# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=610&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:** 611 --- ## [Road Trip! - An Automotive MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-trip-an-automotive-mmp/762120)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 260\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-trip-an-automotive-mmp/762120 "2016-08-15T04:36:09Z")
I’m up, caffeinated ,and sheveled. I’m driving north to the hockey Booster Club Convention in an hour. Any body else doing a road trip this summer? Or hijack away, I’m on vacation and don’t care.:smiley: --- ## ['Blacks need to get their act together' vs 'AA social troubles are an American problem'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-need-to-get-their-act-together-vs-aa-social-troubles-are-an-american-problem/557660)
**Author:** [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2010, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-need-to-get-their-act-together-vs-aa-social-troubles-are-an-american-problem/557660 "2010-10-24T20:24:21Z")
I got this debate from a recent discussion on race from bloggingheads.tv; here are the condensed arguments: Glenn’s main argument (~2min). Amy’s argument; Part 2 (~2min). The full contextual discussion (10min). Amy i… --- ## [Tuco's Modular Revolver -- any basis in fact?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tucos-modular-revolver-any-basis-in-fact/652455)
**Author:** [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2013, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tucos-modular-revolver-any-basis-in-fact/652455 "2013-03-12T14:05:28Z")
In The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Tuco staggers in from out of the desert after having been abandoned by Blondie. After getting a nice drink out of a horse trough, he goes into the general store, manned by a Wilford B… --- ## [Do The Worse Chain Restaurants Serve Microwaved Entrees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-worse-chain-restaurants-serve-microwaved-entrees/661303)
**Author:** [@Toonces\_The\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toonces_The_Cat)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2013, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-worse-chain-restaurants-serve-microwaved-entrees/661303 "2013-06-20T22:50:02Z")
Long time lurker, first time poster, yadda yadda… Something that I’ve wondered about occasionally, and which I see occasionally on the Dope, is the notion that the worse sort of chain restaurants (say, Applebee’s, IHOP,… --- ## [Your favorite mondegreens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-mondegreens/302862)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2005, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-mondegreens/302862 "2005-05-14T23:03:34Z")
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mondegreen: When I was little I used to think there was a country called “Orientar” (where the Three Kings came from). I also thought St. Mary was really fat, based (honestly!) on the… --- ## [Is it true that you shouldn't place a car battery on cement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-you-shouldnt-place-a-car-battery-on-cement/541481)
**Author:** [@tracyml2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracyml2000)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-you-shouldnt-place-a-car-battery-on-cement/541481 "2010-06-02T03:58:32Z")
I have always heard that you can’t put a car battery on the cement because it will drain the battery. Is it true that you should always place it on wood? And why? --- ## [Post hideous pictures of beautiful people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-hideous-pictures-of-beautiful-people/515506)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2009, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-hideous-pictures-of-beautiful-people/515506 "2009-10-31T07:37:51Z")
It matters not whether the person in question is a rooster or a hen, living or dead. It only matters that the person be famous and ordinarily considered hot, and that the picture makes him or her look positively ghastly… --- ## [Gender Pay Gap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-pay-gap/834255)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2019, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-pay-gap/834255 "2019-05-23T23:32:15Z")
Kamala Harris made a small ripple, not the big splash I believe she intended, with the announcement of a proposed equal pay measure whereby companies would be required to disclose pay data along with a certification that… --- ## [Best final line](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-final-line/717644)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2015, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-final-line/717644 "2015-04-25T09:14:09Z")
A character’s final line, like just before they die. Not the last in a book or that stuff, the FINAL line. Thorin for the win, but what others do you like/respect? --- ## [Worst ideas by companies of all time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-ideas-by-companies-of-all-time/707901)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2014, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-ideas-by-companies-of-all-time/707901 "2014-12-31T17:10:42Z")
I think I have to either nominate Gerber’s adult baby food, yes large jars of pureed baby food marketed to single adults! Ok beyond the texture issue, why exactly they thought single adults in particular would eat baby f… --- ## [Where the fuck are you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-fuck-are-you/715548)
