# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=101 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 102 --- ## [Has there ever been a TV series where the title sequence was just part of the episode (see explanation)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-tv-series-where-the-title-sequence-was-just-part-of-the-episode-see-explanation/999477)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2024, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-tv-series-where-the-title-sequence-was-just-part-of-the-episode-see-explanation/999477 "2024-03-31T12:16:12Z")
Has there ever been a TV series where the title sequence flows as a completely natural continuation of the cold open. What I mean is, for example, in Popular Weekly Space Opera, the cold open takes place in spacedock in… --- ## [What does gerrymandering/redistricting practically speaking look like on the ground? How does it impact a voter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-gerrymandering-redistricting-practically-speaking-look-like-on-the-ground-how-does-it-impact-a-voter/999543)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2024, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-gerrymandering-redistricting-practically-speaking-look-like-on-the-ground-how-does-it-impact-a-voter/999543 "2024-03-31T00:58:17Z")
What does gerrymandering/redistricting practically speaking look like on the ground? How does it impact a voter? If I’m living in Queens, New York or Collins Avenue in Miami, if I’m a Democrat or Republican and my commu… --- ## [Bankman-Fried defense "harm to customers is zero"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bankman-fried-defense-harm-to-customers-is-zero/999498)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2024, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bankman-fried-defense-harm-to-customers-is-zero/999498 "2024-03-31T00:28:30Z")
I’m looking for the reasoning behind Bankman-Fried FTX scheme being claimed to have zero harm to customers, lenders, and investors. THe knee jerk reaction is that his defense attorneys are wrong and that they are tryi… --- ## [Cell phone holster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-holster/998611)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2024, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-holster/998611 "2024-03-30T22:16:27Z")
Does anybody carry their cell phone in a holster clipped to their belt any longer? I believe it is considered “dorky.” I don’t want to be thought of as “dorky” but I sure hate carrying my phone in my pants pocket. --- ## [Should a parent be permitted to deny life-saving cancer treatment for their child? What about if the child is severely disabled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-parent-be-permitted-to-deny-life-saving-cancer-treatment-for-their-child-what-about-if-the-child-is-severely-disabled/999124)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2024, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-parent-be-permitted-to-deny-life-saving-cancer-treatment-for-their-child-what-about-if-the-child-is-severely-disabled/999124 "2024-03-30T21:07:57Z")
A court in Australia has denied parents of a severely disabled teenager the right to withold treatment of their child. The child has multiple disabilities, and the parents were hoping to have their child at home to under… --- ## [What do you think about these "smart guns"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-about-these-smart-guns/999283)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2024, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-about-these-smart-guns/999283 "2024-03-30T19:57:00Z")
According to the inventor, they only fire when an “authorized” person pulls the trigger. I know nothing about guns or biometrics, so I was curious what you smarties would think about this product. Would you buy one, Woul… --- ## [What do you want to normalize and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-want-to-normalize-and-why/999086)
**Author:** [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2024, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-want-to-normalize-and-why/999086 "2024-03-30T18:21:21Z")
I like to sleep alone. This was a problem in a lot of my past relationships, as men took it personally. But my current boyfriend recognizes that both of us can get a better night’s sleep if we sleep in separate bedroom… --- ## [Is the Word Pygmy Offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-pygmy-offensive/999538)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-pygmy-offensive/999538 "2024-03-30T15:44:48Z")
Is the word pygmy offensive? I would like to hear the opinions of the great minds of the SDMB. I predict that in the next few years it will be put on the list of words that one should not use in polite conversation. T… --- ## [Could you use a random smartphone quickly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-use-a-random-smartphone-quickly/999307)
**Author:** [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2024, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-use-a-random-smartphone-quickly/999307 "2024-03-30T12:00:33Z")
Inspired by something I saw on the news tonight concerning teaching children how to dial 911 on a smartphone. The last cell phone I had was a flip phone. The few times someone has handed me their smartphone to make a cal… --- ## [Opinions about 2 part heat pump hot water heaters (e.g., Sanco 2, Sanden)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-about-2-part-heat-pump-hot-water-heaters-e-g-sanco-2-sanden/999583)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2024, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-about-2-part-heat-pump-hot-water-heaters-e-g-sanco-2-sanden/999583 "2024-03-30T04:37:06Z")
