# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=755&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:** 756 --- ## [Do dogs love their owners?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dogs-love-their-owners/496401)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2009, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dogs-love-their-owners/496401 "2009-05-21T14:05:49Z")
I’m sure this has been done before, but a couple of recent newspaper columns brought it to mind. A couple of days ago Chicago Trib columnist Eric Zorn wrote a letter about a woman who jumped into a lake to save her dog.… --- ## [What powers auto-flush toilets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-powers-auto-flush-toilets/387807)
**Author:** [@LivingInThePast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingInThePast)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2007, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-powers-auto-flush-toilets/387807 "2007-01-15T00:57:38Z")
I’ve been puzzling over this for a while… On the auto-flush toilets (the ones with the sensor that causes them to flush when you depart), I’ve never seen any sign of a power source. Do they have batteries? Little photo… --- ## [Etymology of 'dipshit'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-dipshit/566762)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2011, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-dipshit/566762 "2011-01-10T04:43:06Z")
This site claims that the word came into usage in the 1960s. If it did, it caught on fast. I recall it in common usage among kids by 1965. Also, is there a name for this kind of word that has something of the sense of o… --- ## [Commercials that crack you up, or otherwise compel you to watch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-that-crack-you-up-or-otherwise-compel-you-to-watch/718226)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-that-crack-you-up-or-otherwise-compel-you-to-watch/718226 "2015-04-28T02:37:38Z")
Since we’ve got on thread going about commercial hate, I thought we needed the other extreme. What commercials do you always watch, even after seeing them a gazillion times? Which ones make you smile or laugh? Which o… --- ## [Do lotto winners really lose it all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lotto-winners-really-lose-it-all/763553)
**Author:** [@iljitsch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iljitsch)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2016, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lotto-winners-really-lose-it-all/763553 "2016-08-30T20:32:41Z")
I’ve been reading up (and listening to podcasts) about personal finance. One thing that got mentioned a few times is that “you can’t solve money problems with money”\*, with the example given that pro sports players who m… --- ## [Romance Movies That Feature Actual Stalking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romance-movies-that-feature-actual-stalking/694932)
**Author:** [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2014, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romance-movies-that-feature-actual-stalking/694932 "2014-08-11T19:59:36Z")
It’s become received wisdom that many movies, often romantic comedies, frequently feature behaviour towards an object of affection from an often male protagonist which is depicted as romantic and charming proof of devoti… --- ## [Sink Pissing. Opinion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sink-pissing-opinion/663143)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2013, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sink-pissing-opinion/663143 "2013-07-12T13:08:31Z")
Heh. So, I was out with my gf and two other couples. We went to a friend’s dive bar to hear a local band. I walked into the men’s-room which has a toilet, a urinal, and a sink. It also has the odor left behind by every… --- ## [Whats the deal with walmart $0.88 OTC medical supplies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-walmart-0-88-otc-medical-supplies/692930)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2014, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-walmart-0-88-otc-medical-supplies/692930 "2014-07-15T15:50:01Z")
For the last few years walmart has been selling a wide variety of OTC medical supplies for $0.88. Braces, tape, antifungals, antihistamines, muscle rubs, alcohols, bandaids, etc. I’ve noticed that sometimes these produc… --- ## [How do I lock down my Floyd Rose Tremolo on my Guitar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-lock-down-my-floyd-rose-tremolo-on-my-guitar/108277)
**Author:** [@Phlip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlip)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-lock-down-my-floyd-rose-tremolo-on-my-guitar/108277 "2018-02-08T03:31:46Z")
Pretty straightforward question for anyone who knows the answer. I know I can buy 5 springs to yank it all the way back, but I don’t think that will suffice because I have a VERY heavy hand and I think it will still go s… --- ## [Are Doctors still asking odd (to me) questions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-doctors-still-asking-odd-to-me-questions/933133)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2021, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-doctors-still-asking-odd-to-me-questions/933133 "2021-03-15T18:39:46Z")
