# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=25 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 26 --- ## [Holidays and Cognitive Dissonance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holidays-and-cognitive-dissonance/1026277)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2026, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holidays-and-cognitive-dissonance/1026277 "2026-02-28T11:30:17Z")
I was watching Mike Burbiglia’s Working it Out podcast where he’s interviewing comedian Michael Che, and Che says something like, “Why can’t we have holidays without all the lore? Why does Thanksgiving Day have to be gro… --- ## [Philippines volcano eruption: Mount Kanlaon, 50 miles from Cebu, is erupting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philippines-volcano-eruption-mount-kanlaon-50-miles-from-cebu-is-erupting/1028043)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2026, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philippines-volcano-eruption-mount-kanlaon-50-miles-from-cebu-is-erupting/1028043 "2026-02-27T23:54:39Z")
DD coordinates △ Mount Kanlaon volcano ▲ 10.41, 123.132 Images ➜ Mount Kanlaon eruption - Google Search :black\_square\_button: News ➜ Philippines: Kanlaon volcano makes explosive eruption, shoots ash plume 2,500 metre… --- ## [El Paso Airport closed for 10 days for "security reasons" (reopened on February 11, 2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/el-paso-airport-closed-for-10-days-for-security-reasons-reopened-on-february-11-2026/1027575)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2026, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/el-paso-airport-closed-for-10-days-for-security-reasons-reopened-on-february-11-2026/1027575 "2026-02-27T17:50:05Z")
The FAA’s sudden closure of El Paso Airport has taken local officials by surprise. It is virtually unprecedented to suddenly close a US airport like this, for this long (even after the attacks of September 11, 2001, airp… --- ## [Names for Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-trump/1028038)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2026, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-trump/1028038 "2026-02-27T16:39:49Z")
I know The Dope has come up with some seriously brilliant names for el-presidente, but I came across another one a day or so ago, and was just itching to share it. The Count of Mostly Crisco. Add yours. --- ## [Does anyone still read Lileks's daily blog (The Bleat)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-still-read-lilekss-daily-blog-the-bleat/1024437)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-still-read-lilekss-daily-blog-the-bleat/1024437 "2026-02-26T22:38:54Z")
I read it every morning. I like hearing what’s going on with him, even though our politics don’t align, and seeing the amusing daily stuff he scans in and comments on. He’s going through a very rough patch. Earlier in… --- ## [What THE HECK was this guy shot with? (video not graphic)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-was-this-guy-shot-with-video-not-graphic/1026623)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-was-this-guy-shot-with-video-not-graphic/1026623 "2026-02-26T14:12:33Z")
A police officer supposedly shot last night in the Law Enforcement Center parking lot. But the video looks exactly like fireworks, and left a huge burned dent (not to mention huge holes) in the car. https://www.wspa.c… --- ## [Contesting a speeding ticket from a camera rather than an in-person stop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contesting-a-speeding-ticket-from-a-camera-rather-than-an-in-person-stop/1017745)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contesting-a-speeding-ticket-from-a-camera-rather-than-an-in-person-stop/1017745 "2026-02-26T00:04:08Z")
Got a summons in the mail for going 52 in a 35 mph school zone. I remember where I was very well and I saw the school zone sign maybe 50 yards ahead. Took my foot of the brake for just a second, slowing down from 55 w… --- ## [The Doorman cometh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doorman-cometh/1027911)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doorman-cometh/1027911 "2026-02-25T03:39:59Z")
I’m not sure. It may just be my addled brain… A guy was holding the door into the pharmacy. 4 or 5 people walked in as he held the door. Me and Ivy were nearing the entrance, I see his other hand doing a weird come-on … --- ## [The Pentagon won't commit to not using AI for domestic spying](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pentagon-wont-commit-to-not-using-ai-for-domestic-spying/1027949)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pentagon-wont-commit-to-not-using-ai-for-domestic-spying/1027949 "2026-02-25T01:49:18Z")
(Not sure if this belongs here. Mods, please don’t hesitate to move.) This article on CNBC : “Anthropic faces Friday deadline in Defense AI clash with Hegseth” Anthropic is the company behind Claude, among the most suc… --- ## [Give that blood, girl!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-that-blood-girl/1027851)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-that-blood-girl/1027851 "2026-02-24T06:16:24Z")
