# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=396 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 397 --- ## [Ooooo, another overseas trip: WITH CONDITIONS.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ooooo-another-overseas-trip-with-conditions/819636)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2019, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ooooo-another-overseas-trip-with-conditions/819636 "2019-05-21T11:43:22Z")
Last night I had three missed calls from my step-father\* but didn’t notice until this morning. Rang him back expecting some bad news that someone had died or something, but no, it wasn’t that. My step-dad wants to come… --- ## [I Found a Banana Peel on the Sidewalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-banana-peel-on-the-sidewalk/834186)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2019, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-banana-peel-on-the-sidewalk/834186 "2019-05-21T00:12:23Z")
While waiting for the bus, I saw a banana peel laying on the sidewalk. It was all brown and disgusting, but it was unmistakably a banana peel. “Ahah!” thought I, “Here is my Mythbusters Moment. Here I answer a questio… --- ## [writers.net now has zero active members...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-net-now-has-zero-active-members/834235)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-net-now-has-zero-active-members/834235 "2019-05-20T19:25:38Z")
10-12 years ago, writers.net was a lively, free-wheeling, usually unmoderated forum for all things writing+editing, fiction+nonfiction. Several members published novels during that time, including “The Chinatown Death Cl… --- ## [Majority Opposed To Teaching Arabic Numerals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-opposed-to-teaching-arabic-numerals/833975)
**Author:** [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-opposed-to-teaching-arabic-numerals/833975 "2019-05-20T17:46:06Z")
Life in the Age of Trump: --- ## [Thought you might enjoy some random knowledge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thought-you-might-enjoy-some-random-knowledge/834100)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thought-you-might-enjoy-some-random-knowledge/834100 "2019-05-20T14:40:20Z")
I keep a text doc on my desktop that is basically a compendium of stray data that I think is cool. Much of it is from sources that, alas, I neglected to attribute. Sorry. Here’s the current one: âme damnée: 1. a p… --- ## [Bell ringing MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bell-ringing-mmp/833891)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bell-ringing-mmp/833891 "2019-05-20T13:37:37Z")
My friend gets a really cool honor this week; gets to be on the platform to ring the opening bell at the NYSE. Pre-hijack questions: Other than a door, what bells have you rung? What cool honors have you received/done… --- ## [Laser collimators are cool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-collimators-are-cool/834213)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-collimators-are-cool/834213 "2019-05-20T12:25:17Z")
I just treated myself to a laser collimator for my Newtonian telescope. I’ve never had one before. It’s basically a small laser pointer, with an inch wide oval plate mounted in front of it, set at a 45 degree angle to th… --- ## [Big Reveal : Scotty the T-Rex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-reveal-scotty-the-t-rex/834153)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-reveal-scotty-the-t-rex/834153 "2019-05-20T02:50:15Z")
Royal Saskatchewan Museum is having the big reveal this weekend of Scotty the T-Rex, believed to be the largest and longest-lived T-Rex found (approximately 20,000 lbs and 30 years, respectively). (Although apparently s… --- ## [ANNOUNCING My Brand New User Name!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/announcing-my-brand-new-user-name/834138)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/announcing-my-brand-new-user-name/834138 "2019-05-20T02:14:01Z")
Henceforth, I will be known as Kent Clark formerly\*\* kunilou\*\*. A little background. Kunilou was the very first email address I had. Even when I joined here 20 years ago, I was changing over to a different address. As y… --- ## [The Futility of Unity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-futility-of-unity/834156)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2019, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-futility-of-unity/834156 "2019-05-20T00:43:42Z")
I was listening to Biden campaigning to provide unity in America. I wish, but I don’t see it ever happening. The evangelicals are not going away because they absolutely believe that God hates gay sex, those acting like… --- ## [Bad bad VOW has been around Beckdawrek too much!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-vow-has-been-around-beckdawrek-too-much/834154)
**Author:** [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2019, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-vow-has-been-around-beckdawrek-too-much/834154 "2019-05-19T16:06:36Z")
We’ve been in SCal for a while now, staying with the Daughter and her family. Both Mr VOW and I try to do our share, and help out as much as we can. Background: The city where the Daughter lives treats water like gold. … --- ## ["I have no Soul."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-no-soul/834171)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2019, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-no-soul/834171 "2019-05-19T04:45:29Z")
Today I got a random text from an unknown number. They were interested in the Kia Soul I had for sale and wanted to arrange a time to come by and look at it. I desperately wanted to respond “I’m sorry… I have no Soul.” … --- ## [Guys: Smoking/Masturbation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-smoking-masturbation/498884)
**Author:** [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2019, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-smoking-masturbation/498884 "2019-05-18T17:11:34Z")
First off, I haven’t read or remember many posts like the following of a sexual nature in quite a while here on the Dope. So, mods, if this is inappropriate please delete it and accept my apologies. I am a guy and I hav… --- ## [Picking up trash while black, 5 officers respond.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picking-up-trash-while-black-5-officers-respond/830703)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2019, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picking-up-trash-while-black-5-officers-respond/830703 "2019-05-18T07:48:52Z")
The video is just incredible. Words almost fail me. He’s holding a trash pickup stick and bucket in his own yard? 3 or maybe 4 cops aiming guns? Drop the weapon! WTH? Very glad this man wasn’t gunned down in his own ya… --- ## [Flaw in the Schedule D tax worksheet with Section 1250 gain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flaw-in-the-schedule-d-tax-worksheet-with-section-1250-gain/830664)
**Author:** [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2019, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flaw-in-the-schedule-d-tax-worksheet-with-section-1250-gain/830664 "2019-05-18T02:21:20Z")
I’m fairly sure I’ve found a flaw in an IRS tax worksheet, one that propagates through to our tax software because it follows that worksheet directly. I let my employer know, but they’re busy. I sent an email to the IR… --- ## [Any Alternate to Amazon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-alternate-to-amazon/831586)
