# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=276 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 277 --- ## [Ebola 2014 vs Covid 2020 - Why did the virus go away in 2014?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebola-2014-vs-covid-2020-why-did-the-virus-go-away-in-2014/931457)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2021, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebola-2014-vs-covid-2020-why-did-the-virus-go-away-in-2014/931457 "2021-01-26T00:49:21Z")
Most of us had no idea how incredibly lucky the US was in 2014. The first infected were health care workers. Same as 2020. Ebola never got beyond 11 cases and disappeared. Covid turned into a pandemic. Our national nig… --- ## [Help Me Learn French](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-french/930684)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2021, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-learn-french/930684 "2021-01-25T22:12:33Z")
My paternal ancestors supposedly came from France, settled somewhat in Nova Scotia then to Hamilton Canada then to here in Michigan, where I currently reside. The France government has been less than helpful to say the… --- ## [Best countries to "run away" to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-countries-to-run-away-to/855830)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2021, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-countries-to-run-away-to/855830 "2021-01-25T05:50:52Z")
Lets assume no world pandemics. It would have to be from this list (which is a few years old): So let’s say for some unknown reason, I had to suddenly leave the United States with a nest egg dumped into some internati… --- ## [Opinions on no-fault divorce?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-on-no-fault-divorce/711207)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2021, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-on-no-fault-divorce/711207 "2021-01-25T15:15:26Z")
With no-fault divorce if either partner wants a divorce they can get it and since their is no “who caused the divorce” the assets are split and alimony is rewarded regardless of the circumstance of the divorce. Do you l… --- ## [Is it problematic to to say 'refugee' to refer to privileged people waiting out COVID in nice places?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-problematic-to-to-say-refugee-to-refer-to-privileged-people-waiting-out-covid-in-nice-places/931247)
**Author:** [@edwin\_klockars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwin_klockars)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2021, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-problematic-to-to-say-refugee-to-refer-to-privileged-people-waiting-out-covid-in-nice-places/931247 "2021-01-25T12:58:40Z")
Aloha from Maui. I’m here with dozens of other folks from Silicon Valley who moved due to our towns and cities being effectively shutdown due to COVID as well as the significantly reduced likelihood of contracting the v… --- ## [My argument for why Standard American English really is "no accent" -](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-argument-for-why-standard-american-english-really-is-no-accent/592101)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2021, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-argument-for-why-standard-american-english-really-is-no-accent/592101 "2021-01-25T11:03:22Z")
And I’ve gotten at least one Brit to agree: Because no matter how thick a person’s accent might be, or where it’s from in the whole wide world… when they SING their accent disappears. (With some rare exceptions). They p… --- ## [Tattoo shakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-shakes/931273)
**Author:** [@Ally1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ally1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2021, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-shakes/931273 "2021-01-25T10:04:12Z")
I got my first tattoo yesterday and it was a 3 hour tattoo with no breaks. By the end I was shaking so bad I couldn’t stop and sense then I’ve been getting the shakes randomly my tattoo doesn’t hurt and I’m not cold is t… --- ## [Question on a work-expense possible deduction (taxes)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-a-work-expense-possible-deduction-taxes/931333)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2021, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-a-work-expense-possible-deduction-taxes/931333 "2021-01-25T00:23:06Z")
I am a teacher and spent $1200 on renewing my national board certification and I’m curious if it is tax deductable. I know you are not my accountant or tax attorney. National board certification is not necessary to tea… --- ## [What is the most useful skill you could learn in two hours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-useful-skill-you-could-learn-in-two-hours/930620)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2021, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-useful-skill-you-could-learn-in-two-hours/930620 "2021-01-24T22:59:30Z")
It could be CPR. Erhapspay Igpay Atinlay. But what is the most useful skill that: you have learned? you want to learn? one could theoretically learn? Given a loose two hour time constraint? --- ## [Which do you take off first?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-take-off-first/931324)
**Author:** [@blabbermeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blabbermeister)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2021, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-take-off-first/931324 "2021-01-24T21:44:26Z")
You get back into your warm house or apartment after being outside, and you’re wearing: a heavy coat a mask shoes Which of these do you take off first? Thank you. poll --- ## [Niece/Nephew's Trust Expenses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/niece-nephews-trust-expenses/931311)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2021, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/niece-nephews-trust-expenses/931311 "2021-01-24T17:42:08Z")
