# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=342&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:** 343 --- ## [New Zealand is choosing a new flag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-zealand-is-choosing-a-new-flag/725413)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2016, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-zealand-is-choosing-a-new-flag/725413 "2016-03-27T11:08:13Z")
Interesting article on the BBC about what the quest for a flag says about your country. I like the silver fern one that appears towards the bottom of the article: BBC - Culture - What do our flags say about us? The on… --- ## [What is up with African American names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-african-american-names/142402)
**Author:** [@Splanky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Splanky)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2003, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-african-american-names/142402 "2003-01-26T20:39:03Z")
What’s up with black people’s names? (Generally) whites have names of European or other origins. Other minorities may have names respective to their origin (Latin America, Asia, whatever). I find it odd that African Amer… --- ## [Does champagne expire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-champagne-expire/564377)
**Author:** [@67java89](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/67java89)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2010, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-champagne-expire/564377 "2010-12-16T22:40:57Z")
Does unopened champagne expire, or does it get better with age? My sister gave me a pretty good quality bottle of champagne a few years ago, and I want to know if it will be any good before I open it and serve it to gue… --- ## [Biden's Running Mate Prediction Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bidens-running-mate-prediction-thread/849482)
**Author:** [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Replies:** 225\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bidens-running-mate-prediction-thread/849482 "2020-05-09T04:43:58Z")
We don’t have one of these yet, do we? It looks like Biden is pulling away from Sanders. Nate Silver recently tweeted something like “If you think my tone has changed, it has. Biden is going to be the nominee.” So, who … --- ## [One of the World's Ugliest Cars Comes Out of Hiding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-of-the-worlds-ugliest-cars-comes-out-of-hiding/430163)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2008, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-of-the-worlds-ugliest-cars-comes-out-of-hiding/430163 "2008-03-29T16:01:06Z")
Sir Vival a one-off prototype built by a man with a dream. which thankfully never came to pass. Has once again been exposed to the cold light of day. :eek: :eek: :eek: --- ## [What cable channel has suffered the most from network decay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cable-channel-has-suffered-the-most-from-network-decay/567641)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2011, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cable-channel-has-suffered-the-most-from-network-decay/567641 "2011-03-04T23:00:43Z")
For those of you who may not know, here’s the definition of network decay, courtesy of Wikipedia: Anyway, MTV and VH1 are the obvious examples, networks that were founded primarily as vehicles for music videos, but now… --- ## [Occasional Use of Ambien](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occasional-use-of-ambien/694100)
**Author:** [@ethelbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ethelbert)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occasional-use-of-ambien/694100 "2015-11-29T17:51:15Z")
For many years now I have made occasional use of Ambien to get a good night’s sleep. I would use it no more than once a week, usually less. It seemed to work fine and did not seem to interfere with getting to sleep on th… --- ## [Can you ferment mushrooms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-ferment-mushrooms/589776)
**Author:** [@Weaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weaver)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2015, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-ferment-mushrooms/589776 "2015-02-15T13:08:32Z")
Okay, I have to admit that this is one of those questions that’s the result of one of those strange lines of thought that occur at stupid o’clock in the morning. I think it started with the theory that you can ferment pr… --- ## [Commercials with unintended messages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-with-unintended-messages/784539)
**Author:** [@igor\_frankensteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/igor_frankensteen)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2017, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-with-unintended-messages/784539 "2017-05-10T05:21:23Z")
Inspired by Boyo Jim’s post about unintended symbology… I have a personal game of watching for unintended but clear messages in TV commercials. Favorite example: a whole series of commercials in support of Frosted M… --- ## [How serious is gerrymandering in the US if at all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-serious-is-gerrymandering-in-the-us-if-at-all/782060)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2017, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-serious-is-gerrymandering-in-the-us-if-at-all/782060 "2017-10-09T08:59:36Z")
Hi I don’t have any reliable information of whether gerrymandering is in fact a problem. I’d really welcome some hard facts on the matter. IO look forward to your feedback. “Gerrymandering has completely broken our p… --- ## [What's with Angus' mouth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-angus-mouth/476728)
