# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=294&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:** 295 --- ## [My Cat just ate some waxed paper. Quick answers needed.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cat-just-ate-some-waxed-paper-quick-answers-needed/413295)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2013, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cat-just-ate-some-waxed-paper-quick-answers-needed/413295 "2013-10-24T03:02:31Z")
A piece of candy wrapper, from a Lifesavers roll fell to the floor. About 7mm x 4mm. My cat, Jazz. ate it before I could get to it. Problem? --- ## [Daycare - are you trying to kill my daughter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daycare-are-you-trying-to-kill-my-daughter/485706)
**Author:** [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2009, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daycare-are-you-trying-to-kill-my-daughter/485706 "2009-02-21T14:34:47Z")
My 4 year old daughter is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. When we registered her at her current daycare center, we told them this up front, and asked if they had a room they keep nut free. They said they absolutely … --- ## [What is the point of wearing your wrist watch down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-wearing-your-wrist-watch-down/227413)
**Author:** [@hiigaran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hiigaran)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2004, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-wearing-your-wrist-watch-down/227413 "2004-02-07T02:24:34Z")
This is a stupid little question that’s been puzzling me for a while. Does anyone know of any particular reason why some people wear their wristwatch with the face on the underside of their arm? --- ## [Hidden Camera Shows Are All Fake--Aren't They?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-camera-shows-are-all-fake-arent-they/118860)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-camera-shows-are-all-fake-arent-they/118860 "2023-11-23T04:28:27Z")
I can summarize my reasons for believing this in one word: lawsuit. Think about it. If someone frigtened, kidnapped, assaulted, accosted, or otherwise abused you–all which I have seen on these programs–you would sue the… --- ## [I like that the light is shining on the racists.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-that-the-light-is-shining-on-the-racists/503337)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2009, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-that-the-light-is-shining-on-the-racists/503337 "2009-08-05T05:24:41Z")
And that my secret girlfriend has her part in holding the torch. I like that Rachel doesn’t yell and lets Buchanan hang himself with his own words. Rise white men! Rise up from under the oppressive thumb of Hispanic j… --- ## [What is the most famous instrumental song of the 20th century?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-famous-instrumental-song-of-the-20th-century/796914)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2017, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-famous-instrumental-song-of-the-20th-century/796914 "2017-10-16T00:17:10Z")
I took a quiz on songs that don’t contain the song’s title. One of the questions concerned an entirely instrumental song, which of course meets the criterion. The question was: This song is probably the most famous in… --- ## [Siobhan? Shevaughn? Chevonne?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/siobhan-shevaughn-chevonne/653237)
**Author:** [@Tabby\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabby_Cat)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2013, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/siobhan-shevaughn-chevonne/653237 "2013-03-27T16:35:24Z")
It’s time to play “name the TabbyKitten”! :smiley: I really, really like the name Siobhan (so it’s a girl, you knew that), but unfortunately nobody here (Singapore) is familiar with the original spelling, and there are … --- ## [Tracy lords movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tracy-lords-movie/119560)
**Author:** [@Craneop2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Craneop2)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2011, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tracy-lords-movie/119560 "2011-04-28T11:57:00Z")
My brother in law has a movie he claims that is a black market version of an early Tracy Lords flick. Very covincing in that she seems rather young, and I do believe that it is indeed the young miss lords… It has to do… --- ## [Bill Maher on Valerie Plame - Bush and Cheney are traitors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-maher-on-valerie-plame-bush-and-cheney-are-traitors/397308)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2007, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-maher-on-valerie-plame-bush-and-cheney-are-traitors/397308 "2007-06-04T23:23:43Z")
“Traitors,” he began at the end of his New Rules segment, “don’t get to question my patriotism.” Over his left shoulder, images of the President and Vice President. On his face, an expression both determined and pissed o… --- ## [Adopted child discovered to have been abducted as baby. Who should get custody?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopted-child-discovered-to-have-been-abducted-as-baby-who-should-get-custody/627627)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopted-child-discovered-to-have-been-abducted-as-baby-who-should-get-custody/627627 "2018-05-28T23:24:19Z")
