# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=196 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 197 --- ## [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… --- ## [Was this schizophrenia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-schizophrenia/965016)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2022, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-schizophrenia/965016 "2022-05-28T20:57:45Z")
I’m curious if my roommates brother had schizophrenia. He was supposed to stay on medication, but the side effects were really hard on him, and from time to time he would stop the meds, saying that he thought he could be… --- ## [End of school parties (with loud music)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-school-parties-with-loud-music/965214)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2022, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-school-parties-with-loud-music/965214 "2022-05-28T18:23:33Z")
Yesterda, the middle school at the end of our block had an end of the school year party outside, with an ice cone truck, and 6’ tall speakers playing VERY loud music. I have 2 questions: When did schools start to off… --- ## [Let's talk about cruiselines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-cruiselines/944336)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2022, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-cruiselines/944336 "2022-05-28T17:10:53Z")
I’ve been on 5 or 6 cruises but they’ve all been on Carnival. I’ve been happy with them. Most of the time I’ve had kids with me so the “fun ships” have been fine. I’m considering an Alaskan cruise next summer and Roya… --- ## [Need creative solutions to limit electrical power draw at plugs in older kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-creative-solutions-to-limit-electrical-power-draw-at-plugs-in-older-kitchen/965004)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2022, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-creative-solutions-to-limit-electrical-power-draw-at-plugs-in-older-kitchen/965004 "2022-05-28T15:21:25Z")
The situation is an older apartment with limited plugs and the breaker box in a location where the super has to reset the fuses. This means it’s easy to flip the breaker and inconvenient to get it reset. The kitchen ha… --- ## [Restaurant recommendations in Dublin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-dublin/965173)
**Author:** [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2022, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-recommendations-in-dublin/965173 "2022-05-28T14:43:27Z")
So, I’m tasked with planning a dinner for 18 or 19 people (study abroad group, one student has had health issues and may or may not be able to continue with the program) in Dublin on the evening of June 18, and it has oc… --- ## [High school graduation money gift-how much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-graduation-money-gift-how-much/660911)
**Author:** [@pudytat72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pudytat72)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2022, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-graduation-money-gift-how-much/660911 "2022-05-28T06:28:13Z")
What is the going rate for monetary gifts for high school graduates? --- ## [What would happen if I got another cat, or a kitten?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-i-got-another-cat-or-a-kitten/965238)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2022, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-i-got-another-cat-or-a-kitten/965238 "2022-05-28T03:22:16Z")
This is a bit of a thought experiment given I have no plans to add a third feline to the household anytime soon. I had planned for 3 cats when I got the two I have, but the pandemic up-ended my plan when it turned out to… --- ## [How do \*you\* pronounce "forte"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-forte/964765)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2022, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-forte/964765 "2022-05-27T23:38:01Z")
As in That’s not my forte. How do you pronounce it? Like the Italian homograph forte, meaning “strong” (for-tay or for-tee)? Like the English word fort? Or with the French pronunciation (for)? Some other way? I almost… --- ## [Waterproof iPhone case recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waterproof-iphone-case-recommendations/965092)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2022, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waterproof-iphone-case-recommendations/965092 "2022-05-27T15:21:01Z")
Now that Wifey has a kayak and we’ll be hitting the water as soon as time off, weather, and tides converge, I’d like to get a waterproof case for my iPhone. Sure, I could get a Pelican case; but I’d like to be able to u… --- ## [Unofficial All-SDMB "This Post/Poster makes my day!" Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unofficial-all-sdmb-this-post-poster-makes-my-day-thread/944570)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unofficial-all-sdmb-this-post-poster-makes-my-day-thread/944570 "2022-05-26T21:25:21Z")
We’ve had a lot of talk about the Pit and it’s place on the board recently, and even though I’m in the moderate pro-Pit group, I do agree that spending time there can make us only focus on the negative aspects of our fel… --- ## [Military history experts, when did armies get serious about post-engagement analysis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-history-experts-when-did-armies-get-serious-about-post-engagement-analysis/965012)
