# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=29 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 30 --- ## [Hypothetically, how long would it take go from Hong Kong to Galloway, Scotland with no money? (no passports, no travel card, basically undocumented)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetically-how-long-would-it-take-go-from-hong-kong-to-galloway-scotland-with-no-money-no-passports-no-travel-card-basically-undocumented/1033209)
**Author:** [@Xarrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xarrot)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2026, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetically-how-long-would-it-take-go-from-hong-kong-to-galloway-scotland-with-no-money-no-passports-no-travel-card-basically-undocumented/1033209 "2026-09-21T14:57:11Z")
It would also be possible to hitchhike on cars, swimming across the channel is also an option because it’s free. Asking in case I decide to do this --- ## [Trump awarded Peace Prize](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-awarded-peace-prize/1025452)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2025, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-awarded-peace-prize/1025452 "2025-12-09T04:36:01Z")
The made up, farcical FIFA peace prize: --- ## [Old (pre-Apprentice) TV mentions of Donald Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-pre-apprentice-tv-mentions-of-donald-trump/1033540)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2026, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-pre-apprentice-tv-mentions-of-donald-trump/1033540 "2026-10-03T20:49:23Z")
Watching the made-for-TV movie The Rockford Files: If the Frame Fits (1996) Rockford tells Angel that he’s “living like Donald Trump”. I know there have been a number of older TV shows that mention him, but can’t recall … --- ## [How do pets and animals react to trans people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-pets-and-animals-react-to-trans-people/1034289)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2026, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-pets-and-animals-react-to-trans-people/1034289 "2026-11-04T02:39:41Z")
Among animals that notice human sexuality and gender at all (like some pet dogs), how do they respond to trans individuals? Does it matter if it’s an owner they’ve lived with for a while vs a stranger they’re encounterin… --- ## [Should SNL be going after the current presidential administration more harshly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-snl-be-going-after-the-current-presidential-administration-more-harshly/1027001)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-snl-be-going-after-the-current-presidential-administration-more-harshly/1027001 "2026-02-01T06:55:13Z")
(This could fit into any one of a few other forums; I will not be surprised if it gets moved.) This is a big topic on the Saturday Night Live subreddit. The show’s “cold open” (the first sketch of the night, before the … --- ## [If you are dark-skinned (not Black) and "look Hispanic/Latino," do you go on alert around police these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-are-dark-skinned-not-black-and-look-hispanic-latino-do-you-go-on-alert-around-police-these-days/1033649)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2026, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-are-dark-skinned-not-black-and-look-hispanic-latino-do-you-go-on-alert-around-police-these-days/1033649 "2026-10-10T19:20:37Z")
Sorry, didn’t know how to phrase this. No disrespect intended to anyone. Backstory: I have a woman from Mexico who has been cleaning for me (every other week) for 14 years. I’ll call her Maria. She’s in her 60s, is a na… --- ## [Ed Sheeran](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-sheeran/1030277)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-sheeran/1030277 "2026-09-25T15:44:04Z")
I ran into a new-to-me musician last week, that i really liked. Can anyone tell me anything about Ed Sheeran? (And if you want to like fun at me for being totally out of it, musician, go right ahead. I know that already… --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - June 2026 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2026-edition/1030498)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-june-2026-edition/1030498 "2026-07-01T02:25:37Z")
June, we are now six months into 2026… and honestly it feels like six decades. On the other hand, my goal to read one T.Kingfisher book a month is cooking along nicely and I have the next three months lined up and waitin… --- ## [Companion Thread: Name your all-time three favorite children’s book, in order. No more than three, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companion-thread-name-your-all-time-three-favorite-children-s-book-in-order-no-more-than-three-please/1025348)
