# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=746&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:** 747 --- ## [How to free up calcified water valves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-free-up-calcified-water-valves/772788)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2016, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-free-up-calcified-water-valves/772788 "2016-11-29T02:55:50Z")
The water valves for my washing machine need to be replaced, and I was just going to use a wrench and take them off. But there is a lot of calcification around the base and I cannot budge them, even using a large pipe wr… --- ## [anyone drink rum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-drink-rum/670294)
**Author:** [@Jay4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jay4)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2013, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-drink-rum/670294 "2013-10-10T03:31:44Z")
kinda tired of the same old stuff(normally drink parrot bay and bacardi)and was lookin for somethin new.someone recommended captain morgan’s private stock but ive recently heard that sailor jerry spiced rum was actually … --- ## [Hey Obama, don’t screw this up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-obama-don-t-screw-this-up/619256)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2012, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-obama-don-t-screw-this-up/619256 "2012-04-27T00:45:03Z")
First, stop painting Romney as a conservative. Sure, pick out a few isolated examples of where he went over the top, but don’t help him reach out to the tea party crowd—you do not want them (and their enthusiasm to man p… --- ## [Extremely popular, or even legendary entertainers whose work you've never seen/heard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extremely-popular-or-even-legendary-entertainers-whose-work-youve-never-seen-heard/548654)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2010, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extremely-popular-or-even-legendary-entertainers-whose-work-youve-never-seen-heard/548654 "2010-08-17T01:54:39Z")
I’ve heard of Frank Zappa. I know his band was the Mother’s of Invention. I know he has kids named Dweezil and Moon Unit. I know in the 80’s that he and other singers went to congress to testify against parental warni… --- ## ['His Dark Materials' to be a BBC TV series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/his-dark-materials-to-be-a-bbc-tv-series/736587)
**Author:** [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2023, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/his-dark-materials-to-be-a-bbc-tv-series/736587 "2023-01-30T05:43:48Z")
I just saw that Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials fantasy trilogy is going to be adapted to a series for BBC television. I’m pretty happy to hear it. I read the novels about 10 years ago. I liked The Golden Compas… --- ## [Epic takedown of Herbalife as a pyramid scheme scam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epic-takedown-of-herbalife-as-a-pyramid-scheme-scam/644949)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2018, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epic-takedown-of-herbalife-as-a-pyramid-scheme-scam/644949 "2018-02-28T21:10:45Z")
We Have Never Seen Anything Like Bill Ackman’s Dizzying Takedown Of Herbalife Warning - long presentation, but fascinating. Ackman Interview with Bloomberg Herbalife bulls push back --- ## [define the term, "gun show loophole"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-the-term-gun-show-loophole/487575)
**Author:** [@PatriotGrrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotGrrrl)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-the-term-gun-show-loophole/487575 "2009-03-04T03:16:53Z")
Are those who support “closing the gun show loophole” aware that they are using a euphemism for private sales, presumably as a propaganda tactic? Or do they actually not know what the current laws are? Do you? --- ## [That's Taylor Swift?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-taylor-swift/720407)
**Author:** [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-taylor-swift/720407 "2015-05-28T05:25:01Z")
On the cover of Maxim. Ignoring what you may or may not think of her music, am I the only one who looks at that photo and says, “No way that’s Taylor Swift!” I mean, it just doesn’t look like her. At all. For one thing … --- ## [You Should Never Swerve. Good Advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-should-never-swerve-good-advice/347394)
**Author:** [@Charger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charger)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2006, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-should-never-swerve-good-advice/347394 "2006-03-14T17:42:40Z")
Back in October, my cousin totalled his car when he swerved to avoid an owl in the road (yes, an owl!). The car went into a sideways slide and rolled in the ditch. My cousin was fine, but his car wasn’t. My brother sa… --- ## [The Hateful Eight 70mm Roadshow \[open spoilers\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hateful-eight-70mm-roadshow-open-spoilers/741464)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2016, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hateful-eight-70mm-roadshow-open-spoilers/741464 "2016-04-05T00:06:57Z")
There is another thread about this movie that looks like it’s getting derailed into a debate about piracy. Now that the movie is actually released, maybe we can have a thread talking about the film? Has anyone seen the … --- ## [Getting my baby into modeling -- Oh, I swore I'd never be THAT mother!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-my-baby-into-modeling-oh-i-swore-id-never-be-that-mother/593044)
