# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=815&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:** 816 --- ## [Son of the SDMB Musicals Group](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/son-of-the-sdmb-musicals-group/462987)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2009, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/son-of-the-sdmb-musicals-group/462987 "2009-06-18T21:58:06Z")
Back in 2005, we had a musicals discussion group; two, actually. These kind of petered out when people got busy, so we were left with three really cool lists of films that Archive Guy, Lamia (who’s no longer around, I do… --- ## [Question regarding English not long after the Norman Conquest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-english-not-long-after-the-norman-conquest/690692)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-english-not-long-after-the-norman-conquest/690692 "2014-06-16T23:51:55Z")
Hi, In his preface to Barnes & Noble Classics The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Professor Robert W. Hanning, Professor of English at Columbia University states : on page xix “French had been considered the lang… --- ## [ChiDope 2004 -- You know you want to come.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chidope-2004-you-know-you-want-to-come/239129)
**Author:** [@Gundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gundy)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2004, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chidope-2004-you-know-you-want-to-come/239129 "2004-05-28T00:35:48Z")
Here’s the weekend’s rundown. We’re going to manage attendees via Evite, so if you’re considering attending, please e-mail me at ekgund at hotmail and I will add you to the invitation list. Also, I’m keeping a cell phone… --- ## [How come a gas fireplace burns yellow but my gas stove burns blue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-a-gas-fireplace-burns-yellow-but-my-gas-stove-burns-blue/46512)
**Author:** [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2000, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-a-gas-fireplace-burns-yellow-but-my-gas-stove-burns-blue/46512 "2000-12-21T15:32:14Z")
I know how they work–the flames come up past a couple of cement logs or something. Is there something impregnated in the cement that gives that picturesque yellow flame? Also, some logs are evidently painted. http://hea… --- ## [Neanderthal DNA/non-African ancestry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neanderthal-dna-non-african-ancestry/648224)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2013, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neanderthal-dna-non-african-ancestry/648224 "2013-01-28T17:24:02Z")
Those of us who have a genetic background from homo sapiens ancestors who had migrated out of Africa can claim 1 to 4 % of their DNA from a separate homo species called Neanderthal. Africans do not share this genetic in… --- ## [Oral sex: Swallowing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oral-sex-swallowing/360304)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2006, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oral-sex-swallowing/360304 "2006-06-27T19:13:53Z")
As a straight male, I’m not going to be swallowing semen; so maybe this is a double-standard. But why do so many women not want to swallow? My ex-fiancée thought it was unhygenic. Others simply said no. Receiving fel… --- ## [Men who spit are foul disgusting creatures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-who-spit-are-foul-disgusting-creatures/653295)
**Author:** [@Lightlystarched](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightlystarched)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2013, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-who-spit-are-foul-disgusting-creatures/653295 "2013-03-22T03:39:55Z")
I have never, ever observed a woman spitting on the ground. Why the hell do men feel compelled to spit all the time? Spit on the hiking trail, spit in the parking lot, open their car doors and spit at the red light. … --- ## [I've got this one hair that keeps growing out of my....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-this-one-hair-that-keeps-growing-out-of-my/239503)
**Author:** [@Batsinma\_Belfry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batsinma_Belfry)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2004, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-this-one-hair-that-keeps-growing-out-of-my/239503 "2004-04-13T00:08:15Z")
(please fill in the blank). You know the one I’m talking about. The one that grows 10 times faster than any other hair on your body. Maybe it even grows where no hair has any business being. Mine is on my back, it’s th… --- ## [Is Good Friday a special "thing" for non-Catholic Christians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-good-friday-a-special-thing-for-non-catholic-christians/579370)
**Author:** [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2011, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-good-friday-a-special-thing-for-non-catholic-christians/579370 "2011-04-25T16:03:00Z")
I’m not Christian, never have been (raised atheist, disappointed my parents by becoming Pagan, now mostly lapsed). As such, I tend to forget that Good Friday is a special thing other than “two days before Easter”. When… --- ## [Good parallel universe stories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-parallel-universe-stories/464143)
