# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=195 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 196 --- ## [Usage of the French phrase 'à la retraite'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usage-of-the-french-phrase-a-la-retraite/965561)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2022, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usage-of-the-french-phrase-a-la-retraite/965561 "2022-06-06T14:13:11Z")
I came across the following : "“Qu’est-ce que c’est?”, crie le policier à la retraite par la fenêtre de sa chambre. Il dormait. I have not come across the phrasing ‘à la retraite par la fenêtre’ before. Does it mean a ‘… --- ## [Questions about a WW1/2 German history website I found](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-a-ww1-2-german-history-website-i-found/964597)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2022, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-a-ww1-2-german-history-website-i-found/964597 "2022-06-05T23:34:32Z")
the sites in two parts really Heres the WW1 side of it http: //www .revisionist .net/hysteria/index.html Heres is the WW2 part : http: //www. revisionist. net/ My questions are … Did the UK really run what looks l… --- ## [Can't Ukraine simply export its grain through land?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-ukraine-simply-export-its-grain-through-land/965662)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2022, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-ukraine-simply-export-its-grain-through-land/965662 "2022-06-05T22:28:55Z")
If only 20% of Ukraine is under Russian control, all being far in the east, away from the Polish border If enormous amounts of donated western APC’s, ATGM’s and even tanks can cross the Polish - Ukrainian border, meanin… --- ## [Can cities just choose not to enforce state laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-cities-just-choose-not-to-enforce-state-laws/965405)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2022, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-cities-just-choose-not-to-enforce-state-laws/965405 "2022-06-05T03:52:37Z")
Austin is planning to prepare for the coming abortion ban by passing city council resolutions making enforcement of an abortion ban a very low priority for police, and restricting funding for its enforcement. Counci… --- ## [So you think there's no such thing as employment discrimination?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-you-think-theres-no-such-thing-as-employment-discrimination/965511)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2022, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-you-think-theres-no-such-thing-as-employment-discrimination/965511 "2022-06-04T23:39:57Z")
Patrick Shyu, who bills himself as “Ex-Google Tech Lead” and is (at least until now) currently a Facebook Tech Lead – Patrick Shyu - Facebook | LinkedIn Well, he went on Twitter, and started boasting about how he treate… --- ## [Time travel dinner for 6 at your house—who do you invite and how is it planned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-dinner-for-6-at-your-house-who-do-you-invite-and-how-is-it-planned/965000)
**Author:** [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2022, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-dinner-for-6-at-your-house-who-do-you-invite-and-how-is-it-planned/965000 "2022-06-04T22:59:54Z")
Table for 6 at your house (or rehab room, prison cell…)—you and 5 others. Fill the 5 slots with anyone dead or alive (…obviously they wouldn’t be dead at your table, you know what I mean). You can fill slots with your si… --- ## [Can you be forced to be a member of an HOA just by paying the dues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-be-forced-to-be-a-member-of-an-hoa-just-by-paying-the-dues/965667)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2022, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-be-forced-to-be-a-member-of-an-hoa-just-by-paying-the-dues/965667 "2022-06-04T19:26:58Z")
I believe there should be a factual answer, but if not mods please move this over to IMHO. I live in Montana, and I bought my house in 2019. At the time I purchased it it was a part of a group of houses that weren’t par… --- ## [True or not? In French "s'acheter "or "lui acheté" are optional when expressing "buy for herself/himself"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/true-or-not-in-french-sacheter-or-lui-achete-are-optional-when-expressing-buy-for-herself-himself/965657)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2022, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/true-or-not-in-french-sacheter-or-lui-achete-are-optional-when-expressing-buy-for-herself-himself/965657 "2022-06-04T15:52:38Z")
I have come across this wording meaning "buy for herself/himself “…lui acheté…” which surprised me. I was told it is correct but I haven’t found any grammar website supporting this phrasing. I assumed the only way to exp… --- ## [Unspellable words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unspellable-words/965584)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2022, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unspellable-words/965584 "2022-06-04T11:16:14Z")
Someone asked me, in a chat, how things are going. I wanted to write, “you know, the …” and use the shortening of “usual”, but I couldn’t figure out how to spell it. This article suggests some spellings, but they’re al… --- ## [Renowned -- or infamous -- international-consulting projects for developing nations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renowned-or-infamous-international-consulting-projects-for-developing-nations/965641)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2022, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renowned-or-infamous-international-consulting-projects-for-developing-nations/965641 "2022-06-03T19:52:25Z")
