# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=543 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 544 --- ## [The "cleverbot" AI bot scam...!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cleverbot-ai-bot-scam/555583)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cleverbot-ai-bot-scam/555583 "2017-05-20T08:10:07Z")
Hi, I am quite knowledgeable about AI and chatbots… I have a firm belief that “cleverbot” (google it) is actually run by humans… It takes seconds to reply. Every other chat bot can reply instantly It is about a millio… --- ## [What do Thomas Jefferson, Ronald Reagan, and G.W. Bush have in common?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-thomas-jefferson-ronald-reagan-and-g-w-bush-have-in-common/786787)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-thomas-jefferson-ronald-reagan-and-g-w-bush-have-in-common/786787 "2017-05-20T03:47:03Z")
None of them are in my kitchen. :smiley: But no, seriously: TIL (or, more precisely, figured out) that they are the only three U.S. presidents to serve two full, consecutive\* terms in office without a census occurring … --- ## [The best laid plans of mice and norsemen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-laid-plans-of-mice-and-norsemen/787032)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-laid-plans-of-mice-and-norsemen/787032 "2017-05-19T22:53:31Z")
Remember the World Seed Bank, set into permafrost in a Norwegian island with the intention of storing seed for future generations? Opened in 2008? Well, it is already flooding. --- ## [Don't Kiss the Rattlesnake](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-kiss-the-rattlesnake/786933)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-kiss-the-rattlesnake/786933 "2017-05-19T22:40:35Z")
Be aware there maybe some danger in trying to kiss a rattlesnake. Better to just be friends. --- ## [An Answers in Genesis scientist is suing the Grand Canyon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-answers-in-genesis-scientist-is-suing-the-grand-canyon/787035)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-answers-in-genesis-scientist-is-suing-the-grand-canyon/787035 "2017-05-19T21:50:05Z")
Andrew Snelling, who really is a geologist, but also an Answers in Genesis young earth creationist, has been trying to get rock samples from the Grand Canyon for years in order to prove that it isn’t really millions of y… --- ## [Investigative reporting and newspapers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investigative-reporting-and-newspapers/786915)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investigative-reporting-and-newspapers/786915 "2017-05-19T21:17:12Z")
I’ve been following the Trump political stories the past nine days, and, while there’s no smoking gun, there have been several big stories. This morning I think I noticed something, but am not sure I’ve got the details … --- ## [Dumbest blackmail attempt ever.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumbest-blackmail-attempt-ever/786974)
**Author:** [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumbest-blackmail-attempt-ever/786974 "2017-05-19T21:10:33Z")
Apparently Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher’s family were the target of one of the dumbest blackmail attempts ever. From here. Usually you are trying to \*get \*people’s bank info when trying to scam them. --- ## [Inside Russia’s Social Media War on America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inside-russia-s-social-media-war-on-america/786985)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inside-russia-s-social-media-war-on-america/786985 "2017-05-19T17:09:19Z")
This is frightening. --- ## [There's this youtuber called ContraPoints...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-this-youtuber-called-contrapoints/786995)
**Author:** [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-this-youtuber-called-contrapoints/786995 "2017-05-19T14:13:16Z")
\*\*ContraPoints \*\*is a ‘youtube philosopher’ who, first came into my radar when I caught his video addressing crazy internet white nationalist cultists (Why Wh!te N@tionali$m is Wrong). I find this youtuber expresses hims… --- ## [Taking in rescue cats can be heartbreaking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-in-rescue-cats-can-be-heartbreaking/786730)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-in-rescue-cats-can-be-heartbreaking/786730 "2017-05-19T05:14:35Z")
Tesla was weak when we took him from the shelter, along with his friend Mr. Puma Man(aka Pooh Bear). He had been found stuck in a car engine-they didn’t know how long he had been stuck in there when he was discovered, s… --- ## [Students, parents agree to pepper spray for XCR in high school. Wha...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/students-parents-agree-to-pepper-spray-for-xcr-in-high-school-wha/786863)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/students-parents-agree-to-pepper-spray-for-xcr-in-high-school-wha/786863 "2017-05-19T03:07:37Z")