**Author:** [@smaje1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smaje1)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2011, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-my-baby-into-modeling-oh-i-swore-id-never-be-that-mother/593044 "2011-08-18T21:57:58Z")
Oh, boy. I really never thought I’d be THAT mom. You know, the one who’s all like “My baby is the most beautiful thing in the world and not just in MY eyes. That baby needs to be in the pictures!” But Baby Smaje, nearin… --- ## [The Adventures of The Special Master](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-adventures-of-the-special-master/970523)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2022, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-adventures-of-the-special-master/970523 "2022-10-28T03:13:39Z")
A week ago Trump’s legal team requested that a Special Master be appointed to go through all those legal documents and see where the FBI overstepped its legal bounds. I love when things like this come up. I’ve never i… --- ## [why don't we already have supersonic business jets (SSJBJ)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-already-have-supersonic-business-jets-ssjbj/710992)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-already-have-supersonic-business-jets-ssjbj/710992 "2016-11-17T23:02:33Z")
Apparently several companies are working on them but none of them have a release date. My question is, supersonic flight has been the commercial world for over 40 years, yet in all that time no company found it profit… --- ## [Dandelions and lawnmowers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dandelions-and-lawnmowers/539284)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2010, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dandelions-and-lawnmowers/539284 "2010-05-15T06:33:52Z")
It’s dandelion season, and as most people with a lawn will be aware, they are remarkably adaptable little blighters. In the wild, they proudly bear their flowers on long stalks that can be a foot or more tall, amid a lu… --- ## [Taliban Stupid and Just Don't Care?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taliban-stupid-and-just-dont-care/627715)
**Author:** [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2012, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taliban-stupid-and-just-dont-care/627715 "2012-07-16T23:52:42Z")
Is their world view so limited that they don’t realize how this execution video will be viewed in the rest of the world or do they not care that it causes billions of people to hate them? --- ## [The Fantastic Four; is anyone gonna see this turd?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fantastic-four-is-anyone-gonna-see-this-turd/311422)
**Author:** [@Birdmonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Birdmonster)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2005, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fantastic-four-is-anyone-gonna-see-this-turd/311422 "2005-07-12T19:37:50Z")
Alright. It’s gone too far. The Burger King commercials, the bus ads, the cell phone tie-ins, the video games, the underoos–this isn’t a movie, is it? It’s a commercial, right? Did anyone even read the Fantastic Four? Th… --- ## [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints/121643)
**Author:** [@Stccrd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stccrd)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2002, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints/121643 "2002-09-05T23:18:29Z")
My question is simple. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I am merely curious as to what people out there think of when they hear about my faith… I am really bored, so i thought i would a… --- ## [The Second Amendment does not apply to illegal immigrants.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-second-amendment-does-not-apply-to-illegal-immigrants/621308)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-second-amendment-does-not-apply-to-illegal-immigrants/621308 "2012-05-10T19:22:58Z")
At least according to the 10th circuit court of appeals. Washington Post Article: Federal appeals court says illegal immigrants don’t have right to bear arms. Link to the ruling (pdf): UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. EMMAN… --- ## [Chris Christie: Just being a good governor or setting his sights on 2016?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chris-christie-just-being-a-good-governor-or-setting-his-sights-on-2016/639390)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chris-christie-just-being-a-good-governor-or-setting-his-sights-on-2016/639390 "2012-11-04T19:22:44Z")
In the midst of all this Sandy-craziness, Romney-surrogate Chris Christie has been making the rounds on many of the cable news show heaping praise on Barack Obama for what a great job he’s done in handling the disaster r… --- ## [Electoral Vote Predictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electoral-vote-predictions/639545)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2012, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electoral-vote-predictions/639545 "2012-11-10T01:47:38Z")
Here is an interactive map where you can divvy up the states however you like and see how the EVs fall. The map default is set for safe states already in the win column for each candidate. This comes to 201 EVs for Oba… --- ## [2012 U.S. Election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-u-s-election/559603)
