# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=211 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 212 --- ## [A question for Dopers who have lived in/traveled in Japan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-dopers-who-have-lived-in-traveled-in-japan/963751)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-dopers-who-have-lived-in-traveled-in-japan/963751 "2022-05-07T19:23:03Z")
I’ve seen different videos and shows about traveling in Japan, like capsule hotels. and public transportation. But I once knew a guy, an American whose mother was born in Japan. When he visited his relatives he had lot… --- ## [Breaking news: apparent natural gas explosion in Havana tourist hotel {2022-05-06}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-apparent-natural-gas-explosion-in-havana-tourist-hotel-2022-05-06/964078)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-apparent-natural-gas-explosion-in-havana-tourist-hotel-2022-05-06/964078 "2022-05-07T17:46:31Z")
The hotel was unoccupied except for staff preparing to reopen after being closed for the past couple of years. --- ## [Just adopted a new doggo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-adopted-a-new-doggo/963758)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-adopted-a-new-doggo/963758 "2022-05-07T16:53:10Z")
We’d been talking about it for a few months, and applied for one we didn’t get (probably a good thing, because we were away a lot when both my parents passed in a two week period). Her name is Shea, and she’s snoring a f… --- ## [Meet Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meet-bob/838275)
**Author:** [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Replies:** 375\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meet-bob/838275 "2022-05-07T16:09:13Z")
I’ll give you the TL;DR before I go off on a tear. I’ll be picking up my new dog, Bobthe Dog, from the pound on Thursday afternoon after work. He is a Shepherd/Mastiff mix, but he’s not really that big. He’s about a yea… --- ## [We buried my oldest friend today. Mike was only 57](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-buried-my-oldest-friend-today-mike-was-only-57/963967)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-buried-my-oldest-friend-today-mike-was-only-57/963967 "2022-05-07T02:15:36Z")
He died of COVID at Christmastime. COVID and evil man slaughtering lying internet assholes and quite frankly stupidity. This is my friend Mike, I’ve been friends with him since 1977. He believed the lying scum anti-vax i… --- ## [My first post-retirement job interview](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-post-retirement-job-interview/964006)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-post-retirement-job-interview/964006 "2022-05-06T21:45:51Z")
After 27 years, I retired from Tennessee State Government. My finances are better than I could have hoped-for. But Social Security is still a few years away. So, I interview today for a part-time position with the Co… --- ## [US Army Alaska to be reflagged as airborne division amid surge in troop suicides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-army-alaska-to-be-reflagged-as-airborne-division-amid-surge-in-troop-suicides/964070)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-army-alaska-to-be-reflagged-as-airborne-division-amid-surge-in-troop-suicides/964070 "2022-05-06T21:26:21Z")
Sorry, but this is big news to us old retired soldiers. The 11th Airborne is coming back! Cool! -=Linky=- --- ## [Senator Orrin Hatch died {2022-04-23}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senator-orrin-hatch-died-2022-04-23/963341)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senator-orrin-hatch-died-2022-04-23/963341 "2022-05-06T19:57:56Z")
Orrin Hatch dead: SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Orrin G. Hatch, who became the longest-serving Republican senator in history as he represented Utah for more than four decades, died Saturday at age 88. --- ## [Australian expat and Mexican babydaddy ex missing in Cancun {2022-05-05}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-expat-and-mexican-babydaddy-ex-missing-in-cancun-2022-05-05/964037)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-expat-and-mexican-babydaddy-ex-missing-in-cancun-2022-05-05/964037 "2022-05-06T12:33:21Z")
This can’t end well. --- ## [Octopus farming: They're that good to eat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/octopus-farming-theyre-that-good-to-eat/962585)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/octopus-farming-theyre-that-good-to-eat/962585 "2022-05-06T06:02:10Z")
How much of a market is there for octopus? Are they a significant food source, or a delicacy somewhere? Is octopus farming a thing, and should it be? Opinion piece in The Conversation about proposed octopus farms. Au… --- ## [If you're having trouble ordering from Amazon, it's not just you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-having-trouble-ordering-from-amazon-its-not-just-you/964045)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-having-trouble-ordering-from-amazon-its-not-just-you/964045 "2022-05-05T23:20:43Z")
