# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=914&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:** 915 --- ## [Cool gadgets that went (almost) nowhere](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-that-went-almost-nowhere/305928)
**Author:** [@IAMBIC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IAMBIC)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2012, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-that-went-almost-nowhere/305928 "2012-05-07T22:20:23Z")
Near the top of the list must be the Apple MessagePad (Newton). Also, I vaguely remember a Panasonic VCR that hooked up to your telephone line (the same way you hook up an answering machine), so that you could dial in a… --- ## [Jesus' Birthday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-birthday/606429)
**Author:** [@DORFMONT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DORFMONT)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2012, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-birthday/606429 "2012-01-02T05:45:39Z")
Jesus was born in April of the year 6 BCE. According to my Armenian friend, it was on the 18th. We know this because astronomical evidence shows the supernova which was the “star seen in the east” appeared in April of 6 … --- ## [Top 5 U.S allies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-5-u-s-allies/505890)
**Author:** [@Honesty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honesty)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2009, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-5-u-s-allies/505890 "2009-08-12T16:29:53Z")
I just had a cosmic thought after playing Civilization 4: What do you think 5 closest U.S allies are? I would order them: \[ol\] \[li\]Britain\[/li\]\[li\]Canada\[/li\]\[li\]Germany\[/li\]\[li\]Israel\[/li\]\[li\]France\[/li\]\[/ol\] I wo… --- ## [Firing US Attorneys - What crime was committed? \[Note: thread is from 2007\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firing-us-attorneys-what-crime-was-committed-note-thread-is-from-2007/397072)
**Author:** [@Eliphalet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eliphalet)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2010, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firing-us-attorneys-what-crime-was-committed-note-thread-is-from-2007/397072 "2010-07-22T05:34:42Z")
I’ve been reading a lot on the 8 US Attorneys being fired, and the mess that Alberto Gonzales and George W. Bush have landed in. I know that there are several GD going on, but I wanted to post a very specific question. … --- ## [Will You Marry Me? How 'Bout You?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-marry-me-how-bout-you/246348)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2004, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-you-marry-me-how-bout-you/246348 "2004-06-03T18:09:49Z")
Love is in the air! Or is that all the pollen that’s making me tear up? Anyway, what with June fast approaching, and the suddenly expanded pool of potential mates in Massachusetts, the Marriage-O-Meter is rising fast. … --- ## [Why do some management perks bother me so much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-management-perks-bother-me-so-much/775297)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2017, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-management-perks-bother-me-so-much/775297 "2017-01-05T18:45:53Z")
I did some self reflection and realized that the concept of managerial perks really bothers me. To be clear, I’m not talking about a bigger office or a secretary. I would consider those necessary to one in that positio… --- ## [Eliminate the "Natural Born" provision for President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminate-the-natural-born-provision-for-president/505885)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2009, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminate-the-natural-born-provision-for-president/505885 "2009-08-12T00:42:38Z")
It’s antiquated, and unneccesary. The location of someones birth seems to me utterly irrelevant to how “American” somebody is or how fit they are for leadership. Especially if they moved to the United States when they we… --- ## [Do you feel dance is a lesser art form?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-feel-dance-is-a-lesser-art-form/711455)
**Author:** [@Quasimodal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodal)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2015, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-feel-dance-is-a-lesser-art-form/711455 "2015-02-04T03:09:23Z")
Of the traditional four strands of art (at least as I teach in the education system) which include dance, drama, visual art, and music…in my experience it seems dance is placed lowest in value. I have been a musician fo… --- ## [Will Romney getting caught lying in an ad hurt his chances?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-romney-getting-caught-lying-in-an-ad-hurt-his-chances/639245)
**Author:** [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2012, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-romney-getting-caught-lying-in-an-ad-hurt-his-chances/639245 "2012-11-01T12:38:49Z")
He’s been caught so many times before but the misleading ad and his in person speaking claiming Chrysler was planning to move Jeep production to China may be the last straw. http://blog.chryslerllc.com/blog.do?id=1932&p… --- ## [What does the sun orbit around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-sun-orbit-around/618464)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2012, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-sun-orbit-around/618464 "2012-04-27T08:28:19Z")
Is it accurate to say that the sun orbits around something? Is it an orbit or some other movement? How fast does the sun move? For that matter, how fast does the earth move around the sun? If the sun doesn’t revolve dir… --- ## [Raging Atoms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raging-atoms/596464)
