# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=952&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:** 953 --- ## [Where's the "Read this before posting a computer problem" sticky?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-the-read-this-before-posting-a-computer-problem-sticky/514654)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2011, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-the-read-this-before-posting-a-computer-problem-sticky/514654 "2011-07-16T15:47:55Z")
I’m almost certain there used to be one in GQ but I can’t find it. --- ## [Is there any movie we ALL would agree is good (if not great)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-movie-we-all-would-agree-is-good-if-not-great/1026271)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 523\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2026, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-movie-we-all-would-agree-is-good-if-not-great/1026271 "2026-02-15T21:17:59Z")
Inspired by this thread: Folk have expressed their opinions that The Princess Bride and Shawshank are “bad” films. Made me wonder if there is ANY movie we can all agree is entertaining and worth watching/rewatching. … --- ## [Are you proficient in American history? Test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-proficient-in-american-history-test/590625)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-proficient-in-american-history-test/590625 "2011-08-01T01:00:48Z")
Our kids continue their downward spiral in American History. 25% are proficient. 75% aren’t :smack: History was always my easiest subject in school. Read the textbook, outline the major topics, and update with any extra… --- ## [Expert for Texas Commission concludes no evidence of arson in executed inmate's case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expert-for-texas-commission-concludes-no-evidence-of-arson-in-executed-inmates-case/508663)
**Author:** [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2009, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expert-for-texas-commission-concludes-no-evidence-of-arson-in-executed-inmates-case/508663 "2009-09-18T16:03:52Z")
This came up in the current death penalty thread, but deserves a thread of its own. A man named Earnest Willis was convicted of the capital murder of two women by arson and spent 17 years in prison, but was exonerated w… --- ## [Fictional Heroes and Villains From a Different Perspective](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-heroes-and-villains-from-a-different-perspective/537998)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-heroes-and-villains-from-a-different-perspective/537998 "2010-05-03T01:40:36Z")
If one assumes that a work of fiction is not a world all to its own of the author but a world where an objective standard or the reader’s morality and beliefs can be applied like the real world many characters who are “h… --- ## [Boyhood - Unique Film uses same actors over 12 year period.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boyhood-unique-film-uses-same-actors-over-12-year-period/693624)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boyhood-unique-film-uses-same-actors-over-12-year-period/693624 "2015-07-06T22:20:05Z")
I doubt this has ever been done before. Ellar Coltrane was cast in this role at six and continued until he was 18. There weren’t that many actual filming days. It was just spread out over twelve years. I hope the film i… --- ## [Is seafood extender ever made from tripe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-seafood-extender-ever-made-from-tripe/315144)
**Author:** [@istara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/istara)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2019, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-seafood-extender-ever-made-from-tripe/315144 "2019-05-10T22:16:17Z")
I know that seafood sticks are generally made from “surimi” - a processed stuff including white fish as its main ingredient. But I have read that seafood extender is also made from tripe. Can anyone confirm or deny thi… --- ## [No names on SF Giants home jerseys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-names-on-sf-giants-home-jerseys/559249)
**Author:** [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2010, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-names-on-sf-giants-home-jerseys/559249 "2010-11-03T22:38:03Z")
During the World Series it appeared that the San Francisco Giants road jerseys featured the players’ last names but not so on the home jerseys, just the numbers. Is this perception correct? Does this home-no, road-yes … --- ## [Dating Double Standard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-double-standard/283530)
**Author:** [@Phantom\_Dennis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phantom_Dennis)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2005, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-double-standard/283530 "2005-01-15T07:37:30Z")
I got asked out today. On a date! I feel really flattered, and I can’t remember being this happy and excited in a long time. Thank you, Stacy, for having the guts to break out of the social mold and ask me out first, … --- ## [Italians and WOPS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/italians-and-wops/576251)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/italians-and-wops/576251 "2011-04-17T01:13:25Z")
