# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=132 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 133 --- ## [Tell me about “exopolitics”. The truth is out there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-exopolitics-the-truth-is-out-there/987802)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2023, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-exopolitics-the-truth-is-out-there/987802 "2023-07-30T14:11:17Z")
I’m a big fan of Coyne, a moderate Canadian journalist. And I enjoyed this piece on the likelihood of extraterrestrial life, the low chance it would care about us despite our innate self-importance, the Drake equation a… --- ## [Explain “Everything Apps” To Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-everything-apps-to-me/987708)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2023, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-everything-apps-to-me/987708 "2023-07-29T20:44:34Z")
Some of the speculation about Musk’s decisions have revolves around creating an app that does “everything”. These articles usually refer to popular Asian interfaces that allow one to shop, share, socialize and so forth. … --- ## [What would an invasion of Poland/Lithuania/Latvia by Belarus/Wagner look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-an-invasion-of-poland-lithuania-latvia-by-belarus-wagner-look-like/987477)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2023, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-an-invasion-of-poland-lithuania-latvia-by-belarus-wagner-look-like/987477 "2023-07-29T00:16:09Z")
I doubt that Putin or Lukashenko would give the green light for such an attack, but let’s say they’re crazier than they seem, and the Wagner forces launch an attack on a NATO country. What do you all think would happen?… --- ## [A shadow can travel faster than light ... or …](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-can-travel-faster-than-light-or/987378)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2023, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-can-travel-faster-than-light-or/987378 "2023-07-28T13:53:48Z")
This seems problematic, so I will try an analogy. Take a powerful radial sprinkler and set it up so that it is spraying a line of water on the barn some disance away. Now grab a shovel and move it quickly in front of th… --- ## [Is marketing adult diapers to young adults based on unnecessary greed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-marketing-adult-diapers-to-young-adults-based-on-unnecessary-greed/987036)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2023, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-marketing-adult-diapers-to-young-adults-based-on-unnecessary-greed/987036 "2023-07-28T05:36:15Z")
There’s a ad on tv where a spokesperson says, you can’t Kegel yourself out of this, to a new mom. She is told Adult diapers is the answer. The spokesperson hands her a attractive and absorbent black panty/diaper. A 25 … --- ## [Coding Boot Camps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coding-boot-camps/987670)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2023, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coding-boot-camps/987670 "2023-07-28T00:15:29Z")
My son is looking at a bit of a career change. He’s investigating coding boot camps. Are there any basic guidelines to evaluate the quality of these camps? --- ## [Opera browser question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opera-browser-question/987674)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opera-browser-question/987674 "2023-07-27T21:07:29Z")
I’ve been using Opera browser for a while. Among other things, it has built-in ad blocking. Last night (I think it was) Opera decided to push out a revision. Some things changed visually, no big deal. But they seem to h… --- ## [Talentless people riding on a family member's fame.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talentless-people-riding-on-a-family-members-fame/112202)
**Author:** [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talentless-people-riding-on-a-family-members-fame/112202 "2023-07-27T20:57:13Z")
So I am sitting there,waiting for my sandwich to be made. This song comes on. It sounds like “Papa don’t Preach” except worse (if that is possible). Mr. Baboon informs me that it is Kelli Osborne. gesh, what a talentl… --- ## [What's your area of expertise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-area-of-expertise/145007)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2023, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-area-of-expertise/145007 "2023-07-27T17:21:44Z")
What do you know more about than 99.9% of the population? And how did you acquire that knowledge? List more than one area, if you’re up to the challenge…I’m curious, especially, about some posters around here who seem … --- ## [Is the real Bud Light problem that the right is now insulted because they have been identified as having 'the gay'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-real-bud-light-problem-that-the-right-is-now-insulted-because-they-have-been-identified-as-having-the-gay/986372)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 273\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2023, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-real-bud-light-problem-that-the-right-is-now-insulted-because-they-have-been-identified-as-having-the-gay/986372 "2023-07-27T16:46:14Z")
