# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=133 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 134 --- ## [Just experienced worst CAPTCHA I've ever seen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-experienced-worst-captcha-ive-ever-seen/987265)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2023, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-experienced-worst-captcha-ive-ever-seen/987265 "2023-07-21T13:35:24Z")
For my HP printer. Just to scan something, (haven’t used it for a while), it forced me to go through this CAPTCHA process. You have to click on the set of dice that add up to 14. Firstly the instructions weren’t sized c… --- ## [Is there a current role for public intellectuals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-current-role-for-public-intellectuals/987185)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2023, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-current-role-for-public-intellectuals/987185 "2023-07-21T00:33:04Z")
Reading an article in the New York Times about Oppenheimer. It caused me to wonder what the current role is for public intellectuals in the US (they seem more accepted and relevant in, say, France.). They have largely b… --- ## [What's wrong with my dishwasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-dishwasher/987267)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2023, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-dishwasher/987267 "2023-07-20T22:43:32Z")
I have an EdgeStar DWP60ES countertop dishwasher. This morning when I ran it it stopped at the end of the pre-rinse cycle / beginning of the wash cycle, ran the drain pump, and started beeping. Now it seems to be stuck… --- ## [Legal basis for a guardian's civil immunity from actions of their ward](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-basis-for-a-guardians-civil-immunity-from-actions-of-their-ward/974240)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2023, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-basis-for-a-guardians-civil-immunity-from-actions-of-their-ward/974240 "2023-07-20T21:18:27Z")
When I became plenary guardian of my adult daughter over a decade ago, the lawyer who handled the petition assured me that I would be taking no personal financial risks since I would not be personally liable for her acti… --- ## [Looking at a thumbdrive safely](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-at-a-thumbdrive-safely/984777)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2023, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-at-a-thumbdrive-safely/984777 "2023-07-20T19:32:45Z")
Had a wonderful weekend. Saturday night we were at a brewery hosting a reggae band that we like. They had a guest vocalist sit in for the first set, a guy visiting from Jamaica. We had a great time, the Jamaican dude e… --- ## [Citi unclaimed property letter – scam or no?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citi-unclaimed-property-letter-scam-or-no/967832)
**Author:** [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2023, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citi-unclaimed-property-letter-scam-or-no/967832 "2023-07-19T21:36:11Z")
So I got a letter addressed to my father today that appears to be from Citi. It says that they have some unclaimed funds in my father’s name. The letter states that if there is no response by the end of August, the uncla… --- ## [Experience with sciatica](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-sciatica/987058)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2023, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-with-sciatica/987058 "2023-07-18T17:14:31Z")
So about a week ago I was doing deadlifts when I felt a painless little pop in my back. The next day my back twinged when I walked. Day after-real pain getting up or sitting back down (and foot numbness as well as a weir… --- ## [New Name for former title holders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-name-for-former-title-holders/987106)
**Author:** [@Beesnest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beesnest)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2023, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-name-for-former-title-holders/987106 "2023-07-17T17:04:44Z")
I feel like we should have a name for living people who once held a office or rank but have since been superseded by time or disgrace. It should be one that can be used for both the high and low lights of a position . … --- ## [Have you ever taken a repositioning cruise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-taken-a-repositioning-cruise/986463)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2023, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-taken-a-repositioning-cruise/986463 "2023-07-17T15:07:17Z")
I was reading an article in The Thrillist about repositioning cruises: What Are Repositioning Cruises? - Thrillist It seems like a good way to save a few bucks, but having never been a cruise can you tell me if it is w… --- ## [Propagating Bird of Paradise plant from tubers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/propagating-bird-of-paradise-plant-from-tubers/987082)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2023, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/propagating-bird-of-paradise-plant-from-tubers/987082 "2023-07-17T14:30:54Z")
I’m dividing a bird of paradise that has been root bound for years. Various web articles say that the tubers (their name is legion) may be divided to start new plants, like lotus. Has anyone any experience with this? --- ## [Thinking of moving from the West Coast to the Great Lakes, questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thinking-of-moving-from-the-west-coast-to-the-great-lakes-questions/986944)
