# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=106 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 107 --- ## [Taking a hiatus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-a-hiatus/977837)
**Author:** [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2024, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-a-hiatus/977837 "2024-05-21T02:17:41Z")
Not sure if anyone will miss my contributions, but I’m gonna need some time away from posting on this board. It’s not really working out for me anymore. You may see my “last seen” status as being relatively current, as … --- ## [Oregon is south of Washington!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oregon-is-south-of-washington/975617)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oregon-is-south-of-washington/975617 "2024-05-20T22:47:38Z")
So, US geography is perhaps not my strong suit. I learnt in school about the US-British dispute over the Oregon territory. So that means that the boundary runs between British Columbia and Oregon, right? But no! There’… --- ## [Northern Lights Happening Starting Friday Night (May 10)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northern-lights-happening-starting-friday-night-may-10/1001363)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northern-lights-happening-starting-friday-night-may-10/1001363 "2024-05-20T22:32:32Z")
Unfortunately it is forecast to be cloudy where I live. --- ## [Bad, bad, bad rapping at my window pane ..longing to be](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-rapping-at-my-window-pane-longing-to-be/1001745)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-rapping-at-my-window-pane-longing-to-be/1001745 "2024-05-20T19:12:18Z")
Close to me? We are in the warzone. There’s a bird war going on. 3 have dive bombed my French doors. Chirping, squawking, flapping, guerilla fighting. It’s, simply a territory thing. I hope. Son-of-a-wrek went on a… --- ## [Has there ever truly been a genius who had a thick, stereotypical Southern accent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-truly-been-a-genius-who-had-a-thick-stereotypical-southern-accent/1001437)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-truly-been-a-genius-who-had-a-thick-stereotypical-southern-accent/1001437 "2024-05-20T14:11:24Z")
This is so unimportant I’m gonna ask it here rather than GQ. I know you’re all familiar with Travis Taylor, that scientist with the thick, stereotypical Southern accent that you’ve doubtless seen on shows like Secret of… --- ## [If I convinced you with certainty that you're in a simulation and offered to unplug you into base reality, would you accept and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-convinced-you-with-certainty-that-youre-in-a-simulation-and-offered-to-unplug-you-into-base-reality-would-you-accept-and-why/1001765)
**Author:** [@Humans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Humans)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-convinced-you-with-certainty-that-youre-in-a-simulation-and-offered-to-unplug-you-into-base-reality-would-you-accept-and-why/1001765 "2024-05-20T03:34:55Z")
Im more interested in the discussion and reasoning for your choice, but also added a poll just for fun You don’t know anything about base reality other than you’d still be alive in it. You don’t even know if the phys… --- ## [(Old) Summer camp in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-summer-camp-in-the-mmp/1001482)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 300\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-summer-camp-in-the-mmp/1001482 "2024-05-20T02:58:40Z")
School is winding down and all across the country, parents are planning to ship their kids off for a week or two for their (parental) peace and quiet and their (kids) enrichment and whatever… I guess. I wouldn’t know - … --- ## [Iranian president, foreign minister in helicopter crash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iranian-president-foreign-minister-in-helicopter-crash/1001771)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iranian-president-foreign-minister-in-helicopter-crash/1001771 "2024-05-19T19:41:02Z")
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/helicopter-iranian-presidents-convoy-accident-says-strate-tv-2024-05-19/ Haven’t seen another thread reporting this. As if the situation wasn’t chaotic enough… --- ## [What would you like to confess to someone that's no longer in your life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-like-to-confess-to-someone-thats-no-longer-in-your-life/991438)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2024, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-like-to-confess-to-someone-thats-no-longer-in-your-life/991438 "2024-05-19T19:24:55Z")
Once when I was in high school, I was sitting down with two friends when three beautiful girls approached us. I didn’t know any of them, but my friends did. Two of the girls were evidently friendly enough with my pals to… --- ## [I've heard of limb lengthening surgery, and now there's limb SHORTENING surgery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-heard-of-limb-lengthening-surgery-and-now-theres-limb-shortening-surgery/1001515)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2024, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-heard-of-limb-lengthening-surgery-and-now-theres-limb-shortening-surgery/1001515 "2024-05-19T14:18:23Z")
The lengthening surgery is usually used for people who, due to accident or disease, have limbs, usually legs, of uneven length, and it’s time-consuming and very painful. Now, I’m seeing online chatter about limb-shorten… --- ## [Giant Dipper roller coaster in Santa Cruz: 100 years old today!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-dipper-roller-coaster-in-santa-cruz-100-years-old-today/1001725)
