# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=738&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:** 739 --- ## [Do you wash new bed sheets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-wash-new-bed-sheets/418513)
**Author:** [@poetwarlord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poetwarlord)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2007, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-wash-new-bed-sheets/418513 "2007-09-11T03:48:17Z")
So do you wash new bed sheets before puting them on your bed? What horrible thing would happen if I didn’t? --- ## [Things that aren't there anymore...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-arent-there-anymore/710237)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2015, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-arent-there-anymore/710237 "2015-01-22T09:03:17Z")
I used to live near this… …once held the record for “Largest Building Imploded”. --- ## [How big a military does the USA really need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-a-military-does-the-usa-really-need/783101)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2017, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-a-military-does-the-usa-really-need/783101 "2017-05-10T03:07:57Z")
The proposed large increase to the military budget seems like a huge waste of money to me. There are much better things we could be spending that money on, and I think the majority of military spending ultimately does n… --- ## [What do you call a group of trolls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-a-group-of-trolls/33514)
**Author:** [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2000, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-a-group-of-trolls/33514 "2000-09-26T16:56:31Z")
A group of geese is a gaggle. A group of rhinos is a crash. A group of larks is an exaltation. So what is a group of trolls? There must be a name. How about a drool of trolls? Maybe an oaf of trolls? Better yet, why d… --- ## [What is the longest distance you can travel without a passport?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-distance-you-can-travel-without-a-passport/643592)
**Author:** [@tellyworth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tellyworth)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-distance-you-can-travel-without-a-passport/643592 "2012-12-11T20:32:12Z")
What is the longest trip that can be achieved today without a passport or any form of official documentation? By longest trip I mean the longest straight line (or great circle) distance from start to finish, both points… --- ## [Trump's Foreign Policy Briefing and use of Nukes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-foreign-policy-briefing-and-use-of-nukes/761718)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2016, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-foreign-policy-briefing-and-use-of-nukes/761718 "2016-08-06T05:46:47Z")
On MSNBC: Three times in an hour Trump asked about the use of nuclear weapons - “if we have them, why can’t we use them?” If he decided to use them what is the timeframe between his decision and when they’… --- ## [Against Same Sex and Different Sex Marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/against-same-sex-and-different-sex-marriage/678783)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2014, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/against-same-sex-and-different-sex-marriage/678783 "2014-11-17T20:17:36Z")
The problem with the debate about Same SexMarriage is that we are not sure what marriage is really for. Until a century ago, marriage was a relationship between an economically active man and a child rearing women with l… --- ## [What are your favorite subversive movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-subversive-movies/567494)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2011, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-subversive-movies/567494 "2011-01-20T09:24:14Z")
According to Wikipedia, subversion “refers to an attempt to transform the established social order, its structures of power, authority, exploitation, servitude, and hierarchy.” I also like to think of it as something th… --- ## [I Like the Monkees better than the Beatles, and I don't care who knows it!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-monkees-better-than-the-beatles-and-i-dont-care-who-knows-it/784949)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2017, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-monkees-better-than-the-beatles-and-i-dont-care-who-knows-it/784949 "2017-05-01T18:11:23Z")
Yeah, yeah, they didn’t write their own songs, most of 'em. They lip-synced a lot. Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork were never allowed to live up to their amazing potential, because of all the wackiness. Davy’s dead, and M… --- ## [Question about corporate person-hood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-corporate-person-hood/604171)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-corporate-person-hood/604171 "2011-12-01T03:50:26Z")
When I was in high school, back in the late 80’s, early 90’s, I remember at least one teacher mentioned that corporations were considered people, but he described them as being people only for tax and liability purposes.… --- ## [Do you have lower back/ass dimples?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-lower-back-ass-dimples/529012)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2010, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-lower-back-ass-dimples/529012 "2010-02-23T01:49:51Z")