I haven’t been to a doctor in a long time and my gf has been getting on my case about it. The thing is, the last time I was at a doctor’s office I was offended/weirded out by the out-of-left-field questions they asked. … --- ## [Civilization 4 or 5... which do you prefer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/civilization-4-or-5-which-do-you-prefer/609246)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2012, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/civilization-4-or-5-which-do-you-prefer/609246 "2012-01-14T19:45:12Z")
I bought a new laptop yesterday, easily the most powerful computer in the house, and I can now run Civ 5 with no worry of CPU/graphics card overload (or whatever it was that caused it to stutter on my 5 year-old desktop\*… --- ## [Herman Cain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/herman-cain/589093)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2011, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/herman-cain/589093 "2011-09-10T21:56:05Z")
I thought maybe it would be a good idea to have threads for individual POTUS 2012 candidates, so their positions, pledges, promises and gaffes could be easily tracked, and since a story on Herman Cain popped up today, I … --- ## [Famous Hats of Film and Literature (Spoilers Possible)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-hats-of-film-and-literature-spoilers-possible/402085)
**Author:** [@Mouse\_Maven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mouse_Maven)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2007, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-hats-of-film-and-literature-spoilers-possible/402085 "2007-05-01T13:10:45Z")
When I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time, I loved the Fedora Indiana Jones was wearing – it defined the character and the era he lived in. In Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Jack Sparrow’s hat … --- ## [How do we know it's best to put down suffering animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-its-best-to-put-down-suffering-animals/626463)
**Author:** [@Victor\_Charlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victor_Charlie)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2012, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-its-best-to-put-down-suffering-animals/626463 "2012-07-30T19:17:52Z")
Nobody wants to see an injured or sick animal suffer, but how do we know putting them down is more humane? We rarely consider it humane to euthanize humans stricken with life-threatening inuries or diseases. Are we assum… --- ## [Concerning the McCarthy concessions to become House Speaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concerning-the-mccarthy-concessions-to-become-house-speaker/977794)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 180\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concerning-the-mccarthy-concessions-to-become-house-speaker/977794 "2023-06-16T21:20:54Z")
How binding are the concessions McCarthy has agreed to with the “Never Kevins”? What is/are the likely result(s) if he reneges on any/all of them if he takes office? --- ## [Serious question: Why not mandatory life sentences for murderers, rapists, and child predators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-question-why-not-mandatory-life-sentences-for-murderers-rapists-and-child-predators/661260)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Why\_Bother](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Why_Bother)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2013, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-question-why-not-mandatory-life-sentences-for-murderers-rapists-and-child-predators/661260 "2013-06-25T04:18:15Z")
The gist of the plan is right there in the title, but I’ll expound briefly. After the revolution (which is scheduled for next Thursday, around tea time.) the new powers that be will put me in charge of administering jus… --- ## [And the most evil sitcom character ever is...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-the-most-evil-sitcom-character-ever-is/463743)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-the-most-evil-sitcom-character-ever-is/463743 "2008-09-18T03:31:13Z")
Peter Griffin, I’d say. Last night I saw the Family Guy episode “Long John Peter,” in which the fat man, among other things, I’d say he’s cemented his ranking as Earth’s most evil comic lead. Others may disagree, but… --- ## [I'm heading over to the Infinite DVD shop. Anybody want anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-heading-over-to-the-infinite-dvd-shop-anybody-want-anything/552710)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2010, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-heading-over-to-the-infinite-dvd-shop-anybody-want-anything/552710 "2010-09-12T21:52:45Z")
For obvious reasons I have tomorrow off, so I’m popping into the Burroughs-Libby continua buggy and heading back to the Infinite Library World. They’ve recently begun including DVDs & Blu-Rays as well as print in their i… --- ## [Ask the professional indexer.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-professional-indexer/601977)
**Author:** [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-professional-indexer/601977 "2011-12-23T20:26:44Z")
I index books for a living. Usually when I tell people this they express surprise that this job is actually done by human beings. I guess people assume it’s done by some sort of computer program. Anyway, I just finished… --- ## [Time magazine pranks Trump!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-magazine-pranks-trump/774241)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2016, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-magazine-pranks-trump/774241 "2016-12-14T11:50:16Z")