**Author:** [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2024, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-dipper-roller-coaster-in-santa-cruz-100-years-old-today/1001725 "2024-05-19T05:11:14Z")
The Giant Dipper is a must-do for anyone who loves thrill rides. It’s not the highest, fastest or scariest, but there’s no denying its classic status. Along with it’s twin in San Diego and the Dragon Coaster in NY, it’s … --- ## [Russo Chinese Relationship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russo-chinese-relationship/1001715)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russo-chinese-relationship/1001715 "2024-05-18T17:12:44Z")
An analysis piece on the BBC after Putin’s visit to Beijing suggests that Putin is very much a junior partner in the relationship and that Xi may not want to upset the West too much. Russian and Chinese state media foc… --- ## [Those who journal, how do you do so authentically? (How to stop “self-editing” or “censoring” yourself and your thoughts?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-who-journal-how-do-you-do-so-authentically-how-to-stop-self-editing-or-censoring-yourself-and-your-thoughts/1001707)
**Author:** [@NegativeZer0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NegativeZer0)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2024, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-who-journal-how-do-you-do-so-authentically-how-to-stop-self-editing-or-censoring-yourself-and-your-thoughts/1001707 "2024-05-18T12:31:18Z")
I have tried and failed to journal many times in the past. I always find myself self-editing, avoiding writing certain thoughts or feelings and just overall not being as authentic or honest or genuine as I should be to a… --- ## [Divers searching for dead body find different dead body](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/divers-searching-for-dead-body-find-different-dead-body/1001628)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2024, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/divers-searching-for-dead-body-find-different-dead-body/1001628 "2024-05-18T03:18:27Z")
It sounds like an Onion headline, I know. How many corpses are floating around out there? --- ## [Have you been inside the Sydney Opera House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-been-inside-the-sydney-opera-house/1001485)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2024, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-been-inside-the-sydney-opera-house/1001485 "2024-05-17T21:12:08Z")
I was rereading The Phantom of the Opera, and it made me wonder where else a Phantom could hide. Naturally, the Sydney Opera House sprang to mind, but I’ve never been there and have only seen pictures. Is it mazelike at … --- ## [Leaving purchases in the (virtual) cart](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-purchases-in-the-virtual-cart/1001650)
**Author:** [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2024, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-purchases-in-the-virtual-cart/1001650 "2024-05-17T21:00:36Z")
I expect some of you have experienced this/figured this out already, but I am pleased with myself about it, and if you don’t know, it might (or might not) be useful to you. A while back I created a couple of documents a… --- ## [GPT-4o is amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gpt-4o-is-amazing/1001683)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2024, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gpt-4o-is-amazing/1001683 "2024-05-17T20:22:22Z")
Thia video showcases the capabilities of GPT-4o. It can chat, sing, converse with other AIs, describe and give opinions on images, work as a translator, teach math, and much more. Its bubbling with personality, but mayb… --- ## [Florida, Alabama and lab-grown meat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-alabama-and-lab-grown-meat/1001508)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2024, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-alabama-and-lab-grown-meat/1001508 "2024-05-17T06:22:55Z")
Oh FFS! “Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals,” the DeSantis added. Naively, I thought that lab-gr… --- ## [Pharmacies, Doctor's Offices, Fax tag, and the Collapse of the Known Universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pharmacies-doctors-offices-fax-tag-and-the-collapse-of-the-known-universe/1001604)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2024, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pharmacies-doctors-offices-fax-tag-and-the-collapse-of-the-known-universe/1001604 "2024-05-17T02:13:34Z")
Where to start: The last time one of my many prescriptions needed a refill, my regular gastro, let’s call him Doctor A, was unavailable, so Doctor B (presumably from the same office) sent a new prescription to my local C… --- ## [Spinoff companies that retain a defunct large sompany's name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinoff-companies-that-retain-a-defunct-large-sompanys-name/1001350)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2024, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinoff-companies-that-retain-a-defunct-large-sompanys-name/1001350 "2024-05-16T19:53:40Z")
I notice that some spinoff companies of large and famous companies have in some cases continued to exist long after that famous parent company has disappeared. The one that stands out particularly is Todd-AO Sound The … --- ## [Bad, bad, bad Caught a break! Yeah? Well](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-caught-a-break-yeah-well/1000763)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2024, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-caught-a-break-yeah-well/1000763 "2024-05-16T17:31:06Z")
