# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=478&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:** 479 --- ## [Weeds the size of trees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weeds-the-size-of-trees/544724)
**Author:** [@cainxinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cainxinth)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2010, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weeds-the-size-of-trees/544724 "2010-06-30T02:28:01Z")
I was helping a buddy clearing a lot and he told me some of the trees on it were actually massive weeds and were mostly hollow inside unlike regular trees. Others have confirmed that some weeds do grow to the size of tre… --- ## [The fools who attacked & looted a Liberian Ebola quarantine center.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fools-who-attacked-looted-a-liberian-ebola-quarantine-center/695764)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fools-who-attacked-looted-a-liberian-ebola-quarantine-center/695764 "2014-08-19T18:20:11Z")
It’s reported that some of the people who did this were upset that infected patients were being brought there from other areas. So apparently their remedy for that was to release those patients into the city and carry… --- ## [Could we get a ruling against "watch this vid first" OPs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-get-a-ruling-against-watch-this-vid-first-ops/543657)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-get-a-ruling-against-watch-this-vid-first-ops/543657 "2010-06-24T16:44:23Z")
Example This sort of thing in GD or GQ - not only can some of us not watch videos at work, but there’s a distinct lack of any effort by the OPs of these type of threads to summarize arguments or points, to make their own… --- ## [I like playing around with (toy) guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-playing-around-with-toy-guns/693917)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2014, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-playing-around-with-toy-guns/693917 "2014-11-16T19:01:47Z")
I’ve got two of these toy guns (they came in a set) And I’ve got this toy shotgun I want to get a toy pistol or replica. I just like playing around with them. With pistols you can pull the sl… --- ## [Why is free will still a debate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-free-will-still-a-debate/733301)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-free-will-still-a-debate/733301 "2015-10-08T16:50:13Z")
From what I understand, it’s already been proven that decisions are made in the mind before the person is even aware of it consciously. Why is there still a debate in science and philosophy about whether a magical force … --- ## [How Many Tattoo-Related Deaths Per Year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-tattoo-related-deaths-per-year/113227)
**Author:** [@DougC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DougC)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2013, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-tattoo-related-deaths-per-year/113227 "2013-06-08T22:23:12Z")
Somebody I know claimed that “tattoos were dangerous because people die from them”. Now, I have none myself (which was what he was teasing me about) and I don’t know much about them, but I don’t think I have ever h… --- ## [Silly Useless Vehicles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-useless-vehicles/55025)
**Author:** [@fatherjohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fatherjohn)\ **Replies:** 266\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2001, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-useless-vehicles/55025 "2001-03-17T22:28:26Z")
SUV’s suck. People who drive them are (frequently) poseurs and macho assholes who want to intimidate other drivers. For goodness’ sake, there’s a whole web site devoted to making fun of this ridiculous trend. Can’t yo… --- ## [Is hatred towards EV's due to the belief in a apocalyptic future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hatred-towards-evs-due-to-the-belief-in-a-apocalyptic-future/966752)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 331\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2022, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hatred-towards-evs-due-to-the-belief-in-a-apocalyptic-future/966752 "2022-09-07T06:45:49Z")
I’ve never seen so many people care about what others chose to drive as I have with EV’s, and have noticed fear that EV’s are gaining traction in into only personal transportation but commercial and knocking at the door … --- ## [Apologizing for Slavery. Does it matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apologizing-for-slavery-does-it-matter/306570)
**Author:** [@Dob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dob)\ **Replies:** 331\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2005, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apologizing-for-slavery-does-it-matter/306570 "2005-06-14T19:50:13Z")
This from CNN Im not sure where I stand on this. Does Wachovia really need to apologize for the fact that 140yrs ago two companies, that would eventually become part of Wachovia, dealt in slavery? What does apologizin… --- ## [Republicans To Immediately Deregulate Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-to-immediately-deregulate-banks/775121)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-to-immediately-deregulate-banks/775121 "2017-01-10T18:42:13Z")
So the House Freedom Caucus released a list of regulations it plans to roll back. There’s a lot in there which is bizarre, disturbing, or nonsensical (wait, we really want to make life easier for for-profit colleges?!… --- ## ["Protocal"Anti-Semetic by Cains lineage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocal-anti-semetic-by-cains-lineage/526286)
