# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=118 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 119 --- ## [Do you think landspeeder like in Star Wars may one day be possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-landspeeder-like-in-star-wars-may-one-day-be-possible/993041)
**Author:** [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2023, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-landspeeder-like-in-star-wars-may-one-day-be-possible/993041 "2023-11-19T03:31:19Z")
Do you think landspeeder like in Star Wars may one day be possible? Is there any one working on vehicles like landspeeder like in Star Wars? I guess under the vehicle of the landspeeder will be propeller or jet engine o… --- ## [USA Dopers: How Often Do You Encounter Amish People?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-dopers-how-often-do-you-encounter-amish-people/989589)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-dopers-how-often-do-you-encounter-amish-people/989589 "2023-11-18T21:32:49Z")
I grew up in Central Illinois, about 30 miles from an Amish community that was and is, for lack of a better way of describing it, tourist-facing. The community had a variety of shops and such selling Amish wares, there w… --- ## [I want to offset my carbon use. Is there ANY organization I can give money to that ACTUALLY does it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-offset-my-carbon-use-is-there-any-organization-i-can-give-money-to-that-actually-does-it/993332)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-offset-my-carbon-use-is-there-any-organization-i-can-give-money-to-that-actually-does-it/993332 "2023-11-18T19:22:15Z")
Quite a few years ago, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), a California power company, let you sign up for a carbon offset program. They would add an extra fee to your bill equivalent to the amount of carbon used, and give t… --- ## [The role of electronic brains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-role-of-electronic-brains/990708)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-role-of-electronic-brains/990708 "2023-11-18T15:35:40Z")
Happened upon this editorial (article comprised largely of opinion), and I find the neoliberal theme disturbing. The rant wants AI to do amazing stuff so that we can experience economic growth constantly exceeding our… --- ## [Head MRI tomorrow. Is it scary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-mri-tomorrow-is-it-scary/992267)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-mri-tomorrow-is-it-scary/992267 "2023-11-18T02:12:46Z")
Because I continue to have unexplained odd head pains, and pulsatile tinnitus, I have to go in early tomorrow morning for an MRI of my head. They asked if I was claustrophobic and I had to answer “I don’t know”. Smalli… --- ## [Help me mount a power strip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-mount-a-power-strip/992615)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2023, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-mount-a-power-strip/992615 "2023-11-18T00:22:00Z")
I have a fairly heavy duty power strip that I use in our family room. We recently finished a renovation, so this was low priority, but I’m now tasked with getting the cord off the floor and hidden. 3 weeks ago I put 4 Dc… --- ## [Anyone here ever buy through Treasury Direct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-ever-buy-through-treasury-direct/993076)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-ever-buy-through-treasury-direct/993076 "2023-11-17T23:47:53Z")
I just registered on the site to bid on a Treasury Note, but at the last second hesitated. It seems really straightforward, but is there anything I should be wary of? Thanks. --- ## [Critical Reasoning in the USA, Teaching Thereof](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critical-reasoning-in-the-usa-teaching-thereof/985961)
**Author:** [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critical-reasoning-in-the-usa-teaching-thereof/985961 "2023-11-17T16:04:43Z")
I was reading Meteorologist victim of domestic terrorism, and I wondered, “how does someone get to the point where making death threats to a meteorologists seems like it will accomplish anything?” That led me to wonder … --- ## [How do you feel about tearing down or even just "retiring" places like the White House or Buckingham Palace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-tearing-down-or-even-just-retiring-places-like-the-white-house-or-buckingham-palace/991169)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-about-tearing-down-or-even-just-retiring-places-like-the-white-house-or-buckingham-palace/991169 "2023-11-17T15:11:38Z")
Or other old buildings in your nation or state/province/etc. or whatnot that are similarly used? I have read complaints from those who have worked (or lived) in such places. They weren’t built with the modern world in mi… --- ## [Does the display of American flags have some "hidden meaning" these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-display-of-american-flags-have-some-hidden-meaning-these-days/990270)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 298\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-display-of-american-flags-have-some-hidden-meaning-these-days/990270 "2023-11-17T04:01:21Z")
I’ve noticed that in my neighborhood several homes flag US flags nearly daily. It used to be we were one of few houses that flew the flag even on federal holidays. And it isn’t every block. But on some blocks you’ll s… --- ## [Non-English Colloquialisms For A Chicken (someone who is fearful/easily frightened)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-english-colloquialisms-for-a-chicken-someone-who-is-fearful-easily-frightened/992948)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2023, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-english-colloquialisms-for-a-chicken-someone-who-is-fearful-easily-frightened/992948 "2023-11-17T03:23:09Z")
