# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1987&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:** 1988 --- ## [Why does smoking marijuana cause paranoia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-smoking-marijuana-cause-paranoia/251619)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2016, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-smoking-marijuana-cause-paranoia/251619 "2016-03-10T15:05:29Z")
Thanks, Winston --- ## [If a stranger approached you in the locker room, and asked you to rub lotion on his/her back....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-stranger-approached-you-in-the-locker-room-and-asked-you-to-rub-lotion-on-his-her-back/749441)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2016, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-stranger-approached-you-in-the-locker-room-and-asked-you-to-rub-lotion-on-his-her-back/749441 "2016-03-23T05:15:01Z")
Would you? --- ## [A quick drunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-quick-drunk/477370)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2008, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-quick-drunk/477370 "2008-12-17T11:20:19Z")
I am not a drinker, and know very little about “potent potables,” but need some info for a story I’m working on. What kind of easily-obtainable alcoholic drink will get somebody drunk in the shortest amount of time? Is … --- ## [Montreal Sugardope II : March 12 to 14](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/montreal-sugardope-ii-march-12-to-14/228883)
**Author:** [@detop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/detop)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2005, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/montreal-sugardope-ii-march-12-to-14/228883 "2005-02-08T20:33:20Z")
As suggested by scott evil in this thread , I opened a new thread with more precise information and sceduling. So far, this has been decided : Friday, March 12\[sup\]th\[/sup\] Supper at St-Hubert, located 1019 Ste-Catheri… --- ## [Paul Clarke: Gun Possessor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-clarke-gun-possessor/517567)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2009, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-clarke-gun-possessor/517567 "2009-11-19T17:30:49Z")
Overview - A British ex-soldier finds a sawed off shotgun dumped in his garden. Knowing it to be an illegal item, he carries the shotgun in a plastic bag to the police to turn it in. He is promptly thrown in jail and con… --- ## [Chicago Sun Times to be acquired by WBEZ, Chicago's NPR radio station](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicago-sun-times-to-be-acquired-by-wbez-chicagos-npr-radio-station/951700)
**Author:** [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2022, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicago-sun-times-to-be-acquired-by-wbez-chicagos-npr-radio-station/951700 "2022-02-06T06:16:45Z")
I was very interested to learn that Sun Times Media, the company that owns The Straight Dope Message Board, is set to be acquired by Chicago Public Media, the parent company of WBEZ, the NPR affiliate here. Here are the… --- ## [Bush video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-video/281281)
**Author:** [@Reeder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeder)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2004, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-video/281281 "2004-12-28T04:52:26Z")
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2004/12/22.html#a1129 Watch this video of Bush. About 8 seconds in he does something bizarre. What is he doing? Praying? Talking to his tie? I worry about him sometimes. He doesn’t appear … --- ## [Your Top 10 sights that you have seen with your own eyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-10-sights-that-you-have-seen-with-your-own-eyes/511787)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2009, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-10-sights-that-you-have-seen-with-your-own-eyes/511787 "2009-09-29T11:06:21Z")
Here’s mine (Not exactly in order) Total Solar Eclipse Hawaii, 1991 (Best 7 minutes ever) Satellite re-entry Sitting on a beach in the southern Philippines (Boracay), suddenly this fiery object appears for about 10 s… --- ## [Which state lines in the U.S. represent the most abrupt borders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-state-lines-in-the-u-s-represent-the-most-abrupt-borders/726232)
**Author:** [@syncrolecyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/syncrolecyne)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2015, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-state-lines-in-the-u-s-represent-the-most-abrupt-borders/726232 "2015-07-28T13:18:32Z")
Are there any state lines that have a real “border” feel - where you sense you are going from one cultural, political, or economic zone to another when you drive through? The one that stands out the most to me is Califo… --- ## [Windows 8 Should I upgrade?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-8-should-i-upgrade/639105)
**Author:** [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2012, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-8-should-i-upgrade/639105 "2012-11-02T04:22:41Z")
I’m using a brand new laptop (2 months old) which came with Win 7. (Sony Vaio i 7 @2.1 Gig, 8 gigs of ram) I see I can upgrade for $40. Should I do it? Pros? Cons? Is it worth it? What are your thoughts? --- ## [Copyright question- using someone's photo for your art](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-question-using-someones-photo-for-your-art/396859)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Lowry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Lowry)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2007, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-question-using-someones-photo-for-your-art/396859 "2007-03-24T01:53:03Z")
