# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=82 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 83 --- ## [How do I become a freemason?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2024, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218 "2024-11-18T05:14:41Z")
I don’t know whether this is the right forum to put this question, but I guess it is not suited for FQ, so here I start. All my life (literally: I was born in Spain) I have heard about those freemasons, or masons for sh… --- ## [A benefit for Holocaust survivors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-benefit-for-holocaust-survivors/1010305)
**Author:** [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2024, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-benefit-for-holocaust-survivors/1010305 "2024-11-17T22:48:24Z")
Strange topic, I know, but I wasn’t sure how to word it. My parents just discovered that, as Holocaust survivors, they are entitled to free in-home care for the rest of their lives, as much as they need, paid for by the… --- ## [Sometimes a banana is just a banana?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-a-banana-is-just-a-banana/1010240)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2024, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-a-banana-is-just-a-banana/1010240 "2024-11-17T02:31:54Z")
I was looking for more info on a brand of bananas I wasn’t familiar with\* and found their website. The header image for their page is an apparently naked woman who seems to be very excited to be caressing some large b… --- ## [The Maori haka](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-maori-haka/1010286)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2024, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-maori-haka/1010286 "2024-11-16T11:45:06Z")
I don’t know what it is about this primal ritual that fascinates me. It’s ferocious and energetic, and must have scared the shit out of enemies in the past. Recently, one erupted in the New Zealand parliament in protest … --- ## [Day six of my fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/day-six-of-my-fast/1010058)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2024, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/day-six-of-my-fast/1010058 "2024-11-16T01:09:54Z")
So first a breakdown of where I’m coming from: age 63; obese since early childhood; diagnosed with full-blown Type-2 diabetes since 2016; weight in the middle of January was 274 lbs on a 5’8" frame (height weight charts … --- ## [Grocery product placement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grocery-product-placement/1009568)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2024, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grocery-product-placement/1009568 "2024-11-15T15:46:58Z")
(Moderators feel free to move) I’m both confused and irritated! Recently I went to my local Schnucks looking for apple butter–it’s in season–didn’t think there’ll be any problem since apple cider is prominently displayed… --- ## [Blatant racism in the workplace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blatant-racism-in-the-workplace/1010235)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2024, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blatant-racism-in-the-workplace/1010235 "2024-11-15T14:09:22Z")
I encountered it today, and it was a bit of a shock to hear it so openly. “Only white people should be allowed to vote.” That was the comment from one of my helpers. I’m still upset and angry about it because the make … --- ## [Hot toddy after long wait to vote!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-toddy-after-long-wait-to-vote/1010236)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2024, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-toddy-after-long-wait-to-vote/1010236 "2024-11-15T11:32:10Z")
Today was municipal and school board elections in Sask, and I just came back from the longest voting line I’ve ever been in! Roughly an hour and a half, start to finish. Voting was in a school and the line curved aroun… --- ## [I lost my horse Saturday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-horse-saturday/1010246)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2024, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-horse-saturday/1010246 "2024-11-14T23:26:54Z")
I haven’t been able to post before, not ready. My boy Irish has been with me since 1995, he was a yearling when I got him. Recently he lost his remaining vision, and wandered through a fence and hurt his leg. I had the v… --- ## [Long Connection in Istanbul](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-connection-in-istanbul/1010250)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2024, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-connection-in-istanbul/1010250 "2024-11-14T18:02:26Z")
My wife will be traveling for work through Istanbul, and she will have a 13 hour connection. She will be in Business Class, so she will have lounge access. Neither she nor I are very familiar with Istanbul airport, so I… --- ## [Do doomsayers inherently encourage suicide or other extreme action?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-doomsayers-inherently-encourage-suicide-or-other-extreme-action/1003613)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2024, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-doomsayers-inherently-encourage-suicide-or-other-extreme-action/1003613 "2024-11-14T17:13:45Z")
First, clarifying that I am NOT considering or encouraging any of the acts I’m about to mention. I’m taking extreme examples to demonstrate the instinctive emotional angle I’m taking about. So there are plenty of people… --- ## [Solar Freakin' Railways](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-freakin-railways/981462)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2024, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-freakin-railways/981462 "2024-11-14T12:58:28Z")
We’ve discussed, and totally crucifued, solar freakin’ roadways. Now someone has had the bright idea of placing solar panels between railroad ties. This idea is IMHO even worse than the highway idea. Think about the vib… --- ## [The ultimate, bad first date. Can it get any worse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ultimate-bad-first-date-can-it-get-any-worse/1003497)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2024, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ultimate-bad-first-date-can-it-get-any-worse/1003497 "2024-11-13T22:35:20Z")
Imagine showing up for a first date and they call 911. This could have gone really bad. Domestic violence charges carry heavy penalties. Fortunately the man had the dating App messages and Texts to prove he just met her… --- ## [Five famous folks are coming for dinner, but there is a catch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-famous-folks-are-coming-for-dinner-but-there-is-a-catch/1009503)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2024, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-famous-folks-are-coming-for-dinner-but-there-is-a-catch/1009503 "2024-11-13T18:52:14Z")
You are hosting a dinner party. You may invite five celebrity guests, living or dead. Each guest must have been born in the year of your own birth. State your year along with your five choices; a brief explanation of wh… --- ## [Mud volcano blows the eff up in Colombia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mud-volcano-blows-the-eff-up-in-colombia/1010143)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2024, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mud-volcano-blows-the-eff-up-in-colombia/1010143 "2024-11-13T13:45:05Z")
