# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=302 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 303 --- ## [Tell me about setting an hourly rate for a contractor/temp-to-perm position](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-setting-an-hourly-rate-for-a-contractor-temp-to-perm-position/918912)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2020, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-setting-an-hourly-rate-for-a-contractor-temp-to-perm-position/918912 "2020-08-24T22:23:54Z")
So I just had a phone interview with an internal recruiter for a remote position in my field which sounds interesting, and for which I am highly qualified. The interview went well, and I expect to be scheduled for an int… --- ## [How can I make my home have that ozone-clean smell of a large commercial space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-make-my-home-have-that-ozone-clean-smell-of-a-large-commercial-space/473214)
**Author:** [@Freejooky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freejooky)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2020, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-make-my-home-have-that-ozone-clean-smell-of-a-large-commercial-space/473214 "2020-08-24T20:36:35Z")
It always amazes me how great many commercial spaces smell - not retail stores, but convention centers, hotels, universities with modern buildings, airports - it’s this sort of uber-clean, slightly ozone’y freshness that… --- ## [I met a taxidermist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-met-a-taxidermist/918810)
**Author:** [@LegendsofClear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LegendsofClear)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2020, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-met-a-taxidermist/918810 "2020-08-24T16:48:26Z")
Odd fellow, drove by in Montana. He had coyotes and mile deer. I asked him if he had a bear that was stuffed. I told him I wanted to take a photo. He said no photos!!! He took me to a sort of garage basement thing and th… --- ## [What does the average Putin supporter think about Putin's opponents being murdered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-average-putin-supporter-think-about-putins-opponents-being-murdered/918699)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2020, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-average-putin-supporter-think-about-putins-opponents-being-murdered/918699 "2020-08-24T16:45:10Z")
An awful lot of Putin’s political opponents have shown up dead over the years, sometimes in extremely sophisticated ways. To any unbiased observer it is clear that Putin is killing them off and doing so blatantly in ord… --- ## [Is Kamala Harris Asian-American?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-asian-american/918240)
**Author:** [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2020, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-asian-american/918240 "2020-08-24T00:21:21Z")
I put this in IMHO because I think this is a matter of terminology preference. I think it makes sense if the UK press refers to Harris as Asian-American but I’m not sure it’s clear what you are saying when you label her… --- ## [How would you handle a situation about a former employer and a non-disparagement clause?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-handle-a-situation-about-a-former-employer-and-a-non-disparagement-clause/918347)
**Author:** [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-handle-a-situation-about-a-former-employer-and-a-non-disparagement-clause/918347 "2020-08-23T23:55:24Z")
Long story short, I left a job about two years ago that was the only bad job I’ve ever had. It was just a terrible place to work, and the only kindness they ever did for me was laid me off when I requested it prior to a… --- ## [My take on the current stock market rise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-take-on-the-current-stock-market-rise/918681)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-take-on-the-current-stock-market-rise/918681 "2020-08-23T17:51:05Z")
It seems mysterious why the current US stock market is so high. Paul Krugman things it is because people expect a quick recovery. I have a different view. People have been predicting massive inflation since 2009 as a … --- ## [Any Utilitarians On These Boards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-utilitarians-on-these-boards/918719)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-utilitarians-on-these-boards/918719 "2020-08-23T15:06:44Z")
I always thought it was a historical term. But apparently some people still call themselves ‘utilitarians’ today. My question: Are there any people on these boards who call themselves ‘utilitarians’? And okay. If there … --- ## [Favorite browser, please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-browser-please/918649)
**Author:** [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-browser-please/918649 "2020-08-23T14:37:20Z")
What’s your favorite browser for a desktop running Windows, and why? Chrome is irritating the hell out of me and I can’t fix the issue so I may just abandon ship. --- ## [Why are the nicest parts of the US underpopulated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-nicest-parts-of-the-us-underpopulated/918607)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-nicest-parts-of-the-us-underpopulated/918607 "2020-08-23T11:56:39Z")