**Author:** [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thinking-of-moving-from-the-west-coast-to-the-great-lakes-questions/986944 "2023-07-16T22:35:32Z")
A little background: I live in a suburb of Portland, Oregon. My wife has a successful bookkeeping business. I teach part-time at a local community college, and work part time for my wife. I turned 52 last month, wife wil… --- ## [Well, it looks like if you run a business, it’s A-okay to discriminate against certain customers based on your religious beliefs…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-it-looks-like-if-you-run-a-business-it-s-a-okay-to-discriminate-against-certain-customers-based-on-your-religious-beliefs/986409)
**Author:** [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Replies:** 239\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2023, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-it-looks-like-if-you-run-a-business-it-s-a-okay-to-discriminate-against-certain-customers-based-on-your-religious-beliefs/986409 "2023-07-16T20:54:40Z")
Well, it looks like if you run a business, it’s A-okay to discriminate against certain customers based on your religious beliefs… --- ## [Tree identification](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-identification/987084)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2023, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-identification/987084 "2023-07-16T19:38:06Z")
I just performed some tree surgery in my yard (removed a tree that had died during our extended drought)… and there are 3 more trees growing alongside the dead one. I’d like to ID them, and maybe pick a “winner” to nur… --- ## [Life hacks you figured out on your own](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 504\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2023, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041 "2023-07-16T18:45:35Z")
Use only bright-colored thumbtacks. Then when you drop one, you have some chance of finding it before you step on it in your sock feet. --- ## [Am I going deaf, or can the people on my TV not talk clearly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-going-deaf-or-can-the-people-on-my-tv-not-talk-clearly/986703)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2023, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-going-deaf-or-can-the-people-on-my-tv-not-talk-clearly/986703 "2023-07-16T01:42:01Z")
Yes, of course, I’m going deaf but my latest audiology test a few weeks ago was fine. I’ll need hearing aids eventually, but not now. I wonder though if the TV folks just mumble a lot. I just heard someone say (I read th… --- ## ["Lost in Translation" -- words that have no easy equivalent in English](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-in-translation-words-that-have-no-easy-equivalent-in-english/981032)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2023, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-in-translation-words-that-have-no-easy-equivalent-in-english/981032 "2023-07-15T18:00:48Z")
Provoked by this article on the NPR website Sometimes they describe an attribute. Or a moment. Or maybe just a vibe. These are the words from other languages that don’t have a direct equivalent in English, and yet ca… --- ## [As I’ve said before, this war will only end when NATO troops deploy openly in Ukraine, and not before](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-i-ve-said-before-this-war-will-only-end-when-nato-troops-deploy-openly-in-ukraine-and-not-before/983366)
**Author:** [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2023, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-i-ve-said-before-this-war-will-only-end-when-nato-troops-deploy-openly-in-ukraine-and-not-before/983366 "2023-07-14T22:04:59Z")
As I’ve said before, this war will only end when NATO troops deploy openly in Ukraine, and not before. They could be there to fight, they could be there to guarantee a peace agreement - it doesn’t matter. Until they arri… --- ## [In dreams, is flying always like swimming?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-dreams-is-flying-always-like-swimming/367372)
**Author:** [@Carlyjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carlyjay)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2023, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-dreams-is-flying-always-like-swimming/367372 "2023-07-14T20:25:22Z")
Inspired by this thread. When I have flying dreams, it is an awful lot like swimming, except much harder. I often dream that I can only fly pretty much straight up, but Ihave to push against the air like I do water whe… --- ## [What would be the best system for a magic healer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-system-for-a-magic-healer/986898)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2023, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-system-for-a-magic-healer/986898 "2023-07-14T11:24:07Z")
If someone had the ability to instantly heal any physical or mental injury, deformity or illness (including adding an extra decade to their lifespan) by merely touching the person with their hands and wanted to help as m… --- ## [Where should we retire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-should-we-retire/986915)
**Author:** [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2023, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-should-we-retire/986915 "2023-07-14T00:02:27Z")
The Teeming Millions have consistently given amazing advice on travel; it’s time to query on something a little more long-term. The Mister and I are narrowing down retirement spots. We have an area picked out, now we n… --- ## [Anyone using PNC bank? Does it suck for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-using-pnc-bank-does-it-suck-for-you/986721)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2023, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-using-pnc-bank-does-it-suck-for-you/986721 "2023-07-13T19:59:43Z")