**Author:** [@SA\_PrayerWarrior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SA_PrayerWarrior)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocal-anti-semetic-by-cains-lineage/526286 "2010-02-02T01:02:57Z")
:dubious:Not sure if this is where I should answer the “Protocal” mystery saga; but I wanted to try. The answer lies in scripture & has been revealed; those who study the Word, “get it”. The children of saten/cain have b… --- ## [Question for the men: Would you consider taking your wife's last name and naming the kids after her?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-the-men-would-you-consider-taking-your-wifes-last-name-and-naming-the-kids-after-her/603999)
**Author:** [@RogerDalien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogerDalien)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-the-men-would-you-consider-taking-your-wifes-last-name-and-naming-the-kids-after-her/603999 "2011-12-01T13:05:42Z")
This article got me wondering a bit. Http://community.nytimes.com/comments/www.nytimes.com/2011/11/24/fashion/babies-surnames-to-hyphenate-or-not.html I’ve read of a few cases where the male partner takes the woman’s l… --- ## [This is the last chance Republicans will ever get](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-the-last-chance-republicans-will-ever-get/771330)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2016, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-the-last-chance-republicans-will-ever-get/771330 "2016-12-02T14:30:21Z")
This is it, guys. Just eight years after running the country into the ground, you’ve been given the keys to the castle again. And even stronger than eight years ago. The Democratic Party hasn’t been this weak in 100 yea… --- ## [Bogus musical copyright claims on YouTube](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bogus-musical-copyright-claims-on-youtube/671590)
**Author:** [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2013, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bogus-musical-copyright-claims-on-youtube/671590 "2013-12-18T19:20:51Z")
I’m in the middle of shooting three days of classical piano concerts. I just uploaded a sample song for my client. And up pops a copyright claim: “Danse Macabre, Op. 40”, musical composition administered by: One or mo… --- ## [Did I miss something here? Mod rant in The Game Room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-miss-something-here-mod-rant-in-the-game-room/699969)
**Author:** [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2014, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-miss-something-here-mod-rant-in-the-game-room/699969 "2014-10-04T04:05:20Z")
Pretty much what it said in the title: --- ## [Infinity Question: What is the ratio of odd to even numbers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infinity-question-what-is-the-ratio-of-odd-to-even-numbers/83668)
**Author:** [@zut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zut)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2011, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infinity-question-what-is-the-ratio-of-odd-to-even-numbers/83668 "2011-09-27T23:36:52Z")
I was reading a discussion on another message board concerning the series 1/1 - 1/2 + 1/3 - 1/4 + 1/5… Apparently, the sum of this series can be different values, depending on how the series is ordered. This lead to a co… --- ## [Make a case \*for\* hair metal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-a-case-for-hair-metal/541024)
**Author:** [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-a-case-for-hair-metal/541024 "2010-06-02T13:22:04Z")
Hair metal/glam metal/poseur metal/whatever you call it has nearly always held the enmity of the majority of rock critics, and it and its fans are generally considered to be the Great Musical Laughingstock of the past 30… --- ## [I'm pregnant? What!!!! (Wait, no, I'm not.) \[edited title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-what-wait-no-im-not-edited-title/625775)
**Author:** [@Mint\_Julep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mint_Julep)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2012, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-pregnant-what-wait-no-im-not-edited-title/625775 "2012-07-02T15:57:38Z")
So long story short, I had a raging ear infection in both ears after a SCUBA trip. I was on antibiotics for 3 months and apparently my guy and I were careless. I was a few days late (but my cycle has been all over the pl… --- ## [It's never a pit bull!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-never-a-pit-bull/598471)
**Author:** [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2011, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-never-a-pit-bull/598471 "2011-10-09T00:22:21Z")
This thread made me think…I’ve been in the dispatching game for over 10 years now, and I know there’s other dispatchers and cops and whatnot bouncing around the boards. Over the years I’ve taken lots of calls about dogs… --- ## [Sarah's Gold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarahs-gold/25295)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2021, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarahs-gold/25295 "2021-05-20T18:48:18Z")
Several years back, I was challenged to write a short story illustrating the lives of people in a libertarian context … with a catch. I had to use a particular cast of people in a particular setting. The point, as I reca… --- ## [Why do airline prices fluctuate from day to day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-airline-prices-fluctuate-from-day-to-day/507103)