**Author:** [@NetTrekker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NetTrekker)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2011, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-u-s-election/559603 "2011-02-20T12:59:16Z")
Of course it’s too early… So who will be the Repugnican nominee? --- ## [How Does That Old Joke About Canada Go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-that-old-joke-about-canada-go/503817)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-that-old-joke-about-canada-go/503817 "2010-10-13T21:38:12Z")
Something like: Canada could have wound up with French culture, British know-how, and American food. Instead they wound up with French knkow-how, American culture and British food. Or something like that. Anyone know … --- ## [It wasn't racially motivated unless your race is "dumb"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-wasnt-racially-motivated-unless-your-race-is-dumb/337592)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2006, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-wasnt-racially-motivated-unless-your-race-is-dumb/337592 "2006-01-03T01:54:37Z")
Ok, so I am reading this article about a dude that gets sprayed in the face with bugspray for packing the bug spray in with some food. I am like “Wow that guy is dumb, and wow the guy that sprayed him is psychotic.”, so… --- ## [Musician/Actor/Artist Who's Fallen Most Out of Favor With You](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musician-actor-artist-whos-fallen-most-out-of-favor-with-you/685548)
**Author:** [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2014, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musician-actor-artist-whos-fallen-most-out-of-favor-with-you/685548 "2014-04-15T14:47:44Z")
Not necessarily who has committed the most heinous act/deed, but who, for what ever reason, you once really admired and appreciated but now are either indifferent to or outright do not like anymore? For me, it’s Paul Si… --- ## [Baseball: Playing the bottom of the 9th with home team leading](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-playing-the-bottom-of-the-9th-with-home-team-leading/685792)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2014, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-playing-the-bottom-of-the-9th-with-home-team-leading/685792 "2014-04-12T16:27:27Z")
When was the last time (if ever) an official Major League Baseball (or one of its affiliated minor leagues or NCAA) game played through the bottom of the 9th inning to the third out when the home team either leading at t… --- ## [Lost 11/10 "Confidence Man" - Contains Spoilers!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-11-10-confidence-man-contains-spoilers/274090)
**Author:** [@Cowgirl\_Jules](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cowgirl_Jules)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2004, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-11-10-confidence-man-contains-spoilers/274090 "2004-11-16T20:00:59Z")
From ABC: (spoilered just in case) I’m looking forward to it, although Cowboy says it’s the slowest show he’s ever seen. I don’t think it’s slow, but it sure is relationship-oriented, isn’t it? --- ## [The movie 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-movie-13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi/743280)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2016, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-movie-13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi/743280 "2016-07-06T05:47:47Z")
\[This could fit in GQ, CS or even elections, but I figured it would wind up here anyway.\] I haven’t seen this and probably won’t unless it comes up on Netflix and reading the reviews, I couldn’t tell if was intending to… --- ## [Rolling Stone article about John McCain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stone-article-about-john-mccain/466366)
**Author:** [@A\_shameful\_cracka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_shameful_cracka)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2008, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stone-article-about-john-mccain/466366 "2008-10-05T20:01:02Z")
I used to support John McCain, back in 2000, based on his recent record at the time. I have not been happy with the changes in his platform since then and now support Obama, but wished that McCain of 2000 would run in t… --- ## [xkcd- The explanations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-the-explanations/494804)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2009, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-the-explanations/494804 "2009-10-05T13:43:07Z")
So like most dopers I love me some xkcd, but unlike most dopers, there are just some of them that I just don’t get. So I’m gonna link to the ones that I don’t understand, and see if anyone can explain them to me: Keple… --- ## [You have a nickel allergy. Let's talk.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-nickel-allergy-lets-talk/549096)
**Author:** [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2014, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-a-nickel-allergy-lets-talk/549096 "2014-06-25T22:51:15Z")
More specifically about how to make life easier. I’m not sure if I’ve had this problem my entire life, but it has certainly gotten worse. I remember as a tot, my ears would break out into rashes if I wore cheapie costum… --- ## [A Christmas Poll: How much do you spend on nieces' and nephews' gifts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-christmas-poll-how-much-do-you-spend-on-nieces-and-nephews-gifts/278225)
