# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=77 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 78 --- ## [Happy Winter Solstice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-winter-solstice/1012002)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-winter-solstice/1012002 "2024-12-23T17:04:39Z")
Here in the northern hemisphere, the days will begin to get longer and eventually warmer. Ok, it’s also the start of winter, which seems a little counterintuitive, but still a good reason to celebrate that it will somed… --- ## [Honey browser extension is a scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honey-browser-extension-is-a-scam/1012015)
**Author:** [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honey-browser-extension-is-a-scam/1012015 "2024-12-23T15:57:08Z")
This YouTube video says so, and brings the receipts. The video claims that Honey: claims to find consumers the best available discounts, but definitely doesn’t steals commissions from affiliate links allows advertiser… --- ## [Happy Christmas Adam-A Christmas MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-christmas-adam-a-christmas-mmp/1012060)
**Author:** [@Taters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taters)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-christmas-adam-a-christmas-mmp/1012060 "2024-12-23T12:34:17Z")
What! How does this happen?! No MMP today? It’s Christmas Eve Eve, or Christmas Adam. Everything is done except for picking up the roast. I’m looking forward to a quiet Christmas. Well, as calm as one can be with tw… --- ## [A huge holiday gift to the Post-Gazette strikers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-huge-holiday-gift-to-the-post-gazette-strikers/1012059)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-huge-holiday-gift-to-the-post-gazette-strikers/1012059 "2024-12-23T10:35:24Z")
This is really selfless and kind to donate so much money. I hadn’t heard or known much about the Post-Gazette strike before now, but I’m happy that this donation from the Times’ Tech Guild will help them out. --- ## [My tooth broke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-tooth-broke/1011974)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-tooth-broke/1011974 "2024-12-23T06:12:05Z")
Less than a week before Xmas. Sitting at my computer. Not eating. I was thinking–“my life is getting better”. Then, pow. --- ## [Abuses of Native Americans in schools in USA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abuses-of-native-americans-in-schools-in-usa/1002393)
**Author:** [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2024, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abuses-of-native-americans-in-schools-in-usa/1002393 "2024-12-22T23:38:25Z")
We had a long thread about abuses in such schools in Canada; which ended (at least temporarily) with a question about abuses in the USA, to which someone else pointed out entirely reasonably that it was off topic for tha… --- ## [Do you think Black Friday will ever go back to what it used to be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-black-friday-will-ever-go-back-to-what-it-used-to-be/1011937)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-black-friday-will-ever-go-back-to-what-it-used-to-be/1011937 "2024-12-21T17:28:07Z")
Even though my family didn’t shop as often during Black Friday while growing up: My only memory (from my younger days) was when we went to a store before they closed up for the day, and since they were planning on closi… --- ## [Happy Holidays to All of You!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-holidays-to-all-of-you/1011944)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-holidays-to-all-of-you/1011944 "2024-12-21T16:40:07Z")
My two week holiday break begins in 30 minutes, so let me wish all of you a wonderful holiday season! I hope you spend it laughing and loving with family and friends, and may the new year be the best year of your lives!… --- ## [The squirrel/vole war has begun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-squirrel-vole-war-has-begun/1011881)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-squirrel-vole-war-has-begun/1011881 "2024-12-21T06:06:13Z")
Ground squirrels are en masse killing and eating voles in California, demonstrating once again rodent’s inrodentity to rodent. https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/squirrels-predators-bay-area-park-19988436.p… --- ## [Words I didn't realize were pejorative until later in life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-i-didnt-realize-were-pejorative-until-later-in-life/1004604)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 295\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2024, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-i-didnt-realize-were-pejorative-until-later-in-life/1004604 "2024-12-09T11:01:52Z")
When I was a kid, the word “gip” was extensively. I was an adult before I found out it was short for “gypsy” and was derogatory. When I found out, I stopped using it. Years ago, I heard an English person use “bint” to… --- ## [Should I fix erroneous middle name on my Social Security record?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-fix-erroneous-middle-name-on-my-social-security-record/1011761)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-fix-erroneous-middle-name-on-my-social-security-record/1011761 "2024-12-20T21:44:25Z")
