# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=894&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:** 895 --- ## [Who's stopping the electric/solar car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-stopping-the-electric-solar-car/409820)
**Author:** [@Ambski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambski)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2007, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-stopping-the-electric-solar-car/409820 "2007-07-18T18:28:22Z")
Hi all, Daft question huh? Not really. Scratch beneath the surface of the oil underworld and there’s all sorts of murky goings on. There’s a slick food chain here and ultimately (like all chains) there a link at the en… --- ## [Richard Scarry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/richard-scarry/575805)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2011, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/richard-scarry/575805 "2011-03-28T14:58:41Z")
What is your opinion of Richard Scarry, the picture book author and artist? --- ## [Women showing cleavage at work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-showing-cleavage-at-work/766155)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2016, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-showing-cleavage-at-work/766155 "2016-09-20T17:03:38Z")
I know that some women have been showing cleavage for a long time. (And some people have been criticizing them for it for a long time.) But in my experience, it’s been getting more common in the last five years or so, … --- ## [Ask the two-time Olympian](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-two-time-olympian/642537)
**Author:** [@nothanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nothanks)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-two-time-olympian/642537 "2012-12-11T16:37:11Z")
I have competed in two Olympic Games. The first was Beijing 2008 and most recently at the London 2012 Games. I have trained full time for the past 4 years, and have had some success, but have not reached the heights i o… --- ## [Do you like it when someone reads to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-it-when-someone-reads-to-you/563051)
**Author:** [@JustAwakening](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustAwakening)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-it-when-someone-reads-to-you/563051 "2011-02-01T12:32:17Z")
The woman I’ve just started dating is studying to be a librarian and loves reading aloud. I didn’t know how I’d feel about this, but I have to say I’m enjoying it! She loves Harry Potter and has started with the first bo… --- ## [If a celebrity doesn't want to be part of of "Make a Wish" are they defacto assholes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-celebrity-doesnt-want-to-be-part-of-of-make-a-wish-are-they-defacto-assholes/492356)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2009, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-celebrity-doesnt-want-to-be-part-of-of-make-a-wish-are-they-defacto-assholes/492356 "2009-04-10T18:00:20Z")
In this threadBen Roethlisberger the noted football Quarterback for the Steelers is cited as a huge asshole because (it is asserted) he does not want to participate or be part of in “make a wish” programs for sick kids. … --- ## [How are orphans named in Iceland or Russia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-orphans-named-in-iceland-or-russia/495764)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-orphans-named-in-iceland-or-russia/495764 "2009-05-10T00:51:45Z")
For some reason this question popped into my brain last night while I was in bed trying to get to sleep. And like any rational person my next thought was “Well, I guess I’ll post it on SDMB tomorrow.” Iceland and Russia… --- ## [Why is Misogyny gaining ground on the board?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-misogyny-gaining-ground-on-the-board/691216)
**Author:** [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2014, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-misogyny-gaining-ground-on-the-board/691216 "2014-06-24T17:47:29Z")
There are at least two threads in IMHO specifically designed to splash hate on just one gender and not only is no one objecting to it, they seem to be very popular. Yes in one I’m ashamed to say that I dissed Joan River… --- ## [Disgusting euphemisms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disgusting-euphemisms/232682)
**Author:** [@Carnick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnick)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2004, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disgusting-euphemisms/232682 "2004-03-22T04:10:34Z")
If anyone calls me “differently-abled” again, I’m going to smash their face. Whatever happened to good ol’ “handicapped”? That was a fine word, but it got deemed offensive by overly sensitive schmucks. What did it get re… --- ## [Is there any proof that salt is related to hypertension?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-proof-that-salt-is-related-to-hypertension/558190)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2013, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-proof-that-salt-is-related-to-hypertension/558190 "2013-05-17T20:16:37Z")
I know it’s taken for granted and is ingrained in the public mind as well as 99.9% of all doctors. But what is the proof of this relationship? --- ## [Another CT...what is the real death toll in China? (yeah, another freaking video)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-ct-what-is-the-real-death-toll-in-china-yeah-another-freaking-video/850835)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2020, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-ct-what-is-the-real-death-toll-in-china-yeah-another-freaking-video/850835 "2020-04-30T04:15:02Z")
