# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=354 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 355 --- ## [Opinions re: workplace privacy - reason for absence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-re-workplace-privacy-reason-for-absence/833320)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2019, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-re-workplace-privacy-reason-for-absence/833320 "2019-12-06T12:42:11Z")
Wondering what you think about this situation I currently have at work. 8 of us professionals are equally responsible for handling a specific workload. The workload is divided evenly among us as the work comes into the… --- ## [Do you personally know anyone who was killed by a drunk driver?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-personally-know-anyone-who-was-killed-by-a-drunk-driver/844241)
**Author:** [@scarface54345](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scarface54345)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2019, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-personally-know-anyone-who-was-killed-by-a-drunk-driver/844241 "2019-12-06T07:51:53Z")
Do you personally know anyone who was killed by a drunk driver? --- ## [The US really has 11 separate 'nations' with entirely different cultures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-really-has-11-separate-nations-with-entirely-different-cultures/844221)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2019, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-really-has-11-separate-nations-with-entirely-different-cultures/844221 "2019-12-06T03:44:10Z")
The US really has 11 separate ‘nations’ with entirely different cultures It seems pretty well thought out. I do agree with a lot of this. Thoughts?? --- ## [Have you put up the tree and decorated for Christmas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-put-up-the-tree-and-decorated-for-christmas/844260)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2019, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-put-up-the-tree-and-decorated-for-christmas/844260 "2019-12-06T01:47:18Z")
We put up the tree this weekend after Thanksgiving. That’s our traditional schedule. Our kids were visiting and it was a lot of fun. The lights are on tonight. Tree looks nice from the street. I don’t decorate outside … --- ## [El Niño?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/el-nino/844432)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2019, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/el-nino/844432 "2019-12-05T22:23:25Z")
When will the next El Niño be? I know that c. 20 years ago that was all they ever talked about. Warmer than normal winter. It comes once every 7years. Or is it every 5 years? In any event, I think we’re long overdue. B… --- ## [Good Free or Cheap VPN for Windows 10?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-free-or-cheap-vpn-for-windows-10/844408)
**Author:** [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2019, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-free-or-cheap-vpn-for-windows-10/844408 "2019-12-05T16:56:22Z")
Can anyone please recommend a good VPN for Windows 10? Free would obviously be ideal but I understand that’s probably not a real option. TIA --- ## [Baltimore, MD to Greenville, SC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baltimore-md-to-greenville-sc/844362)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2019, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baltimore-md-to-greenville-sc/844362 "2019-12-05T16:49:57Z")
Making this road trip this weekend for a wedding. What are the pros and cons of going through DC and Richmond (Baltimore Beltway to 95 to Washington beltway to Richmond and then south) vs first heading north to Frederic… --- ## [Why Do My Inkjet Printers ALWAYS Fail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-inkjet-printers-always-fail/844222)
**Author:** [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2019, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-inkjet-printers-always-fail/844222 "2019-12-05T16:36:46Z")
It MUST be me. I buy one and within a few months to a year it refuses to feed the paper saying “Add Paper” or some such when there is clearly paper in the damn thing – it just won’t feed. I have literally bought 3 printe… --- ## [Why do people work on PC in a coffee shop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-work-on-pc-in-a-coffee-shop/844197)
**Author:** [@dflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dflower)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2019, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-work-on-pc-in-a-coffee-shop/844197 "2019-12-05T14:47:51Z")
What is the advantage of taking your laptop to the coffee shop to work? It seems to me I have control of my environment at home that will make me more comfortable. I set the thermostat to my liking, adjust the lighting … --- ## [Audible vs Apple Books vs others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audible-vs-apple-books-vs-others/844304)
**Author:** [@GMANCANADA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GMANCANADA)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2019, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audible-vs-apple-books-vs-others/844304 "2019-12-05T14:01:39Z")
I’ve been listening to some audiobooks lately that I ripped into iTunes and synched to my iPhone. I’m thinking I’d like to start listening to more. There’s a bookstore near me that sells discounted audiobooks but they ha… --- ## [Is there a word for this family-ish relation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-this-family-ish-relation/844203)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2019, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-this-family-ish-relation/844203 "2019-12-04T21:44:20Z")