When I was young we used the derogatory expression WOPS to describe Italians. Is it true that WOP is derived from “without papers”? If so, why does this apply only to Italians? Why is it derogatory? Why has it lost i… --- ## [The Media Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-media-train/796423)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 189\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2018, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-media-train/796423 "2018-06-28T04:42:14Z")
Using book, movie and television show titles, the first word in your entry must match the last word in the previous entry. Let’s start this with…Gilligan’s Island(tv) --- ## [Best and worst state flags in North America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-state-flags-in-north-america/69694)
**Author:** [@curious\_george](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curious_george)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2001, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-state-flags-in-north-america/69694 "2001-07-01T23:44:41Z")
Their web page has photos of the best and worst. I pretty much agree, but New Mexico does not seem so good to me. http://www.nava.org/surveyresults.htm 10 June 2001 Story by Ted Kaye – ©North American Vexillological As… --- ## [What do you boycott?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-boycott/435024)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2008, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-boycott/435024 "2008-02-22T17:36:23Z")
This is not the first life of Boycotts here on The Dope, but it’s been long enough and a new year : Nestle Has a long history of unsavory practices. More info --- ## [Speak to me in George Carlin quotes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speak-to-me-in-george-carlin-quotes/645459)
**Author:** [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speak-to-me-in-george-carlin-quotes/645459 "2013-01-07T00:16:57Z")
There are seven words you can never say on television: Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksucker, Motherfucker, and Tits. --- ## [Pardon me boy...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pardon-me-boy/448808)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2008, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pardon-me-boy/448808 "2008-05-13T00:12:23Z")
Is that the Chattanooga choo choo? Now, aside from the racist term “boy”, which we can understand was just the times that it was written in, I am ok with this song. Up until the very next lyric: Track twenty-nine… Now… --- ## [Plumbing question: When Teflon tape doesnisn't stopping leak](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-when-teflon-tape-doesnisnt-stopping-leak/322828)
**Author:** [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2005, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-when-teflon-tape-doesnisnt-stopping-leak/322828 "2005-09-22T18:55:55Z")
I just installed an English bar in my basement and was hooking up a water line this evening. Before connecting two CPVC water pipes, I wrapped the threads with 2-3 wraps of Teflon tape, making sure I wrapped it in the ri… --- ## [Women Dopers: Ever Expel an IUD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-dopers-ever-expel-an-iud/573700)
**Author:** [@DoperChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoperChic)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2011, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-dopers-ever-expel-an-iud/573700 "2011-03-18T17:58:19Z")
I’m pretty sure mine is trying to make its way out and it is freaking me the hell out! Here’s what I got… Started out Saturday as some lower belly pain/burning with urination/increased frequency in urination/bloating. B… --- ## [Ideas to Flavour Lentils](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideas-to-flavour-lentils/535079)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2010, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideas-to-flavour-lentils/535079 "2010-04-08T14:48:55Z")
They had a sale on lentils, and I love lentil soup so I bought a big bag. OK so for two days I’ve made a nice pot of lentils for dinner and flavoured them with onions and some ham. Now I’m bored with that … --- ## [How anime characters appear caucasian?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-anime-characters-appear-caucasian/491186)
**Author:** [@Neverender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neverender)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2009, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-anime-characters-appear-caucasian/491186 "2009-03-31T01:03:51Z")
Having just started watching season 1 of Bleach, I remembered something that had been niggle-ing me for a while. How come, in most animes the characters look quite caucasian, most notably in skin tone and hair colour. W… --- ## [Speaker fees for noted personalities - Interesting list - Interesting prices!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-fees-for-noted-personalities-interesting-list-interesting-prices/338371)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2006, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-fees-for-noted-personalities-interesting-list-interesting-prices/338371 "2006-01-04T21:19:02Z")
All American Talent Celebrity Network Some samples Click here to see full bio --- ## [Please white trash people..get your damn pitbulls put to sleep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-white-trash-people-get-your-damn-pitbulls-put-to-sleep/632523)
