# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=487&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:** 488 --- ## [Pens for skin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pens-for-skin/510084)
**Author:** [@Telcontar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telcontar)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2009, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pens-for-skin/510084 "2009-09-17T15:44:51Z")
So, I know these exist…but where? Way back in high school one of the girls in my class had a pen with ink that was designed to write on skin safely and be easily washable. She had a fun time playing with it, as you migh… --- ## [Good incels vs bad incels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-incels-vs-bad-incels/967114)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 299\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2022, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-incels-vs-bad-incels/967114 "2022-07-31T03:07:51Z")
I’ve been reading a bit about the incel phenomenon, and I think it lumps all of them into a negative category. The typical stereotype of an incel is that of someone like Elliott Rodger - violent, misogynistic, just does… --- ## [Guranteed annual income--conservative option](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guranteed-annual-income-conservative-option/722289)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2015, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guranteed-annual-income-conservative-option/722289 "2015-06-20T22:34:15Z")
Our morning newspaper contained an op-ed piece by the resident conservative (actually the old-fashioned Progressive-Conservative who is disgusted by the current Conservative government). He may have written it to denoun… --- ## [Put the white back in the White House](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/put-the-white-back-in-the-white-house/637587)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2012, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/put-the-white-back-in-the-white-house/637587 "2012-10-17T00:36:53Z")
I’m pitting the asshole in the picture at the top of this link. He’s wearing a Romney/Ryan t-shirt that says “Put the white back in the White House”. I’m certain it’s not an official t-shirt, and I hope that they didn’… --- ## [What's rough on the outside, but sweet on the inside?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-rough-on-the-outside-but-sweet-on-the-inside/645062)
**Author:** [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2012, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-rough-on-the-outside-but-sweet-on-the-inside/645062 "2012-12-28T15:38:09Z")
What’s something that’s rough on the outside, but sweet (or softer) on the inside? That’s not a joke that needs a punchline or something. It’s because I have a friend who’s like that, and I’m trying to think of somethin… --- ## [23 - mid or early 20s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/23-mid-or-early-20s/669215)
**Author:** [@donnie\_darko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/donnie_darko)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2013, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/23-mid-or-early-20s/669215 "2013-09-20T18:41:55Z")
I’ve always argued it’s early 20s because it’s just as close to the middle (your 25th birthday) as being 26 which is always considered your mid 20s. Look: 20 21 22 | 23 24 | 25 26 | 27 28 29 Most people disagree with … --- ## [The (US) economy: What should be done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-economy-what-should-be-done/434027)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 329\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2008, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-economy-what-should-be-done/434027 "2008-01-31T16:09:35Z")
So…what should be done about the Economy? We’ve all been bombarded lately with increasingly frantic news story about the economy headed either for ‘slowing’, recession or…it’s Armageddon! Depending on who you believe t… --- ## [When was the last time a President fired a member of his cabinet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-a-president-fired-a-member-of-his-cabinet/544249)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2017, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-a-president-fired-a-member-of-his-cabinet/544249 "2017-02-03T14:51:25Z")
When I say fired, I mean just that. They didn’t get the opportunity to do a face saving “resignation.” --- ## [French fry oil temperature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-fry-oil-temperature/333758)
**Author:** [@Nature\_s\_Call](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nature_s_Call)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2016, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-fry-oil-temperature/333758 "2016-09-20T16:08:23Z")
Whilst partaking of a fine meal at McDonalds, my brother offered this nugget of trivia: He’d read that the temperature of the oil used to fry the fries was a closely guarded trade secret. Is this true? Do you know wha… --- ## [My wife "jokes" that she has a penis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-jokes-that-she-has-a-penis/666618)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2013, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-jokes-that-she-has-a-penis/666618 "2013-08-21T17:55:52Z")
At least twice now my wife has gone on about how she has a penis… I say things like that I thought I married a woman, etc. Eventually she says that she’s joking. I guess I can’t prevent her from doing this again but it w… --- ## [Paul Harvey: The Rest Of The Story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-harvey-the-rest-of-the-story/301840)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2005, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-harvey-the-rest-of-the-story/301840 "2005-05-06T18:46:17Z")