**Author:** [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-history-experts-when-did-armies-get-serious-about-post-engagement-analysis/965012 "2022-05-26T21:00:25Z")
I’m doing some reading about Grant’s military operations in the western sector and it made me wonder about how detailed and self critical staffs were at conducting after battle analysis, something which appears to be rig… --- ## [Can we have a dictionary, please? {about sealioning}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-have-a-dictionary-please-about-sealioning/964793)
**Author:** [@Turki-lurki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turki-lurki)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-have-a-dictionary-please-about-sealioning/964793 "2022-05-26T20:22:01Z")
I am old. I do not know young people. I live under a rock most of the time, I admit it. But what the hell is meant by " You appear to be a Sealioning Troll"? Is there an equivalent phrase in conventional English? Ask… --- ## [Can a mechanic refuse to "release" my car due to lack of a part?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-mechanic-refuse-to-release-my-car-due-to-lack-of-a-part/964570)
**Author:** [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-mechanic-refuse-to-release-my-car-due-to-lack-of-a-part/964570 "2022-05-26T16:49:43Z")
So our car got rear-ended sitting at a red light a couple of months ago (grrrrrr). We went through all the insurance rigamarole and brought the car to the dealer service center where we bought it. (It was 100% the other … --- ## [Leveling patio blocks and preventing weeds in seams without herbicides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leveling-patio-blocks-and-preventing-weeds-in-seams-without-herbicides/964994)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leveling-patio-blocks-and-preventing-weeds-in-seams-without-herbicides/964994 "2022-05-26T13:00:49Z")
So I’m expanding my firepit with an already existent supply of 8"x8" blocks. I started with the easiest side. I turned the dirt over and tried to smooth, I didn’t do the best job. I first laid down landscaper (weed blo… --- ## [Will Hawaii be a good place to be after the political implosion of the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-hawaii-be-a-good-place-to-be-after-the-political-implosion-of-the-us/963908)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2022, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-hawaii-be-a-good-place-to-be-after-the-political-implosion-of-the-us/963908 "2022-05-24T01:27:30Z")
Although I don’t want to make it the main topic of this thread, I think one of the following is going to happen in the near future in the US (and there is some overlap between them): Civil war of some sort (some would… --- ## [What's something that people claim happens a lot, but you have rarely, or never, witnessed it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-something-that-people-claim-happens-a-lot-but-you-have-rarely-or-never-witnessed-it/960965)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 445\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-something-that-people-claim-happens-a-lot-but-you-have-rarely-or-never-witnessed-it/960965 "2022-05-26T08:16:24Z")
The first thing that comes to mind for me is people who say that strangers constantly walk up to them and tell them how well-behaved their kids are. If I’ve ever witnessed that, I’m not aware of it, and I learned not to… --- ## [Go-to finance software?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-to-finance-software/965072)
**Author:** [@Llord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llord)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-to-finance-software/965072 "2022-05-26T02:32:59Z")
One family member used x, whilst another used y, my s.o. has tried and suggests Z whilst friends say they used to use \_. you get the idea, im torn and dont really know which apps to use to have a better hold and understa… --- ## [Is there anything I can do with my in-door trashcans to prevent ants from getting into them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-i-can-do-with-my-in-door-trashcans-to-prevent-ants-from-getting-into-them/964967)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2022, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-i-can-do-with-my-in-door-trashcans-to-prevent-ants-from-getting-into-them/964967 "2022-05-26T00:46:40Z")
It’s ant season again and I can already see ant scouts wandering around but not actually finding anything. I always take the normal precautions against ants, take garbage out 3 times a day, put out traps when I see them… --- ## [Would you allow a prospective buyer of your second hand car to insert an odb2 scanner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-allow-a-prospective-buyer-of-your-second-hand-car-to-insert-an-odb2-scanner/965084)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-allow-a-prospective-buyer-of-your-second-hand-car-to-insert-an-odb2-scanner/965084 "2022-05-25T23:44:56Z")
