# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=892&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:** 893 --- ## [A Compromise on Abortion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-compromise-on-abortion/173677)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 288\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2003, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-compromise-on-abortion/173677 "2003-05-22T00:33:35Z")
For \*\* Pro-Life Advocates\*\*, could you ever concede that abortion should be allowed/legalized/condoned up until a specified age of the embryo/fetus? What age would you agree on? Likewise for \*\* Pro-Choice Advocates\*\*, … --- ## [How can I tell if my Video Graphics Card is fried?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-tell-if-my-video-graphics-card-is-fried/511197)
**Author:** [@ToeJam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ToeJam)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2009, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-tell-if-my-video-graphics-card-is-fried/511197 "2009-10-05T05:12:14Z")
(I’m posting this from a different computer- just to nip the “How are you posting if your screen is blank?” questions). Basically- I was listening to music on my computer late last night, when I heard a loud pop/snap so… --- ## [In England, how long did Saxon nationalism survive after the Norman Conquest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-england-how-long-did-saxon-nationalism-survive-after-the-norman-conquest/622062)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2012, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-england-how-long-did-saxon-nationalism-survive-after-the-norman-conquest/622062 "2012-05-27T05:53:57Z")
I know there were rebellions during William’s reign, unsuprisingly . . . But, in Ivanhoe, Sir Walter Scott has Saxons plotting to put a Saxon prince on the throne as late as the reign of Richard the Lionhearted, which se… --- ## [Need Medical Opinions: Tracheotomy vs. Ventilator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-medical-opinions-tracheotomy-vs-ventilator/349961)
**Author:** [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2014, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-medical-opinions-tracheotomy-vs-ventilator/349961 "2014-05-26T18:53:23Z")
So…the end of the line is near for my sister-in-law. Her breast cancer moved to the bones and now to her lungs. She’s been on a ventilator for the last 5 days and heavily sedated. The doctors said they will leave her on … --- ## [What can you not find on the internet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-you-not-find-on-the-internet/635121)
**Author:** [@Mewl\_Dear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mewl_Dear)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2012, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-you-not-find-on-the-internet/635121 "2012-09-27T21:18:26Z")
It seems to me everything is out here. Anything you can not find enough info about? --- ## [Which series do you like better: Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock Presents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-series-do-you-like-better-twilight-zone-or-alfred-hitchcock-presents/654078)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2013, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-series-do-you-like-better-twilight-zone-or-alfred-hitchcock-presents/654078 "2013-03-29T20:39:27Z")
I’ve been watching episodes of both The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. They’re both similar in many aspects, they use different actors in self contained stories for each episode. Both series rely on unusua… --- ## [Why does milk make you throw up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-milk-make-you-throw-up/229604)
**Author:** [@petey536](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/petey536)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2004, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-milk-make-you-throw-up/229604 "2004-02-17T15:04:54Z")
ok i know somebody can answer this for me, the other day i was watching some guy try to drink a gallon of milk and not even 1/4 of the way through, he started to puke, i know there has to be somthing that is making him d… --- ## [Anyone here who was not taught month-length-by-knuckles as a child?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-who-was-not-taught-month-length-by-knuckles-as-a-child/491138)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2009, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-who-was-not-taught-month-length-by-knuckles-as-a-child/491138 "2009-04-04T20:37:34Z")
Out of idle interest: Does anyone here (who grew up in a country using the Gregorian calendar) not recollect having been taught the two-clenched-fists method of determining which months are 31 days long and which ones ar… --- ## [Women, Sexual Assault, and the Fear of Men](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-sexual-assault-and-the-fear-of-men/768611)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2016, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-sexual-assault-and-the-fear-of-men/768611 "2016-10-20T18:32:17Z")
Continued from a conversation here. \[QUOTE=Crazyhorse\] The fact is that 1 out of 5 or so of all women will be sexually assaulted and that is staggering. More than half of them will be under the age of 30 and more than … --- ## [Does the Koran really promise Islamic martyrs 72 virgins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-koran-really-promise-islamic-martyrs-72-virgins/417598)