**Author:** [@tapu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tapu)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2015, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-fuck-are-you/715548 "2015-03-27T03:34:26Z")
I pit those who post with no indication of their geographical location, in a thread that is meaningless without that. For example, if someone tells me they’re getting an unexpected blizzard, I’d like to know if they’re i… --- ## [What crime could the missing McStay family be charged with? \[Update: Family found dead\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-crime-could-the-missing-mcstay-family-be-charged-with-update-family-found-dead/584645)
**Author:** [@Pandoranoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pandoranoid)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2013, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-crime-could-the-missing-mcstay-family-be-charged-with-update-family-found-dead/584645 "2013-11-23T20:30:39Z")
Here’s a link about a family of four that went missing over a year ago: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/01/fbi-join-search-missing-family/ Suppose they are found. Also suppose that their reasons for leaving… --- ## [Meaning of Chinese culinary term "pon pon" (as in "Pon Pon Chicken")](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-chinese-culinary-term-pon-pon-as-in-pon-pon-chicken/577485)
**Author:** [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2011, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-chinese-culinary-term-pon-pon-as-in-pon-pon-chicken/577485 "2011-04-07T16:15:22Z")
My all-time favorite chicken recipe is Pon Pon Chicken, and I see references online to Pon Pon Shrimp and Pon Pon Pork. I took the chicken recipe from The Chinese Cookbook by Craig Claiborne and Virginia Lee (1972). Th… --- ## [Immensely popular things that really are good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immensely-popular-things-that-really-are-good/655885)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2013, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immensely-popular-things-that-really-are-good/655885 "2013-05-03T00:45:21Z")
The Harry Potter books are good. They are surprisingly well written. Rowling definitely grows in confidence as an author as the books go on, the weakest is probably The Chamber of Secrets–it lacks the novelty of the fi… --- ## [Calculating Barbie's "real-life" measurements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-barbies-real-life-measurements/120708)
**Author:** [@23skidoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/23skidoo)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2011, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-barbies-real-life-measurements/120708 "2011-09-05T19:06:57Z")
Google searches turn up about half a dozen different answers to the question: “What are Barbie’s real-life measurements?” Is this question even answerable? It seems to me that one could make her measurements whatever you… --- ## [Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall both leaving Doctor Who - thoughts? \[Russell T Davies is returning\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jodie-whittaker-and-chris-chibnall-both-leaving-doctor-who-thoughts-russell-t-davies-is-returning/947620)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2023, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jodie-whittaker-and-chris-chibnall-both-leaving-doctor-who-thoughts-russell-t-davies-is-returning/947620 "2023-03-15T19:59:41Z")
I’m so thankful. It is very easy to blame Chris Chibnall and the truth is, he has been the worst show-runner of the modern era, but the truth its…Whittaker did nothing to elevate the material and make the Doctor fun. She… --- ## [Has anyone ever been killed by a falling piano or anvil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-been-killed-by-a-falling-piano-or-anvil/655484)
**Author:** [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2013, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-been-killed-by-a-falling-piano-or-anvil/655484 "2013-07-14T17:12:08Z")
The column Dear Cecil, You’re letting Ed write the punchlines again, aren’t you? --- ## [How do you want your steak cooked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-want-your-steak-cooked/629376)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-want-your-steak-cooked/629376 "2012-07-26T22:24:55Z")
I’m hosting a cookout for all the StraightDope members and guests. I just need to find out how you want your steaks cooked. Out of consideration for the rest of the guests and to keep the health department off my back,… --- ## [How big a surprise was Hiroshima to the general public?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-a-surprise-was-hiroshima-to-the-general-public/561562)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2010, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-a-surprise-was-hiroshima-to-the-general-public/561562 "2010-11-29T13:59:49Z")
Before someone else says the obvious I mean to the general public of the allies, I’m sure it raised a few eyebrows in Japan. I’m currently reading a book about the planned invasion of Japan if the atom bombs had not bro… --- ## [What Amendment would you add to the US Constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amendment-would-you-add-to-the-us-constitution/408377)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amendment-would-you-add-to-the-us-constitution/408377 "2017-08-01T21:21:31Z")