**Author:** [@SeanArenas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeanArenas)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2008, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-angus-mouth/476728 "2008-12-13T00:57:40Z")
I saw AC/DC in concert on Saturday for my second time (first was in 1994). Love the band, love their live performance - they embody energy. I am curious what Angus is doing with his mouth when he’s playing though. He’… --- ## [Ok ... so how would YOU lay out a compelling Wonder Woman storyline for a movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-how-would-you-lay-out-a-compelling-wonder-woman-storyline-for-a-movie/684206)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2014, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-how-would-you-lay-out-a-compelling-wonder-woman-storyline-for-a-movie/684206 "2014-03-26T03:54:30Z")
In this thread it is stated by more than one poster that Warner Bros really does not know what they are doing in terms of being able to put together a successful superhero action movie for the iconic DC Comic character W… --- ## [GOP Strategy to Stop Obama's Executive Amnesty Emerging](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-strategy-to-stop-obamas-executive-amnesty-emerging/705016)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2014, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-strategy-to-stop-obamas-executive-amnesty-emerging/705016 "2014-12-03T00:50:53Z")
If I understand this correctly, this actually sounds doable - if Republicans can get their stuff together to actually follow through on this strategy, and pass several (many?) funding bills for separate departments ins… --- ## [What archaic technologies do you find yourself wistful for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-archaic-technologies-do-you-find-yourself-wistful-for/673851)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2013, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-archaic-technologies-do-you-find-yourself-wistful-for/673851 "2013-11-29T19:39:18Z")
Please note that I wrote archaic, not obsolete. By that I mean the technology in question need not be entirely vanished; it can be a device that once was ubiquitous but now is hard (but not impossible) to find. Answerin… --- ## [Why does Google URL now start https://](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-google-url-now-start-https/607945)
**Author:** [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-google-url-now-start-https/607945 "2013-12-23T15:15:05Z")
Just noticed: www.google.com is https:// I am a GMail and Plus user if this matters. --- ## [A child should have the true name of his parents on his birth record](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-child-should-have-the-true-name-of-his-parents-on-his-birth-record/526297)
**Author:** [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2010, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-child-should-have-the-true-name-of-his-parents-on-his-birth-record/526297 "2010-01-30T03:12:29Z")
It seems to me that a basic right of a child should be protected by the state he or she is born in. The right to have the true names of its parents on his/her birth certificate/record. Why is there no law that requires t… --- ## [Not consume alcohol as part of probation for non alcohol offenses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-consume-alcohol-as-part-of-probation-for-non-alcohol-offenses/611093)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2012, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-consume-alcohol-as-part-of-probation-for-non-alcohol-offenses/611093 "2012-01-31T17:59:17Z")
Why do judges routinely require that people convicted of a non alcohol related misdemeanor not consume alcohol? It seems like overkill and nanny state to me. The two times I’ve run across this (no, not me personally) … --- ## [How does choosing a military job then getting hurt doing your job make you a "hero"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-choosing-a-military-job-then-getting-hurt-doing-your-job-make-you-a-hero/641522)
**Author:** [@Snow\_Pea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snow_Pea)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2012, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-choosing-a-military-job-then-getting-hurt-doing-your-job-make-you-a-hero/641522 "2012-11-24T14:58:19Z")
I’m not bashing the military or anything, I have a pretty neutral opinion of the various wars and military operations the US has been involved in over the past decade or so. I’ve been following the tragic story of the f… --- ## [Odd quote attributed to Confucius, did he really say it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-quote-attributed-to-confucius-did-he-really-say-it/618702)
**Author:** [@Deegeea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deegeea)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-quote-attributed-to-confucius-did-he-really-say-it/618702 "2014-08-03T17:25:23Z")
This has been asked before, years ago, but no satisfactory answer. I was wondering if anyone’s discovered an answer in the interim? ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.’ The quote “Cho… --- ## [Misrepresented cities in TV/movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misrepresented-cities-in-tv-movies/533047)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2010, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misrepresented-cities-in-tv-movies/533047 "2010-04-05T16:19:04Z")