**Author:** [@Cement](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cement)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-white-trash-people-get-your-damn-pitbulls-put-to-sleep/632523 "2012-08-25T01:25:36Z")
I’m tired of seeing these monsters walking around my neighbourhood. And its not cute seeing the little kids riding them like little ponies in my park. Why would you purposely make yourself look like white trash? Are y… --- ## [Why is Irish spelling so--unusual?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-irish-spelling-so-unusual/10761)
**Author:** [@SqrlCub](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SqrlCub)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2023, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-irish-spelling-so-unusual/10761 "2023-08-07T15:02:44Z")
Their own language, that is. I’ve seen a number of Irish words with accompanying pronunciations, and they often have a bewildering (to a non-speaker) array of silent consonants. What orthography did the Irish use befor… --- ## [Is there any way to undo a “not guilty” verdict by a jury in a criminal trial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-undo-a-not-guilty-verdict-by-a-jury-in-a-criminal-trial/718300)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2015, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-undo-a-not-guilty-verdict-by-a-jury-in-a-criminal-trial/718300 "2015-04-29T02:39:49Z")
When a defendant is found to be not guilty by a jury in criminal trial, he is acquitted for good, meaning: he would now be free to admit that he actually did commit the crime and he can even brag about the fact that he g… --- ## [Smartest Simpsons Line/Joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartest-simpsons-line-joke/192613)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2003, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartest-simpsons-line-joke/192613 "2003-08-12T23:49:55Z")
My nominee… Marge: C’mon, Homer, Japan will be fun. You like Rashoman. Homer: That’s not how I remember it. --- ## [I pit easy Libertarian thinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-easy-libertarian-thinking/586376)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2011, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-easy-libertarian-thinking/586376 "2011-07-15T07:05:56Z")
Eternalone, you get the scorn today: “No restrictions” is not “well-regulated.” There are reasonable limits on category of weapon to avoid collateral damage. Your argument implies an unfamiliarity with weapons of war. … --- ## [Who else gets creeped out by this common practice.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-else-gets-creeped-out-by-this-common-practice/491392)
**Author:** [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-else-gets-creeped-out-by-this-common-practice/491392 "2009-04-01T23:53:24Z")
Tonight was my daughter’s boyfriend’s birthday. I baked a cake, with candles. He blew them out, we all ate cake and then I brought 1/4 of the cake home. As I was driving, I realized my brother might like a slice, and I w… --- ## [Has anyone ever ACTUALLY deliberately left clues for police?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-actually-deliberately-left-clues-for-police/533354)
**Author:** [@johnspartan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnspartan)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2012, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-actually-deliberately-left-clues-for-police/533354 "2012-01-09T19:14:23Z")
I’m thinking of the TV / movie meme of a criminal who leaves puzzles and anagrams and such specifically trying to help the cops track them down. Secret codes that, once decoded, would basically just lead to them being … --- ## [Existential Threats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/existential-threats/932232)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 203\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2021, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/existential-threats/932232 "2021-04-26T03:28:31Z")
Which of the existential threats humans are currently facing is the most likely to cause our extinction: Pandemics, climate change, drinking water contamination, AI takeover, earth-astroid/comet impact, super volcano. --- ## [Spelling on the web](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spelling-on-the-web/734871)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2015, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spelling-on-the-web/734871 "2015-10-24T13:21:15Z")
On an aquarium Facebook page, a fellow posted “coral war fair”. I have seen various misspellings, “there” for “their” and stuff. That seems pretty dumb. It passes the spell checker, but there is some lack of literacy o… --- ## [Elizabeth Taylor's eye color](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elizabeth-taylors-eye-color/180520)
**Author:** [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2003, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elizabeth-taylors-eye-color/180520 "2003-06-09T19:08:20Z")
Writers constantly refer to Elizabeth Taylor’s “violet eyes”. Violet is a type of purple. Yet, in none of the color photographs I’ve seen of Elizabeth Taylor, nor in any of her color movies, do her eyes appear violet. Th… --- ## [How does a co2 tank regulator read a higher pressure then ~850psi.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-co2-tank-regulator-read-a-higher-pressure-then-850psi/506119)
