# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=340 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 341 --- ## [Why does it feel like society is becoming ever more grim and joyless?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-feel-like-society-is-becoming-ever-more-grim-and-joyless/847679)
**Author:** [@Marcus\_Flavius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus_Flavius)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-feel-like-society-is-becoming-ever-more-grim-and-joyless/847679 "2020-02-14T16:51:04Z")
Whenever I go out, I can’t help but feel the heavy, almost crushing weight of despondency in the air. I live in the heart of flyover America, and you can see it in the landscape: the vacant main streets, the neighborhood… --- ## [How do I surrender a dog when no one will take him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-surrender-a-dog-when-no-one-will-take-him/847899)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-surrender-a-dog-when-no-one-will-take-him/847899 "2020-02-14T15:33:29Z")
First of all, I didn’t want to post this because I feel awful about it. Go easy on me please. I’m moving and I cannot take my dog with me. I live in Delaware. I have called every place in a 100 mile radius, literally… --- ## [Local sportswriter has F word on her twitter home page.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-sportswriter-has-f-word-on-her-twitter-home-page/847796)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-sportswriter-has-f-word-on-her-twitter-home-page/847796 "2020-02-14T01:33:01Z")
see it here. https://twitter.com/SaraCivian For a job page I think it’s very unprofessional. I asked her about it and she did not reply. It would be OK for a personal page. She’s around 27. Anyone t… --- ## [Tesla Hostility](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-hostility/841829)
**Author:** [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-hostility/841829 "2020-02-13T22:45:08Z")
Just about every other day lately, I see reports of acts of vandalism against Tesla cars, or of “coal-rolling” Teslas, or of what is known as “ICEing,” which is just parking conventional cars (pickups usually) at Tesla S… --- ## [Can you read IPA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-read-ipa/847369)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-read-ipa/847369 "2020-02-13T20:42:40Z")
The International Phonetic Alphabet is a standardized system of recording the pronunciation of words. I’m curious how many people have bothered learning IPA. For those of you who have, what was your reason to learn? How… --- ## [People are most unhappy at 47. Why do you think?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-are-most-unhappy-at-47-why-do-you-think/847770)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-are-most-unhappy-at-47-why-do-you-think/847770 "2020-02-13T20:26:33Z")
There were a bunch of articles that came out reporting on a broad study that showed people (on average) hit their lowest happiness at age 47. People (on average) are happier before that and after that. I am going to br… --- ## [Do you think the Monday New York Times crossword is easy l?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-monday-new-york-times-crossword-is-easy-l/847561)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-monday-new-york-times-crossword-is-easy-l/847561 "2020-02-13T20:02:53Z")
I’ve often heard people scoff at the Monday NYT puzzle as too easy and not even worthy of the ink to compete it. I know they usually get progressively difficult as the week goes on, but I’ve never thought of the Monday o… --- ## [Teaching English online to people overseas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-english-online-to-people-overseas/847870)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-english-online-to-people-overseas/847870 "2020-02-13T16:03:26Z")
Anyone teach English online? A friend is looking into it. What’s it like? I think you can teach kids or adults but mostly kids. --- ## [How appropriate to your personal interests are targeted ads you see on Facebook (or other media)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-appropriate-to-your-personal-interests-are-targeted-ads-you-see-on-facebook-or-other-media/847550)
**Author:** [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-appropriate-to-your-personal-interests-are-targeted-ads-you-see-on-facebook-or-other-media/847550 "2020-02-13T14:40:17Z")
I’m more curious about this than complaining. My understanding is that Facebook uses sophisticated algorithms to decide what ads to show in your feed based on what you’ve shown interest in in the past and other factors. … --- ## [A System for Naming Flu Outbreaks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-system-for-naming-flu-outbreaks/847862)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-system-for-naming-flu-outbreaks/847862 "2020-02-13T14:25:42Z")
The BBC radio said some group or another was trying to come up with a system for naming flu outbreaks. I can hardly see why, mostly these are annual events, “The 1919 flu” seems good enough for us civilians. The idea is… --- ## [Are wheel locks a scam or are they useful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wheel-locks-a-scam-or-are-they-useful/847753)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wheel-locks-a-scam-or-are-they-useful/847753 "2020-02-13T12:46:19Z")
