# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=287 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 288 --- ## [My Brother and Cancer (help needed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-brother-and-cancer-help-needed/848410)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-brother-and-cancer-help-needed/848410 "2020-12-21T23:25:03Z")
My Brother lost hios job several months ago. He was in cancer treatment. And now he’s not. He lives in Florida. He is still up & around, but is tapping his 401k to keep from losing his house. I’m poor, & my Sister w… --- ## [Worst Job Interview You Were the Inteviewer On](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-job-interview-you-were-the-inteviewer-on/925607)
**Author:** [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-job-interview-you-were-the-inteviewer-on/925607 "2020-12-21T21:19:33Z")
I was interviewing an internal candidate for an entry level management position. The interview panel consisted of the VP and director form the department and HR (me). At the beginning of every interview I like to tell … --- ## [The mass of human stuff has overtaken Earth's biomass](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mass-of-human-stuff-has-overtaken-earths-biomass/928554)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mass-of-human-stuff-has-overtaken-earths-biomass/928554 "2020-12-21T20:12:27Z")
While the mass of Earth’s life forms stands at about 1.1 trillion metric tons (1.2 trillion U.S. tons) and has not changed much in recent years, the so-called “anthropogenic mass” of artificial materials is growing ex… --- ## [Thought your 2020 was bad? At least you weren't ghosted by Martin Shkreli](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thought-your-2020-was-bad-at-least-you-werent-ghosted-by-martin-shkreli/928543)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thought-your-2020-was-bad-at-least-you-werent-ghosted-by-martin-shkreli/928543 "2020-12-21T20:11:04Z")
So a journalist, who was covering Martin Shkreli’s situation a few years ago, fell in love with him, divorced her husband, quit her job at Bloomberg News, and became “life partners” with Martin “Punch-Face” Shkreli, who … --- ## [Winter vacation during COVID. Ideas, please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winter-vacation-during-covid-ideas-please/928267)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winter-vacation-during-covid-ideas-please/928267 "2020-12-21T19:23:12Z")
I have a ten-day break coming up. It’s me, my wife and our giant year-old puppy. We’re thinking about a change of scenery so it doesn’t just feel like a ten-day weekend, but there are just so many obstacles: There’s t… --- ## ["Archie, this Gastrodia agnicellus is rebarbative. Have Theodore bring another."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/archie-this-gastrodia-agnicellus-is-rebarbative-have-theodore-bring-another/928262)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/archie-this-gastrodia-agnicellus-is-rebarbative-have-theodore-bring-another/928262 "2020-12-21T19:01:25Z")
Extraordinarily ugly new orchid species found on Madagascar https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/17/africa/ugly-orchid-intl-scli-gbr-scn/index.html --- ## [The correct version of "me" in written communication](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-correct-version-of-me-in-written-communication/928461)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-correct-version-of-me-in-written-communication/928461 "2020-12-21T18:50:15Z")
Maybe it’s just myself. :wink: Have you ever used the correct version of “me” on a message and thought “those idiots are going to think I’m wrong”? Just wondering for myself. --- ## [For UK dopers: Do they know it's Covid time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-uk-dopers-do-they-know-its-covid-time/928412)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-uk-dopers-do-they-know-its-covid-time/928412 "2020-12-21T16:24:40Z")
Now sadly inaccurate, since they’ve got rid of the 5 day mixing window. :cry: --- ## [Tiny moths in my office, arg!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-moths-in-my-office-arg/927617)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-moths-in-my-office-arg/927617 "2020-12-21T11:56:39Z")
This has been going on for weeks – tiny moths in my home office. They’re attracted to my computer screens so I kill 4-6 a day, day after day. Where are they coming from?? I understand some moths eat the clothes in your … --- ## [The End of an Unusually Friendly Term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-an-unusually-friendly-term/928397)
