# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=430&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:** 431 --- ## [Any sounds in other languages that can't be distinguished in English?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-sounds-in-other-languages-that-cant-be-distinguished-in-english/665481)
**Author:** [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2013, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-sounds-in-other-languages-that-cant-be-distinguished-in-english/665481 "2013-08-10T20:17:14Z")
I know some languages can’t distinguish “R” and “L”. Or “N” and “L”. I’ve heard Japanese doesn’t distinguish “B” and “V”. As a user of English, I like to think it spans the set of the sounds of all languages (Mathematica… --- ## [Why doesn't geekdom get the girls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-geekdom-get-the-girls/737029)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-geekdom-get-the-girls/737029 "2016-01-01T21:45:42Z")
This Casey and Andy strip makes me think. Jen makes a fair point – so it is – but why? Why is geekdom so much more a male thing than a female? Why don’t the women scream and cream for the Casey and Andy types? Why ha… --- ## [Did my daughter smoke meth last night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-my-daughter-smoke-meth-last-night/644024)
**Author:** [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2012, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-my-daughter-smoke-meth-last-night/644024 "2012-12-14T19:28:59Z")
Our 15-year-old daughter suffers from depression and has some traits of Borderline Personality Disorder. She’s getting treatment from a psychiatrist and gets counseling from a psychologist. Progress has been slow, with l… --- ## [Doper memes that I wish would just go away](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-memes-that-i-wish-would-just-go-away/579877)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2011, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-memes-that-i-wish-would-just-go-away/579877 "2011-05-15T04:50:45Z")
OK, these may have been mildly amusing when first encountered, but they have long since lost any hint of cleverness with me. They can no longer be considered witty, and are far, far from being thought of as anything appr… --- ## [Does anyone sell pre-packaged bread machine kits anymore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-sell-pre-packaged-bread-machine-kits-anymore/635628)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2022, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-sell-pre-packaged-bread-machine-kits-anymore/635628 "2022-09-03T22:04:15Z")
Some 15 years ago we had a breadmaker and made bread from pre-packaged kits. We dragged the breadmaker out recently and discovered that we were missing the impeller. My wife just bought a new Black and Decker breadmake… --- ## [Wherein Der Trihs says the killed US Marines are an unworthy "bunch of thugs"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-der-trihs-says-the-killed-us-marines-are-an-unworthy-bunch-of-thugs/334026)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 271\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2005, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-der-trihs-says-the-killed-us-marines-are-an-unworthy-bunch-of-thugs/334026 "2005-12-11T19:44:38Z")
Why “bless” a bunch of thugs ? - and, if one should judge by how his remark passed by with only Lucretia calling him on it - while dandrews02’s remark that the marines died defending the US received no end of grief, then… --- ## [NFL Week 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-2/596723)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2011, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-2/596723 "2011-09-25T12:43:00Z")
General discussion. --- ## [I was rear-ended. Do I need to contact MY insurer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-rear-ended-do-i-need-to-contact-my-insurer/524685)
**Author:** [@johnspartan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnspartan)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2010, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-rear-ended-do-i-need-to-contact-my-insurer/524685 "2010-01-14T16:52:18Z")
On the highway, stopped in traffic, driver rear-ends me. I know that’s “generally” a pretty clear definition of fault. Other driver was cited for careless driving, I received no citation. This was 12/18. Both par… --- ## [Is Rachel Maddow right about Herman Cain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rachel-maddow-right-about-herman-cain/602156)
**Author:** [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2012, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rachel-maddow-right-about-herman-cain/602156 "2012-01-28T12:49:39Z")
Here’s a link that includes both a video and written summation of her argument. I found this when I was watching an old video of hers and this came on afterwards. I was blown away. And I couldn’t help asking the Dope’s … --- ## [How could a man use potatoes to masterbate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-man-use-potatoes-to-masterbate/659371)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2013, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-man-use-potatoes-to-masterbate/659371 "2013-05-29T13:49:45Z")
Please don’t be mean, I have a mentally retarded (FragileX) relative (50) who does this. We always found potatoes under his bed, and could never figure out why he took them from the pantry to his bedroom. Now he does liv… --- ## [Canada gives up on their military. I wonder who they're depending on now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-gives-up-on-their-military-i-wonder-who-theyre-depending-on-now/231134)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 261\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2004, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-gives-up-on-their-military-i-wonder-who-theyre-depending-on-now/231134 "2004-04-13T14:08:32Z")