I recently discovered that the middle name on my Social Security account is incorrect - it does not match the middle name on my birth certificate , driver’s license, or passport. Both middle names start with the same let… --- ## [Saying "Thank You" to those who affect your lives for the better](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saying-thank-you-to-those-who-affect-your-lives-for-the-better/1011878)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saying-thank-you-to-those-who-affect-your-lives-for-the-better/1011878 "2024-12-20T21:31:02Z")
I have done this occasionally, either by mail or by e-mail, to people who have no idea as to who I might be. I have thanked the group Steeleye Span for their wonderful music over the years. I have thanked Harlan Ellison… --- ## [First Contact Headline News](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-contact-headline-news/1011926)
**Author:** [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-contact-headline-news/1011926 "2024-12-20T18:16:53Z")
SETI confirms arrival of extraterrestrials on planet Earth. Create headlines we’re likely to see. Here’s a few to start you off: USA Today: First Contact! Americans Ask: Will They Take Our Jobs or just Our Self-Esteem? … --- ## [If you like Pina Coladas, stay the hell out of Fiji](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-like-pina-coladas-stay-the-hell-out-of-fiji/1011712)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-like-pina-coladas-stay-the-hell-out-of-fiji/1011712 "2024-12-20T09:13:52Z")
At the same hospital, a guy who got pneumonia getting caught in the rain and two cases of intimate sand abrasion from the dunes by the cape. --- ## [Most U.S Straight Dope Readers Can Get Free $125 (in reality, $5)--Equifax Data Breach Settlement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-u-s-straight-dope-readers-can-get-free-125-in-reality-5-equifax-data-breach-settlement/837591)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2024, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-u-s-straight-dope-readers-can-get-free-125-in-reality-5-equifax-data-breach-settlement/837591 "2024-12-19T22:45:12Z")
So your alternatives are: Free $125 (no documentation needed) or Free credit monitoring (no documentation needed) or Substantially more if you document your costs/losses To see if you are covered: https://eligibil… --- ## [My knife slipped past TSA airport screening — accidentally of course; twice actually](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-knife-slipped-past-tsa-airport-screening-accidentally-of-course-twice-actually/1011817)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2024, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-knife-slipped-past-tsa-airport-screening-accidentally-of-course-twice-actually/1011817 "2024-12-19T17:36:40Z")
Pics below. Sorry for the long OP. You can quickly scan through it. TLDR = a few times I’ve accidentally forgotten my knife in my carry-on bag. Sometimes it got confiscated by TSA but 2x it did not. Has this happened to … --- ## [Invasive species: Giant hornets in Washington state, British Columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invasive-species-giant-hornets-in-washington-state-british-columbia/853181)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2024, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invasive-species-giant-hornets-in-washington-state-british-columbia/853181 "2024-12-19T12:08:52Z")
The media has been reporting of late using the rather sensationalist term “murder hornet” for these critters: The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) has arrived in the Pacific Northwest (believed to be either a stowaw… --- ## [New York state is looking into creating a special hotline for CEOs to report threats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-york-state-is-looking-into-creating-a-special-hotline-for-ceos-to-report-threats/1011732)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2024, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-york-state-is-looking-into-creating-a-special-hotline-for-ceos-to-report-threats/1011732 "2024-12-19T11:48:21Z")
I guess regular 911 is good enough for the proletariat class, but the CEOs need their own special law enforcement division. Also they want to make killing CEOs an act of terrorism. Killing the bottom 99% will still be re… --- ## [Fusion Power - No longer 30 years away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fusion-power-no-longer-30-years-away/1011823)
**Author:** [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2024, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fusion-power-no-longer-30-years-away/1011823 "2024-12-19T02:00:01Z")
So apparently someone thinks they can have an operating fusion power plant within a decade. However, I feel like the following line in the story is doing a lot of work: Oh, you don’t say! --- ## [Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-socialists-of-america-dsa/1010264)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2024, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-socialists-of-america-dsa/1010264 "2024-12-19T01:07:36Z")
Would joining the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) make me one of Trump’s “enemies within”, a target of harassment by Trump’s jackbooted thugs? What harm could there be in joining the DSA? Does the DSA allow Vete… --- ## [Beware: PDF attachments can contain viruses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-pdf-attachments-can-contain-viruses/1011762)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2024, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-pdf-attachments-can-contain-viruses/1011762 "2024-12-18T23:42:55Z")
