# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=451&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:** 452 --- ## [Okay, guys: Would you have sex with this sex robot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-guys-would-you-have-sex-with-this-sex-robot/524724)
**Author:** [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2010, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-guys-would-you-have-sex-with-this-sex-robot/524724 "2010-02-08T23:00:03Z")
Here she is: Whaddaya think? There are six pictures at the bottom of the page. --- ## [Which fictional character displays the most intelligence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-fictional-character-displays-the-most-intelligence/597450)
**Author:** [@Lazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazy)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-fictional-character-displays-the-most-intelligence/597450 "2011-09-28T08:00:53Z")
Sorry if this fairly obvious topic has been covered before, but I couldn’t find it through the search. Which fictional character, including characters in cinema, do you think displays the most intelligence? I mean, as o… --- ## [Federal reserve implements its own stimulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-reserve-implements-its-own-stimulus/559500)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2010, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-reserve-implements-its-own-stimulus/559500 "2010-12-02T02:58:31Z")
The Federal Reserve has determined that our economy needs more stimulus, and has decided to do something about it: It’s called quantitative easing. Essentially what they’re doing is printing money. I think the timing o… --- ## [But what about woman of steel, man of Kleenex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-what-about-woman-of-steel-man-of-kleenex/373777)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2014, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-what-about-woman-of-steel-man-of-kleenex/373777 "2014-07-21T23:11:01Z")
I imagine plenty of you are familiar with Larry Niven’s classic “Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex” essay, which probably gets linked to in 2/3 of all Superman threads on the boards. If not, the gist is Superman can’t have… --- ## [Someone who used to live in your house knocks on your door. Do you let them in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-who-used-to-live-in-your-house-knocks-on-your-door-do-you-let-them-in/691856)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2014, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-who-used-to-live-in-your-house-knocks-on-your-door-do-you-let-them-in/691856 "2014-07-05T12:40:34Z")
This happens so much in movies, it’s probably a trope by now. But if someone actually knocked on your door and said this was their childhood home, would you let them in to take a look around? --- ## [Food is to starve as water is to \_\_\_\_\_\_ ???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-is-to-starve-as-water-is-to-______/666047)
**Author:** [@olpeculiar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/olpeculiar)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2015, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-is-to-starve-as-water-is-to-______/666047 "2015-12-10T15:20:35Z")
I realized the other day that I couldn’t think of a single-word equivalent for starvation when referring to water instead of food. “Starving” carries a certain degree of mortality, distinguishing it from mere “hunger”. … --- ## [Can orange juice concentrate and gasoline really make nitroglycerine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-orange-juice-concentrate-and-gasoline-really-make-nitroglycerine/221688)
**Author:** [@Gadfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gadfly)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2004, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-orange-juice-concentrate-and-gasoline-really-make-nitroglycerine/221688 "2004-01-01T15:43:51Z")
It says so in the movie Fight Club, but I know not to trust everything I hear from movies. Hence… Can it really make nitroglycerine? --- ## [Fighter jets flying out of commercial civilian airports.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighter-jets-flying-out-of-commercial-civilian-airports/577161)
**Author:** [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2011, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighter-jets-flying-out-of-commercial-civilian-airports/577161 "2011-04-09T19:11:18Z")
I was flying out of the Tucson airport a couple weeks ago. As I was hanging around the concourse waiting to be herded onto my flying sardine tin, I noticed something taking off out of the corner of my eye that seemed a … --- ## [Movies or TV that Terrified you as a kid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-or-tv-that-terrified-you-as-a-kid/735964)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2015, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-or-tv-that-terrified-you-as-a-kid/735964 "2015-11-28T18:05:51Z")
Here are a couple of mine: I was scared of the Elephant Man’s face. I remember I was watching the Oscars with my Mom and it was nominated so they showed a clip where he is walking with his hood through a train station a… --- ## [What are the dumbest questions you've been asked more than once?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-dumbest-questions-youve-been-asked-more-than-once/839767)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2019, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-dumbest-questions-youve-been-asked-more-than-once/839767 "2019-09-12T18:57:31Z")
