# 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:** 236
**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:** [December 2, 2024, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4702 "2024-12-02T12:41:09Z")
We have a furnace/boiler, but no filters. We have some big houseplants upon which we place xmas lights. We used to have a live tree, but picking up needles for months was too much of a chore. ---
**Author:** ![Reeses\_Monkey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reeses_monkey/32/2885_2.png) [@Reeses\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeses_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2024, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4703 "2024-12-02T14:42:47Z")
I bought a “permanent” washable furnace filter last year. My plan is to pull it once a month and hose it down in the bathtub. While it’s drying I’ll throw in a paper filter I have left over. I don’t want to put a wet filter back in the furnace and we have pets so I’d rather have something in place while the main one is out of commission. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2024, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4704 "2024-12-02T16:26:21Z")
There are two places where I could say I normally get gas: one near my house and one along my commute. At the one near my my house, cash and _debit_ is cheaper, _credit_ cards are more expensive. I pay with a debit card. At the one along my commute, cash is cheaper, and all cards are more expensive. I still pay with a debit card because the higher price is still a little cheaper than other places in the area, and I like the convenience of paying at the pump. ---
**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:** [December 2, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4705 "2024-12-02T16:27:54Z")
I have no idea whether the cash price is different at my usual gas station. I can’t even remember the last time I paid cash for gas, and I don’t look at the signs that closely. ---
**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:** [December 2, 2024, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4706 "2024-12-02T16:32:04Z")
They’re generally the same price around here, and if I pay by card I don’t have to either guess how much the tank will take (since everybody now makes you pay in advance if you pay with cash); and also I have a reasonable chance of not having to go inside (though I do want a receipt if I paid by card and sometimes the printers at the pump don’t work so I have to go inside to get one.) ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2024, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4707 "2024-12-02T16:52:00Z")
Where I get gas (Costco) you must pay by card, so no option for me to vote. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2024, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4708 "2024-12-02T18:31:47Z")
I get gas when my tank is low. I don’t have a normal place. I don’t pay attention to the price. Its not like I’m going to chose to not get gas. ---
**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:** [December 2, 2024, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4709 "2024-12-02T19:29:50Z")
Yeah, I certainly don’t pay much attention. Now, that I’m retired, I buy gas so infrequently it really makes very little difference to me. ---
**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:** [December 2, 2024, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4710 "2024-12-02T19:42:54Z")
A politician sticking to their word??? You need a couple more jokes but you’ve got a _great_ start to a stand-up routine. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4711 "2024-12-02T19:45:11Z")
I never pay attention to gas but on my way home from Winchester today I got a bit lost (lol - me?) and ended up at a station that had fuel for $2.49! I did notice that. ---
**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:** [December 2, 2024, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4712 "2024-12-02T19:56:47Z")
Personally, I see nothing wrong with Biden’s pardon. Trump is already talking retribution, and you know he’s not going to care if any charges are accurate. Secondly, Hunter Biden would never had received this kind of scrutiny had he been Joe Blow. The whole thing was political from the get-go. ---
**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:** [December 2, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4713 "2024-12-02T21:04:02Z")
Biden’s political career will be over in 49 days, no matter what he does or doesn’t do in that time. This pardon will have no bearing on the ‘26 midterms or the next presidential election. And the persecution and prosecution of Hunter was political BS from the start. Plus, it’s a nice middle finger to the Republicans on his way out. I’m all for it. ---
**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:** [December 2, 2024, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4714 "2024-12-02T21:13:45Z")
> [@Wheelz](#): > > Biden’s political career will be over in 49 days, no matter what he does or doesn’t do in that time. This pardon will have no bearing on the ‘26 midterms or the next presidential election. [. . .] > > Plus, it’s a nice middle finger to the Republicans on his way out. This. He might not have done it if Harris had won. ---
**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:** [December 3, 2024, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4715 "2024-12-03T00:40:08Z")
I get gas when all the DANGER LOW FUEL lights are flashing and the klaxons are chiming And I put in exactly $50 worth. Easier for tax time. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4716 "2024-12-03T14:01:15Z")
I love Orangina, but only in the old, semi-spherical bottles. Discovered it in Spain back in my ill-spent youth. ---
**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:** [December 3, 2024, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4717 "2024-12-03T14:23:07Z")
There’s not much French about Orangina these days - it’s now owned by Japanese company Suntory. ---
**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:** [December 3, 2024, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4718 "2024-12-03T14:42:57Z")
Fanta was the only one on the list. A few years back, a local restaurant/bar had orange Fanta. Someone ordered one at the bar and it triggered some memory. I ended up looking online. I asked the Fanta drinker if she knew anything about her beverage, and she knew nothing. So, I gave a Ted Talk type lecture all about > **[Fanta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanta)** > > Fanta (/ˈfæntə/) is an American-owned brand of fruit-flavored carbonated soft drink created by Coca-Cola Deutschland under the leadership of German businessman Max Keith. There are over 200 flavors worldwide. Fanta originated in Germany as a Coca-Cola alternative in 1941 due to the American trade embargo of Nazi Germany which affected the availability of Coca-Cola ingredients. Fanta soon dominated the German market with three million cases sold in 1943. The current formulation of Fanta, with ... ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4719 "2024-12-03T17:09:32Z")
I’ve tried most of the drinks in my own poll (surprise surprise). The only ones I really love are dandelion and burdock, Baikal, and tarkhun. Sadly, the first two are impossible to find outside their countries of origin, but tarkhun seems to be available anywhere there’s a big enough Russian/Ukrainian/Georgian immigrant community. (Well, except in Germany, which sells fake tarkhun flavoured with woodruff rather than tarragon. I think this is because woodruff-flavoured sodas, known as _Waldmeister_, are already popular in Germany, and are the same colour. The _Waldmeister_ manufacturers probably think they can get away with slapping a different label on their product to pass it off as some fancy import.) Kvass is also easy enough to find internationally. I usually buy a couple big bottles a year from one of the local Slavic grocery stores, though more for making [okroshka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okroshka) than for drinking. ---
**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:** [December 3, 2024, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4720 "2024-12-03T17:28:23Z")
I’ve had Fanta (didn’t like it much) and ginger beer (yum). But the ginger beer was locally made, I don’t know whether the English version is different. Checked it anyway. ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/4721 "2024-12-03T17:39:53Z")
Kvass is the most disgusting drink I ever tasted. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636.md?page=235) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636.md?page=237)