# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=546&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:** 547 --- ## ['Conservatism' is mental illness.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-mental-illness/667083)
**Author:** [@Karrius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karrius)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2013, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-mental-illness/667083 "2013-09-06T04:40:32Z")
I strongly support political freedom, but I can’t help but agree strongly with the basic facts that being conservative means you’re mentally ill. Let’s look at the facts; Conservatives tend to believe in non-existent cr… --- ## [The tornado in Fayetteville destroyed my home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tornado-in-fayetteville-destroyed-my-home/578784)
**Author:** [@Jolly\_Roger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jolly_Roger)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2011, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tornado-in-fayetteville-destroyed-my-home/578784 "2011-05-01T13:26:52Z")
If any of you saw any of the footage from the tornado in Fayetteville, NC…well, the tornado destryoed my house yesterday. Seriously, the house that my wife and I bought 11 months ago has been smashed. The entire area has… --- ## [If you show up at 5 till closing time, do they still have to serve you in a restaurant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-show-up-at-5-till-closing-time-do-they-still-have-to-serve-you-in-a-restaurant/586803)
**Author:** [@BaneSidhe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BaneSidhe)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2011, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-show-up-at-5-till-closing-time-do-they-still-have-to-serve-you-in-a-restaurant/586803 "2011-06-28T03:21:07Z")
daHubby and I were having dinner out this week and wondered if you showed up at say, 5 to 10 minutes before a restaurant closes, is the restaurant obligated to serve you or can they turn you away? --- ## [Minorities who support Trump - why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minorities-who-support-trump-why/843694)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2020, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minorities-who-support-trump-why/843694 "2020-01-20T23:00:34Z")
A related spinoff of the “Straight, White, Cisgendered Man and do not understand Trump supporters thread” in IMHO: The vast majority of racial minorities did not vote for Trump in 2016. That being said, as always, there… --- ## [Are some right-wing supporters losing touch with reality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-right-wing-supporters-losing-touch-with-reality/467236)
**Author:** [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2008, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-right-wing-supporters-losing-touch-with-reality/467236 "2008-11-04T01:44:56Z")
Please, please don’t take the thread title as insulting; I genuinely cannot think of a different way to phrase my topic. Up front I’ll admit to being a biased observer when in comes to American politics (favor Obama/Dem… --- ## [I pit teenage baby shooters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-teenage-baby-shooters/653695)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2013, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-teenage-baby-shooters/653695 "2013-03-29T21:36:32Z")
Two teens arrested for shooting baby in the face Going out on a limb here. This is going to be controversial, but I am seriously against this. I mean, I know babies are known to talk a lot of shit, but this is where I… --- ## [Explain the kinematics of a playground swing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-kinematics-of-a-playground-swing/659554)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2013, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-kinematics-of-a-playground-swing/659554 "2013-11-08T22:24:11Z")
A child’s playground seems simple enough: sit down, start swinging your upper body back and forth, and you swing back and forth. It helps to get things started with a push from your dad or with your own feet on the grou… --- ## [Why are Democrats being blamed for the shutdown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-democrats-being-blamed-for-the-shutdown/1023788)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 470\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2025, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-democrats-being-blamed-for-the-shutdown/1023788 "2025-12-17T20:21:06Z")
Please help the confused Canadian. The US government is shutting down because appropriations haven’t been passed. The Republicans hold a majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate. So why is there a theme… --- ## [What is the scientific perspective on the omnimax god?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-scientific-perspective-on-the-omnimax-god/552630)
**Author:** [@Blut\_Aus\_Nord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blut_Aus_Nord)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2010, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-scientific-perspective-on-the-omnimax-god/552630 "2010-09-10T05:10:21Z")
I am very uneducated on this subject. Is God, the omnimax God as commonly defined by mainstream Christianity, physically possible? If so, how exactly would it be possible for such a being to exist? If not, how exactly is… --- ## [Why Doesn't My Son's Classmate Celebrate Valentine's Day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-my-sons-classmate-celebrate-valentines-day/528199)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2010, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-my-sons-classmate-celebrate-valentines-day/528199 "2010-02-16T02:38:24Z")
