# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1067 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1068 --- ## [Dammit. A friend is missing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dammit-a-friend-is-missing/561928)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dammit-a-friend-is-missing/561928 "2012-10-12T22:19:41Z")
Stephanie, whom I have worked with for 8 years, is missing. Missing since Monday. My Wife and I have been out of town and I just found out about it today. She left her home at 10pm Monday night to go for a walk. Hasn’… --- ## [Gah! People who don't take care of their shit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-people-who-dont-take-care-of-their-shit/637523)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gah-people-who-dont-take-care-of-their-shit/637523 "2012-10-12T19:58:47Z")
Almost pit-worthy but I guess falls a little short. I’m getting seriously PO’d at dumbasses who don’t follow through. Backstory. Sold my boat several months ago, and bought another. I decided to check the Texas Parks… --- ## [Junior, Senior... What's next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/junior-senior-whats-next/617456)
**Author:** [@busterpickle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/busterpickle)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/junior-senior-whats-next/617456 "2012-10-12T18:50:44Z")
Elder? I ask as my son, myself, and my dad --and dead grand-dad-- all have the same first and last name. I’m a 3rd if that helps. --- ## [Rebate check from mortgage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebate-check-from-mortgage/637534)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebate-check-from-mortgage/637534 "2012-10-12T18:22:12Z")
I bought my house in May/June 2009. At the time, I was finishing up a 4-year enlistment and had no job lined up for afterwards. My wife had a career but had recently quit to stay home with our children. I tried to get… --- ## [Damned Smoke Alarm Batteries: That Time Of The Year Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-smoke-alarm-batteries-that-time-of-the-year-again/637097)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-smoke-alarm-batteries-that-time-of-the-year-again/637097 "2012-10-12T17:10:22Z")
You are supposed to change batteries in your home smoke alarms in October anyway, but my smoke alarms decided to piss me off early with the annoying little “chirp”, letting me know it is time to go buy new batteries, get… --- ## [Sudden increase in spare time- how to fill it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sudden-increase-in-spare-time-how-to-fill-it/637412)
**Author:** [@Imago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Imago)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sudden-increase-in-spare-time-how-to-fill-it/637412 "2012-10-12T16:43:55Z")
So, Dopers. I have a lot of time stretching out before me for the next month or so and relatively few productive things I can do with it. I’d like some suggestions on how to fill the rest of that time up. Anything to mak… --- ## [Was being an airline pilot a prestegious job?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-being-an-airline-pilot-a-prestegious-job/545733)
**Author:** [@Livardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Livardo)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-being-an-airline-pilot-a-prestegious-job/545733 "2012-10-12T15:40:43Z")
Today I look at an airline pilot and think, “hey, cool uniform” and “hey, they get to fly around the world”. I’ve read articles saying that their wages have been declining through the years so that must dig into the pres… --- ## [Lies about toddler-wrangling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lies-about-toddler-wrangling/637028)
**Author:** [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lies-about-toddler-wrangling/637028 "2012-10-12T15:31:29Z")
“Give them a choice” and everything will go hunky-dory! They will feel empowered and be compliant little angels! You know how that ACTUALLY goes down? Like this: “Do you want the Hello Kitty shirt or the ruffly purple … --- ## [Those entertaining moments with pets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-entertaining-moments-with-pets/637186)
**Author:** [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-entertaining-moments-with-pets/637186 "2012-10-12T12:33:10Z")
My cat gave me a good laugh this evening. When I got out of the bathtub, she hopped up on the edge, as she usually does without incident. This time, she either misjudged the jump or slipped, and landed IN the tub. Which… --- ## [Going to Germany for Vacation!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-germany-for-vacation/637203)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-germany-for-vacation/637203 "2012-10-12T09:13:41Z")
