# Top **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=984&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:** 985 --- ## [Police Jargon and why don't they use everyday expressions for describing their work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-jargon-and-why-dont-they-use-everyday-expressions-for-describing-their-work/653358)
**Author:** [@tomandjudy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomandjudy)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-jargon-and-why-dont-they-use-everyday-expressions-for-describing-their-work/653358 "2013-03-23T21:31:54Z")
Whenever I hear the police on tv they use so many words to describe anything and use strange expressions such as " execute a u-turn, exit the vehicle " and until I was old enough to understand their jargon I thought " se… --- ## [When was "dinger" first used to mean "home run" in baseball?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-dinger-first-used-to-mean-home-run-in-baseball/252355)
**Author:** [@Stana\_Claus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stana_Claus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2004, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-dinger-first-used-to-mean-home-run-in-baseball/252355 "2004-06-28T13:50:56Z")
I was recently told that the baseball term “dinger”, meaning “home run” started at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, because the RV parking area outside the ballpark is named “Dingerville” and that’s where the… --- ## [Looking for answers and advice for DC vacation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-answers-and-advice-for-dc-vacation/693092)
**Author:** [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2014, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-answers-and-advice-for-dc-vacation/693092 "2014-07-19T21:50:16Z")
We are going to Washington, D.C. in a few weeks with another family and IIRC we have some experts in the area. I was hoping to find a few answers and any bits of advice. To give you the plan there are four adults and 4… --- ## [Convince me to pay for Ancestry.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-to-pay-for-ancestry-com/566895)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2011, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-to-pay-for-ancestry-com/566895 "2011-01-11T03:39:42Z")
At Christmas, my mother distributed to all my siblings & I copies of a family tree that our great aunt (now deceased) put together many years ago. The records of course get spottier the farther back it goes (relatives w… --- ## [Electrical question: fan + dimmer switch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-question-fan-dimmer-switch/529705)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2010, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-question-fan-dimmer-switch/529705 "2010-02-21T19:45:26Z")
I have a sandblaster which is illuminated by a light box. Said light box contains two “300-watt-equivalent” CFL’s in it. I have installed a fan to keep them cool. This is the spec sheet for the fan. The fan is noisie… --- ## [Left Lane ENDS - 2 Miles Ahead - MERGE RIGHT](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-lane-ends-2-miles-ahead-merge-right/110239)
**Author:** [@Lockfist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lockfist)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2002, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-lane-ends-2-miles-ahead-merge-right/110239 "2002-05-26T21:25:53Z")
I suspect this wont be a popular POV, but here we go… I am under the belief that when construction freeway signs indicate that a lane will end in 2 miles - I HAVE 1.999 MILES BEFORE I HAVE TO MERGE . Why in the hell wo… --- ## [Heavy Blues Rock/Psych Rock recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heavy-blues-rock-psych-rock-recommendations/687707)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2014, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heavy-blues-rock-psych-rock-recommendations/687707 "2014-05-20T05:32:40Z")
So I’ve been diving lately into heavy blues rock and psych rock and I feel like I’ve missed a lot of good stuff but there’s a lot of noise and it’s hard to find the vein of rock I really like… First, blues. I love slow,… --- ## [Thousands of blacks fought for the CSA- according to Virginia history book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thousands-of-blacks-fought-for-the-csa-according-to-virginia-history-book/557851)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2010, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thousands-of-blacks-fought-for-the-csa-according-to-virginia-history-book/557851 "2010-11-18T23:21:23Z")
Excerpts from here: O-kayyyyy… As Henry Mancini once wrote music to, “Where do I begin…”. With the history I suppose. There most definitely were blacks who fought for the Confederacy, this is beyond dispute, but I s… --- ## [Jeff Dunham deleted scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeff-dunham-deleted-scene/625590)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2012, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeff-dunham-deleted-scene/625590 "2012-06-21T10:13:22Z")
In one of his specials he mentioned that a segment wouldn’t go over well in China. It was evidently edited out of the CC special. Just found it on YouTube, and Jeff’s right, it was VERY racist! --- ## [Third Set of Teeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-set-of-teeth/439187)