**Author:** [@shinybrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinybrain)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2017, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-co2-tank-regulator-read-a-higher-pressure-then-850psi/506119 "2017-10-16T11:27:39Z")
Well I am just joining these forums having recently found them. I have read many many pages back and the amount of great reading is wonderful. So thank you all for making this community. Anyways I came across a questi… --- ## [Best beer not a local micro but available everywhere in the U.S.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566)
**Author:** [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-beer-not-a-local-micro-but-available-everywhere-in-the-u-s/614566 "2012-03-05T17:41:44Z")
Obviously not a factual question so it’s here. Inspired by the Samuel Adams thread, what is the ‘best’ beer (lager/ale/etc.) that is available coast to coast at least in the lower 48? Widely imported micros like Becks or… --- ## [Mayonnaise: Hellman’s vs. Duke’s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mayonnaise-hellman-s-vs-duke-s/823947)
**Author:** [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mayonnaise-hellman-s-vs-duke-s/823947 "2019-01-07T18:50:52Z")
As a lifelong Yankee and only occasional eater of mayonnaise, I am a loyal Hellman’s customer and was unaware of the existence of Duke’s until just recently. I picked up a jar of Duke’s in Cleveland (that bastion of Old… --- ## [Pink slime is making a comeback. Good or bad or indifferent news?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pink-slime-is-making-a-comeback-good-or-bad-or-indifferent-news/691318)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2014, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pink-slime-is-making-a-comeback-good-or-bad-or-indifferent-news/691318 "2014-06-23T19:35:39Z")
According to NPR, “lean finely textured beef” (LFTB), or “boneless lean beef trimmings” (BLBT), or “pink slime” has hit the comeback trail in the wake of higher beef prices. There are many people who object strongly to … --- ## [The Baseball HOF Class of 2009 thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-baseball-hof-class-of-2009-thread/475272)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2009, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-baseball-hof-class-of-2009-thread/475272 "2009-01-15T23:29:44Z")
The 2009 candidates for the Baseball Hall of Fame were announced today. The final selections will be announced on January 12, 2009. Rickey Henderson is considered a near mortal lock to get in. Is there anybody else wh… --- ## [1% of America's adult population is in prison](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-of-americas-adult-population-is-in-prison/439593)
**Author:** [@ForumBot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ForumBot)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2008, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-of-americas-adult-population-is-in-prison/439593 "2008-03-05T12:20:50Z")
God damnit. Don’t you think this is a hint that we need to stop putting fucking potheads in jail? Doesn’t it strike you a bit odd that 1% of the population is so dangerous that they need to be physically separated from… --- ## [Best Wart Removal Methods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-wart-removal-methods/575183)
**Author:** [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2011, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-wart-removal-methods/575183 "2011-03-22T01:59:01Z")
I have a rather big wart on the outside of my left hand (in the fleshy part below the pinky on the outside of the hand). I’ve tried Compound W and the freezing stuff, but this thing is so deep, it doesn’t seem to do any… --- ## [Favorite album covers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-album-covers/352573)
**Author:** [@some\_white\_dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/some_white_dude)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-album-covers/352573 "2006-04-18T01:25:17Z")
I’m currently going through iTunes and attaching album covers to all of the full albums that are on my computer. That is, if I have all fifteen tracks of Gang of Four’s Entertainment!, then I add the album cover. Convers… --- ## [What if we had ignored 9/11?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-we-had-ignored-9-11/756103)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-we-had-ignored-9-11/756103 "2016-06-13T05:00:27Z")
Instead of ineffective airport security and wars that only added to the body count, what if we had just gone back to business as usual? The War on Terror has killed well over a million people, and is still not over. It… --- ## [Will Christmas tree water kill my cat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-christmas-tree-water-kill-my-cat/336574)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2005, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-christmas-tree-water-kill-my-cat/336574 "2005-12-23T14:26:28Z")
My cat’s been lapping at the water in the Christmas tree stand all night because I overfilled it a little. There’s no very easy way for me to empty the thing, so I’ve been chasing him away from the tree every half hour. … --- ## [Are mourning doves stupid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-mourning-doves-stupid/653248)
**Author:** [@CheeseDonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheeseDonkey)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2013, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-mourning-doves-stupid/653248 "2013-03-20T03:13:57Z")
Or do they just have slow reflexes? I go outside and there’s a bunch of birds everywhere. Right as a I get outside, all the finches and chickadees and grackles fly away. But the doves remain until I get a few steps close… --- ## [Demeaning post by IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demeaning-post-by-ivorytowerdenizen/793113)