**Author:** [@zuer-coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zuer-coli)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-alternate-to-amazon/831586 "2019-05-17T23:51:28Z")
Greetings all, I’m fed up with Amazon and would like a recommendation for a similar site. With thanks to all. Respectfully, Zuer-coli --- ## [The Emperor of Japan has abdicated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-emperor-of-japan-has-abdicated/833263)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-emperor-of-japan-has-abdicated/833263 "2019-05-17T23:00:06Z")
At midnight tonight, Japanese Emperor Akihito steps down, and Crown Prince Naruhito becomes the new Emperor, Thirty years on the throne-not a bad run. --- ## [BTS-have you heard of them? The ads have officially turned sentient](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bts-have-you-heard-of-them-the-ads-have-officially-turned-sentient/833426)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bts-have-you-heard-of-them-the-ads-have-officially-turned-sentient/833426 "2019-05-17T21:47:36Z")
I officially renounce everything I said in my Tupac thread. With that said, I bid you farewell Straight Dope. I’m packing up and moving to the moon. This world is no longer something I can call home, I do… --- ## [Now they are trying to poison me!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-they-are-trying-to-poison-me/833995)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-they-are-trying-to-poison-me/833995 "2019-05-17T21:39:42Z")
At 4:00AM I get the first Extra-Strength Tylenol 500mg of four that I get per 24 hour period to control pain in my knees. A pathetic under dosing, but no worries for my liver. I inspect every little cup of meds they gi… --- ## [We are barely using the best tool we have against obesity (Vox article and discussion)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-barely-using-the-best-tool-we-have-against-obesity-vox-article-and-discussion/834107)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-barely-using-the-best-tool-we-have-against-obesity-vox-article-and-discussion/834107 "2019-05-17T21:09:12Z")
Today there’s an article on VOXexplaining that weight loss surgery ( sleeve and R-Y gastric bypass) are both safe and effective tools against individuals suffering from morbid obesity. Yet the tools are very much under u… --- ## [Someone is watching me... Google](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-is-watching-me-google/833870)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-is-watching-me-google/833870 "2019-05-17T20:16:49Z")
I think I’ve posted something like this before but damn it’s creepy. Yesterday I went on a road trip. I stopped for snacks along the way. Browsing the chip isle I spied a brand of chips I had never had nor had even hear… --- ## [YouGov.uk does Britons and D&D](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yougov-uk-does-britons-and-d-d/834104)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yougov-uk-does-britons-and-d-d/834104 "2019-05-17T08:35:01Z")
YouGov reveals where the British public falls on the classic D&D alignment table Enjoy! --- ## [Do you sigh? Are you aware of it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-sigh-are-you-aware-of-it/833788)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-sigh-are-you-aware-of-it/833788 "2019-05-17T06:58:39Z")
Apparently when I am bored, irritated, impatient, etc., I have a habit of inhaling/exhaling loudly through my nose. I was never aware that I did that - instead, I thought in certain situations I was doing a great job of… --- ## [Come on a my house, my house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/come-on-a-my-house-my-house/834092)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/come-on-a-my-house-my-house/834092 "2019-05-17T02:03:10Z")
I’m gonna give a you candy. --- ## [Nurse, I did not give you permission to be rude to me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nurse-i-did-not-give-you-permission-to-be-rude-to-me/833822)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nurse-i-did-not-give-you-permission-to-be-rude-to-me/833822 "2019-05-17T01:29:06Z")
I was visiting with the restorative therapist, which has become the lion’s share of our sessions over the past couple months (see: my thread on women volunteering to chew my ear off with excessive personal info). As usu… --- ## [College Survey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-survey/833988)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2019, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-survey/833988 "2019-05-17T00:49:23Z")
What college did you end up choosing and why? Did you transfer, take a year off, or drop out in between semesters at all? Did you live on campus, off campus, or were you a commuter? What was your combined GPA aft… --- ## [Descending into the Marianas Trench](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/descending-into-the-marianas-trench/834060)
**Author:** [@SantaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SantaMan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2019, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/descending-into-the-marianas-trench/834060 "2019-05-16T19:38:55Z")
Apparently someone has gone down into the Marianas Trench, beating the previous record, which happened, apparently, in 1960 I wonder how long they were down there?:smiley: --- ## [So I woke up with my shirt on backwards and inside-out this morning...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-woke-up-with-my-shirt-on-backwards-and-inside-out-this-morning/187242)
**Author:** [@Greywolf73](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greywolf73)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2019, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-woke-up-with-my-shirt-on-backwards-and-inside-out-this-morning/187242 "2019-05-16T18:27:08Z")
and I have no idea how it got that way! I am 99.99% sure that it was on the right way before I went to bed last night. I don’t recall anything unusual going on during the night and you’d think that if I’d done something… --- ## [Jayme Closs awarded "hometown hero" award](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jayme-closs-awarded-hometown-hero-award/834051)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2019, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jayme-closs-awarded-hometown-hero-award/834051 "2019-05-16T18:22:49Z")
In case you don’t know the background: her parents were killed and she was kidnapped. She escaped. This was her first public apperance since. I am all for celebrating her, but she did NOT look comfortable at all to me. … --- ## [Russian Nuclear Explosion in 1994 (on my car radio)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-nuclear-explosion-in-1994-on-my-car-radio/834019)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2019, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-nuclear-explosion-in-1994-on-my-car-radio/834019 "2019-05-16T17:56:28Z")
I tried this several years ago and did not get any sufficient answer, so if I may be permitted to try once more because it has been bugging me for 25 years. I am driving to my parents’ home in 1994 and on the car radio … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=395) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=397)