# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1012 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1013 --- ## [Recommend a set of headphones please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-set-of-headphones-please/697382)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-set-of-headphones-please/697382 "2014-10-16T16:07:34Z")
For the past couple of years I’ve been using this set of headphones: Sound quality is fantastic, best I’ve ever experienced and better than much more expensive headphones. Unfortunately they’re also very flimsy and po… --- ## [Tank vs Boot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tank-vs-boot/701453)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tank-vs-boot/701453 "2014-10-16T13:24:13Z")
which would win? --- ## [Hypothetical: You're in the military and are being sent to help with the Ebola crisis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-youre-in-the-military-and-are-being-sent-to-help-with-the-ebola-crisis/700988)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-youre-in-the-military-and-are-being-sent-to-help-with-the-ebola-crisis/700988 "2014-10-16T13:22:34Z")
I’m not Skald, so I’m not going to do a big story. This presupposes you’d join the military. The facts are these: you’re in the military and your unit is called upon to go to Africa and help with the Ebola containment ef… --- ## [Why did you first start smoking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-you-first-start-smoking/701414)
**Author:** [@Wisp00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wisp00)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-you-first-start-smoking/701414 "2014-10-16T09:29:53Z")
I’m looking for what made you try cigarettes in the first place, not so much what made you get hooked. More specifically, did you start smoking your first few cigarettes because you were looking for some kind of physica… --- ## [annoying skin tag on forehead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-skin-tag-on-forehead/701286)
**Author:** [@sportsfan888](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sportsfan888)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-skin-tag-on-forehead/701286 "2014-10-16T07:30:54Z")
Hello! I have an annoying skin tag on my forehead and I am wondering if anybody has any home remedies to get rid of this. I am tempted to just clip it off with toe nail clippers; however, I have read a few comments from … --- ## [Do you think a whole house gas generator adds comparable value to a home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-a-whole-house-gas-generator-adds-comparable-value-to-a-home/701249)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-a-whole-house-gas-generator-adds-comparable-value-to-a-home/701249 "2014-10-16T05:28:16Z")
If you were looking at homes for sale. Would one with an installed whole house generator that uses natural gas be an attractive feature? Would it be a positive factor in choosing a home to purchase? In general would mos… --- ## [Have you ever slipped something by the TSA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-slipped-something-by-the-tsa/700950)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-slipped-something-by-the-tsa/700950 "2014-10-16T04:33:52Z")
As a spinoff of the “Can I pack this in my carryon?” thread, I was reminded of my last trip across California. I flew out of several airports, including LAX, and I forgot to leave my pocket knife at home. I just threw it… --- ## [How will today's healthy people fare as they age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-todays-healthy-people-fare-as-they-age/701248)
**Author:** [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-todays-healthy-people-fare-as-they-age/701248 "2014-10-16T04:11:50Z")
There is a lot of emphasis on the growing rates of obesity in the US these days, and rightly so. However, I was thinking about the other side of the coin - those that are taking care of themselves. When I was young (70s… --- ## [Joining Weight Watchers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joining-weight-watchers/652511)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joining-weight-watchers/652511 "2014-10-16T03:35:26Z")
I did the online version a couple of years ago. I was initially successful but ultimately failed. I’ve got myself revved up to do the go-to-meetin’ option and would like some Doper input. Who here has been successful wi… --- ## [Am I overreacting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-overreacting/701372)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2014, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-overreacting/701372 "2014-10-16T01:18:55Z")
(Yes, I am aware that 99.9999% of this time the answer to this question is “Yes”) The story in brief: I have a small investment account with a broker for the past 20 years. A few years ago I rolled over an IRA into a … --- ## [What conoatations does 'Inscrutable' have for you.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-conoatations-does-inscrutable-have-for-you/553912)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-conoatations-does-inscrutable-have-for-you/553912 "2014-10-15T23:49:31Z")