**Author:** [@First\_Amongst\_Daves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/First_Amongst_Daves)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2008, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-parallel-universe-stories/464143 "2008-09-22T01:31:26Z")
Robert Harris’ Fatherland was one of the best novels I ever read, and barely scrapes in as science fiction simply because it maps out an alternate history: detente between the US and Nazi Germany in the 1950s. I decided… --- ## [Ten Commandment 'equivalents' in other religions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-commandment-equivalents-in-other-religions/310196)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2005, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-commandment-equivalents-in-other-religions/310196 "2005-06-29T20:02:12Z")
Obviously all religions have rules for how their followers should live their lives, but I’m wondering if they all have a neatly packaged set of ‘biggies’? Christians and Jews obviously share the Ten Commandments (with s… --- ## [Why do modern cars still have 2 and 1 on the stick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-modern-cars-still-have-2-and-1-on-the-stick/660081)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2013, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-modern-cars-still-have-2-and-1-on-the-stick/660081 "2013-06-10T19:20:39Z")
Why not simply have Park, Reverse, N, and D on the stick? I have never, ever deliberately driven in 2nd or 1st. Once in awhile (like today) I shift too fast from park and get in 2nd accidentally. Trying to accelerate… --- ## [Woman makes stupid choice, gets mad at results](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-makes-stupid-choice-gets-mad-at-results/825917)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2019, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-makes-stupid-choice-gets-mad-at-results/825917 "2019-01-10T05:28:52Z")
Remember the airline agent recently who laughed at a girl’s name? A pregnant woman’s family made fun of the name she had picked out for her child. Much huffiness and drama ensued. MSN? Not too surprisingly, she mana… --- ## [Amazing but trivial coincidences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-but-trivial-coincidences/949682)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-but-trivial-coincidences/949682 "2023-06-19T05:32:06Z")
The largest amusement park in Germany, Europa-Park, lies in the extreme west of the country, about 2 km from the national border, and immediately adjacent to a town named Rust. The largest amusement park in Austria, Fam… --- ## [Is it okay to get a single kitten?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-get-a-single-kitten/670230)
**Author:** [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2013, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-get-a-single-kitten/670230 "2013-10-08T08:29:38Z")
I think I’m going to get a cat, but I keep reading that you should always get two kittens instead of just one because they need to socialize with each other. So I might do that, but if it was fine for the cat, I think I’… --- ## [Atheism and superstition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheism-and-superstition/521736)
**Author:** [@Deflagration](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deflagration)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2009, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheism-and-superstition/521736 "2009-12-27T18:34:18Z")
I’m sorry guys. It’s the first time I’ve dipped my toe in the ‘Great Debates’ pool. Please be gentle. For better or worse, I consider myself an Atheist. I not only belive that there isn’t a God but also that there are… --- ## [What's the Staight Dope on Living Near a Hydro Tower?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-staight-dope-on-living-near-a-hydro-tower/562273)
**Author:** [@Gus\_Handsome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gus_Handsome)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2010, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-staight-dope-on-living-near-a-hydro-tower/562273 "2010-11-30T19:44:10Z")
We looked at a house for sale this afternoon and are seriously considering it but there is a giant hydro tower on the corner of the property about 400 feet from the house. The power lines don’t run directly over the hou… --- ## [The time has come to speak the TRUTH about Middle-earth!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-time-has-come-to-speak-the-truth-about-middle-earth/533776)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2010, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-time-has-come-to-speak-the-truth-about-middle-earth/533776 "2010-03-30T14:17:17Z")
By which I mean this is the thread for Dopers to express views about Tolkien’s mythology which are frankly heretical. A brief note. The purpose of this thread is not to say "Tolkien was a talentless hack and Lord of the… --- ## [When did something being high cost or inconvenient translate into entitlement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-something-being-high-cost-or-inconvenient-translate-into-entitlement/1001802)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 237\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2024, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-something-being-high-cost-or-inconvenient-translate-into-entitlement/1001802 "2024-08-26T01:15:58Z")
So recently I’ve seen a newspaper article about how the toll roads in North Texas show little mercy to people of color/poor people, and the article basically implies that because these toll roads are somewhat expensive, … --- ## [What camera do I want?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-camera-do-i-want/667931)
**Author:** [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2021, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-camera-do-i-want/667931 "2021-08-13T06:31:24Z")
I envision doing some photography. I don’t know anything about photography. I don’t know what kind of camera I want to buy. You're going to say that's not enough informations to give proper advice. That's why I'm askin… --- ## [What is WRONG With People??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-wrong-with-people/600425)
