Hi Cranky...yes, they are bizarre aren't they? (the ropes) I have heard that the different swirls and indentations will identify which part of the big or small intestine they come from. Also the shape. When I first began passing the mucoid plaque ropes in November I passed big disc/rope/disc shaped ones...now I'm onto stranger small shapes (one looked like a small delicate branch with many smaller branches off it - crazy looking!) So, it really is quite something! I hope you keep passing more!