We’ve all seen TV shows/movies set in city X but obviously(sometimes hilariously) shot in a different city. You know what I’m talking about. “Live Free or Die Hard” passing off Baltimore for DC. Vancouver sitting in f… --- ## [American Wife Swap. This makes me worried/sad/shocked.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-wife-swap-this-makes-me-worried-sad-shocked/281036)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2004, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-wife-swap-this-makes-me-worried-sad-shocked/281036 "2004-12-24T16:41:27Z")
The show hasn’t finished yet but I am already horrified by the militaristic way one of the families ‘operates’. I feel sad for those children who are being brought up like robots. IANA Parent but I’m pretty sure you … --- ## [Hipster hats wiith narrow brims: what's the style called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipster-hats-wiith-narrow-brims-whats-the-style-called/525072)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2010, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipster-hats-wiith-narrow-brims-whats-the-style-called/525072 "2010-01-16T21:36:14Z")
I’m seeing a lot of urban hipster-types wearing a certain style of hat recently. They look like derby or bowler hats, but with a flat top and a flat, narrow (about 1"/2.5 cm) brim. What kind of hat are these? I can’t… --- ## [Is It Possible To Disguise Yourself From A Person Who Knows You Well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-disguise-yourself-from-a-person-who-knows-you-well/496875)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-disguise-yourself-from-a-person-who-knows-you-well/496875 "2009-05-22T20:16:45Z")
I was watching I Love Lucy, and Lucy and Ethel dresses up like a hillbillies and Ricky and Fred don’t recognize their wives, until Lucy makes the error of going to a drawer to get something. Then Ricky realizes it must b… --- ## [Google maps sued for drowning death](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-maps-sued-for-drowning-death/990720)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 412\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2023, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-maps-sued-for-drowning-death/990720 "2023-10-12T09:28:23Z")
Folk have long joked about drivers following autonav into lakes and rivers, but this situation beggars belief. -Google Maps directed a driver across a bridge which had been collapsed for 9 years. -Google had been info… --- ## [Why orthopedic doctors paid so well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-orthopedic-doctors-paid-so-well/621860)
**Author:** [@Surgeon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surgeon)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-orthopedic-doctors-paid-so-well/621860 "2012-12-12T14:08:32Z")
Hey. I’ve been reading Wikipedia article about Orthopedic Surgery and there is a link to orthopedic surgeon job description along with a salary range. I was really surprised that these specialist get $197,150 – $356,70… --- ## [accents that are so bad they sound like mental retardation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accents-that-are-so-bad-they-sound-like-mental-retardation/490220)
**Author:** [@What\_the\_deuce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the_deuce)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2009, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accents-that-are-so-bad-they-sound-like-mental-retardation/490220 "2009-03-30T19:48:40Z")
I once took a trip to Baltimore, and asked some advice from a hotel security guard. I had tremendous difficulty understanding him, as his speech sounded incredibly slurred and sloppy, or as if he had marbles in his mout… --- ## [Re the 2016 POTUS election 5 months later are there any "lessons" for the Dems going forward?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-2016-potus-election-5-months-later-are-there-any-lessons-for-the-dems-going-forward/784510)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2017, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-2016-potus-election-5-months-later-are-there-any-lessons-for-the-dems-going-forward/784510 "2017-04-25T18:59:49Z")
We’re now about 5 months past the election which is enough time to get past the initial shock of Trump winning and take some stock. I always thought HRC was a poor choice for a POTUS candidate. An entitled, baggage lade… --- ## [Most odoriferous flatulence.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-odoriferous-flatulence/409980)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2016, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-odoriferous-flatulence/409980 "2016-05-01T00:38:40Z")
A discussion on farting in a tank has taken the expected digression into various things said while farting, and a discussion of rankness, which leads to today’s question: What foodstuff or combination of foodstuffs gives… --- ## [What Purpose do Fleas Serve?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-purpose-do-fleas-serve/696252)
**Author:** [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2014, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-purpose-do-fleas-serve/696252 "2014-08-27T22:20:04Z")
In my experience, just about every living creature fills a niche in the circle of life. Even some mof those I despise mose like flies, who help dispose of dead things and are also eaten, and moquitos, who are eaten by ot… --- ## [You're enjoying food wrong.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-enjoying-food-wrong/747260)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2016, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-enjoying-food-wrong/747260 "2016-03-03T17:33:12Z")
What foods do you enjoy “wrong”? (Inspiration for this thread here. Filet minion well done. Me: I like my red wine chilled. Ketchup on my hashbrowns. --- ## [SDMB Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2018](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869)