**Author:** [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2011, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-wrong-with-people/600425 "2011-10-28T17:29:02Z")
I work for a large cell phone company, in-bound call center (please do not mention any names because they regularly google the company name and I could be in big trouble!) and the last couple weeks have just been sheer m… --- ## [Can anything be done about obviously disinformational news outlets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anything-be-done-about-obviously-disinformational-news-outlets/926048)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2021, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anything-be-done-about-obviously-disinformational-news-outlets/926048 "2021-06-02T03:53:21Z")
After seeing the role that obviously wrong, inaccurate, and frankly fraudulent news sources like Newsmax, Fox News, OANN, Daily Caller, etc… have played in a lot of recent events, is there anything that can be done? The… --- ## [Do you wear a wrist watch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-wear-a-wrist-watch/835582)
**Author:** [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-wear-a-wrist-watch/835582 "2019-06-30T04:05:48Z")
I found an old analog Timex watch in a drawer that I stopped wearing a few years ago when the battery died. Even then, wearing a wrist watch had become an anachronism, but I liked this watch. It was reliable (I rarely … --- ## [Would your child be allowed to date someone of a different race/ethnicity/creed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-your-child-be-allowed-to-date-someone-of-a-different-race-ethnicity-creed/277324)
**Author:** [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2004, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-your-child-be-allowed-to-date-someone-of-a-different-race-ethnicity-creed/277324 "2004-12-08T15:32:52Z")
Listening to an NPR report this morning about a school in Freemont, California, it was mentioned by several children that they are not permitted to date outside their “race” (where race might equal Indian, Korean, Chines… --- ## [When did Penthouse go XXX?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-penthouse-go-xxx/63630)
**Author:** [@Tomcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tomcat)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2002, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-penthouse-go-xxx/63630 "2002-08-23T08:26:12Z")
So I’m at Atlanta airport waiting to fly back across the puddle to home. Lufthansa just informed me that I might be asked to take the next day’s flight, but they would give me a $800 certificate, hotel, food, and a phone… --- ## [The world is perfect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-perfect/816554)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2019, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-perfect/816554 "2019-10-31T16:55:18Z")
Something that just bothered me is all: Yeah, it’s tough not to judge the lower stages. You really gotta grow into deep Yellow and Turquoise in order to be able to look upon Blue and the other stages without animosity. … --- ## [Forgotten luncheon meats and types of salami](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forgotten-luncheon-meats-and-types-of-salami/779506)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forgotten-luncheon-meats-and-types-of-salami/779506 "2017-02-16T15:42:42Z")
Does anyone even remember when it was called “luncheon meats”? This came up while talking with my son’s girlfriend. I mentioned how it is weird that I like Spam but never liked spiced ham. She was totally confused until … --- ## [I'm inventing a COMPLETE brand-new alphabet - how many letters do I need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-inventing-a-complete-brand-new-alphabet-how-many-letters-do-i-need/568860)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-inventing-a-complete-brand-new-alphabet-how-many-letters-do-i-need/568860 "2011-01-27T21:54:17Z")
Inspired by this thread: Things that the English language desperately needs in particular this link to a Mark Twain quote, mentioned inside the above thread I want to (take your pick) a) invent a new language, or b… --- ## [In modern day America, we all live on the streets and eat coffee made from snow!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-modern-day-america-we-all-live-on-the-streets-and-eat-coffee-made-from-snow/652828)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2013, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-modern-day-america-we-all-live-on-the-streets-and-eat-coffee-made-from-snow/652828 "2013-03-22T14:50:42Z")
I just wanted to share this accurate and heart rending video by the brave people of North Korea showing the plight of the American people, who are so poor they live in tents, have eaten all the birds (according to the vi… --- ## [MLB 2025-26 Offseason](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-2025-26-offseason/1024574)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 408\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2026, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-2025-26-offseason/1024574 "2026-03-26T01:06:09Z")
With the World Series in the books, time for a new hot-stove season thread. The White Sox are said to be picking up the 2026 option on centerfielder Luis Robert Jr., at $20 million. He had been an All-Star in 2023, whe… --- ## [Human Feces as Fertilizer -- why don't they get sick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-feces-as-fertilizer-why-dont-they-get-sick/581170)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2011, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-feces-as-fertilizer-why-dont-they-get-sick/581170 "2011-05-09T20:54:05Z")