Yes, it’s a hypothetical with a storytelling OP. The Pit is down the hall and to the left if you’re bothered. Today’s story is \[del\]plagiarized\[/del\] suggested by an episode of Law & Order: SVU. Or possibly Criminal Mi… --- ## [What DON'T you use that everyone else does, the lack of which making you superior to them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-dont-you-use-that-everyone-else-does-the-lack-of-which-making-you-superior-to-them/658697)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2013, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-dont-you-use-that-everyone-else-does-the-lack-of-which-making-you-superior-to-them/658697 "2013-05-31T12:18:28Z")
I don’t any bed linens. Going sheetless is a much more authentic and natural way of sleeping than wrapping your body in fabric soaked in toxic dyes and chemicals manufactured in American-owned slave labor factories in de… --- ## [Why wouldn't Putin try to destroy NATO?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wouldnt-putin-try-to-destroy-nato/685434)
**Author:** [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2014, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wouldnt-putin-try-to-destroy-nato/685434 "2014-04-11T21:54:18Z")
A lot has been going on as we all know with Putin’s Russia and the Crimea. But looking forward, what’s most important is this confirms what people should have already known–Putin is willing to go against the West to chan… --- ## [What is the emotion you feel when laughing at something funny?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-emotion-you-feel-when-laughing-at-something-funny/617495)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2019, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-emotion-you-feel-when-laughing-at-something-funny/617495 "2019-07-25T16:36:52Z")
It doesn’t seem like this should be a difficult question. When someone tells a good joke, or when you look at a funny cartoon, listen to a good stand-up routine, or watch funny cat/dog videos and you laugh, what is the … --- ## [Why do people continue to engage in unsafe sex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-continue-to-engage-in-unsafe-sex/213596)
**Author:** [@workerbee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/workerbee)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2003, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-continue-to-engage-in-unsafe-sex/213596 "2003-12-01T20:14:02Z")
Despite all the facts establishing that unsafe sexual practices contribute to infection with HIV, people continue to engage in unsafe sex. Why? Lack of self-respect? Willful ignorance? It just feels better? Does any… --- ## [1 knob electric guitar. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-knob-electric-guitar-why/547282)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2021, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-knob-electric-guitar-why/547282 "2021-01-26T04:16:21Z")
Electric guitars traditionally have either two knobs, a volume and tone control for all pickups, or perhaps four knobs, a set of volume/tone for each pickup, or even some combination like the Strat’s schizo arrangement o… --- ## [Are the traditional rules of debate racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-traditional-rules-of-debate-racist/686742)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2014, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-traditional-rules-of-debate-racist/686742 "2014-04-26T18:36:26Z")
From here: I find this troubling, to say the least. I makes every debate an appeal to emotion. But hey, who cares about the fallacies, I guess. This represents the latest heights of silliness the political correctness … --- ## [Does Satan think God's predictions are wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-satan-think-gods-predictions-are-wrong/629058)
**Author:** [@Victor\_Charlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victor_Charlie)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2012, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-satan-think-gods-predictions-are-wrong/629058 "2012-07-31T12:01:16Z")
According to the Bible, Satan’s fate is pretty much sealed. He’s gonna be destroyed for his wickedness. Certainly he’s privy to this information, right? So why would he rebel? Does he think God’s just full of bluster and… --- ## [Hell o' Weenies (October Mini-Rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948)
**Author:** [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Replies:** 608\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2023, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948 "2023-11-05T02:31:06Z")
Continuing the discussion from Time To Dismember (Rants of September): About thirty minutes ago, I opened my freezer and checked the icemaker. There were some ice cubes in the back of the freezer, just outside the bin … --- ## [Weird, but common, dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-but-common-dreams/533916)
**Author:** [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2010, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-but-common-dreams/533916 "2010-04-01T08:02:55Z")
The current xkcd cartoon got me thinking about dreams that are weird (as in, they don’t reflect real life experiences) but are common, as in many people experience the same senario in their dreams, sometimes often. Popul… --- ## [Home owners associations - there must be some limit to what they can do](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-owners-associations-there-must-be-some-limit-to-what-they-can-do/624962)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2015, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-owners-associations-there-must-be-some-limit-to-what-they-can-do/624962 "2015-10-15T22:50:18Z")
