# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=492 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 493 --- ## [Acquittals in Lac Megantic rail disaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acquittals-in-lac-megantic-rail-disaster/807016)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acquittals-in-lac-megantic-rail-disaster/807016 "2018-01-21T03:54:32Z")
Some of you will recall that some four years ago, there was a terrible rail disaster in Lac Megantic, Quebec. A train of fuel cars, stocked with raw crude, got loose after a fire affected its brakes, rolled down a long … --- ## [Avian Arsonists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avian-arsonists/807087)
**Author:** [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avian-arsonists/807087 "2018-01-21T01:54:33Z")
Giving further credence to the notion that every living thing in Australia is trying to kill us, there’s now a new threat to worry about: raptors starting wildfires. Birds of prey in the Northern Territory pick up burni… --- ## [Portland, ME infested with T. Rexes; no sign of Marc Bolan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portland-me-infested-with-t-rexes-no-sign-of-marc-bolan/807082)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portland-me-infested-with-t-rexes-no-sign-of-marc-bolan/807082 "2018-01-21T00:09:50Z")
Srsly! I can’t find any video yet, so y’all will have to watch the snowball fight again. --- ## [Let's Make a Chess Set....of Birds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-make-a-chess-set-of-birds/806755)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2018, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-make-a-chess-set-of-birds/806755 "2018-01-20T19:57:43Z")
Through reasons not worth getting into, my co-worker and I are creating a chess set using only birds. Here’s what we ended up with: King: Emperor Penguin Queen: Swan Bishops: Peregrine Falcon Knight: A Kiwi riding an… --- ## [Astounded by tech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astounded-by-tech/806954)
**Author:** [@Fugazi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fugazi)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2018, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astounded-by-tech/806954 "2018-01-20T14:20:35Z")
Like most people, the majority of the time I take all the tech around me for granted. But every now and then I give it some thought and think, “wow”. The other day I had to leave work early and was going to finish the … --- ## [Amtrak's Coast Starlight: Train from LA to Seattle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amtraks-coast-starlight-train-from-la-to-seattle/806771)
**Author:** [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2018, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amtraks-coast-starlight-train-from-la-to-seattle/806771 "2018-01-19T23:06:23Z")
Has anyone taken Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train from LA to Seattle? \*A Grand West Coast Train Adventure, en route daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, the Coast Starlight train passes through Santa Barbara, the San Fr… --- ## [Meteor just hit here in SE Michigan. Woah.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meteor-just-hit-here-in-se-michigan-woah/806791)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2018, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meteor-just-hit-here-in-se-michigan-woah/806791 "2018-01-19T22:20:03Z")
Was watching TV, heard a gigantic boom. Louder than thunder, except maybe the loudest thunder you’d here. And out of nowhere. I honestly thought someone dropped something off a roof or managed to slam a gigantic door in… --- ## [70th Anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/70th-anniversary-of-the-un-universal-declaration-of-human-rights/806763)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2018, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/70th-anniversary-of-the-un-universal-declaration-of-human-rights/806763 "2018-01-19T17:21:17Z")
As many of you may know, every 10 years or so, I post something on the anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It’s anniversary has come up again this year. In fact this December it will be the 70th … --- ## [When you tell people where you are from , what do they usually say?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-tell-people-where-you-are-from-what-do-they-usually-say/806570)
**Author:** [@Reecejackox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reecejackox)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2018, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-tell-people-where-you-are-from-what-do-they-usually-say/806570 "2018-01-19T01:46:05Z")
I remember reading that when people say they are from Essex , people say “so do you know the cast of TOWIE?” So was wondering if anything like that happened to you from where you are --- ## [For the nerds: a proof that maths is sexy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-nerds-a-proof-that-maths-is-sexy/806762)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2018, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-nerds-a-proof-that-maths-is-sexy/806762 "2018-01-19T00:13:58Z")