**Author:** [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2015, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-set-of-teeth/439187 "2015-06-26T03:16:46Z")
I’ve heard from time to time about someone growing a third set of teeth, but all of my internet searching yields little concrete information about it. My girlfriend seems to think that it is fairly common in advanced age… --- ## [Why did Confederates call Northerners "Yankees"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-confederates-call-northerners-yankees/97690)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2002, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-confederates-call-northerners-yankees/97690 "2002-03-12T15:18:57Z")
As we all know, during the American Revolution, the closest we had to a national anthem was “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, and as a result, Americans have been refered to as “Yankees” or “Yank”, even to this day. The question i… --- ## [Favorite Short Story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-short-story/791970)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-short-story/791970 "2017-08-02T18:22:19Z")
What’s your favorite Short Stories? The ones that you reread once in a while. Mine are: There Will Come Soft Rains - Ray Bradbury \*The Passing of Black Eagle \*- O. Henry \*The Storyteller \*- Saki \*A Man Called Horse \*… --- ## [Is there really a Planet 9 out there in the Kuiper Belt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-a-planet-9-out-there-in-the-kuiper-belt/931771)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2025, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-a-planet-9-out-there-in-the-kuiper-belt/931771 "2025-05-05T03:47:39Z")
Since this is a Science question, I put it in GQ, even though I expect that there may be differing opinions on this topic. I was watching an episode of How the Universe Works and the very distinguished astronomers and p… --- ## [The solution for people who are bad at math: a lawsuit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-solution-for-people-who-are-bad-at-math-a-lawsuit/455607)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2008, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-solution-for-people-who-are-bad-at-math-a-lawsuit/455607 "2008-07-17T12:34:03Z")
‘Zero’ chance lottery tickets stun some players The odds were reasonable? Are you kidding me? You would think that a guy who is a business professor from a college like Washington and Lee would be better at math than t… --- ## [Whistling Bombs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whistling-bombs/530266)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2010, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whistling-bombs/530266 "2010-02-26T03:46:35Z")
There’s a sound associated with falling bombs, a long steady whistle that gradually decreases in pitch. What’s the origin of this association? Did most WWII bombs make this sound? Do modern bombs? If there was such a s… --- ## [Why is Tesla's market cap so high?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-teslas-market-cap-so-high/1011594)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 314\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-teslas-market-cap-so-high/1011594 "2026-10-15T18:24:29Z")
I still can’t figure this out. Tesla’s market cap is 1.31 trillion now. Fords market cap is 41 billion. Honda is 44 billion. GM is 57 billion. Their cars aren’t anything amazing, and lots of companies are putting out … --- ## [Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-holiday-special-1978/347810)
**Author:** [@Cerri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerri)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-holiday-special-1978/347810 "2023-12-11T02:08:08Z")
Just in case anyone forgot just how truly horrid this was. I’d like to think there’s a special place in hell for anyone even remotely involved with this project, but I’ve grown old and jaded enough to realize there is t… --- ## ["Not my circus, not my monkees:" 'Old' Polish proverb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-my-circus-not-my-monkees-old-polish-proverb/722171)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2015, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-my-circus-not-my-monkees-old-polish-proverb/722171 "2015-06-11T23:20:06Z")
Is it indeed an old Polish proverb. With just some cursory poking around, the earliest quick cite I saw was a 2012 reddit posting, but not knowing Polish complicates doing much further research. Yeah, and I took some l… --- ## [(Old) Writing Letters - A Stationery MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-writing-letters-a-stationery-mmp/990993)
**Author:** [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Replies:** 305\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2023, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-writing-letters-a-stationery-mmp/990993 "2023-10-09T08:17:34Z")
Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 14c/57f with a predicted high of 17c/62f, and cloudy. Weather app says “Welcome to today. It’s a grey bucket of fucking suck outside. You’re fucking welcome.” I wouldn’t go that far,… --- ## [Why are fireworks illegal in Illinois?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-fireworks-illegal-in-illinois/254322)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2004, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-fireworks-illegal-in-illinois/254322 "2004-07-12T20:03:51Z")
Why are fireworks illegal in Illinois for use by adults? The dangers presented by the possession and use of small, non-professional type fireworks is not enough justify the usage and business opportunities and tax incom… --- ## [Has anyone ever been able to trace their ancestry to Ancient Greece?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-been-able-to-trace-their-ancestry-to-ancient-greece/248674)