I am confused about home owners associations - there must be some limit to what they can do. If one buys a residence which is part of a home owners association what it seems one is signing a contract with unknown person… --- ## [Why are Republicans generally more patriotic than Democrats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-republicans-generally-more-patriotic-than-democrats/791627)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 244\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-republicans-generally-more-patriotic-than-democrats/791627 "2017-07-22T21:05:16Z")
I now believe that it is fairly well-established that Republicans generally are more patriotic than Democrats. Why is that so? The motivation for this thread came out of this post in this thread and the ensuing discussi… --- ## [Stew is too bitter, need advice quick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stew-is-too-bitter-need-advice-quick/435224)
**Author:** [@iwakura43](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iwakura43)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2008, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stew-is-too-bitter-need-advice-quick/435224 "2008-01-28T05:00:28Z")
On my first attempt to make beef stew, today, I used some really thick, dark stout of a beer as part of the liquid in my pot. After two hours of cooking the meat, I discovered that the broth is very bitter due to the bee… --- ## [Gays Who Do Not Engage in Anal Sex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gays-who-do-not-engage-in-anal-sex/642176)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gays-who-do-not-engage-in-anal-sex/642176 "2012-12-05T17:28:56Z")
I’ve seen it asserted - on this board and possibly elsewhere as well - that some gay men do not engage in anal sex. I’m wondering how common this is. Like are we talking about something like 0.1% - it’s out there but ver… --- ## [Would you marry someone with a disabled parent or sibling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-marry-someone-with-a-disabled-parent-or-sibling/601212)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2013, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-marry-someone-with-a-disabled-parent-or-sibling/601212 "2013-06-04T15:01:23Z")
Say you find your soulmate…they have a sibling or parent with a disability requiring a family member to care for them (not severe enough or culturally apprpriate to warrant being in a group/nursing home). Theyre being cu… --- ## [Stop Giving Major Sporting Events to AWful or Incapable Countries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-giving-major-sporting-events-to-awful-or-incapable-countries/680497)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2014, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-giving-major-sporting-events-to-awful-or-incapable-countries/680497 "2014-02-17T19:51:55Z")
The Sochi Olympics are going to be a shitshow. The hotels and player villages are a joke (side-by-side toilets). And the anti-gay legislation and potential violence are also looming The 2014 World Cup is in Brazil is wa… --- ## [Dear Weirdo: please curb your so-called "service dog"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-weirdo-please-curb-your-so-called-service-dog/780903)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2017, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-weirdo-please-curb-your-so-called-service-dog/780903 "2017-03-16T04:23:15Z")
NOT seeing eye dogs. Im talking about these old people or emotional weirdos that have conned establishments to let them bring their pets inside because they are “service animals”. Now, im not sure exactly what “service… --- ## [Apollo 13 question about re-entry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-13-question-about-re-entry/580974)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2011, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-13-question-about-re-entry/580974 "2011-05-10T20:40:15Z")
This is a question based on the movie, but it’s not a movie question. It will have a factual answer. In the movie, as they approach Earth, they had to do a burn to correct the re-entry angle: too shallow and they skip … --- ## [Different colored hairs in my beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-colored-hairs-in-my-beard/202004)
**Author:** [@Moo\_the\_Magic\_Cow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moo_the_Magic_Cow)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2003, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-colored-hairs-in-my-beard/202004 "2003-09-24T01:24:21Z")
Why do I have different colored hairs in my beard? I have dark brown hair (practically black) but on my chin and upper lip I have stray blondes here and there(actually the color I’m unsure of, someone called them copper,… --- ## [Why do religious people try to prove God exists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-religious-people-try-to-prove-god-exists/811895)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 312\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2018, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-religious-people-try-to-prove-god-exists/811895 "2018-04-14T00:03:15Z")
The title pretty much says it all. One of the key aspects of religion is that it requires FAITH. Faith is defined as belief in the absence of evidence or proof. So why is it that so many devout people are constantly … --- ## [Robert DeNiro and black women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robert-deniro-and-black-women/365896)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2006, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robert-deniro-and-black-women/365896 "2006-07-28T00:10:19Z")
