# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=125 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 126 --- ## [Australian phrase: "shout the bar!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-phrase-shout-the-bar/995970)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-phrase-shout-the-bar/995970 "2024-01-13T06:53:53Z")
Yep another thread about the “little differences” the four english speaking countries I’ve lived in have. From “Pulp Fiction” VINCENT It’s the little differences. A lotta the same shit we got here, they got there, bu… --- ## [Call the HOA!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/call-the-hoa/996007)
**Author:** [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/call-the-hoa/996007 "2024-01-13T01:26:46Z")
(Actually, from what I hear about HOAs, they’d have conniptions at most of the TV gardening programmes in the UK, which these days are big on leaving wild bits for the bugs and creepy-crawlies, and creating meadow plan… --- ## [Outdoor Cats Are Using $500 Starlink Satellite Dishes as Self-Heating Beds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdoor-cats-are-using-500-starlink-satellite-dishes-as-self-heating-beds/995752)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdoor-cats-are-using-500-starlink-satellite-dishes-as-self-heating-beds/995752 "2024-01-12T12:18:12Z")
The dishes are self-heating and cozy for the cats. Doesn’t help reception. --- ## [Family dog eats $4,000 in cash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-dog-eats-4-000-in-cash/995729)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-dog-eats-4-000-in-cash/995729 "2024-01-12T11:12:49Z")
And guess how they found out? Yeah, the hard way. I wish Dave Barry still wrote his weekly column. This is right up his alley. --- ## [(Old) It is getting cold in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-it-is-getting-cold-in-the-mmp/994405)
**Author:** [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Replies:** 306\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-it-is-getting-cold-in-the-mmp/994405 "2024-01-12T01:09:33Z")
Winter has kinda showed up here, the water in the shallow bird bath has started freezing at night and we are bringing the hummingbird feeder in at night (it goes out just after dawn). We lost the tomatoes two nights and… --- ## [We’re number three! (Toronto and slow traffic)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-re-number-three-toronto-and-slow-traffic/995967)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-re-number-three-toronto-and-slow-traffic/995967 "2024-01-12T00:48:09Z")
London is claimed to have the world’s slowest traffic, with Toronto following Dublin. If taking an average of half an hour to cover six miles is slow… How is traffic in your region? --- ## [Things people say - maybe too often](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-people-say-maybe-too-often/995877)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-people-say-maybe-too-often/995877 "2024-01-12T00:10:38Z")
I’d like to list here a few japes or turns of phrase I encounter often (mostly in text, not used in conversation so much) that may or may not be transitioning into cliches and becoming tiresome, to me at least. I’m sure … --- ## [Those "nodding" oil pumps scattered about the oil fields](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-nodding-oil-pumps-scattered-about-the-oil-fields/995838)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2024, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-nodding-oil-pumps-scattered-about-the-oil-fields/995838 "2024-01-11T20:25:00Z")
There aren’t too many here in Ohio but I notice an occasional one when driving the back roads. Not many of them are running, though. They are officially known as pump jacks it seems.Most use an electric motor if they are… --- ## [Tell us some place you lived using only cultural references](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-some-place-you-lived-using-only-cultural-references/995736)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2024, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-some-place-you-lived-using-only-cultural-references/995736 "2024-01-11T20:22:53Z")
Try for ones that only people familiar with your city would be know. For example you could say Thomas Guides SIG Alerts Traffic breaks “The” freeway Or maybe one unique cultural icon that again, only people familiar … --- ## [Navigation (driving)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navigation-driving/995723)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2024, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navigation-driving/995723 "2024-01-11T11:28:27Z")
We’re watching an episode of NCIS. ‘McGee’ tells ‘Gibbs’ he’d printed out directions. When I lived in L.A., I relied on my Thomas Guide. It was indispensable. When I started coming up here to northern Washington, I h… --- ## [Secret Santa 2023 - sorry for the delay, let's hustle!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-santa-2023-sorry-for-the-delay-lets-hustle/993131)