Dpes anybody else listen to this? I know Paul Harvey from back in the “old days” of Berlin listening to AFN radio and listening to the old right wing fart giving his read on the daily news. Most of the time, I wanted t… --- ## [Love the Christian, hate Christianity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/love-the-christian-hate-christianity/44486)
**Author:** [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Replies:** 311\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2002, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/love-the-christian-hate-christianity/44486 "2002-05-07T18:01:22Z")
In this thread several posters pondered the reasons for my alleged “anti-Christian stance.” I fully admit I am no fan of Christianity, not the least reason of which is a continuing anti-gay stance (among lots of other is… --- ## [Nothing to write home about - a very early MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nothing-to-write-home-about-a-very-early-mmp/361252)
**Author:** [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Replies:** 402\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2006, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nothing-to-write-home-about-a-very-early-mmp/361252 "2006-06-26T03:25:36Z")
Technically, it’s Monday (at least on the east coast) so I am posting now. nyah. Back about 15 years ago, I participated in a creative writing group. We’d share our short stories and poems, even technical writings. We… --- ## [Can somebody explain the Story of Lot? (Gen: 19)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-the-story-of-lot-gen-19/654687)
**Author:** [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-the-story-of-lot-gen-19/654687 "2013-04-15T19:15:08Z")
I don’t want to create a debate, but I was attempting to understand Genesis once again after watching The Ten Commandments, and got hung up on the story of Lot. It seems to be such a sexual story that I should get it, bu… --- ## [Mutiny on the Bounty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mutiny-on-the-bounty/490614)
**Author:** [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2009, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mutiny-on-the-bounty/490614 "2009-04-25T20:59:27Z")
I was in a meeting today where a new employee was introduced as Fletcher Christian. Unfortunately instead of thinking ‘You’ve got to be kidding me’ I said it out loud. The entire meeting stopped and looked at me dumbfou… --- ## [Advice for people who haven't had relationship success](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-people-who-havent-had-relationship-success/567948)
**Author:** [@Electric\_Warrior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Electric_Warrior)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2011, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-people-who-havent-had-relationship-success/567948 "2011-01-26T02:42:25Z")
What would you tell someone who was trying to understand why they had never had a romantic relationship? I was going to limit this to advice for guys, but there are plenty of women who have never had a relationship, so … --- ## [California 2012 Ballot Propositions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-2012-ballot-propositions/627227)
**Author:** [@Peanut\_Gallery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanut_Gallery)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-2012-ballot-propositions/627227 "2012-11-07T17:09:00Z")
California has twelve Props to vote on this year. Some of which are pretty major, and some which might even have national repercussions. I was thinking about a thread on one in particular, but figured I’d go for the wh… --- ## [A rude mailman - should I report him or blow it off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rude-mailman-should-i-report-him-or-blow-it-off/443854)
**Author:** [@pinkfreud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkfreud)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2008, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rude-mailman-should-i-report-him-or-blow-it-off/443854 "2008-04-08T08:17:21Z")
Several items of mail were misdelivered to us today. They belonged to a house down the block. No big deal. I waited until I saw the mailman coming back around, and I went over and said (pleasantly) “These aren’t for us, … --- ## [Best way to hang posters w/o nails.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-hang-posters-w-o-nails/484325)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2009, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-hang-posters-w-o-nails/484325 "2009-02-04T17:44:04Z")
Just had my common room painted and I want to hang some posters and prints but don’t want to pound nails into the wall if I can avoid it… Any good long-lasting products that can give me a nail-free hanging? Some posters … --- ## ["Passing out" from pain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passing-out-from-pain/531390)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2010, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passing-out-from-pain/531390 "2010-03-08T22:04:15Z")
I just saw this mentioned in a thread now going on about fainting, and it reminded me of something I’ve always been interested in. Torturers in movies always prepare the victim by promising them all sorts of hell, and t… --- ## [So... Morrowind's out. Anyone got it yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-morrowinds-out-anyone-got-it-yet/106909)