Actor Robert DeNiro has a reputation for having relationships with black women. But how true is this? I know his current wife is black and I know he had a child with another black woman. But has he had other black women … --- ## [Debunk fears of your city or country here!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debunk-fears-of-your-city-or-country-here/691213)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2014, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debunk-fears-of-your-city-or-country-here/691213 "2014-06-29T09:03:51Z")
(Inspired by this thread, by a future vacationer concerned about seeing Neo-Nazis in Germany: Going to Germany this summer. How much Neo-Naziism will we encounter? - In My Humble Opinion - Straight Dope Message Board) D… --- ## [Teachers dating students - Against the law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teachers-dating-students-against-the-law/438212)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2008, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teachers-dating-students-against-the-law/438212 "2008-02-20T15:57:42Z")
Can teachers date and have sex with their students if the student is of age? For example can a high school teacher in Illinois date and have sex with a 17 year old girl in his class? What if she is not his student, but a… --- ## [Does Trump want to undermine the role of the press?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-trump-want-to-undermine-the-role-of-the-press/824796)
**Author:** [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Replies:** 271\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-trump-want-to-undermine-the-role-of-the-press/824796 "2018-12-10T04:44:30Z")
Is there any doubt now that President Trump actively seeks to undermine the role of the press in the United States? ETA: I don’t think there is any doubt. --- ## [ATTN: SETI@home Straight Dopers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-seti-home-straight-dopers/133035)
**Author:** [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Replies:** 323\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2005, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-seti-home-straight-dopers/133035 "2005-04-20T05:54:54Z")
There used to be a SETI@home Group for Straight Dopers (called “Straight Dopers”), but it sort of withered up and died. So, I started a new group, The Straight Dopers. However, I recall the old group had at least a coupl… --- ## [Coolest Bomber aircraft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-bomber-aircraft/498356)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2009, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-bomber-aircraft/498356 "2009-06-08T13:18:46Z")
Following on from the Coolest fighter aircraft thread, what are the coolest bombers? My nominee: The de Havilland Mosquito. Sexy looks, fast and maneuverable, highly versatile, a pair of Merlins, and it’s made of wood.… --- ## [What this place reminds me of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-this-place-reminds-me-of/664160)
**Author:** [@get\_lives](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/get_lives)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2013, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-this-place-reminds-me-of/664160 "2013-07-26T20:12:58Z")
Here’s a little parable that this subforum brings to mind: "Five Monkeys were put in a large cage with a flight of steps, on the top of which was a banana. Soon a Monkey saw the banana and began up the steps to get it. … --- ## [Celebrity Apprentice II](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrity-apprentice-ii/487691)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 288\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2009, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrity-apprentice-ii/487691 "2009-05-13T18:21:02Z")
For those who haven’t been meeting their “blowhard with a bad hairpiece” quota recently, there’s a new season of Celebrity Apprentice starting up. Lots and lots of “oh man, bummer you can’t get work” celebs (from Joan R… --- ## [Did you ever have the feeling your English teachers were full of BS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-ever-have-the-feeling-your-english-teachers-were-full-of-bs/686520)
**Author:** [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-ever-have-the-feeling-your-english-teachers-were-full-of-bs/686520 "2014-05-02T22:35:49Z")
Ian McEwan on his novels as A-level set texts: ‘My son got a very low mark’ - video He’s an amusing guy. --- ## [Why do heavy people go faster on a zipline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-heavy-people-go-faster-on-a-zipline/596354)
**Author:** [@doubled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doubled)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2011, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-heavy-people-go-faster-on-a-zipline/596354 "2011-09-19T12:38:36Z")
My high school physics class drilled in to us that objects fall at the same speed regardless of weight (at least, ignoring air resistance). Contrary to intuition, heavy objects do NOT fall faster than light objects. Ther… --- ## [What is it about sugar-free candy that causes the laxative effect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-sugar-free-candy-that-causes-the-laxative-effect/188900)
**Author:** [@gsteinma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gsteinma)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2015, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-sugar-free-candy-that-causes-the-laxative-effect/188900 "2015-01-06T19:30:00Z")
Last night I ate a small bag of sugar-free gummy bears, and had one of the worst experiences of my life. Apparantly the gummy bears, as with sugar-free chocalates, produces an EXTREME laxative effect if you eat more tha… --- ## [Hate Jazz but wish you knew a bit more about why? A Jazz 101 thread.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-jazz-but-wish-you-knew-a-bit-more-about-why-a-jazz-101-thread/563031)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-jazz-but-wish-you-knew-a-bit-more-about-why-a-jazz-101-thread/563031 "2010-12-10T14:50:59Z")