**Author:** [@Vahid\_Tarzan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vahid_Tarzan)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2011, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raging-atoms/596464 "2011-09-25T17:53:11Z")
The activity of the atoms on this world have recently become very much like the activity one experiences with another person they are intimately involved or in love, such as sensing that persons feelings or knowing their… --- ## [Conveying left/right to alien by description](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conveying-left-right-to-alien-by-description/746120)
**Author:** [@Vetinari42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vetinari42)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conveying-left-right-to-alien-by-description/746120 "2016-02-16T19:11:48Z")
I remember hearing of a puzzle some time ago that went along the lines: There is a humanoid alien race on a far distant planet that has never encountered the human race. Purely by spoken instruction (i.e. no visual com… --- ## [Is there any current info on asthma deaths in the USA since Primatene was removed from the market?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-current-info-on-asthma-deaths-in-the-usa-since-primatene-was-removed-from-the-market/623447)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2012, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-current-info-on-asthma-deaths-in-the-usa-since-primatene-was-removed-from-the-market/623447 "2012-06-01T05:07:49Z")
Just curious because I don’t think I have ever met a asthmatic in the USA who didn’t have their ass saved by OTC Primetene at least once. You can do everything right but just forget your rescue med on a roadtrip etc. I … --- ## [Invocation/Lord's Prayer at public school graduation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invocation-lords-prayer-at-public-school-graduation/451478)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2008, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invocation-lords-prayer-at-public-school-graduation/451478 "2008-06-09T22:41:45Z")
On Saturday, we went to a graduation at a public high school in a small town in Kentucky. Early on, my wife (who graduated from a small city school in Kentucky) turned to me and told me they were about to do an invocati… --- ## [Florida Primary 03/15/2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-primary-03-15-2016/746666)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2016, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-primary-03-15-2016/746666 "2016-03-16T02:21:47Z")
Since I’m down here I thought I’d launch this topic with a live report on the ground. Background: FL is a closed primary state. Voters need not declare a party but if you don’t you don’t vote in the primary. Voter reg… --- ## [I pit my fucking fucktard "students."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-fucking-fucktard-students/418434)
**Author:** [@cerberus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cerberus)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2007, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-fucking-fucktard-students/418434 "2007-09-20T16:05:51Z")
Attention to detail, fucktards! When I put everything on-line, and I mean everything, be a non-fucktard (NFT), m’kay? Don’t ask about dates that you can find on the page that has the dates on them. Don’t ask about shi… --- ## [Banning, trolling, etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banning-trolling-etc/686228)
**Author:** [@butterfiles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butterfiles)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2014, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banning-trolling-etc/686228 "2014-04-19T21:20:57Z")
Hi, I just joined The Straight Dope message board a few weeks ago. I’ve noticed a lot of talk recently about banning members and I’ve noticed some banned members when reading old posts. How often do members get banned… --- ## [Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry (Guns)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concealed-carry-vs-open-carry-guns/629300)
**Author:** [@Jamaika\_a\_jamaikaiake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamaika_a_jamaikaiake)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2012, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concealed-carry-vs-open-carry-guns/629300 "2012-07-27T18:03:18Z")
(I’m not sure if this is the right forum, feel free to move it.) In the US, or even anywhere else, if you are allowed only one of A. to carry a concealed gun; or B. to carry a gun openly which one is it more likely … --- ## [Say something nice about a fellow Doper.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-something-nice-about-a-fellow-doper/161049)
**Author:** [@Shadez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shadez)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2003, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-something-nice-about-a-fellow-doper/161049 "2003-03-27T06:35:24Z")
I’ve seen a few pit threads, that, as usual, get pretty nasty quick. and then there’s a the depressed dopers, who just need someone to listen and talk to. I came across http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php… --- ## [Would an orbiting "sun focus" weapon in space be practical?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-an-orbiting-sun-focus-weapon-in-space-be-practical/626981)