Reading the thread about the magic negro The Magical Negro - Cafe Society - Straight Dope Message Board reminded me of something similar I had a discussion about a while ago. Much like people talk about “The magic Negro… --- ## [Have you ever regretted being an unattractive person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-regretted-being-an-unattractive-person/701063)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-regretted-being-an-unattractive-person/701063 "2014-10-15T22:23:56Z")
As a parallel to the “Have you ever regretted being an attractive woman?” thread, if you self-identify as an “unattractive” person, do you feel like that’s had a profound influence on your life? More so than, for example… --- ## [Why do they try and scare smokers to give up instead of trying to help them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-try-and-scare-smokers-to-give-up-instead-of-trying-to-help-them/680234)
**Author:** [@Europan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Europan)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-try-and-scare-smokers-to-give-up-instead-of-trying-to-help-them/680234 "2014-10-15T20:41:17Z")
Now I get that their hearts are in the right place, smoking is bad for you in so many ways. I smoked for thirty years and not one of the scare adverts or posters ever convinced me to give up. Call me weak willed or even … --- ## [do e-cigs smell (a poll)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-e-cigs-smell-a-poll/673181)
**Author:** [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-e-cigs-smell-a-poll/673181 "2014-10-15T20:41:15Z")
In a current thread, Dangerosa stated that e-cigs release a nasty smell that clings to clothes (requiring up to two weeks of airing to get rid of it). This statement seems absurd to me. E-cigs smell seems barely noticea… --- ## [Treadmill? Elliptical? Stationary Bike?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treadmill-elliptical-stationary-bike/701422)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treadmill-elliptical-stationary-bike/701422 "2014-10-15T20:23:10Z")
I have a bike and a training stand (or whatever you call those things you connect to your back wheel to convert your bicycle to a stationary one) that I use for exercise. However, it’s a hybrid mountain bike, and the ha… --- ## [FDR's fifth term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fdrs-fifth-term/701074)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fdrs-fifth-term/701074 "2014-10-15T19:06:17Z")
Fifth term? Didn’t he die in his fourth? Well yes, yes he did - but what if he survived to the 1948 presidential election? Should he run again? --- ## [Older dog starts to bite preschoolers - any hope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-dog-starts-to-bite-preschoolers-any-hope/699895)
**Author:** [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-dog-starts-to-bite-preschoolers-any-hope/699895 "2014-10-15T18:02:15Z")
I have an older dog - 10 years old - whom I have had since he was a puppy. He’s always been good natured (although he barks a lot at people… and sounds, and sometimes molecular atrophy.) I now have young children in the… --- ## [Is there any reason children shouldn't be allowed to vape nicotine-free juice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-reason-children-shouldnt-be-allowed-to-vape-nicotine-free-juice/695809)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-reason-children-shouldnt-be-allowed-to-vape-nicotine-free-juice/695809 "2014-10-15T16:19:21Z")
Is there any reason we should be preventing children from using nicotine-free liquid in a vape device? Assuming it’s proven to present zero harm to them. I can’t think of one. Can you? --- ## [Can extensions work for extremely thin hair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-extensions-work-for-extremely-thin-hair/701187)
**Author:** [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-extensions-work-for-extremely-thin-hair/701187 "2014-10-15T10:32:26Z")
I have thin, fine, wavy to mildly curly Caucasian hair. As far as I can tell, I have not had any hair loss. I remember noticing that I could see my scalp even back in my 20s, and as far as I can tell there has not been… --- ## [Unwillingly and/or Unwittingly Hiring Your Replacement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unwillingly-and-or-unwittingly-hiring-your-replacement/701299)
**Author:** [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unwillingly-and-or-unwittingly-hiring-your-replacement/701299 "2014-10-15T05:09:09Z")
Aside from duties I share with other folks on my team, I have been the sole overseer of a rather intricate and fairly integral part of our computer operations for over 5 years. None of my peers have been able or interes… --- ## [Why do we even have juvenile criminal laws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-even-have-juvenile-criminal-laws/701363)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-even-have-juvenile-criminal-laws/701363 "2014-10-15T03:51:45Z")
