# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=926 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 927 --- ## [Why is Planet Fitness calling me from a number of a head hunter in Pennsylvania?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-planet-fitness-calling-me-from-a-number-of-a-head-hunter-in-pennsylvania/669967)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-planet-fitness-calling-me-from-a-number-of-a-head-hunter-in-pennsylvania/669967 "2013-09-30T14:07:44Z")
I was gone this weekend, but I have a program that logs all the calls coming into to my personal landline. Saturday evening it logged a call with no phone number or caller ID at 6:50PM. At 7:13pm, it logged a call indi… --- ## [Coming home.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coming-home/669907)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coming-home/669907 "2013-09-30T12:26:14Z")
Coming home, from wherever you were, is the best thing ever. Going away can be pretty cool, especially if you’re heading on a tres terrific holiday abroad or whatever, but still, coming home beats that hands down. And … --- ## [Massacre in Nairobi shopping mall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/massacre-in-nairobi-shopping-mall/669413)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/massacre-in-nairobi-shopping-mall/669413 "2013-09-30T10:29:47Z")
Al-Shabaab, the terrorist group typically described as a Somalian al-Qaeda offshoot, stormed an upscale shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, and started shooting. At least 39 people are dead, some gunmen are still dug in at… --- ## [Don't tell me I'm the MMP starter!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-me-im-the-mmp-starter/669500)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 354\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-tell-me-im-the-mmp-starter/669500 "2013-09-30T04:42:58Z")
It’s after 5:00AM CDT and I can’t understand why there’s not already an MMP! Whee! I’m getting ready to go to work of course, and will get coffee there. But I want it NOW! Last week’s thread: http://boards.straightd… --- ## [architecture of door column braces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/architecture-of-door-column-braces/669954)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/architecture-of-door-column-braces/669954 "2013-09-30T03:52:20Z")
I am curious about a minor detail I noticed is pictures of old European doors. I do not understand the purpose of the braces at the bottom of the door columns seen on some but not all of these images. When present they… --- ## [Liquid water found on Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-water-found-on-mars/669767)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-water-found-on-mars/669767 "2013-09-29T22:47:37Z")
Story here. :rolleyes: You’re looking in the wrong place, guys! Send Rover to the canals! --- ## [People way older/younger than you thought they were](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-way-older-younger-than-you-thought-they-were/649683)
**Author:** [@andrew\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrew_1)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-way-older-younger-than-you-thought-they-were/649683 "2013-09-29T19:49:10Z")
Have you ever (and at some point, you must have) found yourself on Wikipedia or reading the news and find out someone is much older (or younger) than you thought they were? This seems to be a slightly more-rare offshoot … --- ## [3 weeks to learn a new talent...suggestions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-weeks-to-learn-a-new-talent-suggestions/667385)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-weeks-to-learn-a-new-talent-suggestions/667385 "2013-09-29T15:25:10Z")
In my company, every few months there is an induction day. Various cool things happen on that day, but part of it is that people who started since the last induction must introduce themselves, and then they have 5 minute… --- ## [China's gigantic, gold-plated penis building](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-gigantic-gold-plated-penis-building/669802)
**Author:** [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-gigantic-gold-plated-penis-building/669802 "2013-09-29T14:38:58Z")
Yeah, you thought this was a joke, right? What has a shaft, mushroom-shaped crown and impressive structural . . . uhhh, ‘rigidity?’ --- ## [SWAG](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swag/669748)
**Author:** [@HenryDorsettCase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HenryDorsettCase)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swag/669748 "2013-09-29T10:14:52Z")
Looking at urban dictionary, I noticed the word SWAG. Now, I worked for Corporate America for a couple of decades and to me, the acronym has always declined into Stupid Wild-Assed Guess. However, on the street these days… --- ## [What makes house plant leaves turn crispy brown and fall off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-house-plant-leaves-turn-crispy-brown-and-fall-off/669696)