Any Korean veteran or visitor to many Asian countries will tell you about the rice fields fertilized with human waste. The stench is unforgettable. I guess if it works whos to say it’s wrong? :smiley: You often hear … --- ## [Your Opinion of the BEST and WORST POTUS in the Modern Era?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-opinion-of-the-best-and-worst-potus-in-the-modern-era/641197)
**Author:** [@chargerrich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chargerrich)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2012, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-opinion-of-the-best-and-worst-potus-in-the-modern-era/641197 "2012-11-27T17:12:06Z")
Chose modern area because I think we can all agree Washington was the best. If you disagree, GET OUTTA MY COUNTRY! :stuck\_out\_tongue: So who was the best starting with 1901 to current; who was the worst in your opinion. … --- ## [If I stand with my feet on two scales, what will their readings be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-stand-with-my-feet-on-two-scales-what-will-their-readings-be/73537)
**Author:** [@DoperChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoperChic)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2013, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-stand-with-my-feet-on-two-scales-what-will-their-readings-be/73537 "2013-09-21T08:09:30Z")
My high school physics teacher did this experiment for our class, but I forget what the results were and it’s been driving my crazy. Here’s the scenario: A person stands with each foot on separate, identical scales. Th… --- ## [Is "curvy" a euphemism for fat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355)
**Author:** [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2011, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-curvy-a-euphemism-for-fat/306355 "2011-10-28T18:49:56Z")
I was chatting with a few gals a few minutes ago and we were talking about how we’d describe ourselves on an online dating site (one of them is single, the remaining three–including yours truly–are married). I immediate… --- ## [Why is The Simpsons still on the air?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-simpsons-still-on-the-air/688631)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2014, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-simpsons-still-on-the-air/688631 "2014-05-19T19:31:35Z")
I’m not being sarcastic. I’m asking seriously why Fox keeps renewing this particular series year after year. It’s been on the air for twenty-five years now - no other series has ever gone past twenty years. Is it just a… --- ## [The President … shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-president-shall-take-care-that-the-laws-be-faithfully-executed/743910)
**Author:** [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2016, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-president-shall-take-care-that-the-laws-be-faithfully-executed/743910 "2016-06-23T15:37:41Z")
From the US Constitution, Article II, Section 3: In US v. Texas, SCOTUS has recently granted cert and what I think is not a common course of action, has added a question for review that was not originally presented by … --- ## ["Off the reservation" racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/off-the-reservation-racist/658484)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/off-the-reservation-racist/658484 "2013-11-24T22:54:31Z")
Former IRS commissioner said some of his employees went “off the reservation”. Isn’t this some kind of anti Native American slur? --- ## [Why is counting cards against the rules? How do they know you're doing it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-counting-cards-against-the-rules-how-do-they-know-youre-doing-it/290862)
**Author:** [@davenportavenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davenportavenger)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2005, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-counting-cards-against-the-rules-how-do-they-know-youre-doing-it/290862 "2005-02-21T23:52:10Z")
(This was a toss-up between GD and GQ; mods, move if you see fit.) A post by Ellis Dee in the Pepsi tilting thread reminded me of something I’ve always wondered about–why is it that counting cards is against the rules i… --- ## [I screwed up: In a light switch, where do I put the black wire, and where the red?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-screwed-up-in-a-light-switch-where-do-i-put-the-black-wire-and-where-the-red/748689)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2016, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-screwed-up-in-a-light-switch-where-do-i-put-the-black-wire-and-where-the-red/748689 "2016-03-14T22:27:52Z")
This has a factual answer, so I think GQ is the correct place. A single-pole light switch needs to be replaced in my house. It has 3 wires: 2 for power, and 1 for ground. I marked the ground wire so I wouldn’t mistake… --- ## [If I hit a car while playing softball am I liable for the damage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-hit-a-car-while-playing-softball-am-i-liable-for-the-damage/490826)
**Author:** [@dgrdfd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dgrdfd)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2009, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-hit-a-car-while-playing-softball-am-i-liable-for-the-damage/490826 "2009-03-26T22:00:09Z")
Suppose I am playing softball at the softball field. If I hit a foul ball or a homerun, am I legally responsible for the damage? What about if I am at a university playing frisbee golf or ultimate frisbee and my frisbee … --- ## [Back to the Future Part II's 1985A](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-the-future-part-iis-1985a/525187)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2010, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-the-future-part-iis-1985a/525187 "2010-01-21T20:11:38Z")
