# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=877 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 878 --- ## [How many countries are younger than you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-countries-are-younger-than-you/681525)
**Author:** [@Armored\_Diplomacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Armored_Diplomacy)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2014, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-countries-are-younger-than-you/681525 "2014-02-22T02:03:07Z")
Here’s a fun little game I thought of. Try to think of all the independent countries that are younger than you. That is, your birth predates their date of independence. For me, it would be: Palau East Timor Serbia Mon… --- ## [How many times have you been in love,](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-been-in-love/681325)
**Author:** [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2014, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-been-in-love/681325 "2014-02-22T01:28:00Z")
and what was the outcome? I’ve loved a lot of guys for different reasons but I’ve been “in love” (crazy, I’d do anything) type twice. I’ve been married twice, not to the men I loved. --- ## [Damned Women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-women/681815)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2014, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-women/681815 "2014-02-22T00:58:14Z")
My good friend Jeff and I were having breakfast today. While I was cooking waffles, he put on a song by Queens of the Stone Age: “I’m your Jezebel, she said, On my way to hell, she said…” Suddenly Jeff says, “Wait – … --- ## [1973 soap box derby scandal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1973-soap-box-derby-scandal/681917)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2014, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1973-soap-box-derby-scandal/681917 "2014-02-22T00:11:19Z")
I was wondering whatever happened to Jimmy Gronen, the 14-year-old kid who was caught cheating at the 1973 All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. He’s been keeping a low profile taking a different surname and explo… --- ## [Engine failure. You have one second to save your life.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-failure-you-have-one-second-to-save-your-life/681881)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-failure-you-have-one-second-to-save-your-life/681881 "2014-02-21T21:55:56Z")
I get AOPA’s ePilot newsletter every day. Today it has an article called Rotorcraft Rookie: Advanced autorotations. The first paragraph reads: Now, it’s been waaaaaay too long since I’ve had the discretionary funds t… --- ## [Obama's New stimulus package.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-new-stimulus-package/681828)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-new-stimulus-package/681828 "2014-02-21T21:32:23Z")
Finally a Obama stimulus package that will work. :slight\_smile: Theres nothing like helping business improve their drooping sales. \[SPOILER\] Washington gridlock isn’t the only dysfunction President Obama has become th… --- ## [I Want to Hear the National Anthem at Sochi.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-hear-the-national-anthem-at-sochi/681868)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-hear-the-national-anthem-at-sochi/681868 "2014-02-21T20:46:51Z")
I have been watching the Olympics on NBC a little from time to time. I find the competitions interesting, of course. But there is another reason why I watch it. I want them to show the medals ceremony, so I can hear the … --- ## [It seems too good to be true but apparently it is true. (Free Carnival cruise)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-seems-too-good-to-be-true-but-apparently-it-is-true-free-carnival-cruise/681662)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-seems-too-good-to-be-true-but-apparently-it-is-true-free-carnival-cruise/681662 "2014-02-21T19:56:16Z")
Last week my wife got a fairly nondescript letter in the mail from Carnival Cruise lines. There was a little sticker on it that said something like “Special Offer inside”. Frankly, I’m surprised that she even opened it… --- ## [99 least-sexy words to use while making love to your lady](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/99-least-sexy-words-to-use-while-making-love-to-your-lady/681350)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/99-least-sexy-words-to-use-while-making-love-to-your-lady/681350 "2014-02-21T19:23:06Z")
Fellas, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I figure it’s time to unleash the list of 99 Least-Sexy Words to Use While Making Love to Your Lady\[sup\]TM\[/sup\]. Ladies, feel free to contribute. Fellas, feel free to take notes, or… --- ## [Six the Cat has a Terrible Adventure. And I had a date!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/six-the-cat-has-a-terrible-adventure-and-i-had-a-date/681897)
