# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=525 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 526 --- ## [For how long can you count your breaths?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-how-long-can-you-count-your-breaths/792913)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2017, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-how-long-can-you-count-your-breaths/792913 "2017-08-06T12:49:59Z")
Not sure if this is the right forum, but it is hard to figure out what is. A couple nights ago while lying in bed and not sleeping, I decided to count my breaths. So I started counting. By the time I got to 30, I had … --- ## [Photobucket shaking down users for $400 a year.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photobucket-shaking-down-users-for-400-a-year/792601)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2017, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photobucket-shaking-down-users-for-400-a-year/792601 "2017-08-06T04:51:23Z")
I just discovered that my Photobucket account no longer allows linking. I’ve used that account since 2006 to post photos on forums. That includes posts here on SDMB. The photos in those old posts will now display a erro… --- ## [Electrical OCD... Calling Electricians and OCD Sufferers!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-ocd-calling-electricians-and-ocd-sufferers/792684)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2017, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-ocd-calling-electricians-and-ocd-sufferers/792684 "2017-08-06T03:33:42Z")
As many on here know, especially in GQ, I have OCD and sometimes it causes me to focus on meaningless stuff and the mundane. I know it is easy to mock it, but try not to, please. My OCD felt as if it went into remission … --- ## [Gross clean-up incidents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gross-clean-up-incidents/792777)
**Author:** [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2017, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gross-clean-up-incidents/792777 "2017-08-06T02:34:08Z")
Warning, gross dog stuff . . . Our lab likes to snack on the other dogs’ poop. Yesterday she barfed on the carpet after breakfast and a shit snack (we have miles of hardwood floors but invariably the grossest stuff happ… --- ## ["Baby sitters accused of putting flea-infested kids in U-Haul"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-sitters-accused-of-putting-flea-infested-kids-in-u-haul/792811)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2017, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-sitters-accused-of-putting-flea-infested-kids-in-u-haul/792811 "2017-08-06T00:50:44Z")
I post this story primarily to note (truly!) that they were taking the kids to a flea market. Also, the mugshots are … well, I guess no one’s at their best in that situation. --- ## [Study concludes Iraqi sanctions didn't cause widespread deaths](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-concludes-iraqi-sanctions-didnt-cause-widespread-deaths/792781)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2017, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-concludes-iraqi-sanctions-didnt-cause-widespread-deaths/792781 "2017-08-05T23:49:21Z")
This is interesting. Since the Gulf War in 1991, it has been widely reported that the ensuing sanctions caused the premature deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children. A new study casts serious doubt on that st… --- ## [Anyone else having trouble with Tapatalk connecting to the individual forums?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-having-trouble-with-tapatalk-connecting-to-the-individual-forums/792792)
**Author:** [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-having-trouble-with-tapatalk-connecting-to-the-individual-forums/792792 "2017-08-05T19:20:51Z")
For the past few days I can see the forums in Tapatalk, but when I choose one, say Great Debates or Cafe Society, it just hangs on Loading… This is the Android app. I am able to connect to other unrelated forums. --- ## [another massive skyscraper fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-massive-skyscraper-fire/792728)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2017, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-massive-skyscraper-fire/792728 "2017-08-05T02:14:09Z")
That’s an unfortunate name for a building that’s apparently caught fire twice now. I hope everyone is able to evacuate. Fortunately, it looks like the fire is mostly on one side of the building. --- ## [Fighting ignorance and the Backfire Effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorance-and-the-backfire-effect/792686)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2017, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorance-and-the-backfire-effect/792686 "2017-08-05T01:25:19Z")