Hi, a PSA for today. Apologies if this has been discussed recently. This morning I received this text — A quick search yielded these — No, I di… --- ## [I'd support the right to arm bears, but](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-support-the-right-to-arm-bears-but/1011776)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2024, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-support-the-right-to-arm-bears-but/1011776 "2024-12-18T11:29:26Z")
…it looks like they don’t need it. A Virginia man has died after a bear in a tree shot by one of his hunting partners fell on him That’s some Three Stooges stuff right there. Yeah, I know they probably took him to a … --- ## [How can an IP68 smartphone be okay with being submerged in water, but not be okay with some rain droplets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-an-ip68-smartphone-be-okay-with-being-submerged-in-water-but-not-be-okay-with-some-rain-droplets/1011701)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2024, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-an-ip68-smartphone-be-okay-with-being-submerged-in-water-but-not-be-okay-with-some-rain-droplets/1011701 "2024-12-18T05:22:28Z")
So I accidentally left my smartphone (Samsung S22) exposed to rain (to the point where it sat, almost soaked, for a while) and I’m getting contradictory info: On the one hand, it’s IP68 rated, and advertised as being a… --- ## [Where there's a will...how soon should I lawyer up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-theres-a-will-how-soon-should-i-lawyer-up/993221)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2024, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-theres-a-will-how-soon-should-i-lawyer-up/993221 "2024-12-17T15:10:00Z")
So my stepdad died about 3 months ago. His bio son is the executor of the will. According to my stepdad (of 43 years btw) his will was meant to be split 5 x ways equally between my two sisters and I, his son, and his gra… --- ## [SDMB mentioned in video about #5 Dorrance stainless steel hooks lady](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-mentioned-in-video-about-5-dorrance-stainless-steel-hooks-lady/1011699)
**Author:** [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2024, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-mentioned-in-video-about-5-dorrance-stainless-steel-hooks-lady/1011699 "2024-12-16T23:34:51Z")
Longtime members of this board will remember the story circulating in the early 2000s about the woman named Carole (probably an assumed name) who wanted to be a DBE (double below-elbow) amputee and wanted to wear Dorranc… --- ## [Why do people insist on being "nice" despite being told not to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-being-nice-despite-being-told-not-to/1011619)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2024, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-being-nice-despite-being-told-not-to/1011619 "2024-12-16T21:10:18Z")
We just got a very heavy box in the mail. FREEZE ON ARRIVAL it said on the side. So we open this thing up and there’s some Polish sausages on top of a couple bottles of saurkraut and a jar of mustard and a package of rol… --- ## [(Old) I’ve Never Done This Before in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-i-ve-never-done-this-before-in-the-mmp/1004594)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 286\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2024, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-i-ve-never-done-this-before-in-the-mmp/1004594 "2024-07-30T01:40:55Z")
Wait, could it possibly be? I’ve looked three times through the last day’s worth of threads and can’t find a new MMP, so I’m starting one! This is unprecedented and I’m unreasonably excited. So what’s something rather … --- ## [People lying about their 21st birthday just to get free drinks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-lying-about-their-21st-birthday-just-to-get-free-drinks/1011242)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2024, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-lying-about-their-21st-birthday-just-to-get-free-drinks/1011242 "2024-12-16T06:49:41Z")
Even though the bouncers/doormen check ID’s and know how old you are: I’ve heard of some people telling random strangers that it’s their 21st birthday, which resulted in free drinks for the night. However, I’m not sure… --- ## [(Old) Rainy Days and Mondays in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-rainy-days-and-mondays-in-the-mmp/1011386)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 366\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2024, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-rainy-days-and-mondays-in-the-mmp/1011386 "2024-12-16T05:25:12Z")
Woot. Its about to rain for a bit here. I awoke briefly to bathroom and to get over the weird dream. Who likes rain? --- ## [So if you worked at Mcdonald's , would you recognize the assassin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-you-worked-at-mcdonalds-would-you-recognize-the-assassin/1011441)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2024, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-you-worked-at-mcdonalds-would-you-recognize-the-assassin/1011441 "2024-12-15T23:21:28Z")
Well, would you? Huh? As for me…I sure wouldn’t. For two reasons: As a McD employee, I’m a minimum-wage slave who just wants to finish my shift. My situational awareness is pretty much limited to counting the burger… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=76) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=78)