# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=298 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 299 --- ## [Close Encounters-like sighting. Only not](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-encounters-like-sighting-only-not/923011)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2020, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-encounters-like-sighting-only-not/923011 "2020-10-15T23:09:24Z")
Yesterday morning, when we went out before sunrise, we saw an eerie thing in the night sky. A regular string of stars moving sort of briskly along in the night sky. There were dozens of them, each following the others … --- ## [My unexpectedly perfect evening](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-unexpectedly-perfect-evening/923015)
**Author:** [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2020, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-unexpectedly-perfect-evening/923015 "2020-10-15T21:46:47Z")
Last week I set some things in motion that culminated in a wonderful evening last night. Last week I watched Baraka for the for the first time in a few years. I was blown away by the beautiful images. When it was over, … --- ## [The Elvira that Saved Halloween](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-elvira-that-saved-halloween/922948)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2020, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-elvira-that-saved-halloween/922948 "2020-10-15T18:46:56Z")
Elvira is using her considerable influences to promote observing Halloween, even in the Age of COVID https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/14/entertainment/elvia-halloween-trnd/index.html --- ## [No boom today, boom tomorrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-boom-today-boom-tomorrow/922900)
**Author:** [@Tatterdemalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tatterdemalion)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-boom-today-boom-tomorrow/922900 "2020-10-15T16:47:18Z")
Well, tomorrow always comes. Big boom today. --- ## [Last sound long O, how many different last letters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-sound-long-o-how-many-different-last-letters/922623)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2020, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-sound-long-o-how-many-different-last-letters/922623 "2020-10-15T15:22:29Z")
Trivia question: Given the set of English words that end in long O. How many different terminal letters are in that set? Assume rhotic American accent (that’s one where we know how to pronounce our Rs.) I’ll post the ans… --- ## [Prime Day 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-day-2020/922881)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2020, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-day-2020/922881 "2020-10-15T05:45:14Z")
Welp, I usually start a Prime Day thread every year so I figure I’d start one today. Usually it’s in July but this year it’s Oct 13-14. I haven’t really had my eye on anything and didn’t look too hard at deals. But usua… --- ## [Cheap Fix Or Solution You Are Proud Of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-fix-or-solution-you-are-proud-of/920795)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-fix-or-solution-you-are-proud-of/920795 "2020-10-14T22:30:34Z")
Problems arise. Things break down. The service is expensive or they are out of stock in the store or on the Internet. You come up with a cheap solution. You feel pride at your thrift and ingenuity. For me, two usele… --- ## [Room Temperature Superconductor (though there are issues)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/room-temperature-superconductor-though-there-are-issues/922954)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/room-temperature-superconductor-though-there-are-issues/922954 "2020-10-14T21:20:43Z")
Some combination of Hydrogen, Sulfur and Carbon has reached superconductivity at 60 F Not exactly sure what the substance is Needs ~2 million atmospheres of pressure Brian --- ## [Bad, bad, bad Beck has once again arisen from the depths. (My latest travails in healthcare)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beck-has-once-again-arisen-from-the-depths-my-latest-travails-in-healthcare/921126)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beck-has-once-again-arisen-from-the-depths-my-latest-travails-in-healthcare/921126 "2020-10-14T19:36:11Z")
I’ve been ill. I haven’t been online as much. I see the SDMB has survived without me. But, I’m BACK. Lefty, my last(only) kidney has decided to cause alittle trouble. I’ve had a UTI for 8days or so. Time gets away fr… --- ## [Only Good? I need women's opinions please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-good-i-need-womens-opinions-please/922480)
**Author:** [@thescrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thescrr)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-good-i-need-womens-opinions-please/922480 "2020-10-14T19:26:08Z")
Hi, I need the opinion of women only please. Help me try to read into any hidden meanings of this conversation I had with a female co-worker. We don’t really know each other that well. We’ve only spoken to each other … --- ## [Programming aTI57 to spell out ShEll OiL](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/programming-ati57-to-spell-out-shell-oil/922600)