The Oatmeal has a very interesting cartoon explanation of one element, the Backfire Effect, here. I’m not going to summarise it, so you’ll just have to trust me that it’s worth reading. --- ## [Quick--take a look at the publisher web site!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-take-a-look-at-the-publisher-web-site/792765)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-take-a-look-at-the-publisher-web-site/792765 "2017-08-04T20:50:49Z")
Harper Voyager UK has been hacked, and every article there is now about cheap Chinese jerseys. Enjoy it before they fix it. --- ## [So, men are testosterone damaged women...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-men-are-testosterone-damaged-women/792736)
**Author:** [@StreetFighter2Ryu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StreetFighter2Ryu)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-men-are-testosterone-damaged-women/792736 "2017-08-04T19:57:41Z")
http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2012/08/02/men-testosterone-damaged-women/amp/ So, Testosterone damages a man and makes him an asshole? It amazes me how people can come up with crap like this and call it “science”. … --- ## [A Boeing draws a Boeing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-boeing-draws-a-boeing/792756)
**Author:** [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-boeing-draws-a-boeing/792756 "2017-08-04T19:27:44Z")
In a test flight, a Boeing followed a route that followed the outline of a Boeing --- ## [What's this crazy wet stuff falling from the sky?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-crazy-wet-stuff-falling-from-the-sky/792605)
**Author:** [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-crazy-wet-stuff-falling-from-the-sky/792605 "2017-08-04T16:41:26Z")
It kinda looks like rain, but I know it can’t really be rain, because it’s August. In Los Angeles. It only rains here between November and April, and only when it’s cold. It was 100 degrees earlier today, and it’s sti… --- ## [Furriners Traveling to USA, Bring Extra Health Insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furriners-traveling-to-usa-bring-extra-health-insurance/792200)
**Author:** [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furriners-traveling-to-usa-bring-extra-health-insurance/792200 "2017-08-04T13:59:26Z")
W/ the solar eclipse 4 weeks away I know many folks from other countries will be visiting the US. There may be fantastically affordable health care in those countries so these folks would be forgiven for not realizing t… --- ## [I have 100,000 Iraqi dinars. What to do with them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-100-000-iraqi-dinars-what-to-do-with-them/792640)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-100-000-iraqi-dinars-what-to-do-with-them/792640 "2017-08-03T17:01:55Z")
So (long story) I have 100,000 Iraqi dinars in my possession. Which sounds like a lot but, alas, like the South Korean won, it’s more bark than bite. I ought to get it converted to US dollars (it’s worth about $85) but … --- ## [Men: Why are you paying for the date? Women: Why do you accept it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-why-are-you-paying-for-the-date-women-why-do-you-accept-it/791668)
**Author:** [@Wakinyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wakinyan)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-why-are-you-paying-for-the-date-women-why-do-you-accept-it/791668 "2017-08-03T04:21:38Z")
Inspired by this thread, where \*\*Shagnasty \*\*is sharing his experience of dating. My question is not directed to him but to dopers in general, so I talk about him in third person. He shares the following: It seems to b… --- ## [Thank you to senators Murkowski, Collins and McCain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-you-to-senators-murkowski-collins-and-mccain/792328)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-you-to-senators-murkowski-collins-and-mccain/792328 "2017-08-03T01:28:33Z")
I heard that because this bill came to the floor, the gop can’t use budget reconciliation again for the year. Since every other bill will now require 60 votes due to the filibuster, the repeal of the aca will be put off … --- ## [Man uses two fans and his dog to catch Mosquitoes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-uses-two-fans-and-his-dog-to-catch-mosquitoes/792660)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-uses-two-fans-and-his-dog-to-catch-mosquitoes/792660 "2017-08-02T23:26:44Z")
I can’t use my deck in the evening because of mosquitoes. Thankfully they aren’t too bad if I don’t linger outside. I have encountered heavy mosquito infestations on backpacking trips. I sympathize with anyone living wi… --- ## [This 15 year old is bad-ass!! \["Infinity table"\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-15-year-old-is-bad-ass-infinity-table/792309)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-15-year-old-is-bad-ass-infinity-table/792309 "2017-08-02T19:30:30Z")
All I can say is wow. I only wish I was so talented. Hahaha Seriously tho, this is so simple yet so cool! I want one! --- ## [Black Bear Encounter Today!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-bear-encounter-today/789641)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-bear-encounter-today/789641 "2017-08-02T14:55:10Z")