I have wanted a heat pump hot water heater for a while, but the closet it fits in is just too small for any of the existing (1 piece) units. Just recently, I’ve noticed that there are now 2 piece units: the inside part … --- ## [Weird Amazon Echo behavior](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-amazon-echo-behavior/999571)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2024, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-amazon-echo-behavior/999571 "2024-03-29T23:57:23Z")
Today at 11:00 a.m. CDT, all three of my Amazon Echoes began beeping at the same time. The pattern was boop-boop-boop (rest) boop-boop-boop (rest), and so on for about 5 minutes until I finally said “Alexa stop.” While i… --- ## [Do highways and/or rivers affect weather?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-highways-and-or-rivers-affect-weather/999209)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2024, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-highways-and-or-rivers-affect-weather/999209 "2024-03-29T17:13:14Z")
At least in the northeast, we often experience storms that move along certain highways. For example, the New Jersey Turnpike is often shown as the dividing line of where it might snow vs. where it may rain. Similarly, … --- ## [If your SO says they want to buy something, do you ask how much it costs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-so-says-they-want-to-buy-something-do-you-ask-how-much-it-costs/999155)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2024, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-so-says-they-want-to-buy-something-do-you-ask-how-much-it-costs/999155 "2024-03-29T14:27:34Z")
Basically what the title says. I’m fortunate that we are financially comfortable with income exceeding outgo. My wife handles the finances, so she knows what we have available. And I have nothing I’m wanting to buy th… --- ## [If Texas seceded, how far up shit creek would they be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-texas-seceded-how-far-up-shit-creek-would-they-be/996644)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2024, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-texas-seceded-how-far-up-shit-creek-would-they-be/996644 "2024-03-29T02:07:06Z")
Or they be just fine and/or dandy? I can imagine borders between Texas and other states closing, restricting interstate commerce, so I am wondering how self-sustaining they actually are, among other things. --- ## [How much paver base do you really need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paver-base-do-you-really-need/999489)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2024, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paver-base-do-you-really-need/999489 "2024-03-28T22:48:23Z")
I am rebuilding a pathway using brick about an inch thick. I see everyone says for a walkway to use 4" - 6" of paver base but that seems like a lot. I have clay soil underneath and I’m thinking Big Base just wants me t… --- ## [A Doper in Every State?: A Poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-doper-in-every-state-a-poll/505213)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2024, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-doper-in-every-state-a-poll/505213 "2024-03-28T15:47:15Z")
Since this website is based in the U.S. of A, and without trying to offend our neighbors around the world, I am curious if we have a poster from every state. Simple enough poll of sorts. If you don’t see your state tak… --- ## [What do the dopers think of the Kate Middleton brouhaha](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 496\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2024, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-dopers-think-of-the-kate-middleton-brouhaha/998723 "2024-03-28T11:20:45Z")
No Kate Middleton thread on the dope yet? Lets make one. So I have been largely ignoring the brouhaha (I’m a brit living in the states for 20+ and am kind of irritated when I’m forced to read about the british royals he… --- ## [Is having a girlfriend in 7th grade normal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-having-a-girlfriend-in-7th-grade-normal/999275)
**Author:** [@SaSaLeLe2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaSaLeLe2011)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2024, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-having-a-girlfriend-in-7th-grade-normal/999275 "2024-03-28T06:45:30Z")
come on now. is it? --- ## [Is the real estate comission settlement going to change home buying and selling as much as this article says it will and the realtors wont be making as much money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-real-estate-comission-settlement-going-to-change-home-buying-and-selling-as-much-as-this-article-says-it-will-and-the-realtors-wont-be-making-as-much-money/999272)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2024, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-real-estate-comission-settlement-going-to-change-home-buying-and-selling-as-much-as-this-article-says-it-will-and-the-realtors-wont-be-making-as-much-money/999272 "2024-03-27T22:28:15Z")
all I got out of this is everyone will be paying their own agent fees and it might lower the fee rate … is there more to it? https://www.marketwatch.com/story/three-ways-the-realtor-commission-settlement-affects-people-… --- ## [St. Louis Sunday Dinner recs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-louis-sunday-dinner-recs/999398)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2024, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-louis-sunday-dinner-recs/999398 "2024-03-27T16:59:40Z")