**Author:** [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2002, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-morrowinds-out-anyone-got-it-yet/106909 "2002-05-10T16:43:10Z")
\[SUB\]Let’s try this again, shall we? Stupid slow board lost my last attempt.\[/SUB\] I’ve been looking forward to this game for over a year now. I love the previous games- despite their bugginess, they’re the best examp… --- ## [Errr.. does anyone speak Icelandic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/errr-does-anyone-speak-icelandic/494016)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2009, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/errr-does-anyone-speak-icelandic/494016 "2009-05-06T06:04:55Z")
I’m not even sure if Icelandic is a dialect of Norse, but mutually intelligable, or not, or what. Long story short: My dear old mum got a letter from a hotel she stayed at - in Reykjavic. She paid the bill presented, an… --- ## [Is there any real reason to wear an eyepatch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-real-reason-to-wear-an-eyepatch/438711)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-real-reason-to-wear-an-eyepatch/438711 "2008-02-23T18:44:01Z")
I’m sure that there used to be, but I noticed last night at Walgreens that they had this exact one for sale. Wouldn’t most of the things that an eyepatch would have helped in pirate times or whatever have some sort of m… --- ## [Did you scream bloody murder while you were in labor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-scream-bloody-murder-while-you-were-in-labor/646515)
**Author:** [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2013, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-scream-bloody-murder-while-you-were-in-labor/646515 "2013-03-12T03:28:12Z")
Inspired by this post in the Annoying Things about TV/Movies thread. I was wondering if people actually do this. IME, giving birth was more of a silently grit your teeth thing. --- ## [Catfishing, a daily Wikipedia trivia game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catfishing-a-daily-wikipedia-trivia-game/1028323)
**Author:** [@Strinka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strinka)\ **Replies:** 874\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2026, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catfishing-a-daily-wikipedia-trivia-game/1028323 "2026-11-11T06:13:19Z")
Link Each day, guess ten Wikipedia articles based on the categories that they’re in. For example, here are the clues for an entry from a couple days ago: 1979 disasters in the United States | 1979 in the environment |… --- ## [Opinion of Wal-Mart.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-of-wal-mart/679979)
**Author:** [@jrsone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jrsone)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-of-wal-mart/679979 "2014-02-18T18:04:55Z")
When Wal-Mart came to out town 24 years ago, we were happy to have them. At that time we had other stores, even a shopping mall. Quite a thriving retail evironment. Years later, that’s all gone except Wal-Mart built a… --- ## [Avast me hearties! Prepare for boarding!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avast-me-hearties-prepare-for-boarding/323047)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 228\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2005, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avast-me-hearties-prepare-for-boarding/323047 "2005-09-28T22:34:55Z")
In this thread, I decided if there was going to be a pirate ship, I was going to be Captain and wear the really big hat. \*\*Anastasaeon \*\* wants to be a crew member, so she’s First Mate. Who else wants in? Females only f… --- ## [Is it okay to tell a stranger they look like someone famous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-tell-a-stranger-they-look-like-someone-famous/530070)
**Author:** [@Rodgers01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodgers01)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2010, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-tell-a-stranger-they-look-like-someone-famous/530070 "2010-02-27T05:25:53Z")
Occasionally at work I share the elevator with a woman who looks exactly like a slightly younger Caroline Kennedy. I’ve never spoken to this woman, I don’t know who she is, and we don’t work at the same company, but I h… --- ## [Mad-Men: 4.11 "Chinese Wall" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mad-men-4-11-chinese-wall-open-spoilers/555961)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2010, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mad-men-4-11-chinese-wall-open-spoilers/555961 "2010-10-12T19:59:56Z")
Gee, I wonder what this meeting could be about? Roger lost Lucky Strike last week, judging by AMC’s preview scene (Peggy & co at the beach) it’s still summer so the 30 reprieve is about to expire. The only logical c… --- ## [Coumadin is rat poison? Really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coumadin-is-rat-poison-really/86722)
**Author:** [@Catfood\_Purrito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catfood_Purrito)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2013, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coumadin-is-rat-poison-really/86722 "2013-10-02T20:40:10Z")
In a note I transcribed this evening, the doctor dictated that the patient refused to take Coumadin (warfarin), because it is a rat poison. Is that true? How would that work, Coumadin is a blood thinner, right? So, what,… --- ## [How do you afford to go on vacation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-afford-to-go-on-vacation/579119)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2012, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-afford-to-go-on-vacation/579119 "2012-02-12T19:34:12Z")