Ok, so I’m going all CT this week. Though, perhaps we will use the term cover up instead. This one has to do with…what is the real death toll in China, as opposed to the official one. Officially, China’s death toll is… --- ## [Is there really a "Pink Tax"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-a-pink-tax/921230)
**Author:** [@urbanredneck2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urbanredneck2)\ **Replies:** 324\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2020, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-a-pink-tax/921230 "2020-09-28T20:14:52Z")
The so called “Pink Tax” is that women pay a higher amount for the same consumer products and services that men do. For example, a womens deodorant will cost more than a mens or womens hair shampoo costs more. Also every… --- ## [I'm turning 35 in a little over an hour, and I don't like it one bit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-turning-35-in-a-little-over-an-hour-and-i-dont-like-it-one-bit/694295)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-turning-35-in-a-little-over-an-hour-and-i-dont-like-it-one-bit/694295 "2014-08-05T15:37:32Z")
I reaaaaally don’t want to do this. Even on my 34th birthday, I still felt like I could call myself “young.” Very soon I’ll be closer to 40 than 30, and as silly and superficial as it sounds, I don’t want to be that old … --- ## [Why is First Class in the front?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-first-class-in-the-front/770790)
**Author:** [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2025, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-first-class-in-the-front/770790 "2025-07-18T23:49:26Z")
I know there is likely not a good reason for this. . . but, why, on planes, is First Class in the front? First Class patrons have to watch “2nd Class” patrons file by. . . and it’s generally safer to be at the rear in ai… --- ## [Shrub's landing on the aircraft carrier, WTF was the Secret Service thinking????](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shrubs-landing-on-the-aircraft-carrier-wtf-was-the-secret-service-thinking/172567)
**Author:** [@Payton\_s\_Servant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Payton_s_Servant)\ **Replies:** 198\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2003, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shrubs-landing-on-the-aircraft-carrier-wtf-was-the-secret-service-thinking/172567 "2003-05-06T18:01:53Z")
Obviously they weren’t. I can’t imagine that the Secret Service would ever give approval for Shrub, or any other President for that matter, to fly onto an aircraft carrier by jet, knowing the only thing between a potenta… --- ## [NBA 2019-2020 Season](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-2019-2020-season/836130)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2019, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-2019-2020-season/836130 "2019-08-17T07:13:48Z")
The new NBA Season officially kicks off Sunday June, 30th at 6 PM. This is when Free Agency officially opens and all those NBA Draft Weekend trades become official. I figure it’s time for a new thread to commemorate the … --- ## [The rise of white people... as a demographic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rise-of-white-people-as-a-demographic/748708)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rise-of-white-people-as-a-demographic/748708 "2016-03-20T02:28:08Z")
I’m watching the Trump rally protests: It looks like the protests are racially charged: people are angry about Trump’s comments about Mexicans, his phony crime statistics about blacks, and so on. Minority groups want t… --- ## [Are you still doing the "cut'n'switch" while eating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-still-doing-the-cutnswitch-while-eating/736748)
**Author:** [@Doughbag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doughbag)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-still-doing-the-cutnswitch-while-eating/736748 "2015-11-10T01:54:50Z")
Something my American buddy called the "cut’n’switch"came up while we’re having dinner, after/while/during myself making fun of him for his clumsy eating habits. For some weird reason he’s only ever using one hand (in h… --- ## [Futurama; season 7-B (open spoilers after each airing)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/futurama-season-7-b-open-spoilers-after-each-airing/661420)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2013, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/futurama-season-7-b-open-spoilers-after-each-airing/661420 "2013-09-08T03:51:32Z")
Futurama’s back for it’s final half-season tonight. First up Fry and Leela’s Big Fling. --- ## [Worse boss: Kathryn Janeway or Greg House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worse-boss-kathryn-janeway-or-greg-house/539183)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2010, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worse-boss-kathryn-janeway-or-greg-house/539183 "2010-05-14T02:10:45Z")
Give your reasons. --- ## [Most people get Ayn Rand's philosophy wrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-people-get-ayn-rands-philosophy-wrong/1024474)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 412\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2025, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-people-get-ayn-rands-philosophy-wrong/1024474 "2025-12-21T15:41:40Z")