**Author:** [@MrMrmrmr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrMrmrmr)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/programming-ati57-to-spell-out-shell-oil/922600 "2020-10-14T17:57:52Z")
Am I the only one to remember doing this? The TI 57 was a programmable calculator in the late 1970s, if you had it display a 5, then 54, then 543, etc, you would turn it upside down and 710 77345 read as shell oil. --- ## [I had to kill a dove the other day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-to-kill-a-dove-the-other-day/922872)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-to-kill-a-dove-the-other-day/922872 "2020-10-14T16:02:46Z")
We let the hounds out for their twilight bark on Sunday evening and the both of them started harrying something that was fluttering back and forth trying to escape. I captured the hounds and held them back while DesertR… --- ## [Do you dislike people who step on bugs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-dislike-people-who-step-on-bugs/922762)
**Author:** [@Jakeyjakey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jakeyjakey)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-dislike-people-who-step-on-bugs/922762 "2020-10-14T14:35:05Z")
This thread is inspired by an earlier one I made about attitudes and behavior towards less powerful or less significant beings. Firstly, I’m the kind of guy who steps on bugs, not around them. If there’s a bug in my hou… --- ## [Bidet dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bidet-dreams/836277)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bidet-dreams/836277 "2020-10-14T05:14:33Z")
Bidet dreams: The detached state of mind I now sometimes achieve while sitting on my bidet seat after the business is done, the water is warm and focused just right, and my thoughts turn to the infinite. It can last fo… --- ## [I'm working for the census! Lets share Enumerator storys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-working-for-the-census-lets-share-enumerator-storys/918358)
**Author:** [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-working-for-the-census-lets-share-enumerator-storys/918358 "2020-10-14T04:11:40Z")
I know I’m not the only one with stories to share. While we do have to protect privacy, general descriptions won’t hurt. I did a survey with a woman who had 3 children under 5. When we were finished, I thanked her for h… --- ## [COVID, debates, Police Shootings, Forest Fires -- We need a Baby Tapir Break](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-debates-police-shootings-forest-fires-we-need-a-baby-tapir-break/922061)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-debates-police-shootings-forest-fires-we-need-a-baby-tapir-break/922061 "2020-10-14T03:41:22Z")
Sometimes you just need a mindless break from the Bad News. Franklin Park Zoo in Boston just released footage of their new Twin Baby Tapirs. They think they’re the first Tapir Twins born in Captivity. Who cares? the po… --- ## [Have you ever had a kitten climb up under your car engine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-had-a-kitten-climb-up-under-your-car-engine/922670)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-had-a-kitten-climb-up-under-your-car-engine/922670 "2020-10-14T00:12:18Z")
I’ve been posting in mini-rants about a kitten who was dumped at my house and now has been under my engine since at least 3 a.m. With this thread, I’m just hoping to hear from anyone who has been through this. I’ve put… --- ## [I can't stop thanking Siri](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-stop-thanking-siri/922823)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-stop-thanking-siri/922823 "2020-10-13T19:51:21Z")
Whenever I ask Siri a question and it provides a generally helpful answer, I always say THANK YOU. I have absolutely no idea why, and even though I’m aware how dumb it is, I can’t seem to stop. Such a weird habit. Doe… --- ## [Recyling gone too far](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recyling-gone-too-far/921446)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recyling-gone-too-far/921446 "2020-10-13T17:42:33Z")
This is just… astounding. Glad I don’t work in that factory. --- ## [Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary. .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-anniversary-happy-anniversary-happy-anniversary/922096)
**Author:** [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-anniversary-happy-anniversary-happy-anniversary/922096 "2020-10-13T14:34:17Z")
HAAAA-PY ANNIVERSARY! (TMI warning) It’s my stoma’s 2nd anniversary today! I’ll have to get some gluten-free cake to celebrate! It’s been a great improvement. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you cut out fi… --- ## [Do you know what Lestoil is? Are you aware that it is still around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-what-lestoil-is-are-you-aware-that-it-is-still-around/922225)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-what-lestoil-is-are-you-aware-that-it-is-still-around/922225 "2020-10-13T02:00:21Z")
