# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=337 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 338 --- ## [Maybe engineers can help with my daughter's schools assignment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-engineers-can-help-with-my-daughters-schools-assignment/849087)
**Author:** [@Biggus\_Richard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggus_Richard)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-engineers-can-help-with-my-daughters-schools-assignment/849087 "2020-03-21T13:49:24Z")
Her school tasked her to fill a 1.5-liter PET soft drink bottle with at least 500 grams of plastic. She stuffed the bottle with tightly rolled plastic bags and small bits of hard plastic; tamped down with a stick. It was… --- ## [Smackie, oh smackie, I need you!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smackie-oh-smackie-i-need-you/849923)
**Author:** [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smackie-oh-smackie-i-need-you/849923 "2020-03-21T07:41:50Z")
Not here, obviously. We have a nice smackie, and he’s very useful, and I use him a lot. But what with the Current Troubles I’ve been posting a lot more on Facebook (ie “at all”), and the lack of a decent :smack: is rea… --- ## [GoFundMe campaign for expenses of living with ALS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-campaign-for-expenses-of-living-with-als/847507)
**Author:** [@txobbin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/txobbin)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-campaign-for-expenses-of-living-with-als/847507 "2020-03-21T00:44:26Z")
I have asked for and received permission from TubaDiva and the mods to post this. Thanks, mods! I have a previous thread here: Advice on making a GoFundMe successful please? Two years ago I began having health issues t… --- ## [Why does Target have 20+ cashier lanes if they are only have 1-5 open?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-target-have-20-cashier-lanes-if-they-are-only-have-1-5-open/849445)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-target-have-20-cashier-lanes-if-they-are-only-have-1-5-open/849445 "2020-03-20T20:16:26Z")
I’ve never seen more than 5 lanes open even during the holidays. So why did they design the Super Targets with so many extra lanes? Yes they did add the self service lanes a few years ago, and that helps if you’ve got … --- ## [What's a gallon of regular gas going for where you live (state or country)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-gallon-of-regular-gas-going-for-where-you-live-state-or-country/849736)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-gallon-of-regular-gas-going-for-where-you-live-state-or-country/849736 "2020-03-20T15:26:19Z")
Right now (March 18) in San Antonio, Texas, the lowest I saw this morning was $1.82. Several at $1.84. I saw one little mom & pop place at $1.79, but I’m not 100% sure those pumps contain gasoline. :wink: Probably Big R… --- ## [Where would you draw line between simple emergency prepardness and absurd prepping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-would-you-draw-line-between-simple-emergency-prepardness-and-absurd-prepping/849735)
**Author:** [@dorvann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dorvann)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-would-you-draw-line-between-simple-emergency-prepardness-and-absurd-prepping/849735 "2020-03-20T14:02:45Z")
So what, to you, would you say is the difference between normal emergency preparedness and absurd prepping? To me one indication would be if you have a massive firearm collection and don’t own a first aid kit or a fire … --- ## [rotten egg and other expressions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotten-egg-and-other-expressions/849817)
**Author:** [@jerez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerez)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotten-egg-and-other-expressions/849817 "2020-03-20T12:58:32Z")
I’d always known the expression a rotten egg but hadn’t come across one until just a few weeks ago. Hoo-whee that is a whole lotta nasty stank!!! Although I’ve always loved nature, I’ve been a city boy all my life. Now… --- ## [What are stories of incidents where someone got the wrong end of the stick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-stories-of-incidents-where-someone-got-the-wrong-end-of-the-stick/849310)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-stories-of-incidents-where-someone-got-the-wrong-end-of-the-stick/849310 "2020-03-20T05:37:59Z")
Well sometimes there are problems between people of different ages and they don’t understand things which someone else is saying or something gets lost in translation. A few years ago on a radio station I work at, I was … --- ## [Has anyone here ever met a Mafia member/associate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-ever-met-a-mafia-member-associate/849507)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-ever-met-a-mafia-member-associate/849507 "2020-03-20T01:40:15Z")
Mostly referring to the Italian-American version but any stories will do. Without giving too much away how did you know? What were they like? Did they try to get you or someone you knew involved with less than savory be… --- ## [The earliest spring in 124 years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-earliest-spring-in-124-years/849787)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-earliest-spring-in-124-years/849787 "2020-03-19T22:23:09Z")