**Author:** [@Caricci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caricci)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2004, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-christmas-poll-how-much-do-you-spend-on-nieces-and-nephews-gifts/278225 "2004-12-07T20:39:54Z")
So, how much? I ask because my sister asked me to get her son a toy that turns out to be 80 bucks! I have one kid, she has two and so does my husband’s brother. I did say that’s about twice as much as I care to spend … --- ## [Saluting protocol: Q for officers, soldiers, airmen, sailors, etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saluting-protocol-q-for-officers-soldiers-airmen-sailors-etc/260290)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2004, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saluting-protocol-q-for-officers-soldiers-airmen-sailors-etc/260290 "2004-08-20T03:56:34Z")
I work next door to a Boeing office, so they apparently get numerous visits from Air Force people. My curiousity was piqued today when I noticed a small knot of people walking from the Boeing building to the parking st… --- ## [Could a vampire use a touch panel smartphone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-vampire-use-a-touch-panel-smartphone/553947)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2010, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-vampire-use-a-touch-panel-smartphone/553947 "2010-09-25T15:29:07Z")
I’m thinking no. Since a vampire is inhabiting a dead body with minimal moisture in its fingertips, it’d have a hard time with a touch panel’s capacitive sensing. Along the same lines, are there other modern pratfalls a… --- ## [Useless magic items](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/useless-magic-items/167225)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2003, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/useless-magic-items/167225 "2003-04-16T06:44:02Z")
The first issue of Fantasy Gamer magazine contained a rather nice list of (ahem) “magic” items whose powers were next to useless. A few of these items were:\[ul\]\[li\]A rod of rulership that only works when submerged in th… --- ## [Who here remembers the TV show "3-2-1 Contact"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-here-remembers-the-tv-show-3-2-1-contact/581761)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2011, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-here-remembers-the-tv-show-3-2-1-contact/581761 "2011-05-18T01:05:53Z")
At dinner with some friends tonight, I happened to mention this show and was surprised that not one of the eight people I was with could recall it. It ran on PBS in the early 80s, and was produced by the Children’s Tele… --- ## [Hiroshima Day: A Worthy Cause](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiroshima-day-a-worthy-cause/121542)
**Author:** [@Halo13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Halo13)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2002, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiroshima-day-a-worthy-cause/121542 "2002-08-10T08:12:50Z")
I have to have a whine about something that happened on my University campus recently. I am an ethics student and some what of a activist, I have a strong sense of social justice. Recently I helped some friends from a po… --- ## [Songs With a Plot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-with-a-plot/504024)
**Author:** [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2009, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-with-a-plot/504024 "2009-07-26T17:35:46Z")
This morning, for some inexplicable reason, I had this really awful story song stuck in my head, The Last Game of the Season by David Geddes. (link to lyrics, try not to vomit) I was just wondering what other songs you … --- ## [I Pit people who call in for TV tech support](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-call-in-for-tv-tech-support/634163)
**Author:** [@al27052](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/al27052)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2012, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-call-in-for-tv-tech-support/634163 "2012-09-17T02:48:18Z")
I do phone tech support for a major satellite TV provider. Before you hate me, I’m one of the good ones. I know my job backwards and forwards, I can install and troubleshoot every piece of equipment my company sells, u… --- ## [Two people found dead at Rob Reiner's home. (Sadly confirmed it was Rob and his wife.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-people-found-dead-at-rob-reiners-home-sadly-confirmed-it-was-rob-and-his-wife/1025704)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 270\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-people-found-dead-at-rob-reiners-home-sadly-confirmed-it-was-rob-and-his-wife/1025704 "2026-09-16T17:46:45Z")
Developing story as of 6:45pm California time, but right now it doesn’t sound good. The Wikipedia editors are fighting back and forth between listing him as dead or alive. --- ## [F1 2010 Championship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f1-2010-championship/528594)
**Author:** [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2010, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f1-2010-championship/528594 "2010-11-16T08:29:26Z")
It’s about that time of the year again what with the teams heavily involved in the winter testing of their new machines and opening day at Bahrain a mere 28 days away. With that in mind any and all comments are welcomed… --- ## [Evangelical Atheists Have A God Complex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evangelical-atheists-have-a-god-complex/333193)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2005, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evangelical-atheists-have-a-god-complex/333193 "2005-12-01T21:39:47Z")