I do! I didn’t really know because I never really backed my ass up into a mirror. I did notice it in some…photographs, a few years back. Then someone mentioned them in the thread on tramp stamp tattoos. So I figured I’d… --- ## [Take One, Pass It On... (game)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/take-one-pass-it-on-game/258906)
**Author:** [@Batsinma\_Belfry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batsinma_Belfry)\ **Replies:** 378\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2004, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/take-one-pass-it-on-game/258906 "2004-08-26T22:20:59Z")
This has probably been done before, I’ve seen it on other message boards. I’ll name two things that are similar. The next poster will pick one of those things, then name two things that have something to do with the thi… --- ## [Should I be free to agree to become a slave?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-free-to-agree-to-become-a-slave/579384)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2011, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-free-to-agree-to-become-a-slave/579384 "2011-04-25T04:40:27Z")
Just as the title asks: Should I be free to enter into an agreement one term of which is that I become a slave? In other words, should I be free to enter into an agreement with you which requires me to do work as you d… --- ## [Paula Deen's English Pea Recipe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-deens-english-pea-recipe/619852)
**Author:** [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2012, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-deens-english-pea-recipe/619852 "2012-06-12T06:52:31Z")
This really cracked me up today. It’s Paula Deen’s English Pea recipe on the Food network website. Here is the recipe: Ingredients 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 2 cans (14 1/2-ounces) English peas, drained Directions Me… --- ## [Which of these women should be replaced on the list of the world's 10 hottest damsels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-women-should-be-replaced-on-the-list-of-the-worlds-10-hottest-damsels/517371)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2009, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-women-should-be-replaced-on-the-list-of-the-worlds-10-hottest-damsels/517371 "2009-11-20T12:42:05Z")
Each year, the guys and gals over at Maxim compile a Hot 100 list (lnk in the spoiler box below) Supposedly it’s a ranking of the one hundred comeliest female celebrities, but I suspect it’s more a tribute to how good t… --- ## [I'm just so fucking.....angry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-just-so-fucking-angry/458743)
**Author:** [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2011, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-just-so-fucking-angry/458743 "2011-09-15T20:50:39Z")
It’s not one thing, it’s every. fucking. thing. The house is a mess, the lawn needs mowed, the bills need to be paid, the car needs to be fixed, the child needs to go to the dentist, the husband is sick…ad infinitum…and… --- ## [What's with the tee shirt OVER the long sleeve shirt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-tee-shirt-over-the-long-sleeve-shirt/345260)
**Author:** [@deevee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deevee)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2006, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-tee-shirt-over-the-long-sleeve-shirt/345260 "2006-02-22T03:10:20Z")
I realise that it’s every generation’s responsibility to do something that appears stupid to the preceeding one but what the hell is up with this fad? Where I work, the temperature varies depending on time of day and … --- ## [Creepiest moments in TV shows (spoilers pretty damn inevitable)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creepiest-moments-in-tv-shows-spoilers-pretty-damn-inevitable/370938)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2006, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creepiest-moments-in-tv-shows-spoilers-pretty-damn-inevitable/370938 "2006-09-13T03:57:36Z")
What moments from TV shows most make shivers go down your spine when you even think about them–much less watch them? Here’s mine: I’ve been watching Xena: Warrior Princess reruns on Bravo in the mornings before I head … --- ## [Best #1 single of the year retrospective: 1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-1-single-of-the-year-retrospective-1972/699252)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2014, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-1-single-of-the-year-retrospective-1972/699252 "2014-10-06T11:48:45Z")
Our survey brings us now to 1972. 22 songs made it to the top this year, including “Brand New Key” carrying over from the end of 1971. By this point, pop music had mellowed out considerably from the rock-heavy days of th… --- ## [Mail order chickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-order-chickens/575970)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2011, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-order-chickens/575970 "2011-07-13T22:31:29Z")
My chicks arrived this morning! I just had to share. I got: 3 Easter eggers 2 Barred Rock 1 Black Sex Link 1 Rhode Island Red 1 Black Australorp 1 Partridge Plymouth Rock From Ideal hatchery in Texas. I was worr… --- ## [Snappy responses to "OK boomer"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snappy-responses-to-ok-boomer/843651)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2019, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snappy-responses-to-ok-boomer/843651 "2019-12-19T17:06:53Z")
