# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=970&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:** 971 --- ## [Best Science Fiction Author From The 80's On](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-science-fiction-author-from-the-80s-on/562504)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-science-fiction-author-from-the-80s-on/562504 "2010-12-08T02:37:23Z")
In response to complaints that my SF Grand-Master poll contained too many old farts-please submit names to be added to a new SF G-M from the 80’s on poll. --- ## [I did a silly thing today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-did-a-silly-thing-today/622329)
**Author:** [@Zyanthia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyanthia)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2012, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-did-a-silly-thing-today/622329 "2012-05-24T18:52:50Z")
I am almost never without my iPad. Whenever I’m waiting in line, I pull it out of my purse, open up my current book, and read while waiting. Today, I left it at home. When I went to lunch, I took an old fashioned pape… --- ## [Are there any binoculars/optical devices which take in a lot of light, but don't magnify?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-binoculars-optical-devices-which-take-in-a-lot-of-light-but-dont-magnify/673460)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2013, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-binoculars-optical-devices-which-take-in-a-lot-of-light-but-dont-magnify/673460 "2013-11-11T23:39:34Z")
That is, they serve as light buckets which greatly increase the amount of photons entering your eye, but do not magnify the image at all? I realize that the only likely market for such a device would be limited mostly t… --- ## [Unseen TV characters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unseen-tv-characters/50646)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2011, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unseen-tv-characters/50646 "2011-06-14T15:48:34Z")
How many TV characters can you think of who were heard or discussed, but never actually seen? I can think of… Carlton the doorman on “Rhoda” Robin Masters on “Magnum PI” John Beresford Tipton on “The Millionaire” Charl… --- ## [How should a Protestant behave in a Catholic church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-a-protestant-behave-in-a-catholic-church/302962)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2005, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-a-protestant-behave-in-a-catholic-church/302962 "2005-05-11T07:42:07Z")
What is the protocol for behavior when visiting a church not of one’s “home denomination”? For example, I attended a Catholic service as a relative of a child receiving first communion. When it was time to stand, every… --- ## [Is a cel phone also an acceptable alarm clock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-cel-phone-also-an-acceptable-alarm-clock/558101)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-cel-phone-also-an-acceptable-alarm-clock/558101 "2010-11-03T03:09:45Z")
A friend and I were talking and he was saying that he’s encountered a lot of people who use their cel phone as an alarm clock, with invariably poor results (because a cel phone isn’t loud or jarring enough). So: do you … --- ## [Political Compass #13: Land should not be bought and sold.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-13-land-should-not-be-bought-and-sold/241409)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2004, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-compass-13-land-should-not-be-bought-and-sold/241409 "2004-04-23T23:08:09Z")
Many political debates here have included references to The Political Compass, which uses a set of 61 questions to assess one’s political orientation in terms of economic left/right and social libertarianism/authoritaria… --- ## [Vote GOP 2018!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vote-gop-2018/812756)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2018, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vote-gop-2018/812756 "2018-05-10T09:52:16Z")
This thread is about the three political campaign posters linked below. You really ought to save your comments until after you have viewed them. There is no nudity, profanity or blood in them, but nonetheless they may be… --- ## [Why do the Wal-mart Watch people hate Wal-mart?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-wal-mart-watch-people-hate-wal-mart/329675)
**Author:** [@suezeekay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suezeekay)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2005, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-wal-mart-watch-people-hate-wal-mart/329675 "2005-11-14T17:48:35Z")
Maybe I’m naive or selfish, but I don’t see the logic behind blaming Wal-Mart for every economic sin immaginable, like that vitriolist organization Wal-mart Watch. I live in a rural area and without Wal-Mart we would h… --- ## [Need a good dirty joke.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-dirty-joke/436541)
