# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=839&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:** 840 --- ## [Nuclear blackmail with pathetic demands: Give in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-blackmail-with-pathetic-demands-give-in/634014)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2012, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-blackmail-with-pathetic-demands-give-in/634014 "2012-10-08T00:08:00Z")
Suppose North Korea is credibly in a position to nuke Washington. Suppose further that through diplomatic channels it states that it will use this capability (and also against London, Moscow, Paris, Geneva, Bejing, Johan… --- ## [British Dopers: re Torches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-re-torches/558096)
**Author:** [@AWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AWB)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2010, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-re-torches/558096 "2010-10-29T14:42:23Z")
From US: This question comes from my 10-year-old daughter. She was marveling that even in our common language, certain words have two meanings exclusive to each country, or that a single object has two names also exclu… --- ## ["Anybody ever tell you that you look just like...?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-tell-you-that-you-look-just-like/373860)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2006, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-tell-you-that-you-look-just-like/373860 "2006-10-09T23:53:16Z")
A couple of weeks ago, I walked into a bar in Toronto. The doorman said, “Hey, you look just like George Carlin!” A couple of days ago, I walked into a bar in Edmonton, Alberta. The doorman said, “Hey, it’s George Car… --- ## [Astronaut saftey in freefall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronaut-saftey-in-freefall/548349)
**Author:** [@Qwakkeddup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwakkeddup)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2010, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronaut-saftey-in-freefall/548349 "2010-07-31T21:06:07Z")
I have a couple of questions inspired by this thread http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=572437 If an astronaut fell off the space station, shuttle, and were untethered for some reason. Do they have an… --- ## [Displaying the Post Counts and Locations of "Guests"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/displaying-the-post-counts-and-locations-of-guests/500049)
**Author:** [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2009, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/displaying-the-post-counts-and-locations-of-guests/500049 "2009-07-03T08:26:53Z")
I’ve sung this song before, but it’s been a couple of months and I feel a gentle reminder is in order. Hiding the Post Count and Location of users registered as “Guests” serves to reduce the functionality of the board f… --- ## [2020 POTUS Debate 2 (22 October) follow-along and discussion thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-2-22-october-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/923634)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 427\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-potus-debate-2-22-october-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/923634 "2020-10-31T06:50:52Z")
With just under 3 hours before the 9pm EST/6pm PST start of this debate, here is a thread for people to watch and comment as it unfolds and discuss afterwards. Here is the link to C-SPAN’s streaming coverage via YouTube… --- ## [Words or phrases that you hear a lot more in movies than the real world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-or-phrases-that-you-hear-a-lot-more-in-movies-than-the-real-world/594720)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2011, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-or-phrases-that-you-hear-a-lot-more-in-movies-than-the-real-world/594720 "2011-09-05T19:01:53Z")
Inspired by the “Silence!” thread. In that one I mentioned the large number of movies featuring upper class people who tell a room full of servants to “Leave us!”. Diogenes mentioned that “Let’s get out of here” (or so… --- ## [Which famous people have you met?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-famous-people-have-you-met/759166)
**Author:** [@Hbk4894](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hbk4894)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2016, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-famous-people-have-you-met/759166 "2016-07-21T08:30:09Z")
2 of the stars of hollyoaks --- ## [You catch your neighbor dumping clippings in your woods, what do you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-catch-your-neighbor-dumping-clippings-in-your-woods-what-do-you-do/495120)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2009, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-catch-your-neighbor-dumping-clippings-in-your-woods-what-do-you-do/495120 "2009-05-04T23:24:12Z")
I’m not asking what I should do - I’m just curious what others would do. I came home today to find my neighbor dumping grass clippings in my front woods - without permission. The part of me that is territorial got anno… --- ## [Alien prequel: Ridley Scott and Giger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-prequel-ridley-scott-and-giger/564756)
