# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=115 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 116 --- ## [Managing an estate--generic legal/tax advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/managing-an-estate-generic-legal-tax-advice/994422)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/managing-an-estate-generic-legal-tax-advice/994422 "2023-12-11T23:21:40Z")
My MIL died in November. She owned a condo rental property. We plan to continue renting the property to the current tenant, and then reassess whether to sell when the tenant decides to no longer renew the least. My wife … --- ## [Why are there so few ocean liners left sailing? (I think there is only one currently)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-few-ocean-liners-left-sailing-i-think-there-is-only-one-currently/984933)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-few-ocean-liners-left-sailing-i-think-there-is-only-one-currently/984933 "2023-12-11T18:34:19Z")
My family was looking at possibly taking a cruise together. No one in my family goes on cruises so we thought this might be interesting. In researching it we looked at the Queen Mary 2 run by Cunard and I was surprised… --- ## [Your favorite personal vehicle ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-personal-vehicle-ever/993063)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-personal-vehicle-ever/993063 "2023-12-11T17:56:38Z")
What personal vehicle do you have the most fond memories of? What is it about the vehicle that makes you feel so fondly about it? Some feature or performance aspect? Would you actually want to drive it today as your ma… --- ## [Do you have any experience with Home Energy Management Systems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-experience-with-home-energy-management-systems/994315)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-experience-with-home-energy-management-systems/994315 "2023-12-11T17:29:27Z")
\[ETA: Sorry this turned out so long.\] Background: Last spring we had our old asphalt driveway torn up and expanded with stone pavers, and had an electric snow melt system (SMS) installed under it, because the driveway i… --- ## [What happened to Elon Musk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-elon-musk/994365)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-elon-musk/994365 "2023-12-11T15:30:44Z")
10 years ago, he was seen as a progressive who wasn’t entirely polished for the Media which was part of his charm, he even cultivated Obama and seemed a darling of the Liberal class. Fast forward to today, and he’s unba… --- ## [Is there a name for this manner of speaking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-manner-of-speaking/994395)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-manner-of-speaking/994395 "2023-12-11T06:49:55Z")
We watched Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls and the movie is as bad as the name. Which for us, makes it so bad it’s good. Onyx has a very unique style of speaking that I’ve never encountered outside of mov… --- ## [“There is a great deal of ruin in a nation.” (On the absence of karma in geopolitics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-great-deal-of-ruin-in-a-nation-on-the-absence-of-karma-in-geopolitics/994339)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2023, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-great-deal-of-ruin-in-a-nation-on-the-absence-of-karma-in-geopolitics/994339 "2023-12-11T02:58:49Z")
“There is a great deal of ruin in a nation.” This political aphorism\* seems to explain a number of today’s geopolitical paradoxes. • Above all… Putin’s Russia. Putin’s war on Ukraine. How can either of these disasters … --- ## [Long passwords](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-passwords/994102)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2023, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-passwords/994102 "2023-12-10T17:41:34Z")
What’s the best way to create long passwords one can actually remember? --- ## [Smart phone/keyboard search question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-phone-keyboard-search-question/994360)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2023, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-phone-keyboard-search-question/994360 "2023-12-10T14:28:06Z")
Back in 2000/2001 my work place loaned us Palm Pilots and the compatible folding keyboard to those who wanted one. I absolutely loved that piece of kit and when I left that organization I bought my own Palm but it was a … --- ## [Storage Batteries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/storage-batteries/994321)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2023, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/storage-batteries/994321 "2023-12-10T00:37:50Z")
If size were not an issue could reliable storage batteries be built cost effectively. --- ## [When did you see a cockroach for the last time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-see-a-cockroach-for-the-last-time/994128)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2023, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-see-a-cockroach-for-the-last-time/994128 "2023-12-09T22:44:12Z")
Inspired by this article (gift link, works for five weeks, they say) I put this in IMHO because it includes a poll, and tag it food-drink-cooking for lack of a better idea. Feel free to share anything you want related … --- ## [What are the chances of the Russian Federation breaking up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-of-the-russian-federation-breaking-up/980209)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2023, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-of-the-russian-federation-breaking-up/980209 "2023-12-09T20:37:23Z")
I don’t know enough about Russia’s demographics and ethnic composition to venture a guess, but then I read posts from @Stranger\_On\_A\_Train and @LSLGuy in the “End-game” thread and I start to wonder: what are the chances… --- ## [Has the meaning of spouse changed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-meaning-of-spouse-changed/974178)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2023, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-meaning-of-spouse-changed/974178 "2023-12-09T04:37:19Z")
I just saw one of those celebrity pop-ups that said “Billie Eilish Goes Instagram Official With New Spouse” and I thought “Isn’t she really young to be getting married?” So I clicked on the link and I found that Eilish … --- ## [Are Scientists Downplaying the “Actual Likelihood” of Climate Change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scientists-downplaying-the-actual-likelihood-of-climate-change/993557)
**Author:** [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2023, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scientists-downplaying-the-actual-likelihood-of-climate-change/993557 "2023-12-09T01:58:24Z")
Splintered off from the “Unsupported Science Beliefs That You Hold” topic to avoid derailing that thread: I don’t think of it as a cabal, rather a bunch of decisions by individuals and small groups to downplay things t… --- ## [Is the abortion and immigration issues one and the same - just competition for votes (red / blue)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-abortion-and-immigration-issues-one-and-the-same-just-competition-for-votes-red-blue/994254)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2023, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-abortion-and-immigration-issues-one-and-the-same-just-competition-for-votes-red-blue/994254 "2023-12-08T01:03:56Z")
