# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=334 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 335 --- ## [Do you wash your hands before dining at restaurants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-wash-your-hands-before-dining-at-restaurants/847186)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2020, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-wash-your-hands-before-dining-at-restaurants/847186 "2020-03-12T20:56:57Z")
You’re going out to eat dinner with family and/or friends at a restaurant. After driving (or riding a bus/train) and touching the various exposed surfaces of your conveyance, you arrive at the restaurant. You grab the … --- ## [Who loves their private health insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-loves-their-private-health-insurance/848339)
**Author:** [@Fugazi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fugazi)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2020, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-loves-their-private-health-insurance/848339 "2020-03-12T15:58:21Z")
I’m following the election and there’s a bunch of talk about “165 million Americans have private insurance and love it and would be mad if you took theirs away”. I’m wondering who these people are and what percentage of … --- ## [Questions for Baby Boomer and Gen X Dopers - about the '90s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-baby-boomer-and-gen-x-dopers-about-the-90s/849086)
**Author:** [@Kennedy1960](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kennedy1960)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2020, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-baby-boomer-and-gen-x-dopers-about-the-90s/849086 "2020-03-12T14:04:48Z")
Hey, This is a question for anyone who was at least 16 and above in 1990. Please state your age at the dawn of the 1990s. I was 0 years old as of November 1990. My questions are aimed squarely at Baby Boomers and Gen X… --- ## [Federal Judge denounces Chief Justice Roberts and his right-wing Court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-judge-denounces-chief-justice-roberts-and-his-right-wing-court/849275)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2020, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-judge-denounces-chief-justice-roberts-and-his-right-wing-court/849275 "2020-03-12T09:54:56Z")
This link will take you to an abstract, and place to download or view a pdf paper by a Federal Judge. … The paper is 35 pages long, but I don’t want to violate the rule on excessive excerptation. --- ## [Have you been extorted or bribed? Tell me about it...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-been-extorted-or-bribed-tell-me-about-it/849322)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2020, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-been-extorted-or-bribed-tell-me-about-it/849322 "2020-03-12T07:43:10Z")
Long story, few details because legal advice is being sought, but currently being extorted by a close relation with an axe to grind. Wants money to stop him/her wrecking the career of another close relative. It’s family … --- ## [How many browser tabs do you have open right now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-browser-tabs-do-you-have-open-right-now/543411)
**Author:** [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2020, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-browser-tabs-do-you-have-open-right-now/543411 "2020-03-12T03:58:00Z")
I just accidentally hit command-Q and was asked if I was sure I wanted to quit and close my 17 windows with 56 browser tabs. How many total browser tabs do you have open now? A window with only one page on it counts as o… --- ## [Home buying: buying a "shell"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-buying-buying-a-shell/849228)
**Author:** [@audiobottle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/audiobottle)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2020, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-buying-buying-a-shell/849228 "2020-03-12T01:37:53Z")
I’ve been looking at houses for a bit and we found a listing for what looked like a nice house, new construction, upper end of our budget. Come to find out that it’s actually not finished, and in fact the seller (first t… --- ## [More 'Southernisms'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-southernisms/547060)
**Author:** [@Digital\_Stimulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_Stimulus)\ **Replies:** 250\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-southernisms/547060 "2020-03-11T22:50:11Z")
I lived in TX for a couple years back in the '90s, transplanted from the NYC area. Assuming TX qualifies as part of ‘The South’ for this topic, I was always amused at some of the exclamations I heard – most of which I ca… --- ## [New puppies name is the same as the dead ones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppies-name-is-the-same-as-the-dead-ones/849083)