Ban flag burning? Protect abortion? Mandate casual Friday? If you could be assured of successfully adding 1 amendment to the U.S. Constitution, what would it be? As for me, I would pass an amendment that dictates tha… --- ## [Why is the game "Are you there, Moriarty?" called that?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-game-are-you-there-moriarty-called-that/633181)
**Author:** [@tmoh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tmoh)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2013, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-game-are-you-there-moriarty-called-that/633181 "2013-12-08T07:27:16Z")
If you’re not familiar with the game “Are you there, Moriarty?”, it goes like this: \[ol\] \[li\]Two people lie face-down on the floor, blindfolded and holding rolled-up newspapers. They clasp their left hands together.\[/… --- ## [What if someone can't afford to pay a parking ticket?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-someone-cant-afford-to-pay-a-parking-ticket/581869)
**Author:** [@CheeseDonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheeseDonkey)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-someone-cant-afford-to-pay-a-parking-ticket/581869 "2011-05-16T20:46:02Z")
Do they throw the person in jail? What does the “law” do? --- ## [Predictions: Is Mel Gibson done career wise or will this pass? And if it doesn't, who else is...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-is-mel-gibson-done-career-wise-or-will-this-pass-and-if-it-doesnt-who-else-is/546247)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-is-mel-gibson-done-career-wise-or-will-this-pass-and-if-it-doesnt-who-else-is/546247 "2010-10-25T15:17:33Z")
By which I mean: It is to be assumed that Mel Gibson’s latest fiascos, and it just keeps getting worse (from “raped by a pack of n\*\*\*\*rs” to alleged death threats and battering) all following his “Jews cause all wars” i… --- ## [What the hell is up with custom textbooks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-up-with-custom-textbooks/609672)
**Author:** [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2012, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-up-with-custom-textbooks/609672 "2012-01-19T02:53:37Z")
A friend of mine is working on a degree at a California university. She’s got to watch her pennies, and used book sellers are a great way to save money on textbooks. Unless, that is, the professor uses a “custom” version… --- ## [Do you clean your ears with cotton swabs? Have you hurt yourself doing this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-clean-your-ears-with-cotton-swabs-have-you-hurt-yourself-doing-this/646488)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2013, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-clean-your-ears-with-cotton-swabs-have-you-hurt-yourself-doing-this/646488 "2013-07-27T03:28:55Z")
We are regularly warned not to use cotton swabs to clean our ear canals. Scofflaw that I am, I have done so for years, and I have miraculously avoided inflicting permanent damage upon my ears. Wax is only a minor conce… --- ## [What is the least favorite thing about your most favorite sport?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-least-favorite-thing-about-your-most-favorite-sport/630476)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2012, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-least-favorite-thing-about-your-most-favorite-sport/630476 "2012-10-15T22:06:55Z")
If you could change one thing about your favorite sport, what would it be? --- ## [What could cause my truck to overheat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-cause-my-truck-to-overheat/578084)
**Author:** [@nd\_n8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nd_n8)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2011, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-cause-my-truck-to-overheat/578084 "2011-04-14T22:37:27Z")
Hi there, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything but I’ve been lurking in the background for quite some time. Hope everyone is doing well. My question is: what could be some of the causes of a truck overheating? … --- ## [Olympus Has Fallen (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympus-has-fallen-open-spoilers/653721)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympus-has-fallen-open-spoilers/653721 "2015-11-11T02:48:20Z")
Saw it tonight. If you though it was ludicrous from the trailers just wait until you see the actual film. Leaving aside the whole “North Korean terrorists seize the White House” thing nothing about Cerberus makes an… --- ## [Ask the Swedish guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-swedish-guy/464659 "2008-09-27T16:55:15Z")
Well, the Icelandic dude thread garnered some interest and I don’t think I’ve ever done an “ask the X” thread, so here goes. Up front:\[ul\]\[li\]We have a market economy. Really.\[/li\]\[li\]Yes, we have a king. I don’t have t… --- ## [Cashier Confidentiality: How Would You Feel About This](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cashier-confidentiality-how-would-you-feel-about-this/565239)
**Author:** [@tr0psn4j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tr0psn4j)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2011, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cashier-confidentiality-how-would-you-feel-about-this/565239 "2011-01-07T04:37:44Z")
So you walk into a store, buy something and leave. An hour later someone else you know goes to the same store and buys something from the same cashier. The cashier recognizes you two as friends, relatives or acquaintance… --- ## [The Problem with "RPGs"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-problem-with-rpgs/755459)
