# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=863&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:** 864 --- ## [Are there any common bird names that begin with the letter "X"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-common-bird-names-that-begin-with-the-letter-x/372493)
**Author:** [@cruel\_butterfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cruel_butterfly)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2006, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-common-bird-names-that-begin-with-the-letter-x/372493 "2006-09-14T17:19:12Z")
Some friends gave my two-year-old son an alphabet set made out of that quarter-inch-thick dense foam. Each piece is about the size of a CD, cut in the shape of an animal, and features the corresponding letter of the alph… --- ## [Physics - No Such Thing as a 'Pull'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-no-such-thing-as-a-pull/549659)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2010, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-no-such-thing-as-a-pull/549659 "2010-08-10T22:09:51Z")
When I was in grade school they brought in a retired scientist each week to deliver lectures, do demonstrations, and otherwise interest us in science. One of the things I still remember was his claim that with regards to… --- ## [Fuck Rosh Hashanah](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-rosh-hashanah/465777)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2008, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-rosh-hashanah/465777 "2008-10-02T00:46:59Z")
So now, right in the middle of economic armageddon, instead of busting ass to stop the bleeding, we all have to stop and twiddle our dicks for two days to humor some stone age harvest superstition. Now, I’m not one of th… --- ## [Why don't teeth grow back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-teeth-grow-back/78063)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2001, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-teeth-grow-back/78063 "2001-08-25T22:37:56Z")
If I break an arm or a leg, my body will eventually heal it together. If I cut my finger, my body heals it. So why don’t teeth heal? If I chip a tooth, my body doesn’t do anything. If I get a tooth knocked out, it’s gon… --- ## [Rigged Roulette Wheels - do they/can they exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rigged-roulette-wheels-do-they-can-they-exist/308488)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2013, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rigged-roulette-wheels-do-they-can-they-exist/308488 "2013-04-16T10:20:53Z")
The rigged roulette wheel that the house can cause to stop on a particular number (or color) is a movie cliche. Is it actually possible? Do they exist? I can’t imagine how it would work. If the mechanism was some sor… --- ## [I Don't Have A Topic For This MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-have-a-topic-for-this-mmp/788766)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2017, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-have-a-topic-for-this-mmp/788766 "2017-06-19T02:57:14Z")
Plus, who knows if this will be THE MMP. Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 73 Amurrkin out and cloudy with a predicted high of 83 and maybe rain this mornin’ and afternoon. Or not. TWPTB have no idea. I… --- ## [Do you log out of Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-log-out-of-facebook/625198)
**Author:** [@Flying\_Saucer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flying_Saucer)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2012, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-log-out-of-facebook/625198 "2012-06-16T02:56:47Z")
A simple discussion about Facebook between my wife and me turned into a debate, and I’d like to get Dopers’ opinions on this. My wife never logs out of Facebook. She sees no reason for doing so; even if you log out, Fac… --- ## [my idiotic jackass cousins latest political theory (or obamas plan to have an isis take over.......](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-idiotic-jackass-cousins-latest-political-theory-or-obamas-plan-to-have-an-isis-take-over/760149)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2016, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-idiotic-jackass-cousins-latest-political-theory-or-obamas-plan-to-have-an-isis-take-over/760149 "2016-07-19T07:59:37Z")
Ok my cousin came over to pick up my nephews who spent the night with his grandma and others He comes in with a look on his face and says “well were gonna be lucky to even to get an election by the end of this year” I… --- ## [Can North Korea enter the 21st century successfully](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-north-korea-enter-the-21st-century-successfully/520221)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2013, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-north-korea-enter-the-21st-century-successfully/520221 "2013-02-02T22:22:40Z")
Assume that a successor of Kim Jong Il is picked and he turns out to be a reformer like another Deng Xiaoping or another Khrushchev. And this leader wants to implement democratic, human rights, civil rights, market and i… --- ## [I pit idiots with aftermarket HID headlight kits…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-idiots-with-aftermarket-hid-headlight-kits/643661)