Hannah (German Shepherd) and I were out on our usual forest hike today. She’s off doing her thing, treeing squirrels and sniffing in the underbrush and I’m walking along lost in lala land. I don’t know what happened fi… --- ## [Looks like we're hitting one of our annual extreme days today: + 35 C.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looks-like-were-hitting-one-of-our-annual-extreme-days-today-35-c/792446)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looks-like-were-hitting-one-of-our-annual-extreme-days-today-35-c/792446 "2017-08-02T13:47:21Z")
Living in Saskatchewan, I’ve commented before that we have a 70 degree range (in Celsius, of course). Hottest day of the year is normally +35 C; coldest day is normally - 35 C. Forecast today is for + 35. I’m swelter… --- ## [Useless box](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/useless-box/792442)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/useless-box/792442 "2017-08-02T05:37:50Z")
I’ve almost assembled a useless box. I say ‘almost’ because the hinge on one of the pieces arrived broken, and I’ll need to get some plastic cement to repair it. In the video, the top of the box says ‘USELESS BOX’. I … --- ## [Spinning with an electric-powered spinning wheel substitute?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinning-with-an-electric-powered-spinning-wheel-substitute/792539)
**Author:** [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinning-with-an-electric-powered-spinning-wheel-substitute/792539 "2017-08-02T00:51:19Z")
Last summer I took a weaving class at a local place that also supports knitting, dyeing, and spinning. One of the ladies in the class was also taking a spinning class. She told me they were using some fancy new electric … --- ## [Dog Is Very Sick, Got into Meds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-is-very-sick-got-into-meds/792102)
**Author:** [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-is-very-sick-got-into-meds/792102 "2017-08-01T22:09:46Z")
So yesterday after work I got home and saw the remains of a vitamin bottle all over the floor. It turns out he ate about 125 vitamin D pills. I took him right to the vet and they induced vomiting and he seemed to vomit … --- ## [What little tricks can you do that mildly impress others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948 "2017-08-01T18:02:33Z")
Not looking for major skills or in-depth expertise, just little tricks that you can perform to liven up a (very) boring gathering. I can: \[ul\] \[li\]Recite the alphabet backwards with ease\[/li\]\[li\]Juggle three balls\[/li… --- ## [More Fun With Snakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-fun-with-snakes/792138)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-fun-with-snakes/792138 "2017-08-01T16:33:54Z")
Anyone ever give you one of those practical joke cans that have a snake spring out when you open the lid? Presenting: Cobras in a Can! Amuse your friends. The laffs never stop. Order today. --- ## [TSA changes screening reqs for tablets and ereaders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsa-changes-screening-reqs-for-tablets-and-ereaders/792195)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsa-changes-screening-reqs-for-tablets-and-ereaders/792195 "2017-08-01T15:06:10Z")
I just saw this article on new security requirements for tablets and readers. I travel fairly frequently, so this would be a PITA if I weren’t TSA Pre. I thought others who travel might want to know this is coming. --- ## [The Turtle & Bunny MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-turtle-bunny-mmp/792008)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-turtle-bunny-mmp/792008 "2017-08-01T14:44:32Z")
Everyone knows the story of the Tortise & the Hare, where slow & steady ends up winning the race. This weekend I ‘turtled’ a bunny race… Ultramarathon = any distance longer than a marathon. Typically, the first/shorte… --- ## [Who or what is your cat's sworn enemy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-or-what-is-your-cats-sworn-enemy/792440)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-or-what-is-your-cats-sworn-enemy/792440 "2017-08-01T11:54:53Z")
All cats have a sworn enemy, often, more than one. For my new kitty Boz, it is the pull chain on the ceiling fan. What about your kitty? Please remember the immutable law of the Straight Dope when posting about your kit… --- ## [The weird stuff at kindergarten I touched today...what was it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-weird-stuff-at-kindergarten-i-touched-today-what-was-it/792376)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-weird-stuff-at-kindergarten-i-touched-today-what-was-it/792376 "2017-08-01T07:58:47Z")
Toddled off to the grandson’s Open Day at kinder today and was suitably impressed by the art table, reading mat, sandpits and veggie plots UNTIL I came across a basin of STUFF that defied explanation. It looked like clu… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=524) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=526)