**Author:** [@jldskier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jldskier)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppies-name-is-the-same-as-the-dead-ones/849083 "2020-03-11T22:36:37Z")
Is it normal after a pet dies for a person to go out an get the same breed of puppy and name it the same name? My sister went to extensive lengths to find a puppy that looked like the dog she had that just pasted away a… --- ## [Vaping and smoking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaping-and-smoking/827269)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaping-and-smoking/827269 "2019-01-06T21:12:57Z")
There’s a radio ad I’ve heard a few times recently that has a person say something like, “I wanted to quit smoking, but I couldn’t do it. Then a friend told me to try \[brand of vaping stuff\]. Within a few days I had to… --- ## [best stock movement analysis sources?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-stock-movement-analysis-sources/849149)
**Author:** [@Jim\_Peebles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_Peebles)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-stock-movement-analysis-sources/849149 "2020-03-11T18:41:48Z")
I’m sick of reading “stocks are down on coronavirus fears”. I think it is more likely a shortage of “Wuhan Widgets” from the quarantine is having a domino effect, not “fear”. And it looks like some state actors are now g… --- ## [Calling on LawnMasters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-on-lawnmasters/849164)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-on-lawnmasters/849164 "2020-03-11T17:02:01Z")
Looking for suggestions. I don’t have much of a green thumb, nor much desire. I’ve typically managed to keep my lawn passable, but not great. The new house has about 6,000 square foot of back yard in an urban area. The… --- ## [Is it "bad" to use numbers in your email address?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-use-numbers-in-your-email-address/626295)
**Author:** [@Loafty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loafty)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-use-numbers-in-your-email-address/626295 "2020-03-11T15:26:00Z")
I think I am a relatively tech savvy person. I use Gmail but had to use a string of three random numbers after my name because it was taken. One of my co-workers said today: “Seriously, that’s your email? Are you in high… --- ## [Recommendations for a new side sleeper pillow please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-a-new-side-sleeper-pillow-please/849248)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-a-new-side-sleeper-pillow-please/849248 "2020-03-11T15:06:24Z")
My old one is done, and I’ve had shoulder and neck pain all week. Heading out shopping manana, would like to know what you use. --- ## [Beyond "7 habits..." What do you recommend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beyond-7-habits-what-do-you-recommend/849264)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beyond-7-habits-what-do-you-recommend/849264 "2020-03-11T13:24:35Z")
As far as motivational books or books to help one with their career, money, relationships, etc… what do you recommend? --- ## [are there different levels of quarantine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-different-levels-of-quarantine/849253)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-different-levels-of-quarantine/849253 "2020-03-11T06:23:50Z")
Official designations, or is it mostly ad hoc? I would assume there are official stages of quarantine. Maybe stage 1 is restricted travel and immigration from overseas, or restrictions on leaving your home city. Stage … --- ## [Jordan Peterson](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jordan-peterson/847650)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jordan-peterson/847650 "2020-03-11T03:51:02Z")
Jordan Peterson is a popular and controversial psychology professor who has gained a degree of Internet fame. He came out with a philosophy invoking historical and religious references that essentially incorporates 1950… --- ## [Are children some kind of pure state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-children-some-kind-of-pure-state/848898)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-children-some-kind-of-pure-state/848898 "2020-03-11T01:52:33Z")
http://www.heartofthemystery.com/ Most referring to the “world in chaos” segment. I find it odd that recent spiritual trends seem to label childhood as some unspoiled version of the world before we “messed them up”. I … --- ## [Refinancing joint mortgage for equity buyout. How close to the end do you think we are?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refinancing-joint-mortgage-for-equity-buyout-how-close-to-the-end-do-you-think-we-are/849181)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refinancing-joint-mortgage-for-equity-buyout-how-close-to-the-end-do-you-think-we-are/849181 "2020-03-11T01:38:48Z")
Due to a divorce my ex wife is refinancing the house we have under a joint mortgage in order to buy out my equity in it. The new loan is hers alone so I am unable to look in on the details. I just sign the occasional thi… --- ## [Suggestions for carrier oil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-carrier-oil/848974)
**Author:** [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-carrier-oil/848974 "2020-03-10T22:52:33Z")
My unfortunately broken Marine hubby makes his own topical pain relief rubs for his various maladies (primarily a broken neck with accompanying muscle issues). Over the years he has perfected a quite decent recipe that … --- ## [Interacting with son's best friend's dad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interacting-with-sons-best-friends-dad/848767)