“‘Bankrupt’ Forces may shut 5 bases… Internal reports say $500M shortfall may cause closures from Winnipeg to Labrador” says the headline. Now, before we begin, let’s get the usual stuff out of the way. \[ul\]\[li\]Canada … --- ## [Plotlines that were abandoned mid-series with no explanation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plotlines-that-were-abandoned-mid-series-with-no-explanation/532124)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2010, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plotlines-that-were-abandoned-mid-series-with-no-explanation/532124 "2010-03-17T07:47:27Z")
So I just finished watching the final season of The Shield, which was great BTW. I watched all 7 seasons in a couple month span which is why some of the plotlines that disappeared are more jarring to me than people who … --- ## [Do French women in general shave their armpits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-french-women-in-general-shave-their-armpits/328575)
**Author:** [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-french-women-in-general-shave-their-armpits/328575 "2005-11-01T23:53:43Z")
Is it true that most French women don’t shave their armpits or is this just a dated joke that no longer applies? --- ## [Musicians - why two meanings of "seventh chord"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-why-two-meanings-of-seventh-chord/552914)
**Author:** [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2010, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-why-two-meanings-of-seventh-chord/552914 "2010-09-18T02:15:22Z")
Musicians use the word “seventh” to mean two different things. When it’s a full major (or minor) chord, played with its root on the seventh note relative to the tonic (the root of the key of the whole song), that “seven… --- ## [Would you buy a stickshift car in 2022?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-stickshift-car-in-2022/966901)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 280\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-stickshift-car-in-2022/966901 "2024-06-13T21:55:30Z")
I kind of miss the fact these are becoming hard to find. My first car was a manual and I enjoyed driving it. The list of cars where this is an option seems to have become very limited. A search for threads on this top… --- ## [Have any wide-release movies been scrubbed from the public?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-wide-release-movies-been-scrubbed-from-the-public/776336)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2017, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-wide-release-movies-been-scrubbed-from-the-public/776336 "2017-02-19T00:15:42Z")
Hey gang, long time no post. This is a weird one, but bear with me. There’s a current “viral” false recollection going on, part of that silly Mandela Effect, where people think Sinbad the comedian starred in a movie as … --- ## [Having a heck of a time finding a digital video recorder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-a-heck-of-a-time-finding-a-digital-video-recorder/634099)
**Author:** [@LuckyDe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LuckyDe)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2014, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-a-heck-of-a-time-finding-a-digital-video-recorder/634099 "2014-03-10T15:50:51Z")
I’m trying to replace my old VCR with a digital model, but I’m having a heck of a time finding one. From what I’ve seen, Tivo and the rest are hooked to some type of service. Can anybody recommend a standalone one that t… --- ## [Mad-Men: 6.04 "To Have & to Hold" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mad-men-6-04-to-have-to-hold-open-spoilers/656355)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2013, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mad-men-6-04-to-have-to-hold-open-spoilers/656355 "2013-04-26T21:30:56Z")
\[QUOTE=AMC\] The partners try to keep a secret campaign under wraps, while Joan gets a visit from an old friend. \[/QUOTE\] It looks like Joan should be getting some more screentime. I wonder who the old friend will be… --- ## [Beavis & Butthead return! Duh-naa Na-na-na! Duh-na-na-na-na-naa Na-na-na!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beavis-butthead-return-duh-naa-na-na-na-duh-na-na-na-na-naa-na-na-na/570061)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2011, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beavis-butthead-return-duh-naa-na-na-na-duh-na-na-na-na-naa-na-na-na/570061 "2011-11-13T06:43:09Z")
(FYI: The Duh-na-nas in the thread title should be sung to the tune of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”) So it’s been announced that Mike Judge is producing new eps of the classic 90s slacker toon, “Beavis & Butthead,” and th… --- ## [American Idol week of 3/9 to 3/11](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-week-of-3-9-to-3-11/531913)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2010, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-week-of-3-9-to-3-11/531913 "2010-03-14T13:23:57Z")
They narrow the group down to the dirty dozen this week. --- ## [On the Future Governance of the United Kingdom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-future-governance-of-the-united-kingdom/719617)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2015, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-future-governance-of-the-united-kingdom/719617 "2015-05-13T17:37:28Z")