(Note: This is for people who are making ends meet and are even saving but by no means rich or even well-off.) I mean it. I know it’s a weird question, but here’s my issue. We make a decent salary between the two of us.… --- ## [So when my Check Engine light comes on, what exactly should I be checking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-my-check-engine-light-comes-on-what-exactly-should-i-be-checking/565443)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2011, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-my-check-engine-light-comes-on-what-exactly-should-i-be-checking/565443 "2011-01-03T00:16:58Z")
Driving home from my holiday my 1997 Acura Integra’s Check Engine light came on. The car was also having trouble in fifth gear and on hills. I put some fuel injector cleaner and octane booster in and the engine ran smo… --- ## [Pat Buchanan: "Breivik may be right"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pat-buchanan-breivik-may-be-right/590407)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pat-buchanan-breivik-may-be-right/590407 "2011-07-29T23:55:55Z")
sigh And now Pat Buchanan weighs in. (He’s still alive?!) \ Pat, you lost any relevance you may have had when you turned your faction of the Reform Party into the America First … --- ## [Advice for unattractive women vs. advice for unattractive men](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-unattractive-women-vs-advice-for-unattractive-men/723852)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2015, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-unattractive-women-vs-advice-for-unattractive-men/723852 "2015-07-13T16:07:20Z")
(FYI: I am a man, not a woman.) This isn’t a snarky thread at all; it’s a sincere question. Since there have been so many “I’m-old-and-still-a-virgin” threads of late, I figured this was a worthwhile topic: What is the … --- ## [Does riding a horse hurt its back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-riding-a-horse-hurt-its-back/371859)
**Author:** [@solkoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solkoe)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2006, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-riding-a-horse-hurt-its-back/371859 "2006-09-12T11:42:55Z")
Were horses genetically designed to carry a rider? Sure they are strong but carrying 200 pounds on your back for hours on end has to put a strain somewhere. Do horses suffer from back or joint fatigue from carrying a p… --- ## [Knowing when to shut up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knowing-when-to-shut-up/840969)
**Author:** [@atimnie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/atimnie)\ **Replies:** 198\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2019, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knowing-when-to-shut-up/840969 "2019-10-09T03:52:56Z")
If you approach someone with the intent of talking to them about god and Jesus, and handing out pamphlets, if they say they are not interested, move on. If you insist on talking to them anyway, and the say they’re an ath… --- ## [The Avengers Movie discussion thread (possible recent superhero movie spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-avengers-movie-discussion-thread-possible-recent-superhero-movie-spoilers/539057)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2010, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-avengers-movie-discussion-thread-possible-recent-superhero-movie-spoilers/539057 "2010-07-25T23:26:50Z")
There’s been a lot of talk about the upcoming Avengers inside of the Iron Man 2 thread, and I don’t want to hijack a good thread about a good movie, so I figured I’d make one for this one too. This movie is gonna be big… --- ## [Tell me about your parasitic, self-centered family member and I’ll tell you about mine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-parasitic-self-centered-family-member-and-i-ll-tell-you-about-mine/604311)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2011, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-parasitic-self-centered-family-member-and-i-ll-tell-you-about-mine/604311 "2011-12-07T01:59:26Z")
We have regular family gatherings throughout the year that are fairly large (15-20 people total) and require a good deal of planning, coordinating, and work. Most everyone pitches in cooking, hosting, helping out the hos… --- ## [How many stars safety rating would an M-1 Abrams get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-stars-safety-rating-would-an-m-1-abrams-get/648130)
**Author:** [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2013, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-stars-safety-rating-would-an-m-1-abrams-get/648130 "2013-01-28T23:39:10Z")
I will prepend this question by saying that I have no idea how the star safety rating system in the U.S. works, so if this question for some reason isn’t even applicable to an Abrams tank, please explain why. How many… --- ## [Effective range of muskets/pistols](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effective-range-of-muskets-pistols/503225)
**Author:** [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2009, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effective-range-of-muskets-pistols/503225 "2009-07-19T18:52:14Z")
Watched The Patriot on Tv last night…again! Got to wondering what the effective range of the muskets and pistols that were used during the colonials dastardly uprising;) was. 'Cos they seemed to be hitting targets from… --- ## [What is offensive about this Vanity license plate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-offensive-about-this-vanity-license-plate/945542)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2025, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-offensive-about-this-vanity-license-plate/945542 "2025-12-09T06:42:05Z")