**Author:** [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2009, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-airline-prices-fluctuate-from-day-to-day/507103 "2009-08-27T05:42:38Z")
I am flying from New York to Dallas on October 31st. I found a ticket that cost $288 round trip. I came back the next day and the cost was $400. Because I needed the ticket I bought it at the much higher price. Then … --- ## [What rights does Dad have when Mom wants to move away with the kids.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-rights-does-dad-have-when-mom-wants-to-move-away-with-the-kids/647145)
**Author:** [@aag3981](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aag3981)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2013, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-rights-does-dad-have-when-mom-wants-to-move-away-with-the-kids/647145 "2013-01-15T04:14:48Z")
My boyfriend’s ex-wife has mentioned that she may be looking to move to another city. They share a daughter so my boyfriend is now very worried. Real quick, some background: Their divorce did not involve lawyers. She… --- ## [Sadistic Snack Foods and the Masochists Who Love Them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadistic-snack-foods-and-the-masochists-who-love-them/454621)
**Author:** [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2016, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadistic-snack-foods-and-the-masochists-who-love-them/454621 "2016-07-13T02:00:26Z")
I love rice crackers. I love them so much that the last time I went to the grocery store I bought the humongous 3 pound bag. I’ve had a bowl of them just about every day this week. My jaw hurts from eating them. My jaw h… --- ## [What is the Highest Ratio of Like:Dislike In A YouTube Video You've Seen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-highest-ratio-of-like-dislike-in-a-youtube-video-youve-seen/599669)
**Author:** [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2013, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-highest-ratio-of-like-dislike-in-a-youtube-video-youve-seen/599669 "2013-07-26T11:41:17Z")
Hello all! So I was wondering what the highest ratio of like:dislike you’ve seen in a YouTube video. I ask because even of the top six most liked videos don’t get that impressive of ratios: 1) Justin Bieber, Baby ft. … --- ## [Homeschooling biology FAILURE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeschooling-biology-failure/649352)
**Author:** [@pythonzzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pythonzzz)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2013, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeschooling-biology-failure/649352 "2013-02-14T16:03:14Z")
Dumbfuck homeschool shill Kevin Swanson fails at basic reproductive biology: My, my. The wingnuts just keep sinking lower… --- ## [Tell us about a product that you were pleasantly surprised by its usefulness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2023, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838 "2023-01-19T01:48:22Z")
Mine is my robot vacuum. I was on the fence about getting it, usure about how well it would work, and very doubtful that it would be worth the money. I was dead wrong. It is the coolest thing since sliced salami. My hou… --- ## [Things that could have been invented sooner ... but weren't](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-could-have-been-invented-sooner-but-werent/538607)
**Author:** [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2010, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-could-have-been-invented-sooner-but-werent/538607 "2010-05-13T17:33:10Z")
This is a thread for listing things that could have been invented long before they actually were. By that I mean that all the supporting technology was there, but nobody thought to put it all together. Here’s one: Ani… --- ## [A few misconceptions about real-life Ninjas, cleared up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467)
**Author:** [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Replies:** 225\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2004, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-misconceptions-about-real-life-ninjas-cleared-up/235467 "2004-12-03T01:00:54Z")
Okay. I’m a ninja here, right? RIGHT? glares until everyone else cowers in fear. Thank you. But in that vast circus called real life, I’m also a persuant of the martial arts - tae kwon do and a smattering of hapkido… --- ## [I pit the substandard governmental response to the situation in New Orleans.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-substandard-governmental-response-to-the-situation-in-new-orleans/319747)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 245\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2005, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-substandard-governmental-response-to-the-situation-in-new-orleans/319747 "2005-09-05T18:43:29Z")
There are a ton of threads surrounding Katrina, looters, people who didn’t leave, etc. What I am infuriated by is the seeming lack of coordination of governmental agencies - from the NO police to the mayor’s office to th… --- ## [Non-disabled people hitting the disabled door opener](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-disabled-people-hitting-the-disabled-door-opener/448598)
**Author:** [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2012, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-disabled-people-hitting-the-disabled-door-opener/448598 "2012-01-20T22:36:24Z")
I don’t get it. Is it really so exhausting to open the door manually rather than punching the button? Where I see this most often is people exiting the restroom, so I suppose they’re trying to avoid the “germs” on the do… --- ## [Holy shit a cop got charged for shooting someone!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-shit-a-cop-got-charged-for-shooting-someone/668951)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-shit-a-cop-got-charged-for-shooting-someone/668951 "2013-11-02T09:01:32Z")