Okay, the comment over in the POTY thread attracted no attention, so I’ll try again. A friend sent me a (rare) rushed ping to look at the POTY/Trump cover of Time Magazine, so I did. OMFG is all I can say. Them’s some b… --- ## [Frenchie Davis kicked off American Idol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frenchie-davis-kicked-off-american-idol/154499)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2003, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frenchie-davis-kicked-off-american-idol/154499 "2003-02-14T07:08:04Z")
According to USA Today, audience favourite Frenchie Davis was kicked off American Idol for appearing on an adult web site four years ago. The American Idol website has deleted all references to her. That sucks. She wa… --- ## [Nap sweats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nap-sweats/1834)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 1999, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nap-sweats/1834 "1999-07-07T06:47:00Z")
Manny times after taking a nap on the couch in the family room, I will wake up covered in sweat. This only happens when I actually fall asleep on the couch. If I’m just lying or sitting there watching TV, or even moving … --- ## [Free Will is an illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-will-is-an-illusion/392891)
**Author:** [@Randy\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randy_Seltzer)\ **Replies:** 221\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-will-is-an-illusion/392891 "2007-03-02T09:15:51Z")
Conclusion: There is no such thing as “free will.” Premise #1: In our universe, no event happens without cause. The movement of every particle can be traced to a cause. Likewise the transfer of every nanojoule of ener… --- ## [How Accurate Was WWII Naval Gunfire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-accurate-was-wwii-naval-gunfire/262942)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2004, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-accurate-was-wwii-naval-gunfire/262942 "2004-09-04T17:55:28Z")
I was reading about the battles of WWII, and recall that there were very few engagements between battleships. And, at extreme ranges (\>16,000 yards) it seems that it was very difficult to hit moving targets. This is not … --- ## [British Empire War Movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-empire-war-movies/601833)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Chicago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Chicago)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2011, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-empire-war-movies/601833 "2011-11-06T23:25:27Z")
A significant part of a thesis I just wrote was on colonialism. Which is bad. However, I’ve gotten really interested in movies about the British Empire essentially policing the world, especially Africa. Which are usually… --- ## [Palin confuses First Amendment protections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-confuses-first-amendment-protections/630072)
**Author:** [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2012, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-confuses-first-amendment-protections/630072 "2012-08-02T19:46:15Z")
I’m SO TIRED of reading about people who claim the First Amendment is being trampled on just because citizens express an opinion different from their own. There should be some sort of galactic buzzer that goes off and f… --- ## [Need Help With Chainsaw: Chain Falling Off.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-chainsaw-chain-falling-off/354914)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2017, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-chainsaw-chain-falling-off/354914 "2017-04-04T21:32:36Z")
I have a Poulan Pro with an 18" bar and it cuts great as long as I can keep the chain on. I can only get 5 - 20 log cuts out of it before the chain slips off. I was never taught about chainsaws and taught myself. I went … --- ## [Best Billy Joel Song - Nominations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-billy-joel-song-nominations/670337)
**Author:** [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2013, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-billy-joel-song-nominations/670337 "2013-10-06T19:02:13Z")
I’d like to do a poll, eventually, but don’t want to list every single Billy Joel song. So this thread is for nominations! You may nominate 1 song yourself, and you may also second a song someone else has already liste… --- ## ["Citizen Zombie!" "Gone with the Zombies!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citizen-zombie-gone-with-the-zombies/185786)
**Author:** [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2003, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citizen-zombie-gone-with-the-zombies/185786 "2003-10-27T13:14:28Z")
In the Pirates of the Caribbean thread, Dropzone asked, “And is this the very first time I was disappointed that a movie had zombies?” Which got me to thinking . . . Which good movies would be made better, or bad movies… --- ## [If you have ever been kicked out of any place, where were you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-ever-been-kicked-out-of-any-place-where-were-you/651407)
**Author:** [@James\_Otto\_Sweet\_Heart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/James_Otto_Sweet_Heart)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2013, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-ever-been-kicked-out-of-any-place-where-were-you/651407 "2013-03-02T13:05:39Z")
My most favorite PM radio DJ is asking this question tonight and is letting the listeners call in and share their stories. Does anyone here have any experiences that they wouldn’t mind telling about? :slight\_smile: … --- ## [Crayfish, crawfish, crawdads, or mudbugs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crayfish-crawfish-crawdads-or-mudbugs/564452)