Pure maths is. Physics is applied mathematics. Chemistry is applied physics. Biology is applied chemistry Sex is applied biology. QED. :slight\_smile: --- ## [Need colonoscopy jokes!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-colonoscopy-jokes/638854)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-colonoscopy-jokes/638854 "2018-01-18T21:48:23Z")
Going in for #4 (tried to work in a #2 joke here but couldn’t think of anything cute) in a few weeks. Gonna be doing this semi-regularlike from here on out (sigh). So I’ve decided to try to come in with a new joke every… --- ## [I called a 'help center' and actually was helped!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-called-a-help-center-and-actually-was-helped/805486)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-called-a-help-center-and-actually-was-helped/805486 "2018-01-18T17:06:20Z")
Our fairly expensive 3-year old Breville toaster oven suddenly crapped out today; elements not heating and a nasty zzzzzzt noise emanating. So I unplugged it and vainly searched online for someplace local that fixes sma… --- ## [The dog is fine. I am not.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dog-is-fine-i-am-not/805586)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dog-is-fine-i-am-not/805586 "2018-01-18T15:13:19Z")
Last June, I got a German Shepherd puppy. Her name was Pepper. I’m disabled. Getting outside is hard for me, and she was a wonderful buddy and reason for getting out of room and being in the world. It was hard, but ever… --- ## [Pineapple Casserole --- What the Hell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pineapple-casserole-what-the-hell/806770)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pineapple-casserole-what-the-hell/806770 "2018-01-18T03:55:39Z")
I will grant that I am not the healthiest eater, but I stumbled across this on the Huffingtopn Post this morning and just had to ask – WTF? Is pineapple not sweet and inviting enough all by itself? Why the hell would … --- ## [1918 Flu Pandemic: 100 Years Ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1918-flu-pandemic-100-years-ago/806793)
**Author:** [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1918-flu-pandemic-100-years-ago/806793 "2018-01-18T01:28:51Z")
As if we need any reminders about the flu vaccine, or thinking this flu season is worse than normal, it’s humbling to read about what the flu used to do: The 1918 flu pandemic (January 1918 – December 1920) was an unusu… --- ## [Ask the Amazon Book Seller!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-amazon-book-seller/805884)
**Author:** [@Arizona\_Mike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arizona_Mike)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-amazon-book-seller/805884 "2018-01-18T01:14:55Z")
I have been selling used books on Amazon for 6 years, and supporting myself full-time by selling used books for over 2 years. Ask away! --- ## [Why is a broken parachute not a big deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-broken-parachute-not-a-big-deal/806786)
**Author:** [@Uosdwis\_R.Dewoh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uosdwis_R.Dewoh)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-broken-parachute-not-a-big-deal/806786 "2018-01-18T00:44:57Z")
Because you have the entire rest of your life to fix it. --- ## [Is DUMB really a military term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dumb-really-a-military-term/806726)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dumb-really-a-military-term/806726 "2018-01-18T00:13:41Z")
Is DUMB really a military term? (Deep Underground military base.) --- ## [I Don't Get This Science Joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-this-science-joke/806694)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2018, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-this-science-joke/806694 "2018-01-17T21:12:52Z")
This was in my Facebook news feed this morning, from I Fucking Love Science. I don’t get it (science isn’t my strong suit). If you can’t see it, it’s a drawing of microcentrifuge tube, cap open, about 1/8 full of liquid… --- ## [Three hours of freezing rain followed by cold snap - the city is a skating rink.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-hours-of-freezing-rain-followed-by-cold-snap-the-city-is-a-skating-rink/806329)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-hours-of-freezing-rain-followed-by-cold-snap-the-city-is-a-skating-rink/806329 "2018-01-17T14:02:06Z")
Took me an hour to walk home last night. Normally just 15 minutes. Sidewalks were the most dangerous. Fresh, smooth wet ice. I walked on the roads, because with the snow and ruts from the cars, could get a better grip … --- ## [anyone here do cat rescues, TNR, fostering? - need advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-do-cat-rescues-tnr-fostering-need-advice/806759)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2018, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-do-cat-rescues-tnr-fostering-need-advice/806759 "2018-01-17T07:10:57Z")