I have a question about using copyrighted pictures. I’m guessing that this is legal and I’m just being paranoid, but I’d rather be too careful than not enough. One of my favorite actors is Cillian Murphy. I found a cool… --- ## [Car question: transmission problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-question-transmission-problem/601309)
**Author:** [@Dunkelheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunkelheit)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-question-transmission-problem/601309 "2011-11-03T12:28:32Z")
My daughter just bought a used car, and she says that when it’s been sitting for a while and starts out cold, the transmission won’t go from first to second gear until she’s been driving a while. Her mechanic can’t find… --- ## [HIV. Couldn't you drain out your blood and replace it to halt the virus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiv-couldnt-you-drain-out-your-blood-and-replace-it-to-halt-the-virus/331399)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2005, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiv-couldnt-you-drain-out-your-blood-and-replace-it-to-halt-the-virus/331399 "2005-11-21T15:43:12Z")
Ok, here’s my crazy idea. I have a feeling it wouldn’t work if actually put into practice, but I’d like to hear why. Ok. So we have an HIV positive person. Couldn’t you stop him from getting full blown AIDS by periodica… --- ## [Old El Paso extra mild taco kit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-el-paso-extra-mild-taco-kit/642129)
**Author:** [@midnight-dreary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/midnight-dreary)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2012, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-el-paso-extra-mild-taco-kit/642129 "2012-11-28T20:09:56Z")
There is now extra mild taco kits. http://www.oldelpaso.com.au/products/dinner-kits/extra-mild-super-tasty-taco-kit-438g/56.aspxIs anyone else confused by this?:confused: In my experience, taco kits aren’t hot too … --- ## [Mantraps and the felony murder rule.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mantraps-and-the-felony-murder-rule/557820)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2010, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mantraps-and-the-felony-murder-rule/557820 "2010-10-23T00:19:16Z")
Terry was a Montanan, Terry was a thief, Terry broke into Liam’s house to steal a side of beef. Unfortunately, Liam was still in the house at the time. Even more unfortunately, Liam had rigged part of his property with a… --- ## [The Canned Cheeseburger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canned-cheeseburger/436355)
**Author:** [@Maui\_Lion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maui_Lion)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2008, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canned-cheeseburger/436355 "2008-02-15T06:42:09Z")
I don’t know if this was posted yet, but apparently, someone has now invented the canned cheeseburger. I’ve heard reports that it’s…good. Not great, but if you were camping or somewhere where you need food, it’ll do. … --- ## [My impressions re-watching original Planet of the Apes movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-impressions-re-watching-original-planet-of-the-apes-movie/486538)
**Author:** [@Laughing\_Lagomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laughing_Lagomorph)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2009, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-impressions-re-watching-original-planet-of-the-apes-movie/486538 "2009-02-23T17:00:06Z")
I watched the first Planet of the Apes movie last night for the first time in probably about 30 years. I missed the first few minutes, coming in where the spaceship was sinking in the lake and the three surviving astron… --- ## [People raised Christian: what were you taught about Noah's Flood as a child?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-raised-christian-what-were-you-taught-about-noahs-flood-as-a-child/846700)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-raised-christian-what-were-you-taught-about-noahs-flood-as-a-child/846700 "2020-01-23T18:12:19Z")
Specifically, were you taught that God deliberately caused the Deluge, or that He merely foresaw that a worldwide catastrophe was coming, warned Noah, and told Noah to warn others (a warning nobody heated)? I ask this … --- ## [Could Gary Johnson appeal to broader GOP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-gary-johnson-appeal-to-broader-gop/580609)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2011, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-gary-johnson-appeal-to-broader-gop/580609 "2011-05-09T19:36:16Z")
Gary Johnson, former governor ® of New Mexico, declared his candidacy for POTUS a little over a week ago. He slashed New Mexico’s budget and left it with a healty surplus when leaving office. He also campaigned for the… --- ## [What is the most effective way to contact a legislator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-effective-way-to-contact-a-legislator/543466)
**Author:** [@sleeping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeping)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2010, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-effective-way-to-contact-a-legislator/543466 "2010-06-22T15:35:58Z")
If one wants to urge a senator or representative to adopt a certain position, what is the most effective means of communication: email, phone, or snail mail? --- ## [Whatever happened to Warren Beatty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-warren-beatty/663292)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2013, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-warren-beatty/663292 "2013-07-14T23:56:07Z")
