# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=178 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 179 --- ## [My children are often sick and gaining weight while living with my ex wife. What should I do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-children-are-often-sick-and-gaining-weight-while-living-with-my-ex-wife-what-should-i-do/977555)
**Author:** [@Manz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manz)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2023, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-children-are-often-sick-and-gaining-weight-while-living-with-my-ex-wife-what-should-i-do/977555 "2023-01-05T02:36:10Z")
My children live with my ex wife. My children usually have a cough, cold or fever when they see me every other weekend. I notice that they are also gaining weight. I’m not sure what their diet is like, but they mention … --- ## [2 legged fox filmed in garden!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-legged-fox-filmed-in-garden/977683)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-legged-fox-filmed-in-garden/977683 "2023-01-04T22:30:40Z")
Very odd. I’m surprised it’s survived so long tbh… A spokesperson for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said: “We’ve never seen anything like this in the wild before but the animal looks relatively healthy and appears to have… --- ## [Parental Wins and Fails (the small stuff)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-wins-and-fails-the-small-stuff/977594)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-wins-and-fails-the-small-stuff/977594 "2023-01-04T22:06:10Z")
This is the thread to tell us all what little victories and defeats you have encountered as a parent. I’d like to avoid the big stuff, like the Rhodes Scholarship or recurring meth addiction, but the fun little things th… --- ## [Tell us who you were in pictures... but in pictures not of yourself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-who-you-were-in-pictures-but-in-pictures-not-of-yourself/976393)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-who-you-were-in-pictures-but-in-pictures-not-of-yourself/976393 "2023-01-04T21:41:19Z")
I mean, if you want to include pictures of yourself I’m not going to complain, but the idea here is to share pictures of things, events, creations, that show the Dope who we were in the past. Favorite books, old cars, c… --- ## [A gift from a complete stranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-gift-from-a-complete-stranger/977158)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-gift-from-a-complete-stranger/977158 "2023-01-04T18:42:42Z")
Lately, I’ve been going to the local Starbuck’s after work to relax with a cup of mocha while scribbling in my sketchbook. A few days before Christmas a woman came up to my table and without saying a word, left a Star… --- ## [Just a weird coincidence I assume](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-a-weird-coincidence-i-assume/977534)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-a-weird-coincidence-i-assume/977534 "2023-01-04T17:21:01Z")
I’m 68 and retired, and because of concern about my memory, my neurologist suggested I do some daily cardio. I live in NW Montana, so there are lots of trails, roads, and paths, and since I have a dog that needs walking,… --- ## [It Is Once Again- Time To Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-once-again-time-to-panic/977311)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-once-again-time-to-panic/977311 "2023-01-04T15:00:32Z")
I’m scheduled to fly to Florida tomorrow. A time line On December 8, my new therapist says there is a problem processing my insurance. She thinks I gave her the numbers incorrectly. I leave a voicemail with the numbers… --- ## [In retrospect, how was your 2022?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-retrospect-how-was-your-2022/977466)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-retrospect-how-was-your-2022/977466 "2023-01-04T01:44:37Z")
I don’t know how to do a poll on this new format, but I’m just wondering how you feel about the past trip around the sun. Fabulous? Pretty, pretty, pretty good? Not bad? Okay? Meh? Not so hot? Bad news? Crap? Dumpster fi… --- ## [My daughter's mother (has died.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughters-mother-has-died/975825)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughters-mother-has-died/975825 "2023-01-04T01:08:51Z")
My (now long) ex-wife, the mother of my teenaged daughter, is on the verge of death. She has been sick from time to time the last few years including some long hospital stays, but she went in yesterday morning, and late… --- ## [Arrests in German coup plot \[7-Dec 2022\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrests-in-german-coup-plot-7-dec-2022/976137)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2023, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrests-in-german-coup-plot-7-dec-2022/976137 "2023-01-03T23:39:01Z")
A Wednesday statement from the federal public prosecutor said the members of the group, which was founded in November 2021, subscribed to a range of conspiracy theories including QAnon and the right-wing extremist R… --- ## [Videos I Don't Understand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/videos-i-dont-understand/977421)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2023, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/videos-i-dont-understand/977421 "2023-01-02T23:10:41Z")
