# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=530&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:** 531 --- ## [In the US is a satnav typically called a GPS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-us-is-a-satnav-typically-called-a-gps/580278)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2011, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-us-is-a-satnav-typically-called-a-gps/580278 "2011-05-03T16:11:21Z")
Idle curiosity. The electronic unit that you put in your car or in more recent cars is inbuilt that provides you with maps and directions, usually spoken ones. What do you call it in the US? --- ## [Which infamous person do you find attractive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-infamous-person-do-you-find-attractive/585207)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2011, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-infamous-person-do-you-find-attractive/585207 "2011-06-14T14:52:18Z")
My own has been Leila Khalid, the former Palestinian Hijacker. --- ## ["Pro-life" and "pro-choice" are both stupid expressions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-life-and-pro-choice-are-both-stupid-expressions/426835)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 309\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2007, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-life-and-pro-choice-are-both-stupid-expressions/426835 "2007-12-03T15:03:11Z")
This is NOT meant as a debate about abortion, (although it teeters on the edge of the cliff and probably will fall into an abortion controversy in the course of this thread.) It is a debate about the proper use of words… --- ## [Update to Cecil's column on the British Royals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-to-cecils-column-on-the-british-royals/502187)
**Author:** [@paperbackwriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paperbackwriter)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2010, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-to-cecils-column-on-the-british-royals/502187 "2010-09-06T05:19:47Z")
Cecil’s column on the Prince of Wales and other assorted members of the United Kingdom’s royal family has fallen a bit out of date since 1976, especially the last paragraph regarding Princess Anne. Just to provide a lis… --- ## [Is Quakerism a "Passive" Cult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-quakerism-a-passive-cult/586684)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2011, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-quakerism-a-passive-cult/586684 "2011-07-01T13:21:51Z")
Although (I assume) people are free to leave, is the Quaker religion a “passive” cult? My cousin joined, and the things she comes out with equate in my mind to a brainwashed Moon child standing on a street corner peddli… --- ## [I don't have a thermometer, is there any way to estimate my body temperature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-have-a-thermometer-is-there-any-way-to-estimate-my-body-temperature/643544)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2012, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-have-a-thermometer-is-there-any-way-to-estimate-my-body-temperature/643544 "2012-12-10T06:24:55Z")
I am all alone too, so I can’t have someone feel my forehead. --- ## [How smart are raccoons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-smart-are-raccoons/458993)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-smart-are-raccoons/458993 "2020-04-03T16:47:53Z")
Inspired by the poop thread. How intelligent are raccoons? They seem curious. They have little hands with which they’re very dextrous. But most of the dead things I see in the road are raccoons. They don’t seem to l… --- ## [What did the Germans expect at Versailles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-germans-expect-at-versailles/584163)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2011, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-germans-expect-at-versailles/584163 "2011-06-06T20:19:35Z")
The common wisdom is the Treaty of Versailles was a mistake - it was so tough on Germany that it made another war inevitable. The Germans certainly felt it was unbearably harsh. But honestly, what where the Germans expe… --- ## [Has there ever been a benevolent dictator/dictatorship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-benevolent-dictator-dictatorship/490489)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2009, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-benevolent-dictator-dictatorship/490489 "2009-04-04T06:27:43Z")
Or are repression and murder necessary to maintain such governments? --- ## [My two best friends are dating each other, behind my back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-two-best-friends-are-dating-each-other-behind-my-back/317053)
**Author:** [@fusoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fusoya)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2005, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-two-best-friends-are-dating-each-other-behind-my-back/317053 "2005-08-16T22:37:47Z")
Two of my best friends are a guy I’ve known since I was 12, went through middle and high school with, and still keep in close touch with, and a girl who I met in college, immediately fell for…and the feeling was mutual, … --- ## [Game of Thrones 3.02 "Dark Wings, Dark Words" 4/7/13 No book spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-3-02-dark-wings-dark-words-4-7-13-no-book-spoilers/655093)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2013, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-3-02-dark-wings-dark-words-4-7-13-no-book-spoilers/655093 "2013-04-16T19:00:16Z")
