# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=260 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 261 --- ## [Would you rather be extremely tall or extremely short?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-rather-be-extremely-tall-or-extremely-short/941201)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-rather-be-extremely-tall-or-extremely-short/941201 "2021-05-03T21:48:09Z")
For purposes of this thread, I’ll define short as 4 foot 6 inches and tall as 7 feet tall. I’m 6’ tall and ISTM that being a foot taller would be an absolute nightmare. I drive with my car seat scooted all the way back.… --- ## [What's the downside of shade-tolerant grass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-downside-of-shade-tolerant-grass/941101)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-downside-of-shade-tolerant-grass/941101 "2021-05-03T21:14:12Z")
My backyard has been slowly turning to moss. It’s narrow and mostly surrounded by tall trees, so sunlight is limited. I’ve pruned the trees way back, but I’m also considering putting some shade-tolerant grass seed out … --- ## [How To Get Gasoline Odor Out of Shoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-gasoline-odor-out-of-shoes/941082)
**Author:** [@Ptolomy57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ptolomy57)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-gasoline-odor-out-of-shoes/941082 "2021-05-03T20:50:25Z")
I inadvertently spilled gasoline on my leather (or fake leather) tennis shoes while filling my lawn mower’s gas tank. How can I get rid of the odor? I let the shoes air out for a few days now. I have to check on them, bu… --- ## [What, for you, were the most unexpected things about aging?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-for-you-were-the-most-unexpected-things-about-aging/922620)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 359\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-for-you-were-the-most-unexpected-things-about-aging/922620 "2021-05-03T16:34:02Z")
I turned 36 this year, not exactly ancient but no longer young, either. I am just starting to feel the beginnings of joint pains in my knees, barely. That’s to be expected, I suppose. Unexpectedly – just because I never… --- ## [Bringing civil suit against someone who has moved out of state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-civil-suit-against-someone-who-has-moved-out-of-state/940879)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-civil-suit-against-someone-who-has-moved-out-of-state/940879 "2021-05-03T15:44:56Z")
(The state is Hawaii, in case it matters.) The local nonprofit I work with has filed a civil lawsuit against a trust endowment which has stolen/mismanaged our funds. (I am happy to provide sordid details if asked, but t… --- ## [Question about level of discovery possible with online DNA tests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-level-of-discovery-possible-with-online-dna-tests/941157)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-level-of-discovery-possible-with-online-dna-tests/941157 "2021-05-03T15:42:00Z")
A question containing the following paragraph appeared in WaPo’s “Ask Amy” column a few days ago (the discussion was about alarming and unwanted revelations that are sometimes fallout from online DNA tests): After 50 y… --- ## [What trait or characteristic is the most important in your personal definition of success?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-trait-or-characteristic-is-the-most-important-in-your-personal-definition-of-success/940978)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-trait-or-characteristic-is-the-most-important-in-your-personal-definition-of-success/940978 "2021-05-03T13:44:50Z")
Select the one option that you personally believe is most important in whether you are successful or not. poll Gallup did a similar poll a few years ago asking the same question and also what people perceived that the m… --- ## [Your experience with getting autographs authenticated. (Need answer soon.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-experience-with-getting-autographs-authenticated-need-answer-soon/940988)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-experience-with-getting-autographs-authenticated-need-answer-soon/940988 "2021-05-03T12:28:44Z")
I have a book autographed (in my presence) by the three Apollo 11 astronauts in 1989, on the 20th anniversary of the moon landing. Michael Collins’ death today has gotten me thinking about having it authenticated for pos… --- ## [Anyone Spend Time in Charleston, WV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-spend-time-in-charleston-wv/940996)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-spend-time-in-charleston-wv/940996 "2021-05-03T10:22:38Z")
Ms. P and I will be looking to move after I retire in 4 years or so. We’d like to live somewhere with a lower than average cost of living, with a river nearby. A city the size of Charleston is perfect. We couldn’t liv… --- ## [How to receive broadcast TV - specifically Jeopardy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-receive-broadcast-tv-specifically-jeopardy/941102)
**Author:** [@dflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dflower)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-receive-broadcast-tv-specifically-jeopardy/941102 "2021-05-02T22:51:32Z")
Do you know of any way to watch Jeopardy without paying high prices for cable or similar streaming service? My antenna is not reliable. Sometimes the signal is OK but once the trees have more leaves it will be poor. The… --- ## [The last time you called to check weather/movie times/sports scores?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-last-time-you-called-to-check-weather-movie-times-sports-scores/941095)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2021, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-last-time-you-called-to-check-weather-movie-times-sports-scores/941095 "2021-05-02T13:19:18Z")