Now that the election is over we have some indication of the future of the British State. Whatever that future is, it will not be the status quo Cameron has indicated that he intends to solve the Scottish Problem withi… --- ## [Google told to "forget" old Internet content (lest someone be embarrassed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-told-to-forget-old-internet-content-lest-someone-be-embarrassed/688334)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2014, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-told-to-forget-old-internet-content-lest-someone-be-embarrassed/688334 "2014-05-19T04:11:13Z")
The European Court of Justice has ruled that people have “the right to be forgotten”. So, for example, if some years ago you did something you’d rather no one know about it, Google would be obliged to wipe it off the ‘In… --- ## [History Channel? Bah](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/history-channel-bah/535791)
**Author:** [@Jolly\_Roger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jolly_Roger)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2010, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/history-channel-bah/535791 "2010-04-28T04:34:50Z")
I understand the “reality shows are cheaper” thing, but come on, History channel. Either show history or give up the name. I remember when they had they had stuff like “biograohy” on the air. I used to watch because I kn… --- ## [Religious/Secular holidays in America (mostly Christmas, split from the Columbus Day thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-secular-holidays-in-america-mostly-christmas-split-from-the-columbus-day-thread/954138)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 459\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2021, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-secular-holidays-in-america-mostly-christmas-split-from-the-columbus-day-thread/954138 "2021-11-29T02:06:13Z")
Christmas, as the majority of society celebrates it, is now entirely secular, on a par with Thanksgiving. There’s no real rationale for objecting to it as a holiday on the grounds of its religious roots. And I say this a… --- ## [Titties- More than a mouthful is a waste.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/titties-more-than-a-mouthful-is-a-waste/612854)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2012, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/titties-more-than-a-mouthful-is-a-waste/612854 "2012-02-18T03:39:25Z")
Generally I always was attracted to smaller chested ladies. I even married one. :smiley: But, after seeing this… I may need to rethink. Her cups certainly runneth over. warning skimpy bikini may not be safe for work … --- ## [5 reasons to stop feeding the raccoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-reasons-to-stop-feeding-the-raccoons/403173)
**Author:** [@Beaucarnea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beaucarnea)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2007, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-reasons-to-stop-feeding-the-raccoons/403173 "2007-05-16T11:01:04Z")
Find a more appropriate way to become an environmental steward. Raccoons are a very successful opportunistic species and are not endangered. They have no predators other than man, and live successfully in more than 40… --- ## [Do you think Charlotte McKinney is pretty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-charlotte-mckinney-is-pretty/711607)
**Author:** [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2015, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-charlotte-mckinney-is-pretty/711607 "2015-02-05T14:13:32Z")
This isn’t poll worthy because I don’t care about the actual Yes or No answers. I’m looking for the comments that accompany your answers I guess. For those of you that don’t know Charlotte McKinneyis the hot model with … --- ## [HOA fighting a chainlink fence!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoa-fighting-a-chainlink-fence/580066)
**Author:** [@Kimmie-javs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmie-javs)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2011, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoa-fighting-a-chainlink-fence/580066 "2011-05-03T18:33:13Z")
Wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this…I live in a division with a HOA, New neighbors want to put up a small chain link fence for their small toddler. The community surrounds a 15 acre lake. Our homeowner’s board… --- ## [Best way to dispose of old checkbook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-dispose-of-old-checkbook/237328)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2004, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-dispose-of-old-checkbook/237328 "2004-03-31T16:03:25Z")
I’ve got a box of old checkbooks I want to get rid of, but I don’t want someone to scrounge it out of the trash. Lessee… I could write VOID on each one, but too many of the little buggers. Same problem with running it … --- ## [Last Man on Earth - season 3](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-man-on-earth-season-3/767035)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2017, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-man-on-earth-season-3/767035 "2017-05-12T12:41:42Z")
So the season premiere was Sunday. I think the season’s off to a a great start. Sure, a few things made no sense whatsoever (why were those guys carrying guns if they weren’t going to shoot anyone? didn’t we already lear… --- ## [How noticiable are crooked teeth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-noticiable-are-crooked-teeth/399749)