And in my case, listing things for other people to order. Their servers have been wonky for the past two days, with no end in sight. So just an FYI if anyone else is having difficulty. --- ## [Disconcerting Brave Browser wallpaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disconcerting-brave-browser-wallpaper/963919)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disconcerting-brave-browser-wallpaper/963919 "2022-05-05T15:03:31Z")
I use the Brave Browser, which comes with built-in decorative wallpaper-ish screens. They’ve got one that seems to be an Asian street scene but there’s one prominent sign with Roman alphabet lettering spelling out “NAMB… --- ## [Why the Democrats will lose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-democrats-will-lose/963975)
**Author:** [@sishoch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sishoch)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-democrats-will-lose/963975 "2022-05-05T14:03:57Z")
I am putting this here because it is important only to me. In 2017, I was working full time and my wife stayed at home with our two children. But then he was diagnosed with ALS. Since she was not working, she was not el… --- ## [Must dial area code for local numbers starting 10/24/21](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-dial-area-code-for-local-numbers-starting-10-24-21/951701)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-dial-area-code-for-local-numbers-starting-10-24-21/951701 "2022-05-05T00:15:55Z")
I got my utility bill today and in the community interest insert that comes with it was this info. As of 10/24/21 we have to use the area code to call local numbers. That’s the first I’ve heard of this. It’s being imp… --- ## [Kudos To Elton John](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kudos-to-elton-john/963951)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2022, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kudos-to-elton-john/963951 "2022-05-04T21:24:46Z")
I wasn’t sure where this should go on these boards. But I just wanted to say, kudos to Elton John. The guy is gay. Yet AFAIK he’s not HIV positive. You know, he wasn’t promiscuous or at least used protection, at a time… --- ## [WTF Boston? "Attacks by Boston youth ‘terrorizing unsuspecting citizens’ continue downtown; police can’t make arrests because many suspects ‘too young’"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-boston-attacks-by-boston-youth-terrorizing-unsuspecting-citizens-continue-downtown-police-can-t-make-arrests-because-many-suspects-too-young/963851)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2022, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-boston-attacks-by-boston-youth-terrorizing-unsuspecting-citizens-continue-downtown-police-can-t-make-arrests-because-many-suspects-too-young/963851 "2022-05-04T17:17:02Z")
I saw the article below that details some young kids running amok in downtown Boston including assaulting people. The article says Boston police cannot arrest or detain anyone under the age of 12. Why? I mean, I get t… --- ## [My Singing Journey Continues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-singing-journey-continues/963940)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2022, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-singing-journey-continues/963940 "2022-05-04T16:34:23Z")
So I have been accepted into the music program at a university. This will be my fourth degree. :slight\_smile: I know I don’t need the degree to be a professional singer, but for my specific goals I think it will be helpf… --- ## [May 4 for lefties](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-4-for-lefties/963945)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2022, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-4-for-lefties/963945 "2022-05-04T16:25:45Z")
May 4, 1886, Haymarket affair, started with 1 May protests for 8-hour day, a May 4 protest in Chicago against police brutality against striking workers that saw a bombing and the police firing into a crowd, the execution… --- ## [What can you do with silica gel moisture-absorbent packets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-you-do-with-silica-gel-moisture-absorbent-packets/963766)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2022, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-you-do-with-silica-gel-moisture-absorbent-packets/963766 "2022-05-03T22:05:31Z")
I remember they have uses but forget what they are. --- ## [I just need to crow a little](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-need-to-crow-a-little/963763)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2022, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-need-to-crow-a-little/963763 "2022-05-03T14:43:59Z")
My niece, an unabashed liberal capitalist chock full of pragmatism and principles has been accepted to the Walsh SFS at Georgetown. Not only does this make me super proud, but it gives me hope for the future, something … --- ## [I am fundraising for The Trevor Project: A crisis-intervention and suicide-prevention service for LGBT youth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-fundraising-for-the-trevor-project-a-crisis-intervention-and-suicide-prevention-service-for-lgbt-youth/963868)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2022, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-fundraising-for-the-trevor-project-a-crisis-intervention-and-suicide-prevention-service-for-lgbt-youth/963868 "2022-05-03T12:22:51Z")