**Author:** [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/six-the-cat-has-a-terrible-adventure-and-i-had-a-date/681897 "2014-02-21T18:22:27Z")
I met a nice fellow online last summer and then sort of lost touch with him. Last week, though, he used the chicken wing persuasion technique, and we set up a date to meet for dinner. We’ve been texting a lot, and have c… --- ## [Is Anyone Here in Kiev?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-here-in-kiev/681670)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-here-in-kiev/681670 "2014-02-21T16:54:29Z")
What’s happening in your part of the city? Can you give us a first-hand report? --- ## [Any Tacoma dopers willing to help me out (ComicCon ticket wanted)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tacoma-dopers-willing-to-help-me-out-comiccon-ticket-wanted/681840)
**Author:** [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tacoma-dopers-willing-to-help-me-out-comiccon-ticket-wanted/681840 "2014-02-21T06:30:06Z")
As I mentioned in a recent thread, I am going to be visiting Seattle in March/April for work. One of the things I wanted to do was to get to Emerald City Comic Con on the last weekend in March. Unfortunately, by the time… --- ## [I have a giraffe's pelvis.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-giraffes-pelvis/681374)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2014, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-giraffes-pelvis/681374 "2014-02-21T00:19:43Z")
No, not attached to me. And no, not giraffe’s pelvis. A giraffe’s pelvis. The pelvis of a (former) giraffe. Presumably it was no longer required for it’s orginal purpose and so it has come into my posession. I don’t k… --- ## [I "know" so many more people here that have died than I do in real life.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-so-many-more-people-here-that-have-died-than-i-do-in-real-life/681820)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-so-many-more-people-here-that-have-died-than-i-do-in-real-life/681820 "2014-02-20T23:51:26Z")
It’s really kind of a shocker. I have communicated often with so many people here that I ultimately learn has died. Lynn being the latest. It’s just not something I ever would have imagined would be an almost “regular… --- ## ["Decimated" - what is the word we really want?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decimated-what-is-the-word-we-really-want/681730)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decimated-what-is-the-word-we-really-want/681730 "2014-02-20T20:37:07Z")
Yes, people use the word “decimated” to mean, roughly, reduced to one tenth the original size, rather than reduced by one tenth the original size, when the second one is the technically correct definition. “The regiment… --- ## [Semi-interesting work-related situation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-interesting-work-related-situation/681614)
**Author:** [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-interesting-work-related-situation/681614 "2014-02-20T17:59:50Z")
I currently live in London. I’m being headhunted for a job at a company I previously worked for 7-8 years ago in Tokyo; I quit to take a more senior position in New York (left that job and ended up at my current compan… --- ## [Woman buys store's stock of offensive t-shirts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-buys-stores-stock-of-offensive-t-shirts/681725)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-buys-stores-stock-of-offensive-t-shirts/681725 "2014-02-20T17:57:53Z")
Story here. This woman, visiting a mall with her 18-year-old son, got offended at some semi-nudie shirts in Pac Sun’s window, solved the problem by buying all of them, some $600 worth. Her act is now all over the news. … --- ## ["I'm having an affair.", and more...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-having-an-affair-and-more/679867)
**Author:** [@ThePretender919](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThePretender919)\ **Replies:** 234\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-having-an-affair-and-more/679867 "2014-02-20T14:25:59Z")
Let me preface everything by saying that the point of this thread is to get real, honest opinions and feedback, in a group setting. I don’t know any of you. But I’m a member of a few internet forums, and have developed… --- ## [My small city, Franklin, MA just got named the safest city in America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-small-city-franklin-ma-just-got-named-the-safest-city-in-america/681668)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-small-city-franklin-ma-just-got-named-the-safest-city-in-america/681668 "2014-02-20T02:23:46Z")
Truly mundane and pointless but it made me happy. My adopted town of Franklin, MA was just named the safest city in America through an analysis of crime statistics. I always knew it was pretty safe here but you always th… --- ## [A lot of large regional shopping malls are dying across the US - Is your mall dying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-lot-of-large-regional-shopping-malls-are-dying-across-the-us-is-your-mall-dying/681588)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-lot-of-large-regional-shopping-malls-are-dying-across-the-us-is-your-mall-dying/681588 "2014-02-19T23:37:04Z")