**Author:** [@FutureEMT1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FutureEMT1)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2007, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-noticiable-are-crooked-teeth/399749 "2007-04-13T20:12:09Z")
I have white teeth which are quite crooked. Due to the fact that most people are likely trying to be polite I have no gage of how bad my situation is. I have no cavities or the like but what I am concerned with is the so… --- ## [Idiots who pray](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiots-who-pray/632189)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2012, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiots-who-pray/632189 "2012-12-08T13:26:47Z")
A recent announcement revealed that Chicago’s Cardinal George has a recurrence of cancer. Not good. Sorry. And a number of people are interviewed on the “news” to give their responses to hearing of his health problems… --- ## [Couple Sues Docs who said Child Wouldn't Have Down Syndrome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couple-sues-docs-who-said-child-wouldnt-have-down-syndrome/615302)
**Author:** [@Sateryn76](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sateryn76)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2012, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couple-sues-docs-who-said-child-wouldnt-have-down-syndrome/615302 "2012-06-23T13:59:34Z")
Portalnd Couple Sues Over Down Syndrome Mistake Maybe I’m a monster, but if the tests were screwed up, I can totally see filing a lawsuit against the labs and doctors who told me that there would be no Down Syndrome, be… --- ## [There is a fucking SCORPION in my room!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-fucking-scorpion-in-my-room/81796)
**Author:** [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2001, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-fucking-scorpion-in-my-room/81796 "2001-10-15T02:58:08Z")
First, let me preface this with this: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Thank you. So I have a decent day at work, head home, make dinner, pop out with my housemates for d… --- ## [Rand Paul presidential campaign discussion thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-paul-presidential-campaign-discussion-thread/717039)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-paul-presidential-campaign-discussion-thread/717039 "2015-06-12T06:25:20Z")
He just announced. It is beyond me how a “libertarian” can be so beloved of the Tea Party. Their hostility to biggummint is real, I’m sure, but it is not the kind of libertarianism I am familiar with from talking to se… --- ## ["Northern Ireland" is a separate country, its not a description.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northern-ireland-is-a-separate-country-its-not-a-description/626901)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northern-ireland-is-a-separate-country-its-not-a-description/626901 "2012-07-07T12:24:07Z")
One of my associates has to visit Belfast on business. So she went and applied for a visa. An Irish visit:smack:. So she gets surprised when they turn her down, gently explaining that she should apply to the UK. She nee… --- ## [Worst spelling/language/grammar mistakes in published work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-spelling-language-grammar-mistakes-in-published-work/645469)
**Author:** [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2013, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-spelling-language-grammar-mistakes-in-published-work/645469 "2013-01-03T10:53:09Z")
I’ve been reading a comic book series called “The Boys” by Garth Ennis. Now Ennis is an A-list writer. He’s got a number of very popular books out there, and the Boys is quite well written and very popular. I was loving … --- ## [Putting on your belt, which direction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-on-your-belt-which-direction/619156)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2012, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-on-your-belt-which-direction/619156 "2012-04-19T15:00:42Z")
Which direction do you put on your belt? Starting going to the left and around your body, or to the right? Is there a general consensus on which direction is standard? Or is it more a determinant of your gender or your… --- ## [What's the stretchy tube/scarf thing called that you pull over your head & goes around your neck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-stretchy-tube-scarf-thing-called-that-you-pull-over-your-head-goes-around-your-neck/709497)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2015, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-stretchy-tube-scarf-thing-called-that-you-pull-over-your-head-goes-around-your-neck/709497 "2015-01-17T20:33:47Z")
I had one of these years ago and would like to get another one but cannot recall what they are called specifically. Short, stretchy tube of polyester or soft wool fabric you pull over you head and it covers you neck lik… --- ## [I like the idea of Black James Bond. Idris Elba, anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994)
**Author:** [@kstarnes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kstarnes)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994 "2023-07-26T15:49:51Z")
Denzel is too old at this point, and the other go-to black guy is Will Smith who isn’t credible as James Bond. The idea of Idris Elba has been floated and I think it’s a great idea. There is no finer brotha (he’s actuall… --- ## [Who is the Bitchiest/Most Hateful Sitcom Mom/Wife?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2012, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104 "2012-03-13T02:56:08Z")
