# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1993&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:** 1994 --- ## [I can't believe I'm starting the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-believe-im-starting-the-mmp/950165)
**Author:** [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Replies:** 241\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2021, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-believe-im-starting-the-mmp/950165 "2021-09-13T01:02:51Z")
Guess everyone is staying in bed later on Labor Day. So what are you planning on your day off (if you’re getting a day off)? Been retired for almost 4 years now, so everyday is my day off. Rained last night so soocer d… --- ## [Decapitated cat in Ford ad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decapitated-cat-in-ford-ad/238796)
**Author:** [@JohnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnM)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2004, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decapitated-cat-in-ford-ad/238796 "2004-04-20T12:45:47Z")
Ford claims that the internet-only/viral marketing ad for their new SportKa was not approved for release, and Ford and the ad agency are looking into it. Why the controversy? The ad features an ill-tempered car using its… --- ## [If Spanish is so Unamerican, why tolerate names like San Francisco and Los Angeles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-spanish-is-so-unamerican-why-tolerate-names-like-san-francisco-and-los-angeles/125699)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-spanish-is-so-unamerican-why-tolerate-names-like-san-francisco-and-los-angeles/125699 "2017-05-31T09:53:12Z")
According to a few threads, notabley this one, http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=132237 speaking Spanish is bound to lead to catastrophic seperatism, lesbian vampire commies, and the end of th… --- ## [Proof that the Brady Bill does not work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proof-that-the-brady-bill-does-not-work/27869)
**Author:** [@Mr.Zambezi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Zambezi)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2000, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proof-that-the-brady-bill-does-not-work/27869 "2000-08-15T05:49:36Z")
Anyone see the article in the NY times? A study done from 85-97 in 32 states shows that the rate of decline of gun violence in theose states was uneffected by whether or not the individual state had adopted the Brady Bi… --- ## [Are The Tires On Military Vehicles (Armored cars, APCs) Bulletproof?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-tires-on-military-vehicles-armored-cars-apcs-bulletproof/562281)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2010, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-tires-on-military-vehicles-armored-cars-apcs-bulletproof/562281 "2010-11-30T22:16:35Z")
If you have been watching the news from Brazil, the Rio de Janeiro police have begun a huge military operation, to wrest the favelas (slums) from the control of the drug gangs. In their efforts, they have mobiled severa… --- ## [Miscreant dyes cat pink](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miscreant-dyes-cat-pink/554941)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miscreant-dyes-cat-pink/554941 "2010-09-27T15:47:37Z")
Some numpty has dyed a cat pink. Story and video here. I can’t muster the vitriol for a pitting. I can see that the cat will look gorgeous once the dye has grown out. --- ## [Digital SLR advice: Sony vs Cannon vs Olympus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-slr-advice-sony-vs-cannon-vs-olympus/496489)
**Author:** [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2011, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-slr-advice-sony-vs-cannon-vs-olympus/496489 "2011-01-14T02:13:03Z")
…hey all, another please give me your advice thread! I am looking to buy an entry level digital SLR. Many moons ago I used to own a Minolta X-300s, and I know the basics of photography. I am looking to get back into p… --- ## [Hey y'all: is there any difference in how southerners/Texans vs. black people use "y'all"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-yall-is-there-any-difference-in-how-southerners-texans-vs-black-people-use-yall/648899)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2013, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-yall-is-there-any-difference-in-how-southerners-texans-vs-black-people-use-yall/648899 "2013-02-05T18:17:21Z")
How prevalent is “y’all” as a usage in these two communities, is there any perception of formality/informality or education level attached to it, does anyone actually use that ill informed abomination that is the “y’all … --- ## [The Fleshlight (adult theme)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fleshlight-adult-theme/485993)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2009, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fleshlight-adult-theme/485993 "2009-02-17T06:37:23Z")
Top shelf adult product or poor quality gimmick with good marketing? --- ## [Worst Television Cross-over](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-television-cross-over/797006)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2017, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-television-cross-over/797006 "2017-09-28T01:48:53Z")
You know-Where the characters from one show visit the characters from another show as a ratings stunt? As a fan of bad television, I have seen a few of these, but the worst I can remember was when the z-grade syndicated… --- ## [Recommend some books on the dark side of human nature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-books-on-the-dark-side-of-human-nature/99880)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2002, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-books-on-the-dark-side-of-human-nature/99880 "2002-03-25T23:59:51Z")
