# Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=97 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 98 --- ## [Recycling aluminum foil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-aluminum-foil/1004903)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2024, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-aluminum-foil/1004903 "2024-07-29T20:54:39Z")
Figures of how much foil is used each year seem to vary depending on the source. One lists it as 600,000 tons per year in the US but it is 20 year old data. It is probably a small percentage of the overall aluminum produ… --- ## [How would you pronounce this word: Sangamon? (as in Sangamon County, Illinois)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-pronounce-this-word-sangamon-as-in-sangamon-county-illinois/1004900)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2024, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-pronounce-this-word-sangamon-as-in-sangamon-county-illinois/1004900 "2024-07-29T12:29:09Z")
Sangamon County, Illinois has been in the national news lately after a county deputy shot and killed a woman over a pot of boiling water. I don’t expect people from outside of Central Illinois to be familiar with local p… --- ## [Things that happen in the dead of night: Stolen cab drives through the shopping mall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-happen-in-the-dead-of-night-stolen-cab-drives-through-the-shopping-mall/994726)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2024, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-happen-in-the-dead-of-night-stolen-cab-drives-through-the-shopping-mall/994726 "2024-07-28T20:27:46Z")
Bit of a local news buzz this morning: woke up to hear that a cab got stolen last night around 3 am. And crashed into the front of drug store. And then went driving the wrong way down a one-way street. And sideswiped… --- ## [Starliner Astronauts, Butch & Sunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starliner-astronauts-butch-sunny/1004787)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starliner-astronauts-butch-sunny/1004787 "2024-07-28T17:18:54Z")
Butch and Sunny. Stranded in space. If they finally get them out, I’m gonna be so disappointed if they don’t holler “Ooohhhh Shit!!!” when they finally undock from the Space station. Alá Butch and Sundance. --- ## [Home insurance coverage guarantee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-insurance-coverage-guarantee/1004832)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2024, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-insurance-coverage-guarantee/1004832 "2024-07-28T14:43:12Z")
Louisiana just changed their law to give home insurance companies the right to drop coverage of residents in the state. Previously there was a state law that said if you have been a policyholder for more than three years… --- ## ["Trees" ( the poem by Kilmer)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trees-the-poem-by-kilmer/1004582)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2024, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trees-the-poem-by-kilmer/1004582 "2024-07-28T13:25:49Z")
You know, “I think that I shall never see, a poem as lovely as a tree…”. That one. As a young girlie, I’m thinking grade 4 or 5. I loved that poem. I love the evoked images of birds nesting in her hair. So, Teacher g… --- ## [Calling it Something](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-it-something/1004766)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2024, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-it-something/1004766 "2024-07-28T04:46:51Z")
Having that configuration of parts. Not for having decided to, just that you were born with them. A Privileged and yet involuntary situation, if you see what I mean. Gender is some nasty stuff. Expressing it. Calling … --- ## [My daughter was just killed by a speeding driver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-was-just-killed-by-a-speeding-driver/1004689)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2024, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-daughter-was-just-killed-by-a-speeding-driver/1004689 "2024-07-28T01:49:27Z")
This is why I keep telling everybody to take your lead foot off the accelerator and Slow. The fuck. Down. Already. Speed kills. Your urge to speed is not more important than a human life. --- ## [North Korea Trashes South Korea's Presidential Compound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korea-trashes-south-koreas-presidential-compound/1004842)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2024, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korea-trashes-south-koreas-presidential-compound/1004842 "2024-07-27T22:22:23Z")
I should’ve posted this earlier. From CNN, there’s this interesting bit of news. Seoul, South KoreaCNN — Trash-laden North Korean balloons were found on the grounds of South Korea’s presidential office compound, offic… --- ## [How do I get an accurate appraisal for a house without hiring a real estate agend/ listing it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-an-accurate-appraisal-for-a-house-without-hiring-a-real-estate-agend-listing-it/1004828)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2024, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-an-accurate-appraisal-for-a-house-without-hiring-a-real-estate-agend-listing-it/1004828 "2024-07-26T21:54:42Z")