**Author:** [@s0meguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/s0meguy)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2012, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-an-orbiting-sun-focus-weapon-in-space-be-practical/626981 "2012-07-05T06:20:04Z")
I’m talking about the kind of weapon that was in “Die Another Day”, it was a satellite orbiting the Earth that focuses sunlight into a tight beam that is highly destructive, easily ripping through buildings and creating … --- ## [Its coming, isn't it. Fascism.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-coming-isnt-it-fascism/562245)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2010, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-coming-isnt-it-fascism/562245 "2010-11-30T15:18:33Z")
“Show me your papers”, like in those old WW2 movies. Will we be required to carry identification at all times, and submit to search, including pat down, without cause? I heard a TSA official the other day say “If you don… --- ## ["Pissing the night away": How can "Tubthumping" be played on U.S. radio?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissing-the-night-away-how-can-tubthumping-be-played-on-u-s-radio/376838)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2006, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissing-the-night-away-how-can-tubthumping-be-played-on-u-s-radio/376838 "2006-10-19T21:50:13Z")
Why doesn’t the FCC blow a fuse everytime that Chumbawamba soprano sings, “Pissing the night away”? I thought that was a forbidden word. --- ## [Our trivia final question last night was essentially unsolvable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-trivia-final-question-last-night-was-essentially-unsolvable/634991)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2012, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-trivia-final-question-last-night-was-essentially-unsolvable/634991 "2012-09-26T10:43:11Z")
I thought about putting this in the Pit, but the language is nice and clean. We played bar trivia last night, and were doing well until the final bonus, on which you can bet up to 15 points. We bet the max because our … --- ## [Physical Attractiveness: Men/Women and Work/Luck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physical-attractiveness-men-women-and-work-luck/595997)
**Author:** [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2011, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physical-attractiveness-men-women-and-work-luck/595997 "2011-09-20T17:22:25Z")
I haz a theory . . . Seems to me that women are either born beautiful or they aren’t, but pretty much any guy can become a lot more physcially attractive by getting in shape and developing some muscle mass. So, male a… --- ## [Why haven't atomic watches 'taken over'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-atomic-watches-taken-over/412231)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Ryle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Ryle)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2007, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-atomic-watches-taken-over/412231 "2007-07-31T16:22:01Z")
Without knowing almost anything about atomic/radio-controlled watches, 2-1/2 years ago I bought one, a Casio, their particular designation being wave ceptor. Just within this last week the battery became weak and the ba… --- ## [The Newsroom mansplains rape](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-newsroom-mansplains-rape/708319)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2015, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-newsroom-mansplains-rape/708319 "2015-01-04T13:13:59Z")
Here’s a scene from an episode of the extremely smug HBO show The Newsroom from about a month ago. In it, a producer from Newsnight (Don) attempts to convince a college student NOT to go on the show and name the student … --- ## [Virginia boys \[Special Operations military unit\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-boys-special-operations-military-unit/822964)
**Author:** [@Dalvion104a](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dalvion104a)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2018, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-boys-special-operations-military-unit/822964 "2018-10-24T18:05:47Z")
Is it true that the virginia boys origination can be traced back to the implication of the wright brothers airplane for military use? Is it true that they break your leg while torturing you and you must complete the fin… --- ## [Worst Names Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-names-ever/85913)
**Author:** [@ScottHaneda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ScottHaneda)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2001, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-names-ever/85913 "2001-11-16T20:00:23Z")
Anyone know of a site out there that lists some horrible name combinations, searched google and I can not find anything, probably since I dont really know the best way to search it out. Like horrible first and last name … --- ## [Final Season of Monk on USA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/final-season-of-monk-on-usa/505308)
**Author:** [@ProfessorX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ProfessorX)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2009, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/final-season-of-monk-on-usa/505308 "2009-08-29T16:50:47Z")
The 8th and final season of Monk starts this Friday at 9pm. Anyone else a fan of this series? I’ve always found it entertaining, and while I find it sad that it’s ending, I’m pretty excited to finally solve Trudy’s murde… --- ## [Refusing Medical Treatment : Religious Freedom or Negligent Homicide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refusing-medical-treatment-religious-freedom-or-negligent-homicide/18089)