**Author:** [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2004, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-been-able-to-trace-their-ancestry-to-ancient-greece/248674 "2004-06-08T02:05:59Z")
In my experience, I have run into people who can trace themselves about as far back as the 1400s (pretty impressive), but is there any ‘definitive’ history to trace back to ancient greece and if so, would this lend some… --- ## [Political Science: Have I wasted my tuition money? ;)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-science-have-i-wasted-my-tuition-money/269787)
**Author:** [@sanTho27](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sanTho27)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2004, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-science-have-i-wasted-my-tuition-money/269787 "2004-10-22T01:55:14Z")
Hey guys, I’m a Political Science major at the University at Buffalo. I chose the major because I had been thinking about law school (not really sure yet), and I am interested in ethics, law, psychology, government, etc… --- ## [Trump's economic plan working](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-economic-plan-working/807133)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2018, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-economic-plan-working/807133 "2018-02-06T19:28:48Z")
I work for Walmart. Many of you may have already heard the news, but for those of you who haven’t… Walmart made an announcement the other day that because of changes to tax laws and reduction of regulations, they have d… --- ## [SDMB Mock Election, Broken Down by Electoral Vote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-mock-election-broken-down-by-electoral-vote/266729)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 227\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2004, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-mock-election-broken-down-by-electoral-vote/266729 "2004-10-04T20:08:11Z")
Here’s the rules: state who you’re going to vote for, and what state you’re in. Please, no flaming, debating, or any other form of commentary. Just state and candidate. Polls will close at 8:00PM Central Time on Sunday,… --- ## [OK sign and thumb-up sign. Are they still offensive in certain parts of the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-sign-and-thumb-up-sign-are-they-still-offensive-in-certain-parts-of-the-world/667060)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2013, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-sign-and-thumb-up-sign-are-they-still-offensive-in-certain-parts-of-the-world/667060 "2013-08-26T23:15:35Z")
Hi, I’m interested to know if the curled-index-finger-into -the -thumb sign or OK sign is still insulting in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey and Russia as some websites claim. I am also interested to know whether the thu… --- ## [Best films of the 00s: Help me compile a master list](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-films-of-the-00s-help-me-compile-a-master-list/519955)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2009, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-films-of-the-00s-help-me-compile-a-master-list/519955 "2009-12-31T22:34:22Z")
I am trying to compile a master list of the best films of the 00s, which I can then winnow down to a best 100, or best 50 or whatever. I am concerned that I may be forgetting some good ones. Below are the movies I have s… --- ## [Companies you won't patronize because of their owners/ads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companies-you-wont-patronize-because-of-their-owners-ads/362766)
**Author:** [@stonewall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stonewall)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2006, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companies-you-wont-patronize-because-of-their-owners-ads/362766 "2006-07-08T18:18:35Z")
Just curious if I’m the only one who feels this way… (probably :smiley: ) There are certain companies out there that I have a hard time buying something from simply because of their owners, who for some reason think … --- ## [Hacking the Modern Woman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hacking-the-modern-woman/726667)
**Author:** [@Arrogant\_B\_st\_rd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrogant_B_st_rd)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2015, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hacking-the-modern-woman/726667 "2015-08-06T14:38:19Z")
Dear gentlemen, This thread is a torch to guide young men in dating in the 21st century. Share your tips if you have any. I went from being borderline involuntarily celibate to being a lady’s man. I will show you how I … --- ## [Pre-Emptive Pitting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pre-emptive-pitting/334592)
**Author:** [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2005, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pre-emptive-pitting/334592 "2005-12-23T23:44:15Z")
Link I’m pre-emptively pitting anyone that either pits or complains about the air marshal’s actions. I’d be surprised if someone doesn’t. --- ## [Kids enter store, promptly go crazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-enter-store-promptly-go-crazy/419015)