**Author:** [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2025, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companion-thread-name-your-all-time-three-favorite-children-s-book-in-order-no-more-than-three-please/1025348 "2025-12-18T11:09:21Z")
The Boys’ King Arthur by Sidney Lanier, illustrated by N. C. Wyeth The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Everett Shinn Golden Tales of the Arabian Nights by Margaret Soifer and Irving Shapiro, illustrated by G… --- ## [Do you or did you ever live in an interesting or odd or unique house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-or-did-you-ever-live-in-an-interesting-or-odd-or-unique-house/1026103)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2025, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-or-did-you-ever-live-in-an-interesting-or-odd-or-unique-house/1026103 "2025-12-29T10:23:37Z")
Do you or did you ever live in a geodesic dome, earth-sheltered, sod, Lustron™, octagon (modern or historic), poured-concrete, notably-old, notably-huge or etc. etc. home? What is (or what was) that like? Fun? Cool? A p… --- ## [My bank offers 10.5% interest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-bank-offers-10-5-interest/1030803)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2026, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-bank-offers-10-5-interest/1030803 "2026-07-02T06:43:18Z")
They just started a new savings account called a “Savings Jar”. For every electronic debit you make they round up to the next dollar and place the change into the savings jar at 10.49% figured monthly. I’m up to three b… --- ## [1st time here. How do I comment on a post?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-time-here-how-do-i-comment-on-a-post/1030591)
**Author:** [@ilansho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ilansho)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-time-here-how-do-i-comment-on-a-post/1030591 "2026-06-29T02:04:59Z")
Why isn’t it clear ?? --- ## [Rich people and white carpet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-and-white-carpet/1032234)
**Author:** [@LH75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LH75)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2026, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-and-white-carpet/1032234 "2026-08-12T00:41:18Z")
My wife and I spend some of our weekends going to estate sales. A lot of these sales are in expensive homes. Almost all of those homes have deep piled white carpet. Why do they do this? How do they keep it clean? --- ## [I learned a new word today - kyphoplasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-learned-a-new-word-today-kyphoplasty/1030433)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-learned-a-new-word-today-kyphoplasty/1030433 "2026-07-08T14:14:39Z")
I have a small rolling stepstool I use to reach high places. Probably most houses have one. Used it for decades. This model has a small sidestep between the top and floor. I was standing on the top and trying to go back … --- ## [2026 NBA Offseason \[edited title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-nba-offseason-edited-title/1031127)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-nba-offseason-edited-title/1031127 "2026-09-02T22:37:02Z")
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis have been traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in Tuesday’s NBA draft)… --- ## [What causes a piss Shiver? Does it happen to women too?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2026, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562 "2026-02-13T14:24:27Z")
Title says it all. I’ve experienced several in the past few days. Going to my PCP to get a blood test and leave a urine sample. Sepsis is nothing to mess around with. Put me in the hospital in 2024 and again in July, 20… --- ## [Depositing checks in an ATM](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/depositing-checks-in-an-atm/1031815)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2026, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/depositing-checks-in-an-atm/1031815 "2026-07-23T16:56:56Z")
I typically deposit any checks in the ATM in front of my bank. But you can deposit a check anywhere, I’m pretty sure. So how do those checks get from an ATM across town back to my bank? Does the ATM sequester checks from… --- ## [Should Nato leaders fear they can no longer rely on US help if Russia attacks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-nato-leaders-fear-they-can-no-longer-rely-on-us-help-if-russia-attacks/1031235)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2026, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-nato-leaders-fear-they-can-no-longer-rely-on-us-help-if-russia-attacks/1031235 "2026-07-01T09:24:11Z")
The recent articles I linked raises very disturbing questions. I encourage everyone to read both articles before replying. Imho NATO’s mutual defense commitments have rarely been tested. The appearance of solidarity is… --- ## [A lifelong Hawaii resident gets snippy about the Merrie Monarch Festival](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-lifelong-hawaii-resident-gets-snippy-about-the-merrie-monarch-festival/1029378)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-lifelong-hawaii-resident-gets-snippy-about-the-merrie-monarch-festival/1029378 "2026-04-26T11:17:58Z")
This ended a week ago, but with a total runtime a shade over fifteen hours, I’m not going to be done with it anytime soon. The Merrie Monarch Festival is a big three-day hula shindig that happens in Hilo, a sleepy big is… --- ## [Good King Win--chechfllllkisss--ess?!?!##\*'':?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-king-win-chechfllllkisss-ess/1025917)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2025, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-king-win-chechfllllkisss-ess/1025917 "2025-12-25T16:37:53Z")
