# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1958&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:** 1959 --- ## [What do you call these things?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-these-things/538395)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2010, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-these-things/538395 "2010-05-07T05:09:35Z")
Samaras, seeds from a sycamore maple tree. Colloquially, they’re known as spinning jennies back home, but from what I gather, this is very localized. What do you call them? --- ## [What to do with old cookware?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-old-cookware/486797)
**Author:** [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2009, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-old-cookware/486797 "2009-02-23T14:50:18Z")
For Christmas my boyfriend got me a really gorgeous set of Calphalon cookware. He knows that I love to cook but that I am super frugal and will not buy new cookware if there is even a smidgen of life left in the stuff I… --- ## [In what period was it de rigueur for men to have long hair ('60s-'70s-'80s)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-period-was-it-de-rigueur-for-men-to-have-long-hair-60s-70s-80s/522722)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2010, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-period-was-it-de-rigueur-for-men-to-have-long-hair-60s-70s-80s/522722 "2010-01-01T20:08:09Z")
Maybe this doesn’t have a precise answer but I’ve always found it fascinating that if you look at a photo of a group of men from pretty much any year in the 1970s they’ll all have long hair, at least below their ears. It… --- ## [What were the funniest books you've ever read?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-funniest-books-youve-ever-read/67585)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2001, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-funniest-books-youve-ever-read/67585 "2001-06-14T19:01:29Z")
What were the funniest books you’ve ever read? The Boat That Would Not Float By Farley Mowat The Dog That Would Not Be By Farley Mowat The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove By Christopher Moore Any book by Thorne Smith … --- ## [At what age is a child no longer a toddler?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-is-a-child-no-longer-a-toddler/694958)
**Author:** [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2020, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-is-a-child-no-longer-a-toddler/694958 "2020-03-29T23:54:03Z")
To me, “toddle” describes what babies do as they get the hang of walking. Most kids walk pretty well by two years old so a three-year-old would not be considered a toddler. What do other posters think? --- ## [Why does Mars get all the pop culture glory? What about Venus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-mars-get-all-the-pop-culture-glory-what-about-venus/486640)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2009, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-mars-get-all-the-pop-culture-glory-what-about-venus/486640 "2009-02-27T19:43:56Z")
Mars attacks, Venus ignores. Invaders from Mars, not even a fruit basket from Venus. Mars needs women, Venus doesn’t need anyone. There are Martian chronicles, but not even Venusian post-its. Most famous Martian? You… --- ## [Do guys trim their leg hairs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-guys-trim-their-leg-hairs/122173)
**Author:** [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2002, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-guys-trim-their-leg-hairs/122173 "2002-08-06T10:15:51Z")
Having dinner with a friend last night, he started complaining that his legs were itching. He explained that he had recently trimmed his leg hairs and that is why they were itching. I’m like, “Trim your leg hairs? WTF… --- ## [Was Colin Kaepernick actually trying to protest police brutality or just trigger conservatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-colin-kaepernick-actually-trying-to-protest-police-brutality-or-just-trigger-conservatives/837148)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-colin-kaepernick-actually-trying-to-protest-police-brutality-or-just-trigger-conservatives/837148 "2019-07-23T07:38:43Z")
Kaepernick is an intelligent guy, he graduated college with a 4.0 GPA and scored very above average on a wonderlic cognitive test they give NFL players. He says his protests are about protesting police brutality. But i… --- ## [OK, bacon lovers, I have found the ultimate Super Bowl snack](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-bacon-lovers-i-have-found-the-ultimate-super-bowl-snack/483562)
**Author:** [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2009, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-bacon-lovers-i-have-found-the-ultimate-super-bowl-snack/483562 "2009-01-31T17:15:26Z")
Bacon Explosion! Basically, it’s bacon wrapped around Italian sausage, seasoned liberally with BBQ rub and sauce, and smoked. When it’s cooked through, you slice and eat. I think my husband and I are going to be givi… --- ## [So did the Knights Templar really give each other rimjobs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-did-the-knights-templar-really-give-each-other-rimjobs/318452)
