# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=35 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 36 --- ## [9" x 18" (?) film camera for panoramas, 20? years ago -- heard of it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-x-18-film-camera-for-panoramas-20-years-ago-heard-of-it/1024028)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-x-18-film-camera-for-panoramas-20-years-ago-heard-of-it/1024028 "2025-10-17T13:30:21Z")
Someone built it, with a custom-designed lens (don’t recall the focal length) and a vacuum plate to hold the film flat. One seemingly-odd feature: one lens element was just a flat piece of glass, planar on both sides. Th… --- ## [Halloween - how do I make a horn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halloween-how-do-i-make-a-horn/1024021)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2025, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halloween-how-do-i-make-a-horn/1024021 "2025-10-17T02:56:04Z")
My neighbor got new carpet. Carpet comes rolled on 10’ cardboards tubes (think very heavy duty paper towel tubes); I kept one of the tubes. I have a room over the garage & a lederhosen shirt. My plan is to convert tha… --- ## [My tv won't turn on with the remote control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-tv-wont-turn-on-with-the-remote-control/1023933)
**Author:** [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-tv-wont-turn-on-with-the-remote-control/1023933 "2025-10-16T19:28:22Z")
I was gifted a big Toshiba tv about 3 years ago, it is hooked up to basic cable. The cable box lights up, the internet on my laptop is working, but the tv won’t turn on with the remote control. I have tried everything.… --- ## [Medicare yet again. I get so confused](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-yet-again-i-get-so-confused/1023951)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2025, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-yet-again-i-get-so-confused/1023951 "2025-10-16T19:24:56Z")
66 year old man with wife turning 67 soon. Work for an organization with a “qualified plan” and last year opted to not sign up, keeping our BCBS plan as insurance. Now the company is switching to Imagine360 which despite… --- ## [Help me plan a Summer vacation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-plan-a-summer-vacation/1018857)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2025, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-plan-a-summer-vacation/1018857 "2025-10-16T12:36:53Z")
My wife has given me more or less carte blanche to plan a Summer vacation for us. Now that our kids are grown, we want to start taking two vacations, just the two of us-- Winter and Summer, every year. This past February… --- ## [How does DOJ seize bitcoin from scammers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-doj-seize-bitcoin-from-scammers/1023981)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2025, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-doj-seize-bitcoin-from-scammers/1023981 "2025-10-15T20:14:21Z")
DOJ seizes $15 billion in bitcoin from ‘pig butchering’ scam based in Cambodia I thought that was one of the features of cryptocurrency, it was immune from seizure by law enforcement. How did DOJ get access to the bi… --- ## [Diagnostic labels as group membership. A sequel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diagnostic-labels-as-group-membership-a-sequel/1023636)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2025, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diagnostic-labels-as-group-membership-a-sequel/1023636 "2025-10-15T16:41:10Z")
Rather than bumping one of, for example the two threads below, I am opening a new thread to share an interesting bit in today’s NYT (gift link) on the subject. Previous threads related: The NYT piece: I write th… --- ## [Ubiquitous items from relatively recently youngsters may not recognise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubiquitous-items-from-relatively-recently-youngsters-may-not-recognise/981362)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 647\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2025, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubiquitous-items-from-relatively-recently-youngsters-may-not-recognise/981362 "2025-10-14T20:13:01Z")
I was watching a video on youtube, and one of the key points was the VHS tape one of the characters was holding. The top comment was “about a third of your viewers won’t recognise the object you’re holding” I don’t thin… --- ## [Microchip scanners for pets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microchip-scanners-for-pets/1023963)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2025, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microchip-scanners-for-pets/1023963 "2025-10-14T20:02:51Z")
Our county Humane Society has installed a ‘community microchip scanner’ that is available 24/7. One of our cats has or had two microchips. Catmom thinks it’s Goo, but I can’t remember if it was Goo or Tonka. Anyway, I… --- ## [Do call tracking systems really help small businesses get more clients?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-call-tracking-systems-really-help-small-businesses-get-more-clients/1023953)
**Author:** [@tylerkelley1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tylerkelley1980)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2025, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-call-tracking-systems-really-help-small-businesses-get-more-clients/1023953 "2025-10-14T08:37:45Z")
I’ve seen small businesses use call tracking analytics to identify which ads or keywords actually bring in clients. When paired with automatic lead distribution, it streamlines follow-ups and improves conversion rates. S… --- ## [Japan Travel Suggestions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japan-travel-suggestions/1023699)