**Author:** [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2016, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-idiots-with-aftermarket-hid-headlight-kits/643661 "2016-02-24T21:48:35Z")
… in their REFLECTORED headlights We’ve all SEEN them (not like we have a choice, actually), vehicles with that blindingly irritating, eye melting blue white light searing our eyeballs, it matters not if the idiot is be… --- ## [What kind of alcoholic are you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-alcoholic-are-you/693476)
**Author:** [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2014, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-alcoholic-are-you/693476 "2014-07-23T11:59:06Z")
Inspired by the discussion of what constitutes an alcoholic in this thread. Some discussion there about how much you can drink and not be an alcoholic, or whether drinking a ton and being otherwise functional even makes… --- ## [Remote and/or exotic towns/settlements/areas in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-and-or-exotic-towns-settlements-areas-in-the-us/668530)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2013, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-and-or-exotic-towns-settlements-areas-in-the-us/668530 "2013-09-12T17:46:34Z")
Sort of a half-bucket list half-serious travel question. I’m looking to travel to the most remote and/or exotic locales in the US (including Territories). Got any ideas? What areas should be on my list? For the purpo… --- ## [What is it with American spades?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-american-spades/722700)
**Author:** [@Petrobey\_Mavromihalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Petrobey_Mavromihalis)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2015, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-american-spades/722700 "2015-06-18T03:42:51Z")
This is a spade (the kind of thing you’d dig a grave with) as I know it (in the UK): UK spade Note the handy handle at the top, allowing your full weight to go down on the tool. These are spades as I see it in all US … --- ## [Your childhood TV crushes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-childhood-tv-crushes/921649)
**Author:** [@Didi44](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Didi44)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2020, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-childhood-tv-crushes/921649 "2020-12-25T05:44:15Z")
Let’s say before age twelve to keep it wholesome. BTW, I’m a guy. Age 5 - Miss Robin from our local version of Romper Room Age 6 - Anne Francis from Honey West Age 6-8 - June Lockhart, Martha Kristen, Angela Cartright… --- ## [Why isn't John Adams on money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-john-adams-on-money/544896)
**Author:** [@Flying\_Saucer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flying_Saucer)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2010, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-john-adams-on-money/544896 "2010-06-30T17:52:25Z")
I just finished watching the John Adams mini-series on DVD. Adams was portrayed as a stubborn, argumentative guy, but he was clearly instrumental in the Revolution: He urged the Continental Congress to vote for indepen… --- ## [What is the GWB legacy among Republicans/conservatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-gwb-legacy-among-republicans-conservatives/534980)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2010, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-gwb-legacy-among-republicans-conservatives/534980 "2010-04-15T18:14:23Z")
'Cuz we all know what Democrats/liberals think it is. On one hand, most of them approve of the way he handled the Global War on Terror and Iraq. That’s a huge plus for Bush. On the other hand, I know for a fact that a… --- ## [Blacks have good nonracist reasons to prefer pols of their own race; whites don't](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-have-good-nonracist-reasons-to-prefer-pols-of-their-own-race-whites-dont/450171)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-have-good-nonracist-reasons-to-prefer-pols-of-their-own-race-whites-dont/450171 "2008-05-28T22:31:49Z")
This campaign season, on this Board, some Dopers seem to be taking it as a given that African-Americans voting for Obama because he is black and whites voting for Clinton or McCain because they are not are equally instan… --- ## [How bad a scandal for you to \*not\* vote for Trump's 2020 Democratic opponent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-a-scandal-for-you-to-not-vote-for-trumps-2020-democratic-opponent/829704)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2019, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-a-scandal-for-you-to-not-vote-for-trumps-2020-democratic-opponent/829704 "2019-02-20T21:30:33Z")
I’d put this thread in Elections except that that forum is now too cluttered with all the “March Madness” threads: Fast forward to October 2020: Trump is running for reelection as the Republican nominee and the Democrat… --- ## [Question about the end of the movie "Avatar" (spoilers obviously)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-end-of-the-movie-avatar-spoilers-obviously/523346)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2010, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-end-of-the-movie-avatar-spoilers-obviously/523346 "2010-01-05T15:58:46Z")
I saw “Avatar” last night and I got my money’s worth. Maybe not high art, but great entertainment. Question re the ending. Maybe I’ve forgetting some aspect or maybe it’s a setup for sequel, but after they let the defea… --- ## [Demjanjuk gets 94 minutes per Jew?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demjanjuk-gets-94-minutes-per-jew/581812)