The Lil’wrekker is the member of an Arts association here in South Arkansas. They act, do showcases and music revues. Eh, it’s her thing. Funny, they are doing a Red cross blood drive. As a member in good standing, of c… --- ## [Drug lord 'El Mencho' killed in Mexico. In retaliation, the Narcos burn a Costco and other things in Puerto Vallarta](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-lord-el-mencho-killed-in-mexico-in-retaliation-the-narcos-burn-a-costco-and-other-things-in-puerto-vallarta/1027901)
**Author:** [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-lord-el-mencho-killed-in-mexico-in-retaliation-the-narcos-burn-a-costco-and-other-things-in-puerto-vallarta/1027901 "2026-02-24T06:01:59Z")
The US and Canada urged their citizens in parts of Mexico to “shelter in place” on Sunday as a Mexican cartel retaliated for the death of its leader. In videos shared online, burning vehicles and plumes of smoke co… --- ## [Company's coming! Winter storm Fern](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companys-coming-winter-storm-fern/1026951)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companys-coming-winter-storm-fern/1026951 "2026-02-23T20:52:32Z")
Fern is coming. She’ll be knocking on my door this afternoon. She has a cold, cold heart. I have to say she has caused a stir, but she ain’t welcome. Especially in her blinding brilliant colors. Fern? Really? When di… --- ## [USB Flash drives are getting ridiculously small and have large storage GB's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-flash-drives-are-getting-ridiculously-small-and-have-large-storage-gbs/1027867)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-flash-drives-are-getting-ridiculously-small-and-have-large-storage-gbs/1027867 "2026-02-23T16:18:04Z")
I bought a 256GB 3.2 Kingston Data Traveler Cloud storage is fine for backups. I need fast speeds for Smooth Audio and Video playback. Read Speed up to 200MB/s Write Speed up to 60MB/s Fits my requirements. That’s a… --- ## [(Old) Friends, Romans, Penitents, Lent me your ear: An Ash Wednesday MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 243\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707 "2026-02-23T08:16:34Z")
So who’s flogging themselves for 40 days? I’m off today to drive Roomie to Clemmons. NC for more knee appointments so I may check in the afternoon. So hijack away. And currently it’s 45 degrees Ferret Height(7.222 Cen… --- ## [Weirdly collectable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdly-collectable/801815)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdly-collectable/801815 "2026-02-23T04:20:00Z")
Today a Google Image search led me to stumbling on a nice web site dedicated to the surprisingly large variety of “creature” figurine toys that have been sold over the past few decades. (One of the most interesting sets … --- ## [You daffy things!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-daffy-things/1027890)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2026, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-daffy-things/1027890 "2026-02-22T22:06:37Z")
Oh, it is glorious. Bright, cheerful. Yellow! Yes, and smells great. (Ok, the aroma is quite loud at times) My Daffodils are blooming! And they are really putting on a show this year. I have about a half acre, mostl… --- ## [Nine Backcountry Skiers Dead from Avalanche in Lake Tahoe Area {February 18, 2026}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nine-backcountry-skiers-dead-from-avalanche-in-lake-tahoe-area-february-18-2026/1027808)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2026, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nine-backcountry-skiers-dead-from-avalanche-in-lake-tahoe-area-february-18-2026/1027808 "2026-02-22T20:05:32Z")
Six skiers out of a group of fifteen survived. While one is still missing, it is not possible he would have survived because of the cold. Avalanche warnings were issued–but apparently ignored? One of the worst avalanc… --- ## [Sewage leak in DC area](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sewage-leak-in-dc-area/1027884)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sewage-leak-in-dc-area/1027884 "2026-02-22T14:45:21Z")
Apparently there is a major sewer leak in the DC area which has led to a declaration of emergency. You’d think, symbolism aside, that this would be a relatively bipartisan issue, but there is still finger pointing becau… --- ## [Inbred Aristos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inbred-aristos/1027852)
**Author:** [@aruvqan\_myers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan_myers)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2026, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inbred-aristos/1027852 "2026-02-21T13:35:45Z")
So, watching a bit about “Wealthy English Aristocrats insist on their relevance in modern society” and Lord and Lady Chichester have held this property since the 1400s … and he is grumping about he and his wife and 4 kid… --- ## [An AI lover? Is this real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-ai-lover-is-this-real/1027663)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2026, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-ai-lover-is-this-real/1027663 "2026-02-21T08:00:12Z")