**Author:** [@Acierocolotl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acierocolotl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-an-unusually-friendly-term/928397 "2020-12-21T10:07:27Z")
I have mentioned it a few times in passing elsewhere, but I teach programming at the local college. These last few terms have been stressful for staff and students both, because it’s all been done by remote. I’m missing … --- ## [What do we do with Slutty Vegan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-we-do-with-slutty-vegan/928381)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-we-do-with-slutty-vegan/928381 "2020-12-21T03:41:43Z")
I didn’t name it. I’m more than a bit stunned by it. Discuss. Slutty Vegan --- ## [Queen Elizabeth II owns 1/6 of the world!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/queen-elizabeth-ii-owns-1-6-of-the-world/928455)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/queen-elizabeth-ii-owns-1-6-of-the-world/928455 "2020-12-21T02:25:36Z")
Queen Elizabeth II is legal owner of 2.7 billion hectares (over 10 million sq. mi.) of land, or 1/6 of the world’s land surface - including 90% of Canada. The Catholic Church is number 2 on the list, with 71.6 million he… --- ## [What could cause me to see different colors when I first wake up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-cause-me-to-see-different-colors-when-i-first-wake-up/927624)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-cause-me-to-see-different-colors-when-i-first-wake-up/927624 "2020-12-21T01:44:26Z")
It’s very weird… On very rare occasions, maybe three or so times in memory (all during this calendar year, I think), I will wake up to see things as a different color than they usually are, like normally white things lo… --- ## [Snow is a 4-letter word in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snow-is-a-4-letter-word-in-the-mmp/928011)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 268\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snow-is-a-4-letter-word-in-the-mmp/928011 "2020-12-21T00:27:32Z")
We may see our first flakes this week, if the weather dudes at Channel 7 are to be believed. No massive snowfall is predicted, so I may not have to break out the shovel, but still, not happy. So, our soon-to-be ignored … --- ## [Happy Chanukah Everyone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-chanukah-everyone/927807)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2020, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-chanukah-everyone/927807 "2020-12-20T23:12:28Z")
Started this evening and goes until Friday December 18th. --- ## [Can we discuss suspenders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-discuss-suspenders/928358)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-discuss-suspenders/928358 "2020-12-20T20:38:05Z")
I’m seeing a need to buy suspenders. A job in January will keep me outside regardless of temperature/ precipitation for quite a few days. Got my rain pants. Got my snowpants. Both are elastic waist and ( given my sadly … --- ## [Things you don't need -- the Darth Vader Clapper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-need-the-darth-vader-clapper/928360)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2020, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-need-the-darth-vader-clapper/928360 "2020-12-20T17:11:40Z")
Saw this on TV yesterday https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/619288/darth-vader-clapper-light Amazon apparently can’t spell “Darth Vader” https://www.amazon.com/Clapper-Wireless-Activated-Switch-Original/dp/B07K1MYQ… --- ## [What disappointments do you have this holiday season?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-disappointments-do-you-have-this-holiday-season/927932)
**Author:** [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2020, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-disappointments-do-you-have-this-holiday-season/927932 "2020-12-20T03:05:19Z")
Well, yeah, of course, COVID. As disappointments go, COVID is the damned star on top of the Disappointment tree! But there are still many things crapping on Christmas. For me, aside from the fact I turned 68 (SIXTY-EIG… --- ## [Do you close your eyes when kissing someone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-close-your-eyes-when-kissing-someone/928075)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2020, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-close-your-eyes-when-kissing-someone/928075 "2020-12-20T01:35:40Z")
I am watching a Jeopardy episode and a line from a song comes up from “You’ve lost that loving feeling” about how she doesn’t close her eyes anymore when they kiss. Hell, I have never closed my eyes when kissing a woma… --- ## [Got a HireVue virutal job interview tomorrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-hirevue-virutal-job-interview-tomorrow/928151)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-hirevue-virutal-job-interview-tomorrow/928151 "2020-12-18T22:54:04Z")