**Author:** [@Excalibre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Excalibre)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2006, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-did-the-knights-templar-really-give-each-other-rimjobs/318452 "2006-07-17T14:21:40Z")
See, the story goes that it was part of their initiation ritual - the osculum obscenum is the Latin euphemism I’ve heard for it. It was supposed to prepare them for possibly suffering the worst tortures and humiliations … --- ## [Paul's Authority](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pauls-authority/573338)
**Author:** [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2011, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pauls-authority/573338 "2011-03-10T22:55:38Z")
I was thinking about this and I wondered if there was an answer: In Paul’s letters he admits to persecuting the early church. I believe he says something to the effect of killing/beating the early members he ran across… --- ## [Platonic love amongst men - a poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/platonic-love-amongst-men-a-poll/356842)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2006, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/platonic-love-amongst-men-a-poll/356842 "2006-05-18T02:36:25Z")
1. Does it exist? 2. Are men aware of it? 3. How does it manifest? 4. Do you always keep it hidden? 5. If you keep it hidden, have you ever regretted not showing it? 6. If you don’t keep it hidden have you ever regr… --- ## [Okay, we know Jessica Fletcher was a serial killer.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-we-know-jessica-fletcher-was-a-serial-killer/720857)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2015, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-we-know-jessica-fletcher-was-a-serial-killer/720857 "2015-06-04T13:15:03Z")
In a world where actors can cross franchises by simply passing an audition, and a dead French/Portuguese NY cop can become the first Hispanic POTUS, I finally figured out why a model midwestern dad abandoned his family t… --- ## [Ever feel like you aren't doing enough in life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-feel-like-you-arent-doing-enough-in-life/638299)
**Author:** [@Captain\_C](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_C)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2013, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-feel-like-you-arent-doing-enough-in-life/638299 "2013-06-07T14:41:31Z")
Ever feel like you aren’t doing enough in life? I’m 28 years old, have a good job, great permanent girlfriend, masters degree, a nice rental home, and a loving dog. But I sit online, night after night, thinking there s… --- ## [Zabali\_Clawbane - you make my brain bleed.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zabali_clawbane-you-make-my-brain-bleed/246047)
**Author:** [@jlzania](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jlzania)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2004, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zabali_clawbane-you-make-my-brain-bleed/246047 "2004-05-24T15:21:54Z")
I think I’m a fairly mild mannered poster-more of a lurker really when you consider my post count- a reasonable woman, who strives to at least consider the opposing point of view. And normally, I’m slow to anger and eve… --- ## [Recommend a good deer hunting gun for a beginner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-deer-hunting-gun-for-a-beginner/590584)
**Author:** [@misterW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/misterW)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2011, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-deer-hunting-gun-for-a-beginner/590584 "2011-08-04T00:34:10Z")
I’m interested in taking up deer hunting. Little experience with guns other than the .22 rifle I used for target practice growing up. Recommendations? --- ## [I cannot imagine a more inappropriate gift](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cannot-imagine-a-more-inappropriate-gift/149015)
**Author:** [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2003, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cannot-imagine-a-more-inappropriate-gift/149015 "2003-02-05T03:46:18Z")
My elderly grandparents visited today. They’re back from Malta, where they go every year around this time. They usually bring back a trinket or two for my mother and me - a badly painted porcelain cat, a straw donkey, th… --- ## [Fully domesticated men-what do you think of 'em?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fully-domesticated-men-what-do-you-think-of-em/637897)
**Author:** [@ecoaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ecoaster)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2012, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fully-domesticated-men-what-do-you-think-of-em/637897 "2012-10-19T01:49:00Z")
Them that cook, clean and generally pull their weight on the homestead… --- ## [American parents -- again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-parents-again/928772)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2021, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-parents-again/928772 "2021-01-03T11:40:47Z")
Short story: 18-year-old girl, pre-med student, went to the Cayman Islands to be with her 24-year-old CI native boyfriend during a jet ski competition. She agrees to self-isolate 14 days when she gets there, per legal re… --- ## [What music are you listening to now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-music-are-you-listening-to-now/821070)
**Author:** [@Mumberthax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mumberthax)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2020, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-music-are-you-listening-to-now/821070 "2020-06-06T18:38:21Z")
If possible, please include a YouTube link, so we can all enjoy it. Corey Hart - Sunglasses At Night --- ## [America sucks!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-sucks/199655)
