# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1025 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1026 --- ## [Kindle died. Amazon exchanged it!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-died-amazon-exchanged-it/647492)
**Author:** [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-died-amazon-exchanged-it/647492 "2013-01-19T17:50:37Z")
My Kindle 2 died at the end of last year. It would have been 3 years old this February. It was stuck on the “critical battery” screen and not charging. I contacted Amazon, not having much hope, thinking they would try so… --- ## [People laugh until men fall off cliff in giant plastic ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-laugh-until-men-fall-off-cliff-in-giant-plastic-ball/646631)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-laugh-until-men-fall-off-cliff-in-giant-plastic-ball/646631 "2013-01-19T17:21:57Z")
I’ve never much fancied zorbing, but this about wraps it up. The video is linked in the article. Who the hell thought it was a good idea to send people down that slope, with just one guy at the bottom to stop the ball,… --- ## [The tremendous new burden of taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tremendous-new-burden-of-taxes/647670)
**Author:** [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tremendous-new-burden-of-taxes/647670 "2013-01-19T17:15:36Z")
This graphic is from the WSJ and shows the impact of the new tax deal on singles, single parents and families. I guess these are typical WSJ readers? --- ## [I have Norwalk virus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-norwalk-virus/625542)
**Author:** [@antonio107](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonio107)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-norwalk-virus/625542 "2013-01-19T17:07:33Z")
I thought my girlfriend’s lactose intolerance was getting worse. Well, lactose intolerance isn’t contagious. At the hospital last night and this morning. I generally have a low threshold for pain, but right now I’m abou… --- ## [What is an ctivity that you enjoy doing that you've stopped doing within the last year and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-an-ctivity-that-you-enjoy-doing-that-youve-stopped-doing-within-the-last-year-and-why/647453)
**Author:** [@Hottius\_Maximus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hottius_Maximus)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-an-ctivity-that-you-enjoy-doing-that-youve-stopped-doing-within-the-last-year-and-why/647453 "2013-01-19T17:03:47Z")
I used to love to try different restaurants. Now that I am older and married, I find that it’s cheaper and healthier and better for my waistline to simply cook for myself and my wife at home. I also used to enjoy stayi… --- ## [Cat friends vs. dog friends](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-friends-vs-dog-friends/647712)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-friends-vs-dog-friends/647712 "2013-01-19T16:43:25Z")
As a cat owner, this videomade me laugh and laugh. --- ## [AMA: shipping clerk at online gaming e-tailer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ama-shipping-clerk-at-online-gaming-e-tailer/647699)
**Author:** [@andrewbub](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrewbub)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ama-shipping-clerk-at-online-gaming-e-tailer/647699 "2013-01-19T09:30:11Z")
I worked for an online gaming retailer for two years about five years ago. I was a shipping clerk. The company sells magic:tg, board games, miniatures, and all sorts of products relating to those types of paper games. F… --- ## [When a man runs over a dog, it's not news...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-man-runs-over-a-dog-its-not-news/647530)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-man-runs-over-a-dog-its-not-news/647530 "2013-01-19T05:04:48Z")
When a dog runs over a man, it is. --- ## [Why Ask Such An Odd Question (Door Knocker Related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-ask-such-an-odd-question-door-knocker-related/637613)
**Author:** [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2013, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-ask-such-an-odd-question-door-knocker-related/637613 "2013-01-19T03:47:24Z")
I meant to ask this last week, but events overtook me and a post in the Pit by Fluid Druid reminded me. Last week, I was at home and there is a knock on the door. I come out and there are two well dressed males at the d… --- ## [I'm realizing Texas is different.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-realizing-texas-is-different/647384)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2013, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-realizing-texas-is-different/647384 "2013-01-18T21:49:13Z")
Its the little things talking to people in the rest of the USA that show me Texas is a different kinda place. Anyone remember the mayor of Houston tactfully reminding Katrina refugees fresh off the bus that Houston was a… --- ## [Couch time with Oprah.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-time-with-oprah/646638)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2013, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-time-with-oprah/646638 "2013-01-18T18:52:25Z")
This certainly won’t hurt Oprah’s ratings. --- ## [Do you want to read my paper on the Liar Paradox?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-want-to-read-my-paper-on-the-liar-paradox/647550)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2013, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-want-to-read-my-paper-on-the-liar-paradox/647550 "2013-01-18T12:08:39Z")
It’s not technical (a bit technical in some footnotes, a quasi-formal bit in the last section), and if you’re into things like the Liar Paradox, I think/hope it’s interesting. There’s some more formal and technical work… --- ## [MAJOR NERD-BONER ALERT!!! We got a Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printer at my workplace!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-nerd-boner-alert-we-got-a-makerbot-replicator-2-3d-printer-at-my-workplace/647409)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2013, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-nerd-boner-alert-we-got-a-makerbot-replicator-2-3d-printer-at-my-workplace/647409 "2013-01-18T03:34:23Z")
I had no idea we were getting one, and when I saw the box I probably looked like a 10 year old kid at Christmas. I’m a software guy, so I won’t be using it in an official sense, but I’m really just thrilled that I’ll be… --- ## [A haunting report of the death toll at the American border](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-haunting-report-of-the-death-toll-at-the-american-border/647526)
**Author:** [@Anaglyph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaglyph)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-haunting-report-of-the-death-toll-at-the-american-border/647526 "2013-01-18T03:29:56Z")
This article http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21029783 presents a haunting report of those who failed in their attempt to cross the border. --- ## [Ain't nobody got time for that (YouTube)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aint-nobody-got-time-for-that-youtube/647305)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2013, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aint-nobody-got-time-for-that-youtube/647305 "2013-01-18T03:24:20Z")
