# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=822 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 823 --- ## [Free WiFi in restaurants - Good or Bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-wifi-in-restaurants-good-or-bad/694014)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-wifi-in-restaurants-good-or-bad/694014 "2014-08-05T18:37:45Z")
I saw this report where they say so many people go into restaurants that have wifi that they are taking so much longer to order, eat, and generally finish so they can turn the table. One study says an average of 35 minut… --- ## [James Brady has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/james-brady-has-died/694806)
**Author:** [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/james-brady-has-died/694806 "2014-08-05T16:20:42Z")
James Brady, Reagan’s press secretary who was shot in the head by John Hinckley during his assassination attempt, has died. Certainly one of, if not the, largest figure in the gun control debate over the past 50 years. … --- ## [I'm turning 35 in a little over an hour, and I don't like it one bit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-turning-35-in-a-little-over-an-hour-and-i-dont-like-it-one-bit/694295)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-turning-35-in-a-little-over-an-hour-and-i-dont-like-it-one-bit/694295 "2014-08-05T15:37:32Z")
I reaaaaally don’t want to do this. Even on my 34th birthday, I still felt like I could call myself “young.” Very soon I’ll be closer to 40 than 30, and as silly and superficial as it sounds, I don’t want to be that old … --- ## [Forget "niggardly", fight the homophone agenda](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forget-niggardly-fight-the-homophone-agenda/694680)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forget-niggardly-fight-the-homophone-agenda/694680 "2014-08-05T13:55:40Z")
A decade ago, a lot was made out of a few ignorant PC idiots idiots objecting to niggardly. Now, they’ve been eclipsed by the sacking of a teacher at an ESL school for writing a blog post on homophones. The school owne… --- ## [When does porn become an addiction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-porn-become-an-addiction/549339)
**Author:** [@Anon2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anon2020)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-porn-become-an-addiction/549339 "2014-08-05T13:18:31Z")
So I suspect that by boyfriend either: has a very low sex drive, has no sex drive, has a HUGE sex drive and uses porn to fulfill it, or just is addicted to porn. He will NOT initiate sex with me most of the time. I know … --- ## [Free water!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water/694807)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water/694807 "2014-08-05T12:55:08Z")
In our little corner of Southern California, my wife and I grow a little garden to supply ourselves (and the \*&%$-ing rabbits) with a few fresh fruits and vegetables. This can be very expensive though, because the plants… --- ## [Abusing Infants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abusing-infants/694536)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abusing-infants/694536 "2014-08-05T11:14:15Z")
True Confession: I like to verbally abuse infants. In a calming, soft voice. I figure they can’t understand any words until they’re 8 months old or so. So I’ll say things like “Don’t be such a baby!” or “You’re so immatu… --- ## [Memorable license plates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memorable-license-plates/692553)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memorable-license-plates/692553 "2014-08-05T10:29:27Z")
There are some license plates that are indelible in my mind. 5G8366: My first motorcycle, which I got when I was twelve. 1M7749: My second motorcycle, at 16. 1M7750: Dad’s matching motorcycle. TAA 951: My first car, … --- ## [Mennonite mini Cooper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mennonite-mini-cooper/694061)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mennonite-mini-cooper/694061 "2014-08-05T08:29:08Z")
A Mennonite lady was at the gas station today, in her bonnet and calico prairie dress, filling up her pristine silver mini Cooper with racing stripes. No fair! Want. Seriously, that is like my dream car. Why can’t she … --- ## [Has anyone ever stayed in a Yotel? (going to London thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-stayed-in-a-yotel-going-to-london-thread/694461)
**Author:** [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-stayed-in-a-yotel-going-to-london-thread/694461 "2014-08-05T04:02:20Z")
A Yotel We’re traveling to London in a few weeks and on our way back, our flight out of Heathrow is at 6:00am. Since we want to be at the airport early, it seems a waste of money to get a hotel for Wednesday night, not … --- ## [My Australian Shepherd Talks!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-australian-shepherd-talks/444192)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2014, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-australian-shepherd-talks/444192 "2014-08-05T00:23:17Z")
