# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=215 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 216 --- ## [PNW folks: Is it too soon to panic about this dry winter? Also, how's your town doing rainwise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pnw-folks-is-it-too-soon-to-panic-about-this-dry-winter-also-hows-your-town-doing-rainwise/959169)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pnw-folks-is-it-too-soon-to-panic-about-this-dry-winter-also-hows-your-town-doing-rainwise/959169 "2022-02-15T18:20:11Z")
In Eugene we’ve just passed four weeks, in the middle of winter, with almost no rain. At least, I can’t recall seeing meaningful rain since about January 10th, although the local paper reports we’ve had about an inch si… --- ## [I need a way to control an outdoor water tap by remote control from inside](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-way-to-control-an-outdoor-water-tap-by-remote-control-from-inside/959385)
**Author:** [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-way-to-control-an-outdoor-water-tap-by-remote-control-from-inside/959385 "2022-02-15T04:23:50Z")
What am I looking for? I’m sure there are things that do just what I want but I don’t have a clue what to search for. If you nice folks give me a device name, I can find it from there. Please and thank you and promises … --- ## [Who would you build a statue of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-build-a-statue-of/959342)
**Author:** [@Carltonyourdoorman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carltonyourdoorman)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-build-a-statue-of/959342 "2022-02-15T01:47:01Z")
You are the Mayor of your town. Somewhere on earth. The city council authorizes you to build a statue of an important person. Who do you choose? --- ## [How far in advance to ask someone out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-in-advance-to-ask-someone-out/959157)
**Author:** [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-in-advance-to-ask-someone-out/959157 "2022-02-14T19:40:00Z")
I bought tickets to a concert happening late next month, on a Thursday. There’s someone I’d like to invite to go with me. I see her most weeks on Wednesday; sometimes we have a proper chat, sometimes just long enough t… --- ## [The Purpose of Clint Eastwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-purpose-of-clint-eastwood/951032)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-purpose-of-clint-eastwood/951032 "2022-02-14T14:32:06Z")
I was listening to the latest The Big Picture podcast on Friday morning, this specific episode being a retrospective on Clint Eastwood’s career with the release of Clint’s latest, Cry Macho, in theaters and HBO Max. Sean… --- ## [Iowa (and other states) laws propose to video monitor public education](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-and-other-states-laws-propose-to-video-monitor-public-education/958963)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-and-other-states-laws-propose-to-video-monitor-public-education/958963 "2022-02-14T12:43:52Z")
Conservatives are introducing bills to require video monitoring of classrooms. This would allow parents to critique all classroom presentations. Could this practice be beneficial to public education? Is public educatio… --- ## [Is Alexa a "she" or an "it"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alexa-a-she-or-an-it/959253)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alexa-a-she-or-an-it/959253 "2022-02-14T12:40:19Z")
This thread is for those who use Amazon devices. Do you refer to Alexa as “she”? I really would prefer to use “it”, but something subconscious prevents me every time. I know it’s just a computer, but when talking about … --- ## [What does the following mean: "breaking top of an ocean roller"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-following-mean-breaking-top-of-an-ocean-roller/959454)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-following-mean-breaking-top-of-an-ocean-roller/959454 "2022-02-14T11:48:08Z")
I’m looking for definitions for the terms “breaking top” and “ocean roller”. “The landing on Mykines was exceptionally tricky. The boat surfed in on the green breaking top of an ocean roller into the tiny harbor …” (p.3… --- ## ["Germany was the most cultured and educated country in Europe and they still let the Nazis take over"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/germany-was-the-most-cultured-and-educated-country-in-europe-and-they-still-let-the-nazis-take-over/959292)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/germany-was-the-most-cultured-and-educated-country-in-europe-and-they-still-let-the-nazis-take-over/959292 "2022-02-14T08:19:04Z")
I need to put this up front, I don’t want any actual discussion of Hitler or the Nazis because that will just derail the entire thread. But I was listening to a podcast with a history professor that made that statement … --- ## [At what age is it reasonably ok to change a dog's name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-is-it-reasonably-ok-to-change-a-dogs-name/959254)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-is-it-reasonably-ok-to-change-a-dogs-name/959254 "2022-02-14T03:09:35Z")