His name was mentioned in a recent thread and it made me realize how long it has been since I’ve heard anything about him. I checked IMDB and saw he hasn’t made a movie since 2001. He wrote, produced, acted, and directe… --- ## [Colonoscopy while conscious: what's the discomfort?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonoscopy-while-conscious-whats-the-discomfort/608460)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2012, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonoscopy-while-conscious-whats-the-discomfort/608460 "2012-01-06T04:14:29Z")
Sorry to start yet another thread on colonoscopies, but I’ve got some specific questions that only a very few can answer. Have you had a colonoscopy during which you refused sedation, just so you could watch the procedu… --- ## [Mistaken Police Raids - What happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mistaken-police-raids-what-happens/110428)
**Author:** [@Freedom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freedom)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2002, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mistaken-police-raids-what-happens/110428 "2002-05-24T11:46:52Z")
Just a couple of questions about police mistakes. All of this is to satsify my curiosity and none of it is in order for me to get advice:) What happens when the police kick in your door, tear up your apartment and end … --- ## [What's the highest office ever won by a Libertarian?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-highest-office-ever-won-by-a-libertarian/507066)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2009, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-highest-office-ever-won-by-a-libertarian/507066 "2009-08-20T20:27:15Z")
Has any Libertarian ever been elected to Congress, won statewide office, state legislature? Or are their electoral successes confined mainly to non-partisan municipal offices? --- ## [What are the minimum prerequisites for a universe that allows for self-awareness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-minimum-prerequisites-for-a-universe-that-allows-for-self-awareness/642181)
**Author:** [@MDKSquared](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MDKSquared)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2012, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-minimum-prerequisites-for-a-universe-that-allows-for-self-awareness/642181 "2012-11-28T17:48:50Z")
This is basically a discussion about the Anthropic Principle. We are self-aware, sentient beings because we live in a universe where the fine constants are what they are. Galaxies were able to form, stars were able to u… --- ## [Can I bitch about Microsoft Edge? Please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-bitch-about-microsoft-edge-please/786963)
**Author:** [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-bitch-about-microsoft-edge-please/786963 "2017-06-07T16:51:43Z")
I fucking hate it! It constantly freezes up, and it takes a half a fucking hour to post three words here. I check the task manager, and it keeps the CPU hovering around 99% tied up. All The Fucking Time! Ads constantly.… --- ## [Did Henry VIII physically destroy the abbey's or are they in ruins due to neglect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-henry-viii-physically-destroy-the-abbeys-or-are-they-in-ruins-due-to-neglect/594729)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2011, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-henry-viii-physically-destroy-the-abbeys-or-are-they-in-ruins-due-to-neglect/594729 "2011-09-02T01:43:59Z")
Here’s a site with lots of pics : The Stunning Ruined Abbeys of England: A Photo Collection | Light Stalking During the dissolution of the monastaries under Henry VIII, did he actually have them destroyed, or is their r… --- ## [Wet Wipes vs TP - Must Be a Guy Thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-wipes-vs-tp-must-be-a-guy-thing/304755)
**Author:** [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2013, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-wipes-vs-tp-must-be-a-guy-thing/304755 "2013-07-02T05:06:42Z")
Four of us were discussing our husbands last night and - lo and behold - we discovered that 4 out of 4 husbands surveyed use those wet wipes. One of them’s even training his sons to have a preference, and now he’s buyin… --- ## [Commercials that you ABSOLUTELY...um, actually like.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-that-you-absolutely-um-actually-like/135020)
**Author:** [@TwungTister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwungTister)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2002, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-that-you-absolutely-um-actually-like/135020 "2002-11-10T21:34:49Z")
On TV, there is only one kind of commercial that I like watching. There is a series of commercials about paying for something when you have bad credit or your checks always bounce. One, a man appears to be just standin… --- ## [NFL Week 1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-1/795662)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2017, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-1/795662 "2017-09-17T04:12:04Z")
Thursday Kansas City At New England -9, 48.5 Sunday early New York Jets @ Buffalo -8, 39.5 Atlanta @ Bears +7, 49.5 Philadelphia @ Washington +1, 48 Arizona @ Detroit +1.5, 48 Oakland @ Titans +2, 51.5 Tampa Bay … --- ## [Middle-aged fat broad gleefully shaves head. Feels like the proverbial million bucks.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-aged-fat-broad-gleefully-shaves-head-feels-like-the-proverbial-million-bucks/691345)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2014, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-aged-fat-broad-gleefully-shaves-head-feels-like-the-proverbial-million-bucks/691345 "2014-06-24T23:02:53Z")
