# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=923&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:** 924 --- ## [Should we just de-brand Christmas as Yule?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-just-de-brand-christmas-as-yule/741281)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2016, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-just-de-brand-christmas-as-yule/741281 "2016-01-05T21:40:44Z")
I argued in this thread, as I’ve being doing for years IRL, that Christmas is already a secular holiday that I (an atheist) will pass down to my kids (hopefully atheists, but who knows). I believe that treating Christma… --- ## [Why Do People Look At 'Amateur' Porn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-look-at-amateur-porn/115717)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2002, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-look-at-amateur-porn/115717 "2002-06-25T18:17:10Z")
What is the reason for all of the web sites for the so-called ‘amateur’ porn? Most of the women featured are just average looking, with some considerably below average. Some of these sites even have the word ‘unattractiv… --- ## [Things you're supposed to love but can only bring yourself to tolerate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-youre-supposed-to-love-but-can-only-bring-yourself-to-tolerate/813914)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2018, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-youre-supposed-to-love-but-can-only-bring-yourself-to-tolerate/813914 "2018-05-16T08:05:08Z")
If I’m a guest at your house I will politely eat your sourdough bread, but please do not try to convert me into some kind of a sourdough enthusiast. I’ve tried it many different times throughout my life and am consistent… --- ## [Look! It's the first MMP of spring!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/look-its-the-first-mmp-of-spring/349111)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 276\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/look-its-the-first-mmp-of-spring/349111 "2006-03-27T05:09:15Z")
Happy Vernal Equinox! Or Happy Autumnal Equinox for all MMPers south of the equator! (We’re not hemispherists here!) I declare that we should do a little spring cleaning in honor of nature’s rebirth (or in honor of th… --- ## [What do one-hit wonder bands do for concerts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-one-hit-wonder-bands-do-for-concerts/686194)
**Author:** [@CheeseDonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheeseDonkey)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2014, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-one-hit-wonder-bands-do-for-concerts/686194 "2014-04-17T21:34:10Z")
People basically only go there to hear their one song, right? Like what does Dishwalla do when it holds a concert? Do they play their one song and leave? --- ## [Does anyone know what this old tool is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-what-this-old-tool-is/489494)
**Author:** [@Nefarious\_Chipmunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nefarious_Chipmunk)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2009, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-what-this-old-tool-is/489494 "2009-06-24T01:23:49Z")
I work at an old house museum and we have a variety of old tools in our collection. We do school programs for third graders where we take old gadgets and tools and have the kids guess what the tool was used for back in … --- ## [NY-to-LA in 27 hours 25 minutes. New Cannonball run record](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-to-la-in-27-hours-25-minutes-new-cannonball-run-record/844366)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2024, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-to-la-in-27-hours-25-minutes-new-cannonball-run-record/844366 "2024-10-10T16:28:46Z")
Click here for details. --- ## [Lost 1.15: "Homecoming"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-1-15-homecoming/289307)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2005, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-1-15-homecoming/289307 "2005-02-15T05:12:47Z")
Well, no one has gotten to it yet, so I guess I’ll start this one. I’m getting tired of these 2 week breaks. I haven’t been this into a drama since Babylon 5, I don’t think. I sure hope that the whole basis of the show … --- ## [Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays Trivia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hank-aaron-babe-ruth-and-willie-mays-trivia/563989)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hank-aaron-babe-ruth-and-willie-mays-trivia/563989 "2010-12-15T04:23:53Z")
Up until a few years ago, these Baseball Hall of Famers were #1, #2, and #3 on MLB all-time homerun list. But they share a interesting trivial common thread about their baseball careers. I have been trying to think of… --- ## [Songs about boredom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-about-boredom/608999)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2012, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-about-boredom/608999 "2012-01-14T13:20:31Z")
Not a popular theme. The only one I can think of is “It’s a Bore!” from Gigi. --- ## [Origin of phrase: "gin up"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-phrase-gin-up/270364)
