# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=153 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 154 --- ## ["Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready for your PC"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upgrade-to-windows-11-is-ready-for-your-pc/961862)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2023, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upgrade-to-windows-11-is-ready-for-your-pc/961862 "2023-02-17T23:04:48Z")
Microsoft is offering to upgrade PCs that can run Win11. We have several Dell Optiplex 3070s on the network, some have the upgrade offer and some do not. What method does Microsoft use to offer the upgrade? --- ## [Is a tank water heater or gas tankless water heater more environmentally friendly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-tank-water-heater-or-gas-tankless-water-heater-more-environmentally-friendly/979851)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2023, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-tank-water-heater-or-gas-tankless-water-heater-more-environmentally-friendly/979851 "2023-02-17T20:11:46Z")
Basically, what the subject line says. And by environmentally friendly, I mean the emission of greenhouse gases. There’s been talk recently about preferring electric ranges over gas ranges. How does this apply to gas … --- ## [Is it still possible to be an informed consumer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-possible-to-be-an-informed-consumer/979599)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2023, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-possible-to-be-an-informed-consumer/979599 "2023-02-17T13:21:42Z")
You can talk to your neighbours and read Consumer Reports. But that may not help you understand (or even finish reading) Internet legalese, or even find what you want on Amazon. Is this Atlantic article correct in sayi… --- ## [Bluetooth headphone recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluetooth-headphone-recommendations/979934)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2023, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluetooth-headphone-recommendations/979934 "2023-02-17T05:18:51Z")
I’m in the market for some over-the-ear bluetooth headphones, that have the following important features: Separate physical pause/unpause and skip back/forward buttons that are easily distinguished by feel. They have … --- ## [Would you make your pet unaging if you could?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-make-your-pet-unaging-if-you-could/979778)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2023, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-make-your-pet-unaging-if-you-could/979778 "2023-02-16T20:34:17Z")
There’s life-extension research going on all the time using various animal test subjects. Imagine that a huge breakthrough was just made. There’s a new treatment available that so far, only works on the same species as … --- ## [What excuses do dictators uses to justify their power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-excuses-do-dictators-uses-to-justify-their-power/977877)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2023, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-excuses-do-dictators-uses-to-justify-their-power/977877 "2023-02-16T00:56:57Z")
I know that such a question can be met with a lengthy prison sentence or execution, but I’m sure such a question was not only asked but answered, even if by a foreign power. In the day of kings the answer sometimes invo… --- ## [Requesting Sanity Check on Estimated Dental Costs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requesting-sanity-check-on-estimated-dental-costs/979802)
**Author:** [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2023, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requesting-sanity-check-on-estimated-dental-costs/979802 "2023-02-15T13:21:20Z")
I’m going to keep this approximate and somewhat generic, so as not to compromise anyone’s anonymity. The person has been advised that they need to have their (remaining) upper teeth removed and a (permanent) bridge/dent… --- ## [Teleportation question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teleportation-question/979694)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2023, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teleportation-question/979694 "2023-02-15T13:20:00Z")
How popular would teleportation be if each jaunt took 15 minutes from people’s lives? --- ## [Competition Law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/competition-law/979745)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2023, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/competition-law/979745 "2023-02-15T01:34:03Z")
I was wondering if anyone was aware of, or could give examples of big corporate mergers that resulted in lower prices or better deals for consumers. Thinking about airlines, telcos and pharmaceuticals, to name a few exa… --- ## [What does it usually mean if you get 'zero bytes' message when trying to transfer files on a MacBook Air? Are the files corrupted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-usually-mean-if-you-get-zero-bytes-message-when-trying-to-transfer-files-on-a-macbook-air-are-the-files-corrupted/979783)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-usually-mean-if-you-get-zero-bytes-message-when-trying-to-transfer-files-on-a-macbook-air-are-the-files-corrupted/979783 "2023-02-14T22:35:20Z")