**Author:** [@Wargamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wargamer)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2008, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-good-dirty-joke/436541 "2008-02-07T17:16:54Z")
My wife is in a contest at work where the best dirty joke wins a free lunch. So, I’ve been appointed Procurer of the Winning Joke. So, I turn to you, the Teeming Millions, to help out the spouse. EDIT: I hope this is … --- ## [Poll: E-book readers - e-ink vs. back-lit color](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-e-book-readers-e-ink-vs-back-lit-color/562304)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2011, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-e-book-readers-e-ink-vs-back-lit-color/562304 "2011-04-21T19:55:32Z")
To me this is a no-brainer. I can read my black-and-white e-ink Nook in any reasonable light conditions, outdoors or in, glare or no glare. To me this is 60% of the benefit of e-book readers (35% for the ability to carry… --- ## [OH GODS! Bounty Hunters at my door!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-gods-bounty-hunters-at-my-door/692230)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-gods-bounty-hunters-at-my-door/692230 "2014-07-09T06:00:21Z")
3 bounty hunters, 2 men & a woman, showed up at my door! All armed, & looking for a “Mandy”. These three reeked of menace! I told them (truthfully) that I lived alone, & had been here since late 2008. The woman talke… --- ## [Alcoholic neighbor driving around](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcoholic-neighbor-driving-around/584128)
**Author:** [@Feyrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Feyrat)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2011, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcoholic-neighbor-driving-around/584128 "2011-06-05T16:25:23Z")
Ok, a little background: I am not a nosy person. Or a social person. I generally prefer to leave-alone and let-leave-alone. My neighbor is a 53 year old lady, who recently came out of a very abusive relationship with a … --- ## [The psychology of kink](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-psychology-of-kink/535985)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2010, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-psychology-of-kink/535985 "2010-04-22T17:35:20Z")
I want to know how much they know, if anything, in the psychological sciences, about why some people–even otherwise normal and compassionate people–are turned on sexually by fantasies of torture. Are there any common cau… --- ## [American Idol 5/11 to 5/12](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-5-11-to-5-12/581523)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2011, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-5-11-to-5-12/581523 "2011-05-16T22:40:52Z")
So…who is going home? Lauren or Haley? Is there even a ghost of a chance that James or Scotty will go? --- ## [I got pulled over today :(](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-pulled-over-today/578957)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2011, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-pulled-over-today/578957 "2011-04-21T22:36:53Z")
Apparently the Naperville PD (Illinois) is cracking down on seat belt violations on 75th Avenue this week. Or as I prefer to refer, they’re hosting a fundraiser bonanza. :o $60 ticket. I can afford it but I wish I didn’… --- ## [Did the U.S. lose the War of 1812?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-u-s-lose-the-war-of-1812/590481)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2011, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-u-s-lose-the-war-of-1812/590481 "2011-07-31T17:44:15Z")
Continuing the discussion from here: Graduating from Hogwarts - Cafe Society - Straight Dope Message Board Have at it! --- ## [Trump's disgusting shakedown of Zelensky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-disgusting-shakedown-of-zelensky/1014940)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 382\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2025, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-disgusting-shakedown-of-zelensky/1014940 "2025-03-18T08:42:00Z")
I know. There are other Trump threads. If this feels redundant, shut it down. But there are occasionally moments so over the fucking top that I feel like they deserve their own separate discussion. BBC article with vide… --- ## [Dead giveaways in a post that a person is from country X](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-giveaways-in-a-post-that-a-person-is-from-country-x/424534)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 159\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2007, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-giveaways-in-a-post-that-a-person-is-from-country-x/424534 "2007-11-05T06:10:41Z")
Yeah I know you can see the country tag underneath a poster’s name, but let’s play along anyway. For example, if I see the word “rubbish”, it’s quite likely that the person is from the British Isles. Style might also g… --- ## [Deviated September (Monthly Mini-Rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deviated-september-monthly-mini-rants/1032738)
**Author:** [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Replies:** 394\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deviated-september-monthly-mini-rants/1032738 "2026-10-02T12:39:39Z")
Continuing the discussion from August Wrong! (Monthly Mini-Rants): I’ll start out by mini-ranting about myself. I’m on a trip to Nevada, first in Vegas with my wife, then finishing the week in a nearby town where her p… --- ## [Upgrading my computer for Starcraft 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upgrading-my-computer-for-starcraft-2/547213)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2010, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upgrading-my-computer-for-starcraft-2/547213 "2010-08-07T01:41:01Z")