**Author:** [@brianmelendez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brianmelendez)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2013, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-phrase-gin-up/270364 "2013-02-07T00:19:46Z")
A friend and I were discussing the origin of the phrase “gin up,” meaning to concoct, devise, or improvise (a solution to a deficiency or other problem). For example: “We lacked a few ingredients that the recipe called f… --- ## [Old "Die Hard" complaint](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-die-hard-complaint/479591)
**Author:** [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-die-hard-complaint/479591 "2009-01-06T01:11:11Z")
It bothered me at the time I first saw the film, but I recently saw the movie again and it still bothers me. The villian, (Hans Gruber\[?\]) wanders off looking for blasting caps, explosive triggers or whatever and he lose… --- ## [Gravity, the movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-the-movie/684667)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2014, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-the-movie/684667 "2014-03-31T16:52:59Z")
Hello Everyone, The family and I just rented the movie Gravity from Redbox. Well, there’s $1 and 2 hours I’ll never get back. This has to be possibly the worst space themed movie ever made. My question is, did they get … --- ## [Will we ever shed our religiocentric views](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-ever-shed-our-religiocentric-views/662963)
**Author:** [@themysticalthread](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themysticalthread)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2013, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-ever-shed-our-religiocentric-views/662963 "2013-07-22T13:36:14Z")
I should ask, how long before we shed our religiocentric views? In recent years, I’ve encountered more and more people that willing to accept the validity of other religious traditions. At the very least, more people a… --- ## [Art confessions--"I don't see what's so great about..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-confessions-i-dont-see-whats-so-great-about/410026)
**Author:** [@Freezair\_SilverEye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freezair_SilverEye)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2007, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-confessions-i-dont-see-whats-so-great-about/410026 "2007-07-06T02:13:27Z")
Partially inspired by this thread: Is "Citizen Kane" always going to be "The Greatest American Movie"? - Cafe Society - Straight Dope Message Board What are some famous “things”–be they songs, movies, TV shows, painting… --- ## [I want to give a formal apology to the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-give-a-formal-apology-to-the-sdmb/846200)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2020, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-give-a-formal-apology-to-the-sdmb/846200 "2020-01-17T15:39:24Z")
My behavior over the years has been completely uneven and sometimes infamously terrible. My statements about women in particular were horrible. I am engaged to an extremely talented Episcopal priest against all probabili… --- ## [What should I do about my wife?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-about-my-wife/603691)
**Author:** [@Cap10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cap10)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2011, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-about-my-wife/603691 "2011-11-23T23:43:14Z")
My wife and I dated for two and a half years and got married several months ago. The vast majority of her friends are guys and I am fine with that. However, she has one male friend that I have never trusted. They would t… --- ## [Amazon, JP Morgan, Berkshire Hathaway & healthcare reform](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-jp-morgan-berkshire-hathaway-healthcare-reform/807829)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2021, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-jp-morgan-berkshire-hathaway-healthcare-reform/807829 "2021-01-05T03:03:26Z")
So the news this morning is that Amazon, JPMorgan and Berkshire Hathaway have come together on addressing healthcare costs…somehow. Presumably this means, probably, self-insuring their own employees. At least that’s my u… --- ## [What is the best dedicated forum for discussion of "Apollo moon landing hoax"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-dedicated-forum-for-discussion-of-apollo-moon-landing-hoax/744279)
**Author:** [@socratic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/socratic)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2016, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-dedicated-forum-for-discussion-of-apollo-moon-landing-hoax/744279 "2016-02-11T20:52:01Z")
I want to do some reading about whether or not the moon landings were faked. I’m looking for a forum which broadly supports the idea that the landings were hoaxed. Can anyone give me a lead on the best forums for this i… --- ## [Have you ever licked a 9-volt battery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-licked-a-9-volt-battery/606461)
**Author:** [@fubbleskag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fubbleskag)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2011, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-licked-a-9-volt-battery/606461 "2011-12-25T07:32:15Z")
Once upon a time, I would have just assumed the answer to this question would be ‘yes’ for every living human being in the first world. It recently came to my attention that two people I know personally - one being my wi… --- ## [Examples of Deus Ex Machina \*\*Spoilers Obviously\*\*](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-deus-ex-machina-spoilers-obviously/201410)