3.01 Valar Dohaeris These threads are only for the discussion of the tv show. We’ve got it working pretty smoothly now. We left off with the Night Watch expedition marching back to the wall to warn everyone, and Jon Sn… --- ## [Nearly a third of Texans think "The Flintstones" was a documentary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nearly-a-third-of-texans-think-the-flintstones-was-a-documentary/529814)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2010, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nearly-a-third-of-texans-think-the-flintstones-was-a-documentary/529814 "2010-03-08T00:36:10Z")
http://www.texastribune.org/stories/2010/feb/17/meet-flintstones/ Anther nugget from the same poll: Is Texas competing with South Carolina in a race to the bottom? Just another reason textbook publishers should neve… --- ## [Is La Croix carbonated water better for me than Sprite Zero?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-la-croix-carbonated-water-better-for-me-than-sprite-zero/636250)
**Author:** [@Willcross](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Willcross)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2012, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-la-croix-carbonated-water-better-for-me-than-sprite-zero/636250 "2012-09-30T18:25:00Z")
Let me start by saying I drink a lot of soda. Sometimes 10 cans a day. I switched to the “Zero” type of sprite and cherry coke since they taste just as good, and have no calories. I began thinking that the caffeine prob… --- ## [To Spank or Not To Spank...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-spank-or-not-to-spank/652485)
**Author:** [@Tequila\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tequila_Party)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2018, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-spank-or-not-to-spank/652485 "2018-07-28T01:29:04Z")
Reports and psychological studies are coming out now saying that spanking ultimately does more damage than good when used as a tool for discipline. I don’t know if I believe that. I, like most of my peers, was spanked… --- ## [Whats up with the "gay vioce"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-gay-vioce/549516)
**Author:** [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2010, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-gay-vioce/549516 "2010-08-11T17:15:47Z")
This is fascinating to me, and I never heard any serious comments on this: the stereotypical feminine, lisping mannerism of speech that is attributed to some homosexual men. Im talking about the “flaming gay stereotype”… --- ## [The future that never was](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-that-never-was/594068)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2011, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-that-never-was/594068 "2011-09-08T21:20:17Z")
It’s funny. I don’t remember any of these things happening. 1963: Last survivors of a nuclear war die out in Australia. On the Beach (1957) Nevil Shute 1970: Robots and suspended animation coming into common use. The D… --- ## [Sheriff Clarke, Trump's new Assistant Secretary in the Dept of Homeland Security is a plagarist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheriff-clarke-trumps-new-assistant-secretary-in-the-dept-of-homeland-security-is-a-plagarist/787179)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2017, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheriff-clarke-trumps-new-assistant-secretary-in-the-dept-of-homeland-security-is-a-plagarist/787179 "2017-07-04T03:33:47Z")
Story here - It’s pretty much direct quotes. It’s pretty balls out, he barely even tried to re-write. Sheriff David Clarke plagiarized portions of his master’s thesis on homeland security . --- ## [Eric Cantor - Republican Whip or Anti-science Republican Scourge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eric-cantor-republican-whip-or-anti-science-republican-scourge/563628)
**Author:** [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2010, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eric-cantor-republican-whip-or-anti-science-republican-scourge/563628 "2010-12-24T02:38:36Z")
Eric Cantor, the republican House Majority Leader Elect, has launched YouCut, a program in which people report what they construe as “wasteful spending” by Congress. Sounds awesome, right? Not so fast, my friend. They… --- ## [Braves moving to suburbs in 2017 and I, for one, am not happy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/braves-moving-to-suburbs-in-2017-and-i-for-one-am-not-happy/673658)
**Author:** [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2013, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/braves-moving-to-suburbs-in-2017-and-i-for-one-am-not-happy/673658 "2013-11-19T03:59:21Z")
The Atlanta Braves shocked everyone this morning with news that they are leaving Turner Field at the end of the 2016 season, and will begin 2017 in a new stadium to be built in Cobb County. Cobb County is a northern sub… --- ## [How do you pronounce the name "Nguyen?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-the-name-nguyen/270542)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2011, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-the-name-nguyen/270542 "2011-12-27T06:28:55Z")
