# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=173 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 174 --- ## [1st Appointment w/ new surgeon. How to prepare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-appointment-w-new-surgeon-how-to-prepare/972770)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2022, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-appointment-w-new-surgeon-how-to-prepare/972770 "2022-10-05T17:06:13Z")
How do I make the most of my first appointment with a spinal surgeon who is new to me? What to remember to ask? All suggestions welcome! My spinal surgeon retired, then the pandemic hit, and only now I’ve got myself an … --- ## [Opinions on lindens (and black gum and silverbell) trees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-on-lindens-and-black-gum-and-silverbell-trees/972602)
**Author:** [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2022, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-on-lindens-and-black-gum-and-silverbell-trees/972602 "2022-10-05T16:20:55Z")
We are getting a new street tree. Meaning a tree in the bit of ground between the sidewalk and the curb in front of our house. We have a very restricted list to choose from. We had a Japanese plum in that spot which d… --- ## [Heathrow - is an airport concierge a good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heathrow-is-an-airport-concierge-a-good-idea/972605)
**Author:** [@dummygladhands71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dummygladhands71)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2022, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heathrow-is-an-airport-concierge-a-good-idea/972605 "2022-10-05T14:10:03Z")
My fella uses a cane to get around, and it makes it hard for him to deal with luggage. I got an ad for an airport concierge, and upon Googling, I see quite a few for Heathrow. Apparently they meet you at the gate, get yo… --- ## [Questions for Vietnam Vets about R & R](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-vietnam-vets-about-r-r/972752)
**Author:** [@RunSilent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RunSilent)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2022, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-vietnam-vets-about-r-r/972752 "2022-10-05T10:22:53Z")
When you went to Australia or wherever, did you have to pay for your own lodging? Did they put you in a hotel or barracks of sorts, or did you have to find a place on your own? Did you have to pay for your meals? Was tr… --- ## [Is there a "California" for Gen Z?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-california-for-gen-z/972654)
**Author:** [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2022, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-california-for-gen-z/972654 "2022-10-05T08:34:00Z")
I dusted off a Mamas and Papas CD the other day and while wallowing in nostalgia was reminded of the California-centric obsession of mid 60s to mid 70s pop culture. At least for my age group (Boomer) and where I lived a… --- ## [Jury duty question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-duty-question/972661)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2022, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-duty-question/972661 "2022-10-05T01:54:39Z")
OK, I’ve been notified that I might be selected for jury duty. I’m 67 and have proudly served many times in the past. But now I have health issues. The meds I take for my high blood pressure make me have to pee frequentl… --- ## [2014 Camry, transmission lagging and vibrating, very annoying](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2014-camry-transmission-lagging-and-vibrating-very-annoying/940649)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2022, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2014-camry-transmission-lagging-and-vibrating-very-annoying/940649 "2022-10-05T01:44:29Z")
My GF bought a 2014 Camry. Her last car, a 2011 Nissan Altima, had been a constant pain in the ass, and we were really looking forward to the peace of mind and trouble-free ownership that the Camry has a reputation for. … --- ## [Facts About Reverse Vampires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facts-about-reverse-vampires/972514)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2022, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facts-about-reverse-vampires/972514 "2022-10-05T00:34:40Z")
We know they have to be home before dark. But, what other “facts” can we deduce? Here are a few Reverse vampires have stakes in their hearts. If you remove the stake they either become immobile or crumble to dust. The… --- ## [Grandmother not happy with announcement of 3rd grand child and says so was she wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grandmother-not-happy-with-announcement-of-3rd-grand-child-and-says-so-was-she-wrong/972612)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2022, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grandmother-not-happy-with-announcement-of-3rd-grand-child-and-says-so-was-she-wrong/972612 "2022-10-04T22:00:34Z")
apparently the internets divcided about this story Some say it sounds like grandma has the kids a lot and others say she should have let them have their moment and said her opinion on a latter day … What thinks the … --- ## [I must be getting old - how does an Apple Store work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-be-getting-old-how-does-an-apple-store-work/972653)