I realize you (probably) don’t know my 7-year old son’s classmate, Ashley. Today, he brought home the list of his classmates for V-Day cards. On the list was a note saying that Ashley doesn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, b… --- ## [What's Happening with Blu-Ray?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-happening-with-blu-ray/665185)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2013, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-happening-with-blu-ray/665185 "2013-08-06T21:11:31Z")
So, I see the Blu-Ray discs in the stores, but just how well is this technology selling? It does not appear that DVDs have lost market value since the intro of Blu-Ray technology. And, is Blu-Ray technology really bette… --- ## [Horizontal Traffic Lights (Red on the left)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horizontal-traffic-lights-red-on-the-left/152429)
**Author:** [@Guybud5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guybud5)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horizontal-traffic-lights-red-on-the-left/152429 "2015-05-29T03:14:56Z")
I’m originally from Florida, and in the last year moved to Central California. While in Florida, I noted that usually the traffic lights are mounted horizontally, on black poles that extend from poles on the sides of th… --- ## ["Dutch" as a nickname.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dutch-as-a-nickname/239064)
**Author:** [@syncrolecyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/syncrolecyne)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2004, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dutch-as-a-nickname/239064 "2004-04-11T20:22:19Z")
Several older people that I have known, as well as some famous figures (Ronald Reagan for one) have had the nickname “Dutch”. As far as I know none of these people are ethnic Dutch. Most probably weren’t even German (giv… --- ## [Has anyone here ever gotten a SECOND Mirena (hormonal IUD)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-ever-gotten-a-second-mirena-hormonal-iud/357890)
**Author:** [@flodnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flodnak)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2012, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-ever-gotten-a-second-mirena-hormonal-iud/357890 "2012-09-17T17:25:27Z")
After five years of faithful service, it’s time for the Fantastic Plastic, a.k.a. my hormonal IUD, to be replaced. I’ve been very happy with it, so I didn’t hesitate for a second about getting another. My only question… --- ## [I have some silver cups. I want to drink from them.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-some-silver-cups-i-want-to-drink-from-them/357838)
**Author:** [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2006, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-some-silver-cups-i-want-to-drink-from-them/357838 "2006-05-24T21:12:09Z")
Yes, as the title of the thread says, I have some silver cups that I’d like to use for drinking (I’m a SCAdian). They are not coated on the inside, though, and I’ve been uncertain as to the safety of drinking from them.… --- ## [I never realized how good the final duel was in Empire Strikes Back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-realized-how-good-the-final-duel-was-in-empire-strikes-back/573916)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2011, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-realized-how-good-the-final-duel-was-in-empire-strikes-back/573916 "2011-03-15T12:33:31Z")
Leia and Lando make it back to the Falcon, then the movie switches to Vader and Luke battling it out on the tailfin structure. I never noticed before (been years since I saw it) that Vader came out of the doorway all pi… --- ## [Companies you've grown to hate because of their adverts.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companies-youve-grown-to-hate-because-of-their-adverts/252583)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2004, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companies-youve-grown-to-hate-because-of-their-adverts/252583 "2004-08-28T18:00:53Z")
Esure! Not only do they employ a guy who has a face that most people want to punch repeatedly (Michael Winner) but they come up with a horribly annoying catch-phrase “It’s only a commercial” If I hear that sh\*t agai… --- ## [cider vs. apple juice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cider-vs-apple-juice/557791)
**Author:** [@stevieboy601](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stevieboy601)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2010, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cider-vs-apple-juice/557791 "2010-11-02T01:01:04Z")
To quote Ned Flanders: “If it’s clear and yellow, you’ve got juice there fellow! If it’s tangy and brown, you’re in cider town!” Okly-dokely? --- ## [Was Tolkien a Racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-tolkien-a-racist/610607)
**Author:** [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2012, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-tolkien-a-racist/610607 "2012-01-28T23:35:46Z")
and if so, does it affect your enjoyment of LOTR? --- ## [What do librarians do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-librarians-do/546082)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2010, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-librarians-do/546082 "2010-07-14T13:57:27Z")