Disclaimer: I am not a strong proponent of any specific ideology. IMHO people tend to glom onto them as if they were gospel without using their brains to figure out when or if they work. Nor do I consider myself an exp… --- ## [What's the WORST date you've ever had?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-worst-date-youve-ever-had/384119)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2006, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-worst-date-youve-ever-had/384119 "2006-12-18T18:06:08Z")
If you’ve ever had a truly horrendous date, an absolutely godawful car-crash that still leaves you wincing and shaking your head at the memory years later - we wanna hear about it! :slight\_smile: Can you laugh about it… --- ## [Mitt Romney: "Freedom requires religion"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-romney-freedom-requires-religion/429190)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2007, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-romney-freedom-requires-religion/429190 "2007-12-13T01:24:59Z")
Does anybody agree with this view and can defend it? As a freedom-loving atheist, I of course disagree. I can offer no argument, just as I cannot provide an argument against a statement like “a bicycle requires mash… --- ## [The Beatles were overrated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-beatles-were-overrated/793022)
**Author:** [@Squallous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squallous)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2017, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-beatles-were-overrated/793022 "2017-08-09T20:29:21Z")
John Lennon especially. Pompous wanker. --- ## [Multipe pens used when presidents sign bills](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multipe-pens-used-when-presidents-sign-bills/533489)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2010, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multipe-pens-used-when-presidents-sign-bills/533489 "2010-03-25T11:47:08Z")
So, I’m watching Obama sign the HCR bill. As usual, he’s using a bunch of different pens to sign it. I always assumed that presidents signed their full names multiple times, but it looks like he’s using each pen to mak… --- ## [Prequels you hope they never film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prequels-you-hope-they-never-film/547301)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2010, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prequels-you-hope-they-never-film/547301 "2010-07-28T15:30:55Z")
Kitten On A Warm Tin Roof Aristocrat Of The Jewelery Carbon Man or Millionaire Man Medical College Student Who Dorothy Of Kansas Harry Potter and The Dull Dursleys --- ## [Take your vitamins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/take-your-vitamins/786596)
**Author:** [@WildBlueYonder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildBlueYonder)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2017, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/take-your-vitamins/786596 "2017-06-18T14:46:57Z")
Can I get a consensus on what our members think of taking vitamins-any vitamin supplement… I had been taking B-12 to help my brain. It seems to work but ya know power of suggestion :eek: My doctor said I dont need any… --- ## [Ever wonder what you'd look like as the other gender?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-wonder-what-youd-look-like-as-the-other-gender/464565)
**Author:** [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-wonder-what-youd-look-like-as-the-other-gender/464565 "2008-09-27T21:55:12Z")
What if you had received the other sex chromosome from your father, changing your gender, but all your other genes were the same? Just how much do the sex chromosomes contribute to your appearance? I often wonder about t… --- ## [have you ever watched parenting fail and had to bite your tongue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-watched-parenting-fail-and-had-to-bite-your-tongue/620632)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-watched-parenting-fail-and-had-to-bite-your-tongue/620632 "2012-05-03T19:22:21Z")
My wife and I are sitting in a waiting room in a hospital while our son waits to go in for minor surgery. Sitting next to us is a family with a young boy about 8. This kids is out of control, yelling, winning, jumping up… --- ## [A ternary computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-ternary-computer/560083)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2010, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-ternary-computer/560083 "2010-11-12T21:41:23Z")
If you designed a machine that uses no charge, half charge and full charge as three different possible bits, could you use the same resources you use to build a normal binary computer in order to build a faster ternary c… --- ## [The District of Columbia and Gay Marriage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-district-of-columbia-and-gay-marriage/521512)
**Author:** [@heavybuhbuh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heavybuhbuh)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2009, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-district-of-columbia-and-gay-marriage/521512 "2009-12-18T19:22:22Z")
The city council of the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) passed a bill the other day legalizing gay marriage within the district. As I understand it, the bill now goes to the mayors desk awaiting a signature, whic… --- ## [An Old Fogey's take on Facebook, et. al.: WTF!!!???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-old-fogeys-take-on-facebook-et-al-wtf/543851)
