# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=282 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 283 --- ## [What animal is #2 on the food chain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-is-2-on-the-food-chain/927165)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-is-2-on-the-food-chain/927165 "2020-12-21T12:15:49Z")
It’s been a constant all my life that human beings are ‘on top’ of something called ‘the food chain’. Which of course leads me to wonder… who is #2? How you wish to define the question is up to you. However, let’s limit… --- ## [Identity Theft?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identity-theft/928391)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2020, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identity-theft/928391 "2020-12-21T05:18:09Z")
Weird news tonight. I was talking with my girlfriend this evening while I drove home from work. She told me that she had been on the phone with a banker discussing a possible reverse mortgage on her house. The banker tol… --- ## [Where did Republic Era Romans draw their moral legitimacy from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-republic-era-romans-draw-their-moral-legitimacy-from/928106)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2020, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-republic-era-romans-draw-their-moral-legitimacy-from/928106 "2020-12-20T21:10:33Z")
Inspired by another thread - pinging @What\_Exit and @GreenWyvern I think in the other thread I used some imprecise language so to focus what I’m trying to ask - If you look at different systems of morality, they draw t… --- ## [Is being short (and male) so terrible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-short-and-male-so-terrible/927870)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2020, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-short-and-male-so-terrible/927870 "2020-12-20T05:13:28Z")
There was a thread a couple/three weeks ago, where the OP was worried about hir son ending up “too tall”. Of course there were plenty of reassuring replies, but I noticed that several of them specifically said it was bet… --- ## [Firearm knowledgeable Dopers - opinions on the M1 garand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firearm-knowledgeable-dopers-opinions-on-the-m1-garand/928375)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2020, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firearm-knowledgeable-dopers-opinions-on-the-m1-garand/928375 "2020-12-20T05:12:08Z")
At it’s root, a pretty simple question really. Do you like them? On a purely pragmatic basis, does this former military rifle have a place in the modern recreational shooter’s arsenal? Are they reliable, accurate, easy t… --- ## [How do I pick a laptop when low noise is one of my top concerns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-pick-a-laptop-when-low-noise-is-one-of-my-top-concerns/927615)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2020, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-pick-a-laptop-when-low-noise-is-one-of-my-top-concerns/927615 "2020-12-19T21:01:27Z")
I don’t do a lot of intensive things with my computer. I do do some steam gaming but those are cheap $5 games that are several years old. based on what I’ve seen on YouTube, the games I play will work on integrated graph… --- ## [An Expensive Gift...now what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-expensive-gift-now-what/928413)
**Author:** [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2020, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-expensive-gift-now-what/928413 "2020-12-19T20:44:24Z")
Two years ago, I was professionally matched as a mentor with a women in a fellowship. Once the fellowship had completed, the mentorship developed into a primarily work-focused friendship. With COVID, we’ve been meeting v… --- ## [Thoughts about training an "intelligent" dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-about-training-an-intelligent-dog/928340)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2020, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-about-training-an-intelligent-dog/928340 "2020-12-19T14:19:11Z")
In March we got a goldendoodle. We have had goldens for the past 40 years. We’ve always thought of ourselves as dog lovers, pretty good dog trainers, and we’ve viewed our dogs as among the best trained dogs we’ve encou… --- ## [Holiday week work schedule conundrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holiday-week-work-schedule-conundrum/928215)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2020, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holiday-week-work-schedule-conundrum/928215 "2020-12-19T13:14:25Z")
My daughter started working for a grocery retailer last February when she turned 16. Her listed availability has always been Saturday and/or Sunday, between 10am-9pm with a maximum of a 4 hour shift. Last Monday (2 days… --- ## [What was the worst you expected from a Hillary Presidency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-worst-you-expected-from-a-hillary-presidency/797540)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-worst-you-expected-from-a-hillary-presidency/797540 "2020-12-18T23:11:01Z")