**Author:** [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Replies:** 373\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2019, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2018/823869 "2019-02-05T18:16:59Z")
It’s that time of year again! Secret Santa time. I’ve been singing Christmas songs under my breath since the first cool morning. I’m making the sign up deadline earlier this year because we have had some problems with v… --- ## [Why do children eat paste/glue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-children-eat-paste-glue/675206)
**Author:** [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2013, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-children-eat-paste-glue/675206 "2013-12-04T06:21:09Z")
When I was a kid I ate some grass and crayons, but… Why do kids eat glue? Saw it at school and on plenty of movies already. --- ## [Dollar bills and cocaine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-bills-and-cocaine/581880)
**Author:** [@dhkendall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dhkendall)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2011, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollar-bills-and-cocaine/581880 "2011-05-21T05:02:05Z")
I am wondering why dollar bills are invariably used to snort cocaine with? One would think that any rolled-up paper could do (in fact, I wouldn’t call cocaine users people who have money lying around - I’ve never tried … --- ## [What would happen if my shoelace got caught in an escalator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-my-shoelace-got-caught-in-an-escalator/523328)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2010, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-my-shoelace-got-caught-in-an-escalator/523328 "2010-01-06T19:16:20Z")
It’s probably nothing dramatic, but that was always drilled into my head as a possibility, and I still check my shoes before getting on. --- ## [Cancel Culture and Virtue Signaling -- What’s the case against them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-culture-and-virtue-signaling-what-s-the-case-against-them/959459)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 270\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2022, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-culture-and-virtue-signaling-what-s-the-case-against-them/959459 "2022-02-23T22:18:43Z")
Far as I can tell, I’m all for them both. I don’t even understand what someone is telling me when they find anything wrong with either, but maybe I’m not seeing what I’m doing wrong. For example, I don’t watch much spo… --- ## [WW2, What if Kurita did not see Taffy 3 at Leyte Gulf?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-what-if-kurita-did-not-see-taffy-3-at-leyte-gulf/639584)
**Author:** [@figure9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/figure9)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2016, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-what-if-kurita-did-not-see-taffy-3-at-leyte-gulf/639584 "2016-03-13T05:23:22Z")
What if Taffy 3 had been in the squall line to the east of its actual position when Kurita’s fleet sailed past? How bad would the Allies loses have been? Would Halsey have been kicked out of the Navy? Finally how woul… --- ## [People don't use turn signals because...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-dont-use-turn-signals-because/442409)
**Author:** [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Replies:** 243\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2008, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-dont-use-turn-signals-because/442409 "2008-05-09T20:52:34Z")
They can’t be bothered? They’re too damn lazy to flick that little lever all the time? They can’t have “the man” telling them what to do? They already have a cellphone in one hand? They’re stupid? Turn signals are … --- ## [Kick a state out of the Union.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kick-a-state-out-of-the-union/639704)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2012, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kick-a-state-out-of-the-union/639704 "2012-11-19T16:28:28Z")
Not long ago I asked if the U.S. could eject a state from the Union, the consensus being that it was probably unconstitutional, so an amendment would be needed. Some said that they had a list of candidates for removal, s… --- ## [Ruth Bader Ginsburg has passed away](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruth-bader-ginsburg-has-passed-away/920957)
**Author:** [@Jungian\_Camisole1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jungian_Camisole1)\ **Replies:** 332\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruth-bader-ginsburg-has-passed-away/920957 "2024-06-01T05:29:00Z")
Breaking news on CNN. This makes me so damned sad. --- ## [How hard is it to learn to sing along with music?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-learn-to-sing-along-with-music/605059)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-learn-to-sing-along-with-music/605059 "2012-08-20T23:31:41Z")
This may sound like a stupid question, but humor me anyway. I don’t sing in front of people because I have a near-phobic fear that I suck really badly. That said, I love to sing. I sing in the car along with my mp3s and … --- ## [English Premier League 2018-19](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-premier-league-2018-19/819370)