Starcraft 2 is coming out in a week or so, and coincidentally I’ve found myself with about $150 in birthday money. I’m thinking of blowing it on some sort of upgrade for my 3-year-old computer. The computer is a Gatewa… --- ## [2011 (2010) Academy Award nominations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2011-2010-academy-award-nominations/568919)
**Author:** [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2011, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2011-2010-academy-award-nominations/568919 "2011-02-11T01:49:06Z")
Here are the major category nominations. I’ll post other categories when I get the list and add the links. Best Picture 127 Hours Black Swan The Fighter Inception The Kids Are All Right The King’s Speech The Soci… --- ## [Work situation advice (sorry, very long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-situation-advice-sorry-very-long/578564)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2011, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-situation-advice-sorry-very-long/578564 "2011-04-27T03:34:24Z")
I’m looking for advice or suggestions on how to let this go and to stop feeling hurt about it. I work in an office setting at a job I like with people I like. I’ve made a real effort to be nice and friendly, work as a t… --- ## [Do Bi-Lingual People Really Hold Conversations In Two Languages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bi-lingual-people-really-hold-conversations-in-two-languages/735406)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2015, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bi-lingual-people-really-hold-conversations-in-two-languages/735406 "2015-10-26T15:09:20Z")
This happens a lot on Fresh Off The Boat: Eddie’s grandmother will speak in Chinese (Mandarin, I’m guessing), and everyone else will speak to her in English, and they’ll carry on conversations this way. There are obvious… --- ## [What's the most hated TV Show music?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-hated-tv-show-music/622321)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2012, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-hated-tv-show-music/622321 "2012-05-21T19:26:52Z")
This exciting thread (Poll: Who’s the most hated TV character?) made me wonder if we might identify (and maybe have a poll on) the shittiest music on TV – now and forever. My first two to come to mind are the “backgroun… --- ## [Greatest Opening Scene in a Movie \[One More Time\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-opening-scene-in-a-movie-one-more-time/621771)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2012, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-opening-scene-in-a-movie-one-more-time/621771 "2012-05-20T20:52:14Z")
In just over a week (07-23-2005, 03:19 PM to 07-31-2005 06:13 PM) this old thread Greatest Opening Scene Of A Film got 105 Replies and 4,249 Views. There are more than likely other resurrections of the idea since then. E… --- ## [If you had to be executed, how would you like to be put to death?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-had-to-be-executed-how-would-you-like-to-be-put-to-death/818782)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2018, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-had-to-be-executed-how-would-you-like-to-be-put-to-death/818782 "2018-08-07T12:46:58Z")
Suppose you were convicted, rightly or wrongly, of a capital crime, and sentenced to die. You’ve exhausted every appeal and the time of your demise is nigh. However, wherever you live has a new rule that says that whil… --- ## [What is your favorite sandwich? You only get one choice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-sandwich-you-only-get-one-choice/772449)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-sandwich-you-only-get-one-choice/772449 "2016-11-22T23:47:28Z")
I’m pretty certain this topic has been covered before, but I am, at this moment, enjoying a beautiful sandwich for lunch and feel compelled to declare it King of all Sandwiches. My choice: the humble grilled cheese. Pe… --- ## [The Totally Chaotic Game With No Rules - Play Along!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-totally-chaotic-game-with-no-rules-play-along/150082)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2003, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-totally-chaotic-game-with-no-rules-play-along/150082 "2003-01-31T21:27:40Z")
rolls the dice 7! Woohoo! moves her piece to the green square and turns over a new card Your turn! --- ## [How are street address numbers assigned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-street-address-numbers-assigned/412255)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2007, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-street-address-numbers-assigned/412255 "2007-07-20T09:25:59Z")
Walking to the train this morning, I noticed that 4 consecutive houses bore the numbers 377, 379, 389, 397. It got me wondering how specific house numbers were assigned. And if a homeowner wished, could they change the… --- ## ['Community' 12/8/11-- "Regional Holiday Music"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/community-12-8-11-regional-holiday-music/605574)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2011, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/community-12-8-11-regional-holiday-music/605574 "2011-12-17T20:27:58Z")