Okay, this is truly mundane and likely just stupid. A lot of short videos show up on my FB page. Some few are entertaining, but most are just pointless, as far as I can tell. A popular genre seems to be in the nature of … --- ## [I had something removed from my nose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-something-removed-from-my-nose/977491)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2023, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-something-removed-from-my-nose/977491 "2023-01-02T08:36:26Z")
On the first Monday of December, I went to a dermatologist for the first time in a long time, to have him look at a bump on my nose. I’d had it for close to 2 years and I wasn’t especially worried about it, it didn’t loo… --- ## [Fin De HalloHanuThanksChristKwazaa - A Post Holiday MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fin-de-hallohanuthankschristkwazaa-a-post-holiday-mmp/977105)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 360\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2023, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fin-de-hallohanuthankschristkwazaa-a-post-holiday-mmp/977105 "2023-01-02T06:44:48Z")
Today is the start of Kwanzaa, the end of Hanukkah, St. Stephen’s Day, and Boxing Day(where Canadians punch each other, and say “Sorry.”). Then holidays get scarce. I’m currently martyring my liver in honor of St. Step… --- ## [Let's come up with some worthwhile, attainable New Year's resolutions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-come-up-with-some-worthwhile-attainable-new-years-resolutions/977000)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2023, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-come-up-with-some-worthwhile-attainable-new-years-resolutions/977000 "2023-01-02T01:47:09Z")
No joke answers, please. I am looking for genuine efforts to improve oneself in 2023. It doesn’t have to be - maybe should not be - anything extraordinary. Just a minor, very attainable tweak that will make you a slight… --- ## [Wait, why did this catch fire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-why-did-this-catch-fire/977484)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2023, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wait-why-did-this-catch-fire/977484 "2023-01-02T00:58:11Z")
Someone heats wax in a test tube until it’s boiling. The test tube is then immersed in cold water and the paraffin autoignites? WTH? Paraffin Wax Autoignition - YouTube --- ## [One million words in 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-million-words-in-2023/977488)
**Author:** [@TheZenPaperboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheZenPaperboy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2023, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-million-words-in-2023/977488 "2023-01-02T00:12:40Z")
I intend to write one million words in 2023. I’m doing this to have fun and to learn how to write. I have had trouble in the past with writing. Too much overthinking. This way I will just focus on sitting down and writ… --- ## [The Order of Canada appointees, Dec. 2022](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-order-of-canada-appointees-dec-2022/977313)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-order-of-canada-appointees-dec-2022/977313 "2023-01-01T23:43:06Z")
The Governor General’s list has been published, and is available at this link - Order of Canada appointees – December 2022 . I’m very pleased to see Eleanor Daley, a dear friend and mentor listed as an Officer of the Or… --- ## [40,000 experience power outage in North Carolina, due to sabotage (4-DEC-22)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/40-000-experience-power-outage-in-north-carolina-due-to-sabotage-4-dec-22/976033)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/40-000-experience-power-outage-in-north-carolina-due-to-sabotage-4-dec-22/976033 "2023-01-01T20:28:58Z")
As I write this, crews are working to restore power to about 40,000 customers in North Carolina after a substation was damaged, apparently by gunshots. I did see that Moore County abuts Fort Bragg, which has plenty of… --- ## [A Big Thank-you to All Who Work Today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-big-thank-you-to-all-who-work-today/977082)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-big-thank-you-to-all-who-work-today/977082 "2023-01-01T17:54:17Z")
We got a big dump of snow overnight. While we were opening presents this morning, we heard the sound of the city snow ploughs clearing our streets. Not that we’re planning on going out, but others may, and there’s alwa… --- ## [Happy 2023! May the New Year bring you love and joy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-2023-may-the-new-year-bring-you-love-and-joy/977429)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-2023-may-the-new-year-bring-you-love-and-joy/977429 "2023-01-01T16:51:02Z")
Wishing the very best to everyone in the coming year! May 2023 be your finest year ever! --- ## [Public Service Announcement: Don't pass down your stuff to someone unless you know they want it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-dont-pass-down-your-stuff-to-someone-unless-you-know-they-want-it/976587)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-dont-pass-down-your-stuff-to-someone-unless-you-know-they-want-it/976587 "2023-01-01T06:25:29Z")