An odb2 scanner is a standard tool that connects to a little port under your dashboard somewhere. It tells the user various details from the car computer, including any error codes or warnings. Is this a legitimate tool… --- ## [Questions regarding differences between a French collège and a British public secondary school](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-regarding-differences-between-a-french-college-and-a-british-public-secondary-school/964983)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-regarding-differences-between-a-french-college-and-a-british-public-secondary-school/964983 "2022-05-25T12:34:04Z")
Is it true that collège students (13-14 year-olds) specialise in subjects earlier than in British public secondary schools at the same age? Is there far more rigorous testing in a French collège than in equivalent grades… --- ## [Crossword-making software - is there such a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossword-making-software-is-there-such-a-thing/964921)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossword-making-software-is-there-such-a-thing/964921 "2022-05-25T05:42:07Z")
I’ve got an upcoming family holiday in a few days. It’s popped into my head that it might be fun to create a crossword, with clues based on family lore (example: “thing that Dad fell into in France, (5)”. DITCH). I recko… --- ## [People who abbreviate their first name…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-abbreviate-their-first-name/963281)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2022, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-abbreviate-their-first-name/963281 "2022-05-25T02:51:24Z")
…and use their full middle name. T. Boone Pickens is one that immediately comes to mind. Why? I get that they may not like their first name, simply prefer their middle name, or use it to avoid confusion with someone e… --- ## [Sheila in Australian, Bird in British: Equivalent of Broad or Chick in American?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheila-in-australian-bird-in-british-equivalent-of-broad-or-chick-in-american/964151)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2022, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheila-in-australian-bird-in-british-equivalent-of-broad-or-chick-in-american/964151 "2022-05-24T23:17:52Z")
Is it insulting, however mildly, to refer to women as “Sheilas” in Australia, or “Birds” in British, the way “Chick” or “Broad” or whatever is insulting in US English? --- ## [They call it the world wide web, but it's still more like the American-wide web](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-call-it-the-world-wide-web-but-its-still-more-like-the-american-wide-web/195478)
**Author:** [@A\_Random\_Geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Random_Geek)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2022, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-call-it-the-world-wide-web-but-its-still-more-like-the-american-wide-web/195478 "2022-05-24T19:38:37Z")
I got the urge for this rant trying to use Yahoo’s PayDirect service (which is supposed to be a good alternative if you don’t like PayPal). Of course, it is impossible for me to use this service, because my credit card … --- ## [Should you give your baby a unique name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-you-give-your-baby-a-unique-name/959017)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 213\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2022, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-you-give-your-baby-a-unique-name/959017 "2022-05-24T19:25:38Z")
Based on this Atlantic article, wondering if it is better to give your child a name which is common and accepted, or unique and will cause them to standout, with the good and bad that entails? --- ## [If a fly married a mouse, which do you consider to be the most disgusting choice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-fly-married-a-mouse-which-do-you-consider-to-be-the-most-disgusting-choice/964907)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2022, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-fly-married-a-mouse-which-do-you-consider-to-be-the-most-disgusting-choice/964907 "2022-05-24T18:59:16Z")
poll Who got the shorter end of the stick there, the fly for marrying the mouse or the mouse for marrying the fly? I’d just say “Which is more disgusting to you a fly or a mouse?” to make it simpler but I think you real… --- ## [Military Battles before Firearms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-battles-before-firearms/964453)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2022, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-battles-before-firearms/964453 "2022-05-24T12:34:45Z")
Is there anywhere I can find accurate depictions of battles fought before firearms? I can’t even imagine the physical conditioning needed to fight a battle like that for 30 minutes or more. Is there a lot known about the… --- ## [Complex Regional Pain Syndrome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/964675)
**Author:** [@KateMathers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KateMathers)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2022, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/964675 "2022-05-24T11:27:44Z")
I am 53 and female. I’m a former teacher and college professor. I have CRPS. Is there anyone here who is familiar with the disorder? I live in upstate New York. I could drive to Princeton-Plainsboro, but I think House r… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=195) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=197)