How would I call someone a chicken (as in, they’re easily frightened) in other languages besides English? Is a fearful hispanophone “un pollo”? A fearful a Germanophone “un huhn”? --- ## [Clearly Better: A thread on superiority in ELEMENTARY systems of notation, nomenclature, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clearly-better-a-thread-on-superiority-in-elementary-systems-of-notation-nomenclature-etc/993056)
**Author:** [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clearly-better-a-thread-on-superiority-in-elementary-systems-of-notation-nomenclature-etc/993056 "2023-11-16T16:55:08Z")
Note the loud emphasis on the “elementary” modifier in the thread title! This is not a thread for arguing about arcane design choices in super-esoteric contexts. This is about systems of conventions used in tasks that … --- ## [Microwave oven odd operation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-odd-operation/993154)
**Author:** [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2023, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-odd-operation/993154 "2023-11-15T21:03:45Z")
Emerson microwave. +95% of the time when the door is opened the timer stops and the start button has to be pressed after closing the door. Every now and then the timer will keep running and when you close the door it aut… --- ## [Are woman's clothing sizing somewhat based on children's clothing sizing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-womans-clothing-sizing-somewhat-based-on-childrens-clothing-sizing/993193)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2023, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-womans-clothing-sizing-somewhat-based-on-childrens-clothing-sizing/993193 "2023-11-15T15:33:43Z")
After looking at a old thread: https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-womens-clothing-sizes/ I have to ask that the woman’s sizing system comes close to that of children’s clothes in their numbering sizin… --- ## [What's the deal with AP courses in high school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-ap-courses-in-high-school/992501)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2023, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-ap-courses-in-high-school/992501 "2023-11-15T11:35:51Z")
I suppose we used to have AP way back when I was in high school, you know, when we didn’t smoke in the bathroom because students were supposed to smoke in the courtyard. Despite being pretty good at science and math, I d… --- ## [What shots do my formerly-outdoor-now-100%-indoor cats now need? (If any?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-shots-do-my-formerly-outdoor-now-100-indoor-cats-now-need-if-any/993064)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2023, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-shots-do-my-formerly-outdoor-now-100-indoor-cats-now-need-if-any/993064 "2023-11-14T23:49:47Z")
Three months ago (can it be so long already?) I moved from a house to an apartment. Discussed thoroughly here. At the house where I lived for 10 years, my two 10-year-old cats used to go in and out at will, all over the… --- ## [Why don’t schools teach basic consumer finance & law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-schools-teach-basic-consumer-finance-law/991425)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2023, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-schools-teach-basic-consumer-finance-law/991425 "2023-11-14T18:15:32Z")
I don’t know what all schools do but my general understanding is that public schools at least are not making it a practice now, any more than they did when I was a kid, to teach basic consumer finance (& law cause it rea… --- ## [What is your favorite publication/website for health-related information?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-publication-website-for-health-related-information/993089)
**Author:** [@2outta3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2outta3)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2023, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-publication-website-for-health-related-information/993089 "2023-11-14T17:54:02Z")
Me? For about two decades it has been the Life Extension Foundation’s magazine and website. I have found some of their recommendations for otc products and dosing protocols to be spot on in some instances where my blood … --- ## [Experience dealing with a close friend/relative with a negative disposition?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-dealing-with-a-close-friend-relative-with-a-negative-disposition/992694)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2023, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-dealing-with-a-close-friend-relative-with-a-negative-disposition/992694 "2023-11-14T16:22:43Z")
I was wondering if folk might share their experiences dealing with someone close to them who has a consistently negative disposition. My concern is with our adult son in his young 30s. He was more challenging than our … --- ## [So... the Beaumont children drowned, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-beaumont-children-drowned-right/992956)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2023, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-beaumont-children-drowned-right/992956 "2023-11-14T04:43:08Z")
For context: The working theory seems to be that sonebody abducted and murdered them. But wouldn’t an accidental drowning be a more likely answer? They were last seen on or near a beach, and dead bodies … --- ## [Fruit flies! Exterminator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-flies-exterminator/992759)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2023, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fruit-flies-exterminator/992759 "2023-11-13T21:38:01Z")
