# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1003 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1004 --- ## [Help! We moved, but keep getting political calls for our old state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-we-moved-but-keep-getting-political-calls-for-our-old-state/703531)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-we-moved-but-keep-getting-political-calls-for-our-old-state/703531 "2014-11-03T17:12:48Z")
We moved in December of last year. We moved to a new state 1100 miles away (Colorado.) But this election season, we’ve been getting a double whammy of political pre-recorded calls and polls for both CO and KY (our old … --- ## [Y is for Yorick (Edward Gorey)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/y-is-for-yorick-edward-gorey/703325)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/y-is-for-yorick-edward-gorey/703325 "2014-11-03T15:58:16Z")
I love the Gashlycrumb Tinies, but I don’t quite understand “Y is for Yorick whose head was knocked in” Knocked in by what? What is that he’s looking at? --- ## [I have a nasty phone scammer baited. How do I reel him in for the police?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-nasty-phone-scammer-baited-how-do-i-reel-him-in-for-the-police/703399)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-nasty-phone-scammer-baited-how-do-i-reel-him-in-for-the-police/703399 "2014-11-03T13:22:12Z")
He also called my MIL. This was to our home, for my wife, and asking for her by her maiden name, which she uses only professionally. The first time he started his spiel, a lot was recorded on my machine before I picked … --- ## [Is Ebola the new "Swift Boat" campaign for 2014 Elections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ebola-the-new-swift-boat-campaign-for-2014-elections/702908)
**Author:** [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ebola-the-new-swift-boat-campaign-for-2014-elections/702908 "2014-11-03T13:10:20Z")
‘Ebola’ fear seems to be jumping forth from all sorts of sources at once, like a cheap Halloween “Boo!”. The US has always quarantined people when medically necessary going back over 100 years (maybe longer), but this … --- ## [Weird name etymologies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-name-etymologies/703348)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-name-etymologies/703348 "2014-11-03T12:18:55Z")
I find it interesting how many given names are actually variants of other popular names. For example Diego being from James (they don’t even start with the same letter!) or Cheryl being a familiar form of the name Cara. … --- ## [Any advice for incorporating a new kitten into a home with one full-grown cat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-advice-for-incorporating-a-new-kitten-into-a-home-with-one-full-grown-cat/703035)
**Author:** [@Neo-Calredic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neo-Calredic)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-advice-for-incorporating-a-new-kitten-into-a-home-with-one-full-grown-cat/703035 "2014-11-03T10:17:08Z")
Our family is planning to take in a new kitten. He’s about six months old. We already have a full-grown cat (6 years old) who’s not particularly used to sharing her space with other animals. Any advice on how best to … --- ## [What is it about pet forums that brings out the worst in people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-pet-forums-that-brings-out-the-worst-in-people/703014)
**Author:** [@ArztWolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArztWolf)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-pet-forums-that-brings-out-the-worst-in-people/703014 "2014-11-03T09:09:32Z")
I lurk on several dog/horse/rat/goat/chicken forums and have noticed that people go bat shit over the smallest things. Food/feeding, training, breeds(ing), etc. Dog forums are the worst it seems. I can ask an honest que… --- ## [Mars, the first and last non-Earth planet we set foot on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-the-first-and-last-non-earth-planet-we-set-foot-on/703008)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2014, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-the-first-and-last-non-earth-planet-we-set-foot-on/703008 "2014-11-03T06:17:34Z")
I have little doubt that we will make a manned landing on Mars at some point. But I think that Mars will not only be the first non-Earth planet that humans ever set foot on…but also the last. The other planets in the So… --- ## [What Exactly Happens To Black Cats On Halloween?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-happens-to-black-cats-on-halloween/639360)
**Author:** [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-happens-to-black-cats-on-halloween/639360 "2014-11-02T23:07:02Z")
I’ve long heard rumors that bad things can happen to black cats on Halloween, and that shelters won’t allow them to be adopted around this time of year. This post from another thread backs that up. What I have never he… --- ## [Ingrown toenails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ingrown-toenails/688477)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ingrown-toenails/688477 "2014-11-02T22:11:56Z")