\[It happened in North Carolina. \](http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US\_CHARLOTTE\_POLICE\_SHOOTING\_DEATH?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-09-15-20-52-55) At first the cops said everything was totall… --- ## [Greetings from Mount Kilauea :)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greetings-from-mount-kilauea/761533)
**Author:** [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2019, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greetings-from-mount-kilauea/761533 "2019-05-04T01:46:11Z")
Helicopter caught an active volcano smiling at us. --- ## [Team Fortress 2: Now free to play (forever)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/team-fortress-2-now-free-to-play-forever/586659)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2011, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/team-fortress-2-now-free-to-play-forever/586659 "2011-07-22T09:40:36Z")
For any of you who haven’t gotten Team Fortress 2 there is no excuse now. TF2 has gone free-to-play (not kiddding). --- ## [Female High School Student Poops on Classroom Floor with Student Witnesses Present](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-high-school-student-poops-on-classroom-floor-with-student-witnesses-present/420844)
**Author:** [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2007, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-high-school-student-poops-on-classroom-floor-with-student-witnesses-present/420844 "2007-09-30T17:43:00Z")
My wife is a teacher. She and a bunch of students were working on after-school preparations for homecoming. Too many students were working on various things around campus to watch all of them all the time. Some male a… --- ## [You don't want to go out in the rain; someone says: "You won't melt."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-dont-want-to-go-out-in-the-rain-someone-says-you-wont-melt/365465)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2006, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-dont-want-to-go-out-in-the-rain-someone-says-you-wont-melt/365465 "2006-07-23T04:08:41Z")
Am I correct in assuming that the phrase was inspired by The Wizard of Oz? Or did it come from somewhere else and a witch being melted by water happened to co-opt it? --- ## [American Idol 2/29 and beyond.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-29-and-beyond/346477)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 311\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2006, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-29-and-beyond/346477 "2006-03-05T03:41:34Z")
I’m afraid to post this because someone else will and then they’ll be two different threads and then there will be mass confusion and the world will come to a fiery end. But I can’t wait any longer. Here’s my wish list … --- ## [The Iron Man Movie (no spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-iron-man-movie-no-spoilers/447640)
**Author:** [@diku](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diku)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2008, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-iron-man-movie-no-spoilers/447640 "2008-05-13T02:46:38Z")
So Max Carnage and I saw a free sneak preview of Iron Man on Tuesday, and it was very very good. A lot of fun, and Robert Downey Jr. was fantastic. I’m not going to spoil anything, but I highly encourage people see it! … --- ## [Evaluating pros and cons of a manual vs an automatic transmission.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evaluating-pros-and-cons-of-a-manual-vs-an-automatic-transmission/681463)
**Author:** [@Blunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blunt)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evaluating-pros-and-cons-of-a-manual-vs-an-automatic-transmission/681463 "2014-02-19T06:51:24Z")
Eventually I’m planning on buying a new car, possibly as soon as this summer, more likely within the next year or two. I’m thinking something small, and right now a VW GTI is at the top of my list, along with others lik… --- ## [How many degrees separate you from a celebrity/historical figure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-degrees-separate-you-from-a-celebrity-historical-figure/553471)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2010, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-degrees-separate-you-from-a-celebrity-historical-figure/553471 "2010-10-19T15:03:27Z")
For me it’s 3: My mother used to work for Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s son. --- ## [A flipped coin landing on its edge.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-flipped-coin-landing-on-its-edge/577126)
**Author:** [@Indian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indian)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2012, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-flipped-coin-landing-on-its-edge/577126 "2012-11-25T17:12:14Z")
What is the probablity that the coin will land on its edge? Take the presidential 1$ coin with 26.49 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness, and 8.1gms weight. Assume smooth rims and a non-bouncing surface. How will the probabili… --- ## [When did the spelling of Hawaii become Hawai'i?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-spelling-of-hawaii-become-hawaii/347754)