Was that the sound of a thousand heads exploding during Annie’s song and dance? Sometimes I feel like they try and cram too much in too fast, and I end up missing half of what’s going on. The tone, the theme, the quick … --- ## [Scented Febreze--Huh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scented-febreze-huh/601764)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2012, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scented-febreze-huh/601764 "2012-12-05T00:14:21Z")
I saw a commercial for Febreze last night. Febreze, apparently, comes in scented varieties. For those unfamiliar with the product, Febreze’s claim to fame is that it eliminates–not covers up–scents. So how can they pr… --- ## [Why does anyone today under seventy years old smoke cigarettes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-anyone-today-under-seventy-years-old-smoke-cigarettes/960990)
**Author:** [@Midnight\_Shadow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Midnight_Shadow)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2022, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-anyone-today-under-seventy-years-old-smoke-cigarettes/960990 "2022-07-19T17:59:42Z")
The Surgeon General’s report on the dangers of smoking came out in 1964. That means if you are under seventy today, you have known about the dangers of smoking since you were twelve, or younger, or all your life. Assum… --- ## [Can a person trap a fart?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-person-trap-a-fart/284441)
**Author:** [@Snack\_Pack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snack_Pack)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2013, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-person-trap-a-fart/284441 "2013-09-13T20:06:06Z")
Can a person trap a fart in a container for use at a later time? I don’t just mean trapping a gas in a jar, but can you preserve the essence of the fart, i.e. smell, sound, etc. Thank You. --- ## [Cleverest turn of phrase in rap/hip hop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleverest-turn-of-phrase-in-rap-hip-hop/481694)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2009, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleverest-turn-of-phrase-in-rap-hip-hop/481694 "2009-01-29T20:42:13Z")
I do like some rap/hip hip from time to time, mostly because there are some damned clever and catchy turns of phrase out there. Give me your favorites. --- ## [What are some other wacky military ideas that never made it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-other-wacky-military-ideas-that-never-made-it/318911)
**Author:** [@Corporate\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corporate_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-other-wacky-military-ideas-that-never-made-it/318911 "2019-01-04T21:08:35Z")
In a military history course a few months ago, my professor enlightened the class about Bat Bombs (more details). The idea struck me as hilarious, so I was wondering if any military buffs out there know of any other wac… --- ## [How do the GOP secure a permanent victory in the USA, and destroy the Democrats' chances henceforth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-gop-secure-a-permanent-victory-in-the-usa-and-destroy-the-democrats-chances-henceforth/775758)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2017, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-gop-secure-a-permanent-victory-in-the-usa-and-destroy-the-democrats-chances-henceforth/775758 "2017-01-04T20:47:50Z")
Are we now beginning an era of one-party rule in the USA? If not, how can that be made to happen? How do the GOP secure a permanent victory in the USA, and destroy the Democrats’ chances henceforth? How can the GOP and… --- ## [Stabbing a knife thorugh a car radiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stabbing-a-knife-thorugh-a-car-radiator/469382)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2011, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stabbing-a-knife-thorugh-a-car-radiator/469382 "2011-06-06T19:07:20Z")
In last weeks episode of Sons of Anarchy there’s a scene where one of the bikers confronts someone in a car and pulls out a large (think Ka-Bar) knife and stabs it through the grill of the car, rupturing the radiator, su… --- ## [Is the German model a better form of capitalsim?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-german-model-a-better-form-of-capitalsim/533126)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2010, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-german-model-a-better-form-of-capitalsim/533126 "2010-03-30T14:14:29Z")
In the March 2010 Harper’s, in an article titled, “Consider the Germans”, Thomas Geoghehan praises the German system (I’d post a link but it isn’t free). He says: And then he endeavors to explain why the Germans are do… --- ## [Could you pass the Canadian Citizenship test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-pass-the-canadian-citizenship-test/455292)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2011, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-pass-the-canadian-citizenship-test/455292 "2011-04-19T18:19:08Z")
As a counter-point to the thread on the American citizenship test, here’s a link to an interactive Canadian citizenship test. I got 100%! Yay! (it would have been embarrassing to do better on the U.S. quiz than on the… --- ## [Ending sentences with a preposition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ending-sentences-with-a-preposition/656962)
