# Instructions you routinely ignore **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 10, 2009, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659 "2009-01-10T11:12:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/61 "2009-01-14T21:27:48Z")
I like the idea of the wooden spoon in the dishwasher because I know for sure that all the germies and stuff are gone. A wooden spoon just seems like it would be harder to get really clean. I would not wash wooden handled knives in the dishwasher because it can loosen them up/warp them. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/62 "2009-01-14T22:14:34Z")
The ‘no U-turn’ sign. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/63 "2009-01-14T22:49:28Z")
Re wooden spoons (or spatulas/turners, or whatever) in the dishwasher, as Ms. **Neville** ’s husband says, it’s not recommended, because it will ruin them. They will discolor, they will warp, the nice polish will be damaged and the wood will get “furry,” and in general, after four dozen washings or so, the utensil will be rendered non-usable. At which time, I go to Bed Bath & Beyond and get a new wooden spoon for a dollar. I have very good wooden utensils that do not go into the dishwasher (a hardwood-handled chef’s knife, for example, or a set of handmade chopsticks and dipping bowls), because ruining and replacing them would be expensive (my chef’s knife cost almost $150). The cheap spoons and their like? For a buck each? In the dishwasher they go. So that’s definitely an instruction that gets ignored. ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/64 "2009-01-14T23:33:57Z")
I bet you also drive heavy machinery with your butt cheeks. ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/65 "2009-01-15T00:42:46Z")
> [@Fish](#): > > I bet you also drive heavy machinery with your butt cheeks. You mean _you_ don’t? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/66 "2009-01-15T01:23:51Z")
> [@Shamozzle](#): > > Also, the yellow lines on the highway that indicate passing opportunities. Come drive in Vermont. The lines _mean nothing,_ legally speaking. People like to say “there’s no passing law” in Vermont, which is almost true. The yellow lines are just suggestions, and it is perfectly legal to pass on a double solid yellow line, but there are no pass zones, but they are always indicated by a sign that says either “No Passing” “No Passing Zone” or something similar. The reasons are because we have lots of slow-moving farm equipment, and winding roads that might not have a dashed-yellow line for miles and miles, and yes, that tractor might have to go that whole way. ---
**Author:** ![Noelq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noelq/32/16438_2.png) [@Noelq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noelq)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/67 "2009-01-15T01:40:29Z")
Speed signs -I look at them as more speed _suggestions_ than actual _Limits_. Like most of the other drivers in CA. ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/68 "2009-01-15T02:57:14Z")
> [@Juniper200](#): > > From what I can tell, it’s a shorter way of saying “Press with sleeping cat.” I love this! I can’t wait to see it on an actual garment. “100 percent silk. Hand wash, press with sleeping cat.” ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/69 "2009-01-15T16:51:40Z")
> [@norinew](#): > > You mean _you_ don’t? 😛 Heavens, no! I drive with _other peoples’_ butt cheeks. ---
**Author:** ![chowder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/70 "2009-01-15T17:02:26Z")
Dispose of empty carton carefully. What the hell is that supposed to mean? Into the green wheelie bin it goes ---
**Author:** ![crazyjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@crazyjoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazyjoe)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/71 "2009-01-15T18:03:28Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > I think if you’re washing your hair once a week (say, you’re vacationing in the 1940s), this is sensible and will actually get your hair cleaner. Daily or every-other-day washes? Not so much. If I don’t wash twice, my hair is much duller and my head itches during the day. Please, carry on… ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/72 "2009-01-15T19:38:14Z")
> [@bouv](#): > > Come drive in Vermont. The lines _mean nothing,_ legally speaking. People like to say “there’s no passing law” in Vermont, which is almost true. The yellow lines are just suggestions, and it is perfectly legal to pass on a double solid yellow line, but there are no pass zones, but they are always indicated by a sign that says either “No Passing” “No Passing Zone” or something similar. Then why are there ever dashed yellow lines (which there are)? ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/73 "2009-01-15T21:10:34Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > Then why are there ever dashed yellow lines (which there are)? It’s all just suggestions (unless there’s a sign), telling you when it’s safe or not safe to pass. I think passing on a hill, near a railroad crossing, intersection, or bridge might be illegal. Let me find the relevant law. [Bammo.](http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullsection.cfm?Title=23&Chapter=013&Section=01035) If you don’t want to read all of it it: > [@](#): > > (b) A vehicle shall not pass another from the rear under any of the following conditions: > > (1) When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is in any way obstructed; > > (2) When approaching within 100 feet of, or traversing, any intersection or railroad grade crossing unless otherwise indicated by official traffic control devices; or > > (3) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel. Nothing about the yellow lines, just what I mentioned (hills, intersections, etc…) There’s also [this add on](http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullsection.cfm?Title=23&Chapter=013&Section=01036) which basically allows them to declare certain areas no passing zones even if it’s not a hill or whatever, but it has to be indicated by a sign. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/74 "2009-01-15T22:08:36Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > ETA: Goddammit, _instructions._ Can a mod fix, please? O.K. > [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > I’ve never paid any attention to any medication that says don’t drink alcohol with this and nothing bad has ever happened to me. AHHHHHH! A friend of mine passed out after drinking a rum & coke with her Darvon and it was 15 hours before we could wake her. Scary stuff, mixing medication and booze. We used to call it a “[Karen Ann Quinlan](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Ann_Quinlan) cocktail.” ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/75 "2009-01-15T23:28:02Z")
> [@InvisibleWombat](#): > > O.K. > > AHHHHHH! > > A friend of mine passed out after drinking a rum & coke with her Darvon and it was 15 hours before we could wake her. Scary stuff, mixing medication and booze. We used to call it a “[Karen Ann Quinlan](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Ann_Quinlan) cocktail.” AHHHHHH! Wait…15 hours!!! That would be “scary stuff,” to me!! You didn’t take her to the ER when you couldn’t wake her up?! Guys with long-lasting erections are supposed to get help quicker than that! Also, I’m talking about cold medicine or .25 Xanax before bed. ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/76 "2009-01-15T23:49:09Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > Also, I’m talking about cold medicine or .25 Xanax before bed. I’d be more careful with rhe cold medication, at least if it has acetaminophen. That stuff is harsh on the liver already, and taking it with booze makes it worse. On the other hand, I’ve also heard doctors and health professionals say that the whole “acetaminophen and alcohol” thing is a little overblown. So who the Hell knows anymore… Still, better safe than sorry, right? I mean, saying “nothing bad’s happened yet!” is like saying you don’t need to wear a seatbelt because you haven’t had an accident yet. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/77 "2009-01-16T03:36:19Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > You didn’t take her to the ER when you couldn’t wake her up?! I didn’t say that, did I? Here’s the scary part: She _worked_ in a hospital! She was taking the medication because she’d broken her nose and her arm in a car wreck driving home drunk from a party at a doctor’s house. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/78 "2009-01-16T03:40:07Z")
> [@InvisibleWombat](#): > > I didn’t say that, did I? > > Here’s the scary part: She _worked_ in a hospital! She was taking the medication because she’d broken her nose and her arm in a car wreck driving home drunk from a party at a doctor’s house. You said, “It was 15 hours before we could wake her,” and it seemed like weird phrasing if you had taken her to the hospital where someone else would take over her care and not the “we” which I assumed was you and your friends. Man, I hope THAT makes sense! ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/79 "2009-01-16T19:10:10Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > You said, “It was 15 hours before we could wake her,” and it seemed like weird phrasing if you had taken her to the hospital where someone else would take over her care and not the “we” which I assumed was you and your friends. Man, I hope THAT makes sense! I was ambiguous. Sorry about that. I was shortening the story. We didn’t take her in right away because we figured she was just tired. In fact, it was hours before I even found out there was alcohol in her drink. I had told her she couldn’t have any, so she went to one of the other guys and asked for a rum & coke. He didn’t know what meds she was on, so he made her a strong one, using 151 rum. He finally came clean when we she’d been crashed for hours. I was _SERIOUSLY_ pissed at him. ---
**Author:** ![Soul\_Brother\_Number\_Two](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/soul_brother_number_two/32/3515_2.png) [@Soul\_Brother\_Number\_Two](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soul_Brother_Number_Two)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659/80 "2009-01-16T19:38:35Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I remove USB memory sticks without “ejecting” them. Yea, I know this can kill them, but so far I’ve been lucky. It can? What do you mean by ‘eject?’ Now I’m paranoid. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instructions-you-routinely-ignore/480659.md?page=5)