I was pondering that this may be a GD, but I really don’t know if this is a thing at all. This all has to do with replacement voters/citizens and where they will come from. New voters either were born as a US citizen a… --- ## [Is Life Insurance Worth It? Consider This](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-life-insurance-worth-it-consider-this/993958)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-life-insurance-worth-it-consider-this/993958 "2023-12-05T16:21:39Z")
My single daughter (age 24) and still living at home is being subtly talked into buying life insurance by her financial advisor. (is her getting kickbacks?) She has some health issues that names like State Farm won’t ins… --- ## [Is this a good deal (sell house for $1 to daughter)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-good-deal-sell-house-for-1-to-daughter/991677)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2023, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-good-deal-sell-house-for-1-to-daughter/991677 "2023-12-07T22:28:37Z")
What do dopers think of this deal? My sister recently lost her husband. She owns the house they lived in since they bought it new around 1970 and has had essentially no maintenance since then. Her only heir is her dau… --- ## [New Kia or Hyundai - bad idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-kia-or-hyundai-bad-idea/994115)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-kia-or-hyundai-bad-idea/994115 "2023-12-07T21:07:42Z")
I’m in the market for a new or almost-new car. I can probably limp mine along another couple months if I’m careful. Are Kias and Hyundais bad ideas since whoever’s looking to steal a car may not bother to notice whether… --- ## [How to cash out Amazon gift card balance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-cash-out-amazon-gift-card-balance/994188)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2023, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-cash-out-amazon-gift-card-balance/994188 "2023-12-07T04:49:03Z")
I’ve acquired several hundred dollars in my Amazon gift card balance, but don’t want to spend it buying stuff from Amazon because I also have an Amazon Rewards credit card, and I earn three percent for Amazon purchases. … --- ## [What's your strategy for online shopping (re: junk on Amazon)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-strategy-for-online-shopping-re-junk-on-amazon/994138)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2023, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-strategy-for-online-shopping-re-junk-on-amazon/994138 "2023-12-07T03:44:13Z")
Do you have a strategy? Lately it seems absolutely impossible to sift through the mountains of gibberishly named companies that make up 90% of Amazon search results. If you know the name of a company you can visit their … --- ## [Looking for a good novel that explores the world of golf](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-novel-that-explores-the-world-of-golf/994133)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-novel-that-explores-the-world-of-golf/994133 "2023-12-06T22:20:31Z")
I’m looking for a good novel that explores the world of golf (and gets into technicalities of the game) but optimally explores interesting philosophical themes. --- ## [Am I Worrying Too Much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-worrying-too-much/980241)
**Author:** [@Mrs\_Fairway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrs_Fairway)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-worrying-too-much/980241 "2023-12-06T20:55:31Z")
I need to know if I’m overreacting. I am a worrier, so I like to check in with others. My sister has 2 vintage fans in her house. They’re pretty and she likes them, which I don’t have a problem with. I do think they’re u… --- ## [Let's hear what Amtrak is like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-hear-what-amtrak-is-like/994066)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-hear-what-amtrak-is-like/994066 "2023-12-06T20:54:50Z")
Posting in IMHO to facilitate comments like, “NO! Don’t do it!” and so forth. My beloved missus wants to take a trip to Washington DC (from Denver) this coming April. For several reasons, driving is not an option. I … --- ## [Issues with high humidity in the house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issues-with-high-humidity-in-the-house/993815)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issues-with-high-humidity-in-the-house/993815 "2023-12-06T11:02:00Z")
I live in an older home and am running into an issue I’ve never had before. Basically any time the heater is not in use, humidity levels in the house soar. Humidity in the house regularly reaches 65-75% in the summer eve… --- ## ["We are needing" vs. "We need"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-needing-vs-we-need/992771)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-needing-vs-we-need/992771 "2023-12-06T05:30:12Z")
I work with a guy who’s first language is not English. He uses the phrase “I am needing a cup of coffee” instead of, “I need a cup of coffee”. I’ve noticed other people at work have begun using this. Is it a dialect or … --- ## [Why are there not more aerial tramways in cities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-not-more-aerial-tramways-in-cities/993972)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-not-more-aerial-tramways-in-cities/993972 "2023-12-06T01:40:41Z")
Yes they are the mainstay of downhill ski resorts but I’m more talking about cities. There are a few (aerial) gondolas and trams that have made their way into cities but they are more of a novelty and tourist attraction… --- ## [Have you heard the term Swamp Duck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-heard-the-term-swamp-duck/993870)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-heard-the-term-swamp-duck/993870 "2023-12-06T01:27:36Z")
I heard someone use the term ‘swamp duck’ today. I’d never heard it so I looked it up. Apparently it has several unrelated meanings. Some being: ~Often used by teachers, this term is widely used and will often make you … --- ## [Land contract, Real Estate & "Marketable Interest"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/land-contract-real-estate-marketable-interest/994121)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2023, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/land-contract-real-estate-marketable-interest/994121 "2023-12-06T01:06:11Z")
We are selling a piece of raw land and there is one sentence we need help with. It is in the clause where they can assign the contract to a third party before the deal closes if an opportunity comes up for flipping the … --- ## [Abortion as a religious issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-as-a-religious-issue/993687)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-as-a-religious-issue/993687 "2023-12-05T14:42:25Z")
The right (or not) to abortion is one of the most hotly contended issues in the US today. I had always assumed it was just a personal choice to people. But now it clearly seems to be a religious belief. Has it always bee… --- ## [Bigger smartphone screens and increased data usage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bigger-smartphone-screens-and-increased-data-usage/994109)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2023, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bigger-smartphone-screens-and-increased-data-usage/994109 "2023-12-04T23:53:05Z")
So I went from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 12 Pro Max, mostly because the former is going to be no longer supported with updates and the latter was a good deal. I already seem to be using more data than I’m used to with my … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=114) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=116)