“Mud volcano” sounds kind of peaceful. Like, not something you’d want to shower in, but not something to be worried while watching. But then I learn that they can be like lighting God’s shart. --- ## [Trump going after NGO's he doesn't like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-going-after-ngos-he-doesnt-like/1010168)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2024, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-going-after-ngos-he-doesnt-like/1010168 "2024-11-13T05:17:42Z")
I saw a report on MSNBC where they said Trump was going to go after certain Non-Government Organizations he dislikes, and declaring them as “terrorist organizations”. Which NGO’s is he likely to go after; NAACP, Black Li… --- ## [I don't understand people who are shocked at the existence of POC and LGBT conservatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-people-who-are-shocked-at-the-existence-of-poc-and-lgbt-conservatives/1010116)
**Author:** [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2024, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-people-who-are-shocked-at-the-existence-of-poc-and-lgbt-conservatives/1010116 "2024-11-13T04:07:22Z")
Time after time, I encounter people who believe people of color and the LGBT are liberal by default. Especially within the last week. Mostly other liberals. They are shocked SHOCKED that 1/4 of black men, 1/6 of the LGBT… --- ## [Pentagon leak of documents related to Ukraine invasion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-leak-of-documents-related-to-ukraine-invasion/982628)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2024, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-leak-of-documents-related-to-ukraine-invasion/982628 "2024-11-12T21:42:13Z")
Continuing the discussion from Russia invades Ukraine {2022-02-24} (Part 2): With a suspect for the leaks identified, there’s probably going to be a lot to discuss on the topic, so let’s split it off from the general Uk… --- ## [(Old) Wait - what time is it in the MMP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-wait-what-time-is-it-in-the-mmp/1009665)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 285\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2024, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-wait-what-time-is-it-in-the-mmp/1009665 "2024-11-12T14:25:30Z")
Yeah, I reset most of our clocks, but it’s not yet natural to wake to light and be in the dark by 5:30PM. How are you adjusting? Happy Moanday! --- ## [I'm starting a record store. Help me avoid critical mistakes!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-starting-a-record-store-help-me-avoid-critical-mistakes/1000197)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 301\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2024, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-starting-a-record-store-help-me-avoid-critical-mistakes/1000197 "2024-11-12T13:18:46Z")
I’ve always loved in-person used record shopping – wandering a store, flipping through the bins, finding a few records or CDs that I’d barely heard of or never knew I wanted, and deciding I must own them. But recently I… --- ## [Harriet Tubman was posthumously made a general today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harriet-tubman-was-posthumously-made-a-general-today/1010112)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2024, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harriet-tubman-was-posthumously-made-a-general-today/1010112 "2024-11-12T03:14:12Z")
This is a really good idea, and I hope it drives the usual asshats into a rage. She certainly deserves the honor. --- ## [Remembrance Day - Thank You](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remembrance-day-thank-you/925320)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2024, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remembrance-day-thank-you/925320 "2024-11-11T18:15:20Z")
A short thank you to all those who served their country with honour and bravely uphold our constitutional and democratic values. This Rememberance Day may be less social than others, but let us nonetheless remember thos… --- ## [The death of print journalism: RIP Star Ledger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-print-journalism-rip-star-ledger/1009515)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2024, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-print-journalism-rip-star-ledger/1009515 "2024-11-11T17:49:19Z")
New Jersey’ biggest newspaper will cease printing in February and become online only. Not included in the article is the fact that the entire editorial board is being let go. Online or not, it will cease to function as a… --- ## [How do you do books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-do-books/1008584)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2024, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-do-books/1008584 "2024-11-11T13:32:15Z")
Inspired by this thread: 2 weeks after a book being published, why is there no price crash on Ebay? Buying books - do you have a particular genre, or will you read anything? Do you buy books as soon as they’re out, wa… --- ## [To dress or not to dress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-dress-or-not-to-dress/1009722)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2024, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-dress-or-not-to-dress/1009722 "2024-11-11T11:17:40Z")
Consider if you will - something has happened that leaves you confined to your home. You are ambulatory within but you can’t go out. (Write your own backstory.) Do you spend your days in jammies and/or loungewear, or do… --- ## [In Which Trep Goes To Hospital. A Lot. (Slight Return)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-trep-goes-to-hospital-a-lot-slight-return/1009888)
**Author:** [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2024, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-trep-goes-to-hospital-a-lot-slight-return/1009888 "2024-11-10T19:25:59Z")
Spoiler: I’m fine. Have a laff with me. God knows, we need it. Useful Advice: If you piss blood, see a doctor. Background: Nearly five years ago I posted this thread describing events leading up to surgery for bladder … --- ## [Russia workshops destoying American aircraft with dildos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-workshops-destoying-american-aircraft-with-dildos/1009685)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2024, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-workshops-destoying-american-aircraft-with-dildos/1009685 "2024-11-10T16:57:42Z")
Airlines in some parts of the world are banning passengers from flying with pagers and walkie talkies after Israel took out much of Hezbollah’s command structure by supplying booby trapped devices. Soon in the U.S., tho… --- ## [Ant or Orc. You decide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ant-or-orc-you-decide/1010003)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2024, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ant-or-orc-you-decide/1010003 "2024-11-10T03:16:52Z")
--- ## ["You may say I'm a dreamer..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-may-say-im-a-dreamer/1009947)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2024, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-may-say-im-a-dreamer/1009947 "2024-11-10T03:12:54Z")
But, I’m not the only one… There’s still hope. Imagine, Peace and love. --- ## [I don't know what I'm going to do](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-what-im-going-to-do/1009768)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2024, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-what-im-going-to-do/1009768 "2024-11-10T02:22:47Z")
I hope I don’t regret sharing this here. But I have to tell somebody. I don’t know if my marriage is going to survive. He’s a Trump supporter; he has totally drunk the Kool-Aid. As I said to him about an hour ago. There… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=81) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=83)