Can ingrown toenails be fixed so they will not reoccur? I have been doing my own for many years but finding it harder to reach it anymore. The pedicurists will not touch it. Do they have a corrective surgery for this? --- ## [The most valuable occupation...in a zombie apocalypse.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-valuable-occupation-in-a-zombie-apocalypse/703270)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-valuable-occupation-in-a-zombie-apocalypse/703270 "2014-11-02T21:47:18Z")
Out of these options. It’s a zombie (Solanum) apocalypse, you can’t always get what you want! So it’s a Class 4 undead outbreak, complete social and government breakdown. You’ve been keeping a small group of your friend… --- ## [DST Ends. Need Urgent Help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dst-ends-need-urgent-help/703354)
**Author:** [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dst-ends-need-urgent-help/703354 "2014-11-02T16:02:09Z")
I have tried, without success, to explain to my dog why we must turn the clocks back one hour yet, in my opinion, she refuses to understand and continues to follow DST (Dog’s Stomach Time) and wishes to eat at the same t… --- ## [High-tech democracies: Does anyone do it well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-tech-democracies-does-anyone-do-it-well/703350)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-tech-democracies-does-anyone-do-it-well/703350 "2014-11-02T15:35:33Z")
TLDR version: Are there countries that effectively use technology and digital communications to both facilitate the democratic process and more efficiently deliver governmental services? As an American, it seems like th… --- ## [Have you ever just taken off without telling anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-just-taken-off-without-telling-anyone/702912)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-just-taken-off-without-telling-anyone/702912 "2014-11-02T08:49:54Z")
There’s the recent story of the Denver Bronco’s fan, Paul Kitterman, that attended the Broncos game in Denver last Thursday evening with his stepson and two friends. His stepson had gone to the restroom during the game,… --- ## [The man who murdered Christopher Columbus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-man-who-murdered-christopher-columbus/702954)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-man-who-murdered-christopher-columbus/702954 "2014-11-02T08:44:06Z")
Here’s the hypothetical; It’s 1490 A.D. and I’m releasing a load of nanomachines into the oceans that will dissolve the hulls of any ships from the Old World that pass within 500 miles of the coasts of North or South Ame… --- ## [What's the red dot for on this no turn on red sign for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-red-dot-for-on-this-no-turn-on-red-sign-for/703165)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-red-dot-for-on-this-no-turn-on-red-sign-for/703165 "2014-11-02T04:00:57Z")
This is the “no turn on red” sign my town uses. Every time I see it, I wonder why they put that red dot on it. Do the town elders believe there are some people who don’t know what the word ‘red’ means? My friend said it … --- ## [Ladies, would you date a random stranger.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-would-you-date-a-random-stranger/703149)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-would-you-date-a-random-stranger/703149 "2014-11-02T02:58:24Z")
This thread was inspired by the harassment thread that I’m too lazy to link to. Let’s just say you’re at the grocery store mulling over the various brands of cereal when a handsome devil approaches you and says: “Hey, m… --- ## [Apartment hunting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apartment-hunting/703306)
**Author:** [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apartment-hunting/703306 "2014-11-02T01:17:02Z")
Due to some recent changes, I need to move to an apartment. I’ve seen a few really nice places but reading online reviews makes me wonder if there are any good apartments. The majority reviews are very negative. Any a… --- ## [Body Image and Store Mannequins. A big deal or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-image-and-store-mannequins-a-big-deal-or-not/703301)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2014, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-image-and-store-mannequins-a-big-deal-or-not/703301 "2014-11-02T00:58:54Z")
I’m not overly concerned about this one example. It is yet another badly distorted representation of what a healthy woman should look like. It reinforces the distorted images of women in magazines and ads. Runway models… --- ## [It's out of print. Do you pirate it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-out-of-print-do-you-pirate-it/702945)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-out-of-print-do-you-pirate-it/702945 "2014-11-01T23:47:58Z")
Recently I was bemoaning on Facebook the fact that several favorite books from the 1980s were out of print - as in, no ebooks or dead tree editions are to be found anywhere. Someone posted a link to a couple of sites wh… --- ## [Easiest language to learn.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easiest-language-to-learn/702333)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Why\_Bother](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Why_Bother)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easiest-language-to-learn/702333 "2014-11-01T23:30:38Z")
