# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=3 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 4 --- ## [No mustache, no broken leg, all silence, could John Wilkes Booth have gotten away with it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-mustache-no-broken-leg-all-silence-could-john-wilkes-booth-have-gotten-away-with-it/1032913)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-mustache-no-broken-leg-all-silence-could-john-wilkes-booth-have-gotten-away-with-it/1032913 "2026-09-13T07:28:47Z")
Suppose Booth had no broken leg, managed to escape the theater, shaved off his mustache, cut his hair, changed his clothes and got away swiftly and as far away from Washington DC as he could and spoke of the shooting to … --- ## [Some Passing Thoughts about Showing ID to Buy Alcohol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 215\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588 "2026-09-12T22:20:25Z")
When I first emigrated to New York, I arrived as a hitchhiker. I had a valid driver’s license issued by the state of New Mexico. It took me quite a while to get settled up here, but eventually I was indoors, enrolled a… --- ## [Why am I now seeing the term "unalived" all over the place instead of the much shorter "killed" or "died"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-now-seeing-the-term-unalived-all-over-the-place-instead-of-the-much-shorter-killed-or-died/1028092)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-now-seeing-the-term-unalived-all-over-the-place-instead-of-the-much-shorter-killed-or-died/1028092 "2026-09-12T17:35:33Z")
Where did this term come from, and why do we bother to use it? --- ## [What would Russia be like today if the Tsar remained in power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-russia-be-like-today-if-the-tsar-remained-in-power/1032937)
**Author:** [@spacecadet86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spacecadet86)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-russia-be-like-today-if-the-tsar-remained-in-power/1032937 "2026-09-12T15:19:06Z")
Do you see them being better, or worse off? I imagine they would not be anywhere near as bad as they are now. --- ## [How Can Truth Social be worth $6 Billion? {Trump Media & Technology (DJT)}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-truth-social-be-worth-6-billion-trump-media-technology-djt/999202)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 1106\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-truth-social-be-worth-6-billion-trump-media-technology-djt/999202 "2026-09-11T23:13:55Z")
I don’t know if this is factual thread, an opinion thread, or a political thread. Trump owns 60% of Truth Social and will make out like a bandit. How it the world is it worth so much? I saw that in the third quarter o… --- ## [Building a metaphor (travel related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-a-metaphor-travel-related/1032967)
**Author:** [@oligArchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oligArchie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-a-metaphor-travel-related/1032967 "2026-09-11T18:04:33Z")
Like many of us reading these boards, I’ve been a few places and done some things. I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity, resources, and freedom to move and shake. I think as a younger person I was learning alternate… --- ## [Wheel bearings, races, hubs, and brake refresh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheel-bearings-races-hubs-and-brake-refresh/1032813)
**Author:** [@oligArchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oligArchie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheel-bearings-races-hubs-and-brake-refresh/1032813 "2026-09-11T16:31:59Z")
Should I replace the bearing races is the question? But it’s complicated. I’m replacing the brake calipers, hoses, pads and rotors on the front of my heavy duty 1994 B350 Dodge van. The brake rotors are part of the hub,… --- ## [For the first time in 40 years, my lips are healed up from severe chapping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-first-time-in-40-years-my-lips-are-healed-up-from-severe-chapping/1032879)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-first-time-in-40-years-my-lips-are-healed-up-from-severe-chapping/1032879 "2026-09-11T11:45:44Z")
Since I was young, I always had badly chapped lips. I used every kind of unguent out there to try to keep them moist, but the underlying problem was never cured. The underlying problem was that the skin on my lips just… --- ## [Luxuries you DO enjoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxuries-you-do-enjoy/1032025)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxuries-you-do-enjoy/1032025 "2026-09-11T11:42:42Z")
A companion thread. When and on what will you unashamedly spend extra money to pamper or reward yourself? --- ## [Is there any health benefit of eating a reduced sodium diet vs just taking a diuretic pill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-health-benefit-of-eating-a-reduced-sodium-diet-vs-just-taking-a-diuretic-pill/1015996)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-health-benefit-of-eating-a-reduced-sodium-diet-vs-just-taking-a-diuretic-pill/1015996 "2026-09-11T03:24:55Z")