We have a 4 year old female Autralian Shepherd dog (“Daisy”) who vocalizes a LOT! She makes an odd-grunting-like sound when satisfies (like when I’m scratching her ears). When she wanst attention, she makes a sort-of dr… --- ## [Lineage in schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lineage-in-schools/694473)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2014, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lineage-in-schools/694473 "2014-08-04T23:01:15Z")
Just wondering how many Dopers went to schools that their parents went to? For me: Elementary school: my mother. High school: my mother, my father, my aunt, my uncle. (I actually had two teachers that my Mom and Dad … --- ## [Today's Google Doodle (August 4 2014)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-google-doodle-august-4-2014/694809)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2014, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-google-doodle-august-4-2014/694809 "2014-08-04T21:47:38Z")
I’d tell you more, but I don’t want to spoil it. The point isn’t clear until you work all the way through it. Definitely worth having a look at. --- ## [Who are You? 23 and Me Data](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-you-23-and-me-data/682171)
**Author:** [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2014, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-you-23-and-me-data/682171 "2014-08-04T21:39:35Z")
So for Christmas we got checked out by 23 and me. Too late to get the health stuff, but I found the ancestry portion fun. It killed the “we are part Cherokee” comments from one family member, and the other one that wante… --- ## [burp smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burp-smoke/694675)
**Author:** [@shcom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shcom)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2014, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burp-smoke/694675 "2014-08-04T18:58:41Z")
I sat down at the computer, having just eaten and taken my usual handful of pills, including some supplements. A gentle burp ensued, and what appeared to be smoke came from my nostrils. I was startled, felt for sure my… --- ## [Not an Assessment Essay Gem but I Had to Share This](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-an-assessment-essay-gem-but-i-had-to-share-this/694688)
**Author:** [@Hopeful\_Crow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hopeful_Crow)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2014, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-an-assessment-essay-gem-but-i-had-to-share-this/694688 "2014-08-04T18:05:54Z")
I am, of course, alluding to this ongoing thread. I love reading the newspapers in small towns. When traveling, while others will load up on cheesy souvenirs (made in China) and T-shirts (also likely made in China or s… --- ## [Comic Con "zombies" attack deaf family's car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comic-con-zombies-attack-deaf-familys-car/694240)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2014, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comic-con-zombies-attack-deaf-familys-car/694240 "2014-08-04T13:57:07Z")
Story here I cannot image that poor family’s thoughts as this happened. --- ## [Need a name for my octopus!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-name-for-my-octopus/694425)
**Author:** [@singular1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singular1)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2014, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-name-for-my-octopus/694425 "2014-08-04T07:55:53Z")
I was encouraged to personalize the mobility scooter I was given for work. I have mounted this plush octopusto the handlebars & front column of the scooter, & I’m going to replace the orange plastic flag with some sembl… --- ## [Radio Days: The MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-days-the-mmp/694205)
**Author:** [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Replies:** 306\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2014, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-days-the-mmp/694205 "2014-08-04T05:58:56Z")
Some time ago, I mentioned my recent involvement in amateur radio, a hobby most associated with old men, geeks in white short-sleeve shirts with pocket protectors, and survivalists. And it is true that we have people who… --- ## [Celebrating my new AI with Terminators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrating-my-new-ai-with-terminators/694728)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrating-my-new-ai-with-terminators/694728 "2014-08-03T21:45:37Z")
I finished an algorithm today for a problem I’ve been working on and to celebrate I’m watching all of the Terminator movies (and Chinese food). :slight\_smile: --- ## [Wow, it's snowing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-its-snowing/694570)