**Author:** [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2010, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crayfish-crawfish-crawdads-or-mudbugs/564452 "2010-12-18T17:39:19Z")
What do you call them. All my life I’d called them crayfish. When I went to New Orleans one year, I noticed they were calling them either crawfish or crawdads. recently I heard mudbugs. I have never heard anyone in t… --- ## [Political Compass #61: Society's openness about sex is going to far.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-61-societys-openness-about-sex-is-going-to-far/317071)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2005, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-61-societys-openness-about-sex-is-going-to-far/317071 "2005-08-25T23:22:54Z")
Many political debates here have included references to The Political Compass, which uses a set of 61 questions to assess one’s political orientation in terms of economic left/right and social libertarianism/authoritaria… --- ## [Pasta recipes where you add raw beaten eggs at last minute. Safe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pasta-recipes-where-you-add-raw-beaten-eggs-at-last-minute-safe/313926)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pasta-recipes-where-you-add-raw-beaten-eggs-at-last-minute-safe/313926 "2005-07-26T11:23:10Z")
I enjoy cooking the pasta recipes found on the boxes the pasta comes in. Last night I made conchille with bacon and peas, and about a month ago I made spaghetti carbonara. Both of these recipes call for two beaten … --- ## [Hispanic voters and the 2016 election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hispanic-voters-and-the-2016-election/728970)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2015, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hispanic-voters-and-the-2016-election/728970 "2015-08-31T03:43:09Z")
Hispanic voters may or may not play a very big role in the 2016 election, but it’s pretty clear that they will certainly be playing a very big role in presidential elections and national politics in general quite soon. R… --- ## [Best Way To Clean A Diamond Ring At Home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-diamond-ring-at-home/233724)
**Author:** [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2015, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-diamond-ring-at-home/233724 "2015-11-04T17:57:07Z")
I wear my engagement ring at all times. I don’t take it off to shower or do the dishes. If I’m using a harsh chemical, I will wear gloves. It’s a little shmutzy. I don’t like bringing it to the jeweller for a “sonic … --- ## [Guns in the toys... how sick can these individuals be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guns-in-the-toys-how-sick-can-these-individuals-be/690145)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guns-in-the-toys-how-sick-can-these-individuals-be/690145 "2014-06-12T18:04:52Z")
So last week a “loss prevention officer” - the extreme irony of the name will become apparent - found a loaded pistol sitting on boxed toys in a toy aisle at a North Carolina Target. Think about it - even with heavy ind… --- ## [Barney Frank not running again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-not-running-again/604399)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-not-running-again/604399 "2011-12-09T05:09:24Z")
Certainly big news in MA, so I’m hearing a lot about it. Figured I’d give his retirement a thread to hear others opinions. He included a number of reasons for not running again one of the biggest being redistricting. Hi… --- ## [Is this a serious academic paper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-serious-academic-paper/562645)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2011, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-serious-academic-paper/562645 "2011-06-11T02:45:29Z")
A mathematical model for the determination of total area under glucose tolerance and other metabolic curves. (doi: 10.2337/diacare.17.2.152, Diabetes Care February 1994 vol. 17 no. 2 152-154) From the abstract: Yeah, … --- ## [If you call a dead phone line, how will it ring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-call-a-dead-phone-line-how-will-it-ring/627416)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2012, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-call-a-dead-phone-line-how-will-it-ring/627416 "2012-07-06T16:49:49Z")
I’m trying to find out if the phone line is working at a remote house. (We’ve had extreme power outages here for over a week, and I’m sure that the power is still out at this house) I call and it rings continuously. Th… --- ## [Dental discount plans -- what's the catch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dental-discount-plans-whats-the-catch/636165)
**Author:** [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2012, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dental-discount-plans-whats-the-catch/636165 "2012-10-01T23:17:42Z")
So I’m way WAY overdue for some basic dental care. To give an idea, I haven’t had dental insurance since high school, except for all of a month where my dental kicked in a couple days before I got laid off – and of cour… --- ## [The human body's ability to adapt is amazing...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-human-bodys-ability-to-adapt-is-amazing/565038)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-human-bodys-ability-to-adapt-is-amazing/565038 "2010-12-30T23:18:30Z")