Tonight, at 11:49 EDT, will be the vernal equinox. It will be the earliest spring since 1896. The reason has to do with Pope Gregory XIII, Daylight Saving Time and leap year. Not this leap year, but the one back in 2000.… --- ## [that Stranger On A Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-stranger-on-a-train/834295)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-stranger-on-a-train/834295 "2020-03-19T21:55:19Z")
Has anyone heard from \*\*Stranger On A Train? \*\*I enjoy and appreciate his comprehensive and thoughtful posts; I’ve missed him over the last month or so. I hope all’s going well. --- ## [So what are the prepper forums and websites doing now? Laughing at us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-the-prepper-forums-and-websites-doing-now-laughing-at-us/849665)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-the-prepper-forums-and-websites-doing-now-laughing-at-us/849665 "2020-03-19T21:53:48Z")
'Cause for years I sure laughed at them. Well, actually, I never much paid attention to the preppers\*. I know that National Geographic did a series of TV shows about them, but other than seeing the 30-second promos, I … --- ## [Every approx 20 years, a "Black Swan" shocking event completely changes America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-approx-20-years-a-black-swan-shocking-event-completely-changes-america/849315)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-approx-20-years-a-black-swan-shocking-event-completely-changes-america/849315 "2020-03-19T18:26:59Z")
I’m a big believer in cyclical history. As per the OP A little vague before Pearl Harbor but let me suggest: -1861- American Civil War -1880??? (I’ll take suggestions but it does seem Reconstruction fell apart by then… --- ## [Has anyone else been getting this type of suspicious email?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-else-been-getting-this-type-of-suspicious-email/849737)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-else-been-getting-this-type-of-suspicious-email/849737 "2020-03-19T17:32:30Z")
I have now received 2 suspicious emails titled “Congratulations. Your order from xxxx was successful.” xxx in my 2 cases was Taco Bell and Kroger. Upon opening, the email says “Congratulations. Click here.” Of course,… --- ## [Record-setting Stock Market](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/record-setting-stock-market/849794)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/record-setting-stock-market/849794 "2020-03-19T16:33:18Z")
I just noticed that the DJIA movement on the recent Monday nosed out that of the famous Monday in 1929 and is now in the #2 slot on the all-time list. Let’s give credit where credit is due! The biggest one-day drops of… --- ## [Here's something Cecil Adams might have written](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-something-cecil-adams-might-have-written/849748)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-something-cecil-adams-might-have-written/849748 "2020-03-19T13:25:33Z")
We all miss Uncle Cecil and his weekly words of wisdom. I just ran across this article, which reminded me of the vital and relevant topics he used to tackle on a regular basis. Enjoy! Can Farts Spread Disease? --- ## [Trade has halted -or- Trump can celebrate when the Market goes over 24,000](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trade-has-halted-or-trump-can-celebrate-when-the-market-goes-over-24-000/849146)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trade-has-halted-or-trump-can-celebrate-when-the-market-goes-over-24-000/849146 "2020-03-19T11:27:07Z")
The circuit breaker broke. :eek: --- ## [Random Cosmic Numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-cosmic-numbers/849115)
**Author:** [@cjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjackson)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/random-cosmic-numbers/849115 "2020-03-19T00:17:58Z")
Proxima Centauri is 4.2 light years away. That is 24,673,274,438,400 miles. Going at the speed of the Sun through the Milky Way, 492,150 miles per hour, it would take 5,723 years to get there. In 100 years the Sun has on… --- ## [(Hard won) Medicare for me!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hard-won-medicare-for-me/849743)
**Author:** [@Time\_Like\_Tears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Like_Tears)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2020, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hard-won-medicare-for-me/849743 "2020-03-18T21:18:12Z")
I just wanted to share the news that after a 9.5 year battle with the Social Security Administration juggernaut, I have FINALLY won the right to retire on disability! I’ve been awarded a fully favorable decision based o… --- ## [Atlantic City Casinos shutting down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atlantic-city-casinos-shutting-down/849602)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2020, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atlantic-city-casinos-shutting-down/849602 "2020-03-18T04:54:34Z")