**Author:** [@John\_Vasar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Vasar)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2011, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-koran-really-promise-islamic-martyrs-72-virgins/417598 "2011-03-20T22:42:53Z")
Yes J.Haas there are 72 virgins, but you will be surprised what they are doing. Remember the promise that everyone will be judged. “The Book of Life will be opened and everyone will be judged out of the Book of Life.” B… --- ## [Not so much RO as bewilderment - child killing story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-so-much-ro-as-bewilderment-child-killing-story/453129)
**Author:** [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Replies:** 159\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-so-much-ro-as-bewilderment-child-killing-story/453129 "2008-06-20T03:22:58Z")
This isn’t an RO style thread for the Pit, just a bewildered “what in the name of pluperfect hell happened here?” Hence, it’s in MPSIMS. If it gets heated, it can go to the Pit. Story A man pulled over by the side of… --- ## [Political Compass #42: The death penalty should be an option for serious crimes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-42-the-death-penalty-should-be-an-option-for-serious-crimes/276086)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2004, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-42-the-death-penalty-should-be-an-option-for-serious-crimes/276086 "2004-12-16T15:48:41Z")
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… --- ## [Okay, first time listener. Tell me what's good RE: Led Zeppelin albums.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-first-time-listener-tell-me-whats-good-re-led-zeppelin-albums/784095)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2017, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-first-time-listener-tell-me-whats-good-re-led-zeppelin-albums/784095 "2017-08-28T20:25:58Z")
Welcome to the first in what I hope will be a regular series in which I finally expand my musical knowhow and knowledge and experience. Some background for those who care (for those who don’t, just answer the unspoiled … --- ## [Father/Daughter Purity Ball - Jesus Goes on Hiatus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/father-daughter-purity-ball-jesus-goes-on-hiatus/353220)
**Author:** [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/father-daughter-purity-ball-jesus-goes-on-hiatus/353220 "2006-04-21T19:02:41Z")
Sometimes, I look around at the so called “Christians” of the world, people who have twisted contexts and theories and even phrases of the Bible to serve their bizarre and horrid purposes ::cough:: Fred Phelps ::cough::,… --- ## [Any 'realistic' sci-fi novels depicting what might happen if human-like AI were created?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-realistic-sci-fi-novels-depicting-what-might-happen-if-human-like-ai-were-created/564702)
**Author:** [@iamnotbatman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamnotbatman)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2011, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-realistic-sci-fi-novels-depicting-what-might-happen-if-human-like-ai-were-created/564702 "2011-05-19T04:53:09Z")
Title says it. This is a plot I have always been attracted to, but have never encountered. If you think Asimov’s robot series then I haven’t been clear enough. For example, a story along the lines of (off the top of my h… --- ## [What happens if you lie your way into school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-you-lie-your-way-into-school/605419)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2011, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-you-lie-your-way-into-school/605419 "2011-12-19T21:35:42Z")
Everyone who has gone to college or grad school knows that you can get in trouble for cheating on a test or plagiarizing a paper (especially grad school). What happens if you lie, forge, or cheat your way INTO school, a… --- ## [What's the one thing you wish somebody had told you about parenting an infant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-one-thing-you-wish-somebody-had-told-you-about-parenting-an-infant/686262)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2014, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-one-thing-you-wish-somebody-had-told-you-about-parenting-an-infant/686262 "2014-04-19T04:33:10Z")
So we’re at 21 weeks now and Tater’s evidently practicing really hard for his eventual soccer superstardom - it’s becoming a little less abstract now that in August we’ll drive to the hospital as two people and come home… --- ## [Jon Corzine is being framed by the media and Congress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jon-corzine-is-being-framed-by-the-media-and-congress/605556)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2011, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jon-corzine-is-being-framed-by-the-media-and-congress/605556 "2011-12-16T23:22:07Z")
Corzine joined MF Global in March 2010. MF had a history of futures trading violations - its main business. And they were awful record keepers. “In 2007, MF and one of its executives paid a combined $77 million to set… --- ## [This should be an easy physics problem...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-should-be-an-easy-physics-problem/513819)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2009, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-should-be-an-easy-physics-problem/513819 "2009-10-17T06:51:53Z")
As many of you probably know, I’m a physicist. But I’ve recently come up with a problem that seems like it should be easy, but has several professors and grad students stumped. Let’s say I’m holding an eraser stationar… --- ## [Your Tolerance for Spicy Foods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-tolerance-for-spicy-foods/514483)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2009, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-tolerance-for-spicy-foods/514483 "2009-10-26T12:12:07Z")
