# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=21 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 22 --- ## [Are U.S. pennies actually destroyed in souvenir making machines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-u-s-pennies-actually-destroyed-in-souvenir-making-machines/1034359)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2026, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-u-s-pennies-actually-destroyed-in-souvenir-making-machines/1034359 "2026-11-04T02:38:46Z")
…or are they just taken, along with the one or two quarters you also feed the machine, and a fake coin is spit out? --- ## [I hate it when weird things happen that I can't explain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-it-when-weird-things-happen-that-i-cant-explain/1027695)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-it-when-weird-things-happen-that-i-cant-explain/1027695 "2026-02-20T19:17:32Z")
Last night, right after I went to bed, I heard some quietish beeping, seven or eight beeps, that I’ve never heard before. It happened too fast to get a bead on where it was coming from. It sort of sounded like an alarm f… --- ## [Question about The Addams Family TV Series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-addams-family-tv-series/1033957)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2026, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-addams-family-tv-series/1033957 "2026-10-25T23:12:22Z")
I know the yet-to-be named characters first appeared in Charles Addams’ wonderfully weird cartoons in The New Yorker. But how did they go from there to television? Did Addams pitch the idea for the series to ABC himsel… --- ## [Midterms warning version 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midterms-warning-version-2/1032898)
**Author:** [@Keith1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keith1)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midterms-warning-version-2/1032898 "2026-09-17T04:09:42Z")
Version 1 was shut down due to lack of description. Oops, I thought it was pretty evident. Also providing an alternate URL. For some, it appears the original URL is pay walled. The article is based on a think-tank essa… --- ## [My wife believes all the woo on her phone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-believes-all-the-woo-on-her-phone/1029924)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-believes-all-the-woo-on-her-phone/1029924 "2026-05-23T14:47:51Z")
Nearly all of it is AL videos. Today she showed me a “cure” for a painful knee ( I think). It involves making a salve of olive oil, coriander seed and a bay leaf among other things. She is determined to try it despite ev… --- ## [Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (Open spoilers after release)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-open-spoilers-after-release/1030236)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-open-spoilers-after-release/1030236 "2026-06-11T20:07:58Z")
Starting this thread now so we have a place to discuss spoilers once it hits theaters. The official release date is Friday, but it looks like it’s actually going to start showing in theaters across the US on Thursday aft… --- ## [Middle class white democrats and their experience of being a marginalized and unsafe group under Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-class-white-democrats-and-their-experience-of-being-a-marginalized-and-unsafe-group-under-trump/1030028)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2026, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-class-white-democrats-and-their-experience-of-being-a-marginalized-and-unsafe-group-under-trump/1030028 "2026-06-01T18:30:07Z")
I can’t think of a better way to word this or title this, but I read an article a while back written by a black writer saying that educated, middle class white democrats are feeling what it is like to be a black American… --- ## [Has office building security gotten tighter in the last quarter-century?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-office-building-security-gotten-tighter-in-the-last-quarter-century/1032648)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-office-building-security-gotten-tighter-in-the-last-quarter-century/1032648 "2026-09-03T20:00:00Z")
My experience of office buildings from the Toronto area from the 1990s to early 2000s was mostly that they were open-access. Basically, you went in, went to the elevator, and when you got to the business that was your de… --- ## [What would you call this hat that Basil Rathbone is wearing as Sherlock Holmes (not the deer-stalker)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-call-this-hat-that-basil-rathbone-is-wearing-as-sherlock-holmes-not-the-deer-stalker/1029132)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2026, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-call-this-hat-that-basil-rathbone-is-wearing-as-sherlock-holmes-not-the-deer-stalker/1029132 "2026-04-15T19:20:44Z")
In his first two or three Holmes films, Rathbone wore the deer-stalker a lot, I think. But in later films, where they were emphasizing the current-day time frame rather than Victoriana, he was wearing this hat. To me … --- ## [The hidden price of free](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hidden-price-of-free/1030318)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2026, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hidden-price-of-free/1030318 "2026-05-31T20:42:42Z")