BBC article I just saw. Is this real, I wonder? The BBC is usually fairly reliable, but they have been known to put out a few jokes, like the famous Dimbleby report on the Italian Spaghetti Harvest… --- ## [Why are businesses slower during the winter months? After the holiday season?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-businesses-slower-during-the-winter-months-after-the-holiday-season/1027834)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-businesses-slower-during-the-winter-months-after-the-holiday-season/1027834 "2026-02-20T22:48:26Z")
Even though it all depends on the type of business (bars, restaurants, malls, shopping centers, etc) I’ve noticed that certain places tend to slow down when it gets cold outside, especially after the holiday season, whic… --- ## [Three men freeze to death in a friend's backyard and aren't found for three days](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-men-freeze-to-death-in-a-friends-backyard-and-arent-found-for-three-days/996151)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 505\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-men-freeze-to-death-in-a-friends-backyard-and-arent-found-for-three-days/996151 "2026-02-20T20:33:40Z")
What a bizarre story. The men were at the friend’s house watching football a week ago Sunday. When they didn’t return home, friends and relatives started looking for them. They tried to contact the friend but he didn’… --- ## [I hate it when weird things happen that I can't explain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-it-when-weird-things-happen-that-i-cant-explain/1027695)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-it-when-weird-things-happen-that-i-cant-explain/1027695 "2026-02-20T19:17:32Z")
Last night, right after I went to bed, I heard some quietish beeping, seven or eight beeps, that I’ve never heard before. It happened too fast to get a bead on where it was coming from. It sort of sounded like an alarm f… --- ## [@Sunny\_Daze passed away - Memorial Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunny-daze-passed-away-memorial-thread/1027593)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunny-daze-passed-away-memorial-thread/1027593 "2026-02-20T05:37:07Z")
I was friends with her on Facebook, and her sister posted that she passed away on 8 Feb. She was a great poster and she will be missed. RIP. --- ## [Bayliss' bad bad bad orange Tic tac](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bayliss-bad-bad-bad-orange-tic-tac/1027802)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bayliss-bad-bad-bad-orange-tic-tac/1027802 "2026-02-20T03:39:08Z")
I was asleep. I felt a cold bump on my ear. I turned my head over and was looking at big brown eyes staring at me. One big lick across the across my nose, and I knew who it was. There he stood in the semi dark, smili… --- ## [I finally figured out my username from 20 years ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-finally-figured-out-my-username-from-20-years-ago/1027758)
**Author:** [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-finally-figured-out-my-username-from-20-years-ago/1027758 "2026-02-19T21:49:14Z")
So, a lifetime ago I used to hang here quite a bit, although I was mostly a lurker. This past year, my current partner and I decided to do a Death Pool for New Year, and I got to thinking about where I got the idea and … --- ## [The good old days: less profanity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-good-old-days-less-profanity/1027504)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-good-old-days-less-profanity/1027504 "2026-02-19T18:21:40Z")
Nora Ephron, writing about her time at Newsweek: “Graham had married Katharine Meyer, whose father owned The Washington Post, and he now ran The Post and the publishing empire that controlled Newsweek. But according to … --- ## [Another odd package route](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-odd-package-route/1026304)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-odd-package-route/1026304 "2026-02-19T17:58:08Z")
Yes, I understand hub and spoke, but this one baffles me: I ship a package via USPS from SE Minnesota to NE Wisconsin (ground advantage) It first heads to MSP (ok, slightly wrong direction, but is nearby processing fac… --- ## [\*Tiptoeing in\* Uh. I'm back? You do remember me, VOW, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiptoeing-in-uh-im-back-you-do-remember-me-vow-right/1027696)
**Author:** [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiptoeing-in-uh-im-back-you-do-remember-me-vow-right/1027696 "2026-02-19T15:54:42Z")
I’ve been AWOL. I’ve been depressed and angry as Hell over the deterioration of the good ol’ US of A. And I didn’t want to spread my venom. I think I’ve gotten my temper somewhat under control, and I’ll try to behave my… --- ## [Motorcyclists: I’m looking for a replacement saddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclists-i-m-looking-for-a-replacement-saddle/1027581)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcyclists-i-m-looking-for-a-replacement-saddle/1027581 "2026-02-19T15:45:19Z")
What does your butt say? Corbin, Sargent, Day-Long (Russell), or other? I’ve had 2 Corbins on my last 2 bikes going back 30 years and they were great. But they were surprisingly heavy. I just got a new bike and its stoc… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=24) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=26)