**Author:** [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Replies:** 240\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2000, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refusing-medical-treatment-religious-freedom-or-negligent-homicide/18089 "2000-08-21T15:56:02Z")
This thread was almost turned into a debate by yours truly over whether or not it should be legal to refuse medical treatment for your child. (If you want to kill yourself, that’s fine. Just don’t drag an innocent kid in… --- ## [Lollipop or Sucker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lollipop-or-sucker/628132)
**Author:** [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lollipop-or-sucker/628132 "2012-07-16T17:39:23Z")
Which word do you use to refer to the candy? Age and location / childhood location would be nice. I say lollipop, age 38, lived in NJ for my first 26 years, more-or-less. I now live in California, and it seems that 95… --- ## [Anonymous Gay Sex in the Park - Common?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gay-sex-in-the-park-common/381788)
**Author:** [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2006, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anonymous-gay-sex-in-the-park-common/381788 "2006-12-01T00:18:42Z")
While visiting relatives I read about a sting operation in a local park that’s apparently been known for quite a while as a popular location for gay hookups. The police arrested a couple dozen men for “indecent exposure… --- ## [What, exactly, is a "dad bod" and why tf are they considered attractive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-dad-bod-and-why-tf-are-they-considered-attractive/839388)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2019, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-dad-bod-and-why-tf-are-they-considered-attractive/839388 "2019-09-28T02:33:48Z")
As far as i can tell, “dad bod” simply means a regular-ish guy who hasn’t spent any time worrying about his weight, physical fitness or appearance and has a soft, flabby body. These qualities, referred to a “dad bod” are… --- ## ['Torture-porn': can it possibly be something we want to allow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/torture-porn-can-it-possibly-be-something-we-want-to-allow/411342)
**Author:** [@Sebhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sebhal)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/torture-porn-can-it-possibly-be-something-we-want-to-allow/411342 "2009-01-16T00:02:43Z")
I recently came across this article tollbit-host.com discussing the new breed of ‘torture-porn’ films, Hostel one and II, Saw, Captivity etc (at least part of it, there was an extract in www.TheWeek.co.uk) Now I have y… --- ## [Is Marijuana Medicine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-marijuana-medicine/593087)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2011, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-marijuana-medicine/593087 "2011-08-21T21:11:02Z")
There is currently a thread Pitting Romney for telling a MD patient in 2007 that he was not in favor of medical marijuana. Pursuant to that discussion, it has been my impression that most of the hype about medical marij… --- ## [What I hate about working Technical Support](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-i-hate-about-working-technical-support/292647)
**Author:** [@Binarydrone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Binarydrone)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2005, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-i-hate-about-working-technical-support/292647 "2005-03-07T18:57:15Z")
\[ul\] \[li\]From time to time, there is a customer that asks a very simple yes/no question. Something like “can the program do X?” As much as I might wish otherwise, sometimes the answer is no. Now don’t get me wrong, I do… --- ## [Tired of holidays with my in-laws-in-law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tired-of-holidays-with-my-in-laws-in-law/620081)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2012, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tired-of-holidays-with-my-in-laws-in-law/620081 "2012-04-27T21:31:28Z")
I’m tired of having to grit my teeth and sit through stuffy holiday get-togethers with my brother-in-law’s wife’s parents. We’ve been invited to a Mother’s Day dinner and I’m trying to find a polite way to get out of it. … --- ## [Diamonds are a scam, so how do I win?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diamonds-are-a-scam-so-how-do-i-win/807735)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2019, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diamonds-are-a-scam-so-how-do-i-win/807735 "2019-02-27T21:01:37Z")
I’ve read all the negative stuff about the diamond industry and I accept it all as true – diamonds have very little intrinsic value, they have next to no resale value, cultured diamonds are “real” in every meaningful sen… --- ## [Independent Rants (July minirants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independent-rants-july-minirants/914197)
**Author:** [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Replies:** 203\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2020, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independent-rants-july-minirants/914197 "2020-07-31T16:52:36Z")
If someone’s already started this month’s thread, I’m sorry I didn’t see it, and I did look. I gave in and got one of those RFID triggered feeders for Shiva. So far it seems to be working okay, although I think it will … --- ## [Are noserings and tattoos unprofessional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-noserings-and-tattoos-unprofessional/181116)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2003, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-noserings-and-tattoos-unprofessional/181116 "2003-06-20T14:01:21Z")