I’m talking about the replacement lug nuts that require a special key in order to get them off. These are promoted as an anti-theft device for tires and wheels. But it seems to me that if you buy a set of, say, Gorilla b… --- ## [Are there any ways to make a basement staircase safer for an elderly couple](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-ways-to-make-a-basement-staircase-safer-for-an-elderly-couple/847754)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-ways-to-make-a-basement-staircase-safer-for-an-elderly-couple/847754 "2020-02-13T05:49:06Z")
My parents (early 70s) live in a house with a basement, basement has a cement floor. They had a handrail installed a few years ago for when they go up and down. Are there any other safety precautions they can add? Can… --- ## [Is facial recognition set to explode as a security measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-facial-recognition-set-to-explode-as-a-security-measure/785599)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-facial-recognition-set-to-explode-as-a-security-measure/785599 "2020-02-13T05:06:33Z")
With this story below it seems like the technology has come a long way if they are investing these kinds of dollars in it along with confidence that it works. Has affordable hard and software technology gotten to the poi… --- ## [Best computer for me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-computer-for-me/847839)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-computer-for-me/847839 "2020-02-12T22:54:37Z")
I might have to buy a new computer in the near future. This one cost between $600-$800. What’s the price range for a GOOD computer? I use my computer mostly to go online, maybe do schoolwork. I want a desktop computer. … --- ## [Hit-and-Run Drivers are Scum: A Rant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-and-run-drivers-are-scum-a-rant/847776)
**Author:** [@Kovitlac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kovitlac)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hit-and-run-drivers-are-scum-a-rant/847776 "2020-02-12T22:04:51Z")
IMHO, hit and run drivers are the absolute scum of humanity. Relatedly, anyone who drives without insurance AND refuses to leave a note after hitting someone is also scum. I just got hit for the second time in about a y… --- ## [Name for this conversational pet peeve?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-this-conversational-pet-peeve/847782)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-this-conversational-pet-peeve/847782 "2020-02-12T19:13:33Z")
I have this irrational desire to punch anybody who uses the phrase “I get that”. The speaker is typically dismissing an utterance that they do not in fact get, which is why I have to repeat myself with increasing annoy… --- ## [What would actually happen if a state stopped recognizing Federal power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-actually-happen-if-a-state-stopped-recognizing-federal-power/847747)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-actually-happen-if-a-state-stopped-recognizing-federal-power/847747 "2020-02-12T19:04:24Z")
Sort of a GQ, but so wildly hypothetical any answers would almost certainly contain speculation. So let’s say Gavin Newsom wakes up one morning and is watching the news while munching on his Wheaties. Trump’s successor… --- ## [British monarch names Brits like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-monarch-names-brits-like/847793)
**Author:** [@Arkcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arkcon)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-monarch-names-brits-like/847793 "2020-02-12T16:44:33Z")
So, the Star has a story that has been running for decades, that Charles, Prince of Wales may choose not to reign as King Charles, because of bad connotations. And I’m wondering … so who cares about which connotations, … --- ## [Would a time machine kill religion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-time-machine-kill-religion/847537)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-time-machine-kill-religion/847537 "2020-02-12T05:25:08Z")
I got to thinking about why religion is so pervasive with humans. It seems that we started developing religion pretty early on. I don’t mean to offend the believers but it seems to me that religion is born out of ignora… --- ## [What is the weirdest thing that you have ever mailed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-weirdest-thing-that-you-have-ever-mailed/847348)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-weirdest-thing-that-you-have-ever-mailed/847348 "2020-02-12T04:23:03Z")
Saw a dead deer on the side of the road today and it reminded me of something. I “know” a guy in Japan through a mailing list for a science-related hobby, and we used to trade things back and forth through the mail. I on… --- ## [No-paradox time travel is invented. Should it be shared with the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-paradox-time-travel-is-invented-should-it-be-shared-with-the-world/847804)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-paradox-time-travel-is-invented-should-it-be-shared-with-the-world/847804 "2020-02-12T04:03:36Z")