The fact that some employees were confused about Easter in this thread got me to thinking about stupid questions. Not stupid questions once person asked you once, but stupid questions you’ve unbelievably been asked by mu… --- ## [Ask the flight instructor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-flight-instructor/503263)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2009, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-flight-instructor/503263 "2009-07-22T00:25:29Z")
We have a lengthy history of aviation threads here on the Dope, and I usually participate. But I can’t find an “ask the” on the subject of flight instruction. So, if anyone’s interested… I’m a full-time flight instruct… --- ## [Should advocacy groups be required to have non-misleading names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-advocacy-groups-be-required-to-have-non-misleading-names/648704)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-advocacy-groups-be-required-to-have-non-misleading-names/648704 "2013-12-13T03:46:10Z")
Seems like a bizarre question - but there’s an ongoing case in the Australian state of New South Wales where a government agency has demanded that an anti-vaccination group change its name to reflect its true mission: \*… --- ## [National Day of PRAYER and Rememberance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-day-of-prayer-and-rememberance/320683)
**Author:** [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Replies:** 344\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2005, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-day-of-prayer-and-rememberance/320683 "2005-09-17T13:11:11Z")
Well, the Reverend-in-Chief has done it again. Friday, September 16, as of 2 minutes ago (which is why there is no link) has been declared a National Day of Prayer and Rememberance. Yet another knife into the back of t… --- ## [Is the term 'cop' considered "insulting" or negative to police officers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-term-cop-considered-insulting-or-negative-to-police-officers/593438)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2013, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-term-cop-considered-insulting-or-negative-to-police-officers/593438 "2013-08-09T15:01:10Z")
I don’t know why in my head the term “cop” has a negative-connotation to it - maybe it is just me. Is it viewed as a sort of “slang” or an even borderline pejorative term? Stupid example for illustration, but if you’re… --- ## [Indigo children...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indigo-children/643998)
**Author:** [@pikey\_pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pikey_pete)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2012, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indigo-children/643998 "2012-12-18T07:51:56Z")
Have any of you heard of ‘indigo children?’ No? It was new to me as well. I say ‘was’ with some regret. Today was my initiation into the mysteries and joys of raising an indigo child by an acquaintance of mine who claim… --- ## [Unsolved Riddle from 1873](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsolved-riddle-from-1873/655530)
**Author:** [@Disheavel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disheavel)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2014, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsolved-riddle-from-1873/655530 "2014-06-13T19:58:19Z")
So I am a frequent reader of Futility Closet as it often has some great math and logic puzzles, but today’s post has got me curious, can the Straight Dope community solve it? As it is from 1873, I will presume that the … --- ## [Yes, elections have consequences, but not these consequences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-elections-have-consequences-but-not-these-consequences/710632)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2015, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-elections-have-consequences-but-not-these-consequences/710632 "2015-01-27T18:39:37Z")
Rep. Trey Gowdy, Whichpartydoyathink-SC: Look, sir, a president gets to claim an electoral mandate of the whole people, independent of Congress’ mandate, for his whole term. That’s the presidential system for ya – if … --- ## [Ninth Circuit Upholds Injunction Against AZ Immigration Law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ninth-circuit-upholds-injunction-against-az-immigration-law/577982)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2012, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ninth-circuit-upholds-injunction-against-az-immigration-law/577982 "2012-09-06T13:16:45Z")
Hot off the docket: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/general/2011/04/11/10-16645\_opinion.pdf So this panel at least thinks that key parts of the law are likely preempted. Are they right? I think they are, as this… --- ## [Is Tyler Henry, Hollywood Medium, a fraud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-tyler-henry-hollywood-medium-a-fraud/763797)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2016, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-tyler-henry-hollywood-medium-a-fraud/763797 "2016-08-24T17:59:16Z")
Hi SD, I’d like to know the straight dope on Tyler Henry, Hollywood Medium, who purportedly communicates with the dead and has celebrities as clients. I understand hot reading and cold reading, but I can’t wrap my mind … --- ## [Net 30 terms; when do you pay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/net-30-terms-when-do-you-pay/640135)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2012, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/net-30-terms-when-do-you-pay/640135 "2012-11-27T20:23:17Z")
