# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=900&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:** 901 --- ## [Kids' bedroom art](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-bedroom-art/663525)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2013, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-bedroom-art/663525 "2013-07-20T08:36:45Z")
Until I was 13, my brother and I shared the 2nd floor of our house. In the earlier years, a reproduction of this painting was on the wall over my bed. I named her “Alice,” and she was my invisible friend. At the head of… --- ## [Houston drivers. WTF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/houston-drivers-wtf/685217)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2014, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/houston-drivers-wtf/685217 "2014-04-11T23:30:38Z")
Check this out: http://jalopnik.com/train-still-crushes-it-in-latest-train-vs-car-competit-1556872654 Driver goes around a train crossing barricade and gets smoked by an oncoming train. Houston put in a light rail sys… --- ## [What's the deal with mattress outgassing? deemed evil/deadly/toxic..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-mattress-outgassing-deemed-evil-deadly-toxic/693345)
**Author:** [@beakernz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beakernz)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2015, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-mattress-outgassing-deemed-evil-deadly-toxic/693345 "2015-07-12T11:21:26Z")
My old bed is so worn out my back is freakin killing me. I have decided to get a new bed soon. I tried out a Sealy Posturepedic at the shop and it was very nice. It had the exact type of back support I was after. Any… --- ## [How long do ghosts live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-ghosts-live/805848)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2018, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-ghosts-live/805848 "2018-01-06T20:02:10Z")
When we moved into our house 7 years ago we quickly discovered the place came with a resident ghost. Specifically, we moved in with a very mellow poltergeist who was into loosening the screws on doorknobs a couple of tur… --- ## [What percent of people in the world have brown eyes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percent-of-people-in-the-world-have-brown-eyes/559929)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2010, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percent-of-people-in-the-world-have-brown-eyes/559929 "2010-11-09T06:38:38Z")
What percent of people have brown eyes in all the world? I looked on Wiki, but they just had the information on the U.S. --- ## [Dems sue Trump over emoluments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dems-sue-trump-over-emoluments/788924)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2017, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dems-sue-trump-over-emoluments/788924 "2017-06-19T16:57:07Z")
This should be interesting. So far no one has tried to get DJT to obey the law. “Congressional Democrats to file emoluments lawsuit against Trump” --- ## [Not listening to voice mail even when you don't recognize the number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-listening-to-voice-mail-even-when-you-dont-recognize-the-number/730801)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2017, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-listening-to-voice-mail-even-when-you-dont-recognize-the-number/730801 "2017-08-28T14:47:07Z")
Okay, sometimes it’s easier and quicker to just call the friend back than to listen to the voicemail they left. You see that Mom called, and you just call her back. Fine. But when it’s an unfamiliar number/one that’s no… --- ## [Are glowsticks dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-glowsticks-dangerous/516808)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-glowsticks-dangerous/516808 "2009-11-10T20:02:36Z")
I have a couple from last night. They are still faintly glowing. I was wondering if it would be dangerous if I cracked them open and played with the glowing goo inside. --- ## [Are home donut makers worth it? Best models?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-home-donut-makers-worth-it-best-models/613898)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2012, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-home-donut-makers-worth-it-best-models/613898 "2012-03-01T16:17:07Z")
I love donuts of all kinds, but the best I can find in our town is some kind of concoction that claims to be a donut, but I have my doubts. And I think they are made a day in advance and called “fresh,” which to my mind… --- ## [Sean Penn thinks he's a journalist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sean-penn-thinks-hes-a-journalist/742813)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sean-penn-thinks-hes-a-journalist/742813 "2016-01-17T22:25:28Z")
So El Chapo, the world’s most infamous drug kingpin, gets arrested again after escaping from prison again, and turns out that Sean Penn had an exclusive interview with him. Plus, turns out that the logistics of this int… --- ## [Backdoor Pilots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backdoor-pilots/713356)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backdoor-pilots/713356 "2015-02-26T01:35:44Z")
