Straight Dope Archive

How is it that the farther we see into the universe, the younger the objects we see?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ian, greatly assisted by UndeadDude
Why do they call the cheap seats "bleachers"?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dogster
Does a blood donation mess up DNA evidence?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Hawk
If blood is red why do your veins look blue?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Hawk
What's the origin of the British slang word "bloody"?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Lileth, with considerable input from CKDextHavn and McCaffertA
What's the deal with the Church of the Subgenius?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Euty
How do they score boxing?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ian
Why are boxing scores kept secret during the match?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ian
Why are brides supposed to wear "something old, something new," etc.?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Songbird
Why can bugs fall great distances and survive, but humans won't?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Hawk
Where did the Caesar salad originate?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Judith
Why is buying cars so unpleasant?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Lileth, Melis, Wolf, and Dogster
Why do people get car sick?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Hawk
How do CD's work?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ian
What's the origin of the chef's hat?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Veg
Followup: Chickens can so fly!
A Straight Dope Staff Report by DrMat
Why can't chickens fly?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dex
What's the origin of "churchkey," meaning a can or bottle opener?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Mac
What do claddagh rings symbolize?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by MELIS
What's the origin of the name Cleveland?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Terey and Ian
Why do people clink their glasses together after a toast?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Div, who looks good in lampshades
How long are colds contagious?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Jill
What is "color therapy"?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Veg
Why can't you put cornstarch in your Passover cheesecake?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dex
Why don't newscasters ever cough on the air?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by JKFabian, Assistant to Cecil Adams
How does a court reporter machine work?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Veg
Why won't creamer dissolve in cold coffee?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Cliff
Should you sign the back of your credit cards?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ken and Dex
What's the difference between a church and a cult?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Euty
What's the origin of the word "dad"?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ian
Is a Daddy Long Legs the most poisonous spider?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dogster
Why are firehouse dogs usually dalmatians?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Songbird
Why are the antlers on the deer in the deer crossing sign backward?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Melis
How can they identify people from their dental records?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Mac
Can dentures be recycled?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dex
How did diamonds come to symbolize a wedding engagement?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Songbird
Whose face used to be on the dime?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by RngrJeff
Why are dogs' noses always wet?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dex
Are the dots on McDonald's drink lids Braille?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ian
Does it take more energy going downstairs than up?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dex
How do Downy laundry dispensers work?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Songbird
Do other languages call Earth "Earth"?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Jill
Are red spots in eggs dangerous?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Jill
Followup: African elephants CAN jump!
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Jill
Can elephants jump?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Jill
What do Internet E-mail headers mean?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Karl
Is there a term for "trade names that become generic"?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ian
How can I go about getting the title "esquire"?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dianne (Esq.)
Which is taller, Mt. Everest or K2?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Ian
Why do dogs' and cats' eyes shine?
A Straight Dope Staff Report by Dex
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