**Author:** [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2025, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japan-travel-suggestions/1023699 "2025-10-14T04:16:17Z")
So I just booked flights to Japan for next September/October for 2 weeks, it will be our first trip to Asia. I’m scouring the usual tour books and YouTube for ideas as well as an extended chat session with ChatGPT, but I… --- ## [I Need a Battery-Powered Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-battery-powered-lamp/1023931)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2025, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-battery-powered-lamp/1023931 "2025-10-14T04:13:35Z")
Time to start Christmas shopping. My stepson needs a lamp to get him through power outages. What I am looking for is a lamp that he can use as a regular lamp in his living room, not a tiny camping lamp. When the power go… --- ## [If your TV had a feature that enabled you to mix your own sound, would you use it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-tv-had-a-feature-that-enabled-you-to-mix-your-own-sound-would-you-use-it/1023888)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2025, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-your-tv-had-a-feature-that-enabled-you-to-mix-your-own-sound-would-you-use-it/1023888 "2025-10-14T00:36:18Z")
In an age where the consumer industry thinks we all need to download an app to operate a “smart” toaster, I wonder if my idea is just another example of Tech No One Asked For, or is actually rather innovative. I would l… --- ## [Occupational Trauma?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occupational-trauma/1023702)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2025, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occupational-trauma/1023702 "2025-10-13T22:54:20Z")
I’ve worked in an emergency department for many years. ERs often see people who are having a terrible day. Some have suffered trauma, some are responding badly to an overdose or tragic news, many are struggling with a … --- ## [Omaha restaurants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omaha-restaurants/1023876)
**Author:** [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2025, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omaha-restaurants/1023876 "2025-10-13T18:27:03Z")
A friend and I are going to Omaha next week to visit the Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. We are both complete animal nerds and this was a “wouldn’t it be fun …” conversation that just grew legs — I’m so excited about it! It’s 5… --- ## [People complaining about PV electric](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-complaining-about-pv-electric/1023890)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2025, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-complaining-about-pv-electric/1023890 "2025-10-13T11:00:00Z")
I’ve found DJT’s long lost twin. There is a proposal to install PV solar on 28 acres near a highway. Between the highway and the closest subdivision. One person is complaining about the noise it will cause and electroma… --- ## [People who rollover negative equity on cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-rollover-negative-equity-on-cars/1023601)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2025, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-rollover-negative-equity-on-cars/1023601 "2025-10-12T21:46:18Z")
I am getting interested in the psychology of people who roll over large amounts of negative equity from car to car. He is what I have observed and I’m hoping in addition to others’ observations that we have some posters… --- ## [What are my options for a comfortable car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-my-options-for-a-comfortable-car/1023898)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2025, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-my-options-for-a-comfortable-car/1023898 "2025-10-12T21:45:40Z")
I need a new car. I want something that is comfortable to drive. I once drove a car with gas suspension and I liked it. It felt like I was gliding on the road. I don’t know if gas suspension is required for that level of… --- ## [Why is Nvidia so valuable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-nvidia-so-valuable/1021982)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2025, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-nvidia-so-valuable/1021982 "2025-10-12T17:22:36Z")
As I type this, NVDA has a market cap of $4.44 trillion. In terms of competitors, AMD and Intel are each only worth about 8% of that. Broadcom at about $1.4 trillion can at least sit at the same table. But why? The m… --- ## [WW2- Armored flight deck, YEA or NAY?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-armored-flight-deck-yea-or-nay/1023764)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2025, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-armored-flight-deck-yea-or-nay/1023764 "2025-10-12T10:20:29Z")
The British used armored Flight decks on their aircraft carriers, and in a few instances where light bombs or a kamikaze hit, that armor came in real handy. The Royal Navy (RN) was convinced armor on the flight deck wa… --- ## [What Would A Massive Nuclear Exchange Look Like From A Plane At Cruising Altitude?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-massive-nuclear-exchange-look-like-from-a-plane-at-cruising-altitude/1021964)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2025, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-massive-nuclear-exchange-look-like-from-a-plane-at-cruising-altitude/1021964 "2025-10-12T02:11:16Z")