**Author:** [@LC\_Strawhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LC_Strawhouse)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-house-plant-leaves-turn-crispy-brown-and-fall-off/669696 "2013-09-29T03:39:38Z")
Anyone ever contended with this? I’ve tried to keep house plants several times but they keep dropping dead on me! In each case the leaves turn brown and dry/brittle one by one, starting from the the leaf tips until the… --- ## [Do you get random views of your LinkedIn profile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-get-random-views-of-your-linkedin-profile/669887)
**Author:** [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-get-random-views-of-your-linkedin-profile/669887 "2013-09-29T02:51:35Z")
I like the function that allows you to be able to see who’s viewed your profile, but sometimes I can’t for the life of me figure out why some people have viewed my profile. Within the last three days, my profile was vie… --- ## [19 firefighters killed battling Arizona Forest Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/19-firefighters-killed-battling-arizona-forest-fire/662314)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/19-firefighters-killed-battling-arizona-forest-fire/662314 "2013-09-29T02:02:14Z")
"An Arizona forestry official says 19 firefighters have died battling a fast-moving wildfire here. Forestry spokesman Art Morrison said the firefighters were caught by the fire Sunday afternoon near the central Arizona … --- ## [Looking for a vintage Chevy? Here's your chance.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-vintage-chevy-heres-your-chance/668861)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-vintage-chevy-heres-your-chance/668861 "2013-09-29T01:28:24Z")
Interesting article on the NYT about a guy who has a large field full of 50s, 60s and 70s Chevy cars and trucks. Some are technically new (though in rough shape), having as little as 1.4 miles on the odometer and the sh… --- ## [I found a new way to confuse my cat....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-new-way-to-confuse-my-cat/669846)
**Author:** [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-new-way-to-confuse-my-cat/669846 "2013-09-28T22:59:05Z")
Step 1; find video of a Maine Coon Cat “talking” on YouTube on my iPhone Step 2; bring my domestic shorthair cat, Bloo, into the room Step 3; hide the iPhone somewhere in the room and play the video… Enjoy the confuse… --- ## [Mortgage Payment Accelerator or I'm an idiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-payment-accelerator-or-im-an-idiot/669824)
**Author:** [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-payment-accelerator-or-im-an-idiot/669824 "2013-09-28T16:49:38Z")
About 5 years ago when I bought a house, I received a letter stating that the bank may not have made me aware of paying bi-weekly rather than monthly. If I signed up for it, it would save me quite a bit of money and ena… --- ## [The New Zealand Appreciation Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-zealand-appreciation-thread/160067)
**Author:** [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-zealand-appreciation-thread/160067 "2013-09-28T16:28:04Z")
What a cool lil’ place is NZ. The Aussies bitch and whine about being overlooked, but we had the Olympics etc, people know we’re here. New Zealand, on the other hand, doesn’t get any recognition. It just carries on bein… --- ## [Umm...gosh...no, I don't actually want to suck your cock, but...thanks for asking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/umm-gosh-no-i-dont-actually-want-to-suck-your-cock-but-thanks-for-asking/663247)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 220\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/umm-gosh-no-i-dont-actually-want-to-suck-your-cock-but-thanks-for-asking/663247 "2013-09-28T05:39:03Z")
The back story: Sweet, quiet, blonde and cute, anxiety-plagued and thoughtful 28 year old Texas man comes to my door 8 months ago to sell his services as a gardener for a shockingly low price. (Like… $10 bucks. Wha?) T… --- ## [Pithy observation from the guy behind you in line](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pithy-observation-from-the-guy-behind-you-in-line/669699)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pithy-observation-from-the-guy-behind-you-in-line/669699 "2013-09-28T04:00:40Z")
I stopped at the grocery store on the way home from work. They have been selling beautiful bunches of carnations really cheap, and I wanted to get some. I figured as long as I was there, I may as well pick up some cat … --- ## [HEY! Check out who's appearing at a local halloween thing!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-check-out-whos-appearing-at-a-local-halloween-thing/669755)