Remember those phone numbers you could call for an automated recording of the weather? Similar numbers existed for movie times, sports scores and other things. I’ll estimate 2004, I definitely had a mobile phone but not… --- ## [Bulk Seed and Farm Supply Companies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bulk-seed-and-farm-supply-companies/941137)
**Author:** [@Ptolomy57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ptolomy57)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2021, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bulk-seed-and-farm-supply-companies/941137 "2021-05-02T01:20:13Z")
Besides Burpee seeds, what other major seed companies are out there? Also, in this vein, where do farmers buy their supplies in bulk quantities? If Southern States comes to mind, how do I reach them to discuss a large q… --- ## [Who did the paying in the Gaetz affair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-did-the-paying-in-the-gaetz-affair/941118)
**Author:** [@cincinnatus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cincinnatus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-did-the-paying-in-the-gaetz-affair/941118 "2021-05-01T17:54:19Z")
It certainly doesn’t seem that many people have a whole lot of good feeling about U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, but I am wondering if they are getting out the tar and feathers a bit soon. Unless law enforcement has more than wh… --- ## [A case study in TALKING TO THE POLICE AND HANGING YOURSELF with your own words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-case-study-in-talking-to-the-police-and-hanging-yourself-with-your-own-words/939341)
**Author:** [@KennyT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KennyT)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-case-study-in-talking-to-the-police-and-hanging-yourself-with-your-own-words/939341 "2021-05-01T11:54:19Z")
\[ How did Pa. State Police finally ID ‘Beth Doe’ and what led them to her long-ago boyfriend? - lehighvalleylive.com \] - www.lehighvalleylive.com a fascinating case study about why you should NEVER talk to the police.… --- ## [Lead paint inspection in Boston area?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lead-paint-inspection-in-boston-area/941124)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lead-paint-inspection-in-boston-area/941124 "2021-05-01T07:56:07Z")
Hopefully it’s ok to ask for this advice here… Can anybody recommend a lead paint inspector in the Boston area? I’d like to know what–if any–areas in my condo have lead paint. I’m a little leery of hiring an inspector… --- ## [Four Simple Questions For Ethical Nihilists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-simple-questions-for-ethical-nihilists/941040)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-simple-questions-for-ethical-nihilists/941040 "2021-05-01T06:48:09Z")
Hopefully there are at least one on these boards. As you may already know, ethical nihilists believe nothing is inherently good or bad (obligatory Wiki article). And what we call ethical statements, are essentially all f… --- ## [Written vs spoken language conventions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/written-vs-spoken-language-conventions/941063)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/written-vs-spoken-language-conventions/941063 "2021-05-01T01:04:38Z")
Continuing the discussion from DrDeth's suspension: I saw this comment by LHOD in an ATMB thread and it made me wonder. I’d have said the standard conventions for written language make it much more formal, and less lik… --- ## [What is the highest undiscovered taxonomic level that's likely to exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-highest-undiscovered-taxonomic-level-thats-likely-to-exist/941057)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2021, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-highest-undiscovered-taxonomic-level-thats-likely-to-exist/941057 "2021-04-30T11:28:09Z")
A bit of a weird question, since how can we know the answer about something undiscovered? I’m mostly thinking about animals here; answers about plants or microbes are welcome too, though. But we can make some educated … --- ## [Can a shipping store take care of this inconvenient death and stuff problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-shipping-store-take-care-of-this-inconvenient-death-and-stuff-problem/940762)
**Author:** [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-shipping-store-take-care-of-this-inconvenient-death-and-stuff-problem/940762 "2021-04-29T21:07:42Z")
A person has died and before dying expressed her strong wish that an inconveniently large amount of stuff go to my mother-in-law. About a minivan’s worth of stuff. The person in charge of this stuff has made it clear i… --- ## [Alternatives for "crippled" for "deliberately made worse"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-for-crippled-for-deliberately-made-worse/930301)