**Author:** [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2010, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-old-fogeys-take-on-facebook-et-al-wtf/543851 "2010-06-27T11:23:19Z")
Could someone please explain (in simple, easily-understood-by-old-fart terms), the appeal of Facebook and other “social networking” sites? Why would I want to post my thoughts, beliefs, opinions somewhere they can be re… --- ## [Masturbating while driving – Legal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masturbating-while-driving-legal/94346)
**Author:** [@cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cynic)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2001, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masturbating-while-driving-legal/94346 "2001-11-22T16:37:30Z")
I had the privilege of witnessing this last night – again. Most of the people I know have seen this at one time or another. Only this time I think the guy had something draped over his lap, so that nothing was visible (e… --- ## [Ask a "high-functioning" borderline your questions!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-high-functioning-borderline-your-questions/691169)
**Author:** [@Tinply\_the\_Dimply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinply_the_Dimply)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2014, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-high-functioning-borderline-your-questions/691169 "2014-06-23T02:23:51Z")
Afternoon, all. So, I am a 32 year old female living in Canada. I was dx’d with BPD in 2005, along with GAD, which I think is my predominate illness. Nonetheless, BPD plays a part in my life, my thinking and my emotiona… --- ## [Members that register their (underage) kids.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/members-that-register-their-underage-kids/478638)
**Author:** [@Punintentional](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punintentional)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2008, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/members-that-register-their-underage-kids/478638 "2008-12-27T05:46:46Z")
Im pitting any member who registers their underage kid on the SDMB. It’s against the rules, and it’s fucking lame. --- ## [Get your rocks ready. Stoning at the highschool at noon.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-your-rocks-ready-stoning-at-the-highschool-at-noon/422518)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2007, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-your-rocks-ready-stoning-at-the-highschool-at-noon/422518 "2007-10-18T17:38:47Z")
Well, this is really a form of catharsis more than anything. So we have a 17 year-old genetic mistake rape and kill a 99 year-old woman. That’s right. No typo. 99 years old. Here you go. Now here is the question. Are … --- ## [Office Dopers: Cubicle or no cubicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/office-dopers-cubicle-or-no-cubicle/543079)
**Author:** [@Neptunian\_Slug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neptunian_Slug)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2012, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/office-dopers-cubicle-or-no-cubicle/543079 "2012-03-07T15:10:59Z")
I just finished up a visit to the new corporate HQ. Nice new building, great amenities. But no cubicles. Everyone has desks without walls. After years of working in my corporate environment, I have learned to love my… --- ## [Rest the breast (Breast milk does not boost IQ)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rest-the-breast-breast-milk-does-not-boost-iq/375280)
**Author:** [@Beefalo\_Bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beefalo_Bill)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2006, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rest-the-breast-breast-milk-does-not-boost-iq/375280 "2006-10-12T19:58:19Z")
… Or the breast pump. The new momma in the house pointed this article out to me this morning. For those other mothers on the go, this might at least remove some of the guilt … from the BBC News. Breast feed babies mig… --- ## [Santorum Proposed Penalizing People Who Didn't Evacuate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorum-proposed-penalizing-people-who-didnt-evacuate/320492)
**Author:** [@Siege](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siege)\ **Replies:** 211\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2005, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorum-proposed-penalizing-people-who-didnt-evacuate/320492 "2005-09-09T15:49:39Z")
I suppose I should be glad I didn’t hear about this Friday, and I will point out that Senator Rick Santorum is now explaining his remarks. Nevertheless, here they are in all their glory: OK, fine. This may be another… --- ## [Re-engineering the human body- how good could we make it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-engineering-the-human-body-how-good-could-we-make-it/622719)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2012, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-engineering-the-human-body-how-good-could-we-make-it/622719 "2012-05-26T15:38:06Z")
Staying within the laws of physics (for things like oxygen exchange, metabolic rates, etc), and assuming we could read and re-write DNA like a blueprint, what are the big “design flaws” that we could correct? How strong… --- ## [The 25 Worst Tech Products of All Time: opinions wanted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-25-worst-tech-products-of-all-time-opinions-wanted/358903)
**Author:** [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2006, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-25-worst-tech-products-of-all-time-opinions-wanted/358903 "2006-06-12T17:02:58Z")
So, PCWorld magazine has produced an article on the 25 Worst Tech Products of All Time. The title should really also say services, as it’s not just products on the list. I’ve produced the list in a spoiler box below. Yo… --- ## [Where did this rumor start that all Black men have Big Dicks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-rumor-start-that-all-black-men-have-big-dicks/247809)