So I recently started a combo of drugs for my hypertension. One is a potassium sparing diuretic, the other is a thiazide diuretic. I had my electrolytes tested. My potassium is fine and didn’t drop too low, but my sodiu… --- ## [Would you use the word "square" for a public space that's round?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-the-word-square-for-a-public-space-thats-round/1032926)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-use-the-word-square-for-a-public-space-thats-round/1032926 "2026-09-10T19:07:16Z")
Just an English language question from a non-native speaker. I know there are round public spaces whose names indicate that shape, such as Columbus Circle in Manhattan or Piccadilly Circus in London. But if I were to hel… --- ## [Why do you want a sunroof in your car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-want-a-sunroof-in-your-car/1032928)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-want-a-sunroof-in-your-car/1032928 "2026-09-10T19:05:21Z")
I don’t understand the appeal. I don’t particularly want to look up at the sky and opening it does not seem to offer any benefits over a normal window. It adds to cost and reduces rigidity and handling. So why are they s… --- ## [Cutting the US down to (its true) size](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cutting-the-us-down-to-its-true-size/1032867)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cutting-the-us-down-to-its-true-size/1032867 "2026-09-09T22:11:16Z")
For most of the current merkin troubles the wider world has watched in bemusement, angst, indignation and horror as the current poor shower of US hegemonists seek to enact/extend manifest destiny by pinching somebody, an… --- ## [Who’s on your Mount Rushmore of apex predators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-s-on-your-mount-rushmore-of-apex-predators/1032830)
**Author:** [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-s-on-your-mount-rushmore-of-apex-predators/1032830 "2026-09-09T21:41:48Z")
And I’m interested in your rationale. Pick any period in history, land, sea, or air. Mix and match, or provide different versions for different eras or themes. I’ll provide mine at some point, but I’ll kick it off by … --- ## [Teslas really are not great cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teslas-really-are-not-great-cars/1016339)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 621\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teslas-really-are-not-great-cars/1016339 "2026-09-09T21:32:45Z")
I’m not sure if this should be a Pit thread or not. I welcome counter-points, and I’m not going to say anything about Musk or his politics, but if mods feel it should be in the Pit and move it, I’m fine with it. My insti… --- ## [Is it silly to reach out after 40 years, out of the blue, to send an apology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-silly-to-reach-out-after-40-years-out-of-the-blue-to-send-an-apology/923554)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-silly-to-reach-out-after-40-years-out-of-the-blue-to-send-an-apology/923554 "2026-09-09T18:19:02Z")
This is probably silly to even consider doing, and so I’ll ask the wise folks here. What I did wasn’t all that terrible. I’m pretty confident in that assessment. It didn’t cause any permanent or serious damage. But when … --- ## [Economics and ecologics of auto stop/start](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economics-and-ecologics-of-auto-stop-start/1032725)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economics-and-ecologics-of-auto-stop-start/1032725 "2026-09-08T23:51:18Z")
I have a 2022 Subaru Forester with about 60k miles on it, and an auto stop/start feature. That’s the feature that, when you stop the car at a light or something, the engine turns off, then automatically turns on when yo… --- ## [Suggestions for Winter Trip to Japan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-winter-trip-to-japan/1032842)
**Author:** [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-winter-trip-to-japan/1032842 "2026-09-08T04:15:22Z")
Hi everyone, I am headed to Japan for a group ski trip next February. We plan to stay for three nights in a pretty nice hotel in Tokyo, followed by six nights at a ski resort hotel in Hakuba to the west. The trip organi… --- ## [Dramatic plunge in flying insect populations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dramatic-plunge-in-flying-insect-populations/799275)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dramatic-plunge-in-flying-insect-populations/799275 "2026-09-07T23:11:51Z")
Warning of ‘ecological Armageddon’ after dramatic plunge in insect numbers. IMHO this is very troubling. --- ## [Death rays - wired, tired, or expired?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-rays-wired-tired-or-expired/387056)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-rays-wired-tired-or-expired/387056 "2026-09-07T22:35:20Z")