Just for the hell of it, how many examples of back-door pillots can we come up with? A backdoor pilot is when an established, on-going series abruptly changes it’s settings and characters for one episode, allowing eithe… --- ## ["Shannara Chronicles" - coming to MTV soon!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shannara-chronicles-coming-to-mtv-soon/724585)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2016, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shannara-chronicles-coming-to-mtv-soon/724585 "2016-02-15T14:25:12Z")
I stopped reading these in the mid-80s, but I do recall liking them for a while. Admittedly one of their best features was that they stole liberally from Tolkien, thus giving those of us who’d read LotR a dozen times s… --- ## [Anyone ever confronted a compulsive/pathological liar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-confronted-a-compulsive-pathological-liar/774151)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-confronted-a-compulsive-pathological-liar/774151 "2016-12-19T14:57:07Z")
If so, how did it turn out? I have never met a bonafied habitual liar–someone I knew for an absolute fact was a liar. A long time ago, I worked with a woman who everyone suspected with a compulsive liar because she wou… --- ## [How much does an average adult torso weigh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-an-average-adult-torso-weigh/281457)
**Author:** [@davenportavenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davenportavenger)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2004, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-an-average-adult-torso-weigh/281457 "2004-12-26T01:13:07Z")
Exempting the arms, legs, and head, how much would a human torso weigh? Addendum: would a fairly strong man be able to lift a case containing seven torsos by himself? (This information is needed for a story I’m writing.… --- ## [Revising why fresh tomatoes taste bad to some](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revising-why-fresh-tomatoes-taste-bad-to-some/650551)
**Author:** [@jenm72207](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jenm72207)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2013, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revising-why-fresh-tomatoes-taste-bad-to-some/650551 "2013-02-17T23:15:17Z")
Hi, I’m a science research pro currently writing an article on tomatoes and it brought up a personal issue from my dad’s family: to some of us raw tomatoes taste positively rancid, yet cooked tomatoes are just fine for… --- ## [Colored people is now a slur?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colored-people-is-now-a-slur/763654)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2016, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colored-people-is-now-a-slur/763654 "2016-08-29T22:59:05Z")
From NY Daily News: Try as I might I cannot see for the life of me see the difference between colored people and people of color. You change the order of the words and suddenly it’s racist? Is this really the case? --- ## [Weird American female customs.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-american-female-customs/170486)
**Author:** [@InLikeFlynn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InLikeFlynn)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2003, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-american-female-customs/170486 "2003-05-03T05:24:56Z")
I was recently watching that “weird” tribe in Africa where it is customary for it’s female members to increasingly stretch out a hole in their lips inorder to insert a large clay plate. Extremely unattractive to me, (as … --- ## [Can you dry clothes in a microwave?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-dry-clothes-in-a-microwave/157647)
**Author:** [@Future\_Kid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Future_Kid)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2003, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-dry-clothes-in-a-microwave/157647 "2003-02-26T22:39:42Z")
A bit of a daft question I know but… Since moving into my new house we haven’t got a washing machine or a dryer. I have a shift in the kitchen in my pub tonight and my whites are filthy. If I wash them in the bath can… --- ## [For Medicos: Is the color of the pus indicative of anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-medicos-is-the-color-of-the-pus-indicative-of-anything/566449)
**Author:** [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2011, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-medicos-is-the-color-of-the-pus-indicative-of-anything/566449 "2011-01-16T18:42:44Z")
Yeah, gross. I know. But, working in a hospital, and with frequent direct patient interaction, I’ve noticed that pus primarily comes in three colors: White, yellow, and green. So…does the color of the pus come from s… --- ## [Gah! Mattress buying sucks.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-mattress-buying-sucks/636761)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2015, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-mattress-buying-sucks/636761 "2015-02-12T21:56:31Z")
I hate having to buy anything expensive without being informed, but as near as i can tell there is an intricate conspiracy to prevent you from ever being able to be informed. No two stores have the same model names, any … --- ## [White strobe lights on school busses - Reason?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-strobe-lights-on-school-busses-reason/142445)