Example. OK, according to the DA, it’s mandatory that homicide suspects be charged as adults. I can understand that if a suspect is 16 years old, then it mightn’t be safe to put him into juvenile detention. But ISTM … --- ## [A question for experienced long-distance runners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-experienced-long-distance-runners/701369)
**Author:** [@sundog66](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sundog66)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-experienced-long-distance-runners/701369 "2014-10-15T03:15:56Z")
\[There may be a factual answer to this question, though I place it here in IMHO since I’m soliciting expert opinions. Mods, please feel free to move if it would be more appropriate elsewhere.\] Background: I recently ran… --- ## [UPS says USPS will deliver my package from Amazon, tomorrow.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ups-says-usps-will-deliver-my-package-from-amazon-tomorrow/701350)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ups-says-usps-will-deliver-my-package-from-amazon-tomorrow/701350 "2014-10-15T02:38:41Z")
We live in a quiet neighborhood near our state capitol. For a few years UPS has delivered our packages from Amazon to the house. We got an email from UPS saying the package we were expecting from them today would be del… --- ## [You Can Take One Modern Non-Fiction Book Back To 1750](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-can-take-one-modern-non-fiction-book-back-to-1750/701188)
**Author:** [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-can-take-one-modern-non-fiction-book-back-to-1750/701188 "2014-10-15T02:18:58Z")
Which book would you take back, which book do you think would have the greatest impact? Note that this applies to non-fiction books only, and no music, no movies, no photographs, nothing that can’t be reprinted, distribu… --- ## [Mouse Pad Recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouse-pad-recommendations/701173)
**Author:** [@Pauly01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pauly01)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouse-pad-recommendations/701173 "2014-10-15T00:49:55Z")
I have a logitech 505m wireless mouse. First off, im not sure but i believe theres 2 type of mouses. One is optical mouse and one is laser mouse… is that correct? Can someone tell me which type of mouse i have? I can… --- ## [Telling an employer you're leaving, way ahead of time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telling-an-employer-youre-leaving-way-ahead-of-time/700775)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2014, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telling-an-employer-youre-leaving-way-ahead-of-time/700775 "2014-10-15T00:46:31Z")
I have a fear of giving any more than the customary “two weeks notice” to an employer, due to my dad having been fired twice when I was a kid for trying to do what he saw as “the right thing” and telling his employer he’… --- ## [Repeating words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repeating-words/701238)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2014, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repeating-words/701238 "2014-10-14T23:48:35Z")
Echolalia (repeating the words of others) was brought up in the “should I worry about my coworker going postal” thread. Both of my sons have a similar tic, palilalia, where they will repeat the last word or two of a sen… --- ## [Is this a variety of special pleading?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-variety-of-special-pleading/701246)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2014, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-variety-of-special-pleading/701246 "2014-10-14T23:34:18Z")
Hey all, So I was having a discussion where I said that what somebody else was arguing was just a variety of special pleading. I think I was right, but maybe everyone doesn’t agree… :wink: And then I thought of asking a… --- ## [Two Questions on small claims lawsuits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-on-small-claims-lawsuits/701328)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2014, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-on-small-claims-lawsuits/701328 "2014-10-14T23:14:16Z")
I know, YANML, YMMV etc. When suing a school district, does the Superintendent get served with the papers or would it be the President of the Board? Some unknown staff attorney? We are suing my ex-landlord for not… --- ## [Colleges and enforcement of alcohol rules](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colleges-and-enforcement-of-alcohol-rules/700143)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2014, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colleges-and-enforcement-of-alcohol-rules/700143 "2014-10-14T21:43:59Z")
I am, admittedly an old fart. And admittedly in my college days I drank underage and smoked substances that were not legal. This is by way of preamble. My number 3 son is now a sophmore at a smallish liberal arts colleg… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1011) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1013)