Help! We’ve had pesky little fruit flies hanging around for over a month now. We’ve tried traps, cleaning the drains, everything in the threads linked, and they keep coming back to the point that we’re wondering about ca… --- ## [Which historical figures would you like to see on social media?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-historical-figures-would-you-like-to-see-on-social-media/992775)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2023, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-historical-figures-would-you-like-to-see-on-social-media/992775 "2023-11-13T17:53:31Z")
You manage to send a self-powering, locked-down smartphone back in time and into the hands of some famous person who died in the 20th century or earlier. You get them registered with a social media account of your choic… --- ## [How do you feel when an auto repair shop makes recommendations based on tests you didn't even ask for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-when-an-auto-repair-shop-makes-recommendations-based-on-tests-you-didnt-even-ask-for/992890)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2023, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-feel-when-an-auto-repair-shop-makes-recommendations-based-on-tests-you-didnt-even-ask-for/992890 "2023-11-13T05:54:45Z")
I got an oil change done and it turns out the shop checked my alignment and battery. I did not ask for these tests. They are recommending an alignment and say I’ll need a battery soon. What is your reaction when a shop … --- ## [Possible TMI: what's with food that comes back up after chewing and swallowing, but without vomiting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-tmi-whats-with-food-that-comes-back-up-after-chewing-and-swallowing-but-without-vomiting/975776)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2023, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-tmi-whats-with-food-that-comes-back-up-after-chewing-and-swallowing-but-without-vomiting/975776 "2023-11-12T19:07:01Z")
Can someone explain this strange experience I had over the Thanksgiving holidays? Short version: food I had chewed and swallowed slowly came back up without apparently vomiting. Longer version: I was eating sliced turk… --- ## [Why would the Nord Stream pipelines have been sabotaged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-the-nord-stream-pipelines-have-been-sabotaged/972320)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2023, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-the-nord-stream-pipelines-have-been-sabotaged/972320 "2023-11-12T01:46:49Z")
Today it was reported that the two Nord Stream undersea pipelines, designed to carry gas from Russia to Germany, developed huge leaks, and one of the pipelines has dramatically exploded: Questions are being raised as t… --- ## [What is the best and strongest "graffiti" type remover?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-and-strongest-graffiti-type-remover/992961)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2023, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-and-strongest-graffiti-type-remover/992961 "2023-11-11T20:20:45Z")
That doesn’t cost some insane amount. I put graffiti in quotes because we are not talking specifically spray paint. We’re mainly talking about permanent black marker. I am a teacher and I sometimes have some kid use a p… --- ## [I don't want to attend my friend's son's high school concert](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-attend-my-friends-sons-high-school-concert/992780)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2023, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-attend-my-friends-sons-high-school-concert/992780 "2023-11-11T12:22:11Z")
A friend invited me, via social media, to a concert that I have no interest in attending. His son is part of the high school orchestra. My goals are to 1) not attend, and 2) not caused hurt feelings…I’d like to hear some… --- ## [Question for any mail carriers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-any-mail-carriers/992824)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2023, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-any-mail-carriers/992824 "2023-11-10T19:56:06Z")
I am slow to change from processes that seem to me to already be working fine. You know, ‘Bah! Keep your new-fangles improvements!’ Particular case: I pay most bills by mailed checks. Yes, utilities, credit cards, do… --- ## [Give me your best tips for cleaning the inside of your car's windshield](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-me-your-best-tips-for-cleaning-the-inside-of-your-cars-windshield/982979)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2023, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-me-your-best-tips-for-cleaning-the-inside-of-your-cars-windshield/982979 "2023-11-10T15:01:29Z")
I have tried a number of methods for cleaning the filmy build-up off the inside of my car’s windshield. Window cleaner (a variety); vinegar; newsprint, etc. No matter what I try there are always some missed patches or st… --- ## [Comforting someone with, "There, there"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comforting-someone-with-there-there/992424)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2023, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comforting-someone-with-there-there/992424 "2023-11-09T23:16:39Z")
What does “There, there” mean in this context? Just soft iterative words? Can I say, “Here, here” instead? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=117) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=119)