**Author:** [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-its-snowing/694570 "2014-08-03T19:34:11Z")
Lovely flakes are swirling about in the air. They’re not staying on the ground though. It’s not cold enough. --- ## [Here is a pic of me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/here-is-a-pic-of-me/694597)
**Author:** [@TogoFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TogoFan)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/here-is-a-pic-of-me/694597 "2014-08-03T16:46:40Z")
Here is a pic of me wearing my eyeglasses. http://i.imgur.com/0X3xMSI.jpg --- ## [Have we ever done a Satuday Morning Post Thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-ever-done-a-satuday-morning-post-thread/694635)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-ever-done-a-satuday-morning-post-thread/694635 "2014-08-03T08:08:21Z")
If so, sorry, but here’s another one. If not, what’s something worth commenting on today? Nice weather? Football around the corner? Recipes for chalk? The neighbor’s cat? I got nothing. Just wondered if such a thin… --- ## [I didn't know Firefighters had bailout gear.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-didnt-know-firefighters-had-bailout-gear/694685)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-didnt-know-firefighters-had-bailout-gear/694685 "2014-08-03T04:03:17Z")
I hear about firefighters that get trapped and die in fires. Turns out in NY and a few other places they’ve been issue bail out gear. A hook and pulley that attaches to the window and rope. They’re trained to escape in… --- ## [What was your telephone exchange name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-telephone-exchange-name/693850)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-telephone-exchange-name/693850 "2014-08-03T03:29:25Z")
This one is for us old farts. Back in the day we had something called telephone exchange names that identified what part of town we were calling from. For instance, my old number was TR6-(XXXX), and when you said it al… --- ## [Put on a bus with known problems.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/put-on-a-bus-with-known-problems/680395)
**Author:** [@Isilder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isilder)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/put-on-a-bus-with-known-problems/680395 "2014-08-03T02:10:48Z")
Straddled that Greyhound And rode into Raleigh and on across Carolina We had motor trouble that turn into a struggle Halfway across Alabama And that hound broke down and left us all stranded In downtown Birmingham (… --- ## [What stupid thing did you NOT do as a kid for which you WERE punished anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-stupid-thing-did-you-not-do-as-a-kid-for-which-you-were-punished-anyway/694533)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-stupid-thing-did-you-not-do-as-a-kid-for-which-you-were-punished-anyway/694533 "2014-08-03T00:38:17Z")
It was the start of third grade and football season was just about to get underway. I was pretending to be a punter one morning, and I had my brown bag lunch in my hand. I did an invisible kick and the lunch slipped fr… --- ## [Anyone up for a Portland Mini-DopeFest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-up-for-a-portland-mini-dopefest/689945)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2014, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-up-for-a-portland-mini-dopefest/689945 "2014-08-03T00:17:06Z")
We haven’t had one for quite a while. My suggestion for a location would be The Horse Brass Pub. It’s got a wide selection of beers and single malt Scotches, good British and American pub food, and a proper pub atmosph… --- ## [The polo shirt is the worse piece of clothing ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2014, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-polo-shirt-is-the-worse-piece-of-clothing-ever/508700 "2014-08-02T18:37:26Z")
I have decided that the polo shirt(irregardless if it is made by Ralph Lauren) is the worse article of clothing in common usage today. \[ul\] \[li\]Polo shirts are too fancy to be casual and too casual to be fancy\[/li\] \[l… --- ## [What stupid thing did you do as a kid for which you were caught and punished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-stupid-thing-did-you-do-as-a-kid-for-which-you-were-caught-and-punished/694069)
**Author:** [@PurpleClogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PurpleClogs)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2014, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-stupid-thing-did-you-do-as-a-kid-for-which-you-were-caught-and-punished/694069 "2014-08-02T18:30:11Z")
What stupid thing did you do as a kid for which you were caught and punished? No high school stuff, just k-8. I love kid stories! If it’s not you, but your kid, that’s ok too. We had some super fancy solid wood Ethan… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=821) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=823)