I just finished re-reading Lord of the Flies and Heart of Darkness, and I’m eager to read more on the corruption of the human soul! What books (or possibly movies, poems, or other art forms) pop into your head when you … --- ## [Suggestions for cleaning up shit. Actual shit. Need help fast!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-cleaning-up-shit-actual-shit-need-help-fast/614278)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 29, 2012, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-cleaning-up-shit-actual-shit-need-help-fast/614278 "2012-02-29T01:54:51Z")
Our sewer line backed up, and now the basement floor is covered in sewage. It’s a concrete floor, there’s maybe ten or twenty square feet of floor with solid or semi-liquid sewage (including remains of toilet paper) sitt… --- ## [The Most Minimum Superpowers YOU'D NEED to be a Real-World Superhero?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-minimum-superpowers-youd-need-to-be-a-real-world-superhero/626728)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2012, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-minimum-superpowers-youd-need-to-be-a-real-world-superhero/626728 "2012-07-09T12:24:57Z")
You need to be the type of superhero who can intercede and stop crimes in progress - not just play detective after the fact. No precognitive stuff either. You need to have some kind of physicality to pull off the derri… --- ## [Who is the toughest man in pop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-toughest-man-in-pop/622026)
**Author:** [@Mikeisskeptical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikeisskeptical)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2012, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-toughest-man-in-pop/622026 "2012-05-17T04:54:28Z")
From a pointless conversation I had a few months ago. In a physical fight, out of all present day musicians, singers etc in mainstream music. Who’s the daddy? My friend and I decided that the toughest looking performer w… --- ## [McCarthyism -- Anyone hurt by it? (Help debunk Ann Coulter)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccarthyism-anyone-hurt-by-it-help-debunk-ann-coulter/193938)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2003, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccarthyism-anyone-hurt-by-it-help-debunk-ann-coulter/193938 "2003-08-15T13:59:35Z")
I was surfing Ann Coulter’s web site and on the front page she said the following: I admit I am vague on the specifics of the McCarthy era but I have mostly been of the opinion that what Joe McCarthy did on his witch h… --- ## [What's the deal with month/day/year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-month-day-year/457367)
**Author:** [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2008, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-month-day-year/457367 "2008-07-27T02:52:09Z")
Yes, this is a question about date-format which has always laid there simmering in my head. But now is the time to ask it! In Sweden, they use the format year/month/day and in Iceland we use day/month/year. Both make … --- ## [Why is 1 not a prime number?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-1-not-a-prime-number/832549)
**Author:** [@Deltree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deltree)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2019, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-1-not-a-prime-number/832549 "2019-04-29T22:38:18Z")
According to Wikipedia, “1 is not prime, as it is specifically excluded in the definition.” Why is 1 excluded? What’s the reasoning for not including it? Does it lead to some sort of contradiction that I’m not seeing? T… --- ## [RTA, you lying sack of shit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rta-you-lying-sack-of-shit/66212)
**Author:** [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2001, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rta-you-lying-sack-of-shit/66212 "2001-05-25T14:36:05Z")
OK, so RTA thinks that calling him a “cheap-shot artist” was Pit-worthy, as opposed to GD worthy. Maybe he’s right. But I thought that it was pretty restrained, since the real fact is that he is a liar. He started with … --- ## [Is It OK To Tell Non-PC Jokes About Your Own Race/Ethnicity/etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-tell-non-pc-jokes-about-your-own-race-ethnicity-etc/612488)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2012, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-tell-non-pc-jokes-about-your-own-race-ethnicity-etc/612488 "2012-02-13T22:43:24Z")
Is it alright in your opinion to use what would often be considered “racist” or at least “insensitive” humour about your own race or ethnicity or class or whatnot? --- ## [Best horror MST3K](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-horror-mst3k/558227)
**Author:** [@Caveat\_lector\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caveat_lector_1)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2010, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-horror-mst3k/558227 "2010-10-26T01:11:40Z")
Okay dopers I need your help. I want to watch a horror movie on Halloween, but they give my girlfriend nightmares so we are going to watch a MST3K horror movie and I want to know which ones you think are best. My option … --- ## [What exactly happens when you "friend" someone here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-happens-when-you-friend-someone-here/604421)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-happens-when-you-friend-someone-here/604421 "2011-12-03T21:17:15Z")
