# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=269 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 270 --- ## [Help me buy a new exercise bike](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-new-exercise-bike/937410)
**Author:** [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2021, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-new-exercise-bike/937410 "2021-03-09T16:42:37Z")
My current exercise bike is reaching end of life. It’s about 10 years old, has been used an average of 5 days a week over those 10 years, and the magnetic resistance is starting to sound like metal on metal (not to menti… --- ## [Japanese Culture - Inventors and Athletes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-culture-inventors-and-athletes/933843)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2021, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-culture-inventors-and-athletes/933843 "2021-03-09T16:33:31Z")
Been reading a few books on different cultures of interest, including a book of Japanese values. It suggests that group cohesion is given great importance, which seems clear. But then it suggests skilled athletes or pe… --- ## [So, tell me about Pet Insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-pet-insurance/937468)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2021, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-about-pet-insurance/937468 "2021-03-09T16:25:19Z")
Do you have it? Who’s the best? Ant scams I should be aware of? I have two 5 yr old dogs, healthy at the moment. But both have had some issues in the past and ‘emergency’ visits cost us a wad of cash. Considering pet i… --- ## [Which of these would you live in if you wanted to live by the sea - France, Italy or Spain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-would-you-live-in-if-you-wanted-to-live-by-the-sea-france-italy-or-spain/937388)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2021, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-would-you-live-in-if-you-wanted-to-live-by-the-sea-france-italy-or-spain/937388 "2021-03-09T14:14:50Z")
I’m from Serbia, but I’m hopefully going to receive a citizenship of an EU member country via ancestry soon (Croatia or Hungary, since I’m eligible for both, though I have to learn the language for the second one) and th… --- ## [Things AI could easily do but "they're" too lazy to program it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-ai-could-easily-do-but-theyre-too-lazy-to-program-it/932861)
**Author:** [@blabbermeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blabbermeister)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2021, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-ai-could-easily-do-but-theyre-too-lazy-to-program-it/932861 "2021-03-09T13:18:39Z")
Some examples: On Amazon, about 1/4 of the product reviews are either from people who haven’t received the product yet ("\*\*\*\* - I’m really looking forward to trying this out!") or complaints about the delivery instead… --- ## [Can telephone scammers spoof toll-free numbers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-telephone-scammers-spoof-toll-free-numbers/933567)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2021, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-telephone-scammers-spoof-toll-free-numbers/933567 "2021-03-09T06:18:45Z")
We get a lot of attempted scam calls, mostly we don’t pick up the (landline) phone unless we recognize the number. However, I have been making an exception for toll free numbers, because I assume those calls cost the cal… --- ## [Best countries to retire to...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-countries-to-retire-to/933667)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2021, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-countries-to-retire-to/933667 "2021-03-09T02:20:08Z")
So, retirement age is getting closer on the horizon-- about 10 years out, give or take. My wife and my retirement plans are doing so-so: we’ll have savings but probably not enough to last in the states if we live to an i… --- ## [Is it me or have cat trees gotten popular?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or-have-cat-trees-gotten-popular/937416)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2021, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or-have-cat-trees-gotten-popular/937416 "2021-03-08T21:38:24Z")
I notice more cat trees in people’s windows when taking walks. I got one, then another, sold the first one and got another still. I’d give them a cat forest if I had the space. Have they gotten more popular? If so, how … --- ## [Chivalry isn't dead...unfortunately](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chivalry-isnt-dead-unfortunately/937305)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2021, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chivalry-isnt-dead-unfortunately/937305 "2021-03-08T19:13:02Z")
From here: Comic Sands - News Shallowater High School in Lubbock County decided to have a “Chivalry Day” at their high school, and one student came home and surprised their mother, Brandi D. Addison, with their assignm… --- ## [I just got a NAS (Network Attached Storage). What should I do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-nas-network-attached-storage-what-should-i-do/937459)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2021, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-nas-network-attached-storage-what-should-i-do/937459 "2021-03-08T15:50:43Z")