I’ve had long hair for the vast majority of my life, very long (See Stoid On TV a long time ago with her hair looking very pretty in hopes it would distract from the startling size of her ass) But when the thought firs… --- ## [Why does the entertainment industry have so many award shows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-entertainment-industry-have-so-many-award-shows/649923)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2013, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-entertainment-industry-have-so-many-award-shows/649923 "2013-02-11T18:10:32Z")
Tonight’s the Grammys. The Golden Globes was about a month ago, and the Oscars are coming up. Other big award shows throughout the year are the Emmys and the Tonys, all of which covers movies, music, plays, and TV pret… --- ## [Counterfeit Postage Stamps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counterfeit-postage-stamps/649038)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2013, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counterfeit-postage-stamps/649038 "2013-02-05T22:10:42Z")
I realize this won’t make someone rich, but as the price of postage continues to rise I wonder if anyone has been convicted recently of counterfeiting stamps? Okay, I found this one case, but it doesn’t seem to happen v… --- ## [Black Lives Matter? Or White Killers Matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-lives-matter-or-white-killers-matter/818858)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2018, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-lives-matter-or-white-killers-matter/818858 "2018-08-03T00:31:00Z")
The murder of Nia Wilson has made me wonder just what the heck is going on. I understand why African-Americans are outraged at police brutality. These are agents of the government doing wrong and just saying, “what about… --- ## [Cheeses of Nazareth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheeses-of-nazareth/276787)
**Author:** [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2004, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheeses-of-nazareth/276787 "2004-12-01T16:57:02Z")
There is a news item today that the famous Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich is going on tour around the U.S. All I read was the headline, so I am left with all sorts of questions. Will she be performing on the tou… --- ## [New Chick Tract- "Heart Trouble"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-chick-tract-heart-trouble/387515)
**Author:** [@mobo85](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mobo85)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2007, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-chick-tract-heart-trouble/387515 "2007-01-22T08:12:05Z")
Since I seem to have become the Unofficial Keeper of the Chick Tracts, here’s Heart Trouble. “The heart is deceitful above all things,” and it’s apparently a monster, too! Plus, a new “black tract,” Fame, an African-Amer… --- ## [The Democratic Party should drop the gun control issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-democratic-party-should-drop-the-gun-control-issue/273495)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2004, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-democratic-party-should-drop-the-gun-control-issue/273495 "2004-11-09T20:54:05Z")
This is IMHO, but I can see it turning into a debate. Senator Kerry stated several times that he is a gun owner, and had himself photographed goose hunting. The message was clear: “I don’t want to take away your guns.” … --- ## [The years before Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-years-before-christ/171993)
**Author:** [@Trags63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trags63)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2003, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-years-before-christ/171993 "2003-05-01T14:25:38Z")
Looking at the timeline of human history we calculate years according to the birth of Christ. Anything before Christ’s birth was BC, after is AD. How did people of the ancient world figure out what year it was? Say, 200 … --- ## [Visiting German family, need gift suggestions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visiting-german-family-need-gift-suggestions/234352)
**Author:** [@ForumBot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ForumBot)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visiting-german-family-need-gift-suggestions/234352 "2017-11-07T19:37:17Z")
I’m leaving on Thursday for Germany–elevel fun-filled days with some family I’ve never met as part of a visit-exchange program my school has set up. Since I’m going to be living with them, it would be polite to bring a … --- ## [What have you memorized, intentionally or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-you-memorized-intentionally-or-not/982972)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2023, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-you-memorized-intentionally-or-not/982972 "2023-05-02T16:43:18Z")
Here is the most mundane and miscellaneous and pointless and personal of questions: what things have you committed to memory, whether on purpose or just by happenstance? Possibilities include: Songs Poems Parts of play… --- ## [Mindflex - Using "brainwaves" to move a foam ball?? I don't think so.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mindflex-using-brainwaves-to-move-a-foam-ball-i-dont-think-so/673808)