**Author:** [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2006, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-spelling-of-hawaii-become-hawaii/347754 "2006-03-12T23:38:23Z")
I’ve noticed this a bit lately on posters in travel agencies and I saw it again this morning. Did the state government officially change the spelling? Or is it some form of popular movement for “cultural recognition” th… --- ## [Is South Dakota considering legalizing the killing of abortion providers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-south-dakota-considering-legalizing-the-killing-of-abortion-providers/571512)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2011, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-south-dakota-considering-legalizing-the-killing-of-abortion-providers/571512 "2011-02-19T19:52:51Z")
I was reading this article: I followed the link to the text of the bill itself but while it does not read (to me) that any schmo can run and kill and abortion doctor I admit it seems to come close enough. But then IAN… --- ## [Hated movies or flops that were not BAD films](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hated-movies-or-flops-that-were-not-bad-films/784943)
**Author:** [@Tio\_Gringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tio_Gringo)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2017, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hated-movies-or-flops-that-were-not-bad-films/784943 "2017-05-09T08:53:54Z")
In thisthread discussing if film makers involved in making bad movies are aware of that fact, or think they are making a quality product, ZipperJJ throws some hate on 1998’s Godzilla. ZipperJJ is certainly not alone in … --- ## [Sony cancels "The Interview"; Wise or Foolish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sony-cancels-the-interview-wise-or-foolish/707669)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2014, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sony-cancels-the-interview-wise-or-foolish/707669 "2014-12-31T16:55:04Z")
Surprised there is no thread about this. There are a few threads in IMHO, but none specifically addressing this issue. Long story short, Sony had produced a comedy (Seth Rogan and James Franco) in which those two play … --- ## [How do ballerinas deal with big breasts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-ballerinas-deal-with-big-breasts/716406)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2015, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-ballerinas-deal-with-big-breasts/716406 "2015-04-02T13:35:24Z")
I quite enjoy ballet, but generally have to sit way back. It seems to me that it must be difficult for a ballerina to do many moves when part of her body is obeying the Law of Inertia. A quick Google indicates that the e… --- ## [Congratulations, America. You're worse than Afghanistan.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congratulations-america-youre-worse-than-afghanistan/641691)
**Author:** [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2012, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congratulations-america-youre-worse-than-afghanistan/641691 "2012-11-27T20:27:16Z")
And if you voted for Obama, it’s all your fault. Remember that phrase “innocent until proven guilty”? Obama doesn’t. He’s been fighting for the right to lock you up until you die, even if he’s unwilling or unable to pr… --- ## [What is the purpose of the pattern on giraffes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-pattern-on-giraffes/550457)
**Author:** [@zelie\_zelerton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zelie_zelerton)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2010, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-pattern-on-giraffes/550457 "2010-08-21T15:10:12Z")
What is the purpose of the patterning on giraffes? I assume either some sort of camouflage or for the purpose of attracting mates. Since (as far as I can tell) the males and the females look broadly similar I have to ass… --- ## [Cooper the Portugese Water dog's tails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooper-the-portugese-water-dogs-tails/670640)
**Author:** [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2016, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooper-the-portugese-water-dogs-tails/670640 "2016-05-27T18:56:08Z")
Hi everyone, my name is Cooper, I am a 1.5 year old Portuguese Water Dog (please don’t say "I’m just like the obama’s dog, I’m NOTHING like the First Dog, I actually Like the AR-15!) :wink: I came to live with MacTech… --- ## [Cigarettes in the drive through. (Or: is Mr. Krebbs a big fat jerk?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cigarettes-in-the-drive-through-or-is-mr-krebbs-a-big-fat-jerk/494436)
**Author:** [@Mr.Krebbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krebbs)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2009, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cigarettes-in-the-drive-through-or-is-mr-krebbs-a-big-fat-jerk/494436 "2009-05-01T03:41:21Z")
Disclaimer: This isn’t the worst thing that has happened to me in my lifetime, this week, today, this afternoon, etc. So don’t bitch about the pettiness within. I took exception to a Taco Bell cashier’s demands today. I… --- ## [What's the hardest thing you've ever done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-hardest-thing-youve-ever-done/624514)
**Author:** [@Cryptic\_C62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cryptic_C62)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2012, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-hardest-thing-youve-ever-done/624514 "2012-06-14T19:12:56Z")
This question popped into my head the other day, and even after considerable thought, I haven’t come up with a good answer for myself yet. What about you guys? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=477&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=479&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)