Inspired by this thread: How well do you tolerate spicy food? When I was a wee lad, Mammahomie would make casseroles for the entire family. If she were to put even a shake or two of table pepper into the whole pot (not… --- ## ["Nelson Mandela ceremony interpreter branded 'fake'"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nelson-mandela-ceremony-interpreter-branded-fake/676068)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2014, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nelson-mandela-ceremony-interpreter-branded-fake/676068 "2014-01-24T03:29:03Z")
Holy shit. Did some dude just jump up on stage with the world leaders and start pretending to sign? Where does he buy pants to accommodate his gigantic balls? --- ## [Probability Puzzle - I disagree with their solution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-puzzle-i-disagree-with-their-solution/656998)
**Author:** [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2014, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-puzzle-i-disagree-with-their-solution/656998 "2014-01-10T19:57:03Z")
Here is the puzzle: Mr. Black, Mr. Gray, and Mr. White are fighting in a duel. They each get a gun and take turns shooting at each other until only one person is left. Mr. Black, who hits his shot 1/3 of the time, gets … --- ## [If you (individual or country) are still masking, why will you ever stop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-individual-or-country-are-still-masking-why-will-you-ever-stop/979554)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-individual-or-country-are-still-masking-why-will-you-ever-stop/979554 "2023-04-26T02:04:48Z")
I’m a Japanese/English interpreter, and I had a gig earlier in the week. Two people from Japan were wearing masks the whole time. It was annoying: I couldn’t see their mouths move, and they were harder to hear. Why were … --- ## [Did this guy quit, or did I fire him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-this-guy-quit-or-did-i-fire-him/714780)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2015, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-this-guy-quit-or-did-i-fire-him/714780 "2015-03-16T21:02:20Z")
Background: One of my Drones, from Sector 7G, has been having chronic tardiness issues, and frequent absences from the office. He called out on Monday, notifying me by text message 45 minutes after his scheduled start ti… --- ## [How do modern pirates get on board?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-modern-pirates-get-on-board/466001)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2008, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-modern-pirates-get-on-board/466001 "2008-10-09T03:58:56Z")
Serious question - how do pirates, like the ones recently in the news off Somalia, physically get on board the ships they hijack? I keep seeing photos like this one which shows little speedboats bumping around the side … --- ## [Could We Build Massive Pyramids Today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-massive-pyramids-today/709789)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2015, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-build-massive-pyramids-today/709789 "2015-01-15T15:04:26Z")
I was just wondering, actually for some time now in fact. Given our current state of technology, science, math, architecture–heck, just the modern machines we use to build things (cranes, trucks, etc.)–could we build the… --- ## [Classics that everyone says are good but you can't stand at all...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classics-that-everyone-says-are-good-but-you-cant-stand-at-all/148923)
**Author:** [@ruralrage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ruralrage)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2003, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classics-that-everyone-says-are-good-but-you-cant-stand-at-all/148923 "2003-12-02T19:57:00Z")
I happen to not like certain classical books, or ones seemingly so. Most around me think that the books are either ok or they are great. Some instances are The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and The Giver (Not a classic,… --- ## [You're in a desert, walking along in the sand, when all of a sudden you look down...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-in-a-desert-walking-along-in-the-sand-when-all-of-a-sudden-you-look-down/584246)
**Author:** [@samjones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samjones)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2011, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-in-a-desert-walking-along-in-the-sand-when-all-of-a-sudden-you-look-down/584246 "2011-06-09T12:49:12Z")
…and see a tortoise It’s crawling toward you. You reach down and you flip the tortoise over on its back. The tortoise lays on its back, its belly baking in the hot sun, beating its legs trying to turn itself over, but … --- ## [Like having a small, spic/fag/kike etc child.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/like-having-a-small-spic-fag-kike-etc-child/404653)
**Author:** [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2007, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/like-having-a-small-spic-fag-kike-etc-child/404653 "2007-05-22T16:45:11Z")
So here I am reading and come across this gem Lovely, I would’ve expected better, more refined, less offensive terminology. Noticed that the quote not only didn’t attract any negative attention it attracted this Yeah… --- ## [Feline Rhinotracheitis advice please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feline-rhinotracheitis-advice-please/680909)