My brother died 10 years ago leaving behind a wife and 2 kids. My mom died a year and a half ago. My brother’s share of the estate (involving land and cash) was put in a trust for the benefit of my niece and nephew and p… --- ## [America’s Booziest Cities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-s-booziest-cities/929737)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2021, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-s-booziest-cities/929737 "2021-01-24T16:38:47Z")
Men’s Health magazine has long had a dubious Metrogrades article where they use a mixture of arbitrary stats (in this case, driving deaths, underage drinking, rates of alcoholic chronic diseases, etc.) to rank American c… --- ## [What is a "registered" dietician or "certified" nutritionist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-registered-dietician-or-certified-nutritionist/931002)
**Author:** [@Nature\_s\_Call](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nature_s_Call)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2021, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-registered-dietician-or-certified-nutritionist/931002 "2021-01-24T08:04:10Z")
Searching the web for advice on how to eat “good” is, um, helpful - but there is high noise to signal ratio. I would love to benefit from evidence based advice from an expert. I am, perhaps unfairly, skeptical of the t… --- ## [You recognize someone in insurrection pics. Do you ID them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-recognize-someone-in-insurrection-pics-do-you-id-them/930032)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2021, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-recognize-someone-in-insurrection-pics-do-you-id-them/930032 "2021-01-24T01:50:46Z")
I was looking at pictures posted of insurrectionists who, if identified, could face prosecution. I didn’t recognize anyone, but it got me thinking about what I’d do if I did recognize a neighbor. I generally avoid any i… --- ## [Dealer or local shop? Subaru Forester electric power steering fail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealer-or-local-shop-subaru-forester-electric-power-steering-fail/931317)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2021, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealer-or-local-shop-subaru-forester-electric-power-steering-fail/931317 "2021-01-23T23:15:36Z")
My 2017 Forester’s power steering system just failed, and I don’t think I can drive it – I’m really not strong enough to turn the steering wheel in traffic, even just to take it to a shop. Besides, I don’t know how stabl… --- ## [I need to talk to Dopers who are knitters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-to-talk-to-dopers-who-are-knitters/930727)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2021, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-to-talk-to-dopers-who-are-knitters/930727 "2021-01-23T23:03:38Z")
So. My wife is not inclined to spend one red cent at Hobby Lobby for personal and political reasons. Their “store brand” of yarn is, sadly, the type she very much prefers. Michael’s used to carry a variety of brands and… --- ## [How would you do as president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-do-as-president/930946)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2021, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-do-as-president/930946 "2021-01-23T22:39:43Z")
Now that Trump has finished his precidency we have seen the results of what many would call an incompetent president. But still, he does have experience leading an organizaltion and socializing with important people. He … --- ## [People in or from Atlanta: recommend a real estate agent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-in-or-from-atlanta-recommend-a-real-estate-agent/930530)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2021, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-in-or-from-atlanta-recommend-a-real-estate-agent/930530 "2021-01-23T21:54:49Z")
We’re in Marietta, will be moving a in a few months, and are looking for a good agent to help us sell. You can do it here in the open, or PM me, if you prefer. Thanks. --- ## [Neutral News Source](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neutral-news-source/931156)
**Author:** [@MustangSal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MustangSal)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2021, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neutral-news-source/931156 "2021-01-23T18:01:22Z")
The 24/7 cable news channels are, IMHO, 90% commentary, not news. I don’t get the local newspaper anymore. Where do you get neutral news? I do like the legacy network news shows abc/nbc/cbs nightly news but I am rarel… --- ## [College selection advice (for my daughter)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-selection-advice-for-my-daughter/925253)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2021, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-selection-advice-for-my-daughter/925253 "2021-01-23T13:02:38Z")
As I languish here in the hospital with my daughter, I’ve decided to finally jump into college selection stuff. The downside of being the product of an impoverished fourteen-year-old girl’s unplanned pregnancy is that I… --- ## [Most airlines won't accept emotional support animals, but some airlines are still allowing them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-airlines-wont-accept-emotional-support-animals-but-some-airlines-are-still-allowing-them/930553)