Continuing the discussion from Where does (did?) the conservative identification with light beer come from?: Though a bit enough off topic that I felt it safer to start a new thread. With all the progress we have made … --- ## [Do you dress and groom for yourself or for others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-dress-and-groom-for-yourself-or-for-others/987348)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-dress-and-groom-for-yourself-or-for-others/987348 "2023-07-26T21:28:19Z")
I’m sure most people view this differently if they are leaving the house to run errands, as opposed to to attend a fancy wedding or a job interview. But as a general matter, when you choose how to dress and groom yourse… --- ## [What tasks are least likely to become automated anytime soon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tasks-are-least-likely-to-become-automated-anytime-soon/987596)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tasks-are-least-likely-to-become-automated-anytime-soon/987596 "2023-07-26T16:52:32Z")
My friend just bought a new car, and told me he downloaded an app on his phone, from which he can unlock and start the key remotely. So many other “manual” tasks have become automated. Turning lights on/of, vacuuming, … --- ## [Androids I like but me they don't sometimes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/androids-i-like-but-me-they-dont-sometimes/985348)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/androids-i-like-but-me-they-dont-sometimes/985348 "2023-07-26T02:50:28Z")
Background: I was walking on the street with my Samsung Galaxy Plus in my hand, chatting with a friend. I got hit from behind by a woman on a bicycle. She took off, cutting through an area I could not go into. When she h… --- ## [What is your routine for navigating the SDMB?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-routine-for-navigating-the-sdmb/987470)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2023, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-routine-for-navigating-the-sdmb/987470 "2023-07-25T13:34:11Z")
Instead of “navigating” in the thread title, I mean something closer to “sweeping” or “sifting,” that is, what is your method for discovering new threads on topics you’re interested in? I start my visit to the board by … --- ## [Any experience using Magic Lantern for a Canon intervalometer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-experience-using-magic-lantern-for-a-canon-intervalometer/987375)
**Author:** [@Ferris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferris)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2023, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-experience-using-magic-lantern-for-a-canon-intervalometer/987375 "2023-07-25T09:24:53Z")
I’ve a Canon EOS 600D and have been searching for an intervalometer to start getting into photographing star trails. I’m not in a position to upgrade to a more modern camera, but understand that this should be good enoug… --- ## [Why is the internet so bad with nuance, and is there anything that can be done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-internet-so-bad-with-nuance-and-is-there-anything-that-can-be-done/987310)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2023, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-internet-so-bad-with-nuance-and-is-there-anything-that-can-be-done/987310 "2023-07-25T01:23:15Z")
I keep running into this sort of situation where for example (in one of my videos) I’m growing squashes of my own variety that I maintain by saving seeds from one year to the next. I ALWAYS get people saying stuff like … --- ## [A trip to the trivial: seeking off-the-wall ideas for PC speakers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-trip-to-the-trivial-seeking-off-the-wall-ideas-for-pc-speakers/987373)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2023, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-trip-to-the-trivial-seeking-off-the-wall-ideas-for-pc-speakers/987373 "2023-07-24T21:00:06Z")
Some years ago, I gave up on PC speakers in favor of headphones, for reasons. Now, for other reasons, I’m maybe interested in speakers again. I’m hoping for something a little unusual, maybe. I’ve looked at several onlin… --- ## [No fortune in cookie = bad luck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-fortune-in-cookie-bad-luck/987393)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-fortune-in-cookie-bad-luck/987393 "2023-07-24T19:40:11Z")
I know there is superstitions out there, break a mirror = 7 years bad luck, pick up a penny if it has tails showing is bad luck (turn it over for the next person), don’t read your fortune cookie fortune until everybody i… --- ## [Looking for a Mac video player where I can easily loop sections of the video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-mac-video-player-where-i-can-easily-loop-sections-of-the-video/987324)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2023, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-mac-video-player-where-i-can-easily-loop-sections-of-the-video/987324 "2023-07-24T17:50:41Z")
I’m taking online guitar lessons over Zoom. Usually my teacher will send me a video of him playing through whatever it is I’m learning for reference purposes. These come over WhatsApp, and are MP4 files. I Airdrop these … --- ## [Ever receive NOTHING for Christmas as a child? Parents - ever give NOTHING to your kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-receive-nothing-for-christmas-as-a-child-parents-ever-give-nothing-to-your-kids/561902)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2023, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-receive-nothing-for-christmas-as-a-child-parents-ever-give-nothing-to-your-kids/561902 "2023-07-24T11:03:16Z")