Link here. Ellen Cherry deserves the credit for bringing this to my attention but I thought it deserved better than being buried in an ATMB thread. ETA: Good stuff starts at :49. . --- ## [Does this alien noise give you inner peace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-alien-noise-give-you-inner-peace/647483)
**Author:** [@romadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romadea)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2013, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-alien-noise-give-you-inner-peace/647483 "2013-01-18T00:38:22Z")
Do you want to “feel the energy inside you just spiraling from one side to the other”?? http://www.xphirience.com/about.htm “By now, you are most likely wondering what happens when listening to BlissCoded… --- ## [Serial killer's secret photos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serial-killers-secret-photos/646874)
**Author:** [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serial-killers-secret-photos/646874 "2013-01-17T23:26:11Z")
Your help is needed to identify the women in these photos. I am assuming the police are trying to possibly identify missing persons or more victims From the article link: http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-504083\_162-100064… --- ## [Satan must be at the beginning of my fic.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satan-must-be-at-the-beginning-of-my-fic/647457)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satan-must-be-at-the-beginning-of-my-fic/647457 "2013-01-17T22:26:59Z")
Hi all, So I’ve written approximately 676,567.pi versions of the first 40 pages of this book, and I’ve finally realized the truth… Satan just needs to be a major character in the opening sequence. It doesn’t work to do … --- ## [Is this a Phone Scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-phone-scam/647179)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-phone-scam/647179 "2013-01-17T20:33:41Z")
This is the second time I’ve gotten a phone call like this, and I’m not sure if it’s a scam. It was a taped message from someone claiming to be from a debt collector, asking me to call a certain number. They don’t use … --- ## [The German politician who never was](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-german-politician-who-never-was/647438)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-german-politician-who-never-was/647438 "2013-01-17T16:37:56Z")
Ah, Jakob Maria Mierscheid… the things you find on Wiki when you’re not even really looking! --- ## [Stupid threads you almost posted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-threads-you-almost-posted/647003)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-threads-you-almost-posted/647003 "2013-01-17T15:57:01Z")
Why didn’t William and Zara marry eachother? Do pandas have any natural predators? Why do you have a favourite colour? Anyhoo, what thread ideas did you have but thought against posting. --- ## [Cat And Shell Game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-and-shell-game/647371)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-and-shell-game/647371 "2013-01-17T04:11:28Z")
Just coinicidence that he gets them right? Thanks Q --- ## [I knew that satnavs sometimes can be deceiving, but \*DAMN\*...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-knew-that-satnavs-sometimes-can-be-deceiving-but-damn/647286)
**Author:** [@JoseB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoseB)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-knew-that-satnavs-sometimes-can-be-deceiving-but-damn/647286 "2013-01-17T02:49:50Z")
According to newspaper reports, a Belgian lady intended to drive from her home to a train station in Brussels to pick up a friend… But somehow, following the indications of her car satnav, she ended up driving all the wa… --- ## [Google Zamboni is addictive....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-zamboni-is-addictive/647380)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-zamboni-is-addictive/647380 "2013-01-17T02:40:42Z")
Well, I made it to the hockey players. Is there a level after that? --- ## [BYTE archive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/byte-archive/577394)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2013, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/byte-archive/577394 "2013-01-17T00:49:00Z")
There have been a few threads in the last couple of days that were all about early home computers. So here’s this. I have always been in love with the December 1980 issue. --- ## [Apparently the Nigerian scam is older than I would have guessed.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apparently-the-nigerian-scam-is-older-than-i-would-have-guessed/647197)
**Author:** [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2013, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apparently-the-nigerian-scam-is-older-than-i-would-have-guessed/647197 "2013-01-16T23:50:09Z")
Got a tablet for Christmas and I’ve been downloading lots of public domain books from Gutenberg.org. I’m reading a collection of stories called “The Lock and Key Library/The Most Interesting Stories of All Nations: Real … --- ## [Epic Jewish Craigslist Ad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epic-jewish-craigslist-ad/647318)
**Author:** [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2013, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epic-jewish-craigslist-ad/647318 "2013-01-16T23:43:05Z")
--- ## [French Foreign Legion - back in action](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-foreign-legion-back-in-action/647420)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2013, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-foreign-legion-back-in-action/647420 "2013-01-16T23:42:22Z")
Been a long, long, long time since the fabled French Foreign Legion saw action. At one time they were some very elite troops. Wearing the Képi blanc was a source of pride for many. Kind of cool hearing a name from the p… --- ## [Another true UK police program Americans will be aghast at and Brits will find funny](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-true-uk-police-program-americans-will-be-aghast-at-and-brits-will-find-funny/647249)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2013, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-true-uk-police-program-americans-will-be-aghast-at-and-brits-will-find-funny/647249 "2013-01-16T20:53:25Z")
Here’s a show dedicated to the 999 (think 911) calls that the police got over a short period of time. The program itself (i…e the entire series) was ace too. You will never regret watchign this, seriously. … --- ## [If you are blinded/dazzling by oncoming headlights at night fairly regularly...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-are-blinded-dazzling-by-oncoming-headlights-at-night-fairly-regularly/647350)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2013, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-are-blinded-dazzling-by-oncoming-headlights-at-night-fairly-regularly/647350 "2013-01-16T14:14:18Z")
I only mention this cause not a lot of people know this, but a competently trained opto-whatever they call them in the US can prescribe you spectacles that will cut out almost all the dazzling. Yes, obviously you can buy… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1024) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1026)