**Author:** [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2003, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-deus-ex-machina-spoilers-obviously/201410 "2003-09-26T10:09:11Z")
O.K., using this definition: “any resolution to a story which does not pay due regard to the story's internal logic and is so unlikely it challenges supension of disbelief, and presumably allows the author to end it in… --- ## [The Hitchens - Galloway Debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hitchens-galloway-debate/321730)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2005, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hitchens-galloway-debate/321730 "2005-10-28T14:02:54Z")
Today Christopher Hitchens debated George Galloway on the Iraq war. I’m just starting to listen to it now, but I’ll bet it will be great. You can download the MP3’s here if you want to listen to it. Click on the seven… --- ## [Radio call letters that have local significance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-call-letters-that-have-local-significance/428799)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-call-letters-that-have-local-significance/428799 "2016-12-06T22:46:23Z")
What radio call letters spell out words (and not just acronyms or abbreviations) that have a direct relationship to where the station is located? For example, 96.5 KOIT makes sense in SF, which has Coit Tower. Similarl… --- ## [John Oliver on Mike Pence (YouTube video)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-oliver-on-mike-pence-youtube-video/810834)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2018, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-oliver-on-mike-pence-youtube-video/810834 "2018-10-30T11:14:43Z")
Figured I’d share this with anyone interested who hasn’t seen the episode yet. Basically it’s classic Oliver talking about Mike Pence this time. There is a pretty hard sell for a book at the end, but even that is hilar… --- ## [Post-Trump reforms you'd like to see](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-trump-reforms-youd-like-to-see/814703)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2018, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-trump-reforms-youd-like-to-see/814703 "2018-06-14T14:12:25Z")
Let’s envision a time in the not-too-distant future. Trump is gone, and Congress is in the hands of a reasonable and bi-partisan group of legislators whose primary concern is the national welfare (it’s my fantasy, just … --- ## [What was Luke's plan in ROTJ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-lukes-plan-in-rotj/574658)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2011, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-lukes-plan-in-rotj/574658 "2011-03-18T23:51:28Z")
The thread about Empire Strikes Back reminded me I’d always had a question about this. So Luke shows up at Jabba’s palace after Leia has been captured trying to rescue Han. He lets himself get arrested/captured without … --- ## [Colibri, moving threads, or not, and names for rules](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colibri-moving-threads-or-not-and-names-for-rules/570790)
**Author:** [@not\_alice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_alice)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2011, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colibri-moving-threads-or-not-and-names-for-rules/570790 "2011-02-12T22:51:09Z")
On this thread, Colibri attaches a name to a rule that he went to the mat with me about two weeks ago, moving and merging threads all over the place in order to make sure I never got the straight dope. So, is the upshot… --- ## [How can I, as a civilian, earn a medal? (international edition!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-as-a-civilian-earn-a-medal-international-edition/606268)
**Author:** [@Toffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toffe)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2011, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-as-a-civilian-earn-a-medal-international-edition/606268 "2011-12-18T18:34:38Z")
So, I’m curious: what can I, as a civilian, do to earn a medal or order? I’m interested in examples from anywhere in the world, the easier the better. So if Suriname bestows a medal upon anyone who can provide video of… --- ## [Why couldnt a muslim become President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-couldnt-a-muslim-become-president/467579)
**Author:** [@Punintentional](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punintentional)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2008, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-couldnt-a-muslim-become-president/467579 "2008-10-16T09:18:35Z")
Could a Muslim not become President because America is prejudice? --- ## [Sterilization and Sexism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sterilization-and-sexism/477044)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2008, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sterilization-and-sexism/477044 "2008-12-18T16:03:48Z")
I’ve heard it’s virtually impossible for a woman who hasn’t had any kids to get her tubes tied, whereas it’s relatively easy for a man in a similar situation to get a vasectomy. If this is indeed the case, shouldn’t the… --- ## [Annoying things about TV/Movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-things-about-tv-movies/646350)