**Author:** [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2024, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-santa-2023-sorry-for-the-delay-lets-hustle/993131 "2024-01-10T18:47:17Z")
I’ve never organized a gift exchange before, but I love the SDMB Secret Santa and didn’t want to skip it this year, so here goes! I didn’t get my ass in gear until now, so we might have to rush a little bit. Ok, so here… --- ## [The hidden crisis of OCD in mice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hidden-crisis-of-ocd-in-mice/995742)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2024, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hidden-crisis-of-ocd-in-mice/995742 "2024-01-10T01:54:00Z")
The British Isles appears to have an issue with mice that obsessively tidy up human property without needing princesses to sing to them. I wonder if this behavior helped create any folklore about various “little peopl… --- ## [Anyone know anything about repairing old clocks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-anything-about-repairing-old-clocks/995744)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2024, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-anything-about-repairing-old-clocks/995744 "2024-01-09T19:47:38Z")
I’ve got this old school clock that my mother bought in the 70s. It’s electric, and the style of the plug suggests it’s from the late 40s or early 50s. The cord was replaced at some point-- probably right after my mother… --- ## [A sudden crisis -- how did you react?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-sudden-crisis-how-did-you-react/995668)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2024, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-sudden-crisis-how-did-you-react/995668 "2024-01-09T18:18:49Z")
Long back story to this, but I once leaped a barrier and ran into an indoor arena to stop a horse from killing the person trying to work with it. Didn’t stop to think, just did it, even though the person had been abusing… --- ## [Explosion at Fort Worth, Texas hotel \[9-Jan-2024\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosion-at-fort-worth-texas-hotel-9-jan-2024/995799)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2024, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosion-at-fort-worth-texas-hotel-9-jan-2024/995799 "2024-01-09T16:01:33Z")
It may be a gas leak, but there has been an explosion at hotel in Fort Worth injuring 11 with on person missing. Here is a gift link to NYT coverage so no paywall. Images are showing large portions of the building blown… --- ## [Serena Stevens 2004-2023 RIP (China Guy's twins)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serena-stevens-2004-2023-rip-china-guys-twins/978138)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2024, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serena-stevens-2004-2023-rip-china-guys-twins/978138 "2024-01-09T15:35:26Z")
It is with a heavy heart to post that my youngest daughter passed away on 8 January. Serena was featured in several threads though out the years. She was twin B born on Christmas Eve 2004 in Shanghai. Some may remember … --- ## [Former US Ambassador arrested for being possible Cuban agent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-us-ambassador-arrested-for-being-possible-cuban-agent/994098)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2024, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-us-ambassador-arrested-for-being-possible-cuban-agent/994098 "2024-01-09T12:02:41Z")
It’s just amazing that people overturn a lifetime of service and accomplishments for (presumably) a paycheck. I can’t think what else they promised him. Maybe a government job if/when the sanctions are lifted on Cuba? --- ## [Finding old links](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-old-links/990345)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2024, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-old-links/990345 "2024-01-09T06:39:33Z")
I don’t know if this is the right forum but it can be moved if I’m in a wrong place. I have lost a set of links to favorite older threads. Some may not be available any longer, I know. But another Doper helped me find… --- ## [Fairy Tale Come True--Magical Mouse Cleanup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fairy-tale-come-true-magical-mouse-cleanup/995785)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fairy-tale-come-true-magical-mouse-cleanup/995785 "2024-01-08T22:12:55Z")
A mouse that tidys-up a workbench. They wrote fairy tales about this. News article, with video link. LINK --- ## [Presents that totally failed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presents-that-totally-failed/992871)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 254\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presents-that-totally-failed/992871 "2024-01-08T20:08:54Z")