**Author:** [@half-elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/half-elf)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feline-rhinotracheitis-advice-please/680909 "2014-02-21T02:49:59Z")
Please bear with me if I don’t make much sense at some points but it’s been a long and stressful day. I need to vent and I need your advice. So, I was at work today and when I popped out to get something to drink at the… --- ## [I love the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-love-the-sdmb/570883)
**Author:** [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2011, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-love-the-sdmb/570883 "2011-02-19T01:40:51Z")
The title says it all. Just thought you’d like to know. --- ## [The horse is still evolving?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-horse-is-still-evolving/699415)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2014, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-horse-is-still-evolving/699415 "2014-09-26T15:04:28Z")
So, turns out my mother-in-law is a creationist. I hadn’t cottoned on to it before, as we don’t have a lot in common (she’s also a tea-partier, so she’s fitting the stereotype pretty well), but yesterday my in-laws and I… --- ## [Why does exercise hurt if it's good for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-exercise-hurt-if-its-good-for-you/571548)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2011, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-exercise-hurt-if-its-good-for-you/571548 "2011-02-17T02:15:01Z")
I understand that pain can act as a early signal to prevent more severe injury. Why, then, does exercise hurt if it’s good for you? --- ## [Fire chief caught refusing to help victims because they're black](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-chief-caught-refusing-to-help-victims-because-theyre-black/705177)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2014, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-chief-caught-refusing-to-help-victims-because-theyre-black/705177 "2014-11-23T04:37:23Z")
Story here. Thankfully the racist idiot (but I repeat myself) has been exposed. --- ## [How far can you hit a golfball - with a bat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-you-hit-a-golfball-with-a-bat/298848)
**Author:** [@Scruloose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scruloose)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2005, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-you-hit-a-golfball-with-a-bat/298848 "2005-04-12T21:53:08Z")
The chit-chat in the office today turned to baseball and golf, as it usually does. Somehow we got to talking about hitting a golf ball with a baseball bat. The golfer that I’m talking to says that no one, no how could ev… --- ## [Fake country names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fake-country-names/815476)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2018, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fake-country-names/815476 "2018-06-22T16:07:19Z")
I was just watching an episode of Deception where they had yet another made up country name for a Slavic country. We also get fake country names for African countries(Wakanda), Arab countries, and Latin American countrie… --- ## [30th Birthday - is it wrong to expect a big deal present?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30th-birthday-is-it-wrong-to-expect-a-big-deal-present/415017)
**Author:** [@Queuing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queuing)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2007, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/30th-birthday-is-it-wrong-to-expect-a-big-deal-present/415017 "2007-08-11T13:51:42Z")
Hello, So I am turning 30 soon. In my head I sort of expect a big deal present. When my GF of 3 years soon to be co-habitating asked me what I wanted I dropped not very subtle hints about what I want (Philadelphia Eag… --- ## [Does any other country need American military protection any more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-other-country-need-american-military-protection-any-more/508032)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2009, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-other-country-need-american-military-protection-any-more/508032 "2009-09-12T07:18:52Z")
During the Cold War the value of American military protection to South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Western Europe, seemed obvious. There’s a widespread assumption that America, even today, is benefitting other nations by prot… --- ## [What branded product has remained unchanged for the longest time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-branded-product-has-remained-unchanged-for-the-longest-time/957373)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-branded-product-has-remained-unchanged-for-the-longest-time/957373 "2022-02-18T20:34:08Z")
The other day I was using a Bic stickpin, and was impressed at how unchanged it was from when I first encountered it as a “new thing” in the 60s as a schoolkid. Perhaps the specific plastic used might be slightly differ… --- ## [‘Babylon 5′ creator explains the sad story behind Michael O’Hare’s departure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babylon-5-creator-explains-the-sad-story-behind-michael-o-hare-s-departure/659688)
**Author:** [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2013, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babylon-5-creator-explains-the-sad-story-behind-michael-o-hare-s-departure/659688 "2013-06-01T08:12:59Z")
http://doorq.com/2013/05/27/babylon-5-creator-explains-the-sad-story-behind-michael-ohares-departure/ He suffered from mental illness. :frowning: Also I had no idea that Richard Biggs was deaf. --- ## [songs with philosophical themes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-with-philosophical-themes/595264)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2011, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-with-philosophical-themes/595264 "2011-09-09T18:55:20Z")