I spend a lot of vacation time acting as pit crew/sherpa for my Wife’s IronMan triathlons. Just got back from Cambridge Maryland as a mater of fact. 4000 mile road trip. Anywho, I don’t really mind, a trip is a trip, … --- ## [Posters you've gotten confused many times](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-youve-gotten-confused-many-times/636082)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posters-youve-gotten-confused-many-times/636082 "2012-10-12T08:17:32Z")
John\_Mace and JohnClay. Wtf. Mace has always sounded very intelligent and I was always surprised how fucking nuts he sounded when talking about chicks. Until I saw the pit thread by JohnClay today. I realized that I was… --- ## [Julia Gillard rips into Tony Abbott](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julia-gillard-rips-into-tony-abbott/637228)
**Author:** [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/julia-gillard-rips-into-tony-abbott/637228 "2012-10-12T07:09:07Z")
Wow. Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, calls out opposition leader Tony Abbott on his ongoing misogyny. I’m impressed. --- ## [Threatening calls from a number I can't trace.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/threatening-calls-from-a-number-i-cant-trace/632294)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/threatening-calls-from-a-number-i-cant-trace/632294 "2012-10-12T06:53:28Z")
I’ve been getting threatening calls from this number. They’ve been saying; “We know where you live.” “We’ve been following you.” and all this other stuff. I don’t know how to block calls on my cell, but I’ve been wond… --- ## [Things women do to make themselves attractive to men that don't make them attractive to men](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-women-do-to-make-themselves-attractive-to-men-that-dont-make-them-attractive-to-men/635987)
**Author:** [@Virgil\_Tibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Virgil_Tibbs)\ **Replies:** 180\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-women-do-to-make-themselves-attractive-to-men-that-dont-make-them-attractive-to-men/635987 "2012-10-12T05:25:14Z")
Top of my list would be high heels. Are these worn for the benefit of men, or do women just wear them to be uncomfortable for no reason? I’ve read that there may be a subtle sexual motivation in that women “present” them… --- ## [Creepy Hallow'een Findings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creepy-halloween-findings/637479)
**Author:** [@applebetty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/applebetty)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2012, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creepy-halloween-findings/637479 "2012-10-12T02:10:18Z")
So I was doing some shopping at “Wamart” and what did I see in the Hallow’een aisles? Totally creepy: Aaaaaauuuuugggghhh!!! What did you find today? --- ## [Missing cat, spooky cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-cat-spooky-cat/637432)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-cat-spooky-cat/637432 "2012-10-11T23:58:52Z")
The SO hides my gargoyles, so as not to give the occasional visitor the right impression of me. One of them is a cool cat gargoyle. It’s shaped such that its paws and head hang over a shelf. (i.e., the paws and head a… --- ## [Travelling to Johannesburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travelling-to-johannesburg/637462)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travelling-to-johannesburg/637462 "2012-10-11T21:46:00Z")
So my girlfriend wants to go to Johannesburg with a female friend of hers. Am I right to be concerned about safety? I think what worries me the most is how little they seem to know about the place (at least at this point… --- ## ['If Obama wins, you're fired!'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-obama-wins-youre-fired/637326)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-obama-wins-youre-fired/637326 "2012-10-11T21:15:19Z")
So says Westgate Resorts owner David Siegel. So… People are irresponsible for overspending, but it’s OK that he overspent building the largest house in the U.S. and then went into foreclosure. :dubious: Question: Is … --- ## [Who knew unobtanium was real...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knew-unobtanium-was-real/637377)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knew-unobtanium-was-real/637377 "2012-10-11T18:42:41Z")
Apparently Oakley has a source for unobtanium - they have frames with it as a component … :confused::dubious::smack::p:p:p:p:p --- ## [My idea for a new device and yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-idea-for-a-new-device-and-yours/637439)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-idea-for-a-new-device-and-yours/637439 "2012-10-11T17:46:10Z")
I came up with a device today that I want, but I don’t think exists. You would feed in some kind of form - like an employment form or check. The device would scan the form and display the scan on your monitor. You co… --- ## [My son is ready to become a Simpsons writer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-is-ready-to-become-a-simpsons-writer/637386)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-is-ready-to-become-a-simpsons-writer/637386 "2012-10-11T12:45:22Z")