poll --- ## [Helping someone who can log onto Outlook and laptop with a PIN but forgot their password](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helping-someone-who-can-log-onto-outlook-and-laptop-with-a-pin-but-forgot-their-password/1023886)
**Author:** [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2025, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helping-someone-who-can-log-onto-outlook-and-laptop-with-a-pin-but-forgot-their-password/1023886 "2025-10-11T22:27:20Z")
Family member can log onto their laptop and Hotmail account with a PIN ok, but they want to change password and setup recovery options. Setting up recovery options requires them to verify with a text or email. The text … --- ## [Anybody here with Cochlear Implant(s)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-with-cochlear-implant-s/923550)
**Author:** [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2025, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-here-with-cochlear-implant-s/923550 "2025-10-11T17:21:28Z")
Anybody here with Cochlear Implants? I’m asking for input only from people with first-hand experience. I’m 70 and my diseased hearing has reached the point where even state of the art hearing aids are no longer very e… --- ## [Weirdest road you’ve ever been on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdest-road-you-ve-ever-been-on/1007098)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 185\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2025, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weirdest-road-you-ve-ever-been-on/1007098 "2025-10-11T08:10:57Z")
There are lots of winding roads, and of course long ones, and certainly narrow and crooked ones, but this one is one of the weirdest I’ve ever encountered. The first time I drove on it, I couldn’t figure out what was goi… --- ## [Deportations Under US Presidents: Surprising Statistics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deportations-under-us-presidents-surprising-statistics/1023849)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2025, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deportations-under-us-presidents-surprising-statistics/1023849 "2025-10-11T01:54:24Z")
I’m having a ‘discussion’ with someone on another board of a political nature when the subject of deportations came up. I, of course, brought up Trump’s use of masked ICE agents who were known to arrest and deport legal … --- ## [The French government fell today (12/4/24). Does anyone care?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-french-government-fell-today-12-4-24-does-anyone-care/1011176)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2025, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-french-government-fell-today-12-4-24-does-anyone-care/1011176 "2025-10-11T01:47:36Z")
I heard a brief newsradio headline that France’s Prime Minister Barnier and his entire cabinet lost a no-confidence vote when opponents on the left and right joined forces. And then I haven’t heard anything else until I … --- ## [What was the most interesting \*overlapping\* century in world history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-most-interesting-overlapping-century-in-world-history/1019974)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2025, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-most-interesting-overlapping-century-in-world-history/1019974 "2025-10-11T00:52:23Z")
Over the millennia, any civilization or cluster of cultures will have had its ups and downs. But when you overlap the world’s major ones on a single timeline like this: or … --- ## [Need mouse advice (not computer-related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-mouse-advice-not-computer-related/1023790)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2025, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-mouse-advice-not-computer-related/1023790 "2025-10-10T19:01:53Z")
Here is the situation. I live in a townhouse where the front door is on the middle floor and opens into a little entryway which is down three steps from the main floor. I rarely use this entrance and usually go in and ou… --- ## [Help with Spanish translation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-spanish-translation/1023848)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2025, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-spanish-translation/1023848 "2025-10-10T14:38:40Z")
I’m looking for help translating a one-page form into Spanish, for a free health care event. At the event, we will be distributing information and equipment so that people in need can monitor their health data and share… --- ## [If you have retirement insecurity, who do you blame?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-retirement-insecurity-who-do-you-blame/1023800)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2025, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-retirement-insecurity-who-do-you-blame/1023800 "2025-10-10T12:42:48Z")
If you are currently retired or going to retire in the next few years, and you do not have or expect to have the funds needed to retire as comfortably as you wish, who is to blame? poll And why? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=34) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=36)