I get that librarianing is serious business. I get that it’s sophisticated enough to warrant masters degree requirements. I understand the research aspect of things, as in having advanced -fu skills and advanced knowledg… --- ## [Shovel teeth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shovel-teeth/7463)
**Author:** [@Gr8Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gr8Kat)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2013, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shovel-teeth/7463 "2013-02-02T22:56:23Z")
I read recently (in my e-mail from a genealogy mailing list) that you can tell if you have any Native Americans in you family tree by the shape of your two front teeth. Feel the back of your front teeth and, if they feel… --- ## [Sports Journalists Don't Do Their Job Regarding God](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-journalists-dont-do-their-job-regarding-god/520199)
**Author:** [@The\_Cleveland\_Steamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Cleveland_Steamer)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2009, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-journalists-dont-do-their-job-regarding-god/520199 "2009-12-10T22:17:03Z")
You never see a sports journalist question a player that claims God was with him. How about this follow-up: You just claimed that God deserves all the praise and that he was with you, what evidence do you have to suppo… --- ## [Is there any source for erotic photos as good as Usenet was?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-source-for-erotic-photos-as-good-as-usenet-was/491703)
**Author:** [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2013, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-source-for-erotic-photos-as-good-as-usenet-was/491703 "2013-03-14T04:57:51Z")
I had a post almost finished, but I lost it so I’ll have to redo it. A lot of the major ISPs have dropped Usenet support. I haven’t used newsgroups in years, but I have heard that spammers increasingly took them over in … --- ## [The Amazing Race 2/26: "You Know I'm Not As Smart As You!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-amazing-race-2-26-you-know-im-not-as-smart-as-you/614107)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2012, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-amazing-race-2-26-you-know-im-not-as-smart-as-you/614107 "2012-03-01T21:04:09Z")
Ooh…Brenchel is just gearing up for that hot blubbering mess we know they’re going to end up in, aren’t they? And yes, folks, these two are a textbook emotionally abusive codependent relationship and that’s why I hate th… --- ## [Smooth sailing for Sotomayor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smooth-sailing-for-sotomayor/497675)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smooth-sailing-for-sotomayor/497675 "2009-05-28T01:06:22Z")
It is reported that Obama selcted Sotomayor to replace Souter. Do you think her confirmation will encunter any insurmountable hurdles? What will who cry about the loudest? Personally, I was really hopin got get Diane … --- ## [Your most worthless Christmas gift (this year.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-most-worthless-christmas-gift-this-year/522700)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2010, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-most-worthless-christmas-gift-this-year/522700 "2010-01-02T08:43:57Z")
OK, yeah, I know, it is the thought that counts and all that, but… sometimes you gotta ask: what were you thinking? I got a five dollar gift certificate to Long John Silvers. Now, even if I knew where there was an LJS … --- ## [My Wife Decided to Pack up the Kids and go out for Supper. Help Needed - FAST](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-decided-to-pack-up-the-kids-and-go-out-for-supper-help-needed-fast/456280)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2008, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-decided-to-pack-up-the-kids-and-go-out-for-supper-help-needed-fast/456280 "2008-07-16T18:59:18Z")
So. I’ve been working around the yard all day. My wife and daughter went to get hair cuts. My son and I went for a swim. Peaceful. When my wife gets home I tell her I’m going to buy a newspaper. (This is after alrea… --- ## [Tell me about: Charlotte, NC!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-charlotte-nc/661123)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2013, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-charlotte-nc/661123 "2013-06-19T12:54:56Z")
I hate to do this because I’m forcing myself to not put the cart before the horse while I’m counting my eggs before they’ve hatched but…I’m really close to getting a job (my first one!!!) out in Charlotte and I’ve never … --- ## [Electrical Panel Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-panel-problem/552251)
**Author:** [@elecwoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elecwoman)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2010, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-panel-problem/552251 "2010-09-08T01:16:57Z")
I’m having problems with my electricity going off and on at will. Here are some of the symtoms: 1.) Power going off and on. 2.)All breakers on one side of panel having problems. Other side is fine. 3.)The 50amp breake… --- ## [Work in a store? Bitch about customers here!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-in-a-store-bitch-about-customers-here/274970)