There’s a thread that asks a rather benign question in Great Debates now - Does it make sense to send kids to Sunday school if you aren’t really religious? - which has provoked a few members here into saying the followin… --- ## [Has anyone ever been killed, directly, by a laser?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-been-killed-directly-by-a-laser/708663)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2015, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-been-killed-directly-by-a-laser/708663 "2015-01-29T16:23:26Z")
I don’t mean if they were targeted, or blinded. I mean actual Death Ray stuff. Has anyone fallen, stumbled or spaced and walked into the beam? --- ## [Sorry my son and I walked in on your public Porno-mag shoot.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorry-my-son-and-i-walked-in-on-your-public-porno-mag-shoot/405553)
**Author:** [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2007, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorry-my-son-and-i-walked-in-on-your-public-porno-mag-shoot/405553 "2007-05-30T20:45:28Z")
Hi. I’m talking to you. You, trying to hide both your nipples and your tacky bush behind that towel over there. Behind that birch tree. Yes, you. Look, I’d talk to your 50+ year old fat photographer BF instead, but… --- ## [When I say I don't want any gifts, I really mean ... I don't want any gifts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-say-i-dont-want-any-gifts-i-really-mean-i-dont-want-any-gifts/419474)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2012, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-say-i-dont-want-any-gifts-i-really-mean-i-dont-want-any-gifts/419474 "2012-12-20T04:56:50Z")
This is way too minor for the Pit, so I’m putting it here. Every year, before my birthday and Christmas, my mom and other relatives ask me what I want. And I answer, “Nothing at all, thanks.” And I really, honestly mean… --- ## [Military Slang: Is there a "Charlie" for Iraq, Afganistan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-slang-is-there-a-charlie-for-iraq-afganistan/172811)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2003, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-slang-is-there-a-charlie-for-iraq-afganistan/172811 "2003-05-05T16:33:39Z")
Please pardon my posting, but I was wondering…Is there any “nickname” used by U.S. troops in Iraq, or Afganistan, for enemy soldiers? Like “Charlie” was used in Vietnam, or even “Skinnies” in Somalia or “Boches” in WW I? … --- ## [Why does the military still use propeller planes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-military-still-use-propeller-planes/445687)
**Author:** [@diggleblop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggleblop)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2008, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-military-still-use-propeller-planes/445687 "2008-04-23T20:00:13Z")
I saw a large plane taking off from Andrews AFB the other day and it was a four propeller monster. I thought, why use propellers with something that big? Why not make everything jets propulsion? Is it cheaper? --- ## [Is man a part of nature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-part-of-nature/49227)
**Author:** [@High\_Plains\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/High_Plains_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2014, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-part-of-nature/49227 "2014-05-17T16:16:14Z")
I’m currently discussing the question, ‘Is man a part of Nature?’ in a class. It’s a forum, so i thought i would include the Dopers. So, is man part of nature? Is heshe higher than nature, as some religions might imply? --- ## [Let's Analyze the Hell out of The Godfather Saga (here be spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-analyze-the-hell-out-of-the-godfather-saga-here-be-spoilers/253383)
**Author:** [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2004, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-analyze-the-hell-out-of-the-godfather-saga-here-be-spoilers/253383 "2004-07-13T17:59:53Z")
This is meant to cover the whole she-bada-bang. Mafia codewords, Sicilian slang, genealogies, life imitating art, art imitating life, the motivations of the characters, the motivations of the writers, actor anecdotes, f… --- ## [Does socioeconomic status/poverty account for violent crime rates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-socioeconomic-status-poverty-account-for-violent-crime-rates/707488)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2014, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-socioeconomic-status-poverty-account-for-violent-crime-rates/707488 "2014-12-26T01:04:35Z")
While discussing crime in America, someone told me that it is unfair to say that blacks commit more crimes than whites. According to him, both groups commit crimes at equal rates for a given level of socioeconomic status… --- ## [Meaning of Freda Payne's song, "Band of Gold"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-freda-paynes-song-band-of-gold/255610)
**Author:** [@AtomicDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AtomicDog)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2025, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-freda-paynes-song-band-of-gold/255610 "2025-04-01T08:01:05Z")
Lyrics here I’ve been listening to this song for over thirty years, and I just realized that I don’t know what the hell Freda is singing about. What’s the problem here? Can’t he perform? Is he gay? What? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=745&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=747&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)