You’d think after 6 or 7 years I’d know, but I don’t. Is there some secret sharing of posts or something? For the life of me I can’t work out why this would be advantageous. Quick look-up to PM or something? --- ## [Are we at the beginning of a 2008-like stock market crash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-at-the-beginning-of-a-2008-like-stock-market-crash/746014)
**Author:** [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-at-the-beginning-of-a-2008-like-stock-market-crash/746014 "2016-02-25T20:28:52Z")
Or will the FED resort to QE4 and zero(or negative) interest rates just in time? Pls move to the correct forum if it’s wrong forum for the topic. Thanks. --- ## [Does a non believer express as much faith as a believer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-non-believer-express-as-much-faith-as-a-believer/205431)
**Author:** [@skankweirdall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skankweirdall)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2003, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-non-believer-express-as-much-faith-as-a-believer/205431 "2003-11-07T17:44:51Z")
What I’m asking is since the existence or non existence of God can not be proven empirically or scientifically does an atheist have “faith” in his belief as a believer has in his belief? --- ## [Dragon Age Tactics.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dragon-age-tactics/524335)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2010, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dragon-age-tactics/524335 "2010-08-05T19:30:37Z")
I’ve just started playing this game and although I found the initial fights pretty easy it has been getting more and more difficult. I feel that I’m not using the tactics page well enough because I don’t really understan… --- ## [Getting Drunk is \*Fun\*?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-drunk-is-fun/122246)
**Author:** [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2002, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-drunk-is-fun/122246 "2002-10-21T14:05:39Z")
In Kittenblue’s Half-naked passed-out women in bars thread, the assertion is made that it can be fun to get drunk. I simply don’t get it. Drunk, to me, is impaired. It’s having trouble walking steadily. It’s having t… --- ## [New Record- Pi Memorized out 100,000 places](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-record-pi-memorized-out-100-000-places/524507)
**Author:** [@bonitahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bonitahi)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2010, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-record-pi-memorized-out-100-000-places/524507 "2010-01-15T21:22:58Z")
Incredulous! A Japanese man, Mr. Haraguchi, sounded off pi 100,000 decimal places from memory. Is this humanly possible, or trickery? http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,217765,00.html The source is faux-news. --- ## [Where did "don't by dog food sold in grocery stores" come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-dont-by-dog-food-sold-in-grocery-stores-come-from/803183)
**Author:** [@Brodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brodi)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2017, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-dont-by-dog-food-sold-in-grocery-stores-come-from/803183 "2017-12-07T14:53:18Z")
I keep hearing, again and again in the dog community, that you shouldn’t buy dog food from the grocery store. That it must either be home made, come from a boutique store, ,PetSmart/Petco, or be ordered on line. Clever … --- ## [Official Matthew's Day Off -Bueller Commercial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/official-matthews-day-off-bueller-commercial/611238)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2012, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/official-matthews-day-off-bueller-commercial/611238 "2012-01-31T22:20:12Z")
I can’t stop re-watching this. Its brilliantly done. I’m so impressed with the way they updated these famous film scenes and made them into Matthew’s day off. They got a lot into this 2 min commercial. What’s your fav… --- ## [Does it take faith to be a strong atheist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-take-faith-to-be-a-strong-atheist/388566)
**Author:** [@Cegstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cegstar)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2007, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-take-faith-to-be-a-strong-atheist/388566 "2007-01-24T12:38:48Z")
The definition of a strong atheist is generally one that says that the atheist not only lacks belief in God, but believes that he doesn’t exist. Since he believes in something without evidence, is it fair to say that it… --- ## [What law is broken when you hire thugs to harass someone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-law-is-broken-when-you-hire-thugs-to-harass-someone/691063)
**Author:** [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2014, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-law-is-broken-when-you-hire-thugs-to-harass-someone/691063 "2014-06-20T18:23:51Z")
(first GD thread, please bare with me) What law is broken when you hire thugs specifically to harass a person? Lets say NJ (because the laws of other states I’m less familiar with). You are Joe Moneyroids and you’ve d… --- ## [Are montessori schools better than public schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-montessori-schools-better-than-public-schools/751097)