I am a fairly computer-savvy person, who was just gifted a hand-me-down NAS. I’ve never had one before, and am thinking that I’ll use if for: Local storage and streaming of a collection of mp3s Local storage and manage… --- ## ["What do you want for dinner?" "Meh, I dunno"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-want-for-dinner-meh-i-dunno/932907)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2021, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-want-for-dinner-meh-i-dunno/932907 "2021-03-08T05:00:14Z")
This might not be a 100% universal experience, but I think it’s pretty dang close. You and your friend, or your spouse, or your kid, need to eat. You ask them what they want. They say, “I dunno.” You suggest something. T… --- ## [Talk me into getting an SUV over a minivan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-me-into-getting-an-suv-over-a-minivan/727482)
**Author:** [@raspberry\_hunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raspberry_hunter)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2021, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-me-into-getting-an-suv-over-a-minivan/727482 "2021-03-07T23:18:29Z")
Our family, having recently added a new member to make a total of four, is in the market for a new car. Also possibly relevant: our older child is five and is starting kindergarten this year. It would be really great to … --- ## [Thug - unacceptable racial slur?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thug-unacceptable-racial-slur/934202)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2021, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thug-unacceptable-racial-slur/934202 "2021-03-07T17:47:29Z")
An oped in today’s paper designated the word "thug as a “problem word” - essentially an attempt to get around using the N-word. Do you agree? I am often confused by what I perceive as changing language usage, but I gen… --- ## [Anyone here a home inspector?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-a-home-inspector/932961)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2021, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-a-home-inspector/932961 "2021-03-07T15:06:27Z")
That might be a good part time job for me in retirement. This area is booming and there is always a need for inspections. I know I need to get certified. I also know a real estate guy who can probably send me work… --- ## [Q: Are your SO's insecurities an "us" problem or their problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-are-your-sos-insecurities-an-us-problem-or-their-problem/933964)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2021, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-are-your-sos-insecurities-an-us-problem-or-their-problem/933964 "2021-03-07T13:17:58Z")
FTR, I’m not asking for myself. Just pondering past relationships. Like say for example, jealousy. Your SO doesn’t like you being friends with people of the opposite sex (if you’re gay, make the adjectives or pronouns w… --- ## [Knife Sharpener Recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knife-sharpener-recommendations/937129)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2021, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knife-sharpener-recommendations/937129 "2021-03-07T00:29:26Z")
I want to get a knife sharpener for my kitchen but have no idea of what to get. Any input from the Dope? --- ## [What the heck is a “flannel”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-is-a-flannel/933905)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2021, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-is-a-flannel/933905 "2021-03-06T16:54:58Z")
I’ve heard this term a couple of times but yesterday it was used towards me. Guys were mis-behaving in public and I politely asked them to tone it down a bit. One of them said to me, “calm down flannel”. It get that it… --- ## [What words define a nation’s culture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-words-define-a-nation-s-culture/937191)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2021, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-words-define-a-nation-s-culture/937191 "2021-03-05T11:30:04Z")
I’ve been reading a fascinating book on Mexican culture by an ex-intelligence officer. He uses an interesting approach - he picks about a hundred words which gave a very deep, historical, widely understood and nuanced m… --- ## [FedEx vs. USPS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fedex-vs-usps/937136)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2021, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fedex-vs-usps/937136 "2021-03-04T23:39:34Z")
I have to send a small package (Priority Mail small box size) from San Francisco to Miami. It was sent to me FedEx and I got it in about three days. There was a problem with the item, I got a full refund, including shipp… --- ## [Which parent did you have more hostility or problem with?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-parent-did-you-have-more-hostility-or-problem-with/845421)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2021, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-parent-did-you-have-more-hostility-or-problem-with/845421 "2021-03-04T20:14:46Z")
I’ve read that, on average and as a whole, people are likelier to quarrel with their mothers than fathers while growing up (perhaps due to fathers being somewhat more absent due to work) and such was the case in my own a… --- ## [Deaf people and reading logograms (kanji, etc) versus reading text spelled out from spoken words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deaf-people-and-reading-logograms-kanji-etc-versus-reading-text-spelled-out-from-spoken-words/932332)