I heard this story from a very good friend a very long time ago. She had a neighbor, an elderly man, who had made it habit for decades to donate blood on a regular basis. I think it was every 6 weeks. He made the dona… --- ## [SDMB Musical Lovers' Salon and Debating Society](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/251785)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 246\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2005, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/251785 "2005-05-19T20:22:25Z")
There seems to be some interest in starting a film group for us lovers of movie musicals. Here’s the idea: We’ll take turns picking a movie musical for the group to watch, and announce the title and the date of the start… --- ## [Continents-Manmade?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/continents-manmade/780119)
**Author:** [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2017, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/continents-manmade/780119 "2017-03-09T22:57:53Z")
Given - that a continent has been defined as large unbroken land mass completely surrounded by water, although in some cases continents are (or were in part) connected by land bridges (per Infoplease), and the major (or… --- ## [Will Memberships be "comped" for the equivalent length of time that search is gone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-memberships-be-comped-for-the-equivalent-length-of-time-that-search-is-gone/441751)
**Author:** [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2008, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-memberships-be-comped-for-the-equivalent-length-of-time-that-search-is-gone/441751 "2008-03-25T06:59:51Z")
Title says it all really. Dope crashes like fuck. We get told “We’re working on it”. Dope gets ads and banners for not being logged in. We get told “It might lead to getting rid of P2P” Crashes still happen, P2P is st… --- ## [Please help me compare cameras oh wise photography gurus.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-compare-cameras-oh-wise-photography-gurus/534757)
**Author:** [@Mdm.President](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdm.President)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2010, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-compare-cameras-oh-wise-photography-gurus/534757 "2010-04-07T03:23:48Z")
I’m looking at the Nikon D3000 vs the P90. Are SLR’s really that big of a deal? The things that are important to me are: \*when I push the button it actually takes the picture, not 18 seconds later. \*can handle action… --- ## [Are Soap Operas filmed/broadcast Live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-soap-operas-filmed-broadcast-live/210638)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2003, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-soap-operas-filmed-broadcast-live/210638 "2003-11-01T13:30:53Z")
I’ve always heard it joked about how soap opera actors and actresses are known for messing up their lines. Are they broadcast live? Or, filmed before a studio audience? And if so, why? Why shouldn’t they have re-take… --- ## [Does Superman need fixing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-superman-need-fixing/630092)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2012, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-superman-need-fixing/630092 "2012-08-07T22:11:49Z")
In this article, Tony Guerrero says that Superman is basically too damn good to be an interesting character. Super strong, super fast, super intelligent, super ethical…super boring? What could be done to make him a cha… --- ## [morons who don't know how to wager in final jeopardy (spoilers for july 8 game)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morons-who-dont-know-how-to-wager-in-final-jeopardy-spoilers-for-july-8-game/692677)
**Author:** [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2018, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morons-who-dont-know-how-to-wager-in-final-jeopardy-spoilers-for-july-8-game/692677 "2018-02-23T01:01:06Z")
going into final jeopardy the girl in second place had $11000 and the guy in first place had $22000 the smartest wager for him was to bet $0 (which is what he did, good job) and she should have bet all of it because th… --- ## [Battlestar Galactica 4.12 - "Revelations" (big mess o' spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battlestar-galactica-4-12-revelations-big-mess-o-spoilers/452844)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2008, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battlestar-galactica-4-12-revelations-big-mess-o-spoilers/452844 "2008-06-23T12:29:31Z")
Last episode of 2008 tonight. (see note on episode numbering) (character name spellings) Spoiler policy: If it’s been aired, or if it’s pure speculation about future events, no need for a spoiler box. If it’s from a f… --- ## [Enforcement of deed restrictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforcement-of-deed-restrictions/445235)
**Author:** [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforcement-of-deed-restrictions/445235 "2008-04-15T18:02:39Z")
I’ve been checking the deeds for some houses in my neighborhood (sort of a hobby of mine). In a few cases, deeds include restrictions; examples include: no structure may be erected having a value less than $10,000 no … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=754&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=756&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)