I am on a hiring committee for a professional position in education. (I don’t want to be too precise for obvious reasons). We were reviewing candidates yesterday and I seem to have set off a firestorm by what I didn’t t… --- ## [Are/were sociopaths overrepresented in the gay community](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-were-sociopaths-overrepresented-in-the-gay-community/660331)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2013, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-were-sociopaths-overrepresented-in-the-gay-community/660331 "2013-06-22T04:35:48Z")
I predict this thread will end well. I am reading a book written by an admitted and diagnosed sociopath. In it she claims that sociopaths tend to lean towards bisexuality, because a persons sexuality is a very easy way … --- ## [Quebec Election: Federalist Liberals take lead in polls over separatist Parti Québécois](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebec-election-federalist-liberals-take-lead-in-polls-over-separatist-parti-quebecois/684273)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2014, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quebec-election-federalist-liberals-take-lead-in-polls-over-separatist-parti-quebecois/684273 "2014-06-11T18:57:53Z")
There will be a general election in the province of Quebec on April 7. The Parti Québécois is currently in power, but with a minority government prior to calling the general election. The PQ had a lead in the polls whe… --- ## [BOOM! Shot in the Kevlar: How effective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boom-shot-in-the-kevlar-how-effective/532819)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2010, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boom-shot-in-the-kevlar-how-effective/532819 "2010-03-20T23:31:39Z")
Seeing the recent ‘Pacific’ TV series, the Marines have no body armor, just an undershirt. Thinking about today’s armed forces, at least how they are portrayed in the movies (where historical accuracy is more important t… --- ## [Help me understand some things about homosexual attraction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-some-things-about-homosexual-attraction/642345)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2012, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-some-things-about-homosexual-attraction/642345 "2012-12-02T11:52:10Z")
This is not an honest question, certainly not a Pit thread or a how-to primer. It is inspired by this Gays Who Don’t Engage in Anal Sex thread. I expressed my opinions speaking as completely straight male but it certainl… --- ## [A big thread about consent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-big-thread-about-consent/804051)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2017, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-big-thread-about-consent/804051 "2017-12-21T20:03:04Z")
I see a lot of folks that express confusion about consent or something related to consent. I hear stuff like “Does that mean I can’t try to kiss my date?” or “am I gonna be fired for patting my co-worker on the shoulder… --- ## [Birthday Party on the Dope for swampbear!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthday-party-on-the-dope-for-swampbear/694131)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2014, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthday-party-on-the-dope-for-swampbear/694131 "2014-07-30T21:17:12Z")
Our own swampbear is about to hit the big 60. So I figure it’s time to throw a big party for him, as he’s (just a little) older than I am. I’ve got the big chocolate cake baking, with chocolate frosting. I am a baker … --- ## [A Frank Conversation on Erections and Pain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-frank-conversation-on-erections-and-pain/619189)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2012, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-frank-conversation-on-erections-and-pain/619189 "2012-04-25T21:32:12Z")
So I have a girl friend of mine to told me that her ex-boyfriend used to tell her that when he would get turned on and get an erection she would have to take care of it because if she didn’t it would hurt. I just assume… --- ## [Did you draw with a Spirograph? Would kids today play with one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-draw-with-a-spirograph-would-kids-today-play-with-one/575208)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2011, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-draw-with-a-spirograph-would-kids-today-play-with-one/575208 "2011-03-25T15:47:37Z")
I have many happy memories drawing with a spirograph. Like this one. http://www.seriouscraft.com/files/images/spirograph\[1\].jpg Amazing all the patterns you could draw with those plastic circles. http://blogs.msdn.com… --- ## [What's the legal penalty if any for spitting on the president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-legal-penalty-if-any-for-spitting-on-the-president/371886)
**Author:** [@oy\_vay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oy_vay)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2006, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-legal-penalty-if-any-for-spitting-on-the-president/371886 "2006-10-07T18:32:23Z")
To avoid a political argument lets say I wanted to reanimate Groover Cleveland, get him reelected, and spit on him. What’s the worst that could happen, based on past spittings what is likely to happen, and would any rec… --- ## [Books that when they ended you went "WHAAAAT?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-that-when-they-ended-you-went-whaaaat/679489)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2014, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-that-when-they-ended-you-went-whaaaat/679489 "2014-01-24T20:31:39Z")
For me, the best example of this was Michael Crichton’s “Sphere”. EVERY.SINGLE.PERSON I can think of who’s read the book reacted exactly that way. Anyone else? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=913&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=915&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)