Your mom’s a boomer! :slight\_smile: --- ## [What happened to the AIDS scare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-aids-scare/658568)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-aids-scare/658568 "2013-05-22T15:03:49Z")
What happened to all the paranoia that was running rampant in the 1980s about AIDS - especially the ability to screen our blood supply. Was it all hype, or did we just grow complacent? (Maybe half and half?) --- ## [Black Women Less Attractive - Is the Outrage Due to Flawed Researched or Political Correctness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-women-less-attractive-is-the-outrage-due-to-flawed-researched-or-political-correctness/583691)
**Author:** [@eman77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eman77)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2011, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-women-less-attractive-is-the-outrage-due-to-flawed-researched-or-political-correctness/583691 "2011-06-10T14:16:15Z")
This is based on an article posted on Yahoo this morning. http://news.yahoo.com/s/atlantic/20110528/tc\_atlantic/psychologytodayapologizesblackwomenlessattractivearticle38261 After a quick skim of his Wiki page, this doe… --- ## [Should young children be taught about racism (Black History day)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-young-children-be-taught-about-racism-black-history-day/639116)
**Author:** [@SomeBodyUK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SomeBodyUK)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-young-children-be-taught-about-racism-black-history-day/639116 "2012-11-07T13:35:14Z")
I called my UK based 8 year old niece and asked her about school. She said that her school had a “black history day”. She was taught about Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Martin Luther King. She was also tau… --- ## [Has anyone bought bed sheets in the past few years that haven't pilled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-bought-bed-sheets-in-the-past-few-years-that-havent-pilled/582538)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2011, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-bought-bed-sheets-in-the-past-few-years-that-havent-pilled/582538 "2011-05-24T02:01:34Z")
I don’t know what’s going on, but this is driving me crazy. The past four sets of sheets I’ve bought started pilling almost immediately, after just a few washings. I have some 10 year old sheets that are just fine (excep… --- ## [Best Fourth-Wall Breaking Moments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-fourth-wall-breaking-moments/937840)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2021, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-fourth-wall-breaking-moments/937840 "2021-04-19T07:36:59Z")
What are your favorite moments of characters breaking the fourth wall in fiction? I liked the line Sweeney Todd sang in “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” in the eponymous musical, in which he said, “What happened then, well,… --- ## [TubaDiva, a word (or hundreds) if you please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tubadiva-a-word-or-hundreds-if-you-please/398006)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2007, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tubadiva-a-word-or-hundreds-if-you-please/398006 "2007-04-03T12:19:39Z")
Tuba First of all, thank you for allowing me to air out my grievances here. In the grand scheme, they are minor issues. My neighborhood is not being blown up by car bombs. There are no rampaging soldiers going door to d… --- ## [Just When I Think I Like the Pope, He Pulls this Shit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-i-think-i-like-the-pope-he-pulls-this-shit/957326)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 362\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2022, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-i-think-i-like-the-pope-he-pulls-this-shit/957326 "2022-01-28T19:51:14Z")
I admit it. In my atheist heart, I actually like Pope Francis. I like his modest style, and what he had to say about the poor, and not being judgmental about others. Now, he’s went and gone and done this. Fuck you, y… --- ## [Would it be illegal to use counterfeit money in a strip club?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-illegal-to-use-counterfeit-money-in-a-strip-club/319551)
**Author:** [@Wishbone\_Ash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wishbone_Ash)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2005, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-illegal-to-use-counterfeit-money-in-a-strip-club/319551 "2005-09-08T02:41:21Z")
Ok I am not talking about cover charges where you are receiving consideration for your money. But what about using fake dollar bills to lure strippers over to you, and get to stuff bills in their gstring. Since there is … --- ## [Solutions for the pain of breathing through only one nostril](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solutions-for-the-pain-of-breathing-through-only-one-nostril/429406)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2007, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solutions-for-the-pain-of-breathing-through-only-one-nostril/429406 "2007-12-11T17:31:31Z")
I’m sick. The kind of sick where you can only breathe through one nostril (or your mouth). I can’t fall asleep unless I’m breathing through my nose, and I usually breath through my nose while sleeping. This results i… --- ## [Is the Doctor's relationship with Amy Pond unusually emotional for him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-doctors-relationship-with-amy-pond-unusually-emotional-for-him/641200)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2017, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-doctors-relationship-with-amy-pond-unusually-emotional-for-him/641200 "2017-05-29T08:39:16Z")
