# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=658 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 659 --- ## [Sometimes I Over-Comfort Myself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-i-over-comfort-myself/746370)
**Author:** [@Blackstock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackstock)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2016, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-i-over-comfort-myself/746370 "2016-02-19T02:20:43Z")
One of my most destructive character traits is that I’m very convincing when it comes to soothing myself or others down, especially in the face of a problem or a dilemma. While this may be positive, in situations where … --- ## [My mother has died.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-mother-has-died/746186)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-mother-has-died/746186 "2016-02-18T17:00:02Z")
Earlier this evening my mother succumbed to cancer. She had been suffering from a particularly aggressive form of cancer, one that resisted every attempt at treatment. A few days ago we received word that it had spread t… --- ## [Website for Community Engagement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/website-for-community-engagement/746403)
**Author:** [@Tal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/website-for-community-engagement/746403 "2016-02-18T15:51:53Z")
I’ve been asked to help with a website to encourage a local community to interact on a wide range of issues and I’m curious to get some feedback from people on what might be good ways to encourage community involvement. … --- ## [How much veritas to "In vino veritas?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-veritas-to-in-vino-veritas/746178)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-veritas-to-in-vino-veritas/746178 "2016-02-18T14:56:28Z")
My interpretation of the Latin saying “in vino veritas” is that what a person says while drunk is a reflection of their true feelings. Someone I know has said some very hurtful things while (rather significantly) under … --- ## [Another Small Town Grocer Gone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-small-town-grocer-gone/746246)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-small-town-grocer-gone/746246 "2016-02-18T14:19:00Z")
Just announced today in the local news, Albertson’s has agreed to buy most of Paul’s Market locations for “rebranding into Albertson’s” and the rest are closing. Gad I loathe shopping at Albertson’s with the burning-ho… --- ## [Boutros Boutros-Ghali has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boutros-boutros-ghali-has-died/746269)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boutros-boutros-ghali-has-died/746269 "2016-02-18T11:17:07Z")
Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former UN head, dies at 93 He was on my funny name list (Boutros? Boutros? Golly!) along with ‘Bonkey Moon’ (Ban Ki-moon). --- ## [Tis just a flesh wound..the ankle, to be specific!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tis-just-a-flesh-wound-the-ankle-to-be-specific/746390)
**Author:** [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tis-just-a-flesh-wound-the-ankle-to-be-specific/746390 "2016-02-18T01:28:45Z")
Sunday was supposed to be nothing but fun. Not because of Valentines Day - I’m single. But because of the Fort Lauderdale marathon. Some friends and I were on the side of the course, handing out cups of beer. (Don’t … --- ## [Nastygram on my car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nastygram-on-my-car/746057)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nastygram-on-my-car/746057 "2016-02-17T23:06:28Z")
A couple of days ago I was riding with someone to a location about 70 miles away. Since she and I don’t live very close together, it was most efficient for me to park for the day close to where she could pick me up on th… --- ## [Ask the cruise ship ex-crewmember](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-cruise-ship-ex-crewmember/722561)
**Author:** [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-cruise-ship-ex-crewmember/722561 "2016-02-17T22:24:52Z")
Hi, I mentioned in another thread that I used to work on a cruise ship, and there was some interest in asking me stuff. So here you go. In 2007 I worked for 9 months on the MV Disney Wonder, in the Youth Activities dep… --- ## [First non-stop fixed-wing flight across the Atlantic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-non-stop-fixed-wing-flight-across-the-atlantic/746338)
**Author:** [@Dahu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dahu)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-non-stop-fixed-wing-flight-across-the-atlantic/746338 "2016-02-17T21:48:13Z")
I was just reading about the first transatlantic flights on wiki Alcock and Brown are credited with the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919, when they flew from Newfoundland to Ireland. I think I’d be right in … --- ## [Reports that Justice Scalia has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reports-that-justice-scalia-has-died/746053)
