One side of the aluminum foil is shiny like a mirror while the other has more of a matte finish. Why is that? Does this difference have any practical advantages or drawbacks to watch out for?
The Master speaks:
The Master speaks, noting that the shiny and matte sides are innocent byproducts of the manufacturing process and that either side can face te food or face the heat.
Do you guys call each other and decide to post the same thing at the same exact time?
NO! Not Me.
On more than one occassion I have seen a new post, typed a short or fairly short response and when it comes up there are two or three that have replied in that short time. The probablility of this happening may depend on time of day and activity on the boards.
Seems strange doesn’t it, almost as it there were colusion.
“Beware of the Cog” 
Shhh. Don’t let him know!