I’ve been wondering about those instances in which the government of a less-developed nation, facing some dire national problem, hires international consultants and gives them free rein to map out a solution. (The only … --- ## [How should I cool my detached home office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-cool-my-detached-home-office/965597)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2022, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-cool-my-detached-home-office/965597 "2022-06-03T15:00:30Z")
I have a home office in the back of a detached garage. I have a wall-mounted electric resistive heater with a fan that keeps me plenty warm in the winter. When I moved in, I didn’t really need A/C. On the few hot PacNW s… --- ## [Apple CarPlay, ye vex me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-carplay-ye-vex-me/964655)
**Author:** [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2022, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-carplay-ye-vex-me/964655 "2022-06-02T13:59:55Z")
Here are 3 of the consternations: I download podcasts to my phone but when I connect the phone to the car by USB, the podcasts show up with the cloud icon and a message says I need WiFi connection to listen. No WiFi n… --- ## [Why does it bother my neighbors that I never open my blinds/shades?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-bother-my-neighbors-that-i-never-open-my-blinds-shades/964086)
**Author:** [@Arcite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arcite)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2022, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-bother-my-neighbors-that-i-never-open-my-blinds-shades/964086 "2022-06-02T11:29:54Z")
(First of all, I hope they’re not reading. I would hate for them to think I have some sort of problem with them. They seem like perfectly decent people.) A couple of years ago, I bought a house, and it’s the type I gr… --- ## [CAR-15 retro build](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-15-retro-build/965544)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2022, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-15-retro-build/965544 "2022-06-02T07:27:03Z")
Years ago, I wanted to build retro AR-15s/M-16s. I mostly got the rifle built, but I couldn’t get the front sight off of the barrel so that I could replace the tapered delta ring with a straight one, and I couldn’t get … --- ## [Share your favorite AI assistant fails!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-favorite-ai-assistant-fails/965461)
**Author:** [@Esprise\_Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprise_Me)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2022, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-favorite-ai-assistant-fails/965461 "2022-06-02T05:01:44Z")
My husband texted me this gif of a kitten having a hilariously delayed reaction: https://www.reddit.com/r/CatGifs/comments/v1pod9/cat\_like\_reflexes/?utm\_medium=android\_app&utm\_source=share I laughed and said the kitten … --- ## [Highway lane closure strategy question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/highway-lane-closure-strategy-question/965454)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2022, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/highway-lane-closure-strategy-question/965454 "2022-06-02T02:18:39Z")
I’ve noticed this a few times in the last year or so but haven’t been able to figure out the reason. Driving down the highway, two lanes in the same direction, construction up ahead in, oh let’s say the right lane. Inste… --- ## [The "baby formula flight" is Nestle' products](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-baby-formula-flight-is-nestle-products/964805)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2022, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-baby-formula-flight-is-nestle-products/964805 "2022-06-01T22:43:45Z")
Why am I not surprised that they would have a stockpile in Europe, probably intended for Third World countries? If you don’t know, they’re the company that many people have boycotted, and still do, because of their aggr… --- ## [Is Borage the 'Nepenthe' of the Ancients?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-borage-the-nepenthe-of-the-ancients/965498)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2022, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-borage-the-nepenthe-of-the-ancients/965498 "2022-06-01T21:49:38Z")
I had a deuce of a time trying to figure out exactly where this question should go on the boards. This is where I finally concluded (after deep consideration). Is the herb Borage the Nepenthe of the ancients? Little ba… --- ## [Salt Lake City: Things to do there in 36 hours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salt-lake-city-things-to-do-there-in-36-hours/962076)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2022, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salt-lake-city-things-to-do-there-in-36-hours/962076 "2022-06-01T12:01:17Z")
I will be traveling to Salt Lake City in a few months with family. The main point of the trip is not sight seeing but we will have around 36 hours (give or take) to do whatever. I realize that is not a lot of time but … --- ## [What was your most torturous school activity - as a parent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-most-torturous-school-activity-as-a-parent/963610)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2022, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-most-torturous-school-activity-as-a-parent/963610 "2022-06-01T03:00:14Z")