**Author:** [@QMatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QMatic)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2022, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-be-getting-old-how-does-an-apple-store-work/972653 "2022-10-04T19:21:30Z")
Am I, in my late middle-age, missing something that millennials ‘just know’? I need a new laptop and my research had narrowed it down to one of two MacBook models. I decided to visit an Apple Store to help make the final… --- ## [Gas stations offering discounts for cash payment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gas-stations-offering-discounts-for-cash-payment/972300)
**Author:** [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2022, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gas-stations-offering-discounts-for-cash-payment/972300 "2022-10-04T17:12:50Z")
Why do they do it? Yeah, I know there’s fees for businesses from the CC companies, but just about every other business sector I can think of is willing to float those fees out of consideration for consumer convenience of… --- ## [Favorite smart device?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-smart-device/972684)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2022, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-smart-device/972684 "2022-10-04T16:20:42Z")
Household appliances and devices are increasingly connected to our phones via wifi or Bluetooth. My favorite smart device is my pedestal fan. Mundane, but satisfying to be able to control not just on/off, but power lev… --- ## [Help with mushroom ID](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-mushroom-id/972582)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-mushroom-id/972582 "2022-10-03T18:43:40Z")
In the past I’ve enjoyed a very I a very introductory interest in mushrooms. Saw and identified a few but ran across one today I’ve never seen. I’m not interested in edible mushrooms, just curious what this might be. My … --- ## [Best bidding strategy for a city concession?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bidding-strategy-for-a-city-concession/972635)
**Author:** [@MozeJose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MozeJose)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2022, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-bidding-strategy-for-a-city-concession/972635 "2022-10-03T17:01:56Z")
I’m bidding against (I’m guessing) three or four other people for the lease to a city-owned retail space and am interested in any advice for how to come out the winner. Is there a good strategy other than spend more mone… --- ## [Would you let your dog catch a squirrel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-let-your-dog-catch-a-squirrel/972451)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2022, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-let-your-dog-catch-a-squirrel/972451 "2022-10-03T15:12:02Z")
My dogs have always enjoyed chasing squirrels. They rarely catch them, but when they have, I’m not too concerned about it. We don’t have a shortage of squirrels/rabbits/etc, and if one of them is gonna mess around in a… --- ## [Moving to England- How To Manage Kid's School?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-to-england-how-to-manage-kids-school/955601)
**Author:** [@LordHarry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordHarry)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2022, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-to-england-how-to-manage-kids-school/955601 "2022-10-03T14:20:01Z")
I am in serious need of guidance and advice. I am an American. I have been recruited to a London hospital and am tentatively scheduled to move to London in February 2022. This happened quite suddenly. I have a daughter w… --- ## [What things are either extremely good or really bad, with little or no middle ground?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-things-are-either-extremely-good-or-really-bad-with-little-or-no-middle-ground/972152)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2022, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-things-are-either-extremely-good-or-really-bad-with-little-or-no-middle-ground/972152 "2022-10-03T04:47:38Z")
I was listening to comedian Mike Birbiglia’s latest podcast in which he had his wife, ‘the poet J. Hope Stein’ (as he always refers to her) on as a guest. He mentions her often in his podcast and always talks about what … --- ## [Power lift question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-lift-question/972607)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2022, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-lift-question/972607 "2022-10-03T03:47:33Z")
I am trying to estimate how much weight a power lifter could draw on a footbow. I know an average man can draw over 300 lb. When the bow is shot the shooter is laying on his back with his legs in the air braced against t… --- ## [Tell me about Uber](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-uber/972594)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2022, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-uber/972594 "2022-10-03T01:06:37Z")
It’s looking like I will need to have my car fixed. Last time I did this I rented a car for a day and found it to be rather expensive. This time around I’m thinking of signing up for Uber. I am curious about what othe… --- ## [Tell me about the iPhone 14](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-the-iphone-14/972559)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2022, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-the-iphone-14/972559 "2022-10-02T14:55:38Z")