What does it usually mean if you get ‘zero bytes’ message when trying to transfer files on a MacBook Air? Are the files corrupted? --- ## [How easy is it to steal a vehicle with Push to Start ignition?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2023, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562 "2023-02-14T21:54:17Z")
I’m replacing my truck and new models have only the push to start ignition now. Since the truck lives outside the garage, and is the vehicle we roam the country with, I’m concerned about the apparent ease of spoofing th… --- ## [Transition from Montessori to public school](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transition-from-montessori-to-public-school/979617)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2023, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transition-from-montessori-to-public-school/979617 "2023-02-14T17:28:11Z")
My granddaughter has been in a Montessori preschool program for 2 years, and this fall, she’ll go to her neighborhood public school kindergarten. Her parents are concerned about the transition - from a small, somewhat un… --- ## [Experiences with Ozempic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experiences-with-ozempic/974875)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2023, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experiences-with-ozempic/974875 "2023-02-14T14:45:44Z")
Ozempic is a diabetes medication injected once a week. I’m in my first week since metformin is no longer performing well. What are your experiences with Ozempic, or those of your family member? Thanks. --- ## [Let's talk trash and composting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-trash-and-composting/978960)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2023, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-trash-and-composting/978960 "2023-02-14T03:56:30Z")
Hello Everyone, Due to a new state law here in California, I will have new trash bins starting next week. Instead of 2 bins, I will now have 3 bins. This means I need to rethink how I dispose of my trash. Has anyone … --- ## [Are people afraid to say "died" or "dead" when talking about the deceased?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-afraid-to-say-died-or-dead-when-talking-about-the-deceased/979479)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2023, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-afraid-to-say-died-or-dead-when-talking-about-the-deceased/979479 "2023-02-14T02:20:37Z")
Passed on, passed away, passed, gone to his reward - I hear these euphemisms all the time. But I hardly ever hear someone say “He died.” or “She’s dead.” Are the “d” words considered to be too harsh or something? Do y… --- ## [The "I'm blanking on a word or phrase" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-im-blanking-on-a-word-or-phrase-thread/979722)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2023, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-im-blanking-on-a-word-or-phrase-thread/979722 "2023-02-14T01:11:40Z")
(Mods, move if this isn’t the right forum) What is the relatively new phrase for shifting social norms, or changing what’s broadly considered acceptable? Similar to “moving the goalposts”, only that usually refers to ar… --- ## [Cheek kiss - left or right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheek-kiss-left-or-right/979537)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2023, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheek-kiss-left-or-right/979537 "2023-02-13T08:39:43Z")
In this amusing article about the “scandalous” kiss between Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff (Kamala Harris’ husband) at the SOTU address, it is hypothesized that this was an attempted cheek kiss where one person went for the … --- ## [Travertine, Marble, or other for patio deck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travertine-marble-or-other-for-patio-deck/979606)
**Author:** [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2023, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travertine-marble-or-other-for-patio-deck/979606 "2023-02-13T03:23:10Z")
Here in sunny South Florida, I’m partway through the tedious process of having a pool put in my back yard. It’s about time to pick the deck material. The main choices seem to be travertine or marble pavers. Reading va… --- ## [Why no microwave ovens for lefties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-microwave-ovens-for-lefties/979591)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-microwave-ovens-for-lefties/979591 "2023-02-12T20:09:16Z")
I moved into a new apartment at the beginning of this month (February 2023, for all you internet archeologists in the far future). It’s a nice little place, with the standard kitchen appliances built in. I have a concern… --- ## [3D figures, .stl files and copyright](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-figures-stl-files-and-copyright/979636)