Imma go on record here and say, its not my first go 'round. Done it before. In way more embarrassing ways. (Don’t you say it) Sunday, past. We grilled. Me and the kids are out on the picnic table in the nice spring we… --- ## [Former President Jimmy Carter enters hospice care {2023-02-18}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-president-jimmy-carter-enters-hospice-care-2023-02-18/980011)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2024, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-president-jimmy-carter-enters-hospice-care-2023-02-18/980011 "2024-05-16T15:06:25Z")
The former President is 98 and has decided to enter hospice care rather than continue to seek treatment. No specific mention of what he has been undergoing treatment for in the statement. From the NYT here (gift link) bu… --- ## [Is your car's computer spying on you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-cars-computer-spying-on-you/1000954)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2024, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-cars-computer-spying-on-you/1000954 "2024-05-16T08:54:03Z")
Saw this story on Techdirt a few days ago, referencing an earlier story from the NYTimes. Short version: Automobiles get more and more computerized every year, from entertainment systems to navigation technology. It… --- ## [Has anybody here gone through a Spinal Cord Stimulation trial or implant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anybody-here-gone-through-a-spinal-cord-stimulation-trial-or-implant/1001614)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2024, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anybody-here-gone-through-a-spinal-cord-stimulation-trial-or-implant/1001614 "2024-05-16T01:46:31Z")
I have spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches on the nerves running through it. Very painful. It’s reached the point that I can barely stagger after getting up because of the pain in the lower back… --- ## [Dopers in vote by mail states, help a feller out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-in-vote-by-mail-states-help-a-feller-out/1001462)
**Author:** [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-in-vote-by-mail-states-help-a-feller-out/1001462 "2024-05-15T19:45:10Z")
My county in suburban Baltimore just finished up eight days of early voting during which just under 5,000 voters were checked through. My colleagues and I working the polls calculated roughly that the county incurred som… --- ## [Man "hides" his boat with a fence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-hides-his-boat-with-a-fence/1001586)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2024, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-hides-his-boat-with-a-fence/1001586 "2024-05-15T11:42:49Z")
Just an amusing story about getting around city regulations by sticking to the letter of the law: --- ## [What can I drink in the summer that is 'healthy'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-drink-in-the-summer-that-is-healthy/1001330)
**Author:** [@SOJA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SOJA)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2024, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-drink-in-the-summer-that-is-healthy/1001330 "2024-05-15T04:58:36Z")
Rocking into my mid and soon late 30s now I’ve cut way back on drinking throughout the year. More than a handful drinks will leave me feeling miserable in the days following no matter how much water and IDK Gatorade or s… --- ## [Every day I encounter something wrong with the web or my operating system, and I need a random place to talk about it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-day-i-encounter-something-wrong-with-the-web-or-my-operating-system-and-i-need-a-random-place-to-talk-about-it/1001579)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-day-i-encounter-something-wrong-with-the-web-or-my-operating-system-and-i-need-a-random-place-to-talk-about-it/1001579 "2024-05-14T23:35:49Z")
For example, just one hour ago: I’m using a Chromebook. I went on Youtube, and ended up watching some Youtube shorts. I tried to post a comment to one of the Shorts videos, but then this happened: I discovered I can’t p… --- ## [Disagree with Miss Manners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disagree-with-miss-manners/1001400)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2024, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disagree-with-miss-manners/1001400 "2024-05-14T23:01:38Z")
I’ve read all of her books, numerous times over. I believe she is in her 80s, things were different when she was young. She has written no woman should speak to an unknown man in public, any man is too forward to say h… --- ## [Squirrel. Ouchies.Stabby-Stabby, Shooty-shooty. NEWS and YouTube Link,](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squirrel-ouchies-stabby-stabby-shooty-shooty-news-and-youtube-link/1001489)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2024, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squirrel-ouchies-stabby-stabby-shooty-shooty-news-and-youtube-link/1001489 "2024-05-13T23:53:06Z")
Wife stabs husband with Squirrel. OK, CERAMIC Squirrel. (NEWSLINK) AND–a happy little Squirrel GOES POSTAL! And you will pay for it. On your xboxy-thingee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRiRyopVm6Q [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=105) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=107)