# Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 2) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 16, 2024, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636 "2024-02-16T02:56:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 218
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4342 "2024-11-13T15:34:31Z")
> [@Zyada](#): > > On the swimming question, I’m halfway between “it’ll be dicey” and “I’m screwed”. I have myasthenia gravis, so I might not have enough steam to make it, but I know the dea man’s float and how to conserve energy Ditto; except that instead of myasthenia gravis I’ve got heart problems. ---
**Author:** ![zimaane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a3d4f5/32.png) [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4343 "2024-11-13T15:55:50Z")
A mile (1.6 km for those not familiar with our measures) is a loooong way to swim. I swim pretty well, but it would be dicey. If the water is calm and there aren’t dangerous currents, I think I’d make it. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4344 "2024-11-13T16:05:53Z")
I could swim it under those conditions but I’d be utterly exhausted by the time I got to shore. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4345 "2024-11-13T16:26:54Z")
I think i could swim it under those conditions, but it might take me a couple of hours, with some rest periods. I prefer floating on my back, with my legs underwater so all the buoyancy supports my head, to the dead man’s float. I can lie there and breathe. Even in fresh water, i can usually keep my nose above water while almost entirely at rest. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4346 "2024-11-13T16:51:08Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I prefer floating on my back, with my legs underwater so all the buoyancy supports my head… I can lie there and breathe. Even in fresh water, i can usually keep my nose above water while almost entirely at rest. Same here. I can do this pretty much indefinitely. If I’m not having to fight a current, I think I can kick myself a mile like this with no problem. (That counts as “swimming,” right?) It would take quite a while, though. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4347 "2024-11-13T17:05:48Z")
> [@Zyada](#): > > My first husband had almost no body fat. He sank like a stone in water Would you please send that memo to my wife? She refuses to believe I cannot float, even when I show her. She thinks I am not trying hard enough. SMH I could swim the mile but it would take a while and I would have to alternate between the normal crawl and floating on my back. It would not be comfortable but if my life depended on it I would manage it. If I knew there were large marine life in the area that would help my motivation. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4348 "2024-11-13T17:29:00Z")
I would alternate between the sidestroke (my fastest stroke without flippers) a lazy backstroke, and just floating on my back to rest. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4349 "2024-11-13T17:56:02Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I prefer floating on my back, with my legs underwater so all the buoyancy supports my head, to the dead man’s float. What they taught us in drownproofing class, all those years ago: Take a deep breath, then relax entirely, face down. Your face will go under but unless you’re a total sinker you’ll remain at the surface (probably with the back of your shoulders above water), and you won’t be using any energy. Exhale slowly. When you need to breathe in, use arms and legs to bring your face up above the water, and take another deep breath. Repeat until you’re rested. Swim until you’re tired. Drownproofing technique until you’re rested. Caveats: 1) May not work in rough water, because you may just get a wave in your face when you raise your head, and/or you may get spun around too much to keep track of where’s up. 2) (learned after the class) If you’re going to practice this while anybody’s around, warn them first; because it’s going to look like you’re drowning or have already done so. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4350 "2024-11-13T18:00:21Z")
Both chemistry and animal micromoles are funny. And both are funnier because of the existence of the other. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4351 "2024-11-13T18:16:41Z")
A mile off shore I could make it in. I’d expect someone to raise an alarm, though. I was a bit over a mile offshore at Hilton Head once, practicing using the righting system on my friend’s Hobie. Someone on the beach saw us flip over (which we did repeatedly and intentionally) and notified the police. A motorboat came to make sure we were okay. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4352 "2024-11-13T18:55:22Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > What they taught us in drownproofing class, all those years ago: I am by no means a certified swimming instructor of any sort. But i think your best bet depends on your buoyancy. When i was young and skinny, i found it hard to float on my back, and water a lot of energy trying to stay “up” even when doing the elementary back stroke. And i used to do the dead man’s float to rest. Now that I’m older and fatter, i find it quite restful to lie on my back in the water. If it’s the ocean, and there are waves… Dunno, certainly makes it harder. Except for the greater buoyancy thing. ---
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4353 "2024-11-13T21:23:40Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > Would you please send that memo to my wife? She refuses to believe I cannot float, even when I show her. She thinks I am not trying hard enough. I’m sorry darling but I haven’t figured out how to think myself more bouyant! ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4354 "2024-11-13T23:43:33Z")
I’m having a birthday cake this year (my bday was last Saturday), because I’ve wanted a Swedish Princess Cake ever since I saw one on the Great British Baking Show. Earlier this year I found a local (very close!) Danish bakery that makes one (they call it a Danish cake, but it’s the same thing). I waited until now before ordering because my brother is in town visiting. But I probably won’t put a (any) candle(s) on it. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2024, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4355 "2024-11-14T00:18:14Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I’ve swum a mile. Wearing flippers. Nit: You were wearing fins > [@thorny\_locust](#): > > What they taught us in drownproofing class, all those years ago: > > Take a deep breath, then relax entirely, face down. nope, I just can’t relax that way but I can totally relax while floating on my back. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2024, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4356 "2024-11-14T03:48:06Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > > [@puzzlegal](#): > > > > I’ve swum a mile. Wearing flippers. > > Nit: You were wearing fins Both Wikipedia and the dictionary i consulted say that “flippers” and “fins” are alternate names for “swimfins”, fwiw. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2024, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4357 "2024-11-14T03:48:55Z")
> [@carrps](#): > > I’m having a birthday cake this year (my bday was last Saturday), Conga-rats! ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4358 "2024-11-15T12:49:49Z")
I did go to a camp with scouting when I was a kid, but the “camp” was dorm-style with an indoor kitchen and bathrooms with plumbing. I never camped with my family (unless you consider Motel 6 ‘camping’). I did not do real camping until my late teens, the kind where you sleep in a tent and cook on a picnic table - and that was with some friends. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4359 "2024-11-15T13:46:18Z")
In addition to going away to a camp (though they had cabins), I slept outside in our yard – but with other family members. Did mark both of those. (ETA: I camped out a good bit as a young to middle-aged adult, sometimes on my own and sometimes with friends; but that doesn’t seem to be what the poll’s asking.) My smoke detectors, like most these days, come with a ten-year non-replaceable battery. You’re supposed to replace the entire detector. If you haven’t broken it first in order to shut up persistent false alarms, which you can’t quiet temporarily by removing the battery, because you can’t remove the battery; the only thing you can do is to permanently break the detector. I don’t think the AI display trick would work more than once; after that, any sensible team would have two plays ready, and would use whatever one the AI hadn’t picked until everybody stopped trusting the AI’s prediction – and after that would sometimes use the AI’s pick because everyone would assume it was wrong. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4360 "2024-11-15T14:26:01Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > My smoke detectors, like most these days, come with a ten-year non-replaceable battery. You’re supposed to replace the entire detector. Ditto. And when we discarded the last one, i had to break it to shut it up, because even though it was in the trash can in the garage, it was driving me nuts. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2024, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4361 "2024-11-15T14:36:04Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > i had to break it to shut it up, because even though it was in the trash can in the garage, it was driving me nuts. I thought that was a [pirate ship wheel on your pants](https://i.pinimg.com/474x/c6/8f/14/c68f14f3b001ee216c6aba42fe92510a--pirate-nut-bar.jpg) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636.md?page=217) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636.md?page=219)