Caution: I found the video, which I have provided the link for below, to be very upsetting and not at all funny (although some folks apparently do). At a high school in Ohio, students in a criminal science class allow… --- ## [A week in Vegas with kids - Suggestions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-week-in-vegas-with-kids-suggestions/543467)
**Author:** [@Reloy3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reloy3)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-week-in-vegas-with-kids-suggestions/543467 "2017-05-19T01:31:03Z")
I haven’t spent any time in Las Vegas since I was a kid myself, and I hear it has transformed into a great place for families. My sister has gotten my family a condo in Vegas for a week at the end of July. Needless to … --- ## [Roger Ailes has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ailes-has-died/786916)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-ailes-has-died/786916 "2017-05-18T22:19:48Z")
Just saw it on the news. http://thehill.com/homenews/media/334011-ex-fox-news-head-roger-ailes-dead-report --- ## [Never had a close friend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/never-had-a-close-friend/786720)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/never-had-a-close-friend/786720 "2017-05-18T13:02:10Z")
\ I was practicing Chinese vocabulary on “true friendship” and it occurred to me that I’ve never had anything approximating a true fri… --- ## [Trump has fired Comey.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-has-fired-comey/786225)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-has-fired-comey/786225 "2017-05-18T11:45:37Z")
MSNBC is reporting now. --- ## [My GP Prescribed an Antidepressant Today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-gp-prescribed-an-antidepressant-today/786846)
**Author:** [@yarblek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yarblek)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-gp-prescribed-an-antidepressant-today/786846 "2017-05-18T10:43:56Z")
\[Notice: Just so I don’t get the inevitable post that contains it, I’m going to mention the US NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE\[SIZE=“4”\]: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Apparently if you call there you will magically never … --- ## [Scott Adams, full blown climate denier.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-adams-full-blown-climate-denier/786554)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-adams-full-blown-climate-denier/786554 "2017-05-17T19:40:23Z")
Not having a Sunday paper, we get the Sunday comics on Saturday. I had sort of known that Scott Adams had joined the dark side, but didn’t realize until I saw today’s Sunday Dilbert strip to what extent he had. It not … --- ## [Fatal hit & run near my home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatal-hit-run-near-my-home/786788)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fatal-hit-run-near-my-home/786788 "2017-05-17T19:09:18Z")
The body of a pedestrian was found in a ditch by a passerby at 07:40 Monday morning. He was apparently hit by the side mirror of a ‘truck’. The article doesn’t say if it was a semi-trailer, or a pick-up. Could’ve been… --- ## [Montreal decides to tax churches!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/montreal-decides-to-tax-churches/786831)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/montreal-decides-to-tax-churches/786831 "2017-05-17T16:49:34Z")
Finally! Colour me surprised/impressed those first to act are in Quebec! Well done! --- ## [How many times have you almost died?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-almost-died/782894)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-almost-died/782894 "2017-05-17T15:36:40Z")
I can think of three times when I came fairly close. The one I remember best, and which makes the best story, was the time I stared down a rattlesnake on an empty road one sunny afternoon and when I say empty, I mean ne… --- ## [Who are some Dopers who know you better beyond just your posts on here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-some-dopers-who-know-you-better-beyond-just-your-posts-on-here/786618)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-some-dopers-who-know-you-better-beyond-just-your-posts-on-here/786618 "2017-05-17T15:09:47Z")
I was thinking about it today and there’s a lot of posters on here who I’m friends with on Facebook. Those people, I feel, know me better than anyone else on here do. I really feel like those know the real me if anyone o… --- ## [Demand discharge from Hospital](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demand-discharge-from-hospital/786073)