Netflix has a $17 tier where you get an ad free version of their streaming service. They also offer a reduced cost $8 tier where you have to watch 12 or 13 minutes of ads per hour. When people select a subscription, they… --- ## [You remember the Apollo moon landings, someone tells you he envies you for that. What you do answer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-remember-the-apollo-moon-landings-someone-tells-you-he-envies-you-for-that-what-you-do-answer/1028965)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2026, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-remember-the-apollo-moon-landings-someone-tells-you-he-envies-you-for-that-what-you-do-answer/1028965 "2026-04-04T01:10:09Z")
Continuing the discussion from Back to the Moon! Artemis program follow along (it's going to be a long long time): Spoons suggests a new thread. It started like this: You might ask those of us who saw the first moon … --- ## [How many farmers were ruined so that rich people in Beverly Hills could have swimming pools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-farmers-were-ruined-so-that-rich-people-in-beverly-hills-could-have-swimming-pools/1029751)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2026, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-farmers-were-ruined-so-that-rich-people-in-beverly-hills-could-have-swimming-pools/1029751 "2026-05-06T22:04:24Z")
ETA: I originally said “killed” rather than “ruined”, although if anyone has some cites that that’s not hyperbole, let us know. Inspired by, of all things, the opening scene in the Bugs Bunny cartoon “What’s Up, Doc?”. … --- ## [Airplane simulators: How can they be trusted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-simulators-how-can-they-be-trusted/1027337)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-simulators-how-can-they-be-trusted/1027337 "2026-02-05T19:25:30Z")
I am not a pilot, although I have spent a few hours in a small airplane’s cockpit as a flight student. I understand, that due to the extreme cost of using a real airplane for pilot training, simulators are heavily used … --- ## [I fought Amazon the Pit edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-fought-amazon-the-pit-edition/1026440)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2026, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-fought-amazon-the-pit-edition/1026440 "2026-01-09T19:40:08Z")
Well, don’t want any bannination What\_Exit So how do I start this thing? So I took a bit of a victory lap in finally getting my refund from Amazon in this thread I didn’t want or expect accolades. Most related that … --- ## [Who wants 30 min eggs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wants-30-min-eggs/1033210)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wants-30-min-eggs/1033210 "2026-09-30T00:01:07Z")
I have a bad habit of putting on a pot of eggs to boil (for snacking during the week) and walking away to do something else real quick. 30 or so minutes later, there’s an inch of water remaining and I have what are basi… --- ## [If the sun can radiate heat into space, why is this a problem for data centers in space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-sun-can-radiate-heat-into-space-why-is-this-a-problem-for-data-centers-in-space/1033454)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2026, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-sun-can-radiate-heat-into-space-why-is-this-a-problem-for-data-centers-in-space/1033454 "2026-10-05T12:36:05Z")
The consensus I’ve heard on AI data centers in space is that cooling them is going to be next to impossible, since they’re in a vacuum. And sure, the vacuum of space isn’t really cold, it just doesn’t have any temperatu… --- ## [Favorite podcasts-No audiobooks or concerts, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-podcasts-no-audiobooks-or-concerts-please/1025841)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-podcasts-no-audiobooks-or-concerts-please/1025841 "2026-06-17T02:53:28Z")
I know it’s a little late in the game, but I have started trying out different podcasts. My favorite right now is Mo Rocca’s “Mobituaries”, in which he discusses people, places and things that are no longer with us… som… --- ## [What motivates Marvel criminals in light of how often they’re killed, beaten or arrested by heroes and villains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-motivates-marvel-criminals-in-light-of-how-often-they-re-killed-beaten-or-arrested-by-heroes-and-villains/1027529)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2026, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-motivates-marvel-criminals-in-light-of-how-often-they-re-killed-beaten-or-arrested-by-heroes-and-villains/1027529 "2026-02-15T16:29:13Z")
It’s a standard trope in Marvel stories for criminals and terrorists to end up getting killed, injured or left for the police individually and in large groups. There are hundreds of crime fighting heroes active in the US… --- ## [Jesus Shoots ....He Scores!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-shoots-he-scores/1030607)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2026, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-shoots-he-scores/1030607 "2026-06-15T00:48:44Z")
This showed up in an ad to the side of my main content. I guess there’s an audience for bthis kind of thing, but I am speechless. It pairs well with this: And on the same page is This: --- ## [How do you usually say this number: 1,200?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-usually-say-this-number-1-200/1029621)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2026, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-usually-say-this-number-1-200/1029621 "2026-05-12T16:08:06Z")