Seriously, I’ve never been able to figure it out, and have never had the priveledge of talking to anyone with the name Nguyen. I believe someone once told me it’s pronounced “NEW-yen” – is that right? Adam --- ## [What are the must-play PC games of the last 10 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-must-play-pc-games-of-the-last-10-years/530637)
**Author:** [@Windwalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Windwalker)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-must-play-pc-games-of-the-last-10-years/530637 "2010-03-05T00:23:39Z")
Must-play from the perspective of a pure game lover, who will play any genre so long as the game was lovingly-made and a joy to play. Emphasis on the best of a given category, however you wish to divide them: I haven’t … --- ## [Best upholstery material to withstand cat claws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-upholstery-material-to-withstand-cat-claws/657556)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2013, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-upholstery-material-to-withstand-cat-claws/657556 "2013-05-12T01:01:26Z")
I have a couple of really good identical armchairs that I’ve had recovered twice before, and it’s time to do it again, I know nothing (except cast iron and concrete) is impervious to cat claws, but any suggestions on a s… --- ## [Science Diet dog food=Cancer in a Bag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-diet-dog-food-cancer-in-a-bag/210013)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2014, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-diet-dog-food-cancer-in-a-bag/210013 "2014-06-03T07:36:42Z")
An old-coworker of mine, Mary, and I were talking about pet food a couple years ago and she mentioned that her vet told her that they called Science Diet “cancer in a bag”. She elaborated and said that the vet told her 9… --- ## [A word Tom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-word-tom/541044)
**Author:** [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-word-tom/541044 "2010-06-02T19:16:12Z")
Tomndebb, frankly I’m appalled at your one-sided application of the rules. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=564220&page=4 It has long been allowed at SDMB rule in GD that we can call fascists and suc… --- ## [Bernie Sanders' White Privilege](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bernie-sanders-white-privilege/932015)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 298\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2021, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bernie-sanders-white-privilege/932015 "2021-03-21T19:38:45Z")
“What did they see? They saw a white man in a puffy jacket and huge mittens, distant not only in his social distancing, but in his demeanor and attire,” Seyer-Ochi wrote, adding, “What did I see? What did I think my s… --- ## [Whatcha Readin' Feb 2011 Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-feb-2011-edition/569635)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatcha-readin-feb-2011-edition/569635 "2011-03-02T19:55:27Z")
Happy Valentine’s day all! And let us not forget Groundhog’s day! It is looking here like the Groundhog will not see his shadow this year. A miserable wintry mix on Wed. Finished I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. I… --- ## [Northern Dopers, have you turned your heat on yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northern-dopers-have-you-turned-your-heat-on-yet/698898)
**Author:** [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northern-dopers-have-you-turned-your-heat-on-yet/698898 "2014-11-03T04:55:17Z")
I resist it for as long as I can - mainly because I like the house cool, and I like having the windows open and hearing crickets at night, and bird song at dawn. However, for at least the last week, it’s been getting do… --- ## [Best Kid-Friendly Places to Eat in Vegas - with a catch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-kid-friendly-places-to-eat-in-vegas-with-a-catch/652633)
**Author:** [@TommyTutone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TommyTutone)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2013, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-kid-friendly-places-to-eat-in-vegas-with-a-catch/652633 "2013-03-15T22:31:16Z")
We are flying out to Vegas in a couple of days with our 10-year old son. He has great table manners and loves every kind of food, from burgers to sushi, and everything in between. I am trying to find some good, unique,… --- ## [Another Swiftie lie gets shot down (this one's for you, Sam Stone)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-swiftie-lie-gets-shot-down-this-ones-for-you-sam-stone/267273)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 240\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2004, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-swiftie-lie-gets-shot-down-this-ones-for-you-sam-stone/267273 "2004-10-07T16:41:06Z")
One of the Swifties’ favorite allegations has been that the shrapnel in John Kerry’s ass was rice, not metal. They have been yelling that he did not deserve his third Purple Heart because according to them, he was wounde… --- ## [how did "school prayer" work? why isn't it done as spontaneous civil disobedience?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-school-prayer-work-why-isnt-it-done-as-spontaneous-civil-disobedience/542012)