**Author:** [@TVGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVGuy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2012, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-strobe-lights-on-school-busses-reason/142445 "2012-02-02T04:29:53Z")
I just got back from a vacation trip to Florida. While there, I observed something I’ve seen only in (I think) Nevada before. All of the county school busses had white painted roofs and a single white strobe light moun… --- ## [Why do we have money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-money/764632)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2016, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-money/764632 "2016-09-10T00:08:11Z")
Why do we have it and do we need to continue to use the system? I heard some people talking about why do we need to pay to live on the planet. --- ## [Is Gary Gygax the father of modern fantasy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gary-gygax-the-father-of-modern-fantasy/484653)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2014, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gary-gygax-the-father-of-modern-fantasy/484653 "2014-07-14T19:18:08Z")
I just finished reading Name of the Wind, and I loved it. On visiting Patrick Rothfuss’s blog, I learned he was an avid gamer. I recently read The Book of the First Law by Joe Abercrombie. On visiting his blog, I conf… --- ## [Will I Be The First To Start The MMP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-be-the-first-to-start-the-mmp/590249)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-be-the-first-to-start-the-mmp/590249 "2011-08-01T01:50:49Z")
I don’t see one yet, so here goes. Who knows! Is somebody else also startin’ a MMP thread? Excitatin’ ain’t it! :smiley: On the weather front, ‘tis 75 degrees Amurrkin out with a predicted high of 95. We are also promis… --- ## [Rita Morgan \[from Dexter\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rita-morgan-from-dexter/521812)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2010, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rita-morgan-from-dexter/521812 "2010-01-18T05:21:41Z")
No Spoiler in OP --- ## [Examples of right-wing rhetoric/word usage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-right-wing-rhetoric-word-usage/633635)
**Author:** [@MDKSquared](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MDKSquared)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2012, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-right-wing-rhetoric-word-usage/633635 "2012-09-12T02:23:25Z")
I’ve noticed some curious things about just the simple way the right wing words things. Instead of “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” it gets labeled as “Obamacare” and then used as a pejorative term. Rich pe… --- ## [How long will these pickles last?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-will-these-pickles-last/502440)
**Author:** [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2009, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-will-these-pickles-last/502440 "2009-07-13T04:02:10Z")
I received some “home-pickled” pickles from my neighbor at Christmas. I opened them about a month ago. I want to make rouladin for them (for the neighbors, since they’ve never heard of it). I know store-bought pickles la… --- ## [How do step-families deal with sexual attraction among stepsiblings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-step-families-deal-with-sexual-attraction-among-stepsiblings/480860)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2009, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-step-families-deal-with-sexual-attraction-among-stepsiblings/480860 "2009-01-13T00:15:20Z")
I was just thinking about situations where adolescents are living in blended families, and there’s some kind of sexual attraction…say you find your stepbrother really hot. What happens? I mean, I guess you just deal with… --- ## [Human Skin Lampshade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-skin-lampshade/621732)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2012, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-skin-lampshade/621732 "2012-10-03T00:21:32Z")
So I came across this old Cracked article called ''The 6 Creepiest Gifts Ever Given." That led to this article, which sounds like something out of a Stephen King novel. A lampshade of human skin that haunts anyone who … --- ## [Constant urge to cough... Possible causes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constant-urge-to-cough-possible-causes/164253)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2003, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constant-urge-to-cough-possible-causes/164253 "2003-04-02T16:41:14Z")
This is something that’s been around for me for a while, and I thought I’d get some opinions on it. Can’t hurt. I have the urge to cough very often, mostly after I eat, especially if I drink soda. More often than not,… --- ## [President Dumbass invokes Nazis as he attacks Obama in Israel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-dumbass-invokes-nazis-as-he-attacks-obama-in-israel/449444)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2008, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-dumbass-invokes-nazis-as-he-attacks-obama-in-israel/449444 "2008-05-17T20:20:10Z")
Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed … --- ## [Godamn Euphemisms!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/godamn-euphemisms/527199)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2010, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/godamn-euphemisms/527199 "2010-02-22T14:58:48Z")
My favorite one: “Consarn it!” - Granpappy Amos McCoy (Walter Brennan) Here it is hidden in a phrase along with another subsitute word: “GOT down offa my horse, and stepped in a pile of shifting sand!” - anon. I know… --- ## [What's gotten you worked up this month? (May 2024 mini-rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-gotten-you-worked-up-this-month-may-2024-mini-rants/1001008)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 309\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2024, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-gotten-you-worked-up-this-month-may-2024-mini-rants/1001008 "2024-05-31T22:17:51Z")
I am really impressed by the United States Postal Service. Wow. My sister (in the US) mailed something to me (in China) way back on 3 April 2024. The clerk at the post office told her the item should take “six to ten day… --- ## [What musical instrument is used in western movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-musical-instrument-is-used-in-western-movies/383169)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2006, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-musical-instrument-is-used-in-western-movies/383169 "2006-12-07T18:07:30Z")
In old westerns (The Good, Bad, & the Ugly and before) there was often a scene where the gunslingers faced each other and there would be a sequence of closeups on their faces and their guns and their hands as they stood … --- ## [Becoming emotionally attached to a therapist (long-ish)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/becoming-emotionally-attached-to-a-therapist-long-ish/527651)
**Author:** [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/becoming-emotionally-attached-to-a-therapist-long-ish/527651 "2010-02-05T15:36:31Z")
As I’ve mentioned before on a few occasions, I see a therapist operated by the students at my school’s psychology department. I’ve been seeing her for, I guess, a year and a half. This woman knows more about me than anyo… --- ## [Middle names of TV's "Friends" characters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-names-of-tvs-friends-characters/326129)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2005, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-names-of-tvs-friends-characters/326129 "2005-10-15T12:53:33Z")
OK, so we’ve got siblings Ross and Monica Geller, and Rachel Green, Phoebe Buffay, Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani. Were middle names ever established on the show for any of them? If not, what do you think they SHOULD… --- ## [Kermit at Jim Henson's funeral](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kermit-at-jim-hensons-funeral/386939)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2007, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kermit-at-jim-hensons-funeral/386939 "2007-01-09T13:20:33Z")
At Jim Henson’s funeral, a Kermit the Frog puppet was placed on the coffin. In his hands Kermit held up a sign which said, “I’ve lost my voice.” Just a mundane pointless and incredibly sad just thinking about it thing … --- ## [\[Tennis\] 2009 French Open](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2009-french-open/497762)
**Author:** [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2009, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2009-french-open/497762 "2009-06-09T19:53:13Z")
I know tennis doesn’t have a lot of support here on the SDMB, but I figured I’d start a thread on it anyways. :stuck\_out\_tongue: So, whatcha guys think? A big topic today was about none other than God Himself, I mean … --- ## [What animal eats the most humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-eats-the-most-humans/595123)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2011, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-eats-the-most-humans/595123 "2011-09-05T07:37:05Z")
I’ve tried to look this up but most sites talk about which animals kill the most humans and come up with unsatisfying answers like mosquitoes or amoebas. I want to know which animal actually hunts and eats the most huma… --- ## [A List of "Answer" Songs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-answer-songs/540116)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2010, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-list-of-answer-songs/540116 "2010-05-22T16:10:54Z")
I was listening to the oldies station, and I heard the song “Dawn of Correction” which is an “answer song” to the song “Eve of Destruction” So I thought it might be intersting to see if we all could make a list of songs… --- ## [Parents Up In Arms Over Tweenage Dora the Explorer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-up-in-arms-over-tweenage-dora-the-explorer/488791)