Do you pay on the 30th day, as soon as you receive the invoice, or something else/in between? --- ## [Unpopular opinions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unpopular-opinions/760780)
**Author:** [@Hbk4894](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hbk4894)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2017, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unpopular-opinions/760780 "2017-02-26T20:23:36Z")
Big bang theory was better than friends What are your unpopular opinions? --- ## [pulled pork too dry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulled-pork-too-dry/565259)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2010, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulled-pork-too-dry/565259 "2010-12-24T23:02:38Z")
So we made pulled pork from pork loin. The result is very dry. We did not want to add the barbecue sauce to the meat because we are going to have a couple of different kinds. I figured we can just add water to the mea… --- ## [Dope Server Issues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dope-server-issues/441731)
**Author:** [@flickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flickster)\ **Replies:** 197\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2008, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dope-server-issues/441731 "2008-03-24T23:15:12Z")
Alright, I’ve kept quiet in the past but the constant server & database issues over the past couple of weeks is really wearing thin. Access to the board has been down more than it has been up. With all the brain power … --- ## [SSM: Now Utah. How long for all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ssm-now-utah-how-long-for-all/676915)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2014, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ssm-now-utah-how-long-for-all/676915 "2014-01-15T17:44:23Z")
Color me surprised at the judge’s decision disallowing the state’s ban on Same Sex Marriage. Now, I realize this is by judicial fiat and not an action of the legislature but it’s Utah. Speaking as a political animal, U… --- ## [Kraft Macaroni & Cheese: CHEDDAR EXPLOSION](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kraft-macaroni-cheese-cheddar-explosion/529894)
**Author:** [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kraft-macaroni-cheese-cheddar-explosion/529894 "2010-02-24T20:41:50Z")
I just made a box of the new Kraft Macaroni & Cheese “CHEDDAR EXPLOSION” variety for my kid. I’ve always kind of liked Kraft mac-n-cheese, although it seems to have gotten blander over the years. On the front of the box … --- ## [Why do only Spanish cultures use Jesus as a first name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-only-spanish-cultures-use-jesus-as-a-first-name/314034)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2015, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-only-spanish-cultures-use-jesus-as-a-first-name/314034 "2015-03-19T22:17:28Z")
The title pretty much says it all. Many cultures are Christian, but only the Spaniards and the Spanish-speaking people of the Americas use it as a first name. It can’t be a Catholic thing because many other countries are… --- ## [What would you think if you got a letter like this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-think-if-you-got-a-letter-like-this/399724)
**Author:** [@Avarie537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avarie537)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2007, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-think-if-you-got-a-letter-like-this/399724 "2007-04-17T19:06:25Z")
Verbatim: FWIW, I’m the sender. I know the tone is odd and stilted, but I felt kind of odd sending it. I would like to be friends with this girl again, if she’s grown to be someone I can be a friend with and not just… --- ## [Is it just me, or does Timberland make utter crap?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-me-or-does-timberland-make-utter-crap/540490)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2010, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-me-or-does-timberland-make-utter-crap/540490 "2010-05-25T00:10:45Z")
I have been thinking of this post for a while, given some shoes of theirs that I’ve bought. Then, just now, I went to take my belt off and it snagged on my belt loop. It turns out that my year old Timberland belt has d… --- ## [The Negro Community Frowns Upon Your Shenanigans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-negro-community-frowns-upon-your-shenanigans/548268)
**Author:** [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2010, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-negro-community-frowns-upon-your-shenanigans/548268 "2010-07-30T22:14:22Z")
This Pic has been linked on this board many times and has appeared in countless other places on the web over the last several years. Does anyone know the origin of the pic or who the people in it are? --- ## [Finally The Dark Shadows Movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-the-dark-shadows-movie/612542)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2012, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-the-dark-shadows-movie/612542 "2012-06-26T17:43:15Z")
May this year according to IMDB. The picture of Johnny Depp as Barnabas looks absolutely ridiculous. At least they didn’t cast Helen Carter as Josette. Despite everything I remain hopeful that it will be a good movie. --- ## [Was the waitress wrong or am I?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-waitress-wrong-or-am-i/593879)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-waitress-wrong-or-am-i/593879 "2011-10-01T20:43:40Z")