I want to express my thanks to the staff for permitting me to post this. CW: Suicide. In this time of great need in the LGBTQ community, I have decided to become a fundraiser for The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project… --- ## [Per Politico, Supreme Court is overturning Roe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/per-politico-supreme-court-is-overturning-roe/963860)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2022, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/per-politico-supreme-court-is-overturning-roe/963860 "2022-05-03T03:19:37Z")
Holy cow. I’m going to throw up if this goes through. --- ## [Surprisingly cheap things](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surprisingly-cheap-things/963363)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2022, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surprisingly-cheap-things/963363 "2022-05-02T23:17:23Z")
As we all know, many countries right now are experiencing out of control inflation, supply shortages and opportunist price-gouging that are all making the cost of living much higher. But are there things that you’ve bee… --- ## [Pointless administrative tasks of the past](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pointless-administrative-tasks-of-the-past/960940)
**Author:** [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2022, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pointless-administrative-tasks-of-the-past/960940 "2022-05-02T22:30:14Z")
This thread reminded me of something from my past. When I was in high school (in the early 80s), I have vague memories of this pointless process on the first day of school: We received our schedule of classes (printe… --- ## [F\*\*\* Moscow, philatelically](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-moscow-philatelically/963769)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2022, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-moscow-philatelically/963769 "2022-05-02T21:42:52Z")
Before its impromptu conversion to a submarine, the Russian warship Moskva attempted to menace Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island. One of the soldiers responded to the threats using International Sign Language, and the … --- ## [Hooray, hooray, it’s the first of May (NSFW!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooray-hooray-it-s-the-first-of-may-nsfw/963779)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2022, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hooray-hooray-it-s-the-first-of-may-nsfw/963779 "2022-05-02T19:43:21Z")
Almost forgot to post this year. The weather has been very crappy around here. Cold and damp all spring. No outdoor activity for us until it warms up a bit. +Plus+ a terrible wind storm blew down a section of my backyar… --- ## [New neighbours: Weird or ... Weirder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-neighbours-weird-or-weirder/963226)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2022, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-neighbours-weird-or-weirder/963226 "2022-05-02T16:23:15Z")
Earlier this year, my next-door neighbours put their house up for sale. A sale ensued, and at the end of March, the old neighbours moved out, with the help of a couple of cars packed to the gills, and two 35’ U-Haul tru… --- ## [No fireworks for Israel Independence Day over PTSD concerns (ABC News)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-fireworks-for-israel-independence-day-over-ptsd-concerns-abc-news/963809)
**Author:** [@Bonum\_Legatum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bonum_Legatum)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2022, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-fireworks-for-israel-independence-day-over-ptsd-concerns-abc-news/963809 "2022-05-02T14:35:11Z")
So, Israel will have “pyrotechnic displays”, but no “fireworks”. Over PTSD concerns. All I have to say is, - good for them. That’s even through I really enjoy the magical display of the fireworks that light up the sky… --- ## [Helicopter in Hawaii](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-in-hawaii/963750)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2022, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-in-hawaii/963750 "2022-05-02T04:36:11Z")
And a shout out to Johnny L.A. Because I believe he used to pilot a Robinson Helo. What a dandy machine. Had a two hour tour of Hawaii (big island) in one with just me my Wife and the pilot. I got to ride in left front.… --- ## [Got my chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-my-chair/963771)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2022, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-my-chair/963771 "2022-05-02T03:32:40Z")
I’m reading 25 years at my job at the college, so I earned my chair. https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/279460367\_10101026912760743\_3139725921171555711\_n.jpg?\_nc\_cat=111&ccb=1-5&\_nc\_sid=730e14&\_nc\_ohc=Vm… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=210) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=212)