**Author:** [@Portlandia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Portlandia)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2021, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-airlines-wont-accept-emotional-support-animals-but-some-airlines-are-still-allowing-them/930553 "2021-01-23T12:19:07Z")
The DOT changed the rules to the ACAA starting January 11th, to allow airlines to reject emotional support animals. However, some airlines are still allowing ESA’s past the cutoff date in defiance of the new rules. Do y… --- ## [Quality of life without a spleen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quality-of-life-without-a-spleen/394165)
**Author:** [@neurotic\_audit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neurotic_audit)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2021, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quality-of-life-without-a-spleen/394165 "2021-01-23T04:02:00Z")
I had my spleen removed about 5 months ago due to splenomegaly. It weighed over 10 lbs and was slightly larger than a football upon excision, so aside from having exceptionally large incisions with an increased healing … --- ## [Legal question regarding compensatory time.(employment law question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-regarding-compensatory-time-employment-law-question/931087)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2021, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-regarding-compensatory-time-employment-law-question/931087 "2021-01-22T23:20:06Z")
For those that don’t know many government employees have the option of taking paid time off instead of time and a half pay when they work overtime. For example, if I worked an extra 8 hour shift I can choose to received… --- ## [How well can you function on sub-hour catnaps over a week and a half?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-can-you-function-on-sub-hour-catnaps-over-a-week-and-a-half/928839)
**Author:** [@CardboardBoxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CardboardBoxx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2021, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-can-you-function-on-sub-hour-catnaps-over-a-week-and-a-half/928839 "2021-01-22T21:56:28Z")
From now until the 4th Jan there’s a rewarding task I may do. I won’t go into the exact details of what it is, but I’ll summarise the main points and answer any general questions if relevant. The point is I need to be u… --- ## [Is a Vicodin scrip normal after an implant procedure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-vicodin-scrip-normal-after-an-implant-procedure/931168)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2021, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-vicodin-scrip-normal-after-an-implant-procedure/931168 "2021-01-22T20:53:54Z")
I had a dental implant procedure a few days ago. It went fine, the pain was slight, and while I am not enjoying living on puree, gargling with saltwater, polishing the implant with a q-tip, or foregoing my usual alcohol-… --- ## [Help me choose an orthopedic dog bed for Sweetie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-an-orthopedic-dog-bed-for-sweetie/931103)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-an-orthopedic-dog-bed-for-sweetie/931103 "2021-01-22T19:50:25Z")
So named because she is THE sweetest dog in the whole world. She’s about 14 (don’t know how old she was when she showed up at my house in the country in 2007), long-legged, and getting stiff and achy. \[More medical notes… --- ## [Dealing with "we can't be sure the Sun will rise until it does" people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-we-cant-be-sure-the-sun-will-rise-until-it-does-people/930215)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2021, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-we-cant-be-sure-the-sun-will-rise-until-it-does-people/930215 "2021-01-22T17:21:41Z")
From pretty much the point it became clear Biden had beaten Trump, I’ve been frustrated with his supporters (including some acquaintances) who insist that we can’t be certain that the swing states will certify Biden as t… --- ## [IT guys, is there any excuse for this? (Can't delete device from Alexa)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-guys-is-there-any-excuse-for-this-cant-delete-device-from-alexa/931097)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2021, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-guys-is-there-any-excuse-for-this-cant-delete-device-from-alexa/931097 "2021-01-22T16:37:19Z")
So Amazon’s Alexa sucks and I’m pissed. I had a smart bulb in my living room that went out. So I buy another one and name it “Living room” like I did the other one. Alexa then proceeds to tell me I can’t do that because… --- ## [Cops/Garbagemen Revisited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cops-garbagemen-revisited/931038)
**Author:** [@CoconutPete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoconutPete)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2021, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cops-garbagemen-revisited/931038 "2021-01-22T12:25:06Z")
As I drive around my town, I see garbage and litter everywhere. Fast food wrappers strewn along highways, residential areas. I see crazy amounts of trash overflowing at the city bus-stops, overflowing from the provided r… --- ## [Let's talk about showers (the bathing kind, not the meteorological kind)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-showers-the-bathing-kind-not-the-meteorological-kind/930547)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2021, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-showers-the-bathing-kind-not-the-meteorological-kind/930547 "2021-01-22T01:03:00Z")
Full disclosure: I hate showering. Especially in the winter. Because I hate to be cold right after when still I’m all wet and haven’t gotten dry yet. Also because in the winter my skin gets so dry I feel like it’s all ju… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=275) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=277)