**Author:** [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-school-prayer-work-why-isnt-it-done-as-spontaneous-civil-disobedience/542012 "2010-06-09T16:00:03Z")
I have seen the school prayer conflict portrayed as attempts to legally prevent an action to which everybody involved (i.e. both all students and their teacher) consent. If that’s how it worked, why couldn’t they pray an… --- ## [It's Sleet! It's Freezing Rain! It's the MMP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-sleet-its-freezing-rain-its-the-mmp/567078)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2011, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-sleet-its-freezing-rain-its-the-mmp/567078 "2011-01-17T10:12:08Z")
It could be sleet. It could be freezin’ rain. It could be just rain. Look out for flyin’ pigs. Who knows!!! That mumper friends appears to be the weather forecast in south Jawja right now as I post. I have learnt me sum… --- ## ["Creative" name spelling- your opinions, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creative-name-spelling-your-opinions-please/398422)
**Author:** [@RedRosesForMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedRosesForMe)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2007, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creative-name-spelling-your-opinions-please/398422 "2007-04-08T19:01:55Z")
This thread about babies got slightly hijacked about the unique spelling of certain names. I would like to discuss this, as it is an issue that has irked me for years. First, some background. My name is Laurie (and that… --- ## [Conflct between 1st and 6th Amendments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conflct-between-1st-and-6th-amendments/611667)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2012, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conflct-between-1st-and-6th-amendments/611667 "2012-02-07T20:59:40Z")
I don’t think this has been specifically discussed, so I would like to toss it out on the table. The 1st Amendment says: “\*\*Congress shall make no law \*\*respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free … --- ## [Botticelli - Sept. 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-sept-2016/764651)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2016, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-sept-2016/764651 "2016-10-02T21:12:41Z")
Last month’s thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=801175 Next up in the alphabet, the letter S --- ## [Ladies: skirt pulled up or down when using the toilet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-skirt-pulled-up-or-down-when-using-the-toilet/613647)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2012, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-skirt-pulled-up-or-down-when-using-the-toilet/613647 "2012-02-24T04:49:39Z")
When you seat your royal behind upon the porcelain throne, do you pull your skirt down (the way you do with pants/underwear) or do you pull the skirt up around your waist? --- ## [Black Powder shooting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-powder-shooting/534860)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2010, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-powder-shooting/534860 "2010-04-13T20:59:08Z")
This thread got me thinking about black powder shooting – so much so, that I’ve just ordered an Uberti Remington New Army Model 1858 from a nearby sporting goods store. Here is a picture of my Colt Walker and one of my … --- ## [Why People Vote for Trump - help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-people-vote-for-trump-help/754027)
**Author:** [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2016, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-people-vote-for-trump-help/754027 "2016-05-31T19:59:15Z")
So dear old mom sent me a piece of crap email (copied below). What is GREAT is that mom asked me how to refute / check these numbers! I consider this a huge step for her, but I would like to ask the 'Dope for assistance.… --- ## [ISIS under our beds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-under-our-beds/696533)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2014, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-under-our-beds/696533 "2014-09-19T03:35:37Z")
Please help a lazy Doper out. I keep seeing quotes from right-wing politicians, and their supporters among my friends, that ISIS agents are crossing our borders to commit terrorism here in God’s Own U. S. of A. Is there … --- ## [Albert Broccoli - descendent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albert-broccoli-descendent/533939)
**Author:** [@archibald\_barisol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/archibald_barisol)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2012, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albert-broccoli-descendent/533939 "2012-10-19T20:20:01Z")
A work colleague and I were recently discussing the origins of the Clementine fruit (a hybrid between a tangerine and a Mandarin orange), when the subject of other fuit or vegetable hybrids took over. My colleague mentio… --- ## [Big Love 1/31/10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-love-1-31-10/527195)
**Author:** [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2010, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-love-1-31-10/527195 "2010-02-17T22:55:39Z")
Is anyone else disappointed with this whole season? I especially dislike the senate storyline and the boring political machinations of Bill. I feel like they’ve just done that so there’s more at stake, as if there wasn’t… --- ## [Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father(spoilers after 1st post)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-zachary-a-letter-to-a-son-about-his-father-spoilers-after-1st-post/546058)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2015, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-zachary-a-letter-to-a-son-about-his-father-spoilers-after-1st-post/546058 "2015-10-25T23:58:47Z")
