# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1193 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1194 --- ## ["Stash Honey Sticks" "Simply Pop Open" How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stash-honey-sticks-simply-pop-open-how/607193)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2011, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stash-honey-sticks-simply-pop-open-how/607193 "2011-12-24T03:25:35Z")
When I came into work this morning I found a little Christmas gift bag on my desk. It was from a coworker for whom I spent a lot of time and effort recently helping get ready for a big conference. A gift wasn’t necessary… --- ## [MEAN Christmas presents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mean-christmas-presents/606779)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2011, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mean-christmas-presents/606779 "2011-12-24T00:57:28Z")
We had our ‘Secret Santa’ gift exchange today. One of the women got a HUGE box, and was all excited. It turned out to be one of those 24 roll packs of toilet paper. Okay, this might just be silly normally. As in, it’… --- ## [My Boston Terrier scared me this morning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boston-terrier-scared-me-this-morning/607187)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boston-terrier-scared-me-this-morning/607187 "2011-12-23T23:51:53Z")
My Boston Terrier went outside this morning, peed and came back in. Her usual 3 year old excitement we see every day. She went down the hall into a bedroom. We suddenly heard this strange flop, flop sound. She was in th… --- ## [What words do you never use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-words-do-you-never-use/604997)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-words-do-you-never-use/604997 "2011-12-23T23:43:53Z")
There are words I’ve seen used in books that I’ve never heard anyone use in actual conversation. For example, I’ve never heard anyone called “burly.” I’m sure I’ll think of more. What about you? --- ## [Less is more.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/less-is-more/607168)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/less-is-more/607168 "2011-12-23T21:00:41Z")
Even though neither of us is Christian, for the last few years I’ve been putting up a Christmas tree. I got a really beautiful fake one with hundreds of white lights, and added several strings of randomly blinking white … --- ## [Ask the professional indexer.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-professional-indexer/601977)
**Author:** [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-professional-indexer/601977 "2011-12-23T20:26:44Z")
I index books for a living. Usually when I tell people this they express surprise that this job is actually done by human beings. I guess people assume it’s done by some sort of computer program. Anyway, I just finished… --- ## [I went out of my way to help someone today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-out-of-my-way-to-help-someone-today/606957)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-out-of-my-way-to-help-someone-today/606957 "2011-12-23T20:07:06Z")
And I feel good about it. At 6:45 this morning, in total darkness, I was driving to work on a four lane divided highway and noticed a car on the shoulder with its four-ways on. At the last second I saw the (presumably)… --- ## [Help! My printer driver is gone.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-printer-driver-is-gone/607175)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-printer-driver-is-gone/607175 "2011-12-23T15:20:38Z")
Worse yet, the compter on which the printer driver (Epson Stylus TX103) was installed crashed and crashed hard. I had to reinstall Windows Vista and now the only driver I can find after searching online is for the pinter… --- ## [Broken right out of the box. Christmas presents that never worked.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broken-right-out-of-the-box-christmas-presents-that-never-worked/607031)
**Author:** [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broken-right-out-of-the-box-christmas-presents-that-never-worked/607031 "2011-12-23T14:37:02Z")
List Christmas presents you received, that never worked when you tried to use them. Mouse Trap (the game) A 2.5’ knit scarf and small stocking hat received as an adult from a kid. It was a nice gesture. --- ## [If you understand Hebrew. . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-understand-hebrew/12361)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-understand-hebrew/12361 "2011-12-23T13:28:05Z")
and you have seen “Raiders of the Lost Ark. . .” What is Belloq saying as he is about to open the Ark? --- ## [Sad thoughts for Christmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sad-thoughts-for-christmas/607129)
**Author:** [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sad-thoughts-for-christmas/607129 "2011-12-23T12:49:55Z")
This has been mulling around in my head for several days. I’m sure it’ll be confused and make very little sense, but, well… It’s been five months since the murders in Oslo and Utøya. Nearly 100 families are facing a fir… --- ## [Farting In Public (Outside)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/farting-in-public-outside/607007)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/farting-in-public-outside/607007 "2011-12-23T11:51:35Z")
Today D went for a checkup, and I went along. As it always takes at least an hour total, I made sure she got upstairs okay and then went out for a walk around the building. You know that when you jog or walk, you some… --- ## [What's your supervillainy rampage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-supervillainy-rampage/598166)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-supervillainy-rampage/598166 "2011-12-23T11:38:16Z")
I may be straying a little bit close to Skald territory, after all, this is the kind of thing he usually likes to post about. Nevertheless, if he has a problem with it, he can fight me in a duel to the death. On the mo… --- ## [Help me study for the Private Pilot oral exam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-study-for-the-private-pilot-oral-exam/606325)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-study-for-the-private-pilot-oral-exam/606325 "2011-12-23T08:03:44Z")
As some of you know, I’ve been pursuing a PP cert since September '10. I passed my school’s stage check yesterday, but just barely. I failed the mock oral exam pretty badly. I asked the, uh, “principal” if he were the… --- ## [More things your kids say that break you up.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-things-your-kids-say-that-break-you-up/606753)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-things-your-kids-say-that-break-you-up/606753 "2011-12-23T07:31:38Z")
Last week, during a moment of conflict, my daughter stormed from the room, stopping at the threshold to turn around, hands on hips, and declare, “It’s my life!” I laughed pretty hard. (nb: My daughter is not quite three… --- ## [Happy winter solstice SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-winter-solstice-sdmb/606934)
**Author:** [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-winter-solstice-sdmb/606934 "2011-12-23T07:24:23Z")
This year it falls on Dec. 22nd. Here is some info from earthsky. What do you have planned? A day of drunkenness and debauchery? A trip to Stonehenge? Remember, sharing is caring. :smiley: --- ## [N.T.S.B. recomendation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/n-t-s-b-recomendation/606541)