**Author:** [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2011, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demjanjuk-gets-94-minutes-per-jew/581812 "2011-05-21T22:36:11Z")
Not really enough recreational outrage to entertain you, but I wanted to pit the sentencing of frail, elderly John Demjanjuk, who has been pursued for decades by various government busybodies all because of allegations h… --- ## [The Anxiety is Killing Me!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-anxiety-is-killing-me/612368)
**Author:** [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2012, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-anxiety-is-killing-me/612368 "2012-02-13T05:35:36Z")
I know, another wah wah thread. I apologize. I promise I already feel like shit about myself for how I am. I am an anxious person. A shrink once said I had “Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a touch of Shitty Parent Syn… --- ## [New bin Laden videotape: Again, he avoids the important question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-bin-laden-videotape-again-he-avoids-the-important-question/200815)
**Author:** [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2003, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-bin-laden-videotape-again-he-avoids-the-important-question/200815 "2003-10-01T09:40:14Z")
On this eve of the second anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, a new videotape supposedly from Osama bin laden has been aired. In an audio tape accompanying the video, a voice said to be that of bin Laden (not verified … --- ## [We are not going to Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-not-going-to-mars/509438)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2009, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-not-going-to-mars/509438 "2009-09-15T20:12:17Z")
So the big commission has released its report. At the presumed US$100 billion a year, we cannot go to Mars, we cannot even return to the moon. Damn. Making the space program operate under a tight limit is a Good Thing. … --- ## [Rock/Pop Songs About Wednesday or Thursday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-pop-songs-about-wednesday-or-thursday/643697)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-pop-songs-about-wednesday-or-thursday/643697 "2012-12-13T15:20:27Z")
Friday through Monday get plenty of attention from songwriters, so much that I don’t need to bother with examples. And the Moody Blues came through for Tuesday with “Tuesday Afternoon” off the Days of Future Passed albu… --- ## [Interstate 35W bridge collapses in Minneapolis - Everyone ok?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interstate-35w-bridge-collapses-in-minneapolis-everyone-ok/414058)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2007, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interstate-35w-bridge-collapses-in-minneapolis-everyone-ok/414058 "2007-08-05T03:55:37Z")
At 6pm today, the interstate I35W over the Mississippi river collapsed, both north and south direction, about a 1/4 mile of bridge. Are all the other Minnesota Dopers ok? --- ## [Why does child molestation happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-child-molestation-happen/539091)
**Author:** [@Electric\_Warrior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Electric_Warrior)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2010, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-child-molestation-happen/539091 "2010-05-17T16:13:55Z")
I was reading a discussion on another website about sexual assault, and I was floored by the prevalence of stories where people - especially women - had been molested as children, almost always by a stepfather or their m… --- ## [Superbowl Ads 2013](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superbowl-ads-2013/649268)
**Author:** [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2013, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superbowl-ads-2013/649268 "2013-02-06T04:31:50Z")
In the pregame show we got a preview of the Lone Ranger movie for this summer. Johnny Depp as Tonto with a bird on his head and a cheap “standing on top of a moving train and noticing what’s coming up behind the other g… --- ## [Names for common things we see every day that people may not know the name to.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-common-things-we-see-every-day-that-people-may-not-know-the-name-to/322648)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-common-things-we-see-every-day-that-people-may-not-know-the-name-to/322648 "2014-11-01T14:01:34Z")
The dot above the lowercase i and j? They’re called tittles. The pound sign (#) is an Octothorpe. The little plastic bands on the ends of shoelaces are aglets. The left over ash in a pipe that also helps you relight i… --- ## [Health benefits of cold showers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-benefits-of-cold-showers/618363)
**Author:** [@Rubixcube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubixcube)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2012, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-benefits-of-cold-showers/618363 "2012-04-18T22:39:08Z")
I’ve recently started to take cold showers, I find them to be extremely refreshing and pleasant. In my random searching on the interwebs I’ve come across a variety of the so called “health benefits” of taking cold shower… --- ## [Why Didn't North American Indians Develop Alcoholic Beverages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-north-american-indians-develop-alcoholic-beverages/414553)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2007, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-north-american-indians-develop-alcoholic-beverages/414553 "2007-08-09T00:09:19Z")