**Author:** [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-check-out-whos-appearing-at-a-local-halloween-thing/669755 "2013-09-28T02:31:05Z")
It’s the original Michael Myers. Appearing for the very first time in years In Costume. I feel so special that he’s showing up. Just one question. He wore a mask in that movie (which I didn’t see) . How will we know it… --- ## [What do you mean, 'Why are you reading that?'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-mean-why-are-you-reading-that/669674)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-mean-why-are-you-reading-that/669674 "2013-09-28T00:58:47Z")
Just finished reading, “How to Fly and Fight in the F/A-18 Hornet” by David C. Isby. I can think of all sorts of scenarios where the information gained in this book could be useful in my everyday life. scene wavily fad… --- ## [All I want for Christmas are some vajamas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-i-want-for-christmas-are-some-vajamas/669774)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-i-want-for-christmas-are-some-vajamas/669774 "2013-09-28T00:53:05Z")
http://www.fastcompany.com/3018513/buyology/vagisoft-the-surprising-market-for-a-fleece-named-after-ladypartsVagisoft… if you care to give the very best! --- ## [The Other Shoe is dead.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-other-shoe-is-dead/668047)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 318\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-other-shoe-is-dead/668047 "2013-09-28T00:35:56Z")
… the thread I’d hoped I’d never have to start. I kissed him good-bye when I left for work, and came home to find him dead on the couch. He hadn’t been feeling well the last couple of days, but ever since coming home fr… --- ## [How the hell did I lose my pepper mill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-the-hell-did-i-lose-my-pepper-mill/662524)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-the-hell-did-i-lose-my-pepper-mill/662524 "2013-09-27T23:48:16Z")
This is an Item that I thought was pretty much impossible to lose. It’s not like I wonder around absentmindedly peppering, it exists in only two rooms, Kitchen and dinning room. It’s a foot tall and looks like nothing e… --- ## ["The Fallen"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fallen/669629)
**Author:** [@user\_hostile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user_hostile)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fallen/669629 "2013-09-27T21:45:00Z")
It’s been a long time since an art installation affected me so deeply. It started out small, but once the locals got word, they joined up en masse. And then…well, read the last paragraph and you understand why I found … --- ## [Get ready to have your mind blown: Projection Mapping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-ready-to-have-your-mind-blown-projection-mapping/669795)
**Author:** [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-ready-to-have-your-mind-blown-projection-mapping/669795 "2013-09-27T20:43:53Z")
Link to video of amazing projection mapping performance. Even before I watched it, I sort of gathered from the name that this was going to be some sort of performance art thrown onto a screen by a projector. But… whoa. … --- ## [Have another cup of antifreeze, honey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-another-cup-of-antifreeze-honey/669773)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-another-cup-of-antifreeze-honey/669773 "2013-09-27T20:16:31Z")
Hijinks in the Houston oncology community: \*"Dr. Ana Maria Gonzalez-Angulo, the cancer doctor accused of poisoning the coffee of a colleague, was indicted Thursday on a felony charge of aggravated assault by a Harris Co… --- ## [South Korea's ugliest skyscrapers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-koreas-ugliest-skyscrapers/669592)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-koreas-ugliest-skyscrapers/669592 "2013-09-27T18:59:59Z")
Found this courtesy of the Dark Roasted Blend website. These two new building going up in South Korea remind me of a couple of trees with big knotty burls in them. --- ## [Do you have a "law" (like Murphy's Law)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-law-like-murphys-law/669210)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-law-like-murphys-law/669210 "2013-09-27T18:48:00Z")
Years and years ago I came across a book titled, “The Official Rules”, which compiled all sorts of “laws” similar to Murphy’s Law (“If anything can go wrong, it will.”). Since then, I’ve always had an interest in these “… --- ## [Memories of good deed past..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memories-of-good-deed-past/669775)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memories-of-good-deed-past/669775 "2013-09-27T18:14:07Z")
I met a person in passing today who knew my father. My father passed away almost five years ago, and it stings less each day. This person graduated a year behind Dad. She said that she was heavy set in 1968 and that d… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=925) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=927)