**Author:** [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reports-that-justice-scalia-has-died/746053 "2016-02-17T21:04:44Z")
Here’s the article. http://www.kvia.com/news/breaking-surpreme-court-justice-scalia-dies-during-hunting-trip-in-marfa/37981652 Will Pres Obama be able to successfully appoint another justice before he leaves office? --- ## [Giant black tree lobsters the rarest insect in the world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-black-tree-lobsters-the-rarest-insect-in-the-world/746187)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-black-tree-lobsters-the-rarest-insect-in-the-world/746187 "2016-02-17T20:50:06Z")
Interesting article (link below) here about these huge, fascinating insects also brought up an interesting second article about the attempts to get rid of rats and mice from Howe island. The “rarest insect in the world”… --- ## [Church of Latter Day Saints: WTF on Valentine's Day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/church-of-latter-day-saints-wtf-on-valentines-day/746191)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/church-of-latter-day-saints-wtf-on-valentines-day/746191 "2016-02-17T20:42:51Z")
Okay, WTF? I’m enjoying Valentine’s Day evening with my fiance. 8:30 PM Knock on the door. “Hello, I’m Brother Wossname.” “And I’m Elder So-and-so.” Me: “Yes, I noticed.” Them: “We’re here to tell you about Christ… --- ## [Happy Valentines Day Ladies! How did you get your freak on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-valentines-day-ladies-how-did-you-get-your-freak-on/746158)
**Author:** [@jerry\_smissingfinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerry_smissingfinger)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-valentines-day-ladies-how-did-you-get-your-freak-on/746158 "2016-02-17T19:56:25Z")
Got plans to go out and be a pretend couple with my friend. I showed up at her apartment and she has her friend over drinking wine, so we go outside have a snowball fight and build a huge ass snowman together. During th… --- ## [Doings in an Evaporation Pot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doings-in-an-evaporation-pot/746348)
**Author:** [@OffByOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OffByOne)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doings-in-an-evaporation-pot/746348 "2016-02-17T17:47:48Z")
In the Northern hemisphere, it is winter, and temperatures are low. Meteorologists tell us that colder air cannot hold as much moisture as warmer air, so when you heat up the air (to heat your house), the air becomes mu… --- ## [Myths that kinda-sorta aren't](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myths-that-kinda-sorta-arent/746340)
**Author:** [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myths-that-kinda-sorta-arent/746340 "2016-02-17T15:56:01Z")
Or, well, that are. But not exactly. More like surprisingly reasonable misconceptions, that are often passed off as silly myths. Actually, I’m not entirely sure where I’m going with this, so bear with me for a minute. W… --- ## [Killer Blimp over Pennsylvania!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/killer-blimp-over-pennsylvania/735999)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/killer-blimp-over-pennsylvania/735999 "2016-02-17T09:53:29Z")
Okay, the title’s a bit of an exaggeration, but a very large military aerostat broke loose from Aberdeen Proving Grounds and is currently floating over Pennsylvania at the mercy of the wind. It’s reported as being at 16,… --- ## [KY's Ironic Viagra Bill - What's good for the gander should be required for the goose!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kys-ironic-viagra-bill-whats-good-for-the-gander-should-be-required-for-the-goose/746267)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kys-ironic-viagra-bill-whats-good-for-the-gander-should-be-required-for-the-goose/746267 "2016-02-17T05:45:34Z")
From an article behind the NYTimes’ paywall, an article about a Kentucky state representative, Mary Lou Marzian, has put forward a bill to point out the inequality in health coverage for men and women: \[QUOTE=NYTimes\] … --- ## [Looks like we got us a convoy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looks-like-we-got-us-a-convoy/745695)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looks-like-we-got-us-a-convoy/745695 "2016-02-17T04:04:06Z")
We’ve just landed at a major airport that essentially gets shut down at night due to noise concerns from a minority of residents who have a knack for complaining. The jet we are flying is quiet. Quiet enough that we are … --- ## [People You Want To Thank - But Can't](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-you-want-to-thank-but-cant/746312)