**Author:** [@Electrical\_Storm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Electrical_Storm)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2007, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-enter-store-promptly-go-crazy/419015 "2007-09-26T01:13:02Z")
Setting: Retail video/gaming store The players: Three young kids of varying ages, two oblivious parents busy shopping A cast of thirty extras in the store! The plot: Parents come in with three young kids, survey the … --- ## [Exposed Brake Caliper with these new open slotted wheels. Is that a maintenance issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exposed-brake-caliper-with-these-new-open-slotted-wheels-is-that-a-maintenance-issue/648982)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2013, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exposed-brake-caliper-with-these-new-open-slotted-wheels-is-that-a-maintenance-issue/648982 "2013-02-02T20:30:54Z")
I usually ignore cars with holey wheels or huge open slotted wheels. They are butt ugly imho. I was at a restaurant and happened to glance at a VW’s front tire and was shocked to see the Brake Caliper totally exposed be… --- ## [The problem of evil, restated.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-problem-of-evil-restated/644105)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2012, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-problem-of-evil-restated/644105 "2012-12-19T01:15:02Z")
Give me a sling wielded by David or a .22 of the variety ladies used to slip into their stocking, or an obsidian tipped spear like the ones the Neandertal used…and I would have done my best to save those kids in CT. Hone… --- ## [traffic tickets and signing - required?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traffic-tickets-and-signing-required/542380)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2010, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traffic-tickets-and-signing-required/542380 "2010-06-14T21:22:41Z")
The FreeMan thread got me thinking of a question of my own. Not ridiculous protest thought, just curious question. You know when a police officer pulls you over and fills out the traffic ticket, and then has you sign t… --- ## [Could means-testing of SSI and Medicare be pushed through?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-means-testing-of-ssi-and-medicare-be-pushed-through/671583)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2013, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-means-testing-of-ssi-and-medicare-be-pushed-through/671583 "2013-10-23T20:28:38Z")
I was listening to Tom Ashbrook’s NPR program “On Point” this morning while running around and his guests posited that two things could be offered to help deal with the budget impasse. Means-testing of Medicare and SSI … --- ## [Best 1 season tv series that should not have been canceled](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-1-season-tv-series-that-should-not-have-been-canceled/226819)
**Author:** [@BioHazard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BioHazard)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2004, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-1-season-tv-series-that-should-not-have-been-canceled/226819 "2004-03-13T02:25:17Z")
my favs (all the same year) Strange Luck- from the creators of Erie, Indiana- Very good premise, very good cast, Why did they cancel it? And what ever happened to the X-Files crossover hinted at in the last episode?? K… --- ## [Best way to teach myself bass guitar at home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-teach-myself-bass-guitar-at-home/296599)
**Author:** [@Chairman\_Pow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chairman_Pow)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2005, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-teach-myself-bass-guitar-at-home/296599 "2005-03-29T15:19:08Z")
When I was 15 or so, I decided that playing bass would get me a lot of chicks. I didn’t realize however, that this was the sort of thing that one would have to study in order to actually get good at. So, I barely learned… --- ## [Is Colin Powell borrowing what is probably his most famous quote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-colin-powell-borrowing-what-is-probably-his-most-famous-quote/658855)
**Author:** [@wei\_ji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wei_ji)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2013, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-colin-powell-borrowing-what-is-probably-his-most-famous-quote/658855 "2013-08-09T19:19:34Z")
Colin Powell, former U.S. Army general (four stars) and United States Secretary of State, is often quoted as making the following ringing quote (in differing forums, depending on the teller): “Over the years, the Unite… --- ## [Were the Dixie Chicks wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-dixie-chicks-wrong/162157)
**Author:** [@twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twit)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2003, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-dixie-chicks-wrong/162157 "2003-04-08T03:51:57Z")
I know that I am not a frequent poster in here though I do lurk a LOT. But this question has been coming to mind ever since this flap over Natalie Maines from DC making the comments she made. It seems a LOT of people ar… --- ## [What's your favorite Fair food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-fair-food/587564)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2011, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-fair-food/587564 "2011-07-16T17:10:48Z")
Be it County Fair, Renaissance Fair, Parish Fair, or what have you…we all love fair food. In honor of the Orange County Fair and the LA County Fair which begin shortly, a query. If calories and cholesterol didn’t count, … --- ## [How many named stars are there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-named-stars-are-there/524596)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-named-stars-are-there/524596 "2015-02-24T03:31:17Z")