**Author:** [@mobo85](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mobo85)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2009, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-up-in-arms-over-tweenage-dora-the-explorer/488791 "2009-03-18T03:30:58Z")
Dora the Explorer- the perky, adventuring Latina with the high-pitched voice who has enchanted millions of children and irritated millions of adults for almost a decade now- is getting a new, tweenage alter ego courtesy … --- ## [Can a Person Patent a Word or Phrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-person-patent-a-word-or-phrase/383262)
**Author:** [@Smooth\_Jack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smooth_Jack)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2006, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-person-patent-a-word-or-phrase/383262 "2006-12-11T19:25:30Z")
I was talking to a Gene Simmons fan today. He claims that Gene Simmons has a patent for the term O.J., as in orange juice. My first thought was that he must mean copyright. Anyway, the issue raises three questions in … --- ## [American Idol March 13-14](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-march-13-14/395798)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 217\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2007, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-march-13-14/395798 "2007-03-16T04:03:31Z")
Okay, you know the score: The Twelve perform tonight. Tomorrow, one goes home. And on that note…See you later! --- ## [Book Burning or Flag Burning - which is worse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/book-burning-or-flag-burning-which-is-worse/579584)
**Author:** [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2011, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/book-burning-or-flag-burning-which-is-worse/579584 "2011-04-28T20:13:12Z")
As a bizarre off-shoot of \[thread=605861\] this thread \[/thread\], I began to wonder what would be more instantly offensive to dopers : burning a book, or burning a flag. I don’t want to go into more detail as to the book … --- ## [Why do people attempt to discredit the discovery of the New World?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-attempt-to-discredit-the-discovery-of-the-new-world/516878)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2009, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-attempt-to-discredit-the-discovery-of-the-new-world/516878 "2009-11-12T00:06:26Z")
I have noticed a certain line of reasoning lately which goes like this: It’s wrong to say that Christopher Columbus (or any European explorer) “discovered” the New World, because there were already civilizations living … --- ## [Comic book experts: Who's the least powerful superhero?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comic-book-experts-whos-the-least-powerful-superhero/147573)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2003, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comic-book-experts-whos-the-least-powerful-superhero/147573 "2003-01-13T22:29:02Z")
Like the title says: in your opinion, which superhero is the least powerful? To narrow things down a bit, let’s limit the candidates to major characters (what counts as major is up to your discretion) from big-name publ… --- ## [Is there any life on Earth that does not need H2O?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-life-on-earth-that-does-not-need-h2o/523420)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2010, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-life-on-earth-that-does-not-need-h2o/523420 "2010-01-08T20:04:02Z")
Perhaps an extremophile? I think not, I found reference to one that needs an extremely small amount of water, but it still needs some. --- ## [Male Sexual Rite of Passage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-sexual-rite-of-passage/325240)
**Author:** [@The\_Composer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Composer)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2005, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-sexual-rite-of-passage/325240 "2005-10-13T17:50:03Z")
I guess this situation could be considered both hypothetical and actual for discussion purposes: Guys, if a very good male friend of yours approached you and mentioned masturbating together, would you take him up on the… --- ## [My Backwards-Writing Six-Year-Old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-backwards-writing-six-year-old/129200)
**Author:** [@JohnW77707](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnW77707)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2002, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-backwards-writing-six-year-old/129200 "2002-09-29T04:16:35Z")
My 6 1/2 year old daughter has always had a little bit of an issue writing letters/numbers backwards, i.e. writing a 2 that looks like a 5, etc.; also certain letters like b and d. Sometimes even items that don’t have a… --- ## [Numbers in other languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/numbers-in-other-languages/714676)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/numbers-in-other-languages/714676 "2015-03-17T11:18:06Z")
Hi again, I’d like to know about why numbers in other languages are so inconsistent in this particular way. In English, when we count from 10 to 20, we include the “teen” starting at thirteen. Obviously, in this case,… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=899&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=901&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)