I am talking about a new-to-you dog. Suppose you adopt a beautiful one-year-old dog named Jenny. Problem: Jenny is your ex-wife’s name. Should you / would you leave it? Change it to something that rhymes with Jenny? Wh… --- ## [New liners for old Sorel boots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-liners-for-old-sorel-boots/959419)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-liners-for-old-sorel-boots/959419 "2022-02-13T23:39:01Z")
I got a pair of 25-30 year old Sorel boots, that I like a lot. The leather is great, Rubber Perfect, the soles got enough tread that I see no reason to replace the whole boot. But the liners are worn out, I think I repl… --- ## [I'm gonna have to learn to live with unpleasant colleagues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-gonna-have-to-learn-to-live-with-unpleasant-colleagues/959359)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-gonna-have-to-learn-to-live-with-unpleasant-colleagues/959359 "2022-02-13T22:45:48Z")
Context: I live in Québec, in Canada. The recent right-wing trucker protests and border blockades are well-documented everywhere, I won’t rehash them here. This is something that doesn’t happen in Canada. I find it very… --- ## [What are the odds? (Lottery question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-lottery-question/959413)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-lottery-question/959413 "2022-02-13T22:42:57Z")
This is not a question about winning the lottery, so please read the OP before answering. I play a multi-state lottery game called Lucky For Life. You choose five numbers from 1 to 48, then one Lucky Ball number from 1… --- ## [Shocking Ads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shocking-ads/958637)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shocking-ads/958637 "2022-02-13T16:46:55Z")
I was reading a book of old advertisements from the 60s. One of them showed an attractive woman with a big smile and a bigger shiner around one eye. Probably some people here are more familiar with the ad then I am, Ta… --- ## [NFTs and Money Laundering / - Funds Shifting (ML-FS)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfts-and-money-laundering-funds-shifting-ml-fs/959311)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfts-and-money-laundering-funds-shifting-ml-fs/959311 "2022-02-12T11:03:47Z")
Given that you - basically receive nothing (tangible) in return for your money transfer - isn’t that a great potential ML-FS-highway to form? I sell cute-as-a-button-golden-retriever-pups-photo NFTs for $500 / $5.000 /$… --- ## [When a yardstick isn’t a yardstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-yardstick-isn-t-a-yardstick/959240)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-yardstick-isn-t-a-yardstick/959240 "2022-02-12T00:23:45Z")
My fiancée’s house was bequeathed to her by a childhood friend, who had inherited it from her parents, the original owners. Both women found better things to do with their time than empty the garage and storage areas of … --- ## [Third of humanity dies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-of-humanity-dies/958948)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-of-humanity-dies/958948 "2022-02-11T18:18:38Z")
The other thread here wondering what if some women ceased being pregnant made me wonder something else. What if a third of each nation perished, what would be the immediate and long term results of that? apologies for po… --- ## [Advice on "accepting the bad with the good" (family relationships)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-accepting-the-bad-with-the-good-family-relationships/959112)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-accepting-the-bad-with-the-good-family-relationships/959112 "2022-02-11T01:54:58Z")
At the age of 34, I think I’m finally coming around to something I should have done or realized many years ago - namely, that my mother is never going to change. There are a lot of good things about my mother. There are… --- ## [What car was this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-was-this/959065)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-was-this/959065 "2022-02-10T23:25:00Z")
I bought my first new car in 1981. From a local new car dealership, same as you’d find in cities in many (most?) parts of the United States. Oh, and it had 3 “eyes\*.” What model car did I own? (I know the answer) \*A t… --- ## [Were your kids stand-outs in sports/theater/academics/something else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-your-kids-stand-outs-in-sports-theater-academics-something-else/958816)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-your-kids-stand-outs-in-sports-theater-academics-something-else/958816 "2022-02-10T20:42:37Z")
I have one daughter and we had a standing rule - she could do one extra-curricular activity at a time. Neither my husband nor I wanted to spend our free time ferrying her thither and you. As a result, she tried a lot of … --- ## [Can terms like "race" and "ethnicity" be used meaningfully?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-terms-like-race-and-ethnicity-be-used-meaningfully/959000)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-terms-like-race-and-ethnicity-be-used-meaningfully/959000 "2022-02-10T20:09:14Z")
