sleep.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dying-from-lack-of-sleep/704997)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2014, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dying-from-lack-of-sleep/704997 "2014-11-21T02:51:08Z")
(A humorous poem we used to say when I was a little child.) It has become a kind of an old cliché. But is it true? Can a person literally die from lack of sleep? And if they did, what would they ultimately die from? … --- ## [I need some help with some Linux / Unix commands, please.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-some-linux-unix-commands-please/549219)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2010, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-some-linux-unix-commands-please/549219 "2010-08-15T22:57:17Z")
I submitted this accidentally… please see next post for content. --- ## [Repeated calls from numbers not in service. What the hell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repeated-calls-from-numbers-not-in-service-what-the-hell/833057)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2019, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repeated-calls-from-numbers-not-in-service-what-the-hell/833057 "2019-04-29T01:45:49Z")
Over the past 6 months or so, I have been having a bizarre, inexplicable recurring issue with my phone. I keep getting calls from numbers that are not in service. Most of the time, since i usually keep my phone on sile… --- ## [Enterprise: The Breach (spoilers after US airing)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-the-breach-spoilers-after-us-airing/170434)
**Author:** [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2003, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-the-breach-spoilers-after-us-airing/170434 "2003-08-10T21:16:51Z")
I would like to request that any spoilers before 9:00 PM EDT on Wednesday be put in a box, if that’s alright. After that, standing spoiler warning! :slight\_smile: Here’s the summary of this episode from StarTrek.com: A… --- ## [Greatest comedic "pause"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-comedic-pause/275317)
**Author:** [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2004, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-comedic-pause/275317 "2004-12-15T04:20:12Z")
Timing is everything in comedy as they say, and it got me thinking… What is the most perfectly executed pause, before delivering the whammy? I’m thinking John Cleese in Holy Grail is number 1: “She turned me into a ne… --- ## [Where Are Trigonometric Tangent Waves found in Nature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-trigonometric-tangent-waves-found-in-nature/290518)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2005, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-trigonometric-tangent-waves-found-in-nature/290518 "2005-02-18T08:07:10Z")
It’s been quite a while since I took trigonometry in high school. But I do still find the subject fascinating. And one question still perplexes me: The Sine wave is found all throughout nature. The average temperature f… --- ## [Pot-free, support marijuana legalization - anyone else in this boat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pot-free-support-marijuana-legalization-anyone-else-in-this-boat/522420)
**Author:** [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bith_Shuffle)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2009, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pot-free-support-marijuana-legalization-anyone-else-in-this-boat/522420 "2009-12-30T15:55:02Z")
I’ve never smoked pot. Ever. And I don’t really plan on it, though I might try it one of these just to see what it’s like. But I have never, up to this point, smoked marijuana. And I completely support marijuana legaliz… --- ## [When did the U.S. and England first become allies instead of enemies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-u-s-and-england-first-become-allies-instead-of-enemies/165621)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2003, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-u-s-and-england-first-become-allies-instead-of-enemies/165621 "2003-04-01T23:59:16Z")
In 1812, the U.S. and England were bitter enemies. In 1917, they were allies against Germany. So did the turning point occur before World War 1, and if so, what caused the turnaround and when? --- ## [Physics: Which object has the highest Terminal Velocity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-which-object-has-the-highest-terminal-velocity/283876)
**Author:** [@Webafrica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Webafrica)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2005, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-which-object-has-the-highest-terminal-velocity/283876 "2005-01-23T17:58:40Z")
Which object has the fastest terminal velocity in the earth’s atmosphere and how fast is that? If its purely shape dependent then a water drop would have been my guess… but I suspect much more comes into play. Eg the … --- ## [The new Michael J. Fox show, "The Michael J. Fox Show"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-michael-j-fox-show-the-michael-j-fox-show/669793)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2014, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-michael-j-fox-show-the-michael-j-fox-show/669793 "2014-02-08T15:00:37Z")
In the mood to veg in front of the TV last night, so I saw both episodes of this – liked it a lot. Because A), who doesn’t like Michael J. Fox, and B), although it’s about his Parkinson’s, it’s not really about his Parki… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1950&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1952&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)