I thought this would be trivial to Google but I am not having any luck. How many named stars are there in the sky? Named like Sirius and not like XQÑ-3576. --- ## [Control of U.S. Ports](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/control-of-u-s-ports/345553)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2006, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/control-of-u-s-ports/345553 "2006-03-07T00:42:08Z")
I don’t quite understand letting Dubai manage U.S. Ports. There must be some rhyme or reason for doing this! Has President Bush become (even more) unhinged? We he let Abu Dhabi control the toll bridges next??? --- ## [NFL Week 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-2/698380)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2014, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-2/698380 "2014-09-18T22:17:22Z")
Since no one else started it, here we go: Pittsburgh (6) @ Baltimore (26) Detroit @ Carolina Miami @ Buffalo Jacksonville @ Washington Dallas @ Tennessee Arizona @ NY Giants New England @ Minnesota New Orleans @ … --- ## [Things schools don't teach that you think they should](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-schools-dont-teach-that-you-think-they-should/543385)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2010, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-schools-dont-teach-that-you-think-they-should/543385 "2010-06-21T18:30:07Z")
Obviously debatable. Here are my choices: \[ul\] \[li\]Applied Finance Math, or How to Balance a Checkbook\[/li\]\[li\]Firearms 1: Basic Knowledge, Safety and Laws (prerequisite course for-)\[/li\]\[li\]Firearms 2: Hands-on Instru… --- ## [Why can't you have grapefruit when taking Xanax?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-you-have-grapefruit-when-taking-xanax/241883)
**Author:** [@oriegirl44](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oriegirl44)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2004, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-you-have-grapefruit-when-taking-xanax/241883 "2004-04-26T04:17:17Z")
I recently started taking Xanax and on the bottle it has a warning that says not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicie…why is that? --- ## [If you've been hit by malware - GOOD NEWS, we hope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youve-been-hit-by-malware-good-news-we-hope/562486)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2010, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youve-been-hit-by-malware-good-news-we-hope/562486 "2010-12-22T06:29:05Z")
If you’ve been hit by malware while reading the SDMB and would like to help us identify the offending advertiser(s), the following procedure is recommended by the tech support people at Rubicon Project, our ad provider: … --- ## [Computer completely hijacked, can't even boot antivirus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-completely-hijacked-cant-even-boot-antivirus/551483)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2011, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-completely-hijacked-cant-even-boot-antivirus/551483 "2011-06-16T03:06:22Z")
I can’t even boot antivirus, or any program, because fake antivirus says the file is corrupted. I’m having to post this from the laptop. Does any… --- ## [Why do governments legislate maximum vehicle speeds...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-governments-legislate-maximum-vehicle-speeds/531260)
**Author:** [@Random\_Design](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random_Design)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2010, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-governments-legislate-maximum-vehicle-speeds/531260 "2010-03-13T19:54:26Z")
… but leave the application to end-user discretion? Why do they allow manufacturers to produce engines that will produce speeds well in excess of the speed they (the govt) has stated as the maximum? And then have the law… --- ## [My son has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-has-died/815541)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2018, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-has-died/815541 "2018-06-14T05:03:48Z")
My son Keith passed away on Friday, June 1st, at age 42. Some of you may have read my angry post about his latest alcohol event in the Pit, and that I was headed out there. Over the years here, I’ve posted his ups and d… --- ## [Proposal: Give everyone $1000 a month](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-give-everyone-1000-a-month/678294)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2014, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-give-everyone-1000-a-month/678294 "2014-01-22T04:28:40Z")
Well, not everyone: everyone who files a tax return. $1000 for each single person, $2000 for a married couple filing jointly. The payments would be offset by any cash payment you’re already getting: for example, Social S… --- ## [The 800 pound gorilla in the room: Barack Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-800-pound-gorilla-in-the-room-barack-obama/605948)
**Author:** [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2011, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-800-pound-gorilla-in-the-room-barack-obama/605948 "2011-12-14T01:28:58Z")
The 2012 election will not be about Iraq or 9/11 because Barack Obama is the President of the United States. What will the 2012 election be about? The 800 pound gorilla in the room or the elephant in the room? Will the 8… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=983&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/top.md?page=985&per_page=50&period=all&state=muted)