# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=920 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 921 --- ## ["Chicago man to Harvard: Pay more for rare Black history papers or I’ll burn them"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicago-man-to-harvard-pay-more-for-rare-black-history-papers-or-i-ll-burn-them/671376)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicago-man-to-harvard-pay-more-for-rare-black-history-papers-or-i-ll-burn-them/671376 "2013-10-18T23:55:16Z")
We’ll… that’s one way to negotiate. --- ## [Pity party on the occasion of ignominously leaving my doctoral program](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pity-party-on-the-occasion-of-ignominously-leaving-my-doctoral-program/663542)
**Author:** [@Indistinguishable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indistinguishable)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pity-party-on-the-occasion-of-ignominously-leaving-my-doctoral-program/663542 "2013-10-18T21:17:17Z")
I’m in a sort of odd mood right now, and may well regret this thread in the morning. Well, anyway, here goes… As many of you know, I am a mathematician. Well, a math grad student. I have been in a doctoral program at a … --- ## [What's out there that it didn't occur to you even existed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-out-there-that-it-didnt-occur-to-you-even-existed/670183)
**Author:** [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-out-there-that-it-didnt-occur-to-you-even-existed/670183 "2013-10-18T21:00:35Z")
What have you just found about that you had no idea existed, never even considered it, but now that you know you can never forget? Here’s a start: Dinosaur porn. What else ya got, folks? --- ## [Deep thoughts and ponderings. . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-thoughts-and-ponderings/671582)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-thoughts-and-ponderings/671582 "2013-10-18T20:48:21Z")
So I woke up this morning thinking that if Descartes got into a brawl with fencing swords, it would likely be called a Rene epee melee. Do any of you have this sort of meaningful dialog with yourselves? --- ## [I can't get up in the morning...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-get-up-in-the-morning/670947)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-get-up-in-the-morning/670947 "2013-10-18T20:43:11Z")
…I’m exhausted all day long. I can’t wait to get home after work. I swear I’ll go to bed at 9:00! And then I can’t, or don’t want to, go to sleep at night. And then I get back on the treadmill the next day. Fuck. --- ## [I got my first unemployment check today.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-my-first-unemployment-check-today/671594)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-my-first-unemployment-check-today/671594 "2013-10-18T18:55:11Z")
Well it was direct deposit, and not a check. And I also received my last paycheck from my former employer. Also I got a new job this morning starting next Monday. :slight\_smile: Which pays more and has better benef… --- ## [A commode you probably don't crap in.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-commode-you-probably-dont-crap-in/671449)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-commode-you-probably-dont-crap-in/671449 "2013-10-18T17:28:34Z")
What a strange change in word usage. This article discusses a 80k commode stolen from the Rockefeller family. One glance at the photo and its obviously not for taking a crap. Some googling reveals commode was original… --- ## [Funny Exclamations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-exclamations/163424)
**Author:** [@skaterboarder87](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skaterboarder87)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-exclamations/163424 "2013-10-18T13:45:26Z")
What funny exclamations have you heard someone say either in response to something or as a prelude to a comment? For instance, one of the most humorous ones I’ve heard was “Jesus tap-dancing Christ, are you insane”. --- ## [Shoddy workmanship from around the world.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoddy-workmanship-from-around-the-world/671225)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoddy-workmanship-from-around-the-world/671225 "2013-10-18T07:57:14Z")
Some of these photos are just incredible. Who would install a play ground ride under a wall? :confused: Or was the ride there first and they built a wall over it? Bizarre. A lot of these are results of workers not ques… --- ## [It's Not Over Till It's Over, Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-not-over-till-its-over-pup/671302)
**Author:** [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-not-over-till-its-over-pup/671302 "2013-10-18T06:45:21Z")
Update on getting a new dog - I have him! I went to the shelter yesterday to pick him up - he had been in isolation for observation. The folks at the shelter were going to put him down if I waited till today - they said… --- ## [I didn't know there were writable Laser Discs. It looks like a huge floppy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-didnt-know-there-were-writable-laser-discs-it-looks-like-a-huge-floppy/671484)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-didnt-know-there-were-writable-laser-discs-it-looks-like-a-huge-floppy/671484 "2013-10-18T04:42:39Z")
3.5" floppy that is. Picture next to video cassette. Small article --- ## [Hello again! What's new?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hello-again-whats-new/671383)
**Author:** [@LVgeogeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LVgeogeek)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hello-again-whats-new/671383 "2013-10-18T03:12:05Z")
Hello again! I haven’t been around here in awhile (since 2009!) and thought I’d stop by to see what’s new and who is still around from when I was a lot more active here. I’ve poked around and have seen some familiar peop… --- ## [God is such a kidder...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-is-such-a-kidder/671404)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-is-such-a-kidder/671404 "2013-10-18T01:37:35Z")
…or else he needs glasses, cause his aim is off. Lightning Strikes Water in Front of Bass Boat I think he is thanking the wrong party. God sent the lightning, Satan took one for the team and saved Owings ass. --- ## [What's one step up from Poe's Law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-one-step-up-from-poes-law/671346)
**Author:** [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-one-step-up-from-poes-law/671346 "2013-10-17T23:52:43Z")
WARNING: This thread contains some political content. All reasonable actions have been taken to prevent this from degenerating into a political thread, but proceed at your own risk. Today, a Facebook friend who is rabi… --- ## [I quit my job today.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-my-job-today/671364)
**Author:** [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-my-job-today/671364 "2013-10-17T23:46:03Z")
After 13 years of designing/programming/etc cell phones, I’m getting out of the game. My current company is going through massive layoffs, and I think there is a 50/50 chance that my team, or even my whole building, wil… --- ## [Sleeptexting- a new plague](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleeptexting-a-new-plague/671436)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleeptexting-a-new-plague/671436 "2013-10-17T23:09:12Z")