**Author:** [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-for-crippled-for-deliberately-made-worse/930301 "2021-04-29T19:27:23Z")
Sure, we all know the alternatives for calling a person crippled: e.g. disabled, handicapped, a specific disease name, etc. No need to get into those. But I just was talking about how a new version of a particular piece… --- ## [Why do I need a impact driver to drive screws into wood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721 "2021-04-29T17:36:50Z")
The drill seems to work fine. It’s time to re-up my wireless tools and I have noticed a set of compact drill and impact driver in almost every line of tools. I can see the benefit of having a drill with a drill bit and… --- ## [Please recommend a cheap Windows laptop for Zoom calls only](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-cheap-windows-laptop-for-zoom-calls-only/940197)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-cheap-windows-laptop-for-zoom-calls-only/940197 "2021-04-29T17:10:00Z")
Current setup - Zoom call from main computer about 5 feet away, I am sitting on the couch. Chromebook out on the deck, where I go often during these 3-4 hour calls with my brothers and friends, Internet on my TV screen … --- ## [Why Are Jury Decisions Unanimous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-jury-decisions-unanimous/940497)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-jury-decisions-unanimous/940497 "2021-04-29T16:44:42Z")
The question comes to mind why are jury decisions unanimous? I mean, not even SCOTUS decisions are unanimous. Shouldn’t it be simple majority or 2/3rd or something? Why not? I wonder how many hung jury decisions may hav… --- ## [Apt. application approved but did not get apt.; legal for them to keep fee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apt-application-approved-but-did-not-get-apt-legal-for-them-to-keep-fee/940983)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apt-application-approved-but-did-not-get-apt-legal-for-them-to-keep-fee/940983 "2021-04-29T15:32:05Z")
My son applied for an apartment rental (Richmond, Va.) with two roommates. The three of them applied, plus three parents as guarantors. The application fee was $50 each for a total of $300. I just received this email: I… --- ## [Silliest reason you’ve seen someone quit a job over](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-reason-you-ve-seen-someone-quit-a-job-over/939936)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2021, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silliest-reason-you-ve-seen-someone-quit-a-job-over/939936 "2021-04-28T22:14:33Z")
It’s been a while but I remember a temporary job where someone quit because they weren’t allowed to tie up the microwave for a long time by cooking Stouffers frozen lasagna. There were a lot of employees and thus microwa… --- ## [Who is using THC for pain management?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-using-thc-for-pain-management/843140)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2019, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-using-thc-for-pain-management/843140 "2019-11-18T14:21:24Z")
Hope this doesn’t get locked. I’m aware that I am soliciting Opinion, not medical advice. Who here is successfully using THC products to manage pain? At this point I’m living 24/7 with lower spine pain, hip pain and stu… --- ## [Who is the absolute coolest person on the planet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-absolute-coolest-person-on-the-planet/940371)
**Author:** [@EmbarrassingDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmbarrassingDad)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2021, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-absolute-coolest-person-on-the-planet/940371 "2021-04-27T22:42:41Z")
I don’t know. I’ll advance Harry Connick JR as a nominee --- ## [An iphone critique](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-iphone-critique/940768)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2021, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-iphone-critique/940768 "2021-04-27T19:49:37Z")
So i’ve been on an iPhone for a couple of months now, iphone xr specifically, and just bought the vaderling one as well when his old 7+ audio chip went(I could have had it repaired for about $150 but, reasons). Anyone e… --- ## [Elon Musk says 2026 for humans on Mars. Can any Government stop this madness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elon-musk-says-2026-for-humans-on-mars-can-any-government-stop-this-madness/939972)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2021, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elon-musk-says-2026-for-humans-on-mars-can-any-government-stop-this-madness/939972 "2021-04-27T15:22:43Z")
Whilst I am in awe of Elon and what his endeavours have done for space travel, I find it downright bizarre that he proclaims that his plans are still on course for humans on Mars by 2026. I presume and everything points… --- ## [District of Columbia becomes a state--- what should it be called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/district-of-columbia-becomes-a-state-what-should-it-be-called/940553)
**Author:** [@stuccosuperstar2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuccosuperstar2020)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2021, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/district-of-columbia-becomes-a-state-what-should-it-be-called/940553 "2021-04-27T13:57:17Z")
According to the Washington Post it would renamed State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth. The sentiment is nice, but won’t having two states with the same name cause confusion? You really can’t stick with District o… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=259) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=261)