Just when you think you’re rid of these pesky insects, they prove you wrong. I seriously asked Grok if stinkbugs were related to cockroaches since I’ve heard it said that they could survive a nuclear apocalypse.
I found out that stinkbugs are about as closely related to cockroaches as a horse is to a cat. They’re not even cousins, you guys.
I also found out those suckers can stay dormant until spring. It’s nearly impossible to keep them from flying inside when you have 3 dogs going in and out… and once they’re in, they just make themselves comfortable and overwinter inside your home.
It’s so windy and cold, I’m about to go dormant myself.
Snow is coming tonight, they say. I’m struggling to claim my very own spot on the couch and so far, I’m not having much luck.
In the meantime, how about a throwback to Christmas gifts in the 1970s?
Did you receive any of the 3 most dangerous toys of the 70s?
- Jarts — Heavy, metal-tipped darts meant to be thrown into a target on the lawn.
- They caused thousands of injuries, including skull punctures.
- Clacker balls — Two hard acrylic balls on a string you swung up and down to make them “clack.”
- The balls sometimes shattered on impact, sending sharp pieces flying. Also known to cause bruises, broken bones, and eye injuries.
- Chemistry sets — Many 70s chemistry kits included flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances.
- Kids could create heat, smoke, fire, and harmful reactions—all unsupervised.
I’m 2 for 3, but since my favorite brother received a chemistry set, I was the assistant… a much more dangerous job than that of the wacky scientist. 😉
Now you know: The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab, a toy from the 1950s, contained actual radioactive material, including uranium ore samples. It also included a Geiger counter and cloud chamber so kids could observe real radioactive decay. It exposed kids to cancer-causing particles.