**Author:** [@Contrarian\_at\_86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrarian_at_86)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demand-discharge-from-hospital/786073 "2017-05-17T13:37:26Z")
I was recently in the hospital and told that morning that I would be releasd that same day. However, they had an electical (and computer) outage that afternoon and I was told I would have to stay overnight because they … --- ## [According to this stupid color acuity test on FB...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-this-stupid-color-acuity-test-on-fb/626421)
**Author:** [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-this-stupid-color-acuity-test-on-fb/626421 "2017-05-17T13:20:43Z")
… I have the cones of Mr. Magoo. Link to test. My result… 98! Seriously, I can see a few more squares I might flip around but otherwise it looks pretty close to me. Is my result really that bad? --- ## [Giant Dead Sea Thing washes up on Seram island in Indonesia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-dead-sea-thing-washes-up-on-seram-island-in-indonesia/786476)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-dead-sea-thing-washes-up-on-seram-island-in-indonesia/786476 "2017-05-17T03:09:56Z")
This’ll get your mind off Trump for a while A giany whatsis has washed up on the island of Seram in Indonesia. The Jakarta Globe says it’s a Giant Squid. Others claim that it has a backbone and baleen, so it’s a whale. … --- ## [Donald Trump is turning liberals into conspiracy theorists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-is-turning-liberals-into-conspiracy-theorists/786253)
**Author:** [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-is-turning-liberals-into-conspiracy-theorists/786253 "2017-05-17T02:35:29Z")
Conclusion: “By embracing every single tweet or whisper as yet another piece of full-proof evidence of just how terrible Republicans are, Democrats run the risk of appearing like the boy who cried wolf to the public – … --- ## [Roswell UFO Memo, A challenge for the Straight Dope Forums](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roswell-ufo-memo-a-challenge-for-the-straight-dope-forums/786772)
**Author:** [@Lance\_M](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lance_M)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roswell-ufo-memo-a-challenge-for-the-straight-dope-forums/786772 "2017-05-17T01:37:50Z")
You may be familiar with Roswell UFO crash lore? That case is built mostly upon the supposed memories of “witnesses” and precious little physical or documentary evidence. One interesting bit of the latter is a famous ph… --- ## [Is there anything in the ACHA that will actually improve quality of health care or reduce costs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-in-the-acha-that-will-actually-improve-quality-of-health-care-or-reduce-costs/786005)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2017, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-in-the-acha-that-will-actually-improve-quality-of-health-care-or-reduce-costs/786005 "2017-05-17T00:58:16Z")
Anything? My impression is that it mostly just cuts the number of people covered by insurance by 24 million, cuts health coverage offered by insurance (removing the 10 mandatory areas insurance must cover) and gives tax … --- ## [Animals your pet has brought into the house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animals-your-pet-has-brought-into-the-house/786499)
**Author:** [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2017, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animals-your-pet-has-brought-into-the-house/786499 "2017-05-16T22:48:20Z")
My dog just came in with a bird. Has also has brought in a baby mole. We had a cat bring in a baby rattlesnake, and scorpion. How about you guys? --- ## [Ouch! - knocked off my bike.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ouch-knocked-off-my-bike/786770)
**Author:** [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2017, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ouch-knocked-off-my-bike/786770 "2017-05-16T21:30:38Z")
I was just knocked off my bicycle by an impatient van driver - he cut across me turning left (this is the UK so I was on the inside). It was a low speed accident and no bones broken or obvious damage to my beloved bike b… --- ## [On the topic of test driving a car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-topic-of-test-driving-a-car/786574)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2017, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-topic-of-test-driving-a-car/786574 "2017-05-16T20:39:29Z")
I’m in the midst of car buying (not that it matters to the thread, but I’m between a Toyota Rav4 and the Nissan Rogue), and I recently did a test drive with the saleswoman. I don’t get much out of the test drive. The c… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=542) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=544)