This is a mild rant, but not pit-worthy. Your treasured items may not be so treasured by others. Really. Your collectibles, your table service, your great-grandmother’s lace doilies, whatever - bear in mind that items t… --- ## [Term for flawed risk assessment and preparation for unlikely events?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-for-flawed-risk-assessment-and-preparation-for-unlikely-events/976588)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-for-flawed-risk-assessment-and-preparation-for-unlikely-events/976588 "2023-01-01T04:52:44Z")
Is there a term for when people’s risk assessment goes haywire, and they end up preparing for events that will never happen? Like for example, I’ve known a few preppers in my day, more than one person who’s convinced th… --- ## [The SDMB made an appearance on Hacker News](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-made-an-appearance-on-hacker-news/977394)
**Author:** [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-made-an-appearance-on-hacker-news/977394 "2023-01-01T00:34:38Z")
At least one commenter figured out how we operate here: Yep. Hilariously it was literally the first reply, which was promptly ignored by everyone. If @scr4 is wondering why their link now has 1.1k hits… that’s why. … --- ## [Decemberweenvent Calendar on homestarrunner.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decemberweenvent-calendar-on-homestarrunner-com/976120)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2022, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decemberweenvent-calendar-on-homestarrunner-com/976120 "2022-12-31T22:10:06Z")
The Brothers Chaps’ Decemberweenvent Calendar Going back and forth on whether I wanted to make a thread on this…decided I needed to do something light 'n frivolous to offset all the other stuff I’ve been talking about h… --- ## [The presents that are no longer given?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-presents-that-are-no-longer-given/977336)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2022, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-presents-that-are-no-longer-given/977336 "2022-12-31T18:45:32Z")
Way back in the previous century, it seems there were annually stories in women’s magazines and newspapers about all sorts of ‘mandatory’ presents a household (i.e. generally the woman) was expected to give to service wo… --- ## [Anyone else have traditional family Christmas gifts that are given every year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-have-traditional-family-christmas-gifts-that-are-given-every-year/977140)
**Author:** [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2022, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-have-traditional-family-christmas-gifts-that-are-given-every-year/977140 "2022-12-31T18:13:15Z")
Mind you, I’m not complaining (I guess). In 1988, I married into a family where the patriarch (my FIL is now deceased, but his stepsons have assumed the responsibility) gives each family member a new silver dollar each … --- ## [Alka Seltzer in tea+](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alka-seltzer-in-tea/977349)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2022, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alka-seltzer-in-tea/977349 "2022-12-31T11:26:12Z")
I discovered an odd chemical reaction. We have some Alka Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu. I’ve used it before and it works just like you expect. Fizzing away in a glass of water until dissolved. I was finishing my morning tea an… --- ## [Intriguing optical illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intriguing-optical-illusion/954782)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2022, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intriguing-optical-illusion/954782 "2022-12-30T23:40:19Z")
I have my reading glasses sitting on the desk in front of me. They are 2.00 power glasses and they are sitting upright and with the ear pieces towards since I just took them off and set them down. Over my shoulder is a w… --- ## [Did you make Christmas dinner or go out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-make-christmas-dinner-or-go-out/977123)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2022, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-make-christmas-dinner-or-go-out/977123 "2022-12-30T18:42:23Z")
Three years ago we decided to go out for Christmas buffet at a local resort and loved it. We’ve never gone back. Since then a group of friends and relatives go out somewhere every Christmas day. Yesterday we went out for… --- ## [Sad stories about clothing that has disappeared on you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sad-stories-about-clothing-that-has-disappeared-on-you/977117)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2022, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sad-stories-about-clothing-that-has-disappeared-on-you/977117 "2022-12-30T17:05:31Z")
I have two articles of clothing whose disappearance is mysterious to me, because I liked these clothes and would have never chosen to discard them. One was a blue suede jacket, in the style of a denim jacket that looked … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=177) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=179)