# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=86 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 87 --- ## [Auroras deep south again (October 10th 2024)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auroras-deep-south-again-october-10th-2024/1008651)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2024, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auroras-deep-south-again-october-10th-2024/1008651 "2024-10-18T01:57:41Z")
The odds are stacked against me getting good aurora photos. Light pollution. Surrounded by trees. Terrible low light capabilities on my camera. But here’s my view of the aurora in Upstate South Carolina. https://i.posti… --- ## [Your plastic pal who's fun to be with!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-plastic-pal-whos-fun-to-be-with/1008923)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2024, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-plastic-pal-whos-fun-to-be-with/1008923 "2024-10-17T23:44:30Z")
‘Comfortable, fun, familiar’: Why Microsoft is trying to turn its AI chatbot into a digital friend Ugh. Article here: --- ## [Today I learned that Tyler Perry has a replica of the White House](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-i-learned-that-tyler-perry-has-a-replica-of-the-white-house/1008878)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2024, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-i-learned-that-tyler-perry-has-a-replica-of-the-white-house/1008878 "2024-10-17T21:10:35Z")
For real. Full sized. And the Secret Service has trained there since they don’t have the money to build their own. https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleMaps/comments/rtpuk4/full\_white\_house\_replica\_at\_the\_tyler\_perry/#lightbo… --- ## [How many high ranking officials from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, PIJ, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-high-ranking-officials-from-groups-like-hamas-hezbollah-pij-etc/1006830)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2024, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-high-ranking-officials-from-groups-like-hamas-hezbollah-pij-etc/1006830 "2024-10-17T19:51:32Z")
How many high ranking leaders have been killed? I’ve seen news stories saying ‘commander so and so was killed’ but is there a running list? It was my understanding the actual leader of Hamas was killed in the last few m… --- ## [Sounds of Silence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sounds-of-silence/1008888)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2024, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sounds-of-silence/1008888 "2024-10-17T15:10:01Z")
I was thinking about making a thread about how I made Son-of-a-wrek do the cabbage patch dance to get in the back door, in the past. It was hilarious. I thought that would be a funny story to put on the Dope. Bad, bad,… --- ## [What is the point of political yard signs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-political-yard-signs/1007392)
**Author:** [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2024, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-political-yard-signs/1007392 "2024-10-17T14:22:19Z")
It’s getting close to that time of year where yard signs touting one incompetent political candidate or another will soon start appearing in the neighborhood. These always struck me as useless at best, annoying and a dis… --- ## [A little place](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-little-place/1008906)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2024, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-little-place/1008906 "2024-10-17T07:22:28Z")
No. Not called Kokomo. Heck it might be. For all I know. The label is Chinese. Or some language I don’t know. Could be anything. Where you can go… And the most amazing things are there for you to purchase. A bit of c… --- ## [My wife's computer was hacked](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wifes-computer-was-hacked/1008735)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2024, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wifes-computer-was-hacked/1008735 "2024-10-17T02:18:34Z")
Friday afternoon, I suddenly heard beeping from the room where my wife’s computer was. She soon came to me and said that there was a screen that said her computer was having problems and she must call Microsoft immediat… --- ## [The Hajj (Mecca)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hajj-mecca/1008718)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2024, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hajj-mecca/1008718 "2024-10-16T20:38:57Z")
An interesting live video from Mecca showing pilgrims doing one step of the Hajj (Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia). They seem to enter in an organized fashion, and then circle the black object (the “Holy Kaaba”) seven … --- ## [Why are certain jobs strict about overtime while others aren't?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-certain-jobs-strict-about-overtime-while-others-arent/1002388)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2024, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-certain-jobs-strict-about-overtime-while-others-arent/1002388 "2024-10-16T17:55:07Z")
Even though overtime depends on business needs and staffing, it makes me wonder why certain jobs don’t offer or require overtime, since it may not be necessary, depending on the situation. For example: blue collar, ware… --- ## [What non-violent ways do nations use to try to influence each other and bring each other down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-violent-ways-do-nations-use-to-try-to-influence-each-other-and-bring-each-other-down/1008819)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2024, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-violent-ways-do-nations-use-to-try-to-influence-each-other-and-bring-each-other-down/1008819 "2024-10-16T12:15:50Z")
The list of ways is endless, is there a book or website about this I could look at? I’m thinking of things like the following: Giving funds (legal and illegal) to politicians who support your agenda Flooding a nation … --- ## [Is it Fall in your neck of the woods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-fall-in-your-neck-of-the-woods/1008827)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-fall-in-your-neck-of-the-woods/1008827 "2024-10-15T23:02:06Z")
After living through 15 harsh winters in Northwest Montana I decided to spend the Fall and Winter months with my daughter and grandson in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My daughter is single, works full time, and could use some help r… --- ## [Heads of state's families killing each other in combat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heads-of-states-families-killing-each-other-in-combat/1008841)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heads-of-states-families-killing-each-other-in-combat/1008841 "2024-10-15T20:47:29Z")
So I recently fell down a “wikihole” about the 1976 Entebbe Raid, as you do. I learned that current Israeli PM Benjamin Netenyahu’s brother Yonatan led, and was killed in the raid, when Ugandan soldiers in the airport co… --- ## [(Old) What's the winter forecast in the MMP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-whats-the-winter-forecast-in-the-mmp/1008532)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 308\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-whats-the-winter-forecast-in-the-mmp/1008532 "2024-10-15T14:31:59Z")
Is it too early for the weather guessers to tell us what’s in store for this winter? Have you heard anything for your area? Do share! Farmer’s Almanac says our area will be mild and snowy. Rah. --- ## [“Aircraft” instruments in a Jeep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aircraft-instruments-in-a-jeep/1008731)
