# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=186 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 187 --- ## [How to use my "use-or-lose" annual leave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-my-use-or-lose-annual-leave/968351)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-my-use-or-lose-annual-leave/968351 "2022-07-22T19:24:46Z")
I didn’t take any leave last year, so I’ve hit my annual leave accrual cap already, which means I’m already in a use-or-lose situation. I work four 9-hour days, and one 4-hour day every week. Two of the 9-hour days and t… --- ## [Guaranteed Income for Life Plans - Yea or nay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guaranteed-income-for-life-plans-yea-or-nay/968328)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guaranteed-income-for-life-plans-yea-or-nay/968328 "2022-07-22T17:57:14Z")
I have an annuity ( I know, I know) and my new advisor is suggesting I flip over to one of these plans. Lower fees and no more than 10% loss in any year but gains are also capped. I’m not sure at what level. His internet… --- ## [The Googol to 1 gear ratio machine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-googol-to-1-gear-ratio-machine/968182)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-googol-to-1-gear-ratio-machine/968182 "2022-07-22T16:22:34Z")
There are a total of 100 gears in this machine, with each gear pair having a reduction of 1 to 10, so for every 10 revolutions, the gear next in line makes one rotation, and so forth. So for the last gear to spin one tim… --- ## [Ikea Billy Bookcase with bowed sides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ikea-billy-bookcase-with-bowed-sides/968342)
**Author:** [@Jingleheimer-Schmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jingleheimer-Schmidt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ikea-billy-bookcase-with-bowed-sides/968342 "2022-07-22T13:36:17Z")
BILLY Bookcase, white, 31 1/2x11x79 1/2" - IKEA I have one of these. The way this is made is that the sides are not attached to the shelves other than to the middle (non-adjustable) shelf. They are also not attached to … --- ## [What was your least favorite car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-least-favorite-car/968177)
**Author:** [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-least-favorite-car/968177 "2022-07-22T03:35:07Z")
An insurance ad I saw earlier today which was attempting to induce some nostalgia (hey, remember your first car??) got me started thinking about this. My first car was kind of a POS (a 1983 Dodge Charger), but it wasn’… --- ## [Looking for a definition for "impress forcibly"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-definition-for-impress-forcibly/968082)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-definition-for-impress-forcibly/968082 "2022-07-22T02:34:08Z")
i coudn’t find any definition for “impress forcibly”. Would instill fear/strike fear in/ intimidate be apt or too harsh? Is the phrase meant to be used in a milder sense? --- ## [Does "Unsubscribe" mean anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-unsubscribe-mean-anything/968258)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2022, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-unsubscribe-mean-anything/968258 "2022-07-22T00:54:33Z")
Somehow, my email address has apparently been sold to all sorts of “health” companies and I’m being bombarded with offers to give me a massive penis (thanks, no) or cure my thyroid problems the natural way (what thyroid … --- ## [Buying a battery-powered lawn mower: self-propelled or not? (Need answer fast!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-battery-powered-lawn-mower-self-propelled-or-not-need-answer-fast/964574)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-battery-powered-lawn-mower-self-propelled-or-not-need-answer-fast/964574 "2022-07-21T22:09:44Z")
I’m about to buy one of these two Ryobi 40V lawn mowers, and I’m debating whether it’s worth it to pay an extra $100 for the self-propelled model. The push one gets better reviews than the self-propelled. I’m guessing th… --- ## [Funerals are cathartic for survivors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funerals-are-cathartic-for-survivors/967844)
**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funerals-are-cathartic-for-survivors/967844 "2022-07-21T20:49:29Z")
Funerals are supposed to provide closure for the survivors. How does viewing a heavily made up corpse illuminated by pink light and surrounded by flowers help with closure? Our funeral rituals creep me out. Whatever c… --- ## [Probability Question (Real-Life Example)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-question-real-life-example/968278)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-question-real-life-example/968278 "2022-07-21T19:36:23Z")
Two questions, actually. Have the same exact numbers ever been drawn in a lottery? You realize that this is theoretically possible. And I don’t necessarily mean right afterwards. Maybe even decades later, for example. (… --- ## [Time Travel, Space and Relativity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-space-and-relativity/968066)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-space-and-relativity/968066 "2022-07-21T15:29:33Z")