OK, so this is actually a poll, but since it’s about TV I’m going to put it here in Café Society. So, who is the bitchiest/most hateful sitcom wife on TV? I’d like to leave out peripheral characters (such as Charlie She… --- ## [Should I buy a chair mat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chair-mat/500130)
**Author:** [@Pseudocode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pseudocode)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2009, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chair-mat/500130 "2009-06-19T17:00:26Z")
I just moved into a new apartment with newish carpeting. I use a rolling chair with my desk, and I want to protect the carpet. Do plastic chair mats work well for this? If so, which one should I get? I am looking at … --- ## [HR types: 'May we contact this employer?'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hr-types-may-we-contact-this-employer/611628)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2012, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hr-types-may-we-contact-this-employer/611628 "2012-02-05T12:46:49Z")
On job applications, prospective employers ask ‘May we contact this employer?’. What is the purpose of this question? Simply to verify that the applicant worked at a place during the time s/he says s/he did? Can the… --- ## [Women: How often do you shave your legs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-how-often-do-you-shave-your-legs/386656)
**Author:** [@Penchan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penchan)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2007, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-how-often-do-you-shave-your-legs/386656 "2007-01-07T00:43:43Z")
I shaved my legs two days ago after MUCH insistence from the SO. Yes, I know my legs were pretty shaggy so he did have a point. Anyway, yesterday my legs were totally smooth without any hint of hairs. But today my legs a… --- ## [Utter ignorance of astronomy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/utter-ignorance-of-astronomy/408811)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2007, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/utter-ignorance-of-astronomy/408811 "2007-07-12T04:43:39Z")
The other week a co-worker asked me, in all seriousness, if the Earth goes around the Moon or the Moon goes around the Earth. After five minutes of using one-syllable words, I was able to explain the difference between r… --- ## [What did the aardvark say to the taxi driver?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-aardvark-say-to-the-taxi-driver/766119)
**Author:** [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2016, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-aardvark-say-to-the-taxi-driver/766119 "2016-09-22T03:54:30Z")
On the recent season finale of “Zoo,” two zoologists are performing a dangerous procedure. To keep things light, they play a game of animal riddles, such as “Why did the cow become an astronaut? So he could go to the moo… --- ## [Why did men's hats go out of style? Will they ever come back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-mens-hats-go-out-of-style-will-they-ever-come-back/266453)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2014, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-mens-hats-go-out-of-style-will-they-ever-come-back/266453 "2014-10-29T03:51:02Z")
I’m talking about the practice of a man wearing a hat with formal and semi-formal attire. It seemed common from (Abraham Lincoln?) all the way up until the 1960s or so, with a peak around the 1940s or 50s. Were the hipp… --- ## [Newcomb's Paradox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newcombs-paradox/421594)
**Author:** [@Ermes\_Marana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ermes_Marana)\ **Replies:** 270\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2007, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newcombs-paradox/421594 "2007-10-31T21:24:44Z")
The following is the Newcomb problem as stated by Martin Gardner and Robert Nozick. This problem is currently unresolved. Two closed boxes, B1 and B2, are on a table. B1 contains $1,000. B2 contains either nothing or $1… --- ## [MMP - a generally crappy Monday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-a-generally-crappy-monday/530815)
**Author:** [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Replies:** 312\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2010, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-a-generally-crappy-monday/530815 "2010-03-08T15:27:21Z")
Here is why I am so pissed off this particular Monday - Shitty weekend - boyfriend’s father is in critical condition, so he’s on his way to Belfast at the moment. The stupid part is that he’s been deteriorating for a wh… --- ## [History's greatest acts of bravery and cowardice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historys-greatest-acts-of-bravery-and-cowardice/501311)
**Author:** [@dgrdfd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dgrdfd)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2009, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historys-greatest-acts-of-bravery-and-cowardice/501311 "2009-07-02T20:34:10Z")
I was watching Braveheart on Saturday and it got me to thinking: what would you consider to be history’s greatest acts of bravery and cowardice? I am not a history buff so I would rather not attempt to answer, but I woul… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=429&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=431&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)