With Trump, I fully expected to have resignations, twitter rants, saber rattling for no purpose whatsoever with nuclear powers, corruption, Russia intrigue, anti-science, racism, and a base level of incompetence… but I w… --- ## [My problems with sibilance in speakers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-problems-with-sibilance-in-speakers/928202)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-problems-with-sibilance-in-speakers/928202 "2020-12-18T20:07:17Z")
I have for many years had a Marantz PM5004 connected to some second hand Dali 104 floor standing speakers. They have been connected to my tv using the line out. This was maybe not the most high end setup, but I have alwa… --- ## [If it weren’t for COVID, would you personally have found 2020 so far a remarkably bad year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-it-weren-t-for-covid-would-you-personally-have-found-2020-so-far-a-remarkably-bad-year/925544)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-it-weren-t-for-covid-would-you-personally-have-found-2020-so-far-a-remarkably-bad-year/925544 "2020-12-18T18:14:47Z")
I’ve kind of thought that the consequences of the one world-shaking issue colors the view of most people, which is completely understandable, but it seems to me to say more about COVID than 2020 itself, if that makes sen… --- ## [So I lent a friend money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-lent-a-friend-money/927474)
**Author:** [@allison415](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/allison415)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-lent-a-friend-money/927474 "2020-12-18T01:08:21Z")
And he told me a few days later that he sent a romantic interest expensive flowers and Italian chocolates. He also claims he can’t yet repay me. What would you do in this situation? I never lend money I can’t afford to l… --- ## [Please help me to understand this riddle from when I was 11 years old, using crayons if necessary. :)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-to-understand-this-riddle-from-when-i-was-11-years-old-using-crayons-if-necessary/919717)
**Author:** [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2020, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-to-understand-this-riddle-from-when-i-was-11-years-old-using-crayons-if-necessary/919717 "2020-12-18T00:55:42Z")
Hello everyone. When I heard this riddle when I was about 11 years old (just a coup’la years ago :wink:) I “got” this riddle right away and found it quite clever, but darn it if I could explain this riddle to anyone els… --- ## [Medicaid, Obamacare, and college student (need answer fastish)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicaid-obamacare-and-college-student-need-answer-fastish/928135)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicaid-obamacare-and-college-student-need-answer-fastish/928135 "2020-12-17T21:52:28Z")
So Dweezil turned 26 this year. As such, we cannot cover him under our health insurance after December 31st. He’s a college student (mild autism meaning this has taken a lot longer than the usual 4 years), and has not w… --- ## [Strategy for buying a pickup?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strategy-for-buying-a-pickup/928067)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strategy-for-buying-a-pickup/928067 "2020-12-17T20:55:47Z")
In other posts I’ve been asking about 5th wheel trailers and towing with a truck etc. I gather there are two ways to approach the situation. Look at the truck you have, see what specs it has, and pick a trailer that … --- ## [Buying new HVAC system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-new-hvac-system/927199)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-new-hvac-system/927199 "2020-12-17T20:34:01Z")
For AC and heat, using gas heat. Any brands or things to get (or avoid)? Probably end up with Trane or Carrier since almost all local dealers sell them. Here in the SE I believe AC SEER 14 is the lowest you can ge… --- ## [Ideas for professional development](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideas-for-professional-development/928266)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideas-for-professional-development/928266 "2020-12-17T16:13:10Z")
I work in academia, primarily helping people with grants; and I work with Tech transfer for entrepreneurs and small businesses trying to make a go of it. I have to spend money (as much as $5k) on professional developmen… --- ## [Gift of maid service - welcome or insult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gift-of-maid-service-welcome-or-insult/925160)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gift-of-maid-service-welcome-or-insult/925160 "2020-12-17T13:16:25Z")
Was talking to a mature adult who did not know what to buy their adult child for x-mas. They were considering giving them cleaning services, but didn’t know if it would be perceived as an insut. Whaddya think? --- ## [Making a Windows 7 laptop "safe"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-windows-7-laptop-safe/923274)
**Author:** [@GnuMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GnuMe)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-windows-7-laptop-safe/923274 "2020-12-16T16:42:20Z")
I have a Dell Lattitude E7440 that is all the computer I will need for a long time. I basically use Chrome, Thunderbird (email) and OpenOffice for spreadsheets. I need a new battery which looks to be $50 investment. I… --- ## [Shipping an antique washstand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-an-antique-washstand/928158)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-an-antique-washstand/928158 "2020-12-16T16:35:38Z")