I was in a restaurant. It was a non-chain diner type place. I ordered my meal and asked for a glass of iced tea. The waitress did not ask me any questions about my order. When my drink arrived, I found out my iced tea w… --- ## [What's the best ambient sound machine (like for sleeping)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-ambient-sound-machine-like-for-sleeping/533642)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2012, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-ambient-sound-machine-like-for-sleeping/533642 "2012-05-29T20:27:21Z")
I am looking for suggestions on a good ambient sound machine that produces continuous sounds like waterfalls, surf, rain, white noise, pink noise, etc. I feel kind of silly asking for suggestions, because one would thin… --- ## [Why is Latin America not part of "Western Civilization"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-latin-america-not-part-of-western-civilization/527455)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2010, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-latin-america-not-part-of-western-civilization/527455 "2010-02-16T14:31:45Z")
I’m starting on Pat Buchanan’s book State of Emergency: The Third World Invasion and the Conquest of America, which is clearly intended as a more America-focused sequel to his The Death of the West; and what immediately … --- ## [Reasonably petty office situation. How to handle it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasonably-petty-office-situation-how-to-handle-it/637767)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2012, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasonably-petty-office-situation-how-to-handle-it/637767 "2012-10-19T22:16:27Z")
So… I work in an office. Each Wednesday, my team has a weekly team meeting. We rotate who chairs the meeting each week between all team members. On a Monday, whoever is chairing the coming Wednesday’s meeting will usua… --- ## [Most gamblers are so dumb.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-gamblers-are-so-dumb/278766)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-gamblers-are-so-dumb/278766 "2005-02-09T00:57:21Z")
I went to a casino for the first time yesterday… I wasn’t especially tempted by it, but I needed something to do to kill time and they had a poker room. While I waited on the list for the Big Game (it wasn’t really big,… --- ## [Trek-abet soup!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trek-abet-soup/200376)
**Author:** [@Tars\_Tarkas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tars_Tarkas)\ **Replies:** 303\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2003, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trek-abet-soup/200376 "2003-09-15T03:28:09Z")
This here thread will be that alphabet game we like to play, but Star Trek- related. (one dude posts A-something, next dude posts B-something, third dudette posts C- something…) So fire up your phaser and get postin’! … --- ## ["War Between the States" or "Civil War"??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-between-the-states-or-civil-war/580067)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2011, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-between-the-states-or-civil-war/580067 "2011-09-10T00:01:36Z")
I have seen several TV and Movies portraying early 20th century Southerners getting (mildly) indignant when some youngster says the “Civil War.” They are instructed to say “War Between the States.” Why is “Civil War” a… --- ## [Jerry Springer Guests- real or fake](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerry-springer-guests-real-or-fake/171355)
**Author:** [@JKB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKB)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2003, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerry-springer-guests-real-or-fake/171355 "2003-04-27T17:06:10Z")
What’s the deal with guests on the Jerry Springer show? Are the guests and their problems real? Or are they just attention-hungry weirdos who really, really, really want to be on t.v? I suppose there’s a minority of p… --- ## [Over 25,000 children v. Brittany Murphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-25-000-children-v-brittany-murphy/521992)
**Author:** [@The\_Cleveland\_Steamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Cleveland_Steamer)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2009, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-25-000-children-v-brittany-murphy/521992 "2009-12-27T17:44:24Z")
What will get more attention, the over 25,000 children that died today or rugged-out, anorexic Brittany Murphy dying? Nice priorities SDMB and America. No wonder the world hates us. We deserve it thanks to you. What… --- ## [What determines the orbital period of planets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-the-orbital-period-of-planets/367710)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2006, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-the-orbital-period-of-planets/367710 "2006-08-08T01:01:40Z")
What main factors determine the orbital period of planets in a solar system? Do the planet’s size and distance from the sun have anything to do with it? Would it be possible for the Earth to orbit the sun twice as fast… --- ## [Why do stop signs ALWAYS say "STOP"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-stop-signs-always-say-stop/37486)