Simple question. If you are on earth, say, and you go back in time, where do you end up? Are you still on earth? Because think about it. Earth is nowhere near where it was in in space, even a couple of moments ago. And … --- ## [Traveling to Spain, opinions requested](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-spain-opinions-requested/968159)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-spain-opinions-requested/968159 "2022-07-21T14:33:38Z")
I have been to Spain twice, but the last time was over 20 years ago. I am planning on taking my 3 teenage boys there for Spring Break next April. We will be using Madrid as our home base, and I am contemplating a train r… --- ## [What disorder makes a person suddenly intolerant of greasy food and cold liquid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-disorder-makes-a-person-suddenly-intolerant-of-greasy-food-and-cold-liquid/968206)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-disorder-makes-a-person-suddenly-intolerant-of-greasy-food-and-cold-liquid/968206 "2022-07-21T05:43:49Z")
My girlfriend had no problem eating the greasiest of foods up until recently, where her stomach suddenly now cannot tolerate oil/fat, and also cannot tolerate cold water (must drink warm-hot water.) What type of gastroi… --- ## [Do you use Duck Duck Go? How do you like it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-duck-duck-go-how-do-you-like-it/968057)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2022, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-duck-duck-go-how-do-you-like-it/968057 "2022-07-21T02:17:18Z")
Does anyone here use Duck Duck Go? What are its advantages / disadvantages? They claim they don’t track you, while other browsers don’t make that claim. Thoughts? . --- ## [What is the difference between the French phrases "suspendu au plafond" vs. "suspendu du plafond"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-the-french-phrases-suspendu-au-plafond-vs-suspendu-du-plafond/968291)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2022, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-the-french-phrases-suspendu-au-plafond-vs-suspendu-du-plafond/968291 "2022-07-20T23:44:12Z")
The phrases “suspendu au plafond” and “suspendu du plafond” both translate as “suspended from the ceiling”. How do they differ in meaning? --- ## [Generic (off brand) printer ink](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generic-off-brand-printer-ink/968092)
**Author:** [@Yelnick\_McWawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yelnick_McWawa)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2022, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generic-off-brand-printer-ink/968092 "2022-07-20T21:57:51Z")
To get HP printer ink for one of my printers costs over $100 for four (C,M,Y&K) cartridges. Off-brand for the (alleged) equivalent is about $35. What’s your experience / recommendation. --- ## [Azores travel advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/azores-travel-advice/839065)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2022, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/azores-travel-advice/839065 "2022-07-20T18:52:44Z")
I just discovered that there are fairly inexpensive direct flights from Boston to the Azores. It must be due to the large Portuguese population around here. So we’re toying with the idea of a 5-day Thanksgiving mini-vaca… --- ## [Can someone write me a math equation for this situation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-write-me-a-math-equation-for-this-situation/968075)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2022, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-write-me-a-math-equation-for-this-situation/968075 "2022-07-20T05:53:29Z")
Youre on a long half life Drug and you redose at intervals shorter than the half life Half life either 36 hours, 56 hours or 72 hours. You redose every 24 hours. Dosages: Days 1-5 = 12mg day Days 6-8 = 8mg day Days … --- ## [Was our furnace sabotaged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-our-furnace-sabotaged/967976)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2022, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-our-furnace-sabotaged/967976 "2022-07-20T04:16:44Z")
We have our HVAC system inspected every year. They came on Monday and gave it the all-clear. Some time that night, there was a bang from inside the system - and in the morning, we realized the house was not getting coo… --- ## [Should a sober person take a field sobriety test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-sober-person-take-a-field-sobriety-test/968204)