poll --- ## [Religious mode and scientific mode](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-mode-and-scientific-mode/1029345)
**Author:** [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-mode-and-scientific-mode/1029345 "2026-04-28T21:32:39Z")
I think it’s even more complicated than that: I think it’s even possible to have the trait, but still to think that any particular expression of it is, in the scientific mode, hogwash. Cite: the inside of my own head. … --- ## [Do you have any DVD box sets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-dvd-box-sets/1025121)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2025, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-dvd-box-sets/1025121 "2025-12-04T20:37:29Z")
And if so of what genre? Relevant to a discussion in a particular show thread but that discussion is not relevant to the question so no link. if you care to know though. --- ## [Mountain lion captured in the middle of San Francisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mountain-lion-captured-in-the-middle-of-san-francisco/1027100)
**Author:** [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2026, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mountain-lion-captured-in-the-middle-of-san-francisco/1027100 "2026-02-03T12:03:13Z")
SFist article:SF Animal Control Locates Mountain Lion In Pac Heights, Will Transport It Elsewhere The lion had been seen wandering around the last couple of days. They caught up with it near the intersection of Octavia… --- ## [The street we live on is unique](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-street-we-live-on-is-unique/1025488)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2025, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-street-we-live-on-is-unique/1025488 "2025-12-16T18:18:59Z")
As far as I can tell, there is no other street with the same name in the entire country. And, it’s only two words, eight letters total. I just thought that is unusual. We now return you to your regularly scheduled prog… --- ## [What are the best refutations of the idea that evil shouldn’t be done to stop worse evil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-refutations-of-the-idea-that-evil-shouldn-t-be-done-to-stop-worse-evil/1030532)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-refutations-of-the-idea-that-evil-shouldn-t-be-done-to-stop-worse-evil/1030532 "2026-06-03T17:03:13Z")
There are people who think since it’s morally wrong to kill innocent people it would still be morally wrong to kill someone to stop even more people from dying (the trolley problem, the atomic bombings of Japan, etc.). W… --- ## ["I'm, like, ..." -- was it Valley Girls that started that?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-like-was-it-valley-girls-that-started-that/1032055)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-like-was-it-valley-girls-that-started-that/1032055 "2026-08-03T17:34:49Z")
That expression I’m comma like comma that we constantly hear now didn’t exist until a few decades ago. (Does it exist now, in other English-speaking countries?) Didn’t it get started as part of Valley Girl lingo? No, I d… --- ## [Announcement: Flight number xxxx "WITH SERVICE" to city yyyy...Shut up, dammit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/announcement-flight-number-xxxx-with-service-to-city-yyyy-shut-up-dammit/1025686)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2025, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/announcement-flight-number-xxxx-with-service-to-city-yyyy-shut-up-dammit/1025686 "2025-12-25T15:19:46Z")
Why add the words"with service" to the announcement? If you got sometin’ to say, just say it, okay? The fight has been delayed, or moved to a new gate—okay, I get it, stuff happens. But I’m flying to Houston, or Denve… --- ## [Have you owned an automobile (or truck) from each of the Big 3 automakers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-owned-an-automobile-or-truck-from-each-of-the-big-3-automakers/1029342)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2026, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-owned-an-automobile-or-truck-from-each-of-the-big-3-automakers/1029342 "2026-04-21T14:24:50Z")
Simple poll. Have you owned a car or truck from Ford, General Motors and Chrysler? Yes, I have and feel free to include all their other brands. I’ve had a Mercury Topaz, Pontiac Grand Prix, and a PT Cruiser. I’ve also … --- ## [Under what authority does a US president have the right to rename a body of water shared with another country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-authority-does-a-us-president-have-the-right-to-rename-a-body-of-water-shared-with-another-country/1032636)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-authority-does-a-us-president-have-the-right-to-rename-a-body-of-water-shared-with-another-country/1032636 "2026-09-05T11:05:49Z")
A simple question. Has it been done before by any previous president? --- ## [Privileges One Receives When They Hit 50](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privileges-one-receives-when-they-hit-50/1027844)