Who the heck? What the heck? It’s a catchy tune. Don’t have a clue or am not inclined to find out what the heck the story is. (Or proper spelling) I don’t think I’ve ever heard it correctly. Yep. Got the EARWORM! Th… --- ## [Why are Eurasian and American beavers so different genetically?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-eurasian-and-american-beavers-so-different-genetically/1034169)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2026, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-eurasian-and-american-beavers-so-different-genetically/1034169 "2026-10-29T15:13:55Z")
I recently learned that the Eurasian and American beavers are actually super distinct genetically, with one having 48 (24 pairs) chromosomes and the other having only 40 (20 pairs). That seems pretty wild to me - when I … --- ## [Why don't Canadians do better in the Winter Olympics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-canadians-do-better-in-the-winter-olympics/1027698)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-canadians-do-better-in-the-winter-olympics/1027698 "2026-02-20T20:17:20Z")
They should have plenty of athletes and places to train. The northern Europeans blow them away. --- ## [Printer issue: Is it the printers, or my computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printer-issue-is-it-the-printers-or-my-computer/1033162)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printer-issue-is-it-the-printers-or-my-computer/1033162 "2026-09-20T23:03:57Z")
My printer’s pretty old, and when it refused to print a couple hours ago and I saw a question mark by the touch screen, I figured it was at the end of its life, so I got out another printer I had stored away that’s newer… --- ## [How did the Flying Nun fly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-flying-nun-fly/1029913)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2026, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-flying-nun-fly/1029913 "2026-05-09T16:15:51Z")
Inspired by the FQ thread about how do planes really fly. I was just a little kid when The Flying Nun was on TV. I don’t remember much about it or if they ever gave a reasonable explanation of how she was able to fly. I … --- ## [What's the coolest building in your state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-coolest-building-in-your-state/1034320)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-coolest-building-in-your-state/1034320 "2026-11-07T11:30:31Z")
Some interesting choices here, I’ve been to several of them. After seeing some of the images I think I’d like to visit a few more. I would have picked the Stata Center for Massachusetts, another MIT building but IMO m… --- ## [Mike Johnson. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-johnson-why/1027620)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-johnson-why/1027620 "2026-02-17T18:05:44Z")
IIRC, the R’s scrolled through a bunch of Speakers until they landed on this inoffensive twerp. I’m sure he got a rush at first, but now it just looks like he’s completely beleaguered. His sole function is to be Smithers… --- ## [History of the laugh track](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/history-of-the-laugh-track/1025693)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2025, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/history-of-the-laugh-track/1025693 "2025-12-17T02:41:34Z")
Continuing the discussion from He made it! (Dick Van Dyke is 100 on 2025-12-13): The above got me wondering about the history of the laugh track. My thought had always been that it began as recorded laughter added in t… --- ## [New to the Dope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-the-dope/1026013)
**Author:** [@stopnonstop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stopnonstop)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2025, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-the-dope/1026013 "2025-12-26T02:00:55Z")
Occasional lurker throughout the years and newly retired, I’ve decided to make the jump into joining The Straight Dope Message Board. Rather than make my presence quietly known by a comment or two on already started topi… --- ## [What is a booger, exactly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-booger-exactly/1033134)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-booger-exactly/1033134 "2026-09-20T03:25:04Z")
So the stuff that comes out of your nose… often yellowish-green, sometimes bloody, sometimes soft and slimy, sometimes hard like a slab of petrified disgust. What exactly… is it? What does it do? How is it different or … --- ## [The Eagles Nest has been destroyed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-eagles-nest-has-been-destroyed/1034125)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2026, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-eagles-nest-has-been-destroyed/1034125 "2026-10-31T02:33:56Z")