I am looking for songs that express a particular philosophy. Two that I can think of are Imagine (John Lennon) and Closer to Fine (Indigo Girls). This is for teenagers so contemporary music would be best but I’ll take … --- ## [Where do bitcoins come from to start?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-bitcoins-come-from-to-start/934057)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2021, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-bitcoins-come-from-to-start/934057 "2021-07-06T05:23:19Z")
I know you can mine bitcoins by solving a problem. But when you solve the problem who or what group is giving you the bitcoin? It has to come from someone or some group. --- ## [The Best Summary I've Ever Seen of Christian Movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-summary-ive-ever-seen-of-christian-movies/718905)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2015, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-summary-ive-ever-seen-of-christian-movies/718905 "2015-05-12T02:47:00Z")
David (Home Improvement) McFadzean, a rare Hollywood producer who’s an active Christian says that all the recent “Christian” films he’s seen have something in common: “They’re just like porno movies. The acting is terrib… --- ## [Wife and Traffic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wife-and-traffic/628155)
**Author:** [@AWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AWB)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2012, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wife-and-traffic/628155 "2012-08-03T23:39:38Z")
Dear wife, You called me to find out if the roads around where you’re stuck in traffic went through. As soon as I found where you were, you had passed the turn off. I told you the traffic map said is was green. But y… --- ## [The Blind Side (Movie)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-blind-side-movie/519126)
**Author:** [@LiveOnAPlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LiveOnAPlane)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2023, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-blind-side-movie/519126 "2023-08-16T21:34:28Z")
I have done several searches and to my surprise, I just can’t find a thread on this excellent movie. So I guess I’ll start one. Don’t think I’ve put in any spoilers, but be careful, because I didn’t hide anything below… --- ## [Dirty Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dirty-shakespeare/212168)
**Author:** [@Freiheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freiheit)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2003, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dirty-shakespeare/212168 "2003-11-10T07:02:07Z")
I’ve read a couple shakespeare plays in school, and found them mildly interesting. But something I found really interesting were a couple dirty puns I saw. At first, I figured that stuff must just sound dirty. But th… --- ## [How did Roger Ebert become the premier film reviewer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-roger-ebert-become-the-premier-film-reviewer/609312)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2012, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-roger-ebert-become-the-premier-film-reviewer/609312 "2012-03-04T04:46:11Z")
I believe that Roger Ebert is essentially the premier film reviewer, the most reliable to the most movie goers than any other living and working reviewer. And has been for some time. How did it get to be this way? His p… --- ## [Homer McDonald, B.S., M.Ed.- anyone familiar with this guy, or his book?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homer-mcdonald-b-s-m-ed-anyone-familiar-with-this-guy-or-his-book/172549)
**Author:** [@The\_Stranger\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stranger_1)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2012, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homer-mcdonald-b-s-m-ed-anyone-familiar-with-this-guy-or-his-book/172549 "2012-06-18T20:14:12Z")
I’ve done some searching for any mention of this guy on SDMB and didn’t find one, so apologies first if I am opening a new thread on old news. At any rate, as I watch the death throes of my marriage, helpful friends kee… --- ## [What is the evolutionary purpose of fruits, nuts and berries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-purpose-of-fruits-nuts-and-berries/680961)
**Author:** [@mr.jp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr.jp)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2014, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-purpose-of-fruits-nuts-and-berries/680961 "2014-02-12T15:25:54Z")
So I understand that fruits are a mechanism for spreading the seeds, and that berries and nuts are sub-types of fruits. But how exactly does it work? How does a banana and a walnut accomplish this? (I know that evolutio… --- ## [Amazon Echo...new Siri like device with a speaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2015, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-new-siri-like-device-with-a-speaker/703986 "2015-01-16T16:37:42Z")
http://www.amazon.com/oc/echo/ref\_=ods\_dp\_ae Amazon rolls out another tech device. Will this one take off? Echo - Always ready, connected and fast. Just ask. Information, music, news, weather, and more—instantly Co… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=891&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=893&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)