**Author:** [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privileges-one-receives-when-they-hit-50/1027844 "2026-03-10T19:06:09Z")
I’m about to turn fifty in the USA. I’m planning to get some shots (pneumococcal, shingles and RSV) for which I’ll be eligible. Which things did you get when you turn fifty in your life? --- ## [In praise of "stomp clap hey" music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-praise-of-stomp-clap-hey-music/1025392)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2025, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-praise-of-stomp-clap-hey-music/1025392 "2025-12-06T09:29:28Z")
We’re getting to the point in the nostalgia cycle where people are starting to memorialize the early 2010s. In the past few days, I’ve started seeing the term “stomp clap hey” used to refer to the kind of acoustic folk-p… --- ## [International responses to "problematic" countries (like Iran)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-responses-to-problematic-countries-like-iran/1029122)
**Author:** [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2026, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-responses-to-problematic-countries-like-iran/1029122 "2026-04-15T16:05:54Z")
Back in the P&E thread https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-in-america-is-actually-happy-about-the-trump-politics-situation-today/ @Sitnam and I got sidetracked into an interesting discussion re: “What should be the b… --- ## [These $90 payments from Social Security that just showed up {$90 Medicare dividend}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-90-payments-from-social-security-that-just-showed-up-90-medicare-dividend/1033633)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2026, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-90-payments-from-social-security-that-just-showed-up-90-medicare-dividend/1033633 "2026-10-27T23:30:22Z")
Both Mr. brown and I received today $90 each from Social Security. Googling says: “The checks, which have already hit some seniors’ bank accounts, are tied to the Trump administration’s announcement that it would send … --- ## [The man from the motor trade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-man-from-the-motor-trade/1027655)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-man-from-the-motor-trade/1027655 "2026-02-26T15:20:28Z")
In The Beatles’ song She’s Leaving Home, Friday morning at nine o’clock she is far away Waiting to keep the appointment she made Meeting a man from the motor trade. This has never been very clear to me. First, “motor… --- ## [Dissenting SCOTUS votes on birthright citizenship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dissenting-scotus-votes-on-birthright-citizenship/1031300)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2026, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dissenting-scotus-votes-on-birthright-citizenship/1031300 "2026-07-04T13:46:49Z")
What was the rationale for the dissenting votes? --- ## [Midjourney image/video creation tool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midjourney-image-video-creation-tool/1028939)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midjourney-image-video-creation-tool/1028939 "2026-06-26T18:37:26Z")
Midjourney is an AI based image and video generation tool. I’ve recently subscribed to it and it’s genuinely one of the most fun creative tools I have ever seen in my life. I’m having a blast with it. I want to state up… --- ## [How far can an OP be wrong before you can correct them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-an-op-be-wrong-before-you-can-correct-them/1025302)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2025, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-an-op-be-wrong-before-you-can-correct-them/1025302 "2025-12-02T16:14:03Z")
I get the OP needs to be able to define the question/thread they want to ask about. But ISTM there should be some limits. In a recent thread @puzzlegal chastised me and another poster for not abiding by weak definition… --- ## [Why are cars named after small Western towns and not big cities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cars-named-after-small-western-towns-and-not-big-cities/1032805)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cars-named-after-small-western-towns-and-not-big-cities/1032805 "2026-09-10T04:37:35Z")
I can think of the: Sedona Durango Tacoma Tucson Santa Fe But, no Chicago, Houston, Boston, or Washington DC. Although there is a New York-er. And, for that matter, no Biloxi, Portsmouth, or Wheaton. --- ## [Yet Another Fun But Probably Meaningless Online "Political Compass" Test You Can Take](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-fun-but-probably-meaningless-online-political-compass-test-you-can-take/1031304)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2026, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-fun-but-probably-meaningless-online-political-compass-test-you-can-take/1031304 "2026-07-30T13:24:16Z")
Here. It’s interesting in that it’s “vibes-based”, and a lot of the questions are about general attitudes toward life rather than specific political issues. It says that the politician whose views most closely resemble… --- ## [Generally, why do horses bob their heads quickly up and down in movie westerns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-why-do-horses-bob-their-heads-quickly-up-and-down-in-movie-westerns/1029054)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2026, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-why-do-horses-bob-their-heads-quickly-up-and-down-in-movie-westerns/1029054 "2026-04-10T08:52:00Z")