Looking for advice for shipping an antique wash stand topped with marble. I know next to nothing about the piece, it’s age, anything; this piece is similar, but without the ‘backsplash’ … --- ## [Help me choose an iPad, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-an-ipad-please/928037)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2020, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-an-ipad-please/928037 "2020-12-16T15:11:15Z")
I have a very good friend. For decades I’ve not charged him for my time, because he’s a friend and we set up time outside of my normal working hours. Once or twice a year he gives me a “thank you gift” that I really ap… --- ## [Is being part of a chain as important for a motel as it used to be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-part-of-a-chain-as-important-for-a-motel-as-it-used-to-be/926442)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2020, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-part-of-a-chain-as-important-for-a-motel-as-it-used-to-be/926442 "2020-12-15T23:46:34Z")
Kind of a random thought that popped into my head recently. I took a road trip down the coast a few months ago (limited to socially distanced outdoor activities like hiking and beach activities). I stayed overnight in … --- ## [A "what if" regarding state prosecution of Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-what-if-regarding-state-prosecution-of-trump/927955)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2020, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-what-if-regarding-state-prosecution-of-trump/927955 "2020-12-15T23:37:41Z")
Suppose that New York state indicts Donald Trump for violations of NY state law after he leaves office. Suppose that Trump is in Florida, saying and doing Trumpian nonsense. Suppose that FL Gov Desantis and the local e… --- ## [What topics would you expect in a precalculus math class?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-topics-would-you-expect-in-a-precalculus-math-class/927882)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2020, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-topics-would-you-expect-in-a-precalculus-math-class/927882 "2020-12-15T19:56:40Z")
I lurk in a lot of math and education forums. It’s amazing how ‘precalculus’ seems to have such a wide variety of topics, depending on the school. I’ve always assumed it was a class aimed at college students who stoppe… --- ## [Should I get the vaccine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2020, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055 "2020-12-15T16:02:08Z")
In late January/ early February I was hospitalized with what appeared later to be Covid 19–this was beforeTrump admitted it had left China and we knew what to look for. I have been was tested repeatedly, up through yest… --- ## [Meaning of ‘strokes’ in “different strokes”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-strokes-in-different-strokes/927889)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2020, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-strokes-in-different-strokes/927889 "2020-12-15T15:35:21Z")
“Different strokes for different folks” is a phrase I’ve heard occasionally, and comes up in some songs and of course the hugely popular 80’s sit-com \*Diff’rent Strokes”. What does the word ‘strokes’ refer to? By the w… --- ## [How do I 'safely' upgrade my browser?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-safely-upgrade-my-browser/927977)
**Author:** [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2020, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-safely-upgrade-my-browser/927977 "2020-12-15T06:33:29Z")
I don’t even know what the hell a ‘browser’ is. I had a dog called Browser, 'cause he would run around and browse for chicken and cat shit. What the fuck? Nothing works anymore. I need to upgrade my ‘What?’ Any help wi… --- ## [Use of the title "Doctor"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-the-title-doctor/852341)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2020, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-the-title-doctor/852341 "2020-12-15T03:58:50Z")
I had a friend who got his PhD from a prestigious US university. He insisted on bring introduced (in social as well as professional settings) as “Doctor John Doe”. In my mind - at least in a social setting - the title “… --- ## [Recommend a GPS / Route Planning Pedestrian/Walking Android app?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-gps-route-planning-pedestrian-walking-android-app/927989)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2020, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-gps-route-planning-pedestrian-walking-android-app/927989 "2020-12-14T23:52:41Z")
I have a smart phone. It’s a Samsung Galaxy. I had a friend who gave it to me as a hand-me-down when my flip phone died. I mostly leave it on the charging stand and ignore it except when I’m leaving the house. I’m no… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=281) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=283)