I’m a sucker for good used books. And I recently picked up one about “Scenic Drives In The United States”. It had a lot of routes, information, pretty pictures. Obviously, several of the drives are the famous coastal … --- ## [Is a refi mortgage at 2.625% about a good as it gets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-refi-mortgage-at-2-625-about-a-good-as-it-gets/917372)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-refi-mortgage-at-2-625-about-a-good-as-it-gets/917372 "2020-08-22T22:12:40Z")
Hello Everyone, We are looking at refinancing our home. Our current offer is a 15 year fixed at 2.625%. Both the wife and I have FICO scores in the high 700s, low 800s. Just wondering if anyone here has refinanced in … --- ## [Diet sodas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diet-sodas/918596)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diet-sodas/918596 "2020-08-22T14:48:59Z")
I have reactive hypoglycemia, so I have to stay away from stuff with a high refined sugar content. I used to just plain stay away from soda, because I find aspartame nasty. However, lately, they have less aspartame, and… --- ## [Value proposition of RV vacations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/value-proposition-of-rv-vacations/918319)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/value-proposition-of-rv-vacations/918319 "2020-08-22T10:35:45Z")
My wife and I have never traveled in an RV. We kind of tossed the idea around, maybe next spring taking an extended vacation to a few national/regional/state parks. Kind of like camping without having to rough it. I sta… --- ## [Do people in other countries frequently invoke their constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-in-other-countries-frequently-invoke-their-constitution/916158)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-in-other-countries-frequently-invoke-their-constitution/916158 "2020-08-22T05:31:47Z")
To start with (someone else’s) joke: “I understand that to Americans, your constitution is very important. I respect it, but please understand that every country has one as well. It’s no more special than any other con… --- ## [Help me switch over from conventional motor oil to synthetic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-switch-over-from-conventional-motor-oil-to-synthetic/691511)
**Author:** [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-switch-over-from-conventional-motor-oil-to-synthetic/691511 "2020-08-22T02:36:06Z")
I have a 1999 Toyota Corolla CE, manual transmission with 125K miles. The car gets a combined 30 MPG consistently. At 120K I found a reliable mechanic and dropped 2 grand into the car and it drives like new. The mechanic… --- ## [Renewing a housing lease in the time of Covid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renewing-a-housing-lease-in-the-time-of-covid/918467)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renewing-a-housing-lease-in-the-time-of-covid/918467 "2020-08-22T01:05:33Z")
I’ve seen several news stories lately about rising apartment vacancies, especially in the big cities. Usually cast as the renters saying “I pay a premium rate for all the perks that a Big City offers, and they don’t exi… --- ## [Grantwriters/fundraisers, should our non-profit use FDO or Guidestar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grantwriters-fundraisers-should-our-non-profit-use-fdo-or-guidestar/918695)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2020, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grantwriters-fundraisers-should-our-non-profit-use-fdo-or-guidestar/918695 "2020-08-21T23:40:54Z")
In the early 1980s, I was a reasonably successful grant writer, but to say the professional landscape has changed since then would be an understatement. In my possibly inaccurate recollection, the Foundation Directory wa… --- ## [What is your preferred floor mop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-preferred-floor-mop/853089)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2020, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-preferred-floor-mop/853089 "2020-05-17T17:57:23Z")
This is Mundane to the Max, but since I’m asking for opinions, I put it in IMHO. I still haven’t had my cleaning lady come back (but I am still paying her, in case anyone is wondering), so I’m mopping my own floors. I l… --- ## [Sigh - probable tax ID theft. Now what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sigh-probable-tax-id-theft-now-what/854889)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2020, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sigh-probable-tax-id-theft-now-what/854889 "2020-08-21T16:22:29Z")
Mother-in-law called me this afternoon. She got a letter, with a large check in it, from Green Dot Bank. It referenced Santa Barbara Tax something-or-other. The letter said that because they had been unable to direct d… --- ## [Beggars with Signs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beggars-with-signs/911731)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2020, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beggars-with-signs/911731 "2020-08-21T14:36:48Z")