In my time here there have been a few threads about crap holiday experiences, douche parents, etc. Some of these threads feature stories about kids finding out their about bad financial circumstances by getting gifts tha… --- ## ["Startup aims to make lab-grown human eggs..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/startup-aims-to-make-lab-grown-human-eggs/987319)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2023, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/startup-aims-to-make-lab-grown-human-eggs/987319 "2023-07-23T14:03:29Z")
This strikes me as an extraordinarily bad idea. … This sudden influx of private funding is creating a lot of excitement, but also a lot of fears. The rapid development of IVG raises ethical concerns “This could tak… --- ## [Anyone Know the Norfolk Area?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-the-norfolk-area/987276)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2023, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-the-norfolk-area/987276 "2023-07-23T02:11:48Z")
Is the Comfort Inn and Suites of Chesapeake - Portsmouth at 3355 S. Military Highway Chesapeake, VA 23232 a decent area? The price for a room seems a little low, so I am suspicious. Maybe some local Dopers can put my min… --- ## [Advice on Getting a Second Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-getting-a-second-cat/983681)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2023, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-getting-a-second-cat/983681 "2023-07-23T00:33:18Z")
Late last year, my sister found a ~4 week old kitten (Oliver) in her car engine. I had an elderly dog at the time, and while she wouldn’t play with him she would let him chase her tail, etc. A little over a month ago my … --- ## [Retirement age discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retirement-age-discussion/960519)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2023, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retirement-age-discussion/960519 "2023-07-22T23:10:31Z")
No discussion poll here When to retire? I think as young as you can afford it. Back when inflation wasn’t a big thing that was a lot easier to calculate. I’ve heard that retirement is in three stages… Go go: you’re … --- ## [Visiting Croatia in mid-September - Recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visiting-croatia-in-mid-september-recommendations/987122)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2023, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visiting-croatia-in-mid-september-recommendations/987122 "2023-07-22T16:03:23Z")
A couple of friends and I are going to be spending about a week in Croatia later this year. Any advice on things to see/do/avoid? We are flying in and out of Split. We plan on spending a day or two there, and then going… --- ## [2008 Altima loud rumbling sound when accelerating from a stop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-altima-loud-rumbling-sound-when-accelerating-from-a-stop/987337)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2023, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-altima-loud-rumbling-sound-when-accelerating-from-a-stop/987337 "2023-07-22T02:57:26Z")
It is a very loud sound from the front right, I hear it up to about 20 mph/2k rpms, then it goes away oompletetely and the car runs perfectly, no hesitation or sound when accelerating. It’s not a wheel bearing of brake … --- ## [Australian workwear brands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-workwear-brands/987341)
**Author:** [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2023, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-workwear-brands/987341 "2023-07-21T23:17:14Z")
Here in the US, Carhartt and Dickies are a couple of the more popular brands of workwear. Are there any uniquely Australian brands? Google has been failing me - maybe “workwear” or “carpenter pants” are idiomatically wro… --- ## [Landlord. Is this a pompous name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landlord-is-this-a-pompous-name/987218)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2023, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landlord-is-this-a-pompous-name/987218 "2023-07-21T20:35:09Z")
Of course the past informs our present. But doesn’t the word “landlord” seems a bit pretentious these days? It is true rents can sometimes be high, but so are food and utility prices. Despite these prices and attitude… --- ## [Thoughts on painted brick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-painted-brick/987025)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2023, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-painted-brick/987025 "2023-07-21T19:30:19Z")
Our neighborhood is made of ranches, splits, and 2 stories, built in the late 50s-early 60s, with at least the first level clad in brick. For the past few years, the trend when rehabbing houses has been to paint the bri… --- ## [What does calling out someone’s name, and only that, mean in your household?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-calling-out-someone-s-name-and-only-that-mean-in-your-household/987083)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2023, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-calling-out-someone-s-name-and-only-that-mean-in-your-household/987083 "2023-07-21T15:13:50Z")
poll This problem has cropped up sometimes with my wife and me, lately today when my wife called my name, I responded, she called out my name again, I responded again, she then shouted “Why don’t you come?”, I then came … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=131) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=133)