It’s hard to shed a tear for something so closely associated with Hitler but I do have fond memories of it. It’s in the running as one of the most beautiful places on earth. I got to spend a couple of extended stays in… --- ## [Has anyone ever heard of Zoom Books?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-heard-of-zoom-books/1030364)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2026, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-heard-of-zoom-books/1030364 "2026-08-18T15:54:14Z")
It seems it is a Canadian second hand book shop: they buy books on line, mostly non fiction. They buy old books that have very little use at first sight, then they cut off the binding, scan them, and pulp them. Here is a… --- ## [Brigitte Bardot, 1934-2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brigitte-bardot-1934-2025/1026116)
**Author:** [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2026, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brigitte-bardot-1934-2025/1026116 "2026-01-01T04:02:13Z")
There are a lot of guys my age on the board who will have, I guess, somewhat confused memories of Brigitte. Not quite old enough to understand at the time. And then she was gone, and busy looking after animals. So I am… --- ## [Getting an all in one computer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468 "2026-10-02T08:07:03Z")
I’m going to get a new computer in a couple of weeks. For a couple of reasons I’d like an all in one. Other than the usual internet stuff I’m mainly going to use it for world building for the novel I’m working on (first … --- ## [Would you recognize a photo of your hand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-recognize-a-photo-of-your-hand/1029670)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2026, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-recognize-a-photo-of-your-hand/1029670 "2026-05-26T20:28:24Z")
(This didn’t seem serious enough for IMHO, so I put it here - if I’m wrong, feel free to relocate) This came up due to an actual situation at work. If you saw a photo of your hand with no context, would you be able to r… --- ## [Do you re-use pet names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-re-use-pet-names/1025245)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-re-use-pet-names/1025245 "2025-12-03T15:34:37Z")
A year and a half or so I adopted a house panther from a rescue. They’d named him Freddie Mercury. Of course, I’d need a nickname for everyday use, right? So, Fred or Freddie, right? Well, no. Way back I had a cat named… --- ## [Whiteness and Capitalism Go Hand In Hand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whiteness-and-capitalism-go-hand-in-hand/1026567)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whiteness-and-capitalism-go-hand-in-hand/1026567 "2026-01-12T05:04:08Z")
There was nothing sudden about it. For some of us non-Americans, this has always been the face the USA shows outside its own borders. And also, internally this has been coming since Appomattox, one way or another. Yo… --- ## [There's a scene in a visual media you're watching that shows a needle going into a human's vein. Are you able to watch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-a-scene-in-a-visual-media-youre-watching-that-shows-a-needle-going-into-a-humans-vein-are-you-able-to-watch/1034360)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-a-scene-in-a-visual-media-youre-watching-that-shows-a-needle-going-into-a-humans-vein-are-you-able-to-watch/1034360 "2026-11-07T03:31:52Z")
Neither of my parents were, but I am. Musta skipped a generation. --- ## [RIP: @Elbows Husband Has Just Died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-elbows-husband-has-just-died/1024869)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2025, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-elbows-husband-has-just-died/1024869 "2025-11-15T23:22:29Z")
In case anyone isn’t following Puzzlegal’s thread about her husband’s illness, @elbows has shared some very sad news: My husband is seriously ill - #160 {moved from this thread by What Exit?} I am sorry to hear this. @… --- ## [How many roots are there in a square root?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-roots-are-there-in-a-square-root/1025864)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2025, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-roots-are-there-in-a-square-root/1025864 "2025-12-23T19:50:19Z")
I keep seeing ‘square root’ reels in one of my Facebook feeds. For example: √((82 + 82)/8). So: 64 + 64 = 128 128 ÷ 8 = 16 √16 = ± 4 I was taught that a square root can be positive or negative. 4 x 4 = 16, and -4 … --- ## [How do you use a gift card that has money on it? More specifically...what happens when the balance is low?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-use-a-gift-card-that-has-money-on-it-more-specifically-what-happens-when-the-balance-is-low/1026041)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2025, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-use-a-gift-card-that-has-money-on-it-more-specifically-what-happens-when-the-balance-is-low/1026041 "2025-12-26T23:57:03Z")