**Author:** [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeke_N.Destroi)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-you-want-to-thank-but-cant/746312 "2016-02-17T02:35:12Z")
George Orwell - You died before I was born but you have informed my worldview more than anyone but my Dad. George Carlin - You taught me that a truth told that brings a laugh works much better than a truth told stone co… --- ## [My sister is in jail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sister-is-in-jail/744718)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sister-is-in-jail/744718 "2016-02-17T00:14:21Z")
She has had a criminal record since 9th grade. She likes to hang out with troublemakers who put her up to doing bad things. Her first offense was shoplifting, which she got community service for. She graduated high sc… --- ## [Democrat introduces Viagra Notification Bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrat-introduces-viagra-notification-bill/746287)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrat-introduces-viagra-notification-bill/746287 "2016-02-16T19:56:54Z")
Kentucky State Rep. Mary Lou Marzian introduced a bill mocking all the restrictive bills aimed at women’s reproductive rights. :smiley: --- ## [Most mundane, pointless thing I've ever posted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-mundane-pointless-thing-ive-ever-posted/745832)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-mundane-pointless-thing-ive-ever-posted/745832 "2016-02-16T19:44:37Z")
This scrapes the bottom, but I have to tell someone… I’m sitting enjoying a cup of coffee (and some Dope on the store’s WiFi) in the snack bar area of my local fancy-schmancy grocery store. A store employee is sitting … --- ## [Do medical residents with families get shorter hours](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-medical-residents-with-families-get-shorter-hours/746230)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-medical-residents-with-families-get-shorter-hours/746230 "2016-02-16T17:36:10Z")
If a medical resident has a spouse and kids at home, are they able to get shorter hours or do all the residents work the same 60-80 hour workweek? --- ## [I'm glad I don't have to be put through Valentine's Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-i-dont-have-to-be-put-through-valentines-day/746070)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-i-dont-have-to-be-put-through-valentines-day/746070 "2016-02-16T16:32:10Z")
For the last 5 or 6 years of my marriage it was absolute torture having to endure Valentine’s day. I wasn’t in love, and neither was she, but we played the game and went through the motions: chocolates, flowers, cards. … --- ## [Hysterically funny road "rage"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hysterically-funny-road-rage/746223)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hysterically-funny-road-rage/746223 "2016-02-16T15:40:50Z")
This was so funny (and mundane) that I wanted to share it with you guys. Last week I was on a business trip with coworkers and we were all piled into an SUV looking for somewhere to have dinner. We were creeping around… --- ## [Got my tax refund today!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-my-tax-refund-today/745966)
**Author:** [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-my-tax-refund-today/745966 "2016-02-16T06:08:41Z")
Only took a week too. Very pleased. --- ## [Sacre bleu! Le circonflex va disparaitre!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sacre-bleu-le-circonflex-va-disparaitre/745219)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sacre-bleu-le-circonflex-va-disparaitre/745219 "2016-02-16T00:54:54Z")
In a lot of cases, the French circumflex indicates an elided S (coût, maîtresse), and it seems silly to dump it for I and U but keep it for E (fenêtre). --- ## [Is this news story likely true or just some kind of joke?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-news-story-likely-true-or-just-some-kind-of-joke/745851)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2016, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-news-story-likely-true-or-just-some-kind-of-joke/745851 "2016-02-15T22:29:55Z")
It is not uncommon for tricksters to plant stories in newspaper sites or other media outlets that are just made up and intended to embarass the media site because the info contained in the story really does look kind of … --- ## [Photos of astronaut written notes scrawled on the walls of the Apollo 11 command module.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photos-of-astronaut-written-notes-scrawled-on-the-walls-of-the-apollo-11-command-module/745993)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2016, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photos-of-astronaut-written-notes-scrawled-on-the-walls-of-the-apollo-11-command-module/745993 "2016-02-15T19:31:57Z")
There’s a very cool article in the Smithsonian Air and Space magazine about a 3d imaging project of the Apollo 11 command module. About two thirds down the page there’s a slide show of various things the astronauts tape… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=657) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=659)