**Author:** [@Aji\_de\_Gallina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aji_de_Gallina)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2013, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-things-about-tv-movies/646350 "2013-01-13T14:31:26Z")
I know these things have been said a million times, but I wanna have my go at it. Shaking camera: We went from steady cameras on dollys to cameras on steady shoulders to less-than-steady looks-like-documentary shaking… --- ## [Leaving USA for someplace saner- easier said than done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-usa-for-someplace-saner-easier-said-than-done/1009810)
**Author:** [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Replies:** 266\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2026, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-usa-for-someplace-saner-easier-said-than-done/1009810 "2026-03-09T14:22:21Z")
Along with probably millions of other Americans, people we know are now “considering” leaving the USA for good and I can’t say that I blame them. For Mrs. Cretin and me, emigrating isn’t feasible, we’re too old (70’s), … --- ## [Old Lady Names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-lady-names/477100)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2008, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-lady-names/477100 "2008-12-17T03:42:47Z")
I am writing a story and I’m trying to think of some good names for old ladies Some real stereotypical names that whenever you hear them you think “Old lady.” Like \[ul\] \[li\]Clara\[/li\]\[li\]Ester\[/li\]\[li\]Hester\[/li\]\[li\]… --- ## [The greatest visual distance between two points on Earth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-visual-distance-between-two-points-on-earth/641554)
**Author:** [@Yeticus\_Rex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeticus_Rex)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2012, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-visual-distance-between-two-points-on-earth/641554 "2012-11-21T23:41:08Z")
Inspired by this GQ thread. What are the two points on Earth that you can stand on either one and see the other point which has the greatest distance between them than any other pair of points on Earth? Assume that you… --- ## [That Five Note Riff ("Close Encounters of the Third Kind"")](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-five-note-riff-close-encounters-of-the-third-kind/544709)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2018, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-five-note-riff-close-encounters-of-the-third-kind/544709 "2018-03-23T02:37:45Z")
What was its function? Was it supposed to activate people or turn them into zombies? Was it a code or recognition signal? I always wondered how anliens reaching the earth would communicate with us-would musical notes … --- ## [Things Everyone Should Know](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-everyone-should-know/258441)
**Author:** [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2005, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-everyone-should-know/258441 "2005-05-13T21:05:56Z")
There are some things that you would think that everyone knows. But some people are clueless. My list includes: When using a public laundry, it is the responsibility of the person using the dryer to clean out the l… --- ## [The Great Late-Summer 2019 Doper Postcard Exchange!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-late-summer-2019-doper-postcard-exchange/839054)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2019, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-late-summer-2019-doper-postcard-exchange/839054 "2019-11-23T14:14:00Z")
Northern Piper, melodyharmonius and jayrey have run them in the past, and they’re always fun, but it’s been awhile. Here’s how it works (as adapted from NP’s previous thread). Our rules, by the numbers, and written wit… --- ## [What explains the stunning successes of the Six Day and Yom Kippur wars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-explains-the-stunning-successes-of-the-six-day-and-yom-kippur-wars/795580)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-explains-the-stunning-successes-of-the-six-day-and-yom-kippur-wars/795580 "2020-03-02T14:37:58Z")
Israel was able to prevail over several larger opponents in a very short amount of time. Even in the Yom Kippur war, Israel got caught with its tallit down and turn it around in less than 3 weeks. It doesn’t seem like I… --- ## [Do you find Early Access games worth it on Steam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-find-early-access-games-worth-it-on-steam/685825)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-find-early-access-games-worth-it-on-steam/685825 "2016-09-05T03:01:56Z")
Steam offers ‘early access’ games, that are almost like a Kickstarter for game developers by offering an incomplete game for sale in the hopes that enough users will pay to help the developer complete the game. In return… --- ## [Was 'Firefly' really a massive rip-off of 'Cowboy Bebop?'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-firefly-really-a-massive-rip-off-of-cowboy-bebop/298044)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2005, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-firefly-really-a-massive-rip-off-of-cowboy-bebop/298044 "2005-04-09T07:21:20Z")
After hearing for years that Joss Whedon ripped off “Cowboy Bebop” in its every particular when he made “Firefly” I finally saw the “Cowboy Bebop” movie. While I could see some slight similarities (though I’ve heard the… --- ## [Gigantic new ship "Oasis of the Seas". Is this an attractive ship or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gigantic-new-ship-oasis-of-the-seas-is-this-an-attractive-ship-or-not/517599)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2009, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gigantic-new-ship-oasis-of-the-seas-is-this-an-attractive-ship-or-not/517599 "2009-11-16T18:17:18Z")