Title says it all. I need to get a good appraisal of a house that’s in the family. A suburban house outside of Philly. Not interesting in listing it; therefore not interested in working with any real estate agents. How… --- ## [So, my son is trolling me with AI-generated songs. And they’re actually not bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-son-is-trolling-me-with-ai-generated-songs-and-they-re-actually-not-bad/1002955)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2024, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-son-is-trolling-me-with-ai-generated-songs-and-they-re-actually-not-bad/1002955 "2024-07-26T18:33:30Z")
This started yesterday, a series of insulting songs about me, but he’s been doing it today, on Father’s Day, too, the adorable scamp :confounded: And the thing is, these robo-songs are actually very listenable. Apparent… --- ## [Best way to separate pages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-separate-pages/1004722)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2024, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-separate-pages/1004722 "2024-07-26T01:16:46Z")
I have a book whose pages are stuck together. Cheap paper. Not very valuable to anyone but curious me. Any one know of a way? --- ## [Russian economist dies after falling from window](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-economist-dies-after-falling-from-window/1004756)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2024, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-economist-dies-after-falling-from-window/1004756 "2024-07-25T20:12:37Z")
It apparently didn’t have anything to do with Ukraine. Just a lady falling to her death. Nothing suspicious here. Happens all the time (in Russia). Or maybe it really was an accident. --- ## [Why AI-generated summaries are not to be trusted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-ai-generated-summaries-are-not-to-be-trusted/1003682)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2024, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-ai-generated-summaries-are-not-to-be-trusted/1003682 "2024-07-25T18:46:47Z")
Parse this AI statement, served up at the top of my Google results (it also has nothing to do with the question I posed, which was “European cities at the same latitude as Portland, Oregon”): Although cities can be on … --- ## [Breaking news - huge outage/interruption created by Crowdstrike problem (July 2024)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-huge-outage-interruption-created-by-crowdstrike-problem-july-2024/1004454)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2024, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-huge-outage-interruption-created-by-crowdstrike-problem-july-2024/1004454 "2024-07-25T17:28:11Z")
Sys admins all over the world are having (or are about to have) a very bad Friday and a very long weekend. The short (preliminary) version is that it looks like Crowdstrike (whose software is supposed to detect and … --- ## [The Watergate's been bugged](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-watergates-been-bugged/1004772)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2024, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-watergates-been-bugged/1004772 "2024-07-25T17:19:46Z")
https://wapo.st/4cSkAvD It’s not showing up as a OneBox in the preview for some reason. But it’s a gift link to a WaPo article titled “Maggots, crickets released at Watergate Hotel in protest of Netanyahu visit”. --- ## [Tell us an interesting random fact you stumbled across (Part 1)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 9998\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2024, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674 "2024-07-25T15:05:38Z")
I suspect many dopers are interested in lots of far-flung concepts and disciplines beyond what the daily grind demands. As an hommage to liberal arts education and pop culture and that spirit of lifelong learning, give … --- ## [Showers with half a door... why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/showers-with-half-a-door-why/1004733)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2024, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/showers-with-half-a-door-why/1004733 "2024-07-25T13:11:05Z")
This was our shower in the Henri hotel in Vienna: This isn’t the first time I’ve seen this, but I wonder what the thinking is? Especially with the hand-held shower head, every time w… --- ## [Kamala Harris - born 1964](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-born-1964/1004645)
**Author:** [@Tatterdemalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tatterdemalion)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2024, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-born-1964/1004645 "2024-07-24T22:26:17Z")
Kamala Harris, if elected, will be the first president who is younger than me, and I am going to start collecting Social Security later this year. I remember when Barrack Obama was elected. He is slightly older than me.… --- ## [Finial, aglet and grommet conversation split from the Trolls R Us Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finial-aglet-and-grommet-conversation-split-from-the-trolls-r-us-thread/1004534)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finial-aglet-and-grommet-conversation-split-from-the-trolls-r-us-thread/1004534 "2024-07-24T16:35:39Z")
The other day I was blocking on the decorative piece on top of a post or flagpole. So I googled “decorative piece on top post or flagpole” and hit enter. Yes, finial is the word. It happens disturbingly often lately. Th… --- ## [Rotator Cuff Injury](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotator-cuff-injury/1004686)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2024, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotator-cuff-injury/1004686 "2024-07-24T14:49:45Z")