In today’s Sunday New York Times crossword, one of the answers was “Lestoil”. I had no problem with that one. In a crossword blog I follow (Rex Parker - link), a surprising number of posters - as well as Rex himself - w… --- ## [What do you do - or try to do - most every day toward self improvement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-or-try-to-do-most-every-day-toward-self-improvement/922708)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-or-try-to-do-most-every-day-toward-self-improvement/922708 "2020-10-12T18:34:55Z")
There are not enough hours in the day. Or maybe there is too much television and internet in my day. Anyway, I’ve been pretty good on two fronts: I walk at least a mile most days, and I play the piano for a half hour ev… --- ## [How does a gas pump know to shut itself off? By Cecil Adams May 29, 1981](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-gas-pump-know-to-shut-itself-off-by-cecil-adams-may-29-1981/922687)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-gas-pump-know-to-shut-itself-off-by-cecil-adams-may-29-1981/922687 "2020-10-12T12:48:06Z")
From 1981? Some of you might think this is a zombie thread. But no, it is currently being discussed in Hacker News: --- ## [Going back to school in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-back-to-school-in-the-mmp/922253)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 318\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-back-to-school-in-the-mmp/922253 "2020-10-12T03:05:11Z")
If you’re back in classes, yay! Share! But I was thinking about the olden days when we were kids and school started up again. What do you remember most vividly? Is there anything you miss about this time of year? Got and… --- ## [How did the gay guys get pink as their color?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-gay-guys-get-pink-as-their-color/921565)
**Author:** [@razordance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/razordance)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-gay-guys-get-pink-as-their-color/921565 "2020-10-12T00:13:58Z")
Pink is every STRAIGHT guy’s favorite color! --- ## [After 40 years at Boeing, it is time to retire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-40-years-at-boeing-it-is-time-to-retire/916119)
**Author:** [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2020, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-40-years-at-boeing-it-is-time-to-retire/916119 "2020-10-11T22:14:34Z")
June 19, 1980, I was hired by Boeing to build hydrofoils for the US Navy. After 3 layoffs and rehires, I finally was hired for the last time in 1986. Most of my career was spent in the 737 program, from the tail end of t… --- ## [Bad Fire in Ulsan Apartment Building](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-fire-in-ulsan-apartment-building/922602)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2020, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-fire-in-ulsan-apartment-building/922602 "2020-10-11T13:09:14Z")
Some very spectacular photos. Ulsan is on the southeast coast of Korea. This could be very, very bad. The fire started on the 12 or so floor of an apartment building at about 23.00 hours. I hope everyone got out. It look… --- ## [Finally got things squared away after a storm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-got-things-squared-away-after-a-storm/922681)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2020, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finally-got-things-squared-away-after-a-storm/922681 "2020-10-11T01:37:37Z")
It’s been a hectic few days. On Wednesday, a massive unexpected thunderstorm came through with winds up to 70 mph. As I was working, I heard the sound of wood cracking. The old and massive oak tree came down. … --- ## [Homophobia in younger people, what's the deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homophobia-in-younger-people-whats-the-deal/922621)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2020, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homophobia-in-younger-people-whats-the-deal/922621 "2020-10-10T17:51:20Z")
Sooo, long story short, my eldest grandie is just fabulous. He’s still pre-pubescent, but his mum and I agree that we wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he came out in the next few years. Aaaanyway, she mentioned hi… --- ## [I had forgotten what getting good news feels like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-what-getting-good-news-feels-like/922544)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2020, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-had-forgotten-what-getting-good-news-feels-like/922544 "2020-10-10T15:50:33Z")
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. The shitstorm that is 2020 has left me personally in fairly good shape - I have a decent cash reserve, and I live on the “Big Island” of Hawai’i, where people are very community-o… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=297) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=299)