**Author:** [@Meteorshower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meteorshower)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2003, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-sucks/199655 "2003-09-10T08:01:05Z")
Do you people have any idea how hard it is for a girl (or a boy) to come up with a good first post? A good first post is witty. It’s memorable. People talk about it for years. Suddenly, everyone is quoting you in thread… --- ## [Do lobbyists serve a purpose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lobbyists-serve-a-purpose/546034)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2010, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lobbyists-serve-a-purpose/546034 "2010-07-09T19:53:22Z")
I was wondering if lobbyist serve any useful function or if they are just in the ass of politics. How did they come to be and when? Do they contribute anything beneficial to the people?3. 3. What would happen if they… --- ## [What makes a dish "a curry"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-dish-a-curry/832143)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2019, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-dish-a-curry/832143 "2019-04-13T06:24:53Z")
I watch a lot of British TV shows, and often the characters will say, “Let’s go out for A curry,” or “It’s a good night for A curry,” or “I could murder A curry,” (if it’s a crime show). What makes A dish A curry? As I … --- ## [Were you there when your parent died? (Please read OP before voting)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-there-when-your-parent-died-please-read-op-before-voting/741300)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2016, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-there-when-your-parent-died-please-read-op-before-voting/741300 "2016-01-04T22:09:10Z")
So here’s the four options: "Yes, I was there and that was a good thing" For if you’re glad you were for whatever reason (having a chance to say goodbye, being able to hold them as they pass, seeing them one last time,… --- ## [If my grandparent was an Italian citizen in US, can I claim Italian citizenship with little fuss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-my-grandparent-was-an-italian-citizen-in-us-can-i-claim-italian-citizenship-with-little-fuss/640293)
**Author:** [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2012, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-my-grandparent-was-an-italian-citizen-in-us-can-i-claim-italian-citizenship-with-little-fuss/640293 "2012-11-11T14:58:07Z")
Okay, so I was talking to a smart and lovely woman last night at an election results party. Naturally, the conversation turned to the old if-my-candidate-loses-I’m-leaving-the-country-damn-it discussion. Taking notice my… --- ## [Tall, Conical Italian Trees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tall-conical-italian-trees/520780)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2009, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tall-conical-italian-trees/520780 "2009-12-11T20:30:55Z")
What are the tall, conical trees in this photograph of the Italian countryside? Such trees, and similar brethren, appear to be a staple of Italian landscape photography and art, but damn if I know what they are. Thanks. … --- ## [Right Wing message boards and my 8 year journey into and hopefully out of it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-wing-message-boards-and-my-8-year-journey-into-and-hopefully-out-of-it/985791)
**Author:** [@survinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/survinga)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2023, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-wing-message-boards-and-my-8-year-journey-into-and-hopefully-out-of-it/985791 "2023-06-28T22:17:55Z")
I have spent the last 8 years arguing with whack-jobs on a right-wing board. It began in 2015, a few months before Trump announced his POTUS campaign. I keep hoping that I can make a break-through with a few of them. … --- ## [Delta Airlines in-flight amenities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delta-airlines-in-flight-amenities/513200)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2009, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delta-airlines-in-flight-amenities/513200 "2009-10-14T02:29:03Z")
I’ll soon be traveling on Delta and I’m wondering if they offer free headphones for the in-flight movie and if not, how much they are selling for these days. I can also bring along my own set if I know what kind of adapt… --- ## [Paper bags, alcohol, movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-bags-alcohol-movies/703187)
**Author:** [@Cardboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardboard)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2014, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-bags-alcohol-movies/703187 "2014-11-04T21:42:30Z")
How come in movies, whenever people are drinking an alcoholic beverage outside, they have it wrapped in a brown paper bag? --- ## [Curse of the Golden Flower has too much cleavage on the girls.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/curse-of-the-golden-flower-has-too-much-cleavage-on-the-girls/402261)