**Author:** [@0xEFF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/0xEFF)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2018, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-montessori-schools-better-than-public-schools/751097 "2018-02-26T19:14:14Z")
As a measurement, please consider “better” to specifically mean lifetime earning of the average student who attended the school. Given this measurement, are Montessori schools better than traditional public schools? --- ## [Star Wars: The Old Republic for Preorder!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-old-republic-for-preorder/589833)
**Author:** [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2011, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-old-republic-for-preorder/589833 "2011-10-31T17:29:04Z")
Well, you could technically pre-order at some places before, but as of a few hours ago pre-orders are officially open with bonuses and all. I’ve preordered the (rather pricy) physical collector’s edition, I would’ve gon… --- ## [Hygiene, I read something kind of weird this morning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hygiene-i-read-something-kind-of-weird-this-morning/977289)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2023, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hygiene-i-read-something-kind-of-weird-this-morning/977289 "2023-04-16T20:29:58Z")
I was following a discussion on bathing habits this morning when one guy contributed something I found odd, but it did make some sense. A guy made the statement that a person can gain the benefits of not showering regula… --- ## [Lucky's to Customers - Tough you got ripped off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luckys-to-customers-tough-you-got-ripped-off/605539)
**Author:** [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2011, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luckys-to-customers-tough-you-got-ripped-off/605539 "2011-12-13T07:25:45Z")
Around the Bay Area 23 Lucky’s stores had skimmers installed in one or their self-checkout registers. Story. Their reaction amply demonstrates why I hate that chain and never use it unless to get stuff unavailable in our… --- ## [Why did the Federal judge make Cohen name his clients in open court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-federal-judge-make-cohen-name-his-clients-in-open-court/812552)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2018, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-federal-judge-make-cohen-name-his-clients-in-open-court/812552 "2018-04-24T03:34:51Z")
One of the accounts I read indicated that Cohen volunteered to write the names down and hand them to the judge. That seems more consistent with protecting client confidential information. Did the judge explain why she … --- ## [Yahoo answers got something terribly wrong? (Re: Flan)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-answers-got-something-terribly-wrong-re-flan/530899)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-answers-got-something-terribly-wrong-re-flan/530899 "2010-03-02T01:38:34Z")
So I’m sitting here eating some lovely flan, and I started to wonder – what, exactly, is the difference between flan and creme caramel? I decided to google it, and my first hit was from Yahoo answers. The gist of it: Fl… --- ## [Weird kids and funny events you remember from school](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-kids-and-funny-events-you-remember-from-school/824572)
**Author:** [@Stuntman\_Mike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuntman_Mike)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2018, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-kids-and-funny-events-you-remember-from-school/824572 "2018-11-25T15:12:02Z")
One kid in 2nd grade named Matthew was an odd duck, even among kids. Once outside at recess he casually picked a boogie out of his nose, walked over to another kid named Billy, and wiped it right inside Billy’s mouth. … --- ## [Some Ethanol Production Questions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-ethanol-production-questions/548296)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2010, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-ethanol-production-questions/548296 "2010-08-09T02:20:23Z")
You want to build a sustainable ethanol production plant in a rural area with great sun, water and lots of land. So, how much cellulosic biomass would you need to produce a 100 gal of ethanol? How much power used in … --- ## [The "recommend an obscure CD" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-recommend-an-obscure-cd-thread/188892)
**Author:** [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2004, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-recommend-an-obscure-cd-thread/188892 "2004-03-11T19:44:09Z")
We’re all fairly diverse people, and our music reflects that. However, many of us are also always willing to expand our musical horizons. So…recommend an at least semi-obscure CD that people should pick up. I’ll start… --- ## [Why isn't the letter 'R' a vowel--seriously?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-letter-r-a-vowel-seriously/206132)
**Author:** [@jwest77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jwest77)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2003, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-letter-r-a-vowel-seriously/206132 "2003-10-10T12:46:52Z")
This has bugged me for a long time and now my wife and I are arguing about it. I hear the letter ‘R’ as it is spoken in English (at least where I live in the US) and can’t tell why it’s a consonant. What is different abo… --- ## [Top 10 questions to ask an alien…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-10-questions-to-ask-an-alien/131640)