I got a gift card for Christmas that is basically cash, but on something that works like a credit card. It is all activated and works like a credit card…easy enough. But what happens when you only have a few dollars le… --- ## [Our rent-a-dog needs to be a rescue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-rent-a-dog-needs-to-be-a-rescue/1029371)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2026, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-rent-a-dog-needs-to-be-a-rescue/1029371 "2026-06-07T19:31:03Z")
(All names changed for reasons that will become clear.) A few weeks ago I saw a post on the neighborhood chat site from a pregnant single Mom, Mia. She was overwhelmed and needed some assistance. Her older daughter (1… --- ## [Your perfect (canned) tuna sandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-perfect-canned-tuna-sandwich/1031981)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-perfect-canned-tuna-sandwich/1031981 "2026-07-31T01:54:52Z")
I put canned in parentheses because some of you probably make a divine tuna sandwich from the leftover scraps of grilled tuna steak, and that does make a very fine sandwich indeed. Which is okay for the purposes of this… --- ## [Sexism/male chauvinism in television commercials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-male-chauvinism-in-television-commercials/1031931)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-male-chauvinism-in-television-commercials/1031931 "2026-08-01T23:27:04Z")
I was watching retro commercials on the Roku “Time Portal TV” app, and this golden oldie Folger’s Coffee ad featuring Yvonne Craig popped up: Folgers Coffee Commercial #11 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Intern… --- ## [Serious question about coconuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-question-about-coconuts/1029233)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2026, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-question-about-coconuts/1029233 "2026-04-17T12:57:13Z")
I checked and a swallow weights about 0.5 ounces. Coconuts weigh around 1.25 pounds so there is no way a swallow can carry a coconut. So, seriously, could a bald eagle carry a coconut? --- ## [How are package delivery services where you live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-package-delivery-services-where-you-live/1026000)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2026, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-package-delivery-services-where-you-live/1026000 "2026-01-01T15:16:23Z")
Between holiday shopping and all the stuff we’ve needed for our boat project, we’ve gotten a LOT of items delivered in recent months. In fact, for several years now, we’ve done a great deal of ordering on line. Most driv… --- ## [How would you describe an orgasm (not seeking sex stories!)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-describe-an-orgasm-not-seeking-sex-stories/1033186)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2026, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-describe-an-orgasm-not-seeking-sex-stories/1033186 "2026-10-04T23:34:51Z")
This is not meant to be a lurid thread. I’m not trying to solicit stories of how you got to the moment. Rather, I’m curious about the limits of language. and variations in subjective experiences. An orgasm is often to… --- ## [Moderation in the Minnesota shooting thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-in-the-minnesota-shooting-thread/1027111)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderation-in-the-minnesota-shooting-thread/1027111 "2026-01-30T01:08:04Z")
This isn’t going to be like a mod pitting, I’m not admonishing or being hostile, I’m just trying to be helpful, but since I was noted in that thread that to say anything at all about the relevance of something being in … --- ## [How do Certificates of Deposit work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-certificates-of-deposit-work/1026387)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2026, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-certificates-of-deposit-work/1026387 "2026-01-07T18:40:32Z")
I understand the fundamental structure of this product, but I’m confused on the details. Let’s say I put a grand in a six-month CD for 4% fixed APY. Does that mean that at the end of six months, the bank cuts me a check … --- ## [What jobs really require a humanoid form?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-jobs-really-require-a-humanoid-form/1030850)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-jobs-really-require-a-humanoid-form/1030850 "2026-06-22T12:05:48Z")
Continuing the discussion from Leave the birthrate alone: What are among those many activities? And among them which could still have productivity significantly increased with AI enabled robotic assistance if cost eff… --- ## [I saw this sign on a counter at a gas station today (Iowa)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-saw-this-sign-on-a-counter-at-a-gas-station-today-iowa/1027108)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-saw-this-sign-on-a-counter-at-a-gas-station-today-iowa/1027108 "2026-01-30T00:36:41Z")
Okay, at the first of the year, SNAP (food stamps) in Iowa stopped paying for certain kinds of junk food. Yes, the decision is controversial, and that’s why a gas station near my home put up a sign listing what is cover… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=28&per_page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=30&per_page=50)