So we’re talking, just playing around, and he says he’d like to not go to daycare after school. Sarcastically, I asked him what he was going to do after school – did he plan to don a leather jacket and become a bully, ex… --- ## [Who founded MGM, RKO, Paramount, and 20th Century Fox?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-founded-mgm-rko-paramount-and-20th-century-fox/637403)
**Author:** [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-founded-mgm-rko-paramount-and-20th-century-fox/637403 "2012-10-11T11:35:15Z")
Who founded MGM? Who founded Paramount? Who founded RKO? Who founded 20th Century Fox? Louis B Mayer, Samuel Goldwyn, and Marcelle Metro: the world’s first metrosexual, who’d lost his first fortune by runni… --- ## [New kid on the block](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-kid-on-the-block/637084)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-kid-on-the-block/637084 "2012-10-11T05:31:00Z")
Hello from Mexico! First encountered this place when I had a question about ice and ice chests. Thank you for all your answers. I am now well prepared for this discussion next camping trip (July 4, 2013). Speaking of… --- ## [New Romney Google bomb, or is it organic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-romney-google-bomb-or-is-it-organic/637311)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-romney-google-bomb-or-is-it-organic/637311 "2012-10-11T04:41:21Z")
Go to Google images and type “completely wrong”. http://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1268&bih=560&q=completely+wrong&oq=completely+wrong&gs\_l=img.3..0i3j0i24j0i5i24l2.5250.10894.0… --- ## [What or Who is the last thing or person you applauded for one full minute or more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-or-who-is-the-last-thing-or-person-you-applauded-for-one-full-minute-or-more/637329)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-or-who-is-the-last-thing-or-person-you-applauded-for-one-full-minute-or-more/637329 "2012-10-11T03:09:41Z")
Just curious what the responses would be. --- ## [Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albuquerque-balloon-fiesta/637207)
**Author:** [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/albuquerque-balloon-fiesta/637207 "2012-10-11T02:35:36Z")
I live just outside Albuquerque and always look forward to the Fiesta. Perfect launch conditions today; you can watch live coverage here: KOAT-TV KRQE-TV KOB-TV (seems to be off the air at the moment) --- ## [Teen loses stomach after drinking liquid nitrogen cocktail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teen-loses-stomach-after-drinking-liquid-nitrogen-cocktail/637232)
**Author:** [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teen-loses-stomach-after-drinking-liquid-nitrogen-cocktail/637232 "2012-10-11T02:32:31Z")
http://m.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/teen-has-stomach-removed-after-drinking-liquid-nitrogen-cocktail/story-fnd134gw-1226491688124 (if link doesn’t work, search for “gaby scanlon”) Can’t they fix a perforated stomach? --- ## [Let's Go Flyboarding!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-go-flyboarding/637150)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2012, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-go-flyboarding/637150 "2012-10-11T00:23:57Z")
Now this looks pretty damn fun! Apparently its some type of water propulsion system that allows the rider to fly (tethered to a jet ski) or swim underwater as fast as a fish. Amazing! (sorry about the crappy song in th… --- ## [Ever have someone post something on your Facebook that you just don't know how to respond to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-have-someone-post-something-on-your-facebook-that-you-just-dont-know-how-to-respond-to/636836)
**Author:** [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-have-someone-post-something-on-your-facebook-that-you-just-dont-know-how-to-respond-to/636836 "2012-10-10T22:31:39Z")
So yesterday I made a post lamenting that after weeks of finding no events I wanted to get out of the house for, there’s suddenly a boatload of things I want to see and do on the 6th and I have to pick and choose. I list… --- ## [Nonpolitical drought thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonpolitical-drought-thread/637310)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2012, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonpolitical-drought-thread/637310 "2012-10-10T21:54:50Z")
So, over here a plaint about plants dying because of drought got turned into a thread about global politics and global warming. For a more practical discussion on dying plants because of drought … how about practical su… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1066) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1068)