# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1134 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1135 --- ## [Ever help carry something and not actually carry anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-help-carry-something-and-not-actually-carry-anything/682870)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-help-carry-something-and-not-actually-carry-anything/682870 "2014-03-05T21:49:37Z")
I’ve had this happen many times. Maybe 4-8+ guys (mainly guys, sometimes gals are in there too), lift a single ridged object. And we start carrying it but I am not bearing any weight. If I try to it just seems like I… --- ## [Polyglots, compare/contrast your languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polyglots-compare-contrast-your-languages/682865)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polyglots-compare-contrast-your-languages/682865 "2014-03-05T21:33:57Z")
Are you fluent in two or more languages? I’m curious to hear your thoughts about them. Which lanuage is more/less expressive? Which do you like better, and why? Which is easier/harder to master (a tougher question, u… --- ## [Racists and freedom of speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racists-and-freedom-of-speech/682910)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racists-and-freedom-of-speech/682910 "2014-03-05T20:49:38Z")
Here’s a question I’ve been pondering for a while - the relationship between extremist political views (racists sprang immediately to mind, white supremacists, ultranationalists, neo-Nazis and the like but also extreme r… --- ## [Have you ever re-keyed a lock? How difficult is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-re-keyed-a-lock-how-difficult-is-it/682829)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-re-keyed-a-lock-how-difficult-is-it/682829 "2014-03-05T19:34:35Z")
I had new exterior doors installed front & back, but they have different keys. I’d like them to be the same. A locksmith can do it, it’s not expensive. However, there are re-keying kits available and I thought it might b… --- ## [Long slow or intervals. Which do you prefer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-slow-or-intervals-which-do-you-prefer/682905)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-slow-or-intervals-which-do-you-prefer/682905 "2014-03-05T18:59:42Z")
Issues regarding best for health or weight loss or VO2max aside … which do you enjoy doing more, the long slow run or intervals, inclding HIIT style ones? --- ## [The advantage of 32 bit iPad over 16 bit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-advantage-of-32-bit-ipad-over-16-bit/682783)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-advantage-of-32-bit-ipad-over-16-bit/682783 "2014-03-05T15:23:51Z")
Thinking of buying an iPad Air. For a ‘normal’ user without games, is there any advantage of 32 over 16? It’s an extra $100. --- ## [Why does the UN feel they can influence Russia's actions regarding Ukraine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-un-feel-they-can-influence-russias-actions-regarding-ukraine/682782)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-un-feel-they-can-influence-russias-actions-regarding-ukraine/682782 "2014-03-05T14:32:26Z")
I’ve seen several news articles on this, describing how the Crimea region basically is part of Russia…it was only handed over administratively to Ukraine as a gift. It would be like if the USA and Canada were part of th… --- ## [Gift for a couple planning a 2 week trip to europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gift-for-a-couple-planning-a-2-week-trip-to-europe/682637)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gift-for-a-couple-planning-a-2-week-trip-to-europe/682637 "2014-03-05T13:36:53Z")
A couple I know is planning a 2 week trip to Europe to celebrate an achievement that is upcoming. What gift idea is a good idea for them? Price range is, I would prefer it be less than $50 but would go up to $100 or so … --- ## [I berp when I want to beep.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-berp-when-i-want-to-beep/682914)
**Author:** [@Snerky\_Snerk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snerky_Snerk)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-berp-when-i-want-to-beep/682914 "2014-03-05T07:03:18Z")
When I try to beep, it comes out berp. If I try to complain about something beeping, I end up complaining that it’s berping. What is wrong with me? It’s driving me binkers. I suspect that when I was a kid, there mu… --- ## [Re-igniting the dying Sun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-igniting-the-dying-sun/682666)
**Author:** [@mandala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mandala)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-igniting-the-dying-sun/682666 "2014-03-05T06:31:17Z")
I have decided to face my superstitious fears, one by one. Biggest one first: what if the Sun suddenly turns tomato red and slinks across the sky no brighter in visible light than the moon? Scientists assure us the Sun … --- ## [Plus-size party dress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plus-size-party-dress/500341)