**Author:** [@sleestak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleestak)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-prequel-ridley-scott-and-giger/564756 "2017-11-01T18:29:27Z")
Link. This could be very good. It is about time for another good, dark S.F\* movie. Slee \*Well, this is more horror in space, but there are space ships… --- ## [Amazon Super Saver Shipping Increase.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-super-saver-shipping-increase/671978)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2013, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-super-saver-shipping-increase/671978 "2013-10-29T05:49:35Z")
No more Free Shipping for $25. Orders must be $35 or more. Well…I’m looking elsewhere for deals on books. Suggestions? --- ## [Official language laws and the First Amendment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/official-language-laws-and-the-first-amendment/641268)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2012, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/official-language-laws-and-the-first-amendment/641268 "2012-11-23T07:09:52Z")
From what I’ve read, most legal arguments in opposition to laws making English an official language have been based on equal protection or due process issues. Has anyone ever argued the freedom of speech issue? It would… --- ## [Battle of the User Names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battle-of-the-user-names/137988)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 203\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2002, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battle-of-the-user-names/137988 "2002-12-14T00:09:57Z")
His4Ever versus lost4life --- ## [Giada (From food network) and her cleavage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giada-from-food-network-and-her-cleavage/650216)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2013, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giada-from-food-network-and-her-cleavage/650216 "2013-02-14T16:26:02Z")
I’m not an avid fan of her show but the few times I do watch, she’s always wearing something that teases her viewers with a little bit of cleavage. It leaves me wondering: Is she doing this on purpose? Is she trying to … --- ## [Lost In Space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-in-space/667357)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2013, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-in-space/667357 "2013-08-30T21:58:19Z")
Seven years ago I bought the complete series of Lost In Space. I’ve never had the time to watch it. I did see several episodes when I bought it. Since I know I’d watched ‘No Place to Hide’ and ‘The Reluctant Stowaway’… --- ## [On Electric Blankets and timers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-electric-blankets-and-timers/231583)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2012, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-electric-blankets-and-timers/231583 "2012-10-09T18:05:47Z")
As Ogden Nash said, “Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long.” The advance of technology has ended a habit I have enjoyed for at least 25 years and I am hoping I don’t really have to give it… --- ## [You want to know what's really wrong with America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-want-to-know-whats-really-wrong-with-america/444308)
**Author:** [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2008, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-want-to-know-whats-really-wrong-with-america/444308 "2008-04-19T01:23:02Z")
It aint a lack of mass transportation I’ll tell you what. What is wrong with us? Talk about malaise. OK, a few weeks ago, it was discovered that the Governor of New York, Mr. Spitzer, was paying $5 grand to meet with… --- ## [Emily Dickinson/Yellow Rose of Texas/Somebody slap me, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emily-dickinson-yellow-rose-of-texas-somebody-slap-me-please/399622)
**Author:** [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2016, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emily-dickinson-yellow-rose-of-texas-somebody-slap-me-please/399622 "2016-11-01T11:21:29Z")
We’ve all heard that almost all of Dickinson’s poems can be sung to the tune of “Yellow Rose of Texas.” It’s almost 6 in the morning and it’s been a loooooong night with nothing going on so I wander over to www.online-l… --- ## [Funny names for a bowling team.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-names-for-a-bowling-team/419072)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2007, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-names-for-a-bowling-team/419072 "2007-09-13T22:58:54Z")
I’m staring in a league tonight, and we’ll have to have a name for our little 3 person team. Every year we try to come up with something good, but this year I figured I’d ask here and see what comes up. Any suggestion … --- ## [Who took "Shop" in middle/high school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-took-shop-in-middle-high-school/608532)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2012, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-took-shop-in-middle-high-school/608532 "2012-01-10T03:20:12Z")
In the latest Feud thread, the question was asked “Other than math(s), what was the hardest class you took in high school?” To me the answer was easy: Shop class, which I took for one quarter in 1980. (Of course, I’m th… --- ## [Would modern tactics have ended World War I quicker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-modern-tactics-have-ended-world-war-i-quicker/708348)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2015, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-modern-tactics-have-ended-world-war-i-quicker/708348 "2015-01-06T21:50:09Z")