Interesting articlehere and I have to say I agree with the premise. It will be a slow death roll but a lot of regional malls across the US will die in the next decade or so or be converted to other uses. Interesting ho… --- ## [Dogs use Earth's magnetic field ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-use-earths-magnetic-field/681700)
**Author:** [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-use-earths-magnetic-field/681700 "2014-02-19T19:52:29Z")
… to poop. A new study shows that dogs align themselves along the magnetic poles when they do their thing. I would imagine this would be a potential lifesaver if I am lost in the woods with a dog. Science marches on. --- ## [Ethiopian Airlines flight hijacked by co-pilot to Geneva](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethiopian-airlines-flight-hijacked-by-co-pilot-to-geneva/681564)
**Author:** [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethiopian-airlines-flight-hijacked-by-co-pilot-to-geneva/681564 "2014-02-19T15:40:30Z")
From BBC: However, my favorite part of the story comes from Yahoo! News: --- ## [Ever Have A Unique Dream...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-have-a-unique-dream/681617)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-have-a-unique-dream/681617 "2014-02-19T11:37:54Z")
I don’t know about the rest of you, but sometimes I have some truly unique dreams. One of my recent favorites involves my maternal grandmother. You see, she died the month after I turned 3. And not surprisingly, I don’t … --- ## [Media report of $1 Million vase in Museum destroyed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/media-report-of-1-million-vase-in-museum-destroyed/681664)
**Author:** [@Iamnotivan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iamnotivan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/media-report-of-1-million-vase-in-museum-destroyed/681664 "2014-02-19T05:12:43Z")
Every media outlet has been crowing about one Maximo Caminero of Miami who went into the Perez Art Gallery, picked up a vase to chest height and let it fall in many pieces. What nonsense. Those same cheap vases were he… --- ## [The cold Monday morning MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cold-monday-morning-mmp/680962)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 392\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cold-monday-morning-mmp/680962 "2014-02-19T04:06:36Z")
We still have a lot of snow on the ground, and got another dusting yesterday. Blurf. Now I have to get ready to go to work. But there’s wine tasting this Saturday! Here’s the link to last week’s MMP --- ## [Coupon Collectors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coupon-collectors/681672)
**Author:** [@ybeamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ybeamon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coupon-collectors/681672 "2014-02-19T03:27:46Z")
I was given some vintage coupons and I know there are some collectors here. If you’re interested please let me know. Most of them are from the 60s - 80s and mainly cereals. My mom came across them and sent them to me. Pr… --- ## [Decided to fast today and God I'm hungry!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decided-to-fast-today-and-god-im-hungry/681492)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decided-to-fast-today-and-god-im-hungry/681492 "2014-02-19T03:20:30Z")
A hungry, hungry hippo. Weight loss program been going OK for some time now, but overindulged a bit yesterday and my daily intake been edging up lately, so I decided to take Sunday and re-center myself and regain tracti… --- ## [Deaf guy gets beat up and tased by California cops.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deaf-guy-gets-beat-up-and-tased-by-california-cops/681673)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deaf-guy-gets-beat-up-and-tased-by-california-cops/681673 "2014-02-19T02:12:08Z")
It must be terrifying for the deaf to encounter cops. They can’t hear the command voice/command presence cops are trained to use. These cops didn’t know sign language either. Traffic stops are especially dangerous for … --- ## [Cord Cut- One Year On (Cable)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cord-cut-one-year-on-cable/681577)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cord-cut-one-year-on-cable/681577 "2014-02-19T01:28:48Z")
OK, so this is my first go at an MPSIMS thread, but with all the talk about cable companies due to the proposed takeover of Time-Warner by Comcast, I thought I would share. A little more than a year ago, I realized that… --- ## [Asteroid 2000 EM26 passing by earth to say 'Hi' (live video)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asteroid-2000-em26-passing-by-earth-to-say-hi-live-video/681579)
**Author:** [@Esco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esco)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asteroid-2000-em26-passing-by-earth-to-say-hi-live-video/681579 "2014-02-18T23:51:20Z")
Live video (open in Chrome. Starts at 9PM EST): http://live.slooh.com/ Who knows, maybe we’ll see some fireworks [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=876) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=878)