**Author:** [@Bonum\_Legatum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bonum_Legatum)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2021, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deaf-people-and-reading-logograms-kanji-etc-versus-reading-text-spelled-out-from-spoken-words/932332 "2021-03-04T13:49:53Z")
I’ve often wondered if deaf people in countries where logograms are used have an easier time learning to read despite having to learn more individual characters. Logogram systems are often based on a representation of a… --- ## [Lost a dental crown. OK to wait for vaccination before seeing dentist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-a-dental-crown-ok-to-wait-for-vaccination-before-seeing-dentist/933911)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2021, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-a-dental-crown-ok-to-wait-for-vaccination-before-seeing-dentist/933911 "2021-03-04T10:32:37Z")
I just had a gold crown on my lower second premolar fall off (I saved it and it looks OK). Nothing hurts. Is it OK to wait until I can get vaccinated for covid? I’m pretty afraid of going to a dentist during this pandemi… --- ## [Discrimation in the workplace...HELP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discrimation-in-the-workplace-help/933783)
**Author:** [@Cerridwyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerridwyn)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2021, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discrimation-in-the-workplace-help/933783 "2021-03-04T06:51:20Z")
A neighbor was fired over an race issue at the work place. She is asking advice on what she could do. Can you all take a look & see what would be best to do? --- ## [Help, my flip phone broke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-flip-phone-broke/933745)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2021, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-flip-phone-broke/933745 "2021-03-04T06:38:01Z")
I have a simple Tracfone Alcatel onetouch flip phone that I bought five years ago that seems to have died–started turning on/off randomly, strange sounds, get message “activation required”–I’ve had it five years, have ab… --- ## [I saw a bizarre Mississippi license plate. Why would that state allow it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-saw-a-bizarre-mississippi-license-plate-why-would-that-state-allow-it/933737)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2021, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-saw-a-bizarre-mississippi-license-plate-why-would-that-state-allow-it/933737 "2021-03-04T02:02:47Z")
I saw a state of Mississippi license plate today that seems strange. It had crimson trim, a stylized letter A as used by the University of Alabama, and Roll Tide at the bottom. Why would Mississippi make a license plat… --- ## [I have a crazy true personal story about a billion dollar business...what is the best medium to tell it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-crazy-true-personal-story-about-a-billion-dollar-business-what-is-the-best-medium-to-tell-it/934154)
**Author:** [@edwin\_klockars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwin_klockars)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2021, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-crazy-true-personal-story-about-a-billion-dollar-business-what-is-the-best-medium-to-tell-it/934154 "2021-03-03T18:22:05Z")
So a few years ago, due to a bizarre series of circumstances I found myself creating a zany consumer product on a reality-TV show. The show itself had a lot of big names attached and lots of drama on-air. Meanwhile, th… --- ## [What color is this dress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-color-is-this-dress/713742)
**Author:** [@aaelghat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aaelghat)\ **Replies:** 361\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2021, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-color-is-this-dress/713742 "2021-03-03T15:45:31Z")
74% of people taking a poll on Buzzfeed (308,000 people as of this writing) thinks this dress is white and gold. To me it is clearly blue and black. Only 26% of people (109,000 people) share my opinion. What explain… --- ## [Annoying form of argument](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-form-of-argument/933896)
**Author:** [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2021, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-form-of-argument/933896 "2021-03-03T15:12:19Z")
I’m note sure I’ve picked the right forum for this. I’ve seen this recently on SD, and elsewhere many times over the years. Someone (X) will make their argument with a post that includes points A, B, and C. The points a… --- ## [Why Karen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-karen/850633)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2021, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-karen/850633 "2021-03-03T15:07:08Z")
‘So, Karen…’ She’s been in a lot of memes. Why ‘Karen’ and not another name? --- ## [Replacement windows advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacement-windows-advice/847883)
**Author:** [@ENugent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ENugent)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2021, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacement-windows-advice/847883 "2021-03-03T12:35:29Z")
We are embarking on a few home improvement projects, and replacement windows will probably be the first. We are a little shell-shocked by the prices we have been quoted on them. What are your experiences with replacing… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=268) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=270)