**Author:** [@LadySybil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LadySybil)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2004, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-in-a-store-bitch-about-customers-here/274970 "2004-11-25T02:56:05Z")
I’ll start. I work in a grocery store. Today I was on my way back to the registers after my break when I noticed a gift left behind by a wonderfully astute customer. This intelligent, uniquely fantastic shopper had knoc… --- ## [I can not smile on purpose. You?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-can-not-smile-on-purpose-you/607729)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2012, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-can-not-smile-on-purpose-you/607729 "2012-01-03T05:22:23Z")
I hate having pictures taken of me, because I cannot smile, no matter how hard I try. I mean–I can pull the corners of my mouth up. Without using my hands even. But the result is never taken seriously by anyone. People … --- ## [Songs that sound just like other songs (sampling doesn't count)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-sound-just-like-other-songs-sampling-doesnt-count/159089)
**Author:** [@ECJones29](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ECJones29)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2015, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-sound-just-like-other-songs-sampling-doesnt-count/159089 "2015-07-22T11:14:25Z")
Notice how some songs sound awfully familiar; in fact, they sound like a song you already know. I’ve wondered why more lawsuits don’t arise from this. Here are a few pairs of songs you can sing one to the other without m… --- ## [Fuck YOU, You self-absorbed twat!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-you-self-absorbed-twat/312726)
**Author:** [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2005, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-you-you-self-absorbed-twat/312726 "2005-07-17T06:22:02Z")
I’m riding the motorbike east on Dorsett Rd, through the I-270 intersection, heading to pay my cable bill. I usually drop it off the Friday before it’s due as I’m doing my afternoon running around, and today’s no differe… --- ## [Banning salt in New York restaurants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banning-salt-in-new-york-restaurants/532163)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banning-salt-in-new-york-restaurants/532163 "2010-03-14T00:23:09Z")
Link All I can say is that Ortiz is freaking insane! He also knows nothing about cooking. Salt is an essential ingredient. If it is banned every restaurant in NY will be tits-up inside a week. --- ## [Why haven't progressive ideas in California and elsewhere produced better results?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-progressive-ideas-in-california-and-elsewhere-produced-better-results/680779)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2014, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-progressive-ideas-in-california-and-elsewhere-produced-better-results/680779 "2014-02-25T02:55:54Z")
The OP in this thread wanted to discuss what progressive ideas could be implemented by states, but not how progressive ideas already implemented have worked out. Hence I offer this new thread to discuss that issue. Whi… --- ## [Why should I thank the troops in Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-i-thank-the-troops-in-iraq/495075)
**Author:** [@Weston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weston)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2009, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-i-thank-the-troops-in-iraq/495075 "2009-05-07T21:44:18Z")
I’ve put this in the Pit because it’s a contentious issue. I’m English and this week British troops were withdrawn from Iraq. The headlines for most British tabloids were simply ‘Thank You’, or some slight variant on t… --- ## [Well, I just got fired on the first day of my new job (long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-i-just-got-fired-on-the-first-day-of-my-new-job-long/409381)
**Author:** [@Lord\_Il\_Palazzo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Il_Palazzo)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2007, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-i-just-got-fired-on-the-first-day-of-my-new-job-long/409381 "2007-06-29T17:48:16Z")
Note to mods: if this is better suited to the pit, please feel free to move it there. I got home from college in mid-May. After spending a couple of weeks relaxing after a bit of a tough semester (I go to Virginia Tech… --- ## [Underage models/super models and morality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underage-models-super-models-and-morality/581921)
**Author:** [@Hambil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hambil)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2011, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underage-models-super-models-and-morality/581921 "2011-05-19T11:40:35Z")
My insperation for posting this is the current CNN article about Alina Cho, who is now 17 but was 15 when she started modeling. This goes to the heart of the objectification of woman, as well as the many other issues. W… --- ## [Teacher Tells Class: Vote Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teacher-tells-class-vote-obama/471732)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2008, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teacher-tells-class-vote-obama/471732 "2008-11-11T02:20:29Z")
I’m not forthing at the mouth, but I do think this deserves a mention, because – no matter which side it’s done from, it’s highly inappropriate. This is footage from a Finnish TV documentary about Obama supporters. --- ## [Is the day of the "Backyard Inventor" gone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-day-of-the-backyard-inventor-gone/537610)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2010, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-day-of-the-backyard-inventor-gone/537610 "2010-05-03T20:40:41Z")