**Author:** [@mordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mordecaiB)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2023, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-figures-stl-files-and-copyright/979636 "2023-02-12T02:23:15Z")
I got myself a 3D printer a few months ago. Still haven’t set it up, too much stuff going on. :slightly\_frowning\_face: I have been looking around various sites at what files are available for printing. I could name hund… --- ## [What genre of music is popular with American Football fans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-genre-of-music-is-popular-with-american-football-fans/979575)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-genre-of-music-is-popular-with-american-football-fans/979575 "2023-02-11T22:00:04Z")
It’s been suggested by a co-worker that Super Bowl halftime shows should reflect the tastes of the viewing audience. But what is that preference? Country? Hip-hop? Pop? (As usual with my threads, I’m not entirely sure wh… --- ## [Boston University unveiled a new Martin Luther King Jr. statue. Is it just me or does it look like someone performing a sexual act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boston-university-unveiled-a-new-martin-luther-king-jr-statue-is-it-just-me-or-does-it-look-like-someone-performing-a-sexual-act/978230)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boston-university-unveiled-a-new-martin-luther-king-jr-statue-is-it-just-me-or-does-it-look-like-someone-performing-a-sexual-act/978230 "2023-02-11T15:01:26Z")
Here’s an article about it: I’ll leave it to you to decide: --- ## [Does anyone have a standing weekly hair appointment nowadays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-a-standing-weekly-hair-appointment-nowadays/979489)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2023, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-a-standing-weekly-hair-appointment-nowadays/979489 "2023-02-11T03:00:34Z")
When I was an adorable kid (yes, I really was) my grandmother had a weekly hair appointment. Every Wednesday, 10 a.m., to have her hair washed and set. (And cut every sixth week.) She slept in this satin bonnet-type th… --- ## [Records are black](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/records-are-black/979403)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/records-are-black/979403 "2023-02-10T22:56:04Z")
I’ve been buying records for decades. With few exceptions, they were always black. But now, often as not, they are different colors. Red, green, yellow, clear, any color you can think of and sometimes several smooshed … --- ## [The shifting tides of racist language](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-shifting-tides-of-racist-language/977841)
**Author:** [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Replies:** 262\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-shifting-tides-of-racist-language/977841 "2023-02-10T22:21:34Z")
I didn’t want to hijack the Welsh thread, and in it, they mention that being gypped is a slight against gypsies. It got me thinking that there are idioms that are racist that may not be obvious (at least to me, without … --- ## [Covid has a silver lining I guess](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-has-a-silver-lining-i-guess/979099)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-has-a-silver-lining-i-guess/979099 "2023-02-10T20:40:46Z")
I worked over night last night. And during the night an ice storm strolled through. I was really stressing the drive home during the morning rush hour traffic. But much to my surprise, people decided to stay the f’ home. … --- ## [Cat: destroyer of caulking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-destroyer-of-caulking/979390)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-destroyer-of-caulking/979390 "2023-02-10T20:22:04Z")
My cat has been attacking the caulking in this place. A couple different places in both kitchen and my bathroom. Since I’m renting, I’m going to have to renew that caulking. I’ve never caulked anything, but I don’t think… --- ## [Suggest fitness/home gym equipment for a $75 budget?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-fitness-home-gym-equipment-for-a-75-budget/967213)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-fitness-home-gym-equipment-for-a-75-budget/967213 "2023-02-10T17:44:27Z")
One of my work benefits is that I can get reimbursed for up to $300 of fitness equipment a year, something HR just reminded us of. Although today is the end of the fiscal year the reminder’s a coincidence because we have… --- ## [Why were Google such dicks about this round of layoffs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-google-such-dicks-about-this-round-of-layoffs/978679)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-google-such-dicks-about-this-round-of-layoffs/978679 "2023-02-10T14:43:09Z")
So reading about the round of layoffs at Google, et al. The fact there were big layoffs is not particularly surprising to me, how they were was a little: This seems unnecessarily harsh, and not in line with what I’d e… --- ## [On Hiring A Housesitter/Petsitter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-hiring-a-housesitter-petsitter/979533)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2023, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-hiring-a-housesitter-petsitter/979533 "2023-02-10T11:16:20Z")
Mrs. H and I are thinking of hiring a housesitter/petsitter for when we go on vacation for a few days this summer. Our cats are high-maintenance and we don’t really have any family nearby who can look after them. So we’r… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=152) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=154)