In Back to the Future Part II, Marty and Doc return from 2015 to 1985, only to discover it’s an alternative timeline created when Biff used the Sports Almanac to make a lot of money, wrest power, and take over Hill Valle… --- ## [Job hunt/application/interview bullshit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-hunt-application-interview-bullshit/589303)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2011, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-hunt-application-interview-bullshit/589303 "2011-07-24T19:03:06Z")
Last summer, I went for an interview at a medical lab for a transcriptionist position. When I got there, they made me fill out the paper application all over again even though I had already submitted one online. Then … --- ## [A Monday without an MMP is like . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-monday-without-an-mmp-is-like/507483)
**Author:** [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Replies:** 216\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2009, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-monday-without-an-mmp-is-like/507483 "2009-08-31T01:41:53Z")
. . . a spring roll without the rice paper. --- ## [30 days for Rape](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-days-for-rape/667392)
**Author:** [@Zyanthia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyanthia)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2013, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30-days-for-rape/667392 "2013-09-07T06:20:56Z")
Seriously? :confused: Former Mont. teacher gets 30 days for student rape Fine, he really got 15 years, but all but 31 days were suspended and he got credit for 1 day served. You’re telling me a young teenager was in … --- ## [He Crossed The Streams: RIP, Harold Ramis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-crossed-the-streams-rip-harold-ramis/682118)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2014, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-crossed-the-streams-rip-harold-ramis/682118 "2014-02-27T01:05:09Z")
Harold Ramis Dead At 69 --- ## [What is so lesbian about Home Depot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-so-lesbian-about-home-depot/159611)
**Author:** [@bryanmaguire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bryanmaguire)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2003, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-so-lesbian-about-home-depot/159611 "2003-03-07T17:37:52Z")
I was watching Will and Grace earlier when Jack said something I just dont get. He ask somebody to say something to prove they are a lesbian. They replied “Home Depot”. This was sufficient to prove to Jack that said p… --- ## [Company Forcing Employees To Donate Their Hard Earned Money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/company-forcing-employees-to-donate-their-hard-earned-money/203338)
**Author:** [@Isabelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isabelle)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2003, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/company-forcing-employees-to-donate-their-hard-earned-money/203338 "2003-10-06T13:54:41Z")
I am so ticked off! About a month ago the central office sent me an email asking me to send out an email to our Office staff (which consists of 15 people) to see if they want to donate money to United Way. If they dona… --- ## [I'll give it a shot in here...2nd amendments rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-give-it-a-shot-in-here-2nd-amendments-rights/846401)
**Author:** [@WildBlueYonder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildBlueYonder)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2020, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-give-it-a-shot-in-here-2nd-amendments-rights/846401 "2020-01-22T02:11:42Z")
If this is where it belongs Why would anyone (any majority) want to give up their weapons? I dont have a gun but I sure dont think they have a right to shoot down the amendment in spite of for what the reason it was or… --- ## [Theological questions about the Pope resigning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theological-questions-about-the-pope-resigning/649993)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2013, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theological-questions-about-the-pope-resigning/649993 "2013-02-18T21:23:15Z")
I looked through some of the other pope threads and thought this was different enough to warrant its own topic. If a mod disagrees, please feel free to merge it. So our current Pope is pooped and will be resigning at t… --- ## [Tell us how TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD affected you.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-how-to-kill-a-mockingbird-affected-you/595276)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2011, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-how-to-kill-a-mockingbird-affected-you/595276 "2011-09-10T04:25:31Z")
I was going to title this thread "Persuade me that TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is (not) the greatest novel ever written, but as soon as I typed it out I realized how silly that was. After all, everyone already knows it’s the … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=814&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=816&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)