**Author:** [@Chasing\_Dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chasing_Dreams)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2007, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/curse-of-the-golden-flower-has-too-much-cleavage-on-the-girls/402261 "2007-05-03T04:11:37Z")
Watch Curse of the Golden Flower and tell me that the amount of cleavage on the girls isn’t distracting. They literally bounce up and down when one of the girls run. I’m mean, how am I suppose to read the subtitles when … --- ## [You have estimated.....Poorly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-estimated-poorly/512079)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2009, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-estimated-poorly/512079 "2009-10-08T22:22:55Z")
Ran to wal-mart store to grab some stuff. It was late night and only 2 checkers open. I came upon the lane just as the guy was finishing up checking a cart full to the brim of new school clothes for a mom and about 6 kid… --- ## [Bill O'Reilly calls for al Qaeda to attack San Francisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-oreilly-calls-for-al-qaeda-to-attack-san-francisco/330625)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2005, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-oreilly-calls-for-al-qaeda-to-attack-san-francisco/330625 "2005-11-14T00:07:24Z")
Bill o’Reilly continues his public descent into incogerent, babbling madness with this latest doozy. San Francisco wants to discourage military recruiters in schools so they all deserve to be killed by terrorists? This… --- ## ["Free Speech" =/= "The first amendment."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-the-first-amendment/737144)
**Author:** [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-the-first-amendment/737144 "2015-11-20T23:44:47Z")
Person X makes an effort to restrict the free expression of ideas; person Z criticizes X, and says this is a violation of free speech; Person Z pipes up, and says that it has nothing to do with free speech, because after… --- ## [Horrible toilet dreams: a woman thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-toilet-dreams-a-woman-thing/272860)
**Author:** [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2004, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-toilet-dreams-a-woman-thing/272860 "2004-11-06T07:14:12Z")
Last night I had one of those awful toilet dreams; you know, where you have to use the bathroom, but all the toilets are hideously grody and unusable. (I forget what they’re supposed to mean–anyone remember?) So this m… --- ## [Re:Is there a gender neutral substitute for his or her](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-is-there-a-gender-neutral-substitute-for-his-or-her/620943)
**Author:** [@zeprider1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zeprider1)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2012, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-is-there-a-gender-neutral-substitute-for-his-or-her/620943 "2012-05-29T01:23:48Z")
@Deborah Cameron points out, the sentence “The man went berserk and killed his neighbor’s wife” is unobjectionable on its surface. But stop to think: why “his neighbor’s wife” instead of “one of his neighbors”? ~~Can y… --- ## [On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) how much do you like basketball?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-a-scale-of-1-low-to-10-high-how-much-do-you-like-basketball/684006)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2014, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-a-scale-of-1-low-to-10-high-how-much-do-you-like-basketball/684006 "2014-03-26T15:30:29Z")
Anonymous poll on the way. --- ## [Big girl?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-girl/214861)
**Author:** [@jesleigh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesleigh)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2004, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-girl/214861 "2004-01-08T09:06:31Z")
A friend just informed me that she has a guy friend she’d like me to me…she thinks he will like me, because he likes “big girls”. I have a problem with this for two reasons: HELLO! I’m dating someone currently, and … --- ## [Does BBQing Cause Cancer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-bbqing-cause-cancer/257636)
**Author:** [@Humble\_Servant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Humble_Servant)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-bbqing-cause-cancer/257636 "2017-03-14T19:41:43Z")
Link to column. Just because I feel like it, let’s juxtapose a couple of thoughts from this column and a recent Staff Report: Heh. I think I like Cecil’s late summer columns–are they more relaxed and banterish? I r… --- ## [The Widespread Culinary Taboo Against Using Cheese In Seafood Dishes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-widespread-culinary-taboo-against-using-cheese-in-seafood-dishes/590790)
**Author:** [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2011, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-widespread-culinary-taboo-against-using-cheese-in-seafood-dishes/590790 "2011-08-05T17:17:40Z")
Apparently there is a well known and generally observed, if not-quite-Universal taboo against using cheese in recipes that are fish and/or shellfish based. I have actually heard it spoken of by professional chefs (on v… --- ## [What would a real shrinking machine do to life as we know it? (Honey I Shrunk The Kids )](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-real-shrinking-machine-do-to-life-as-we-know-it-honey-i-shrunk-the-kids/677151)
