# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=350 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 351 --- ## [I encountered my first chip reader in a gas pump today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-encountered-my-first-chip-reader-in-a-gas-pump-today/846451)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2020, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-encountered-my-first-chip-reader-in-a-gas-pump-today/846451 "2020-01-16T21:52:41Z")
At a gas station in or near Columbia, SC. I don’t buy gas very much (public transit to work) so maybe I’m the last person to see it. --- ## [Ways being broke makes cost of living higher than if you have money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-being-broke-makes-cost-of-living-higher-than-if-you-have-money/845441)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2020, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-being-broke-makes-cost-of-living-higher-than-if-you-have-money/845441 "2020-01-16T20:08:40Z")
Obviously people can and should make good choices, but I’ve heard poor people say how expensive being poor is. I can see their point in some ways. Examples: May not be able to travel to a good grocery store far away so… --- ## [Two GM engineers caught street racing Corvettes at over 100 MPH in a 45 zone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-gm-engineers-caught-street-racing-corvettes-at-over-100-mph-in-a-45-zone/846341)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2020, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-gm-engineers-caught-street-racing-corvettes-at-over-100-mph-in-a-45-zone/846341 "2020-01-16T14:53:45Z")
Two GM engineers in Bowling Green, KY, where Corvettes are assembled, were caught street racing Corvettes on the streets outside of the Assembly Plant, one doing 100 and one doing 120. They had just left a bar. --- ## [Planet at Proxima ??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planet-at-proxima/763543)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planet-at-proxima/763543 "2020-01-15T22:15:44Z")
\[del\]Reports\[/del\] Rumors have it that an earth-sized planet has been discovered in Proxima Centauri’s habitable zone. No official report yet, just an unofficial one in Der Spiegel. Proxima is a red dwarf and a flare st… --- ## [I left my phone on the roof of my car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-left-my-phone-on-the-roof-of-my-car/846415)
**Author:** [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-left-my-phone-on-the-roof-of-my-car/846415 "2020-01-15T16:18:23Z")
Drove 2 miles down country roads and realized I didn’t have my phone when I stopped. Looked in the usual spots inside the car, then I remembered that back home I either set it on my car or truck while I was loading a bo… --- ## [Breaking: Ukrainian 737 Crashes in Iran. Possibly Shot Down. 160-180 Dead.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-ukrainian-737-crashes-in-iran-possibly-shot-down-160-180-dead/846111)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-ukrainian-737-crashes-in-iran-possibly-shot-down-160-180-dead/846111 "2020-01-15T16:00:17Z")
Pprune Discussion suggests it was shot down, like MH117, with this photo showing possible surface to air missile warhead fragmentation damage: --- ## [Damn, 50 used to be "old"!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-50-used-to-be-old/845670)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-50-used-to-be-old/845670 "2020-01-15T15:21:37Z")
from here: Was Paul Rudd the Same Age as Wilford Brimley in ‘Cocoon’ as of... This is sort of mind-blowing, if only because Wilford Brimley has been basically my personal definition of “old man” since I was a kid in th… --- ## [Yet again, Clan Piper has trouble with the block heater cord.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-again-clan-piper-has-trouble-with-the-block-heater-cord/844580)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-again-clan-piper-has-trouble-with-the-block-heater-cord/844580 "2020-01-15T15:13:20Z")
I’m out of town. Got a text from Mrs Piper - she’s expecting a cold snap tonight and went out to plug in the car. Can’t find the plug for the block heater, which should be dangling out of the front grille? Yeah, about… --- ## [Bad, bad, bad weather for Arkansans (and surrounding states)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-weather-for-arkansans-and-surrounding-states/846252)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-weather-for-arkansans-and-surrounding-states/846252 "2020-01-15T13:33:02Z")
Fill your tub, charge your devices. Buy extra milk whether your lactose intolerant or not. Get the spiders out of your storm shelter. Find flashlights and candles. Pack a bug out bag. Be careful fellow Arkansans (and … --- ## [Fish flour in bread a possibility](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-flour-in-bread-a-possibility/846374)