**Author:** [@Jingleheimer-Schmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jingleheimer-Schmidt)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2022, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-sober-person-take-a-field-sobriety-test/968204 "2022-07-19T23:02:03Z")
Supposing for whatever reason, a cop asks a person who knows themselves with certainty to be completely sober (e.g. they have no consumed any alcohol in days) to take a field sobriety test? (Maybe the car was weaving a b… --- ## [How Do You Know You're Drunk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-youre-drunk/559759)
**Author:** [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2022, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-youre-drunk/559759 "2022-07-19T08:47:33Z")
Pretty self explanatory, I think. What symptoms do you exhibit that show you’re beyond the toasty stage, and are flat-out drunk? Mine is a feeling akin to sticking my finger in an electrical socket that travels up my ar… --- ## [How does my RAV4 know I am holding the steering wheel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-my-rav4-know-i-am-holding-the-steering-wheel/968060)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2022, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-my-rav4-know-i-am-holding-the-steering-wheel/968060 "2022-07-18T22:53:41Z")
2021 Toyota RAV4. The car has LTA (Lane Tracing Assistance) and it works quite well. If the car approaches the edge of a lane it beeps and corrects the steering lightly. However, if you are using the radar assisted cruis… --- ## [Ugliest Car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugliest-car/963052)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2022, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugliest-car/963052 "2022-07-18T19:18:57Z")
Stumbled upon this article on “Ten Ugly Cars at the New York International Car Show”. I like a few of them. Few of them are Azteks, Yugos or even Renault LeCars. It’s been many years since an ugly car thread. Do you … --- ## [Describe the current Zeitgeist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-the-current-zeitgeist/967359)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2022, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-the-current-zeitgeist/967359 "2022-07-18T06:51:55Z")
Well? --- ## [How was the question of kids leaving home handled in your family?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-the-question-of-kids-leaving-home-handled-in-your-family/968037)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2022, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-the-question-of-kids-leaving-home-handled-in-your-family/968037 "2022-07-18T02:09:52Z")
The recent discussion “How did you come to leave home as a young person?” yielded an interesting gamut of responses, ranging from at least one Doper who continued living at home well into adulthood to several who reporte… --- ## [When would you replace your house cleaning service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-would-you-replace-your-house-cleaning-service/967766)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2022, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-would-you-replace-your-house-cleaning-service/967766 "2022-07-17T21:21:20Z")
My cleaner comes once a month. She is part of an agency. I’ve never had another one in my life so I don’t know if this is reasonable or how far to let it go. But she has a history of being late by as much as 2 hours. I d… --- ## [GoGuardian is spying on children](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goguardian-is-spying-on-children/953722)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2022, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goguardian-is-spying-on-children/953722 "2022-07-17T14:07:47Z")
Some schools are putting GoGuardian software on the computers students use – and more. A brief description: “GoGuardian products allow teachers and administrators to view and snapshot students’ computer screens, clos… --- ## [Portland:Oregon or Maine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portland-oregon-or-maine/672472)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2022, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portland-oregon-or-maine/672472 "2022-07-17T09:40:09Z")
Simple question. Oh if you post, make sure you note your location. --- ## [Compound W](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compound-w/967963)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2022, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compound-w/967963 "2022-07-17T01:58:20Z")
Several years ago I discovered a small, smooth, flesh-coloured bump on a finger. I assumed it was a callus and trimmed it with clippers. It came back. Eventually I showed it to my PCP (a nurse practitioner), who said … --- ## [What are your thoughts on Tik Tok?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-on-tik-tok/949909)
**Author:** [@Cathy967](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cathy967)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2022, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-on-tik-tok/949909 "2022-07-16T14:07:22Z")
Generational Zoomer here. I love swiping for DIYs on Tik Tok. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=185) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=187)