**Author:** [@confusedguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/confusedguy)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interacting-with-sons-best-friends-dad/848767 "2020-03-10T19:43:19Z")
Ok, so my wife met this one guy(father) and his son at my 7 year old son’s soccer practise session. They live close by our house and my son shares the same school bus with his son and they became close friends. Then I w… --- ## [Ears pricking up involuntarily - anyone else? Just me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ears-pricking-up-involuntarily-anyone-else-just-me/849189)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ears-pricking-up-involuntarily-anyone-else-just-me/849189 "2020-03-10T16:32:07Z")
I can’t wiggle my ears or anything like that. And I’ve never been in front of a mirror at the right moment, but if I hear a sudden, unexpected sound not something that provokes a startle reflex, but for example the doorb… --- ## [Artificial Intelligence & biasism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificial-intelligence-biasism/849168)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificial-intelligence-biasism/849168 "2020-03-10T16:13:43Z")
The smoothest path to AI seems to be neural networks, which one just feeds data and they “learn” how to manage the information. No tedious coding, just let the machine do all the work. Notoriously challenging to debug, … --- ## ["jag-wire" is simply not an acceptable pronunciation, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jag-wire-is-simply-not-an-acceptable-pronunciation-right/432592)
**Author:** [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jag-wire-is-simply-not-an-acceptable-pronunciation-right/432592 "2020-03-10T15:26:08Z")
Now, as far as word definitions and usage goes, I definitely have strong descriptivist leanings. But, you can’t just pronounce any old word like a tardo and call it gravy. Or maybe I’m too harsh. . .I know that people … --- ## [Logistics of renting a Chicago hotel room for a family member in June (and I won't be present)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logistics-of-renting-a-chicago-hotel-room-for-a-family-member-in-june-and-i-wont-be-present/849041)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logistics-of-renting-a-chicago-hotel-room-for-a-family-member-in-june-and-i-wont-be-present/849041 "2020-03-10T12:43:29Z")
My younger brother (late 30’s) has had a rough go of it throughout his life, granted most of it self-induced. He has a 10-yr-old son that I see once every couple of years, but that I don’t have much of a relationship wi… --- ## [Is it really wise for Space-X to put 11,000 satellites into space for a new way to get internet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-really-wise-for-space-x-to-put-11-000-satellites-into-space-for-a-new-way-to-get-internet/809156)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-really-wise-for-space-x-to-put-11-000-satellites-into-space-for-a-new-way-to-get-internet/809156 "2020-03-10T12:30:09Z")
I don’t understand how satellites work. But Space-X is working on reducing the cost to put things into orbit. One of their goals with Starlink is to put something like 11,000 satellites into orbit to create everpresent 1… --- ## [Postmates, what's the endgame here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/postmates-whats-the-endgame-here/849159)
**Author:** [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/postmates-whats-the-endgame-here/849159 "2020-03-10T01:02:48Z")
A buddy of mine owns a bar. Over the past few weeks he’s had postmates drivers and regular customers that ordered on postmates stopping in for the order only to be met by a very confused staff that have no idea what they… --- ## [Starter archery kit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starter-archery-kit/846631)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starter-archery-kit/846631 "2020-03-09T21:55:22Z")
My son who is 23 is looking into archery . He will take lessons. What kind of gear is needed to start and what is the price range? This is for target shooting, not hunting. --- ## [The "wtfdtm" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wtfdtm-thread/849059)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wtfdtm-thread/849059 "2020-03-09T20:32:21Z")
I wanted to ask about a specific example of an acronym I’ve never heard before and couldn’t find a reference for anywhere- a topic which will probably make this thread an ongoing concern. So anyway, what is O S A R? --- ## [E-book recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-book-recommendations/848764)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-book-recommendations/848764 "2020-03-09T20:13:07Z")
So, I’m thinking of rejoining the 2010s and getting an e-book. I don’t know what I’m looking for exactly, what makes a big difference or is trivial. Any opinions or advice? Which models or features have been worthwhile f… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=333) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=335)