The recent issue involving Whoopi Goldberg’s comments has caused me to ponder think such things. And I’m not sure I can figure out how any such terms can be used such that they are commonly defined/understood by everyon… --- ## [Should we get married?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-get-married/958854)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2022, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-get-married/958854 "2022-02-09T22:55:44Z")
My gf and I have lived happily together for many (18?) years. We plan on being together until one of us dies, anything beyond that is creepy. We are listed as each others “next of kin” on our Advanced Directives and we… --- ## [Was your childhood bedroom specially designed for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-your-childhood-bedroom-specially-designed-for-you/958444)
**Author:** [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2022, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-your-childhood-bedroom-specially-designed-for-you/958444 "2022-02-08T23:02:00Z")
I’ve been watching lots of home design shows, and so often the kid’s room is themed around the kid’s interests (for instance, a dinosaur mural on the wall, or a bed that looks like a racecar). Did your parents take your… --- ## [Propane heater/stove that will start during power outage (vacation cabin)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/propane-heater-stove-that-will-start-during-power-outage-vacation-cabin/958918)
**Author:** [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2022, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/propane-heater-stove-that-will-start-during-power-outage-vacation-cabin/958918 "2022-02-08T17:06:15Z")
I have a vacation cabin that has a traditional furnace/heat pump. I’m looking for a supplemental propane stove heater that will kick on in the event of a power outage. It can be a monitor style or a fancy wood stove styl… --- ## [I love Death Valley. I list my fave spots there. What are yours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-love-death-valley-i-list-my-fave-spots-there-what-are-yours/954544)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2022, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-love-death-valley-i-list-my-fave-spots-there-what-are-yours/954544 "2022-02-08T02:09:29Z")
Death Valley holds quite the fascination for me. I’ve only visited it twice: First back in the early 70’s as a 16 year old with my parents. Ready to be bored and disdainful about the visit, instead I was absolutely fa… --- ## [Does anyone else, not otherwise a memory prodigy, remember their infant baptism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-not-otherwise-a-memory-prodigy-remember-their-infant-baptism/652048)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2022, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-not-otherwise-a-memory-prodigy-remember-their-infant-baptism/652048 "2022-02-07T20:08:04Z")
I’m not very religious at all, but when my brother and I were little we did belong to the local Presbyterian church, and every Sunday our parents attended a sermon while we went to Sunday school. Moreover, I’m not one o… --- ## [Instant hot water heaters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instant-hot-water-heaters/958982)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2022, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instant-hot-water-heaters/958982 "2022-02-07T15:05:56Z")
What’s the best instant hot water heater for the average 2 person home? Looking for different brand name evaluations. --- ## [What if a third of all pregnant women magically ceased to be pregnant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-a-third-of-all-pregnant-women-magically-ceased-to-be-pregnant/958941)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2022, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-a-third-of-all-pregnant-women-magically-ceased-to-be-pregnant/958941 "2022-02-07T06:44:33Z")
There are around 100 million women pregnant at any one point in time in the world. What if a third of all pregnant women magically ceased to be pregnant? It’s instant, painless and no physical harm is suffered by the w… --- ## [Why do coffee shops close so early on Sunday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coffee-shops-close-so-early-on-sunday/959011)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2022, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coffee-shops-close-so-early-on-sunday/959011 "2022-02-07T01:12:23Z")
Typically, my wife and I go out for a brunch on Sunday. Then, we walk around or shop, and then try to find a coffee shop or café to have a snack around 3pm. Over the last few years, we have noticed an annoying trend for… --- ## ["Is this still available" responses to car for sale -- how to respond](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-still-available-responses-to-car-for-sale-how-to-respond/958415)
**Author:** [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2022, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-still-available-responses-to-car-for-sale-how-to-respond/958415 "2022-02-06T16:22:45Z")
I’ve advertised a car for sale on Craiglist and facebook Marketplace. Within the first several hours I got several messages asking if it’s still available. They don’t strike me as how someone who was actually interested … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=214) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=216)