…and modern strategy and understanding of logistics, but the title was getting a bit long. If we sent a experienced modern generals back exactly 100 years ago to replace Sir John French and Joseph Joffrey as Commander-i… --- ## [Jimmy Savile series Netflix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-savile-series-netflix/962596)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2022, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-savile-series-netflix/962596 "2022-04-30T20:01:04Z")
Am I the only one who is absolutely baffled that he was even a thing? He was like the most obnoxious attention whore at a party that everyone else moves away from, aghast. Even separating his heinous crimes, just as a pe… --- ## [What is the terminal velocity of a sperm whale?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-terminal-velocity-of-a-sperm-whale/462891)
**Author:** [@Randy\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randy_Seltzer)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2021, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-terminal-velocity-of-a-sperm-whale/462891 "2021-06-05T12:31:19Z")
In my understanding, terminal velocity is primarily a function of the mass:cross-section area ratio. So since bigger things generally have a bigger ratio, I imagine that something as massive and aerodynamic as a sperm wh… --- ## [Child Porn V Rape](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-porn-v-rape/413618)
**Author:** [@Small\_British\_Shop\_Owner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_British_Shop_Owner)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2007, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-porn-v-rape/413618 "2007-08-02T19:24:38Z")
I believe that an awful lot of so called “paedophiles” (and I use that term to mean real paedophiles, not men who appreciate the form of a typical fourteen year old’s body - indeed anyone that doesn’t is not a real man) … --- ## [The Census, Hispanics and Race.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-census-hispanics-and-race/531614)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2010, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-census-hispanics-and-race/531614 "2010-03-11T04:05:44Z")
Census envelope is here. It asks me what race I am. It says that Hispanic is no longer a race. I could pass for White in some areas but I feel stupid saying I am white. I am not. I am certainly not African American, al… --- ## [OK, so why the hell did Cajun Man close the Xmas exchange thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-why-the-hell-did-cajun-man-close-the-xmas-exchange-thread/333937)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2005, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-why-the-hell-did-cajun-man-close-the-xmas-exchange-thread/333937 "2005-12-06T02:28:59Z")
I’m not really Pitting anyone here, but I do want a reason. We now have to ask permission everytime we want to do something like this? Why on Earth? This isn’t new, and it doesn’t say anywhere in the rules (as far as I k… --- ## [Do people cultivate a disinterest in things like sports?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-cultivate-a-disinterest-in-things-like-sports/711728)
**Author:** [@Tuxie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuxie)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2015, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-cultivate-a-disinterest-in-things-like-sports/711728 "2015-02-06T08:03:52Z")
This article brings up some interesting concepts about a cultivated disinterest in sports. A few thoughts on this issue: -I agree that learning a bit of something like this is useful for conversation. Knowing something … --- ## [Is the London Olympic Logo Racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-london-olympic-logo-racist/572994)
**Author:** [@3\_20\_59\_or\_bust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3_20_59_or_bust)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2011, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-london-olympic-logo-racist/572994 "2011-03-10T07:40:47Z")
Iran says “yes.” Seems ridiculous to me, although… What is the dot for in front of the second “2”? There’s no dot in front of the first “2”. Is it part of the “1”? Or is it…gulp…a dot on the i? By the way, in Great… --- ## [What feature do you wish your house / apartment had?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-feature-do-you-wish-your-house-apartment-had/627521)
**Author:** [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-feature-do-you-wish-your-house-apartment-had/627521 "2012-07-16T01:46:05Z")
My big regret right now is that we don’t have a finished basement. We have an unfinished basement. Finishing the basement would require moving the heating element in the house, redoing the floors and then making it water… --- ## [Anti Pro choose your weapons (or gunfight in the SDMB corral)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-pro-choose-your-weapons-or-gunfight-in-the-sdmb-corral/21562)
**Author:** [@SmoothOperator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmoothOperator)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2000, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-pro-choose-your-weapons-or-gunfight-in-the-sdmb-corral/21562 "2000-07-15T22:31:29Z")
Anti Pro and I have been trying to have a serious (not really) squirt gun/water blaster fight for awhile now. Perhaps others of you would like to participate? Come on in…the water’s fine. Judy leave that water hose alon… --- ## [Would most women really scream when finding a dead body?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-most-women-really-scream-when-finding-a-dead-body/658815)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2014, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-most-women-really-scream-when-finding-a-dead-body/658815 "2014-07-18T15:52:22Z")
