# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=208 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 209 --- ## [Why doesn’t Russia cut off fuel sales to NATO countries who are “dependent” on them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesn-t-russia-cut-off-fuel-sales-to-nato-countries-who-are-dependent-on-them/961782)
**Author:** [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2022, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesn-t-russia-cut-off-fuel-sales-to-nato-countries-who-are-dependent-on-them/961782 "2022-03-28T16:30:11Z")
Of course that would be a hit to their income. But it would seem that the economic impact of that would be more endurable then the sudden choking off of a significant fraction of a nation’s energy supply. Is this a poin… --- ## [What's with the double commas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-commas/961790)
**Author:** [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2022, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-double-commas/961790 "2022-03-28T15:51:47Z")
I’ve been seeing a lot of less formal text with what I consider odd punctuation: I said ,,Let’s go“ then he said ,,Not now“ I realize that using double commas to open a quotation is standard punctuation in some lan… --- ## [Revolving Doors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revolving-doors/961633)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2022, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revolving-doors/961633 "2022-03-28T15:16:15Z")
Maybe this should be in Factual Questions. Feel free to move it. I was in one of the old, beautiful office buildings in our downtown. It was built in 1895. The lobby walls are gray and pink granite and there are brass f… --- ## [Tips and tricks to using a pin nailer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-to-using-a-pin-nailer/961805)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2022, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-to-using-a-pin-nailer/961805 "2022-03-28T11:17:47Z")
A piece of face frame from our kitchen cabinets, that was around a dishwasher, fell off yesterday. It had been attached (badly) with pin nails, many of which had not penetrated the inner frame and were bent up between th… --- ## [Party with Two Unrelated Groups](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/party-with-two-unrelated-groups/961579)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2022, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/party-with-two-unrelated-groups/961579 "2022-03-28T05:38:43Z")
I was considering holding a get-together and inviting people from work and also people from my gym. My wife heard this and said that it’s a known rule that you never want to invite two separate groups of people, who don… --- ## [Are these examples likely to be conflated memories or dreams of memories?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-examples-likely-to-be-conflated-memories-or-dreams-of-memories/961803)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2022, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-examples-likely-to-be-conflated-memories-or-dreams-of-memories/961803 "2022-03-27T22:07:31Z")
Some months ago, I asked about imperfect recall of memories, which led to an interesting discussion. Now I would like to ask about a situation where I seem to have conflated two different memories; I am wondering if the … --- ## [What would be the effect of raising a child in an environment with nothing "meant for children?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-effect-of-raising-a-child-in-an-environment-with-nothing-meant-for-children/961781)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2022, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-effect-of-raising-a-child-in-an-environment-with-nothing-meant-for-children/961781 "2022-03-27T20:41:10Z")
Say you raise a child in an upbringing where there’s no Sesame Street, no kid’s cartoons or books, nothing “for kids” - instead, all their books are grown-up stuff like textbooks, Hemingway, etc. and their movies are all… --- ## [DOes anyone do paint-by-number?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-do-paint-by-number/961771)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2022, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-do-paint-by-number/961771 "2022-03-27T16:27:42Z")
My stepfather is 90 and wants to try paint by number. The one he bought has color mixing and tiny areas to paint and is very intimidating for a first effort. Does anyone have a recommendation for an easier one that I can… --- ## [What If Humans Were Herbivores? Carnivores?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-humans-were-herbivores-carnivores/961775)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2022, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-humans-were-herbivores-carnivores/961775 "2022-03-27T15:45:59Z")
Humans are omnivores obviously. Yes, some choose to be vegans and whatnot. But physiologically speaking we are omnivores. This question has concerned me for years. I guess I can tell you, part of it is inspired by what … --- ## [Does Russia have the rest of the world over a barrel (of oil)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-russia-have-the-rest-of-the-world-over-a-barrel-of-oil/960291)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2022, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-russia-have-the-rest-of-the-world-over-a-barrel-of-oil/960291 "2022-03-27T03:20:59Z")