**Author:** [@Bob\_Blaylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Blaylock)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aircraft-instruments-in-a-jeep/1008731 "2024-10-15T10:51:50Z")
Since getting my Jeep, I have found myself, in some circumstances, wanting to have an objective sense regarding its attitude and movement, that I associate with aircraft-type instruments. Most specifically, but not … --- ## [Mr. Charrington](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-charrington/1008789)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-charrington/1008789 "2024-10-15T01:46:13Z")
Fool me once, twice but the 3rd time…nope. You cannot control my thoughts. You cannot change my opinions. I’m safe with my thoughts. I always have been. There’s never a problem with this. Of course there’s the alone-e… --- ## [Big D jokes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-d-jokes/14310)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-d-jokes/14310 "2024-10-15T01:38:00Z")
I remember reading Drew Carey’s 101 Big Dick Jokes. It was hilarious. Judging from the wit I see collected here, we should come up with some good ones. So, anybody know any good big dick jokes? Here’s mine: My dick is … --- ## [How to make $415 million in two years, then lose it all](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-415-million-in-two-years-then-lose-it-all/1008467)
**Author:** [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-415-million-in-two-years-then-lose-it-all/1008467 "2024-10-15T01:24:17Z")
The article is a little short on specifics, but a remarkable story nonetheless. In 2019, when he was just 29, a BC carpenter with $88K in savings invested it in Tesla stock. The article isn’t entirely clear on how he m… --- ## [Sadie's overnight adventure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadies-overnight-adventure/1008754)
**Author:** [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadies-overnight-adventure/1008754 "2024-10-15T01:06:31Z")
So a little while back, we had a cat turn up missing. She had escaped the house unnoticed.It was cold that night and it was dark out when we discovered her disappearance. We were checking nearby houses with flashlights, … --- ## [More fun at the polling station](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-fun-at-the-polling-station/1008687)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2024, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-fun-at-the-polling-station/1008687 "2024-10-15T00:56:25Z")
I volunteer at the early voting polling station in my small rural Virginia county. Every day there is some kind of ugliness, but today’s was the worst. A few people were already voting when four people came in at the sa… --- ## [How to organize books on your Kindle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-organize-books-on-your-kindle/1008763)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-organize-books-on-your-kindle/1008763 "2024-10-14T18:41:32Z")
Continuing the discussion from How do you do books: I’ve acquired enough ebooks that it’s getting hard to find them. How can one organize one’s Kindle library? --- ## [I don’t know how this Turkey was killed, but it’s in the oven now! Happy Thanksgiving, Canadopers!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-know-how-this-turkey-was-killed-but-it-s-in-the-oven-now-happy-thanksgiving-canadopers/1008774)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2024, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-don-t-know-how-this-turkey-was-killed-but-it-s-in-the-oven-now-happy-thanksgiving-canadopers/1008774 "2024-10-14T17:41:34Z")
Beautiful autumn day, Piper Mutt is outside in the backyard philosophising, and the Turkey is in the oven! Cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie are done. Side dishes and whipped cream next on the list. Happy Thanksgiving, C… --- ## [Secrets Snowmen Won’t Tell You](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secrets-snowmen-won-t-tell-you/1008740)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2024, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secrets-snowmen-won-t-tell-you/1008740 "2024-10-14T16:19:15Z")
I’ve been reading a book on AI called You Look Like A Thing And I Love You (an AI-suggested pick-up line) by Janelle Shane (known for her blog AI Weirdness). It’s a very amusing basic look at some common AI models and i… --- ## [Exercise for osteoporosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-for-osteoporosis/1008682)
**Author:** [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2024, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-for-osteoporosis/1008682 "2024-10-14T03:28:34Z")
So yeah, I’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I need to do weight bearing exercise. It’s my lower back left hip, and both femurs. I’m now taking Fosamax. What would be good exercise. I can’t joke that “I could break … --- ## [Cats and Dogs KNOW they're having their picture taken](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-and-dogs-know-theyre-having-their-picture-taken/1008719)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2024, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-and-dogs-know-theyre-having-their-picture-taken/1008719 "2024-10-14T00:29:43Z")
…because if they didn’t, they’d simply wander off immediately, and not stand in place and remain looking at you, at least until the shutter snaps. No? :grinning: --- ## [US - the Jones Act and similar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-the-jones-act-and-similar/1008695)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-the-jones-act-and-similar/1008695 "2024-10-13T21:19:12Z")
The century±old Jones Act restricts (cargo) ships sailing between US ports to be US-built, owned, and crewed. This leads to much higher prices in states/territories such as Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Guam. It supposedly pr… --- ## [(Old) It's A Brand New MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-its-a-brand-new-mmp/1007336)
**Author:** [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Replies:** 319\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-its-a-brand-new-mmp/1007336 "2024-10-13T20:01:35Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 70 Amurrkin out and cloudy with a predicted high of 80 and mostly cloudy. I shall spend a fair amount of time today dealin’ with the public. I need to refill and pick u… --- ## [The CPAP racket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cpap-racket/1007480)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cpap-racket/1007480 "2024-10-13T15:45:35Z")
Does anyone understand why CPAP machines are so difficult to get, are so expensive, are such a pain in the ass? To get mine (my insurance will cover one machine every five years) , I’ve got to go through the testing (a p… --- ## [The most expired product you will use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-expired-product-you-will-use/1007567)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-expired-product-you-will-use/1007567 "2024-10-13T15:00:06Z")
My wife will throw away anything she sees that is after its sell-by date. I will use things that are many, many months expired, depending on the product. Today I needed some thermally-conductive epoxy. I bought this box… --- ## [RIP Ethel Kennedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-ethel-kennedy/1008661)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2024, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-ethel-kennedy/1008661 "2024-10-12T19:34:57Z")
She was 96. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=85) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=87)