I want to learn a foreign language, but I don’t want to have to work to hard. What’s the easiest foreign language to learn for a native English speaker? P.S. - I know some people say German because it’s structured very… --- ## [Flu shot not given deep enough- still protects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flu-shot-not-given-deep-enough-still-protects/703275)
**Author:** [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flu-shot-not-given-deep-enough-still-protects/703275 "2014-11-01T20:29:14Z")
A few days ago, I got a flu shot. Within a few hours, the area turned red, hot, itchy, swollen, and painful. Now it’s still like that a little bit, but the redness is now bruising. Then I asked a dermatologist about it… --- ## [Plowing thread-droppings under](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plowing-thread-droppings-under/703204)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plowing-thread-droppings-under/703204 "2014-11-01T20:24:45Z")
Recently I saw a complaint arise in GQ that the thread was crufting up with jokiness and snide comments, that it was making the thread hard to read (which was not my perception, but TETO). It got me to wondering about th… --- ## [Poll: Do you have a unique real life name? (Anonymous, obviously)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-do-you-have-a-unique-real-life-name-anonymous-obviously/701202)
**Author:** [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-do-you-have-a-unique-real-life-name-anonymous-obviously/701202 "2014-11-01T17:17:15Z")
This thread got me wondering: what proportion of us do have unique names? I am the only one of me in the entire world, thanks to a medium-uncommon surname and a creatively spelled given name. Change a letter or two, thou… --- ## [Plant-Growing Newb With Stupid Question About Sunlight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-growing-newb-with-stupid-question-about-sunlight/703265)
**Author:** [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-growing-newb-with-stupid-question-about-sunlight/703265 "2014-11-01T16:28:09Z")
I recently purchased a small potted key lime plant. I have a rather checkered history with plant growing – I tend to kill decorative plants but usually if the plant grows food I do a better job. If I manage not to kill … --- ## [Names for common things we see every day that people may not know the name to.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-common-things-we-see-every-day-that-people-may-not-know-the-name-to/322648)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-common-things-we-see-every-day-that-people-may-not-know-the-name-to/322648 "2014-11-01T14:01:34Z")
The dot above the lowercase i and j? They’re called tittles. The pound sign (#) is an Octothorpe. The little plastic bands on the ends of shoelaces are aglets. The left over ash in a pipe that also helps you relight i… --- ## [Dvr alternatives to cable provided box or tivo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvr-alternatives-to-cable-provided-box-or-tivo/702759)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvr-alternatives-to-cable-provided-box-or-tivo/702759 "2014-11-01T12:23:33Z")
Comcast wants $18/month to hook up a Dvr, tivo is about $15/momth. Are there cheaper alternatives? I’d prefer one where I just name the shows and it records them but one that I have to manually program would be fine too … --- ## [I fucking hate Halloween Parties because I have to dress up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-fucking-hate-halloween-parties-because-i-have-to-dress-up/701776)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-fucking-hate-halloween-parties-because-i-have-to-dress-up/701776 "2014-11-01T12:09:49Z")
What can I go as? I hate this shit. Am I the only one? I am very comfortable being myself. I am not comfortable dressing up in a costume. I’ve never liked this shit. Thankfully I have two weeks to come up with some… --- ## [If you were made King, how would you eliminate needless trash and protect our planet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-were-made-king-how-would-you-eliminate-needless-trash-and-protect-our-planet/703037)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-were-made-king-how-would-you-eliminate-needless-trash-and-protect-our-planet/703037 "2014-11-01T10:10:30Z")
We have a major problem with needlessly filling up landfills with trash. The type of reform needed would require the powers of a king. Someone who can simply make change by decree. What steps would you make to elimina… --- ## [Men and Women: Let's talk shaving.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-and-women-lets-talk-shaving/702922)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2014, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-and-women-lets-talk-shaving/702922 "2014-11-01T06:25:14Z")
My shaving habits have evolved throughout my life. For many years it was this: Can of Barbisol, hot wet washcloth, over sink, prior to showering. In the last few years I’ve transitioned into just doing it in the shower… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1002) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1004)