**Author:** [@Aro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aro)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2002, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-10-questions-to-ask-an-alien/131640 "2002-10-12T13:15:22Z")
Have been reading Carl Sagans’ “The Demon Haunted World” recently. He mentions that, occasionally, he receives a letter from someone who claims to be in touch with aliens. He is requested to “ask them anything”. As th… --- ## [Can private clubs discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color etc.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-private-clubs-discriminate-on-the-basis-of-race-creed-color-etc/55396)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2001, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-private-clubs-discriminate-on-the-basis-of-race-creed-color-etc/55396 "2001-02-23T15:41:27Z")
I was reading a GQ thread on casinos and much was made of the point that they are “private clubs” and can do whatever the hell they want with respect to allowing people in or telling them to leave. This is apparently, es… --- ## [phi: fee or fie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phi-fee-or-fie/224327)
**Author:** [@Kaje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaje)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2004, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phi-fee-or-fie/224327 "2004-01-17T03:28:39Z")
or fo or fum HEYO yeah so anyway is there a “correct” pronunciation of this? I always pronounced it “fie”, but have occassionally heard it as “fee”. Some google searches have suggested that “fee” is correct when it fo… --- ## [Is Pete Davidson's life really that interesting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pete-davidsons-life-really-that-interesting/983620)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2025, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pete-davidsons-life-really-that-interesting/983620 "2025-11-06T21:31:47Z")
Don’t get me wrong, got nothing against the guy or his success, but 90% of his schtick is trading off stories about his life. First on SNL, much of his screentime was on Weekend Update talking about his life. Then he c… --- ## [I was asked today, by the hairdresser, if I'd like my eyebrows trimmed.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-asked-today-by-the-hairdresser-if-id-like-my-eyebrows-trimmed/642727)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2012, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-asked-today-by-the-hairdresser-if-id-like-my-eyebrows-trimmed/642727 "2012-12-05T15:58:33Z")
I’ve never been asked that before. I turned 50 this year. What else am I going to get asked as I continue into fogydom? Incidentally, I guess she was right. Some of my rogue eyebrow hairs were channeling Andy Rooney. … --- ## [what does cost of book folding and book binding depend on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-cost-of-book-folding-and-book-binding-depend-on/583693)
**Author:** [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2011, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-cost-of-book-folding-and-book-binding-depend-on/583693 "2011-05-31T10:27:15Z")
as well as book trimming and basically any and all other operations that occur after the book got printed as a stack of pages from an industrial laser printer. Does this involve some sort of manual work? Are the machine… --- ## [How do those hackers do it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-those-hackers-do-it/509507)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2009, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-those-hackers-do-it/509507 "2009-09-15T22:37:58Z")
I’ve been in software development for over 25 years but I’ve never delved into hacking. I was mildly astonished to read in this article (freely available until at least 9/21/09)how easy it must be to hack into an email … --- ## [great phrases or words on t-shirts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-phrases-or-words-on-t-shirts/95397)
**Author:** [@ozonebaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ozonebaby)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2001, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-phrases-or-words-on-t-shirts/95397 "2001-12-05T21:48:42Z")
3 of my favorite t-shirts say: Everyone is out to get me because I’m paranoid. 5 out of 4 people have a problem with fractions. I hear voices in my head and they don’t like you. Any other humorous ones you wo… --- ## [Dry and very flakey scalp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dry-and-very-flakey-scalp/158460)
**Author:** [@Ashkicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashkicker)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2003, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dry-and-very-flakey-scalp/158460 "2003-03-14T00:47:16Z")
I have a dry and flakey scalp, crusty is another good adjective. It’s gross and embarassing. I can wash my hair and it still looks like a major blizzard. It seems like I have tried everything to contain it and nothing wo… --- ## [Ick. Stepford Families make me nauseous](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ick-stepford-families-make-me-nauseous/183266)
**Author:** [@Syntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syntropy)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2003, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ick-stepford-families-make-me-nauseous/183266 "2003-06-25T23:46:11Z")
I’m sorry…please don’t get me wrong. If you consider your life peachy-pie perfect because you and your spouse never argue, the kids never put a toe out of line, and the house looks perfect, well, good on ya! But truly, … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1992&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=1994&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)