**Author:** [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Replies:** 219\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2019, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-premier-league-2018-19/819370 "2019-06-01T18:04:57Z")
Kickoff is tomorrow at 3 pm Eastern Daylight Time. The opening game for the season is Manchester United v. Leicester City (GO FOXES!!). Time for your predictions, commentary, hopes, dreams, etc.!!! Mine: Foxes finall… --- ## [So who the fuck is offended by Santa Claus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-the-fuck-is-offended-by-santa-claus/773541 "2016-12-05T20:39:46Z")
Oregon school district asks teachers to ‘refrain’ from Santa images A moronic statement from the district after the storm broke: For fuck’s sake, Santa ceased being a religious symbol a long time ago. Sure, he’s base… --- ## [Shut petcetera down!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-petcetera-down/674299)
**Author:** [@hedgies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hedgies)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2013, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shut-petcetera-down/674299 "2013-11-25T23:55:47Z")
\[A name\] is a lying cheating and manipulating scumbag he is the so called owner of petcetera and has been using employees to do his dirty work for a long time and this needs to stop I am speaking on behalf of everyone t… --- ## [You're the POTUS. A nuclear first strike is inbound. Do you authorise the second strike?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-the-potus-a-nuclear-first-strike-is-inbound-do-you-authorise-the-second-strike/583579)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2011, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-the-potus-a-nuclear-first-strike-is-inbound-do-you-authorise-the-second-strike/583579 "2011-06-03T13:07:56Z")
Second strike being the return nuclear launch upon a detected first strike, the bread and butter of the MAD doctrine which arguably kept the world intact throughout the Cold War. Here’s the scenario. You’re the pres, sh… --- ## [Brain shakers from watching the Gilligan's Island marathon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brain-shakers-from-watching-the-gilligans-island-marathon/986847)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 347\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2023, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brain-shakers-from-watching-the-gilligans-island-marathon/986847 "2023-07-22T00:29:28Z")
First, the disclaimer at the beginning of nearly every episode. Come on, Programmers, we know it’s dated and cringeworthy. Why do you think we’re so stupid? Headhunters? In the 1960s. Not sure that was happening. Why d… --- ## [The Official "Lost" Questions Thread - Season 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-lost-questions-thread-season-2/322677)
**Author:** [@Trion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trion)\ **Replies:** 256\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2006, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-lost-questions-thread-season-2/322677 "2006-06-08T18:26:44Z")
The secon season starts tonight, so I suppose it’s time to start this thread. I’ve reread the list of questions and I have a feeling the list will do a lot of changing fairly quickly. New answers. New mysteries. New … --- ## [SDMB NFL Yardage Pool 2013](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-nfl-yardage-pool-2013/667273)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 198\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2013, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-nfl-yardage-pool-2013/667273 "2013-12-29T20:30:46Z")
Hey, before we start this thing, I’m going to take an interest list. Do we still want to do this? I like doing it, but it’s a minor hassle throughout the year. But if people are enjoying it and we’ve got 5+ players, I’ll… --- ## [What's American interest in alliance with Israel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-american-interest-in-alliance-with-israel/638038)
**Author:** [@Qwertol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwertol)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2012, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-american-interest-in-alliance-with-israel/638038 "2012-10-25T14:19:59Z")
Situation of Israel in Middle East is saying it lightly pretty problematic… Why USA is giving all that military support to Israel? What is it getting in return? --- ## [Killer Bees: Do they wait above water??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/killer-bees-do-they-wait-above-water/118293)
**Author:** [@scottyhp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scottyhp)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2002, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/killer-bees-do-they-wait-above-water/118293 "2002-07-14T15:33:46Z")
Hi. I just posed this question to Cecil. If any of you have any ideas, please share! Dear Cecil, I love your column. This seems a question only you, or a bee expert, can answer. And I don’t know any bee experts. A part… --- ## [Sci-fi/action movie tech that is worse than our current tech--and STUPID!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sci-fi-action-movie-tech-that-is-worse-than-our-current-tech-and-stupid/789293)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 183\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sci-fi-action-movie-tech-that-is-worse-than-our-current-tech-and-stupid/789293 "2017-06-29T18:40:06Z")
Note that I am not talking about old sci-fi that couldn’t anticipate future tech, although that can still be quite shortsighted and/or stupid (e.g., using a slide rule in a spaceship). I’m talking about sci-fi or sci-fi-… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=341&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=343&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)