I don’t see anything bad in this… 69PWNDU Apparently I’m not the only person. She had this plate ten years with no problems. What’s it supposed to say that has Tenn DMV all upset? --- ## [Is Alcoholism Really a Disease?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alcoholism-really-a-disease/390551)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 306\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2007, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alcoholism-really-a-disease/390551 "2007-02-23T19:55:24Z")
Best as I understand it, the idea that alcoholism is a “disease” comes from the popular 12-Step methods (such as Alcoholics Anonymous) so lauded for their ability to help sufferers of alcoholism. But also, best as I und… --- ## [The Office" "WUPH.COM" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-wuph-com-open-spoilers/561204)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2010, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-wuph-com-open-spoilers/561204 "2010-11-30T03:34:17Z")
Not bad. An episode where Michael showed a little bit of growth, or at least some acceptance of reality about Ryan. I liked the way Pam talked to him, being direct and honest, but not snarky or mean. Just really telling … --- ## [Separation of church and state and Jewish spouses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/separation-of-church-and-state-and-jewish-spouses/576289)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2011, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/separation-of-church-and-state-and-jewish-spouses/576289 "2011-04-27T19:31:04Z")
In Orthodox Jewish understanding, only a husband may divorce his wife. That is, the divorce does not happen until the husband gives his wife a get, a statement of divorce. A recalcitrant husband can thus avoid or delay a… --- ## [What resources are available to help a pedophile avoid becoming a child molester?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-resources-are-available-to-help-a-pedophile-avoid-becoming-a-child-molester/728312)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-resources-are-available-to-help-a-pedophile-avoid-becoming-a-child-molester/728312 "2016-12-08T23:20:07Z")
For the purposes of this discussion, I’ll define the following: Pedophile: a person who is sexually attracted to children, but has not yet acted on those urges (e.g. by molesting children or using child pornography). \*… --- ## [Have republicans on the state or federal level tried to make it easier to own Class III firearms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-republicans-on-the-state-or-federal-level-tried-to-make-it-easier-to-own-class-iii-firearms/774953)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2017, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-republicans-on-the-state-or-federal-level-tried-to-make-it-easier-to-own-class-iii-firearms/774953 "2017-04-13T19:12:01Z")
Machine guns, suppressors, short barrel shotguns and SB rifles, auto shotguns, etc? Are there efforts on either the state or federal level to ease restrictions on civilian ownership of these kinds of weapons coming from… --- ## [What kind of doctor treats candidiasis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-doctor-treats-candidiasis/602942)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2011, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-doctor-treats-candidiasis/602942 "2011-11-15T18:44:55Z")
What kind of a specialist would treat candidiasis? Not a vaginal yeast infection or skin rash, but systemic candida? An infectious disease person? It’s an infection, but fungal not bacterial. --- ## [Home Insurance and Locked Doors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-insurance-and-locked-doors/466414)
**Author:** [@JimR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimR)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2013, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-insurance-and-locked-doors/466414 "2013-10-10T00:49:18Z")
A co-worker and I had a discussion as to whether an unlocked door would invalidate your home insurance, in the case of a burglary. The question is, would an insurance company be expected to pay a claim resulting from a t… --- ## [Is there any studies that show an alcoholic can begin moderate drinking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-studies-that-show-an-alcoholic-can-begin-moderate-drinking/636846)
**Author:** [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2012, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-studies-that-show-an-alcoholic-can-begin-moderate-drinking/636846 "2012-10-08T23:35:59Z")
I am in an argument with a friend. I told him that I believe an alcoholic can decide to go to moderate drinking, instead of abstinence, and be just as successful beating alcholism as an alcoholic who chooses abstinence.… --- ## [Very seriously: why would anyone vote for McCain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-seriously-why-would-anyone-vote-for-mccain/468013)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 183\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-seriously-why-would-anyone-vote-for-mccain/468013 "2008-10-20T16:54:09Z")
I’m very serious. Because it seems painfully clear to me that politics and policies are utterly beside the point by now. Between Palin’s clear lack of fitness to be standing ready to take over from Mr. 72 and not that … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=486&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=488&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)