Let’s rate our favorite SDMB cliches. When I see a “death rays” reference, I think “expired” (to borrow a Wired magazine convention). similarly, “Hi Opal” - tired “marianas trench” - tired “airplane on treadmill” - … --- ## [What is this popup that I am getting on my laptop and how do I get it to stop? (Picture inside)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-popup-that-i-am-getting-on-my-laptop-and-how-do-i-get-it-to-stop-picture-inside/1032835)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-popup-that-i-am-getting-on-my-laptop-and-how-do-i-get-it-to-stop-picture-inside/1032835 "2026-09-07T17:38:32Z")
It appears on the lower right corner of my laptop running Windows 11. I shut it down and it reappears once a week or so. It’s been happening for a few weeks. … --- ## [We get a signal from a distant advanced civilization…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-get-a-signal-from-a-distant-advanced-civilization/1032833)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-get-a-signal-from-a-distant-advanced-civilization/1032833 "2026-09-06T20:54:40Z")
It’s 5,000 light years away, but they are somehow able to communicate to us that “we see you and we’re on our way to say hi. See you in 50,000 years or so!” How do we react? Does that incentivize us to behave differen… --- ## [Where do you get your online news from? Do you pay for it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-get-your-online-news-from-do-you-pay-for-it/1032019)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-get-your-online-news-from-do-you-pay-for-it/1032019 "2026-09-06T17:08:39Z")
“Your topic is similar to…” has a few accurate hits subject-wise, but not very timely–the newest thread goes back to 2007: What’s your on-line news source? In My Humble Opinion So… Where do you get your news? In My Hu… --- ## [Thoughts and advice on a reloadable debit card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-and-advice-on-a-reloadable-debit-card/1032850)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-and-advice-on-a-reloadable-debit-card/1032850 "2026-09-06T16:33:53Z")
My father passed away several weeks ago; I have been working with my mother on changing over bank accounts and things after his death. My sister lives with my mother, who is not in great health, and no longer can drive … --- ## [Help me plan my estate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-plan-my-estate/1032832)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-plan-my-estate/1032832 "2026-09-06T01:13:48Z")
I’m 65. At this point in my life, I have about $1mm in investments,and own my farm outright. No debt. I’m single, no kids. I have nieces and nephews, most are in their 30’s and 40’s. Some of those nieces and nephews have… --- ## [Do you pronounce the L in calm, palm, etc...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-pronounce-the-l-in-calm-palm-etc/1032625)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-pronounce-the-l-in-calm-palm-etc/1032625 "2026-09-05T22:22:20Z")
Google says the L is not pronounced. Dictionaries say the L is not pronounced, both in the US and UK. But when linguist Rick Aschmann decided to put together a map of American dialects, he was surprised to find that mos… --- ## [In a solar system in a totally different galaxy, would their books on math, physics and chemistry be identical to ours](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-solar-system-in-a-totally-different-galaxy-would-their-books-on-math-physics-and-chemistry-be-identical-to-ours/1029442)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-solar-system-in-a-totally-different-galaxy-would-their-books-on-math-physics-and-chemistry-be-identical-to-ours/1029442 "2026-09-05T15:14:18Z")
I assume this is a question, not a debate. But if I’m wrong, feel free to move it. But for example with chemistry, they would have something like a periodic table, even though the isotopic ratios would probably be diffe… --- ## [A new kind of air conditioner. Hapless hype or wildly useful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-kind-of-air-conditioner-hapless-hype-or-wildly-useful/1021634)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-kind-of-air-conditioner-hapless-hype-or-wildly-useful/1021634 "2026-09-05T11:44:36Z")
Yeah, this isn’t G.Q. material. I keep seeing ads on my social media for the Qinux Breezamax. For reasons I cannot discern, I cannot embed the hyperlink in here. WTF. Lemme try old school here. Reviews on the InterW… --- ## [Next generation of EV batteries by BYD and others - Real, Speculative, or Vaporware](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937)
**Author:** [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937 "2026-09-05T07:45:46Z")
BYD is well regarded and established here in Australia and will be in Canada ( wearing both my hats ) I’d advise EVERYONE considering an EV to sit tight until the reality of SSB and other non-lithium batteries settles … --- ## [Maximum utility from the smallest number of bills](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-utility-from-the-smallest-number-of-bills/1032782)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-utility-from-the-smallest-number-of-bills/1032782 "2026-09-04T21:24:10Z")
I’m downsizing my wallet again, but I’m not ready to completely stop carrying cash. Why? No idea. Only thing I use cash for is non-restaurant tips and lemonade stands. What’s the most utility you can get from the smalles… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=4)