**Author:** [@Serenata67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serenata67)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2014, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plus-size-party-dress/500341 "2014-03-05T03:06:25Z")
I’m a plus-size girl and I’m looking for a classy party dress for a couple of wedding this summer. Also, I would like to be able to wear it when I go on my own honeymoon this winter. (I’m going to New York and need a n… --- ## [Is the reputation of strength or weakness a real political factor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-reputation-of-strength-or-weakness-a-real-political-factor/682850)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-reputation-of-strength-or-weakness-a-real-political-factor/682850 "2014-03-04T19:47:45Z")
Especially with the current state of politics I hear a lot of talk about the perceived strength or weakness of the state leaders. Somehow I doubt that serious politics are settled in the same way as a jailhouse feud, but… --- ## [BICROS for hearing loss need answers fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bicros-for-hearing-loss-need-answers-fast/682803)
**Author:** [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bicros-for-hearing-loss-need-answers-fast/682803 "2014-03-04T19:25:10Z")
I have an elderly relative who is getting very hard of hearing. We call her mom. Or, MOM! She is being advised by her Doctors to get something called a BICROS. Does anyone here have any opinion about this device? Her hea… --- ## [How strong of a move is an Ambassador recall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strong-of-a-move-is-an-ambassador-recall/682742)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strong-of-a-move-is-an-ambassador-recall/682742 "2014-03-04T19:24:28Z")
I notice there have been a few recalls of ambassadors recently as a result of the Ukraine situation. Is this a fairly common practice as a pressure tactic or bluff, or is it a strong indicator of an upcoming conflict? --- ## [Unexpected amenities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-amenities/682840)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-amenities/682840 "2014-03-04T18:02:51Z")
This past weekend my gf gave me my birthday present; an all expenses paid trip to Voodoo Brewery in Meadville, PA. I left my $$ at home. She drove and paid for food/beer/the room/etc. AWESOME gift. When we awoke Sund… --- ## [Looking for some advice for dealing with this banking issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-some-advice-for-dealing-with-this-banking-issue/682615)
**Author:** [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-some-advice-for-dealing-with-this-banking-issue/682615 "2014-03-04T17:44:00Z")
I recently switched to doing my banking through Higher One. In early February, I sent an online bill payment for my storage unit that he claims he never received. It’s the first online bill payment I’ve sent from this ba… --- ## [Russian economic retaliation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-economic-retaliation/682833)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-economic-retaliation/682833 "2014-03-04T17:43:38Z")
Let’s say that the West slaps economic sanctions on Russia, and Putin responds by cutting off all oil & gas to Europe. How much would this hurt Europe, and how quickly? --- ## [Is cancelling the 2014 G8 summit a good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cancelling-the-2014-g8-summit-a-good-idea/682764)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cancelling-the-2014-g8-summit-a-good-idea/682764 "2014-03-04T17:18:36Z")
This morning the G7 announced that they are suspending preparations for the June forum. This has to do with Russian military intervention in Ukraine. If communication can resolve these issues, why close the door? With… --- ## [Things that are expensive new, but can be gotten free used (still in good condition)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-are-expensive-new-but-can-be-gotten-free-used-still-in-good-condition/682597)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-are-expensive-new-but-can-be-gotten-free-used-still-in-good-condition/682597 "2014-03-04T15:44:59Z")
Almost anything used to the point of being trashed can be had free, but what are some things that are expensive brand new, but can usually be found for free used, while still in good condition (not from family or close f… --- ## [Can We Play "Price That Business"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-play-price-that-business/682765)
**Author:** [@Rattle\_and\_Hum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rattle_and_Hum)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-play-price-that-business/682765 "2014-03-04T13:30:40Z")
Hi All. I’m hoping to get some perspective on business valuation. Won’t you please play along? Two locations selling popular desert item and the like. $486k Combined sales in 2013 and income from operations of $68K (i… --- ## [What is the best online store to buy mens clothes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-online-store-to-buy-mens-clothes/239346)