Before you start, yes, I know that the Aztecs had pulque, and there were reportedly mild alcoholic brews in some places in the Southeast, and in South America (and elsewhere), they had (as a recent thread said) “Spit win… --- ## [Can something exist without purpose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-something-exist-without-purpose/511923)
**Author:** [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2009, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-something-exist-without-purpose/511923 "2009-10-03T09:52:56Z")
Somewhere a billion light years away, there is a dead airless planet that no intelligent creature will ever see. On a plain on that planet, there is a boulder. It exists; it has no purpose and never will. --- ## [Glee: 2.14 "Blame It on the Alcohol" (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-2-14-blame-it-on-the-alcohol-open-spoilers/572294)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-2-14-blame-it-on-the-alcohol-open-spoilers/572294 "2011-02-28T23:31:58Z")
Hmm, the makings of a Very Special Episode on underage drinking as performed by a cast of teenages played by actors who are all of legal age. \[ul\] \[li\]Don’t You Want Me? (The Human League)\[/li\]\[li\]One Bourbon, One Sco… --- ## [Gotcha cams at stoplights, etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gotcha-cams-at-stoplights-etc/627621)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2012, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gotcha-cams-at-stoplights-etc/627621 "2012-07-14T16:24:54Z")
Various jurisdictions have been trying out unmanned cameras that are supposed to take photos of offending cars, then the license plate is divined by a human from those photos and a citation issued, sent to the DMV-record… --- ## [Renters: Do you expect your full security deposit back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-do-you-expect-your-full-security-deposit-back/533873)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-do-you-expect-your-full-security-deposit-back/533873 "2010-03-27T20:54:12Z")
My tenants just moved out. They were very pleasant, no problems at all, but they did have a small dog and a cat. There are no obvious signs of damage but I want to take $100 from the security deposit to have all of the… --- ## [I'm going to shove that cell phone up your ass.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-shove-that-cell-phone-up-your-ass/309199)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2005, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-shove-that-cell-phone-up-your-ass/309199 "2005-06-28T06:59:12Z")
Look. It’s just a fucking phone. I don’t know if it appeals to your inner child who’s never gotten over the novelty of a walkie talkie. I don’t know if the mere magic of a wireless communication device is clouding you… --- ## [How did Noah care for 8.7 million species?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-noah-care-for-8-7-million-species/593830)
**Author:** [@REDEYZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/REDEYZZ)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2011, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-noah-care-for-8-7-million-species/593830 "2011-08-30T12:00:43Z")
Would someone care to explain how Noah was able to take care of approximately 8.7 million creatures? How did he feed them all? How did he clean up the waste? How did he gather them all? How did he get them to all … --- ## [Why do online payments take so long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-online-payments-take-so-long/396863)
**Author:** [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-online-payments-take-so-long/396863 "2012-08-29T00:12:15Z")
I pay most of my bills online. Even after you have established your profile and they have your account number to draw the money from, it still seems to take 2 to 3 days for them to take the money from your account. Why… --- ## [Could starving Africans derive substantial nutrition from the flies that are crawling all over them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-starving-africans-derive-substantial-nutrition-from-the-flies-that-are-crawling-all-over-them/623258)
**Author:** [@CheeseDonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheeseDonkey)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2012, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-starving-africans-derive-substantial-nutrition-from-the-flies-that-are-crawling-all-over-them/623258 "2012-07-31T03:33:22Z")
Question is in the title. Why don’t they just eat the flies? --- ## [Explain a Simpsons joke.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-a-simpsons-joke/434782)
**Author:** [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2008, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-a-simpsons-joke/434782 "2008-01-26T05:42:46Z")
Bart and Lisa win the race to the front of the plane and get upgraded to first class. Lisa: Bart, they’re going to pamper us! Bart: Gasps in horror Lisa: rolls her eyes Not literally! I don’t get the joke :frowning: --- ## [Harlan Ellison, The City on the Edge of Forever script](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harlan-ellison-the-city-on-the-edge-of-forever-script/749036)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2016, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harlan-ellison-the-city-on-the-edge-of-forever-script/749036 "2016-04-03T00:48:24Z")