Yes, this a shallow beauty contest type question. Do you think this is a good looking ship or not? As a side note the ship does look kind of “top heavy” and I wonder about it’s stability in extreme weather. Here is the … --- ## [(Old) The Apocalyptic MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-apocalyptic-mmp/1000001)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 310\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2024, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-apocalyptic-mmp/1000001 "2024-04-15T06:07:15Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 55 Amurrkin out and clear with a predicted high of 80 and mostly N.O.S. for the day. Not much shakin’ here today. OYKW has a doc appointment at eight-thirty. Well, it’s … --- ## [I pit WiredBadger's use of grammar nazis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-wiredbadgers-use-of-grammar-nazis/629509)
**Author:** [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2012, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-wiredbadgers-use-of-grammar-nazis/629509 "2012-12-05T02:59:00Z")
OK - my first time using “pit” as a verb. Wiredbadger (love the name, btw) I am enjoying your thread about science but will you please stop using grammar nazis? care about grammar, spelling, whatever or not - the wor… --- ## [Fuck fuck Fucky McFucktard! I can't fucking quit these fucking cigarettes!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-fuck-fucky-mcfucktard-i-cant-fucking-quit-these-fucking-cigarettes/292090)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2005, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-fuck-fucky-mcfucktard-i-cant-fucking-quit-these-fucking-cigarettes/292090 "2005-04-01T04:36:45Z")
This is in the pit because 1) I’m using profanity and 2) I’m essentially pitting myself, but I would value any advice from ex- smokers. (No offense, but advice from people who haven’t ever smoked \[or who smoked three… --- ## [Has that ever happened on Jeopardy! before?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-that-ever-happened-on-jeopardy-before/575010)
**Author:** [@williamweigand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/williamweigand)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-that-ever-happened-on-jeopardy-before/575010 "2011-03-19T15:42:13Z")
On the March 16 episode the returning champion had Final Jeopardy all to himself because the two challengers had negative dollar amounts at the end of Double Jeopardy. I would have thought Mr. Trebek might mention if tha… --- ## [Would society be better off without alcohol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-society-be-better-off-without-alcohol/552921)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2010, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-society-be-better-off-without-alcohol/552921 "2010-09-12T22:05:56Z")
Considering the huge costs to society associated with alcohol, such as deaths and injuries, drunk-driving, non-consensual sex, drunken flings, pregnancies, STDS and general drunken violence, would society be better off w… --- ## [What is this Viglink?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-viglink/696105)
**Author:** [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2014, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-viglink/696105 "2014-09-10T22:02:19Z")
In another thread, I came across this post, which is a throwaway line by CurtC, containing a joke URL. However, on my Chrome browser, that link is actually active, and hovering over it reveals the tooltip, “Link added by… --- ## [DON’T touch me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/don-t-touch-me/407999)
**Author:** [@Mouse\_Maven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mouse_Maven)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2007, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/don-t-touch-me/407999 "2007-06-19T13:17:10Z")
Dear Lady at the Grocery Store: No, you may not touch me. Yes, I’m pregnant. That doesn’t negate me need for personal space. You don’t ask a stacked woman if you can grope her tits. You don’t ask a man with a promin… --- ## [Steely Dan Fan is either a troll or a stupid fanatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steely-dan-fan-is-either-a-troll-or-a-stupid-fanatic/684360)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2014, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steely-dan-fan-is-either-a-troll-or-a-stupid-fanatic/684360 "2014-03-28T14:20:08Z")
In his constant defense of “communism”. I use the quote marks because the communism he defends is somehow both inspired by real-world Marxism and at the same time has nothing to do with what people inspired by Marxism ac… --- ## [Quillette: the thinking racist's magazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quillette-the-thinking-racists-magazine/835636)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2019, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quillette-the-thinking-racists-magazine/835636 "2019-12-11T15:26:54Z")
So out in ATMB I had some rather choice words to say about Quillette, and some people quite vigorously disagreed with me: I’m a little surprised that this is news. Quillette is incredibly racist. They might occasional… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=922&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=924&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)