What presents have you given/gotten/witnessed that TOTALLY failed at achieving the intended happiness/gratitude/appreciation/other pleasant result for the recipient? Note: the present must have honestly been meant to be… --- ## [Happy holidays!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-holidays/995003)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-holidays/995003 "2024-01-08T12:26:18Z")
Well, I’m about to leave and start my two week winter break but, before I do, I have to wish my SDMB family all the best! Have a blessed holiday season! I love my boardies!! :heart: :kiss: :100: --- ## [AI entering the real world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-entering-the-real-world/995739)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-entering-the-real-world/995739 "2024-01-08T11:52:14Z")
Here’s a thread for sitings of generative AI or LLMs in the real world. I’ve been using ChatGPT and Copilot for work for months now, and I’ve seen Midjourney style art in cheap ads. And I’m sure AI is replacing algorithm… --- ## [(Old) Happy New Year 2024 MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-happy-new-year-2024-mmp/995435)
**Author:** [@Kitten\_Mitten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitten_Mitten)\ **Replies:** 424\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2024, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-happy-new-year-2024-mmp/995435 "2024-01-08T01:45:29Z")
Wishing all our dear Mumpers the happiest of New Years! :clinking\_glasses: :fireworks: :confetti\_ball: :tada: Any resolutionaries up in this mug? I’m done with resolutions, too old for them. Need to get to bed as soon… --- ## [Heart rate and fitness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-rate-and-fitness/995686)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-rate-and-fitness/995686 "2024-01-07T07:38:48Z")
Okay, so: I should get about 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week (e.g. here), defined by a vigorous heart rate. For my age, “vigorous” is defined as a minimum of X bps (using a variable to not get personal specifics… --- ## [History Article--Boston Corbett](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/history-article-boston-corbett/995685)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2024, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/history-article-boston-corbett/995685 "2024-01-06T11:30:07Z")
Here is a link to a rather more informative article about the man who killed John Wilkes Booth. Apparently, he was seen after escaping the asylum. Once, and perhaps twice. --- ## [72 Awesome Facts (from the 2023 NYT)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/72-awesome-facts-from-the-2023-nyt/995610)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2024, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/72-awesome-facts-from-the-2023-nyt/995610 "2024-01-06T03:49:35Z")
I loved some of these random facts from the year end New York Times (gift link below). With gems such as: Neuropsychology has shown that short-term memory lasts 15 to 30 seconds, after which it either has to be encoded… --- ## [Amputee Runner Oscar Pistorius Shoots Girlfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amputee-runner-oscar-pistorius-shoots-girlfriend/650265)
**Author:** [@Beastly\_Rotter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beastly_Rotter)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amputee-runner-oscar-pistorius-shoots-girlfriend/650265 "2024-01-05T20:30:15Z")
He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. --- ## [I'm getting a root canal in a few minutes. Through a cap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-a-root-canal-in-a-few-minutes-through-a-cap/995609)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-a-root-canal-in-a-few-minutes-through-a-cap/995609 "2024-01-05T14:40:40Z")
Great start to the year, laid low by a respiratory infection last week and severe tooth pain started last Friday. COVID test was negative. My prior dentist was a quack it seems, so new dental office closer to home. --- ## [I wrote some music that made me cry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wrote-some-music-that-made-me-cry/995526)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2024, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wrote-some-music-that-made-me-cry/995526 "2024-01-05T12:43:07Z")
Pretty much just what the subject says. I wrote a piece for violin and piano today called “Habitat Loss” for a composition competition. And as I was listening I just burst into tears. … And no it wasn’t because it was … --- ## [The handcycle is dead, long live the handcycle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handcycle-is-dead-long-live-the-handcycle/995466)
**Author:** [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handcycle-is-dead-long-live-the-handcycle/995466 "2024-01-04T19:45:25Z")
In short, my now previous bike had several failures that left me stranded. Fortunately, the person I coach with was able to get me home but I don’t want to have to depend on him as he’s regularly out of town. The new bi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=124) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=126)