I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen this is movies, women screaming or stifling a scream with their fist when coming across an unexpected corpse. (Men, of course, never scream in those circumstances). Does this r… --- ## [Random Star Wars Quotes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-star-wars-quotes/698124)
**Author:** [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2014, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-star-wars-quotes/698124 "2014-09-14T13:58:07Z")
Random Star Wars Quotes Anything in the movies, DVDs, TV Christmas special, etc… No books or comix. :dubious: I’ve got a bad feeling about this. --- ## [Why didn't the Ancient Greeks ride Bicycles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-the-ancient-greeks-ride-bicycles/670270)
**Author:** [@Dax-ion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dax-ion)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2013, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-the-ancient-greeks-ride-bicycles/670270 "2013-10-05T14:34:33Z")
This tortures me… I don’t see any conceptual, scientific, or engineering issues that prevented the Ancient Greeks (or Ancient Chinese or later the Arab scientists) from building cameras, phonographs, or bicycles. Has any… --- ## [Paper vs. coin: American politics are overly commercialized](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-vs-coin-american-politics-are-overly-commercialized/616582)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2012, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-vs-coin-american-politics-are-overly-commercialized/616582 "2012-09-15T05:16:29Z")
I clicked on a news story about a campaign to replace the U.S. paper dollar with dollar coins. It seems like an interesting question: What do American people prefer? What would be more convenient for vending machines? B… --- ## [Supermarket Names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supermarket-names/725930)
**Author:** [@MmeRose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MmeRose)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2015, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supermarket-names/725930 "2015-07-30T01:32:01Z")
I just read in another thread that there is a supermarket called “Food Lion”. For some reason, I find that very amusing. If we had one here, I would shop there always. I used to shop at one caled “Foodland”. I visite… --- ## [Words that don't exist but should.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-dont-exist-but-should/229056)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2005, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-dont-exist-but-should/229056 "2005-06-17T03:16:44Z")
Obstecologist a melding of Obstecologist (sp?) and Gynocologist. Ob-Gyn isn’t as fluid enough. Phonesia - forgetting whom you are calling after the phone starts ringing. Phoneheimer’s\* - forgetting that you are leavi… --- ## [How do you remember your ATM PIN?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-remember-your-atm-pin/579510)
**Author:** [@Tarwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarwater)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2011, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-remember-your-atm-pin/579510 "2011-05-01T07:10:00Z")
I’m curious. Among the people I know, it’s split pretty evenly between those who remember it by its number and those who remember it by the pattern it makes on the keypad. --- ## [Time Person of the Year 2019](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-person-of-the-year-2019/844748)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-person-of-the-year-2019/844748 "2020-01-02T15:06:39Z")
The person selected was Greta Thunberg. I think that’s a decent choice. She certainly had an impact. Do you think Time made the right choice? Who would you rather have been selected if not? I think another strong possi… --- ## [The Key To Breaking Bad's Überness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-key-to-breaking-bads-uberness/670499)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2013, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-key-to-breaking-bads-uberness/670499 "2013-10-12T04:45:53Z")
I figured it out, why Breaking Bad IS The Greatest Television Show in The History of The Universe, what that “thing” is, that extra something that allowed this particular group of outstanding writers, actors, directors, … --- ## [TV record offers you can't forget (even if you try)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-record-offers-you-cant-forget-even-if-you-try/473252)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-record-offers-you-cant-forget-even-if-you-try/473252 "2008-11-20T05:25:09Z")
The phrase “hand clapping Mahalia” popped into my head this morning. For whatever reason, I remembered the ad for this double album Mahalia Jackson collection that appeared every commercial break on BET in the mid 90’s.… --- ## [A "Thigh Gap" for girls & women as an aspirational body shape -](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thigh-gap-for-girls-women-as-an-aspirational-body-shape/684771)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2014, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thigh-gap-for-girls-women-as-an-aspirational-body-shape/684771 "2014-04-01T09:19:27Z")