A side issue in another thread that I thought should be fully explored, since I think it greatly impacts the rationality of Putin’s recent actions. If Russia turns off its energy exports to the rest of the world, how wi… --- ## [Suggestions for improving posture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-improving-posture/961704)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2022, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-improving-posture/961704 "2022-03-26T22:30:52Z")
Like many people that sit at a desk all day doing computer work, I have bad posture. Currently, I’ve rolled up a sweater and placed it behind my lower back. It seems to be helping. A co-worker gave me arm rests to att… --- ## [A browser question: any idea how I'm doing this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-browser-question-any-idea-how-im-doing-this/961739)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2022, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-browser-question-any-idea-how-im-doing-this/961739 "2022-03-26T17:49:45Z")
This question is completely motivated by curiosity. It is a puzzle, not a problem. The browser is Chrome. I have used it for a long time and sometimes do various things on it by rote. What I usually do for some applicat… --- ## [Does anyone else find having a TV constantly on unsettling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-find-having-a-tv-constantly-on-unsettling/704675)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2022, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-find-having-a-tv-constantly-on-unsettling/704675 "2022-03-26T12:35:08Z")
We’re gearing up for our annual holiday time visit to my wife’s parents and as usual, I find myself dreading the trips. I’m always completely stressed out by the end of the trip. One of the reasons is the tv is always … --- ## [Are captchas going away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-captchas-going-away/957624)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2022, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-captchas-going-away/957624 "2022-03-25T19:47:24Z")
A few years ago I came across those damned complex captcha fairly often. You know, the ones with half a dozen fonts, letters at all angles and overlapping each other, etc. But I realized I haven’t seen one in a long time… --- ## [Talk To Me About Colon Cancer (don't need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-colon-cancer-dont-need-answer-fast/961184)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2022, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-colon-cancer-dont-need-answer-fast/961184 "2022-03-25T19:19:50Z")
My understanding is that by the time the patient experiences symptoms of colon cancer, it’s too late, and that’s why the American Cancer Society is so keen on early colonoscopies. Is this the case? Also, does the colon c… --- ## [New method for medical test -- how to interpret the results](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-method-for-medical-test-how-to-interpret-the-results/961661)
**Author:** [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2022, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-method-for-medical-test-how-to-interpret-the-results/961661 "2022-03-25T18:28:18Z")
I recently had a number of medical tests, one of which was erythrocyte sedimentation rate (or ESR, or send rate). My test result fell in what would be considered the normal range using the “modified Westergren method” b… --- ## [North Korean missile launch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-missile-launch/950703)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2022, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-missile-launch/950703 "2022-03-25T10:36:15Z")
Does North Korea have a particular beef with Japan, or is it just a convenient place at which to shoot? --- ## [Laser Engravers Anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-engravers-anyone/961103)
**Author:** [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2022, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-engravers-anyone/961103 "2022-03-25T02:24:19Z")
I’m considering the purchase of a laser engraver with the accessory permitting usage on cylindrical items such as glassware, mugs etc. Currently looking at Makeblock xTool D1 Anyone have this, or perhaps a better reaso… --- ## [Travel souvenirs - do you have a favorite type?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-souvenirs-do-you-have-a-favorite-type/960750)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2022, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-souvenirs-do-you-have-a-favorite-type/960750 "2022-03-24T19:02:28Z")
My mom’s fridge is covered in magnets from all over the world. I know other people get shot glasses or collector spoons from places they visit. I used to make sure to buy a t-shirt and a picture postcard, but not so muc… --- ## [I may have found a way to take fewer spam calls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-may-have-found-a-way-to-take-fewer-spam-calls/961525)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2022, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-may-have-found-a-way-to-take-fewer-spam-calls/961525 "2022-03-24T10:30:30Z")
I answer the phone not with “Hello”, but with “This is Carnivorous”. I receive many calls on my work phone, get no response for several seconds, so I hang up. I discussed this with Mrs. Plant; does a device wait to hear … --- ## [American Naval Power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-naval-power/961404)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2022, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-naval-power/961404 "2022-03-24T01:04:25Z")