I’ve noticed in many Westerns the horse bobs his head up and down when ridden by an actor. I see it often when an actor mounts the horse and is supposed to ride confidently down the street. The violent bobbing horse hea… --- ## [Should children be shielded from morbid subjects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-children-be-shielded-from-morbid-subjects/1032999)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-children-be-shielded-from-morbid-subjects/1032999 "2026-09-19T19:21:25Z")
I’m second guessing myself a bit and wanted to check in. I’ve got a six year old boy, brilliant, autistic, never stops wanting to learn about stuff. From a young age I’ve taken the approach of radical honesty with him. … --- ## [Complaints of "bad writing" or "bad storytelling" as a place holder for ... something else](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complaints-of-bad-writing-or-bad-storytelling-as-a-place-holder-for-something-else/1027800)
**Author:** [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complaints-of-bad-writing-or-bad-storytelling-as-a-place-holder-for-something-else/1027800 "2026-02-23T15:52:01Z")
I’ve noticed a common thing that happens in current internet discourse over new shows or movies is for some on the anti side to use “bad writing” or “bad storytelling” as their complaint, when it’s obvious that not only … --- ## [In what circumstances will you knowingly inconvenience others for your own reasons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-circumstances-will-you-knowingly-inconvenience-others-for-your-own-reasons/1028001)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2026, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-circumstances-will-you-knowingly-inconvenience-others-for-your-own-reasons/1028001 "2026-03-05T14:11:59Z")
Looking out my from window, across the street there is a work truck that just pulled up and parked in the driveway, completely blocking the sidewalk. At this moment, several kids are walking to the middle school at the … --- ## [Here's one coin that I will not be adding to my collection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-one-coin-that-i-will-not-be-adding-to-my-collection/1028596)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2026, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-one-coin-that-i-will-not-be-adding-to-my-collection/1028596 "2026-03-25T20:41:53Z")
I’ve got to boast for a second–I’ve got a pretty impressive challenge coin collection (90+ IIRC). But I will not be adding this one! Tripler Nope. :enraged\_face: --- ## [The U.S. Military puts on "The Full Armor of God"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-u-s-military-puts-on-the-full-armor-of-god/1033567)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-u-s-military-puts-on-the-full-armor-of-god/1033567 "2026-10-07T05:47:42Z")
Hegseth puts on the “full armor of God” and sets up a sacred “direct line” - Salon.com Hegseth has announced the creation of “The Office Of Religious Affairs” that reports directly to him, and not very subtly promote hi… --- ## [So tell me about visiting New Mexico in the fall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802)
**Author:** [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-visiting-new-mexico-in-the-fall/1030802 "2026-09-30T21:12:05Z")
We’d been debating between Montreal and New Mexico, and currently New Mexico is in the lead due to airfare prices being about half that of Montreal’s (despite it being only about a 2-hour flight from home, with Albuquerq… --- ## [Who Pays for Security?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-pays-for-security/1030667)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-pays-for-security/1030667 "2026-06-10T12:32:20Z")
Over here is a news story about the upcoming Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce wedding. The New York City police are (oddly) complaining it would be a security nightmare. Along the same lines many Canadians said they were oppos… --- ## [Trump says he’s replacing Homeland Security Secretary Noem with GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-says-he-s-replacing-homeland-security-secretary-noem-with-gop-sen-markwayne-mullin/1028234)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2026, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-says-he-s-replacing-homeland-security-secretary-noem-with-gop-sen-markwayne-mullin/1028234 "2026-03-25T12:15:21Z")
Link here President Donald Trump said he’s replacing his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Trump made the announcement on s… --- ## [Hawaii Seeks to Overturn Citizens United](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawaii-seeks-to-overturn-citizens-united/1033603)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawaii-seeks-to-overturn-citizens-united/1033603 "2026-10-12T18:53:56Z")
Apologies if this has been or is being discussed elsewhere. If so, please point me to that thread and I’ll ask the mods to close this one. IMO, Citizens United is one of the worst, if not the worst, decisions by the Su… --- ## [A question on marriages / partnerships with one sole breadwinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-on-marriages-partnerships-with-one-sole-breadwinner/1029326)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-on-marriages-partnerships-with-one-sole-breadwinner/1029326 "2026-04-19T16:48:32Z")
I’ve been binge watching Everybody Loves Raymond, and there’s something about the dynamic between Deb and Ray that bugs me. For context: Ray is the sole breadwinner and Deb is a stay at home mom. At the point in the seri… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=20&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=22&per_page=50)