This is not a rhetorical question. I don’t do rhetorical questions. Rhetorical questions are for preachers and Welshmen. The first episode of DOCTOR WHO I ever saw was the first Matt Smith episode, which was also the fi… --- ## [Worst HGTV show ever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-hgtv-show-ever/636260)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2012, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-hgtv-show-ever/636260 "2012-10-05T13:04:10Z")
A long while ago HGTV had a show hosted by a deep-voiced woman who gave a hundred bucks to a crafter who then re-made a room. These rooms looked exactly like you’d expect. Some of the crafters did rise to the occasion bu… --- ## [What is your least favorite fast food restaurant? NOT multiple choice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-least-favorite-fast-food-restaurant-not-multiple-choice/563400)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2010, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-least-favorite-fast-food-restaurant-not-multiple-choice/563400 "2010-12-13T06:45:18Z")
Pick one. The one you have nearby but would never go to. No “I picked ‘Del Taco’ because there’s no such thing around here.” Also no “You missed \[obscure local restaurant\] they suck!” Pick one from the list. Poll in… --- ## [Which country makes the best cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-country-makes-the-best-cars/586704)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2011, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-country-makes-the-best-cars/586704 "2011-07-05T21:35:24Z")
A Top Gearish question - just the word ‘best’ however you’d want, aesthetics, efficiency, safety, whatever. I don’t know a tremendous amount about cars to be honest, but these days I reckon Germany has it pretty nailed … --- ## [most generations of spin-offs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-generations-of-spin-offs/756919)
**Author:** [@TGWATY](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TGWATY)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2016, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-generations-of-spin-offs/756919 "2016-06-16T15:31:04Z")
This is a question about TV show spin-offs. For my purpose I want to be strict about what we mean by a spin-off. I would say a spin-off is strictly when a character or place is introduced in one series and then gets it… --- ## [My ex-Boyfriend won't give me my stuff back.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-ex-boyfriend-wont-give-me-my-stuff-back/267573)
**Author:** [@rostfrei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rostfrei)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2004, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-ex-boyfriend-wont-give-me-my-stuff-back/267573 "2004-10-06T00:35:38Z")
Seven months ago, I ended a 12 year relationship with my partner. It was not a friendly split. I had been planning on leaving him, but wasn’t sure exactly when it would happen. It happened suddenly on day in March. H… --- ## [The next door neighbor flashed me. Do I press charges?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-next-door-neighbor-flashed-me-do-i-press-charges/407791)
**Author:** [@Tess\_of\_the\_Derbyville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tess_of_the_Derbyville)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2007, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-next-door-neighbor-flashed-me-do-i-press-charges/407791 "2007-06-13T21:57:57Z")
Coming home after work last night, I was walking to my front door when a movement caught my eye and I glanced up at the house next door. There I saw the upstairs tenant standing in the window, approximately 12 feet from… --- ## [It's March. Can we kill the Halloween forum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-march-can-we-kill-the-halloween-forum/615831)
**Author:** [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-march-can-we-kill-the-halloween-forum/615831 "2012-03-21T14:36:56Z")
As the title says. Seems a bit ridiculous for a seasonal holiday forum to be taking up space, particularly since nobody can post to it anymore. --- ## [Ebay/Paypal Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-paypal-question/507347)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2012, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-paypal-question/507347 "2012-01-27T16:29:52Z")
I had this in another thread, but will re-ask here. Let’s say that I am an Ebay seller and you buy a $500 item from me. I ship you an empty box and you file a complaint with Paypal. You claim that I ripped you off, an… --- ## [Are the Percy Jackson books as much of a ripoff of Harry Potter as they seem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-percy-jackson-books-as-much-of-a-ripoff-of-harry-potter-as-they-seem/527454)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-percy-jackson-books-as-much-of-a-ripoff-of-harry-potter-as-they-seem/527454 "2010-02-09T05:50:42Z")
I first saw these books one night at a big-box store, and everything about them screamed “HARRY POTTER KNOCKOFF!” Then I started seeing the trailer for the new film coming out and I got even stronger Potter vibes: “Percy… --- ## [Pope John Paul II is not deserving of sainthood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-john-paul-ii-is-not-deserving-of-sainthood/687120)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-john-paul-ii-is-not-deserving-of-sainthood/687120 "2014-05-02T01:05:44Z")