Just got a call from work…stay home the next two weeks. --- ## [Happy Saint Patrick's Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-saint-patricks-day/849621)
**Author:** [@LH75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LH75)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2020, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-saint-patricks-day/849621 "2020-03-17T17:35:46Z")
ní féidir leat canadh le gloine folamh (you can’t sing with an empty glass) --- ## [Head Lice (ACK!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-lice-ack/86085)
**Author:** [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2020, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-lice-ack/86085 "2020-03-17T17:16:34Z")
I just spent about six hours combing through my younger daughter’s hair. I will never be able to say the word “nitpicking” casually again. My eight-year-old had been complaining about her head itching for a week or so n… --- ## [My sis is near the end](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sis-is-near-the-end/849511)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2020, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sis-is-near-the-end/849511 "2020-03-17T13:29:17Z")
The big C. I tried to be a good younger brother. I don’t know if I succeeded - maybe I didn’t. I love you sister. My father’s first child, who brought so much joy into his world. You fought hard. I admire your fight… --- ## [Today is a day for cool caterpillars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-a-day-for-cool-caterpillars/820909)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2020, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-a-day-for-cool-caterpillars/820909 "2020-03-17T12:49:14Z")
There aren’t many types of caterpillar here anymore. There used to be, but for the past several years it’s been all cabbage moths, generically green caterpillars that grow up to be boring white moths. I don’t know what h… --- ## [baby boomlet December/January](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-boomlet-december-january/849631)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2020, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-boomlet-december-january/849631 "2020-03-17T12:48:27Z")
Well I guess its pretty easy to predict there will be an increase in babies coming up in a few months. I wonder what we should collectively call this product of virus quarantine? --- ## [Australian government handling of coronavirus travel restrictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-government-handling-of-coronavirus-travel-restrictions/849319)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2020, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-government-handling-of-coronavirus-travel-restrictions/849319 "2020-03-17T10:47:43Z")
I’m beginning to get a little concerned about the the advice the Australian government is getting. The official travel page says that there are problems with Mainland China Iran Italy Republic of Korea and that people … --- ## [Net Neutrality: Redux](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/net-neutrality-redux/849620)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2020, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/net-neutrality-redux/849620 "2020-03-17T01:17:00Z")
The story so far: Net neutrality has been repealed and mostly rolled back. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move. FCC forced to ask for public feedback on net neutrality repea… --- ## ["The silver lining of everyone catching bat cooties is . . ."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-silver-lining-of-everyone-catching-bat-cooties-is/849613)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2020, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-silver-lining-of-everyone-catching-bat-cooties-is/849613 "2020-03-16T23:21:37Z")
. . . there’s a fresh crop of wildly entertaining conspiracy theories . . . I can grocery shop in my underwear . . . now I have a socially acceptable excuse to drink alone . . . . . . . . . --- ## [Want to piss me off as a dominos driver? Order 2 mediums...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/want-to-piss-me-off-as-a-dominos-driver-order-2-mediums/849355)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2020, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/want-to-piss-me-off-as-a-dominos-driver-order-2-mediums/849355 "2020-03-16T21:59:19Z")
…instead of 1 large. These dumbasses do it all the time because of a 2 for 5.99 deal. So i have to carry two medium sized boxes that shift in the pizza warmer box and sometimes get smashed making the toppings come off th… --- ## [Cthulhu Soup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cthulhu-soup/849538)
**Author:** [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2020, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cthulhu-soup/849538 "2020-03-16T21:29:30Z")
A recipe: 1 can of Campbell’s chicken noodle soup (the kind without Disney characters on the label) 1/2 can of water (they tell you to use a whole can. Don’t believe them. Dilutes the flavor) 4-5 drops green liquid… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=336) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=338)