**Author:** [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-flour-in-bread-a-possibility/846374 "2020-01-15T11:26:52Z")
Based on this Forbes story, people are actually testing using the “wasted” bits of farmed tilapia to enrich bread. They are checking to see how much they can use before the bread starts tasting fishy. No, no. Just don’… --- ## [Leavin’ on a jet plane - at 4am - at 45 below ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leavin-on-a-jet-plane-at-4am-at-45-below/846397)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leavin-on-a-jet-plane-at-4am-at-45-below/846397 "2020-01-15T08:25:44Z")
Yech. Business travel is losing its allure. At least the cab was quick and warm. --- ## [Amex says I am a valued card member](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amex-says-i-am-a-valued-card-member/846368)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amex-says-i-am-a-valued-card-member/846368 "2020-01-15T06:10:49Z")
But they cancelled my card. I don’t care because I no longer use it. Isn’t America a great country? :slight\_smile: BTW the guy I talked to about this is in India. --- ## [Robber blows up Florida ATM](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robber-blows-up-florida-atm/846323)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robber-blows-up-florida-atm/846323 "2020-01-15T03:14:50Z")
I’ve always wondered what the inside of an ATM looks like. This poor ATM got totally opened up. Whoever did this used a lot of explosive material. I feel bad for the local residents. They will have to drive several mile… --- ## [USPS lost or stole some Christmas cards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usps-lost-or-stole-some-christmas-cards/845767)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usps-lost-or-stole-some-christmas-cards/845767 "2020-01-15T01:48:55Z")
I say stole because we know USPS workers are not above stealing mail. If that’s the case then I’m out $150 in giftcards that were tucked in the cards. Suck that now I have to f\*\*king start having to track Christmas car… --- ## [Revenge of the SIL...it’s bad, bad, bad, could be worse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-sil-it-s-bad-bad-bad-could-be-worse/846195)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2020, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revenge-of-the-sil-it-s-bad-bad-bad-could-be-worse/846195 "2020-01-15T00:57:54Z")
For being a jerk here about our SIL, I have been struck with hives and gout the last 10 days. Gout in both big toes, and came on slowly in one foot, so ignored it, finally called doc, can’t get in for a few days, went to… --- ## [hmmm...yahoo email](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hmmm-yahoo-email/846422)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2020, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hmmm-yahoo-email/846422 "2020-01-14T20:21:15Z")
Never had major issues with them before, but in the last month my inbox has been getting about two or three spam emails a day. This never happened before - they’d always catch, like, ANY spam email, and into my spam fold… --- ## [Uncle Telly's Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncle-tellys-cat/846275)
**Author:** [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2020, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncle-tellys-cat/846275 "2020-01-14T19:50:38Z")
This past weekend, my Uncle Telemachus died. Today is his funeral. I was sad, and I suppose today ain’t gonna be the happiest day I’ve had in a while, but rather than mope, I will share a bit about Uncle Telly, because … --- ## [Public service announcement: get your colon cancer screening!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-get-your-colon-cancer-screening/846012)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2020, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-get-your-colon-cancer-screening/846012 "2020-01-14T14:02:18Z")
I’m a bit of a broken record on the topic, as a quick search will turn up. I was inspired to send this reminder because colon cancer claimed the life of someone else I know a couple days ago. So, neither mundane nor poi… --- ## [Is there a way to better combat phone spam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-better-combat-phone-spam/846362)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2020, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-better-combat-phone-spam/846362 "2020-01-14T06:13:06Z")
I have an app on my cell phone that has dramatically cut the number of spam calls I get. I’d say I was getting about four a day before the app, now I’m down to maybe a couple per week. But as a public policy matter, ar… --- ## [Bear, that bad, bad, bad Cat gave me a kissy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-that-bad-bad-bad-cat-gave-me-a-kissy/846327)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2020, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-that-bad-bad-bad-cat-gave-me-a-kissy/846327 "2020-01-14T03:05:18Z")