I’m not a Roman Catholic but I despise Pope John Paul II and strongly disagree that he should be considered as a saint. His reactionary views on abortion and homosexuality alone should be enough to disqualify him. His a… --- ## [What is the first word that comes in your mind when hearing the word ISLAM?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-first-word-that-comes-in-your-mind-when-hearing-the-word-islam/191116)
**Author:** [@Aldebaran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aldebaran)\ **Replies:** 224\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2003, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-first-word-that-comes-in-your-mind-when-hearing-the-word-islam/191116 "2003-09-15T21:35:43Z")
I asked this on an other message board before the 9/11 attacks which made Islam “fashionable” in a variety of ways. This led to interesting interaction between the members there who were for the greatest part Christians… --- ## [Should U.S. states have the right to secede?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-u-s-states-have-the-right-to-secede/678901)
**Author:** [@Los\_Anconfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Los_Anconfused)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2014, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-u-s-states-have-the-right-to-secede/678901 "2014-01-19T17:41:34Z")
There is debate whether members of the Constitutional Convention intended for states joining the United States to maintain the right to secede. For the purposes of this thread, this debate has two questions: First, was… --- ## [What on earth is Joseph singing about? (Technicolor Dreamcoat question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-on-earth-is-joseph-singing-about-technicolor-dreamcoat-question/342502)
**Author:** [@Fortean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fortean)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2025, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-on-earth-is-joseph-singing-about-technicolor-dreamcoat-question/342502 "2025-03-15T02:05:13Z")
I was watching the Joseph & The Technicolor Dreamcoat DVD yesterday (a supreme guilty pleasure) when it occurred to me I’d never been able to understand what the ‘Any Dream Will Do’ song actually MEANS. Is there some sto… --- ## [Do you have a "law" (like Murphy's Law)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-law-like-murphys-law/669210)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-law-like-murphys-law/669210 "2013-09-27T18:48:00Z")
Years and years ago I came across a book titled, “The Official Rules”, which compiled all sorts of “laws” similar to Murphy’s Law (“If anything can go wrong, it will.”). Since then, I’ve always had an interest in these “… --- ## [Which do you like better out of a Big Mac or Whopper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-better-out-of-a-big-mac-or-whopper/691836)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2014, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-better-out-of-a-big-mac-or-whopper/691836 "2014-07-03T13:47:15Z")
Just those two, please; which do you like more/think tastes better? And if you dislike both, then why are you opening this thread? I’m really just looking for those who like either one (and knowing which one that is) or… --- ## [Any hints for dealing with an obsessive talker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-dealing-with-an-obsessive-talker/629351)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2012, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hints-for-dealing-with-an-obsessive-talker/629351 "2012-12-24T17:31:53Z")
Mr. Athena and I know a couple that we really like, and we’re relatively close with. We don’t see them more than once every couple of months because we both have busy schedules, but we’ve known them for going on ten year… --- ## [American Idol 3/31-4/1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-31-4-1/491481)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 197\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2009, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-31-4-1/491481 "2009-04-04T04:13:19Z")
Sarver left last week, and I really hope Megan goes this time. I can’t stand to listen to her. --- ## [So why DOES Mexican Coca Cola taste different?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-does-mexican-coca-cola-taste-different/527308)
**Author:** [@zwede](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zwede)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-does-mexican-coca-cola-taste-different/527308 "2010-02-05T03:59:20Z")
I have both regular US Coca Cola as well as Mexican in the house and there’s no doubt that the taste is markedly different (in favor of the “Heche en Mexico”). I always thought it was because the Mexican coke still used … --- ## [Dryer sheets and towels - yes or no?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dryer-sheets-and-towels-yes-or-no/485781)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2009, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dryer-sheets-and-towels-yes-or-no/485781 "2009-02-15T03:10:17Z")
Please help settle a question we’ve got going here - when drying a load of towels, is it somehow bad for them to put a dryer sheet in with them? What’s the straight dope? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=737&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=739&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)