This may have been covered before, but I’m going to ask anyway. What’s the deal with the people that stand by a mall or by/in an intersection with a sign that says that they are stranded, a veteran, jobless, etc and nee… --- ## [Do you remember when Amazon had reasonably good customer service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-remember-when-amazon-had-reasonably-good-customer-service/918602)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-remember-when-amazon-had-reasonably-good-customer-service/918602 "2020-08-20T23:39:09Z")
Yes I am definitely just ranting here, but there was a time (really!) when you could chat up a CSR on Amazon and get your issue resolved usually in your favor within seconds. Yesterday I got sent the right item but in … --- ## [California Bill Would Apply Wealth Tax to Residents Who Left the State in the Last 10 Years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-bill-would-apply-wealth-tax-to-residents-who-left-the-state-in-the-last-10-years/918461)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-bill-would-apply-wealth-tax-to-residents-who-left-the-state-in-the-last-10-years/918461 "2020-08-20T23:29:54Z")
California Legislators Propose Wealth Tax The bill would impose a tax of 0.4% of a state resident’s worldwide net worth in excess of $30 million, or in excess of $15 million for married taxpayers filing separately. A… --- ## [Reasons you’ve sent flowers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-you-ve-sent-flowers/918490)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-you-ve-sent-flowers/918490 "2020-08-20T23:27:23Z")
So my household just underwent a traumatic experience that, was met with comfort and care from our friends. I was not surprised they reached out to us, we are blessed with a small but very caring circle. I was however s… --- ## [Need advice on improving sound on my 2005 TV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-on-improving-sound-on-my-2005-tv/917188)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-on-improving-sound-on-my-2005-tv/917188 "2020-08-20T23:06:12Z")
TL;DR- What are my options re adding external speakers to or otherwise improving sound on my 2005 TV, a Panasonic TC-26LX60 26-Inch LCD HDTV? Background: TMI? Probably, but I really don’t know what information is essen… --- ## [Understanding a stereotype: Why do Asians love video games so much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-a-stereotype-why-do-asians-love-video-games-so-much/698506)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-a-stereotype-why-do-asians-love-video-games-so-much/698506 "2020-08-20T20:04:39Z")
Hopefully this will be minimally offensive: What is it about their culture, genetics, etc. that leads to the idea that Asians really like video games? Video games were, if I’m not mistaken, an American invention. Yet the… --- ## [Any ever get a cheap Maaco paint job? How did it turn out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ever-get-a-cheap-maaco-paint-job-how-did-it-turn-out/918295)
**Author:** [@dummygladhands71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dummygladhands71)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ever-get-a-cheap-maaco-paint-job-how-did-it-turn-out/918295 "2020-08-20T15:36:58Z")
I have a 2007 Merc. Runs great, all maintenance done, less that 150K miles but the sun in AZ has destroyed the paint. I am down to bare metal on one of the front quarter panels. I do not want to buy another car when all … --- ## [Big Tech's dominance of the S&P 500](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-techs-dominance-of-the-s-p-500/918515)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-techs-dominance-of-the-s-p-500/918515 "2020-08-20T14:10:24Z")
So today, Apple’s market cap hit two trillion dollars, only about eighteen months since it hit one trillion dollars. Apple, Amazon, Alphabet (parent company of Google), Microsoft and Facebook are, by themselves, twenty p… --- ## [The Return Of Men’s Crop Tops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-return-of-men-s-crop-tops/918527)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-return-of-men-s-crop-tops/918527 "2020-08-20T13:55:40Z")
Some celebrities are pleased that men’s crop tops are becoming a thing. And were apparently a thing sometime before. I’m all for body positivity. Make healthy choices regardless of your shape. But I don’t want to see… --- ## [What inexplicable things does your cat do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-inexplicable-things-does-your-cat-do/913608)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-inexplicable-things-does-your-cat-do/913608 "2020-08-20T09:15:38Z")
Lately, mine has taken to removing the bath mat from the tub and taking it into the living room. He’s never done it before but now he does it every time. The culprit. --- ## [What is your credit score (range in a Poll)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-credit-score-range-in-a-poll/917182)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-credit-score-range-in-a-poll/917182 "2020-08-20T04:58:35Z")
So what is your FICO credit score? We’ll use the Experian ranges for the poll poll According to Experian the ranges are allocated across Americans as: Very Poor 16% Fair 17% Good 21% Very Good 25% Excellent 21% I… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=301) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=303)