Our family is going to be stuck in St. Louis this weekend, and dinner reservations are on me. The hitch is that this Sunday is Easter, so I need a big list of recommendations to go through. Normally I’d just look up a To… --- ## [Why is it all SUVs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-all-suvs/998476)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2024, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-all-suvs/998476 "2024-03-27T04:26:41Z")
Back in, I think, '18 or '19, the major American auto manufacturers dropped almost all of their car lines, in favor of pickups and SUVs. Apart from the sportiest models, you cannot buy an American car from the biggest co… --- ## [Washington State passes "Stripper's bill of rights."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-passes-strippers-bill-of-rights/999380)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2024, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-passes-strippers-bill-of-rights/999380 "2024-03-27T01:46:38Z")
Based on what’s listed in the article,( “training for employees in establishments to prevent sexual harassment, identify and report human trafficking, de-escalate conflict and provide first aid. It also mandates security… --- ## [I just bought a 1968-era Twin Lens Reflex camera. Help me find a period-correct light meter!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-bought-a-1968-era-twin-lens-reflex-camera-help-me-find-a-period-correct-light-meter/998722)
**Author:** [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-bought-a-1968-era-twin-lens-reflex-camera-help-me-find-a-period-correct-light-meter/998722 "2024-03-27T01:10:05Z")
As the subject says, help me find a period-correct light meter for my new-to-me vintage TLR camera. On a total whim, I ordered a Mamiya C220 TLR camera, a model made from 1968-1982. Mamiya C220 TLR I have been a serio… --- ## [Doc says I need to start wearing shoes in the house. Got any recommendations for some comfy ones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doc-says-i-need-to-start-wearing-shoes-in-the-house-got-any-recommendations-for-some-comfy-ones/999156)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doc-says-i-need-to-start-wearing-shoes-in-the-house-got-any-recommendations-for-some-comfy-ones/999156 "2024-03-26T20:01:14Z")
Just got back from my podiatrist. I have planters fasciitis. She told me I need to start wearing shoes in the house. Which I absolutely hate. Shoes are the first thing that come off when I get home. I think as far as t… --- ## [What skills/activities must you personally excel at to be a top teacher/coach of those skills/activities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skills-activities-must-you-personally-excel-at-to-be-a-top-teacher-coach-of-those-skills-activities/999205)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2024, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skills-activities-must-you-personally-excel-at-to-be-a-top-teacher-coach-of-those-skills-activities/999205 "2024-03-26T03:52:41Z")
Apologies if the title is confusing. My wife is starting some art classes. I asked her if she had had the opportunity to view the teacher’s work, to assess his ability. But then I thought about sports coaches, who wer… --- ## [How to get more subscribers and views on YouTube?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-more-subscribers-and-views-on-youtube/999317)
**Author:** [@SaSaLeLe2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaSaLeLe2011)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-more-subscribers-and-views-on-youtube/999317 "2024-03-25T21:24:46Z")
I have a channel with well over 600 subscribers called PopCatAnimations. I only get views from the youtube shorts I post and not my main content. --- ## [Which of these three western states would be the best to hide in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-three-western-states-would-be-the-best-to-hide-in/998931)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-three-western-states-would-be-the-best-to-hide-in/998931 "2024-03-25T16:44:29Z")
I had an idea for a slasher film where a serial killer goes on a rampage in Las Vegas and gets defeated in typical fashion but manages to escape. I also had an idea for a sequel where they continue their evil activities … --- ## [So… IS Apple a monopoly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-apple-a-monopoly/999181)
**Author:** [@epbrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-apple-a-monopoly/999181 "2024-03-25T15:44:12Z")
Apple has been getting more and more heat for being a monopoly, mostly due to charging for the App Store service, but I’m just not seeing it. They built the service and charge people to use it to sell products. It seems … --- ## [Mold Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mold-problem/999254)
**Author:** [@mglambo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mglambo)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2024, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mold-problem/999254 "2024-03-23T19:05:23Z")
I discovered a leaking toilet yesterday, which further investigation showed mold problems underneath my flooring. I need to pull up some carpet, tile and wood flooring to investigate to see how much mold is there and how… --- ## [Advice for a trip to Key West please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-a-trip-to-key-west-please/999215)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2024, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-a-trip-to-key-west-please/999215 "2024-03-23T14:27:21Z")
I am considering taking my three sons (21, 18 and 15) on a road trip to Key West over Christmas vacation. I have been there once way back in the early 90s (took a puddle-jumper from Fort Meyers for a daytrip) but have ne… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=100) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=102)