So I was looking at our XFinity cable bill and said to My Beloved "Hey, did you know we were signed up for something called “XFinity Rewards?”. “Really? How many points do we have? Enough to get a free movie or a disc… --- ## [What would get European royal family intermarrying again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-get-european-royal-family-intermarrying-again/972350)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2022, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-get-european-royal-family-intermarrying-again/972350 "2022-10-02T08:16:07Z")
What social, cultural, political, or economic situations would it take to make the various European royal families to intermarrying with each other again? What would it take to extend this to Asian and African royal fami… --- ## [Unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics (Wigner)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unreasonable-effectiveness-of-mathematics-wigner/972403)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2022, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unreasonable-effectiveness-of-mathematics-wigner/972403 "2022-10-02T01:48:54Z")
Creating a new topic here because I don’t want to muddy the waters in a former technical discussion about infinitesimals. The problem is the infinities that arise in quantum theory (and to a lesser extent in general re… --- ## [What's the hardest part about learning English?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-hardest-part-about-learning-english/225861)
**Author:** [@Victory\_Candescence](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victory_Candescence)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2022, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-hardest-part-about-learning-english/225861 "2022-10-01T21:24:03Z")
Title is question. --- ## [How might the MCU "Blip" have impacted the British line of succession?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-might-the-mcu-blip-have-impacted-the-british-line-of-succession/972552)
**Author:** [@Reluctant\_A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reluctant_A)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2022, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-might-the-mcu-blip-have-impacted-the-british-line-of-succession/972552 "2022-10-01T20:52:30Z")
I hope I’m asking this question in the right place (and I did search first, to see whether any such question had been asked already): Prior to the death of Elizabeth II, Princess Charlotte was fourth in the British line… --- ## [Good Discord Servers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-discord-servers/972549)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2022, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-discord-servers/972549 "2022-10-01T19:51:52Z")
OK, so I have the Discord app. Now what are the best servers? Does SDMB in fact have one? Is there something approaching our community here? How about a news server? Which servers are worth the bother? --- ## [What's the deal with "TakeLessons"? A scam? Malware?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-takelessons-a-scam-malware/972555)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2022, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-takelessons-a-scam-malware/972555 "2022-10-01T19:20:08Z")
I have Microsoft Edge for my browser. At the top of my feed homepage are links to sites I visit frequently. These links used to update automatically. If I started visiting a new site frequently enough, a link for that s… --- ## [What will/won't you tolerate in a close friend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-wont-you-tolerate-in-a-close-friend/972506)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2022, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-wont-you-tolerate-in-a-close-friend/972506 "2022-10-01T18:50:15Z")
In another thread, I asked if people would ride with an unlicensed driver, and described having a close friend (my wife’s best friend) who drives w/o a license. I was somewhat surprised at the number of responses that s… --- ## [“I’m spinning a lot of plates in the air right now”. Do you understand the reference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-m-spinning-a-lot-of-plates-in-the-air-right-now-do-you-understand-the-reference/972107)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2022, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-m-spinning-a-lot-of-plates-in-the-air-right-now-do-you-understand-the-reference/972107 "2022-10-01T13:58:16Z")
Just curious. I’m crazy busy at work, and yet another person asked about the status of one of the many projects I’m juggling (yes, juggling, I should have probably gone with that, everybody knows that metaphor). So I sa… --- ## [Sciatica relief](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sciatica-relief/972480)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2022, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sciatica-relief/972480 "2022-10-01T02:51:35Z")
I don’t know if I just stumbled on to something or if it was just a coincidence. I have dealt with sciatica for years but recently had an unusually painful episode. All I could do was sit, I couldn’t lay down or walk for… --- ## [On Being Old and Needing New Teeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-old-and-needing-new-teeth/972365)
**Author:** [@kaiwik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaiwik)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2022, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-old-and-needing-new-teeth/972365 "2022-09-29T19:38:16Z")
If this belongs in Factual Questions will someone please suggest moving it to a Mod? The years have passed and I find myself being offered Senior Discounts. I have a variety of Old Lady Syndromes, aches, and pains. Fine… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=172) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=174)