We manage my MIL’s accounts now that she’s virtually blind, and she banks with PNC. In the 8 months or so that we’ve handled it for her, we’ve had more problems than I would expect. The latest involves what is supposed t… --- ## [Considerations re: trying marijuana again after many years, what are the issues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/considerations-re-trying-marijuana-again-after-many-years-what-are-the-issues/986041)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2023, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/considerations-re-trying-marijuana-again-after-many-years-what-are-the-issues/986041 "2023-07-13T15:49:50Z")
I’m 66. I quite enjoyed marijuana in my teens and very occasionally as late as my early 30s, perhaps as recently as 1990, all of which was illegal. But in about a week it’s going to become legal for recreational use in m… --- ## [How much does Real Life diverge from common "wisdom" on Assigned-at-Birth -\> actual orientation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-real-life-diverge-from-common-wisdom-on-assigned-at-birth-actual-orientation/986800)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2023, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-real-life-diverge-from-common-wisdom-on-assigned-at-birth-actual-orientation/986800 "2023-07-13T01:29:33Z")
It’s hard to fit my question into a thread title, so sorry if it is confusing. Basically, I’m inquiring about the extent to which probably well-meaning, but nonetheless wrongheaded, experts have made pronouncements about… --- ## [Hilarious side effect of ban on plastic bags](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilarious-side-effect-of-ban-on-plastic-bags/976783)
**Author:** [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Replies:** 248\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2023, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilarious-side-effect-of-ban-on-plastic-bags/976783 "2023-07-13T00:22:11Z")
The federal government in Canada is about to start phasing in a nationwide ban on plastic bags. Many individual businesses, municipalities, and at least one province have already done so. I’m as environmentally conscio… --- ## [The "hurry up and wait" phenomenon in the workplace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hurry-up-and-wait-phenomenon-in-the-workplace/985630)
**Author:** [@Michael\_Varn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Varn)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hurry-up-and-wait-phenomenon-in-the-workplace/985630 "2023-07-12T23:19:32Z")
My first experience with the HUAW phenomenon was when I was at basic training in the military, my first full time job. On multiple occasions, our company was given urgent instructions that we had to be somewhere on time… --- ## [What is the best term to describe this group of countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-term-to-describe-this-group-of-countries/986936)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-term-to-describe-this-group-of-countries/986936 "2023-07-12T21:44:08Z")
What term do you all think fits best for the countries that are economically developed, have governments that are stable democracies, and largely respect human rights? The specific countries I’m including are New Zealan… --- ## [Suggest me a good tire for my car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-me-a-good-tire-for-my-car/986771)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-me-a-good-tire-for-my-car/986771 "2023-07-12T21:05:19Z")
I’m out of my depth on car stuff in general, specifically tires. I usually go to the shop and say “give me whatever fits and is on sale”. This time I want to find the best tire. Make/model: 2008 Honda Odyssey Touri… --- ## [Is there a military term or phrase for a strategy of one belligerent country grabbing as much land as possible in an invasion and settling for an advantageous truce or armistice later?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-military-term-or-phrase-for-a-strategy-of-one-belligerent-country-grabbing-as-much-land-as-possible-in-an-invasion-and-settling-for-an-advantageous-truce-or-armistice-later/986840)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-military-term-or-phrase-for-a-strategy-of-one-belligerent-country-grabbing-as-much-land-as-possible-in-an-invasion-and-settling-for-an-advantageous-truce-or-armistice-later/986840 "2023-07-12T16:23:12Z")
Is there a military term or phrase for a strategy of one belligerent country grabbing as much land as possible in an invasion and settling for an advantageous truce or armistice later? I’m thinking specifically of German… --- ## [Conferences, stipends and taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conferences-stipends-and-taxes/985678)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conferences-stipends-and-taxes/985678 "2023-07-11T21:30:25Z")
I am going to a conference representing my union local. I assumed it would be mostly at my expense but I received a stipend for part of it. I was just told that I need to fill out a 1099 but to hold on to my receipts t… --- ## [What constitutes a (prosecutable) war criminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-constitutes-a-prosecutable-war-criminal/986870)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-constitutes-a-prosecutable-war-criminal/986870 "2023-07-11T21:01:06Z")
I’m asking mostly in regards to Putin (Russia invading Ukraine). He has given varying reasons why he ordered the invasion. None seem (to me) to rise to justification levels. The US estimates between civilians and troops… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=132) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=134)