This past February I slipped on a patch of ice and fell, my left hand side took the brunt of the fall. I never bruised (probably because I was wearing a heavy winter jacket and snow pants). My shoulder was a bit sore as … --- ## [Monopoly...Reading Railroad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monopoly-reading-railroad/1003238)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2024, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monopoly-reading-railroad/1003238 "2024-07-24T05:01:38Z")
Is it pronounced “Redding” or “Reeding”? Need answer fast …! --- ## [Yellowstone geyser goes kablooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellowstone-geyser-goes-kablooey/1004711)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2024, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellowstone-geyser-goes-kablooey/1004711 "2024-07-24T02:07:52Z")
A largeish, unfaithful event. Nobody boiled. --- ## [Active Shooter incident in Lewiston, Maine 10/25/2023 (found dead, presumed suicide)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/active-shooter-incident-in-lewiston-maine-10-25-2023-found-dead-presumed-suicide/992109)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 220\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2024, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/active-shooter-incident-in-lewiston-maine-10-25-2023-found-dead-presumed-suicide/992109 "2024-07-23T20:50:48Z")
Reports coming out that an active shooter situation is ongoing in Lewiston, ME. This is the 2nd most populous city in Maine. Link to NBC news Apparently there has been a shooting at a bowling alley and restaurant. Pe… --- ## [‘Cash is king.’ Oh really? Is it? Do you carry cash? Are you plastic always, all the time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cash-is-king-oh-really-is-it-do-you-carry-cash-are-you-plastic-always-all-the-time/922191)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 236\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2024, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cash-is-king-oh-really-is-it-do-you-carry-cash-are-you-plastic-always-all-the-time/922191 "2024-07-23T17:43:25Z")
Even before covid and the change shortage, I almost always used plastic. I rarely carried cash. And even now, during covid I only carry a little cash, under $50. I am almost always plastic, all the time. I use a CC for … --- ## [How do some people graduate from college without understanding the fundamentals of their major?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-some-people-graduate-from-college-without-understanding-the-fundamentals-of-their-major/1002119)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2024, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-some-people-graduate-from-college-without-understanding-the-fundamentals-of-their-major/1002119 "2024-07-23T11:04:09Z")
Case #1: Last May I was interviewing people for an electrical engineering position at our lab. I came up with what I thought was an easy written test for each of them to take. It consisted of three questions. The first … --- ## [(Old) About your favorite pet in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-about-your-favorite-pet-in-the-mmp/1004259)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 323\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2024, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-about-your-favorite-pet-in-the-mmp/1004259 "2024-07-22T06:04:18Z")
OK, like kids, I suppose you shouldn’t have a favorite critter, or maybe pets are in a category of their own. But we all know we do, so share your tales of the tails (and the rest) of the one who you love the most or mis… --- ## [Words/phrases used as shorthand for regional accents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-phrases-used-as-shorthand-for-regional-accents/1004471)
**Author:** [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2024, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-phrases-used-as-shorthand-for-regional-accents/1004471 "2024-07-22T03:09:49Z")
Some regional American accents are strongly associated with a single word or phrase - because people almost always use it when demonstrating how that accent sounds: Long Island: “Lawn Guyland” Boston: “pahk the cah in … --- ## [Do you remember learning to read?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-remember-learning-to-read/1004206)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2024, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-remember-learning-to-read/1004206 "2024-07-22T00:54:04Z")
Do you remember when you learned to read? I do. It was in the John Greenleaf Whittier four-room elementary school, built in 1884 – first grade, I think – and our teacher had gathered us on our little chairs in a semicir… --- ## [That little red thing children pull](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-little-red-thing-children-pull/1004457)
**Author:** [@Jemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jemma)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2024, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-little-red-thing-children-pull/1004457 "2024-07-21T22:47:02Z")
I can’t remember the name of that thing with the handle that children pull behind them. Like, one child can sit in the red thing and be pulled by another child. Or when a girl scout is selling cookies and they pile all t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=96) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/miscellaneous-and-personal-stuff-i-must-share/10.md?page=98)