**Author:** [@NadaHappyCamper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NadaHappyCamper)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/n-t-s-b-recomendation/606541 "2011-12-23T05:37:50Z")
Does the NTSB really feel that their recommendation to completely ban cell phones and the like is enforceable should it become law? Why are devices installed at the factory outside the ban? Will the ban extend to GPS de… --- ## [Okay, so what are the gifts you are giving this year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-so-what-are-the-gifts-you-are-giving-this-year/607034)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-so-what-are-the-gifts-you-are-giving-this-year/607034 "2011-12-23T04:40:53Z")
Without further ado: Everyone in my adoptive family is getting books this Christmas: Mom: Ruth Reichi’s Garlic and Sapphires (about the life of a food critic). Sister: Our Bodies Ourselves, by various. Brother-in-law… --- ## [Ever met a billionaire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-met-a-billionaire/606785)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-met-a-billionaire/606785 "2011-12-23T03:36:22Z")
I met one yesterday. He’s worth about $3 bil. I went to a party at his house. He co-founded the software company where I work. He is in his 60s and still works but spends a lot of time on charity work, mostly… --- ## [Elf on the Shelf](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elf-on-the-shelf/606902)
**Author:** [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elf-on-the-shelf/606902 "2011-12-23T01:54:49Z")
I used to see the book advertised in obscure catalogs. I had never heard of this holiday tradition, and figured it was nothing more than a little-read book someone wrote. This Christmas I see that thing everywhere - book… --- ## [What's your Christmas Charity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-christmas-charity/606964)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Juicy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Juicy)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-christmas-charity/606964 "2011-12-23T01:25:05Z")
When I was little the city I lived in had a “Christmas Angel Tree”, where you picked off an angel representing a child in need with either “Boy” or “Girl” and the kid’s age on it. Then you bought about $20 - $30 worth o… --- ## [Sure, you can visit -- but you can't stay with us!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-you-can-visit-but-you-cant-stay-with-us/606980)
**Author:** [@smaje1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smaje1)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-you-can-visit-but-you-cant-stay-with-us/606980 "2011-12-23T00:26:58Z")
My mother and I have been…not fighting really, but definitely not getting along, for about 6 months. My dad and I haven’t spoken in those past 6 months, but more out of his laziness (I’ve made efforts to contact him via … --- ## [Barking Dog Syndrome.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barking-dog-syndrome/606475)
**Author:** [@Dennis\_Arthur\_PERRETT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dennis_Arthur_PERRETT)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barking-dog-syndrome/606475 "2011-12-22T21:48:25Z")
Over here in Queensland Australia some of our regional councils (which would be your counties I suppose) have a 6 minute barking dog rule, which, as it suggests, states that if your pet suburban dog barks continuously fo… --- ## [Stephen Colbert interviews Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-colbert-interviews-neil-degrasse-tyson/607111)
**Author:** [@Prelude\_to\_Fascination](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prelude_to_Fascination)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-colbert-interviews-neil-degrasse-tyson/607111 "2011-12-22T21:23:46Z")
Here’s a fantastic interview in which Colbert (out of character) interviews astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson at Montclair Kimberly Academy in early 2010, so some may have seen it, but it was uploaded to YouTube Nov 201… --- ## [Funny vanity plate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-vanity-plate/606870)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-vanity-plate/606870 "2011-12-22T20:56:33Z")
I just saw a Virginia license plate with a “Choose Life” theme: PLLOUT --- ## [Introducting Dr. Conrad Shadowdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/introducting-dr-conrad-shadowdale/606910)
**Author:** [@Dr.Conrad\_Shadowdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Conrad_Shadowdale)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/introducting-dr-conrad-shadowdale/606910 "2011-12-22T20:51:15Z")
Greetings Dopers. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Conrad Shadowdale, Dr. Conrad Shadowdale. I am a longtime lurker, owner of five of the Master’s tomes and once a regular reader of his weekly column in our … --- ## [I might have found someone who wants me to design a comic book!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-might-have-found-someone-who-wants-me-to-design-a-comic-book/606996)
**Author:** [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-might-have-found-someone-who-wants-me-to-design-a-comic-book/606996 "2011-12-22T19:57:33Z")
Yesterday, I went to one of the business-networking events put on by the regional government’s job-search-help people. I am slowly getting the hang of this people stuff, and yesterday’s event was something of a breakthro… --- ## [Car audio manufacturers: a semi-pitting for you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-audio-manufacturers-a-semi-pitting-for-you/607075)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-audio-manufacturers-a-semi-pitting-for-you/607075 "2011-12-22T19:53:23Z")
What I want in a car audio system does not seem to exist (at least for my 2007 Jeep Liberty). And my needs seem simple. I would like a unit that is iPod compatible, has a large easy-to-read display, has station select b… --- ## [Hi, my name is Kimballkid and I'm new.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hi-my-name-is-kimballkid-and-im-new/606854)
**Author:** [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hi-my-name-is-kimballkid-and-im-new/606854 "2011-12-22T19:43:53Z")
Just a quick note to introduce myself. Long, long time lurker, first time poster. I really enjoy reading this message board and thought it was time to join. Please be gentle on me :wink: . --- ## [A/C unit running 24/7 .. 365 days a year... in the Midwest! why??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-unit-running-24-7-365-days-a-year-in-the-midwest-why/604324)
**Author:** [@Naxos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Naxos)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-unit-running-24-7-365-days-a-year-in-the-midwest-why/604324 "2011-12-22T18:55:33Z")
I’ve heard of houses or apartments used for growing illegal plants and the like, that produce a lot of heat that can be detected with infra-red detectors, etc. Is this what could be happening here? An apartment in the … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1192) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=1194)