Imagine that you’re hyper-genius friend QUERCUS SHOSANNA reveals to you that she has invented a time machine. Quercus’s technique is subject to the Novikov self-consistency principle, (Novikov self-consistency principle … --- ## [Is it time for a voluntary Soylent Green?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-for-a-voluntary-soylent-green/847755)
**Author:** [@Jay\_Z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jay_Z)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-for-a-voluntary-soylent-green/847755 "2020-02-12T01:45:56Z")
Suppose someone wants their body to be properly processed and available as food to people or animals. Shouldn’t they be able to do so? --- ## [Most of the world wants 3 months notice when you quit a job? Vs only 2 weeks in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-of-the-world-wants-3-months-notice-when-you-quit-a-job-vs-only-2-weeks-in-the-us/847571)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-of-the-world-wants-3-months-notice-when-you-quit-a-job-vs-only-2-weeks-in-the-us/847571 "2020-02-12T01:11:41Z")
They want people who may be really unhappy to stick around 3 months? That is really surprising to me. I know not everyone who leaves a job is unhappy but many are --- ## [Squeaky floors: anyone tried the talcum/baby powder fix?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squeaky-floors-anyone-tried-the-talcum-baby-powder-fix/847721)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squeaky-floors-anyone-tried-the-talcum-baby-powder-fix/847721 "2020-02-12T01:05:35Z")
Does it work? It’s one of those old household tips (do some of us remember Hints From Heloise?) for older homes with squeaking stairs or floor slats: work talcum powder into the cracks, which apparently lubricates the w… --- ## [Restaurant screws up your order. How hard do you expect them to work to make it right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-screws-up-your-order-how-hard-do-you-expect-them-to-work-to-make-it-right/847540)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2020, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-screws-up-your-order-how-hard-do-you-expect-them-to-work-to-make-it-right/847540 "2020-02-11T21:06:13Z")
A couple days ago, I’m driving home after work and decide that I have no interest in cooking dinner. Pizza sounds like just the thing so I pull into a local chain place that I know is offering a special on two-topping pi… --- ## [What’s your strategy for airline/hotel reward programs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-your-strategy-for-airline-hotel-reward-programs/847636)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2020, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-your-strategy-for-airline-hotel-reward-programs/847636 "2020-02-11T20:28:55Z")
For me, it’s simple, if I qualify for something, I take it as soon as I can use it and don’t try to bank them to save up for something big. If I’ve earned a free hotel night, I take it. I’d rather take a upgrade on a fli… --- ## [Easiest way from LAX to San Diego?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easiest-way-from-lax-to-san-diego/847523)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2020, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easiest-way-from-lax-to-san-diego/847523 "2020-02-11T18:21:38Z")
We’re thinking about holiday options and one would be to go to Southern California. If we landed at LAX, what would be the easiest way to get to San Diego? --- ## [Do you snore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-snore/847287)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2020, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-snore/847287 "2020-02-11T18:00:33Z")
Do you snore? If so, do you try to do anything about it? --- ## [Is it ever to one's advantage to indicate ethnicity as "White" on a form?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ever-to-ones-advantage-to-indicate-ethnicity-as-white-on-a-form/549625)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2020, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ever-to-ones-advantage-to-indicate-ethnicity-as-white-on-a-form/549625 "2020-02-11T04:34:42Z")
If you are applying for say, a university or a scholarship or anything else where the question of your ethnicity comes up on a form and you are white, is it ever a good idea to admit it? I usually assume that doing so p… --- ## [What's your opinion of weighted blankets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-opinion-of-weighted-blankets/847253)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2020, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-opinion-of-weighted-blankets/847253 "2020-02-11T01:16:12Z")
Like this: Amazon.ca : weighted blankets Are some of the advantages real? Disadvantages? Ways to make the best use of them? Are there affordable & easy DIY alternatives? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=339) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=341)