**Author:** [@iLemming](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iLemming)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2016, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-problem-with-rpgs/755459 "2016-06-05T05:02:50Z")
“RPG’s” are not role-playing games. I’ll use bullet points to illustrate my contention, to avoid expatiation – • The character used - be he/she/it human, elven, orc, robot… whatever - has no baring on narrative beyond … --- ## [What is the most dangerous wild animal in England?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-dangerous-wild-animal-in-england/186375)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2003, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-dangerous-wild-animal-in-england/186375 "2003-07-08T09:52:15Z")
Feral pigs? --- ## [A man with a gun demands you entertain him - what do you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-man-with-a-gun-demands-you-entertain-him-what-do-you-do/557387)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2010, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-man-with-a-gun-demands-you-entertain-him-what-do-you-do/557387 "2010-10-21T22:39:09Z")
You’re allowed one prop. No sex or violence. You have no chance of disarming him. If you are not entertaining, you die. What’s your act? --- ## [Women, did you fantasize about your wedding as a child?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-did-you-fantasize-about-your-wedding-as-a-child/535870)
**Author:** [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-did-you-fantasize-about-your-wedding-as-a-child/535870 "2010-04-18T00:31:06Z")
I keep seeing this meme in the popular media, that weddings are such a big deal for women because we’ve all fantasized about what a magical day it would be ever since we were little girls playing with dolls. Now, I don’… --- ## [Manchurian Candidate Ending - Spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manchurian-candidate-ending-spoilers/258144)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2005, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manchurian-candidate-ending-spoilers/258144 "2005-03-05T16:33:45Z")
Some good acting by Merryl Steep and Denzel, but WTF happened in the ending. Who was the guy in the sunglasses on the surveillance tape? Who got edited in in place of Denzel? Did Manchurian Global go down or not? I feel… --- ## [What's the coolest fabric to wear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-coolest-fabric-to-wear/329842)
**Author:** [@Can\_Handle\_the\_Truth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Can_Handle_the_Truth)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-coolest-fabric-to-wear/329842 "2013-02-20T16:01:42Z")
I’m a big guy and I generate a lot of body heat. Plus, I live in Florida. So what’s the best fabric for staying cool? --- ## [What's the cheapest, nutritionally complete diet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-cheapest-nutritionally-complete-diet/433625)
**Author:** [@Resu\_Eman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Resu_Eman)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2008, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-cheapest-nutritionally-complete-diet/433625 "2008-01-19T11:18:56Z")
There are posts all the time from people saying when they were poor they ate ramen, mac and cheese, pb&j, etc. While those things are filling and cheap, I don’t think they’re very good nutritionally. When that’s all yo… --- ## [Is cannabis actually healthy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cannabis-actually-healthy/658140)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2013, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cannabis-actually-healthy/658140 "2013-08-15T23:46:43Z")
I would say that this board sways heavily towards a liberal/evidence based attitude towards cannabis and drugs in general, so I expect some objective and balanced reasoning. Basically my question is: Is cannabis actually… --- ## [Racist names of towns, etc. that still exist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racist-names-of-towns-etc-that-still-exist/603178)
**Author:** [@joan316](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joan316)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2011, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racist-names-of-towns-etc-that-still-exist/603178 "2011-11-20T00:20:24Z")
On a recent Jon Stewart Daily Show, there was a segment on Rick Perry’s ranch named N\*head, as well as lakes, cities (I think) with N\*\*\*\*\*, such as NLake, NY. If those anecdotes are true, why haven’t steps been taken to… --- ## [How many years would it take to go from nothing to 2010 technology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-years-would-it-take-to-go-from-nothing-to-2010-technology/539149)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2010, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-years-would-it-take-to-go-from-nothing-to-2010-technology/539149 "2010-05-17T22:55:29Z")
Assume that we transport as many humans and experts as we want to a planet that is identical to Earth, but has nothing built by anyone. That is, it is the earth before homo sapiens. How long would it take these people t… --- ## [Does The "OUTBACK" Precook Its Entrees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-outback-precook-its-entrees/416086)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2007, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-outback-precook-its-entrees/416086 "2007-08-29T22:18:59Z")