**Author:** [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2017, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demeaning-post-by-ivorytowerdenizen/793113 "2017-08-25T16:06:55Z")
A week or so ago a poster asked several questions about Twitter including and I responded IvoryTowerDenizen came in and said I told him I think my response was appropriate, he disagreed, and I dropped it. A bit la… --- ## [Asians/Native Americans don't have an enzyme to digest alcohol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asians-native-americans-dont-have-an-enzyme-to-digest-alcohol/479560)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asians-native-americans-dont-have-an-enzyme-to-digest-alcohol/479560 "2009-01-06T01:55:46Z")
We were having this discussion today. Someone said that most Asians don’t have a certain enzyme to digest alcohol. Is this true? If so, why? Haven’t there been alcohols in Asia for just as long as in the West? --- ## [Abbottabad is inland. Why send the Navy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abbottabad-is-inland-why-send-the-navy/580679)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2011, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abbottabad-is-inland-why-send-the-navy/580679 "2011-05-07T21:17:16Z")
I just trying to understand how the military chooses which branch to use for any given mission. Granted that the SEALs are trained for operations on the SEa, Air, and Land - and that’s where the acronym comes from - but… --- ## [What if the Japanese fleet had been destroyed on Dec 6th 1941?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-japanese-fleet-had-been-destroyed-on-dec-6th-1941/634802)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2012, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-japanese-fleet-had-been-destroyed-on-dec-6th-1941/634802 "2012-09-19T18:17:53Z")
Imagine that America knew all about the impending attack on Pearl Harbour. The Japanese fleet walks into a trap, and is almost totally destroyed (a sub or two escape). America makes use of this and does NOT declare war. … --- ## [Wild And Wonderful Whites Of West Virginia, anyone else notice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-and-wonderful-whites-of-west-virginia-anyone-else-notice/645686)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2021, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-and-wonderful-whites-of-west-virginia-anyone-else-notice/645686 "2021-10-02T04:33:57Z")
My friends have been bugging me to watch this thing which they described as the jaw dropping funniest thing they’ve ever seen. It has some funny moments, but man did anyone ever notice that like 99% of the “trouble” the… --- ## [Pointing out that Art History isn't exactly a useful degree is threadshitting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pointing-out-that-art-history-isnt-exactly-a-useful-degree-is-threadshitting/696558)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2014, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pointing-out-that-art-history-isnt-exactly-a-useful-degree-is-threadshitting/696558 "2014-08-27T18:13:45Z")
We have a new poster, who is in Paris studying Art History. I was modded for pointing out it wasn’t exactly a degree you’ll have a lot of marketable skills with. --- ## [Other Soft Drink Flavors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-soft-drink-flavors/547505)
**Author:** [@qazwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qazwart)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2010, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-soft-drink-flavors/547505 "2010-09-27T21:18:42Z")
In the article Whatever happened to the soft drink sarsaparilla?, Cecil made a comment that it, like its closest kin, Root Beer, lost out to Cola flavored drinks. I remember A&W Root Beer and Stewart Root Beer drive thr… --- ## [THE SOPRANOS 5/23/04 - 'Long Term Parking' (Spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sopranos-5-23-04-long-term-parking-spoilers/246735)
**Author:** [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2004, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sopranos-5-23-04-long-term-parking-spoilers/246735 "2004-05-29T03:19:07Z")
Whoa. Only on a show like this could the main character and his wife reconcile after a season-long estrangement and it be, like, the third-most-interesting story of the night. --- ## [Why did bands appearing on Letterman used to have to play along with the house band?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-bands-appearing-on-letterman-used-to-have-to-play-along-with-the-house-band/485125)
**Author:** [@Freejooky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freejooky)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2017, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-bands-appearing-on-letterman-used-to-have-to-play-along-with-the-house-band/485125 "2017-06-04T04:02:30Z")
I was watching this clip of the Pixies on Letterman in '92 and was just flabbergasted to see half of the band sitting on stools on the side of the stage, replaced by Letterman’s house band stooges! Then, as if to add fla… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=951&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=953&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)