I am reading the book of the various versions of the script again. I did not previously notice that Trooper has a sign on his cart, “I Fought at Verdun”. The battle of Verdun was February-December 1916. The United Stat… --- ## [What does it really mean when people say that they are married to their "best friend"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-really-mean-when-people-say-that-they-are-married-to-their-best-friend/759342)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2016, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-really-mean-when-people-say-that-they-are-married-to-their-best-friend/759342 "2016-07-13T14:37:12Z")
I keep hearing that bullshit over and over from different people and I have no idea what it is supposed to mean. I used to take it at face value and consider it a sweet expression until I realized that almost everyone th… --- ## [Botticelli - August 2012](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-august-2012/630136)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2012, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-august-2012/630136 "2012-09-02T21:39:05Z")
Previous thread: Botticelli - July 2012 - Thread Games - Straight Dope Message Board Our next letter is G. Go for it! --- ## [BMW Motorcycles: Yea or Nay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bmw-motorcycles-yea-or-nay/452918)
**Author:** [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2008, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bmw-motorcycles-yea-or-nay/452918 "2008-06-16T23:36:43Z")
So, what’s the straight dope on BMW motorcycles sold in North America? How are they for reliability? Service? Comfort? Performance? Value? I was thinking about buying one and they seem to have an excellent reputation, b… --- ## [I Pit Tea Party Nation for Sabotaging America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-tea-party-nation-for-sabotaging-america/601364)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2011, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-tea-party-nation-for-sabotaging-america/601364 "2011-11-09T23:33:25Z")
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/10/20/348168/tea-party-group-businesses-hurt-obama/ Yep. New low, guys. “Let’s make everything worse so that a president we disagree with (mostly because we’re too stupid to under… --- ## [Poster's names which go great together!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-names-which-go-great-together/476490)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2009, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-names-which-go-great-together/476490 "2009-02-20T17:09:22Z")
For example, there’s me and Faithfool. Even better is Dinsdale and Spiny Norman (which I noticed the other day when I got the former confused with the latter). What is your fun handle combo? --- ## [The new and improved mostly politically correct word association game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-and-improved-mostly-politically-correct-word-association-game/461142)
**Author:** [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Replies:** 309\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2008, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-and-improved-mostly-politically-correct-word-association-game/461142 "2008-10-07T20:29:45Z")
\[\[Well, maybe not improved. You know the drill.\]\] Once upon a time --- ## [Mississippi: Let Jesus take the wheel.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-let-jesus-take-the-wheel/713017)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mississippi-let-jesus-take-the-wheel/713017 "2015-03-30T21:44:08Z")
Link In brief - a bill has been introduced in Mississippi (and has a good chance of passing into law) that would allow church buses (and only church buses) of any size to be driven by someone without a proper license. B… --- ## [An Arty MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-arty-mmp/495988)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 242\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2009, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-arty-mmp/495988 "2009-05-18T05:30:57Z")
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day! This is how I spent my Mother’s Day Eve: The Art Car Parade is a 22 year old tradition here in Houston. We’ve been once before, a couple of years ago. We got down near th… --- ## [What happens to dead brain tissue after a stroke?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-dead-brain-tissue-after-a-stroke/628097)
**Author:** [@Drygon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drygon)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-dead-brain-tissue-after-a-stroke/628097 "2012-07-14T23:31:53Z")
Quick back story: Back in February I had a dissection in my vertebral artery which lead to a cerebellar stroke. The doctors didn’t realize it was a stroke until 2 or 3 days later, so I didn’t really have much interventio… --- ## [Weak guys.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weak-guys/659087)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2013, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weak-guys/659087 "2013-05-27T23:49:41Z")
The board goes down for “Scheduled” maintenance during peak hours? Either the board went down yet again and nobody wants to admit it, or… It’s beyond ridiculous to take the board down during peak hours. WTF? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=862&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=864&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)