Background: I have two children, both adults now. My oldest, Gertrude, is married and has three kids. Gertrude is not my biological child. She is the product of a relationship my wife had her senior year in high scho… --- ## [New cellphone recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-cellphone-recommendations/844244)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2019, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-cellphone-recommendations/844244 "2019-12-04T21:29:30Z")
Well, it seems as tho my old Droid4 is finally crapping out. I liked it for the tactile keyboard, but imagine I’ll need to give that up. The ONLY things I like to do w/ my phone are make and receive calls/texts, and a … --- ## ["Americans are dying at alarming rates". Does it feel that way from where you sit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-dying-at-alarming-rates-does-it-feel-that-way-from-where-you-sit/844219)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2019, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-dying-at-alarming-rates-does-it-feel-that-way-from-where-you-sit/844219 "2019-12-04T20:26:45Z")
From Suicides and overdoses among factors fueling drop in U.S. life expectancy. None of this is surprising to me. But I can’t say it’s because I’ve been exposed to any first-hand experiences. In my immediate social c… --- ## [Does using earbuds for sleeping can help to sleep better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-using-earbuds-for-sleeping-can-help-to-sleep-better/843111)
**Author:** [@Belllizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belllizard)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2019, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-using-earbuds-for-sleeping-can-help-to-sleep-better/843111 "2019-12-04T19:10:57Z")
Hi! I’d like to ask, does anyone have an experience of using any earbuds/headphones for improving sleep? Is it worth it? I’ve checked a few resources that recommend several models (here, for example), but not sure wheth… --- ## [Does this make sense - laundry detergent allergy question?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-make-sense-laundry-detergent-allergy-question/843972)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2019, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-make-sense-laundry-detergent-allergy-question/843972 "2019-12-03T22:32:15Z")
My clothes washer died last week and it’s going to be over a week before the repair tech can get around to looking at it.\* I was already behind on my laundry duties and before the pile started to rise up and try to regis… --- ## [What is worth splurging on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-worth-splurging-on/843830)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2019, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-worth-splurging-on/843830 "2019-12-03T21:25:36Z")
A national financial columnist, Rob Carrick, wrote a column today about things worth paying extra money for. I kind of liked it. His list includes bedsheets, headphones, garbage bags, living alone, a good backpack, pay… --- ## [Need creative ideas: how to MacGyver something that's LIKE a fake plant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-creative-ideas-how-to-macgyver-something-thats-like-a-fake-plant/844246)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2019, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-creative-ideas-how-to-macgyver-something-thats-like-a-fake-plant/844246 "2019-12-03T18:39:39Z")
I’m looking for ways to DIY something with similar properties as fake plants (a few inches tall, stiff enough to hold their shape but with some bend & give, rather than being a hard surface) and am having a hard time thi… --- ## [Is ma'am offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-maam-offensive/843517)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2019, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-maam-offensive/843517 "2019-12-03T12:57:12Z")
Yes or no? Or does it depend? I thought it at worst benign, actually suggesting polite respect. The female equivalent of Sir. If circumstances are relevant, I’d be happy to provide. --- ## [Video / security camera recommendation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/video-security-camera-recommendation/844078)
**Author:** [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2019, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/video-security-camera-recommendation/844078 "2019-12-03T01:14:56Z")
I am looking at using a video camera of some sort to monitor some equipment. The frame rate can’t be too low or we’ll miss what the equipment is doing. It needs to be able to run unattended for at least a day, preferable… --- ## [This is not a Christmas sweater!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-not-a-christmas-sweater/844251)
**Author:** [@CelticKnot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CelticKnot)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2019, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-not-a-christmas-sweater/844251 "2019-12-02T23:07:39Z")
…and it’s rather rude to call it ugly. I have found that if I wear a green sweater any time from November to January, someone will comment on my Christmas sweater. I have 3 green sweaters because green is my favorit… --- ## [Large or even Neighborhood Christmas lights question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-or-even-neighborhood-christmas-lights-question/844237)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2019, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-or-even-neighborhood-christmas-lights-question/844237 "2019-12-02T09:02:50Z")