**Author:** [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2013, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ending-sentences-with-a-preposition/656962 "2013-04-30T00:57:19Z")
I’ve heard before that you shouldn’t end a sentence with a preposition. However, I see a lot of that going on here at The Dope and I’m wondering why is it bad? Also, I’m not even sure if I understand the concept fully.… --- ## [The Big Bang Theory, April 4, 2013 -- "The Tenure Turbulence"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-april-4-2013-the-tenure-turbulence/654888)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2013, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-april-4-2013-the-tenure-turbulence/654888 "2013-04-13T07:15:44Z")
So, what did you guys think about the episode ? --- ## [Fallout 3 (All DLC and level cap removal)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-3-all-dlc-and-level-cap-removal/502511)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2009, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fallout-3-all-dlc-and-level-cap-removal/502511 "2009-08-04T01:50:13Z")
Since my request to move this from GQ has fallen on deaf ears. I’ll just recreate it here… Here’s what I want to do. I want to go through FO3 for the third time. This time I want to play ALL of the official DLC or Exp… --- ## [When do you require a brand-name product?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-do-you-require-a-brand-name-product/636089)
**Author:** [@NetTrekker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NetTrekker)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2012, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-do-you-require-a-brand-name-product/636089 "2012-10-06T23:18:12Z")
Being frugal as I am, I nearly always choose store brand products (foods, cleaning products, OTC meds, etc.) over brand names to save a little money. After all, they’re pretty much the same thing but without the advertis… --- ## [A question about full immersion baptism.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-full-immersion-baptism/760104)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2016, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-full-immersion-baptism/760104 "2016-07-29T23:58:14Z")
Like this. I know there are some sects that use a Baptismal Font. That’s different; are there any religious groups baptizing their members in stillwater? That is to say, Baptism in a lake or the Ocean? Does it have to … --- ## [Could the One Ring ever have been destroyed on purpose? (LOTR spoilers, if you care)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-one-ring-ever-have-been-destroyed-on-purpose-lotr-spoilers-if-you-care/667154)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2013, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-one-ring-ever-have-been-destroyed-on-purpose-lotr-spoilers-if-you-care/667154 "2013-08-31T02:37:46Z")
After finally seeing The Hobbit, I’ve been rewatching the LOTR movies this weekend. I thought it was notable that the ring was only destroyed by accident–when Gollum fought Frodo at the fires of Mordor and fell over the … --- ## [This is not a pit, per se, but - was just admonished for NOT taking medical advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-not-a-pit-per-se-but-was-just-admonished-for-not-taking-medical-advice/374516)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2006, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-not-a-pit-per-se-but-was-just-admonished-for-not-taking-medical-advice/374516 "2006-10-01T23:13:17Z")
So, in this poorly written, gong show of a thread, I asked a question about aspartame - specifically which diet drinks are made without it. I also erroneously included the information that my physician had advised me no… --- ## [Poll: Nearly Half of Pubs Would Support Postponing 2020 Election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-nearly-half-of-pubs-would-support-postponing-2020-election/793264)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-nearly-half-of-pubs-would-support-postponing-2020-election/793264 "2017-08-14T16:28:13Z")
According to this article: I find this very disturbing. Why do so many Republicans believe Loser Donald won the popular vote? What evidence are they basing this belief on? I wonder if they survey had asked whether t… --- ## [Why are there so many unplanned pregnancies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-many-unplanned-pregnancies/669625)
**Author:** [@OurLordPeace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OurLordPeace)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-many-unplanned-pregnancies/669625 "2013-09-28T20:06:01Z")
I realize, and espouse, one answer: Places that subsidize contraception (especially, but not necessarily, Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives) and accurately educate the young in their use see very few unplanned pregna… --- ## [Crap foods you love](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crap-foods-you-love/966097)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2023, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crap-foods-you-love/966097 "2023-10-11T17:50:08Z")
What cheap, unhealthy, highly processed, or otherwise crap foods do you love? For me, it’s Tina’s frozen Red Hot Beef burritos. When on sale, they can be as cheap as 2 to the dollar, and I find them comforting and deli… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=969&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=971&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)