**Author:** [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2013, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mindflex-using-brainwaves-to-move-a-foam-ball-i-dont-think-so/673808 "2013-11-16T09:15:19Z")
Mindflex (Wikipedia article) (Mattel promo) Anyone played around with this? Do you really think it uses “brainwaves” to move the ball? I don’t think so. I’d never heard of this game before, but someone had one this la… --- ## [Can pigeons poop while they are flying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-pigeons-poop-while-they-are-flying/372938)
**Author:** [@jillyc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jillyc)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2006, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-pigeons-poop-while-they-are-flying/372938 "2006-09-17T03:02:50Z")
I had only had my new car for one week when a pigeon pooped all over it. My friend said, “Well, that’s what you get for parking under pigeons.” I explained that my car is parked next to a building that has a lot of pig… --- ## [Why do straws have stripes on them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-straws-have-stripes-on-them/100288)
**Author:** [@Ms2001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms2001)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2002, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-straws-have-stripes-on-them/100288 "2002-03-27T19:46:32Z")
Almost every plastic straw I’ve seen has a red stripe along one side. The ones at McDonald’s have a red stripe on one side and a yellow stripe on the other. Some, like the solid blue kind, have no stripe at all. It seem… --- ## [Is your ex a booty call on retainer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-ex-a-booty-call-on-retainer/534935)
**Author:** [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2010, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-ex-a-booty-call-on-retainer/534935 "2010-04-07T13:49:32Z")
In the “When does an ex stop being an ex?” thread, Dio has stated: So how about it? If you and your ex are still friends but have moved on to new relationships, do you still think of your ex as a booty call on retaine… --- ## [Fucking Germans!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-germans/33614)
**Author:** [@ponch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ponch)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2000, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-germans/33614 "2000-09-22T15:37:47Z")
You come to this country to visit your daughter…you are staying with them for 5 weeks…you come every year…every year it’s the same thing… this country sucks…everything’s so stupid and boring…the food is horrible…you all… --- ## [To the Right-Wing Automatons Who Value Bush More than the Bill of Rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-right-wing-automatons-who-value-bush-more-than-the-bill-of-rights/270101)
**Author:** [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2004, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-right-wing-automatons-who-value-bush-more-than-the-bill-of-rights/270101 "2004-10-26T04:23:39Z")
You called the freaking cops because you didn’t like how an artist portrayed W. That’s it. There’s no public funding issue, no slander, nothing. You just didn’t like the painting, so you called the damned cops. In es… --- ## [What sort of sandwiches do you like then?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sort-of-sandwiches-do-you-like-then/756424)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2016, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sort-of-sandwiches-do-you-like-then/756424 "2016-06-14T21:08:04Z")
Well now I was just wondering if you like brown bread or white bread or margarine or butter and things like this? Anybody able to tell me more about what fillings and things you like then? --- ## [How far back in time could we go with modern English and still be understood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-back-in-time-could-we-go-with-modern-english-and-still-be-understood/191272)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2004, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-back-in-time-could-we-go-with-modern-english-and-still-be-understood/191272 "2004-04-07T03:37:24Z")
Just wondering how far languages diverge over time. How far back can we go before a modern English speaker would have real trouble making themselves understood? Could a modern English speaker be understood by a speaker … --- ## [Drawing the Line Between Free Speech and Terrorism.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drawing-the-line-between-free-speech-and-terrorism/810439)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2018, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drawing-the-line-between-free-speech-and-terrorism/810439 "2018-03-17T04:04:02Z")
I live in Michigan. And I am a little puzzled and perhaps dismayed by recent stories in the news of high school students, no less, charged with terrorism. It is a 20-year felony. These young foolish men are not even lega… --- ## [What was a dry goods store?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-a-dry-goods-store/240883)
**Author:** [@leroy\_the\_mule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leroy_the_mule)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2004, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-a-dry-goods-store/240883 "2004-04-20T11:07:21Z")
In western movies and toy train sets I sometimes see a “dry goods store”. What would you find in a dry goods store? Was it a “dry” goods store (i.e. no rain falling on the merchandise), or a “dry goods” store (crackers, … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1986&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1988&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)