The recent discussion about The Wright Brothers got me thinking about how much invention and discovery in Yesteryear was undertaken by what appears (to the lay observer) to be “Average people with a lot of spare time”. F… --- ## [OK you made your point, fat boy: NOW MOVE THE FUCKING CAR](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-you-made-your-point-fat-boy-now-move-the-fucking-car/569071)
**Author:** [@El\_Presidente](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Presidente)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2011, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-you-made-your-point-fat-boy-now-move-the-fucking-car/569071 "2011-01-29T19:24:01Z")
This took place in a restaurant Sunday, its a popular eatery with the older folk. Around dinnertime there was this very elderly couple who were walking around looking very distraught. We overhear that they were upset bec… --- ## [Songs about California](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-about-california/656440)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2013, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-about-california/656440 "2013-05-05T03:01:37Z")
From “California Here I Come” to “Hotel California”, from “Do you know the way to San Jose?” to “L.A. Woman”, what songs specifically refer to the Golden State by name, city, county, landmark, or historical event? The m… --- ## [The scariest movie you've ever seen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-scariest-movie-youve-ever-seen/671826)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-scariest-movie-youve-ever-seen/671826 "2013-11-02T01:11:51Z")
For me, there are two: the version of “Gaslight” with Ingrid Bergman, and a “Christian” movie that came out in the early 1970s called “A Thief In The Night”. I started a thread about this on another website a couple ye… --- ## [Czarcasm is back to work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/czarcasm-is-back-to-work/564028)
**Author:** [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2010, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/czarcasm-is-back-to-work/564028 "2010-12-17T17:53:53Z")
and back as moderator for IMHO. Welcome back, dear heart. --- ## [Indian (India) guy interracial relationships poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-india-guy-interracial-relationships-poll/654366)
**Author:** [@Curious\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Curious_Man)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2013, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-india-guy-interracial-relationships-poll/654366 "2013-05-08T15:09:07Z")
was trying to get this working originally and hope the mods can merge this with my other Indian guys thread anyways I post a poll of what kind of women you have seen or known Indian (India) men to date in real life pol… --- ## [Why is Jimmy Buffett SO successful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-jimmy-buffett-so-successful/507905)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2009, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-jimmy-buffett-so-successful/507905 "2009-08-30T02:02:01Z")
I suspect I might get flamed for this, but I need to ask: Why is Jimmy Buffett such a popular touring artist? He’s had only a few hits (and only one song that would be considered an all-time classic based on airplay: … --- ## [Which TV Shows Were You Not Allowed To Watch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-tv-shows-were-you-not-allowed-to-watch/599376)
**Author:** [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2011, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-tv-shows-were-you-not-allowed-to-watch/599376 "2011-10-17T19:17:08Z")
I had an oddball list of TV shows I wasn’t allowed to watch during my childhood a million years ago in the 1970s. It was my mom who made the rules. My dad didn’t care if I watched Benny Hill or Charlie’s Angels. Stars… --- ## [BAE 146 Whisper Jet, what an antiquated piece of crap!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bae-146-whisper-jet-what-an-antiquated-piece-of-crap/578231)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bae-146-whisper-jet-what-an-antiquated-piece-of-crap/578231 "2011-04-18T16:13:17Z")
I’m about 3/4 through the engineering / company induction course to be a First Officer on a British Aerospace BAe146. I never thought I would consider my old aeroplane, the Dash 8, to be a modern technical marvel, but n… --- ## [Who's privileged? Who's unprivileged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-privileged-whos-unprivileged/730256)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2015, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-privileged-whos-unprivileged/730256 "2015-09-21T20:57:17Z")
A while back I started a thread with a link to this article to start a debate about the validity of microaggressions. There’s another aspect that seems worthy of debate. The student in that article defines microaggress… --- ## ["Tuna fish" - why aren't any other kinds of fish redundant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tuna-fish-why-arent-any-other-kinds-of-fish-redundant/516124)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tuna-fish-why-arent-any-other-kinds-of-fish-redundant/516124 "2012-08-31T03:01:52Z")
People often say “tuna fish” when they’re talking about tuna. It seems to be chiefly used when referring to the food, and not to the actual living fish. Furthermore it seems only to apply to canned, shredded tuna; you ne… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=545&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=547&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)