**Author:** [@randompattern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randompattern)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2013, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-real-shrinking-machine-do-to-life-as-we-know-it-honey-i-shrunk-the-kids/677151 "2013-12-28T06:09:40Z")
The Transporter thread got me thinking about this. --- ## [Are There Tides at The North Pole?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-tides-at-the-north-pole/569703)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2011, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-tides-at-the-north-pole/569703 "2011-02-04T14:52:55Z")
As I understand it, tides result from the attraction of the moon’s gravity, upon the oceans waters. Since the North Pole represents a point where the moon’s gravitational attraction is weakest, I would expect no tides in… --- ## [All about feeders - and I don't mean bird feeders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-about-feeders-and-i-dont-mean-bird-feeders/352692)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-about-feeders-and-i-dont-mean-bird-feeders/352692 "2006-04-17T02:30:53Z")
Googling for bird feeders yielded this little tidbit. Feeders Fat Girls and Feeders --- ## [Have you ever called 911 (or 999 or whatever)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-called-911-or-999-or-whatever/848727)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2020, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-called-911-or-999-or-whatever/848727 "2020-03-04T20:08:56Z")
Just curious how many people here have ever called their local emergency number (911 in the US). If you have, feel free to share the reason if you’d like. I haven’t ever called it. Neither has my wife, or anyone in my… --- ## [Which Famous/Significant Works Have "The Americans" as the Villian?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-famous-significant-works-have-the-americans-as-the-villian/231757)
**Author:** [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2010, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-famous-significant-works-have-the-americans-as-the-villian/231757 "2010-10-28T13:57:15Z")
I understand that in the books that the movie “Master and Commander” is based on, the original “bad guys” were the American Navy, but the scriptwriters changed their nationality to French. Which famous and/or significan… --- ## [I've always wanted one of these...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-always-wanted-one-of-these/552620)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2010, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-always-wanted-one-of-these/552620 "2010-09-05T15:09:16Z")
PBY-5A Catalina. Also one of these. --- ## [Ruined library books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruined-library-books/574814)
**Author:** [@Lionne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionne)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2011, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruined-library-books/574814 "2011-03-16T19:24:31Z")
I spilled hot cocoa all over a library book last weekend and, being a decent person, decided to replace it rather than sneak it back. I’ve never ruined a book before so I did some searching about what to do. Made sure … --- ## [Bringing painted metal to a mirror finish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-painted-metal-to-a-mirror-finish/633398)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2012, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-painted-metal-to-a-mirror-finish/633398 "2012-09-02T10:51:05Z")
Hello Everyone, My son is making a metal project for Scouts and wants it to shine like a mirror. Now, this usually isn’t a problem, I could have him sand the paint with progressively finger sandpaper until it shines lik… --- ## [Is THC detectable in semen? (Warning: sex & drugs)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thc-detectable-in-semen-warning-sex-drugs/69628)
**Author:** [@SpinneZiege](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpinneZiege)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2001, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thc-detectable-in-semen-warning-sex-drugs/69628 "2001-07-02T05:59:39Z")
Ok. Sorry that this is the first thread I’ve done in weeks, but anyway… My girlfriend complained to me yesterday that my semen tastes really nasty during the week or two after I smoke marijuana. Is she for real? Would s… --- ## [6 lbs of undigested red meat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/6-lbs-of-undigested-red-meat/53867)
**Author:** [@alanjunior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alanjunior)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2001, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/6-lbs-of-undigested-red-meat/53867 "2001-02-10T19:36:52Z")
Someone told me today that his doctor said that when we die, we have 7 lbs of undigested red meat in our system. After a cursory search of the internet, I have seen this repeated. I find it unbelievable. Is this true? … --- ## [Teaching kids to stand up to bullies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-kids-to-stand-up-to-bullies/687100)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-kids-to-stand-up-to-bullies/687100 "2014-05-02T05:13:08Z")
I have a son in the 6th grade. Their are the occasional boys who decide to pick on him and give him trouble. Now I’m not worried about anything difficult. My son is extremely physically capable, plays football, hockey, a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1957&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1959&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)