It’s for United Health Group but a virtual interview. There will not anyone on the other side, but I will be on camera. Anyone ever done this before? They have a video showing the process, will be written questions. It… --- ## [Heads Up: Astonishing Tech & Other News Announcements Coming Today (Tuesday)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heads-up-astonishing-tech-other-news-announcements-coming-today-tuesday/685056)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2014, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heads-up-astonishing-tech-other-news-announcements-coming-today-tuesday/685056 "2014-04-01T17:22:25Z")
Keep an eye out on your favorite news sites and share the info with us. Thanks. --- ## [20/20/2020 --how should we celebrate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-2020-how-should-we-celebrate/928171)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-20-2020-how-should-we-celebrate/928171 "2020-12-18T15:28:53Z")
Hurry up folks, you only have 4 days left to get ready! It’s party time!!! This is the only day in your lifetime when American-format dates will match the rest of the world’s, with 8-digit symmetry. Bonus points if you… --- ## [Giza Pyramid Relics Found!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giza-pyramid-relics-found/928185)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giza-pyramid-relics-found/928185 "2020-12-18T14:04:58Z")
…inside a cigar box in Scotland. Let that be a lesson to you. Always look inside old boxes when you’re cleaning. You never know what you’ll find. I’ve been wondering about these relics for years, ever since I read abou… --- ## [Any threads here for Plinkers (folks who target shoot) small caliber arms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-threads-here-for-plinkers-folks-who-target-shoot-small-caliber-arms/928152)
**Author:** [@jimmyjoeraybubbabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimmyjoeraybubbabob)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-threads-here-for-plinkers-folks-who-target-shoot-small-caliber-arms/928152 "2020-12-18T13:36:42Z")
I’m asking about recreational shooting only( at an indoor range) and most certainly NOT trying to open a can of worms regarding rights and or freedoms. --- ## [What is on your bucket list?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-on-your-bucket-list/927610)
**Author:** [@sunstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sunstone)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-on-your-bucket-list/927610 "2020-12-18T10:38:54Z")
I am interested in hearing what is on your bucket list. What do you want to do that you haven’t done yet? Not talking about the unattainable, but something that you dream about doing. I discovered my deepest wish was t… --- ## [Phosgene poisoning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phosgene-poisoning/928198)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phosgene-poisoning/928198 "2020-12-18T04:34:05Z")
I just learned something new to me. One can suffer phosgene poisoning, as in the poison gas, from a leaking refrigerator! A friend of ours ended up in the emergency room when the refrigerator decided to fail in the worst… --- ## [Took a swab test for Covid-19 today. Who's had one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/took-a-swab-test-for-covid-19-today-whos-had-one/927697)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/took-a-swab-test-for-covid-19-today-whos-had-one/927697 "2020-12-18T00:47:10Z")
This was SARS-Cov-2 PCR test, I guess. They only stick the swab up about an inch or a little more, twirl it around for 6 seconds, then do the other nostril. It’s irritating but not painful. Fortunately, I had a very good… --- ## [Vintage Steam Train Toy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vintage-steam-train-toy/927147)
**Author:** [@Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fluffy_PickleSniffer)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vintage-steam-train-toy/927147 "2020-12-18T00:38:08Z")
Hey Guys I need a little help here. When my Dad was a kid, he had a train engine that he would play with. It was a metal train engine and he would pour water in it. The train would heat the water and steam would come ou… --- ## [Facebook sued by over 40 states](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-sued-by-over-40-states/927664)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-sued-by-over-40-states/927664 "2020-12-17T20:58:53Z")
For the worst haircut of a CEO? more like anti trust . Never used facebook so I guess I miss out on what my friends from 40 years ago had for lunch. --- ## [Scammers rake in 7 million from false Covid aid in Cleveland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scammers-rake-in-7-million-from-false-covid-aid-in-cleveland/928211)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scammers-rake-in-7-million-from-false-covid-aid-in-cleveland/928211 "2020-12-17T20:58:32Z")
Three people identified so far. One small home registered 27 fake farm business early this year and applied for aid. He received 4.2 million dollars. There are others, 45 businesses in total: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=286) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=288)