**Author:** [@chefIL11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefIL11)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2004, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-online-store-to-buy-mens-clothes/239346 "2004-04-15T18:28:54Z")
Brand names are good… polo… etc… and by best… I mean cheapest and most reliable! :stuck\_out\_tongue: --- ## [Opinions from straight and queer people. STD testing -- a big production?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-from-straight-and-queer-people-std-testing-a-big-production/298571)
**Author:** [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2005, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-from-straight-and-queer-people-std-testing-a-big-production/298571 "2005-04-12T19:11:33Z")
There’s a pit thread going on now during which a poster mentioned that a friend of hers got tested and that it was a big trauma for everyone. I just don’t get that. I get tested pretty much every time I go to the doctor… --- ## [What would happen if a frickin giant laser...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-frickin-giant-laser/682598)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-a-frickin-giant-laser/682598 "2014-03-04T05:19:17Z")
…punched a mile-wide hole from the north pole through the south pole? Just…two new volcanos? --- ## [Intercom system in house - do you have one? Did you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intercom-system-in-house-do-you-have-one-did-you/571993)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intercom-system-in-house-do-you-have-one-did-you/571993 "2014-03-04T04:22:37Z")
I remember, as a kid, we had an intercom system in our house. There were several intercoms throughout the house; they were plugged into regular outlets and I assume they operated on a radio frequency. They were very cool… --- ## [Mom drives nice car, Dad drives the old beater- true in your family?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mom-drives-nice-car-dad-drives-the-old-beater-true-in-your-family/682210)
**Author:** [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mom-drives-nice-car-dad-drives-the-old-beater-true-in-your-family/682210 "2014-03-04T04:15:49Z")
In your family, does Mom drive the newer nicer car while Dad drives an older high mileage “beater?” Or does Dad drive the new nicer car, or both Mom and Dad drive new nice cars or does Mom and Dad share one car? Since … --- ## [Is Stephen Hawking overrated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stephen-hawking-overrated/682644)
**Author:** [@Yellow\_Kazooie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yellow_Kazooie)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stephen-hawking-overrated/682644 "2014-03-04T04:00:07Z")
I think so. Anyway, the point of the thread is that I want to know, in your humble opinion, what do you think of him as a scientist and author? --- ## [What is your opinion of the Advanced Placement (AP) Program?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-opinion-of-the-advanced-placement-ap-program/682678)
**Author:** [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-opinion-of-the-advanced-placement-ap-program/682678 "2014-03-04T03:48:26Z")
Revisiting this topic is kind of weird for me given that I graduated from high school nearly five years ago and the AP program no longer directly affects me in any meaningful way. Still, I’ve recently had to send for my… --- ## [Recommend resources on tween/teen girl social stuff - for girls and for parents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-resources-on-tween-teen-girl-social-stuff-for-girls-and-for-parents/682451)
**Author:** [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-resources-on-tween-teen-girl-social-stuff-for-girls-and-for-parents/682451 "2014-03-04T01:06:33Z")
Yeah, my kid is 10 and I’m starting to just see the terrifying complexity of this part of her life as it will develop over the next decade. Hearsay, gossip, evaluating the reliability of a source, feuds, grudges, cliquis… --- ## [Should I buy a new DVD player](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-dvd-player/682239)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-dvd-player/682239 "2014-03-04T00:36:00Z")
Mrs. Godot and I currently have a turn of the millennium style entertainment system including a good quality low-def 32" tube TV and a 14 year old DVD player. Eventually we may find ourselves catapulted into the age of … --- ## [Is using "Black" instead of "African-American" generally considered offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-using-black-instead-of-african-american-generally-considered-offensive/682046)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2014, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-using-black-instead-of-african-american-generally-considered-offensive/682046 "2014-03-04T00:30:28Z")
I got called out for using the adjective “Black”, on the basis that I should have used the more respectful “African-American”. My transgression was the topic of dinner table conversation for a few minutes. The setting wa… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1133) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1135)