**Author:** [@Starguard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starguard)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2004, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-this-rumor-start-that-all-black-men-have-big-dicks/247809 "2004-06-03T14:23:12Z")
:smack: :smiley: This is something that I’ve wondered about for years. Everyone from Comics in nightclubs to artist in magazines have always imaged black men with these huge donkey kong johnsons swinging almost to the … --- ## [If aliens became aware of us, would they conquer/enslave/exploit/displace/exterminate us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-aliens-became-aware-of-us-would-they-conquer-enslave-exploit-displace-exterminate-us/539124)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2010, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-aliens-became-aware-of-us-would-they-conquer-enslave-exploit-displace-exterminate-us/539124 "2010-05-18T21:13:03Z")
Stephen Hawking compares the hypothetical situation to Europeans discovering the New World and enslaving or brushing aside the Indians. But, the Europeans had uses for the New World; it was almost exactly like where the… --- ## [So I got some bad news on New Years Day (somewhat long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-got-some-bad-news-on-new-years-day-somewhat-long/480803)
**Author:** [@RickQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickQ)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-got-some-bad-news-on-new-years-day-somewhat-long/480803 "2009-02-20T17:12:22Z")
And it’s taken a little while to come to terms with. I was diagnosed with cancer. The short version is that we don’t know what type of cancer it is yet. I had a biopsy last Monday but they did not get a viable tissue s… --- ## [Favorite opening lines in fiction.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-opening-lines-in-fiction/303070)
**Author:** [@Mr.Krebbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krebbs)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2005, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-opening-lines-in-fiction/303070 "2005-09-09T14:03:47Z")
As a reader, it’s always wonderful to see a great opening line in a novel. It gives some assurance that the book you’re delving into will be worth reading. As a wannabe writer, I would like to read some opening lines t… --- ## [Plan would make Bush leader of entire government (not just executive) in an emergency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-would-make-bush-leader-of-entire-government-not-just-executive-in-an-emergency/404988)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-would-make-bush-leader-of-entire-government-not-just-executive-in-an-emergency/404988 "2007-05-24T01:05:12Z")
Story here. Presidential Directives in question here. Is this routine federal emergency planning, or an unprecedented power grab? What’s this about “comity” between the three branches?! They’re not supposed to work … --- ## [What's my liability here? Credit card refunded incorrectly.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-my-liability-here-credit-card-refunded-incorrectly/610548)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2012, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-my-liability-here-credit-card-refunded-incorrectly/610548 "2012-01-26T04:43:29Z")
Many months ago, I bought something from a large online retailer. It took forever to arrive because they shipped it through some tiny shipper, and I spent a lot of time on the phone tracking it down. It finally arrived, … --- ## [Why are incandescent light bulbs illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-incandescent-light-bulbs-illegal/704750)
**Author:** [@dorsiflector](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dorsiflector)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2014, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-incandescent-light-bulbs-illegal/704750 "2014-11-17T19:28:28Z")
This annoys me to no end. I like incandescent light bulbs; they’re very warm, and make my home feel like, well a home. Fluorescent bulbs make my home feel like a parking deck LED bulbs require a second mortgage on my h… --- ## [No, I was not fucking "asking for it."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-i-was-not-fucking-asking-for-it/431902)
**Author:** [@CaerieD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaerieD)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2008, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-i-was-not-fucking-asking-for-it/431902 "2008-01-09T01:03:46Z")
I went out with a friend last night after work, to a local bar, to celebrate the new year and all of that good stuff. Never once did I buy a drink for myself, as every time I turned around somebody was buying me one. Alw… --- ## [Political negotiation - What would you be willing to give?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-negotiation-what-would-you-be-willing-to-give/690933)
**Author:** [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2014, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-negotiation-what-would-you-be-willing-to-give/690933 "2014-07-19T15:42:47Z")
Imagine that all of the members of congress and senators from both of the major political parties in the U.S. have decided that they are tired of all of the partisan bullshit that stops so much from getting done in this … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=893&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=895&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)