Inspired by this comment in another thread: I never went to talent shows (and never understood how lip-synching was a “talent.”) Lie that poster, I actually enjoyed most of our kids’ activities, and most of the rest w… --- ## [Are kids far behind in school now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-kids-far-behind-in-school-now/964962)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2022, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-kids-far-behind-in-school-now/964962 "2022-05-31T20:19:57Z")
I don’t have an opinion on this, and it obviously varies from place to place. It seems to be accepted that Covid caused many months of academic delay even if online learning eas used. Am curious to hear, especially fro… --- ## [Any reason against a tattoo of Athena? Update 18-May-2022: see the tattoo in post 58](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871)
**Author:** [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2022, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-against-a-tattoo-of-athena-update-18-may-2022-see-the-tattoo-in-post-58/959871 "2022-05-31T14:18:58Z")
Which isn’t that tattoos are horrible. Also, I have done my research about the possibile meanings and associations which are considered “standard” interpretations. What I am wondering about is if there are any unwanted… --- ## [Have you been banned anywhere?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-been-banned-anywhere/964598)
**Author:** [@Turki-lurki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turki-lurki)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2022, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-been-banned-anywhere/964598 "2022-05-31T13:58:48Z")
Why? How do you feel about it? I have been banned on 2 Conservative Reddit boards, and been spoken to harshly on Fox. It kind of bothers me because I try hard to be civil. But sometimes you read things that make you cra… --- ## [Chicxulub misses Earth. What does Earth look like today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicxulub-misses-earth-what-does-earth-look-like-today/964516)
**Author:** [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2022, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicxulub-misses-earth-what-does-earth-look-like-today/964516 "2022-05-30T20:45:22Z")
Too many variables to be sure, but using educated guesses, predict what our biosphere’s makeup would look like today if the Chixulub impactor never impacted. Points to consider: Would our planet still be dinosauric, wit… --- ## [What is the best (easiest) way for a family to share photos with each other after a vaction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-easiest-way-for-a-family-to-share-photos-with-each-other-after-a-vaction/965360)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2022, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-easiest-way-for-a-family-to-share-photos-with-each-other-after-a-vaction/965360 "2022-05-30T20:36:23Z")
I recently returned from a vacation with my brother and sister and we would like to be able to share our photos with each other online so we can all pick the best from the bunch. All of the photos were taken with cell p… --- ## [Attempting to murder someone that is already dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attempting-to-murder-someone-that-is-already-dead/964247)
**Author:** [@Jay\_Z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jay_Z)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2022, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attempting-to-murder-someone-that-is-already-dead/964247 "2022-05-30T13:57:25Z")
This came from an old movie. I won’t say which unless requested, so no spoilers. Man, an old lover, is blackmailing a woman. Woman gets a gun and goes to kill the man. He is lying on a bed, eyes open, not moving or r… --- ## [Not a gun buy-back scheme, but](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-gun-buy-back-scheme-but/965316)
**Author:** [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2022, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-gun-buy-back-scheme-but/965316 "2022-05-29T18:48:17Z")
Since an AK-47 buy-back scheme does not seem to be feasible, what are some opinions on what could be done to address the irresponsible use of firearms in the USA. I’ll start Raise the age to purchase a gun (pistol, ri… --- ## [AK47 buy back scheme!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ak47-buy-back-scheme/965302)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2022, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ak47-buy-back-scheme/965302 "2022-05-29T17:29:52Z")
I’m sure we’ve all been hearing various ideas for moving the needle on gun control in the US. Obviously the population is extremely divided on this so it won’t be easy. We’ve all heard silly schemes like making ammo proh… --- ## [Self Defense in a Car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-defense-in-a-car/965067)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2022, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-defense-in-a-car/965067 "2022-05-29T09:56:05Z")
I was watching a video on dashcam videos and a few showed people being attacked. One was where the road was blocked by a van and two guys got out and started chasing the car with baseball bats. There was one with a wom… --- ## [Advice on dealing with this company](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-dealing-with-this-company/965070)
**Author:** [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2022, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-dealing-with-this-company/965070 "2022-05-29T00:56:06Z")
A few weeks ago I placed an order online with a global company for a birthday gift for my 12 year old daughter. The value of the order was about $100. The website said that it would arrive from the warehouse in France t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=194) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=196)