**Author:** [@Jman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jman)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2011, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-stop-signs-always-say-stop/37486 "2011-01-19T02:16:53Z")
In other countries, I mean. The only place I’ve encountered that has lots of roads that has the STOP in a different language is in Quebec, where they properly say “Arret” (with the accent or something). However, in every… --- ## [What TV/movie/other fictional character live most beyond their incomes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tv-movie-other-fictional-character-live-most-beyond-their-incomes/552105)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2010, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tv-movie-other-fictional-character-live-most-beyond-their-incomes/552105 "2010-09-13T23:11:53Z")
We’ve had similar threads before, but it’s been a while and there have been some more shows on, so here’s another. I just finished watching DEXTER Season 4 on DVD. Dexter is a blood splatter pattern analyst- a highly s… --- ## [Are you willing to fight dirty? If so, how dirty? If not, will you fight at all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-willing-to-fight-dirty-if-so-how-dirty-if-not-will-you-fight-at-all/667422)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2013, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-willing-to-fight-dirty-if-so-how-dirty-if-not-will-you-fight-at-all/667422 "2013-09-03T19:51:58Z")
Let’s say you’re walking through the park, minding your own business, not bothering anybody, when a unhinged stranger begins to vocally and loudly object to your very existence. You try to withdraw peaceably, but that pr… --- ## [How much do authors make?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-authors-make/590317)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-authors-make/590317 "2011-07-29T17:38:04Z")
I know, I know. Every contract is different. But in general terms roughly how much per hardback does somebody like Eric Flint or John Ringo make? Pennies? Quarters? What’s the general royalty on paperbacks? Does anybody … --- ## [I dislike tattoos. Who else does?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dislike-tattoos-who-else-does/314386)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2005, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dislike-tattoos-who-else-does/314386 "2005-08-04T20:11:37Z")
I hate the fact that tattoos are trendy. I have never seen a tattoo that I liked, no matter how interesting or artistic - I just don’t believe that art belongs permanently inscribed upon one’s skin. For me this is nothin… --- ## [The Global Warming Fraud](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-global-warming-fraud/738010)
**Author:** [@Renaissance\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renaissance_Man)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2015, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-global-warming-fraud/738010 "2015-11-24T22:59:38Z")
http://TheGlobalWarmingFraud.wordpress.com Dr. Ivar Giaever, winner of the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physics, resigned in disgust from the American Physical Society on September 13, 2011 over its policy of characterizing ant… --- ## [Who is your go-to example of a Stone Fox?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-your-go-to-example-of-a-stone-fox/702165)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2015, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-your-go-to-example-of-a-stone-fox/702165 "2015-02-08T03:20:48Z")
If you happen to use another definition than this one (disregard usage 2) for what a stone fox constitutes, then this question is not for you. But if you adhere to the Urban Dictionary as The True Source, then who is you… --- ## [Rude English words the yanks don't get!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rude-english-words-the-yanks-dont-get/209523)
**Author:** [@Herge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Herge)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2004, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rude-english-words-the-yanks-dont-get/209523 "2004-02-13T14:06:09Z")
For example: Wank - means masturbate Fanny - means vagina Snog - kiss passionately Shag - have sex I remember being shocked when I heard the word “fanny” used on The Nanny for the first time. Until then, fanny only … --- ## [Has "Friends" not aged well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-friends-not-aged-well/534252)
**Author:** [@maplekiwi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maplekiwi)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2010, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-friends-not-aged-well/534252 "2010-04-06T18:12:37Z")
Apologies if this topic has been done too death. I noticed in Zeldar’s favourite TV show thread that no one listed Friends as a favourite show - including me! I loved the show at first - but by the end I was sick of it… --- ## [Buying a House in a Ghetto: Bad Idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-house-in-a-ghetto-bad-idea/512709)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2009, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-house-in-a-ghetto-bad-idea/512709 "2009-11-08T15:19:47Z")
There’s a house for sale that is priced at about 60% of my budget. It’s 3BR, about 1400 square feet, 2-car garage, central air, and it’s in great shape. The same house in any other part of town would be priced at about 1… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=450&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=452&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)