In this threadentitled “What should you like, but don’t” - in Post #60 I comment on how many folks have stated that they don’t like Jazz. I argue that perhaps they aren’t grounded in some of the basics of jazz. \*\*Novel… --- ## ["monkey f\*\*\*ing a football", origin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monkey-f-ing-a-football-origin/281746)
**Author:** [@gerb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gerb)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2023, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monkey-f-ing-a-football-origin/281746 "2023-06-22T16:14:58Z")
I know what the phrase “monkey fucking a football” means. But where did it come from? Was it first used in a book? Was it G.I. speak? Did it come into vogue because of a film? --- ## [Trivia question: U.S. Presidents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trivia-question-u-s-presidents/623396)
**Author:** [@bahia\_hombre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bahia_hombre)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2012, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trivia-question-u-s-presidents/623396 "2012-07-05T12:21:27Z")
Without looking it up, which U.S. president was never elected as President nor VP and what was his or her position before entering the executive branch? Please enter your answers using spoiler mode so others can ponder… --- ## [MLB: September 2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2011/594832)
**Author:** [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Replies:** 235\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2011, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2011/594832 "2011-10-02T13:57:28Z")
As we reach the stretch run we have, uh, not much resembling a race. Unless the Tigers or Dbacks fade badly it looks like a real quiet September. On the bright side Strasburg makes his triumphant return on Tuesday and … --- ## [Is the Stetson hat in movie westerns a fraud? Is the Derby/Bowler really The Hat That Won the West?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-stetson-hat-in-movie-westerns-a-fraud-is-the-derby-bowler-really-the-hat-that-won-the-west/604835)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2013, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-stetson-hat-in-movie-westerns-a-fraud-is-the-derby-bowler-really-the-hat-that-won-the-west/604835 "2013-02-04T21:22:26Z")
Background: I was researching an old photograph, which featured a lot of men in derby hats. Trying to date the photograph, I went to the Wikipedia article on the derby hat (a/k/a the bowler, coke hat, billyhat and bombin… --- ## [Brokered GOP convention?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brokered-gop-convention/613202)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brokered-gop-convention/613202 "2012-03-21T11:41:51Z")
Several pundits have been suggesting it may happen. Realistic speculation? While none of the "not-Romney"s have great electability, the fact that one or another of them keeps coming up even or ahead of him, despite his… --- ## [British road lanes--why the zig-zag stripe on Abbey Road?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-road-lanes-why-the-zig-zag-stripe-on-abbey-road/505759)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2009, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-road-lanes-why-the-zig-zag-stripe-on-abbey-road/505759 "2009-08-10T13:31:02Z")
here’s a web-cam of what I assume is a typical British street Can someone please explain why the lanes are marked with zig-zag stripes, and not straight lines? It sure looks weird to a foreigner. After all, cars drive… --- ## [Older Computer - Slowing & Other Problems - Tips??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152)
**Author:** [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2010, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-computer-slowing-other-problems-tips/552152 "2010-09-12T01:16:23Z")
I bought a Toshiba laptop in 2005 or so. It’s running on XP and has Word, Excel and Outlook 2003. It is and has been my primary machine. It’s connected to the net via WiFi and Lynksis router. It’s slowing down. Process… --- ## [My wife came out to me as a Truther](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-came-out-to-me-as-a-truther/593502)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2011, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-came-out-to-me-as-a-truther/593502 "2011-09-10T01:25:37Z")
Ordinarily, I don’t bother to argue with those people, but this is the mother of my children and I feel compelled to convince her that there isn’t some secret conspiracy that deliberately blew up the twin towers. I eith… --- ## [Republicans block vote on Hagel; WTF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-block-vote-on-hagel-wtf/650364)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-block-vote-on-hagel-wtf/650364 "2013-03-05T16:46:34Z")
So, the Republicans voted as a block\* not to end debate on Hagel’s nomination for SecDef. I think we all know that Hagel is going to be confirmed. Even the Republicans are not saying they are blocking the nomination, p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=293&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=295&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)