:frowning: :frowning: :frowning: Spoilers to follow. --- ## [Is it truly impossible to trap mariana in a container with no scents permeating whatsoever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-truly-impossible-to-trap-mariana-in-a-container-with-no-scents-permeating-whatsoever/597988)
**Author:** [@captainj954](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/captainj954)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-truly-impossible-to-trap-mariana-in-a-container-with-no-scents-permeating-whatsoever/597988 "2011-10-06T20:44:03Z")
There seems to be an overwhelming deficit of information available to the general public concerning which materials and packing methods will actually put a complete halt to the natural process of scent permeation through… --- ## [How incredibly stupid will the SOTU be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-incredibly-stupid-will-the-sotu-be/828994)
**Author:** [@Discordian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Discordian)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2019, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-incredibly-stupid-will-the-sotu-be/828994 "2019-02-08T11:46:53Z")
How many seconds before Trump stops desperately trying to decipher the two-syllable words on the teleprompter and turns to campaign-brand word salad? Will he use the N-word? Will we have a national emergency declared? Ho… --- ## [Is military action against Iran an inevitability?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-military-action-against-iran-an-inevitability/601726)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2011, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-military-action-against-iran-an-inevitability/601726 "2011-11-16T01:27:47Z")
All signs seem to point to yes. In particular, the British military has already started planning for a missile attack, combined with air strike, against Iran to be done in conjunction with the US. So, is Iran the next … --- ## [US. The freest country in the world. Really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-the-freest-country-in-the-world-really/560763)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2010, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-the-freest-country-in-the-world-really/560763 "2010-12-25T06:58:27Z")
I’m Canadian I hear it all the time. America is the freest country in the world. From Americans. Who also bitch and complain endlessly about threats to their freedom or compromization thereof. Don’t you see a contrad… --- ## [Strange body parts you find attractive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-body-parts-you-find-attractive/510146)
**Author:** [@chaoticbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaoticbear)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2009, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-body-parts-you-find-attractive/510146 "2009-09-20T15:41:07Z")
Inspired by the “What body type do you prefer” thread, I have a couple really specific things that excite that the general public may not. Armpits. Hairy, deep armpits. I think it may be the deltoid muscle from the back… --- ## [The spherical\* Earth conspiracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-spherical-earth-conspiracy/776226)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2017, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-spherical-earth-conspiracy/776226 "2017-01-08T23:47:03Z")
So, I don’t know how familiar you are with the baffling phenomenon of modern flat Earth societies who are slightly behind scientific understanding of the shape of the Earth by about 2500 years. The gist of their argument… --- ## [Swords carried on the back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swords-carried-on-the-back/546847)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2010, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swords-carried-on-the-back/546847 "2010-07-18T06:20:23Z")
What started the whole “swords carried on the back” phenomenon so common in media today? I am fairly certain that this mode of sword storage is not historically accurate (except in a few cases, maybe); please correct me… --- ## [Your Patron Saint Designation by . . . Swimming Riddles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-patron-saint-designation-by-swimming-riddles/16536)
**Author:** [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Replies:** 282\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2001, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-patron-saint-designation-by-swimming-riddles/16536 "2001-10-05T18:52:54Z")
evil cackle Tag, Riddles, you’re it. Find a category for each member of the Teeming Millions to be patron saint of. Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good dipped in chocolate. --- ## [Should we allow Avatars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-allow-avatars/591237)
**Author:** [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-allow-avatars/591237 "2011-08-04T20:51:55Z")
Not interested in any equivocating, just’sayin, Hmmming or even any haaaaing. Should we have Avatars here, yes or no? Hopefully a wild poll will appear here soon. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=529&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=531&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)