My question is prompted by a recent (unpleasant) meal at one of these places. I orderd a staek-with baked potato, and green salad. Thinking that a chimpanzee “chef” could handle this, my steak arrived all dried out (I ha… --- ## [How does Jane Goodall stay alive being around chimps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-jane-goodall-stay-alive-being-around-chimps/648949)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2017, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-jane-goodall-stay-alive-being-around-chimps/648949 "2017-10-27T23:28:03Z")
We hear stories once in a while about how someone got too close to a chimp, and ended up with some involuntary, unscheduled amputations–but Jane Goodall has made her life studying chimps, and somehow never managed to tic… --- ## [Using blank tapes in the 80's, why no RIAA lawsuits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-blank-tapes-in-the-80s-why-no-riaa-lawsuits/550227)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2010, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-blank-tapes-in-the-80s-why-no-riaa-lawsuits/550227 "2010-08-18T21:06:27Z")
I grew up in the 80’s. Back then we bought blank tapes, and recorded songs off of the radio; made copies of other people’s records, tapes, or CDs; or copied songs off of them for mixed tapes. It was widely practiced. A… --- ## [Let's name & discuss stories in which the title character is not the protagonist.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-name-discuss-stories-in-which-the-title-character-is-not-the-protagonist/532924)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2010, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-name-discuss-stories-in-which-the-title-character-is-not-the-protagonist/532924 "2010-03-23T19:41:42Z")
One qualification: the name in the title must be the name of a person in the story, not a place or thing. Wuthering Heights does not count; Julius Caesar might. Thoughts? --- ## [Billie Jean King proved that women were at least as good as men at sports.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billie-jean-king-proved-that-women-were-at-least-as-good-as-men-at-sports/646204)
**Author:** [@JamesQueue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JamesQueue)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billie-jean-king-proved-that-women-were-at-least-as-good-as-men-at-sports/646204 "2013-02-04T21:15:05Z")
Billie Jean King - Wikipedia is best known for beating Bobby Riggs who made chauvinistic remarks about women and having proved that women were as good as men at sports. The question is: Why are sports still segregated by… --- ## [You see, it's stuff like this that makes people think Teabaggers are a bunch of right-wing cranks.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-see-its-stuff-like-this-that-makes-people-think-teabaggers-are-a-bunch-of-right-wing-cranks/529558)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2010, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-see-its-stuff-like-this-that-makes-people-think-teabaggers-are-a-bunch-of-right-wing-cranks/529558 "2010-02-23T21:32:11Z")
Apparently, a number of the Teabaggers think it’s not enough to simply defeat Patty Murray, she needs to be strung up. As much as I detest the opinion expressed, they do have the right to say it. Besides, any activity … --- ## [How are particularly horrific criminals treated by the other inmates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-particularly-horrific-criminals-treated-by-the-other-inmates/593329)
**Author:** [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-particularly-horrific-criminals-treated-by-the-other-inmates/593329 "2026-03-12T12:31:29Z")
Look up the comments section to any news story about a particularly horrific criminal (Levi Aron, Anders Behring Breivik), and you’ll find plenty of comments along the lines of “this creep won’t last a week in jail, the … --- ## [Duffman Quotes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duffman-quotes/127963)
**Author:** [@glass\_onion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glass_onion)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2002, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duffman-quotes/127963 "2002-09-12T04:35:13Z")
Does anyone know any Duffman(the simpsons character) quotes? Please post your favourite here. “Duffman can’t breathe, oh no!” --- ## [Major League Baseball 2014: Spring Training edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-2014-spring-training-edition/683427)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2014, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-2014-spring-training-edition/683427 "2014-03-31T15:18:30Z")
“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” – Roger Hornsby We’re in the thick of Spring Training, where we really learn nothing a… --- ## [Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unexpectedly resigns {2023-02-15}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotlands-first-minister-nicola-sturgeon-unexpectedly-resigns-2023-02-15/979819)
**Author:** [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Replies:** 250\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2026, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotlands-first-minister-nicola-sturgeon-unexpectedly-resigns-2023-02-15/979819 "2026-07-03T04:22:42Z")
Breaking and very surprising news: Nicola Sturgeon, who has been First Minister of Scotland’s devolved parliament for 8 years, has announced this morning that she will be resigning. The press conference is at 11am UK tim… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=609&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=611&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)