Son-of-a-wrek wanted a meat smoker for Christmas. Santa came thru. He’s been experimenting since Dec.25. He texted he’s gonna bring me a rack of ribs. Oh, goody. Nothing I like better. I’m on my bed juggling 3 devices.… --- ## [US smoking age is now 21](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-smoking-age-is-now-21/845714)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2020, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-smoking-age-is-now-21/845714 "2020-01-14T01:37:40Z")
Guess kids will have to find an older guy to buy smokes for them. --- ## [Beck has another bad, bad, bad kidney adventure(Pancho and Lefty are at war)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beck-has-another-bad-bad-bad-kidney-adventure-pancho-and-lefty-are-at-war/845644)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beck-has-another-bad-bad-bad-kidney-adventure-pancho-and-lefty-are-at-war/845644 "2020-01-13T23:10:29Z")
I had to see the Surgeon this morning. He’s running diagnostics on my good kidney, Lefty. Pancho(righty)is a jerk. He’s been sickly for a good 6 mos. We’re evicting his sorry ass. I got to the inpatient place and promp… --- ## [Is there room for wind turbine power to keep declining in price?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-room-for-wind-turbine-power-to-keep-declining-in-price/846337)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-room-for-wind-turbine-power-to-keep-declining-in-price/846337 "2020-01-13T22:15:34Z")
Wind was $70 per MWH in 2009, now is $20 per MWH. Which is cheaper than fossil fuels, which is nice. However, are prices going to keep declining? Will they go down another 70% in the 2020s? Maybe instead of costi… --- ## [Sorry, this alert is to inform you that our earlier alert was sent in error.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorry-this-alert-is-to-inform-you-that-our-earlier-alert-was-sent-in-error/846308)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sorry-this-alert-is-to-inform-you-that-our-earlier-alert-was-sent-in-error/846308 "2020-01-13T21:24:45Z")
I was already pissed off having been awakened today by the shrieking of my cell phone just after 7 AM by what turned out to be a false alert about a regional nuclear power station. In fact, not only was the 7:20 alert is… --- ## [And Now, Introducing...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-introducing/844226)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-introducing/844226 "2020-01-13T20:32:22Z")
Well, I don’t really know for sure pssst Beck, what was the name of the group again? Anyway… Starting out, we have the Magnificent VOW, or Victory Over hair Woman with her vampy collar and Fabulous flowing cape and sp… --- ## [Corner of Moose and Squirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corner-of-moose-and-squirrel/846317)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corner-of-moose-and-squirrel/846317 "2020-01-13T20:12:58Z")
I just happened to run across this. In Banff, Alberta, the streets are mostly named for animal, iIncluding Moose and Squirrel Streets. And those two do intersect. It’s just an ordinary residential intersection, no specia… --- ## [Apologies for abandoning of the red](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apologies-for-abandoning-of-the-red/846360)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apologies-for-abandoning-of-the-red/846360 "2020-01-13T17:33:31Z")
A while ago I posted a thread with a long OP in in my humble opinion. Immediately afterwards my dad died. I had a lot of stuff going on for filling me from coming back to it immediately, and I just don’t have it in me to… --- ## [Pry bars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pry-bars/846318)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pry-bars/846318 "2020-01-13T14:58:20Z")
I have 6 or 7 pry bars but needed a different one for a job. Know how many pry bars Home Depot has on display? 35! And there are larger more specialized ones in the roofing and concrete department. They have a new tool n… --- ## [Asimov, the serial harasser](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asimov-the-serial-harasser/846094)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asimov-the-serial-harasser/846094 "2020-01-13T14:30:21Z")
I have, on occasion, when confronted with a growing list of famous authors who were terrible people, thought to myself, “Well, at least Asimov was a stand up guy.” Friends, he was not. He apparently progressed from requi… --- ## [Aussie straight dope members - Have the wild fires in Oz had any impact on your lives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aussie-straight-dope-members-have-the-wild-fires-in-oz-had-any-impact-on-your-lives/846330)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2020, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aussie-straight-dope-members-have-the-wild-fires-in-oz-had-any-impact-on-your-lives/846330 "2020-01-13T10:40:29Z")
I was wondering if any of you live near any of the fire areas and how you are doing. Hope all is well with you and your friends and families. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=349) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=351)