From the Atlantic online: I guess this is a natural outcome of having the phone in your hand or on your body 24/7 and not being able to bear being separated from it even for a moment. :dubious: --- ## [Oxford's James Martin died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oxfords-james-martin-died/671456)
**Author:** [@Came\_in\_like\_a\_Wrecking\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Came_in_like_a_Wrecking_Ball)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oxfords-james-martin-died/671456 "2013-10-17T21:42:18Z")
I searched the boards and couldn’t find a thread about this, so I started one- four months late. He was an Oxford grad who worked in computer intelligence, namely the Singularity. He predicted the modern internet in h… --- ## [Punishing customer service workers for serving customers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punishing-customer-service-workers-for-serving-customers/671467)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punishing-customer-service-workers-for-serving-customers/671467 "2013-10-17T20:13:08Z")
Apparently at some point a genius decided that customer service phone employees should not actually assist customers with solving problems or issues, but should instead act as human walls preventing said customers from b… --- ## [Google Field Trip... a really cool app](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-field-trip-a-really-cool-app/671489)
**Author:** [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-field-trip-a-really-cool-app/671489 "2013-10-17T17:03:45Z")
First of all, I have no connection to Google. I stumbled upon this app and it is really cool. Basically it uses the GPS on your phone and lets you know interesting things about where you are or what is near you. Have yo… --- ## [After The Congress Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-the-congress-ball/671470)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-the-congress-ball/671470 "2013-10-17T16:14:05Z")
So - Kentucky gets a new dam, and we can watch the pandas again. Where next for the US economy? --- ## [Think this could be bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/think-this-could-be-bad/671344)
**Author:** [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/think-this-could-be-bad/671344 "2013-10-17T16:04:51Z")
Just saw a Southwest Jet flying by my house, looked like it was circling back to Hobby Airport. Wheels are down I am way to far from the Airport for the wheels to be down. Hope everyone is ok Capt --- ## [There are Dopers who want to see video of a 25-year old blackhead being removed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-are-dopers-who-want-to-see-video-of-a-25-year-old-blackhead-being-removed/671368)
**Author:** [@waterj2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waterj2)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-are-dopers-who-want-to-see-video-of-a-25-year-old-blackhead-being-removed/671368 "2013-10-17T15:56:50Z")
I’m not one of them, but in my 13 and a half years reading this message board, I’ve learned that there’s a sizable group of people who love the disgusting things that our skin sometimes falls victim to. So, it’s for you … --- ## [Oreos are as addictive as cocaine in lab rats...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oreos-are-as-addictive-as-cocaine-in-lab-rats/671460)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oreos-are-as-addictive-as-cocaine-in-lab-rats/671460 "2013-10-17T15:41:59Z")
… According to a new study. I’m sure there’s a way to complete this post with an SNL Weekend Update style joke, but I can’t think of one. :stuck\_out\_tongue: Anyone? --- ## [Malicious attachments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/malicious-attachments/671476)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/malicious-attachments/671476 "2013-10-17T13:22:35Z")
Anyone else getting a bunch of emails lately, that have virus files attached? These are caught by my email provider’s anti-virus software, and are routed to a Quarantine folder where I mark them as spam and they go away… --- ## [What do you talk about if you don't want to talk about yourself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-talk-about-if-you-dont-want-to-talk-about-yourself/670412)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-talk-about-if-you-dont-want-to-talk-about-yourself/670412 "2013-10-17T10:04:52Z")
Some reasons for not wanting to talk about yourself: Your life is boring. Not that you think it’s boring, but actually boring. You spent the weekend alternating between Reddit, pornography, and a marathon of The Big B… --- ## [9-year-old pwns Minneapolis airport](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-year-old-pwns-minneapolis-airport/670566)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-year-old-pwns-minneapolis-airport/670566 "2013-10-17T08:36:06Z")
Wednesday, he takes the light rail to MSP, grabs a random suitcase off the carousel, and then sits down for a snack at the restaurant outside security. He has coffee (Coffee! Served to a 9-year-old!), Sierra Mist, and f… --- ## [Abandone housing developments near Las Vegas - cool pics!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandone-housing-developments-near-las-vegas-cool-pics/669098)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandone-housing-developments-near-las-vegas-cool-pics/669098 "2013-10-17T05:48:31Z")
Some pretty amazing photos here of earthworks for an upscale housing development in Nevada that never saw the light of day. A whole mountain basically flattened and sculpted. That can’t have been cheap. :eek: Anyone kno… --- ## [Uncle Sam is now officially closed for business. But for how long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncle-sam-is-now-officially-closed-for-business-but-for-how-long/670083)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncle-sam-is-now-officially-closed-for-business-but-for-how-long/670083 "2013-10-17T02:54:06Z")
Well, a bunch of Federal workers are home watching tv today. Unpaid leave, unless some kind of deal gets cuts to retroactively pay them later. Some of them can probably use a few days off to relax and reconnect with thei… --- ## [Let's share bar exam stories!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-share-bar-exam-stories/560049)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2013, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-share-bar-exam-stories/560049 "2013-10-16T20:22:11Z")
A couple of my friends just passed the New York bar, which has me thinking about my own bar exam (Maryland, July 2009). Anyone want to share bar stories? Mine is less a story, as such, than a confession: I genuinely enj… --- ## [Gave a phone scammer a frustrating time this morning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gave-a-phone-scammer-a-frustrating-time-this-morning/671320)
**Author:** [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gave-a-phone-scammer-a-frustrating-time-this-morning/671320 "2013-10-16T19:04:15Z")
I had been wanting to get one of these calls. These people sound like they’re in India and call random people telling them they are from tech support and their computer has errors. They called on my landline right as I… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=919) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=921)