I am not remotely a military expert. However, I read with interest an article in the recent Foreign Affairs which argues a dangerous decline in American naval power. The article is written by a director of the American… --- ## [How do you cope with osteoarthritis pain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-cope-with-osteoarthritis-pain/961460)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2022, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-cope-with-osteoarthritis-pain/961460 "2022-03-23T23:02:13Z")
If you have moderate or severe osteoarthritis, how do you treat the pain? I have spinal arthritis (lumbar region) and have had both spinal stenosis surgery and, a few weeks later, an epidural, but of course I still have … --- ## [Should the Baltic countries cut all roads and rail connections with Russia and Belorus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-baltic-countries-cut-all-roads-and-rail-connections-with-russia-and-belorus/961542)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2022, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-baltic-countries-cut-all-roads-and-rail-connections-with-russia-and-belorus/961542 "2022-03-23T19:48:20Z")
In light of what’s happened in Ukraine, should the three Baltic countries cut all or most roads and rail connections to Russia (including Kaliningrad) and Belorus? Russia has demonstrated that it’s willing to invade the… --- ## [Mothers really do ID very specific messages from baby cries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mothers-really-do-id-very-specific-messages-from-baby-cries/961229)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2022, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mothers-really-do-id-very-specific-messages-from-baby-cries/961229 "2022-03-23T12:10:12Z")
I just had a fun Skype chat with my adult son, whose 24th birthday is in a few days, in which he mentioned that the crows he feeds have a particular type of caw when he first puts out the food. This led me to confess th… --- ## [What would you do if money were literally no object](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-if-money-were-literally-no-object/957616)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2022, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-if-money-were-literally-no-object/957616 "2022-03-22T17:04:25Z")
So Bezos, Gates, Musk, Zuckergerg and Buffett, all died in a misaligned ride on the new space-X capsule and are now on their way to pluto, surprisingly they left you as their sole heir. After doing the usual benevolen… --- ## [What foods tend to fight diarrhea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-foods-tend-to-fight-diarrhea/961310)
**Author:** [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2022, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-foods-tend-to-fight-diarrhea/961310 "2022-03-22T15:33:42Z")
I got a colonoscopy 11 days ago, with a 3-day prep regimen\*. Since then, I’ve gone back to my normal diet, but I haven’t had a solid poop since the “innuendo.” I called the clinic for advice. They told me to take Citruce… --- ## [Back spasms, pinched nerve. What is physically happening when you strain your back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-spasms-pinched-nerve-what-is-physically-happening-when-you-strain-your-back/961432)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2022, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-spasms-pinched-nerve-what-is-physically-happening-when-you-strain-your-back/961432 "2022-03-22T15:18:48Z")
Going through this now, the way it always happens. Twisted wrong while lifting, back goes “twang” and find myself limping and bent. It feels like a feedback loop of: muscle tightened/swollen → pinches nerve → causing m… --- ## [Help! Mixed reviews!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-mixed-reviews/961428)
**Author:** [@Amanda1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amanda1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2022, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-mixed-reviews/961428 "2022-03-22T07:49:15Z")
Samsung Galaxy 21 FE…good or bad? --- ## [Anybody care to speculate what's going on with these ambulances near my home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-care-to-speculate-whats-going-on-with-these-ambulances-near-my-home/961313)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2022, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-care-to-speculate-whats-going-on-with-these-ambulances-near-my-home/961313 "2022-03-22T05:04:29Z")
Occasionally, I’ll see or hear an ambulance with their sirens on. They seem to be driving around in circles on the various city streets with no real destination. My first thought is they’re doing some sort of training e… --- ## [Why are diesels not considered sporty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-diesels-not-considered-sporty/961386)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2022, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-diesels-not-considered-sporty/961386 "2022-03-22T03:38:57Z")
Diesels are often considered to be slow and many car guys dislike them, mostly for the sound, but also for their performance…but why exactly? Modern diesels are more refined and efficient than older ones, so let’s not t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=207) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=209)