Apparently there was a recent mania I missed completely. First I’ve heard of it, feel like I’ve been living in a cave. Apparently this is big deal and a hugely desirable thing to have. I am curious as a “thigh gap” doe… --- ## [Would illegal immigration be as big of a problem if the incentives were eliminated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-illegal-immigration-be-as-big-of-a-problem-if-the-incentives-were-eliminated/724775)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2015, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-illegal-immigration-be-as-big-of-a-problem-if-the-incentives-were-eliminated/724775 "2015-07-17T15:19:42Z")
Rather than wasting time securing borders and building walls would it make more sense to eliminate the things that illegal immigrants are seeking in the US? It seems the basic things they hope to find here are jobs, hou… --- ## [How do I get my daughter to adopt the work ethic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-daughter-to-adopt-the-work-ethic/552906)
**Author:** [@Walker\_in\_Eternity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walker_in_Eternity)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2010, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-daughter-to-adopt-the-work-ethic/552906 "2010-09-18T15:45:43Z")
My step daughter is approaching 18 and has finished a short course at college in June. Since then she has showed no signs of going on another course or of getting a job. We have stopped giving her money and this hasn’t… --- ## [Is Conception The Most Moral Act Possible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-conception-the-most-moral-act-possible/583701)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2011, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-conception-the-most-moral-act-possible/583701 "2011-06-05T02:39:48Z")
Here is the logic: if murder as in the unprovoked taking of human life is one of the eviliest things a person can do would not conceiving a human life, being its exact opposite, be one of the most moral acts possible? Wo… --- ## [Early dating stages and you're at their place. Do you look in the medicine cabinet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-dating-stages-and-youre-at-their-place-do-you-look-in-the-medicine-cabinet/577572)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-dating-stages-and-youre-at-their-place-do-you-look-in-the-medicine-cabinet/577572 "2011-04-12T20:05:26Z")
I don’t want to bias this too much so I’ll pretty much let the question stand as it is. You’re in a new relationship and find yourself at the person’s house/apartment for the first time. You use the restroom. Do you look… --- ## [Physical strength, sex drive, and the mentally handicapped.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physical-strength-sex-drive-and-the-mentally-handicapped/627336)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physical-strength-sex-drive-and-the-mentally-handicapped/627336 "2012-07-07T21:20:52Z")
I’ve heard two things about the mentally handicapped that I found odd. A. That they have a higher sex drive. B. They are stronger. This one special ed teacher even used the term “tard strength”. Is any of this true? I… --- ## [Another "Things most people know about history... that are wrong" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-things-most-people-know-about-history-that-are-wrong-thread/448993)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2008, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-things-most-people-know-about-history-that-are-wrong-thread/448993 "2008-05-26T03:19:45Z")
Having seen and overheard here and in person and on other web sites a lot of misconceptions about history, I’ve been jonesing to start another one of these threads. There have been similar threads on the Dope before (yo… --- ## [Cats - how do they keep their claws so sharp?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-how-do-they-keep-their-claws-so-sharp/440260)
**Author:** [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2008, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-how-do-they-keep-their-claws-so-sharp/440260 "2008-03-09T04:49:43Z")
Whenever I clip our cat’s claws, a few days later they are sharp again. How does that happen? Is he sharpening his claws with the scratching post? Or do those claws somehow grow at the tip, rather than the base?? --- ## [What does it take to view images on photobucket?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-take-to-view-images-on-photobucket/662916)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2013, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-take-to-view-images-on-photobucket/662916 "2013-07-10T04:53:23Z")
What does it fucking take to make it work? Nary a day goes by, that these boards aren’t full of links to photos on photobucket, and I am never able to view them. The images just don’t show up when I click the link. (I… --- ## [Crock Pot as a space heater, am I nuts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crock-pot-as-a-space-heater-am-i-nuts/626325)
**Author:** [@Critical1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Critical1)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2012, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crock-pot-as-a-space-heater-am-i-nuts/626325 "2012-06-27T12:17:16Z")
so I have a crock pot with a broken crock (or is it pot?) the shell with the heating element is fine as is the lid which fits nicely into the shell. So I filled it with river rocks (after washing them) and turned it up. … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=838&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=840&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)