For two years I’ve been taking care of two little black female sister cats who have never lived inside. They came from an animal hoarder in my neighborhood and started hanging out on my porch. Last winter when I realiz… --- ## [Yesterday, I processed a 7-cent debit card transaction at Old Navy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yesterday-i-processed-a-7-cent-debit-card-transaction-at-old-navy/806142)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yesterday-i-processed-a-7-cent-debit-card-transaction-at-old-navy/806142 "2018-01-16T21:42:31Z")
It was an exchange which somehow went 7-cents against me. There was a line, didn’t want to run out to the car for 7 cents which may or may not be in the cup holder (and it wasn’t), so I whipped out my card and ran what i… --- ## [I'm Up So I Might As Well Start The MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-up-so-i-might-as-well-start-the-mmp/806676)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-up-so-i-might-as-well-start-the-mmp/806676 "2018-01-16T01:08:43Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN 'Tis 29 Amurrkin out and clear with a predicted high of 54 and N.O.S. for the day. The high tomorrow is supposed to be 60 and the high Wednesday is supposed to be 40. As dogg… --- ## [You might be richer than you think you are: Unclaimed Money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-might-be-richer-than-you-think-you-are-unclaimed-money/787105)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-might-be-richer-than-you-think-you-are-unclaimed-money/787105 "2018-01-15T07:21:44Z")
I was bored at the office last week when I heard a radio ad about reclaiming money that has been turned over to the state until a claim was made. I looked up the local department of the Treasury and every person in the … --- ## [Maybe This Is This Week's MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-this-is-this-weeks-mmp/806129)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 268\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-this-is-this-weeks-mmp/806129 "2018-01-15T04:14:48Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 35 Amurrkin out and cloudy with a predicted high of 59 and mostly cloudy for the day. Might even have some rain, or not. Today I get to go to the dentist for a follow u… --- ## [Louisiana Teacher Handcuffed, Jailed For Speaking Out At School Board Meeting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/louisiana-teacher-handcuffed-jailed-for-speaking-out-at-school-board-meeting/806348)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/louisiana-teacher-handcuffed-jailed-for-speaking-out-at-school-board-meeting/806348 "2018-01-15T04:08:33Z")
Well…this is pretty fucked up. A teacher in Louisiana was removed from a school board meeting by a cop, handcuffed in the hallway, and taken to jail for raising concerns over the school superintendent’s raise in pay. --- ## [Bill Clinton really should have been impeached](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-clinton-really-should-have-been-impeached/806583)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-clinton-really-should-have-been-impeached/806583 "2018-01-15T03:53:00Z")
Not for Monica, for this: He lost the nuclear codes, lied about it, and so for months didn’t have quick access to the nuclear arsenal. Sounds unbelievable, but the source is about as reliable as they get: Hugh Shelto… --- ## [Help me give up my project pipe dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-give-up-my-project-pipe-dreams/806574)
**Author:** [@HelenGawn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HelenGawn)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-give-up-my-project-pipe-dreams/806574 "2018-01-14T21:28:53Z")
I waste a ridiculous amount of time and some money on ideas that will never see fruition. Right now there’s a pile of lumber in my bedroom, some of it rough-cut to size, that’s been there for one to three years. Just now… --- ## [Ambassador Feeley gets touchy about Trump statement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ambassador-feeley-gets-touchy-about-trump-statement/806485)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ambassador-feeley-gets-touchy-about-trump-statement/806485 "2018-01-14T17:11:36Z")
Ambassador John Feeley has resigned as Ambassador to Panama to protest Trump. I can’t wait to see what suck-up is going to get the job now. --- ## [So, Hawaii, that couldn't have been fun... (Emergency Alert message about "Ballistic Missile Threat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-hawaii-that-couldnt-have-been-fun-emergency-alert-message-about-ballistic-missile-threat/806558)
**Author:** [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-hawaii-that-couldnt-have-been-fun-emergency-alert-message-about-ballistic-missile-threat/806558 "2018-01-14T03:05:01Z")
First, it’s a drill. TPTB just came out and said it was a drill. Basically, and I don’t think it’s a hoax, TPTB in Hawaii triggered their Emergency Alert System and texted/broadcasted that, Broadcasted it over TV too… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=491) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=493)