Around here some people do some big, or even crazy HUGE Christmas lights displays. Some neighborhoods have a “Candy Cane Lane” or Christmas lane type things where everyone on the whole street decorates. In our area the… --- ## [Amazon store will not take cash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-store-will-not-take-cash/843906)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2019, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-store-will-not-take-cash/843906 "2019-12-02T05:05:47Z")
There was recently a new science fiction book that came out that I really wanted to read. (“Gamechanger,” by L.X.Beckett. I did finally get it. It was great!) But alas! My main client has been in the hospital, and ther… --- ## [Sleep/Meditation apps or other digital help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleep-meditation-apps-or-other-digital-help/843873)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2019, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleep-meditation-apps-or-other-digital-help/843873 "2019-12-01T20:47:24Z")
Do you use any apps or recordings, etc. to help you fall asleep. Or meditate, if you’re into that? My sleep is basically crap, so I have several things that help. I’ve been using a recording by Andrew Johnson (no, not t… --- ## [Brushing Teeth and Rinsing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brushing-teeth-and-rinsing/844144)
**Author:** [@MacSpon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacSpon)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2019, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brushing-teeth-and-rinsing/844144 "2019-12-01T20:20:09Z")
I just saw my dental hygienist today, and I was thunderstruck when she informed me that I shouldn’t rinse my mouth out after brushing my teeth. I have never, ever heard this before, and I wasn’t happy about it because, … --- ## [Anyone have experience with "Payboo" CC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-payboo-cc/843918)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2019, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-payboo-cc/843918 "2019-12-01T18:31:51Z")
Great name for a credit card, eh? A few months ago, I received an invite to apply for a new credit card, Payboo. This may be specific to only one merchant (B&H Photo Video), but I buy a lot of stuff from them. The sel… --- ## [Is there a programmable thermostat that allows a totally custom program?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-programmable-thermostat-that-allows-a-totally-custom-program/844187)
**Author:** [@Arcite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arcite)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2019, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-programmable-thermostat-that-allows-a-totally-custom-program/844187 "2019-12-01T16:16:51Z")
I am buying my first house soon, and thus will, for the first time in my life, be able to install whatever fixtures and appliances I want. One of the things I’m thinking about getting is a wifi thermostat. I am wonderi… --- ## [Pedestrians should be fair game if they're crossing outside the crosswalk!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pedestrians-should-be-fair-game-if-theyre-crossing-outside-the-crosswalk/843397)
**Author:** [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2019, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pedestrians-should-be-fair-game-if-theyre-crossing-outside-the-crosswalk/843397 "2019-12-01T15:08:18Z")
Yesterday and today, I saw an idiot (different place, different idiot) start at the beginning of the crosswalk and walk at an angle, stepping on the sidewalk about 10 feet away from the crosswalk. Woo hoo, must be great … --- ## [Let’s talk kitty litter.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-s-talk-kitty-litter/844105)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2019, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-s-talk-kitty-litter/844105 "2019-12-01T03:07:00Z")
I’m curious what other Dopers do about kitty litter and litter boxes. I have 2 cats and 3 sifting litter boxes. I keep them in the laundry room. I usually use Fresh Step clumping for multiple cats. I got unscented the la… --- ## [Why are texts sometimes delayed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-texts-sometimes-delayed/844170)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2019, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-texts-sometimes-delayed/844170 "2019-11-30T19:00:44Z")
Sometimes texts are received near instantaneously. At other times, there is a significant delay. Why does that happen? Is there any way to avoid it? Yesterday, I was picking someone up at the airport. My son and his… --- ## [A Ridesharing Service For Children - Economically, Legally Feasible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-ridesharing-service-for-children-economically-legally-feasible/843127)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2019, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-ridesharing-service-for-children-economically-legally-feasible/843127 "2019-11-30T08:30:44Z")
Uber and Lyft do not allow unaccompanied minors, for a host of reasons. I imagine legal liability is at the top. However, from where I sit, it seems a good business model. Many parents are stressed out getting their kid… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=353) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=355)