# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=380 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 381 --- ## [I want to start watching DVDs again. What’s my best option?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-start-watching-dvds-again-what-s-my-best-option/838158)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2019, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-start-watching-dvds-again-what-s-my-best-option/838158 "2019-08-08T04:26:50Z")
Time was that I watched DVDs on either my PS2 or laptop. Now one is quite old and obsolete and the other doesn’t have an optical drive anymore. I also have DVDs, some of which I haven’t watched yet. What among my range … --- ## [Scratch Australia off the list of decent places to live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scratch-australia-off-the-list-of-decent-places-to-live/838302)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2019, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scratch-australia-off-the-list-of-decent-places-to-live/838302 "2019-08-08T01:57:50Z")
Ain’t no freedom of expression in the land down under. it seems. I checked and no, employment in Australia is not “at will” like it is here in the US. Of course, this court ruling may semi-change that, if Mr. Anforth… --- ## [I need suggestions for a new, very robust, smartphone.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-suggestions-for-a-new-very-robust-smartphone/838210)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-suggestions-for-a-new-very-robust-smartphone/838210 "2019-08-07T23:02:43Z")
I’m looking to upgrade from my old flip phone to a new smartphone. The issue is my workplace environment. Phones and other electronic goodies seem to die quickly and the conventional wisdom seems to lay the blame on stat… --- ## [Explain Costco to me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-costco-to-me/837894)
**Author:** [@Dongyang2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dongyang2016)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-costco-to-me/837894 "2019-08-07T22:30:59Z")
Can someone explain the Warehouse Club Costco? First, the whole “membership” thing. Why would anyone actually pay a fee to be able to shop in a store? To me this is absolutely asinine. Then to hand over this store your … --- ## [heart sutra in Buddhism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-sutra-in-buddhism/838127)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-sutra-in-buddhism/838127 "2019-08-07T20:14:03Z")
So apparently the point of this one is to undo essentially everything else you were taught about in the school of Buddhism. It seems rather counter productive to me really. Why go through the trouble of learning all th… --- ## [Do you interview people at your work for a job? Do you expect a "Thank you" email?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-interview-people-at-your-work-for-a-job-do-you-expect-a-thank-you-email/838076)
**Author:** [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-interview-people-at-your-work-for-a-job-do-you-expect-a-thank-you-email/838076 "2019-08-07T19:43:40Z")
My previous employer shut down my office about a month ago, so I’m back in the involuntary job search for the first time in a long time. I’m reading all the websites & attending training about “How to find your next job.… --- ## [Middle-aged, forced into circle beard, or heavy beard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-aged-forced-into-circle-beard-or-heavy-beard/838191)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-aged-forced-into-circle-beard-or-heavy-beard/838191 "2019-08-07T15:56:55Z")
I never had any interest in the shaving bullshit. But especially in summer, the sweat, and itching of a full beard is not for me. So I have spent the last 15 or so summers with a 7-8mm trim. My facial hair has always bee… --- ## [Why isn't false-flagging more common? (mass shootings)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-false-flagging-more-common-mass-shootings/838200)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-false-flagging-more-common-mass-shootings/838200 "2019-08-07T13:24:57Z")
It baffles me how, with Charlottesville, the El Paso attack, the attack on black churches, and other attacks, that it never seems to occur to white supremacists or other politically-minded killers that attacking a certai… --- ## [Wrens nesting in odd places](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrens-nesting-in-odd-places/838244)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2019, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrens-nesting-in-odd-places/838244 "2019-08-07T13:03:14Z")
Friend of mine is the proud new landlord of a wren, who’s made a nest in one of my friend’s plants. I had one nesting in a spider plant hanging right by my front door, years ago. I even got to see the fledglings get the… --- ## [I have a bit of a cough - not sure what to do](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-bit-of-a-cough-not-sure-what-to-do/789747)
**Author:** [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2017, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-bit-of-a-cough-not-sure-what-to-do/789747 "2017-06-25T02:03:41Z")
I’ve had a bit of a cough since Friday the 16th of this month. I don’t think it’s anything serious or contagious, and I can still do most of my normal activities, but it’s worrying me a bit. It seems to be mostly a dry … --- ## [Does everyone have at least one form of decent exercise they'll enjoy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-everyone-have-at-least-one-form-of-decent-exercise-theyll-enjoy/838098)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2019, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-everyone-have-at-least-one-form-of-decent-exercise-theyll-enjoy/838098 "2019-08-06T21:35:07Z")
“Decent” meaning “excluding those stupid flimsy daytime TV advertised gimmicks and the once-a-week leisurely one block stroll to Starbucks.” Fitness folks like my old friend say it’s soooo important so you’ll stick with… --- ## [Any desk chair suggestions for a fat ass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-desk-chair-suggestions-for-a-fat-ass/525409)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2019, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-desk-chair-suggestions-for-a-fat-ass/525409 "2019-08-06T21:16:01Z")
So my back and shoulders hurt. I know why this is, my desk in which I sit chair sucks. It is a hard dinner table chair. I would like to get a real lumbar support desk chair. The issue is my ass after the squishing of sit… --- ## [Roth 401k question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roth-401k-question/836964)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2019, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roth-401k-question/836964 "2019-08-06T16:26:08Z")
(this may belong in GQ?) I understand the difference between Roths and traditional plans. What I’m unsure about is whether I should, at this late stage, bother switching part or all of my 401k contributions to Roths. M… --- ## [Insisting on being thanked cancels out your good deed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insisting-on-being-thanked-cancels-out-your-good-deed/838202)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2019, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insisting-on-being-thanked-cancels-out-your-good-deed/838202 "2019-08-06T16:25:09Z")
We go through a lot of doors in this city. I end up holding the door for someone probably 40 times a week and get the door held for me maybe 15 times. I see it happening in front of me probably two or three times that. I… --- ## [Is any part of traditional "news media" lost on you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-any-part-of-traditional-news-media-lost-on-you/838001)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2019, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-any-part-of-traditional-news-media-lost-on-you/838001 "2019-08-06T15:03:05Z")
I’m thinking about a traditional newspaper that has various sections, or a newscast that has different segments. Are there any areas of such media that you really wonder why anyone is interested in them? I’m regularly … --- ## [My microwave oven is making "cracking" noises while it runs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-microwave-oven-is-making-cracking-noises-while-it-runs/718533)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2019, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-microwave-oven-is-making-cracking-noises-while-it-runs/718533 "2019-08-06T04:53:35Z")
…is that a bad thing? It’s kind of a cheap oven and about 12 years old. When I put some chicken mole in it a little while ago to heat up, it made a big \*crack \*sound, and then as it ran for two minutes, there was a seri… --- ## [Twenty Hours In Boston](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twenty-hours-in-boston/838152)
**Author:** [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2019, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twenty-hours-in-boston/838152 "2019-08-06T00:23:52Z")
Hey all, I’m going to be visiting Boston just before Labor Day weekend, and I have a bit of time to kill before driving down to the Cape. I’ll be flying early Thursday evening, and leaving mid-afternoon Friday. What a… --- ## [Background check process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/background-check-process/838085)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2019, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/background-check-process/838085 "2019-08-05T23:37:15Z")
Do background checks for a job show a pending criminal charge or just convictions? I’ve heard various things so I was wondering if anyone has any experience. If the charge is for a pending misdemeanor is that considere… --- ## [Solar Energy Tax Credit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-energy-tax-credit/837895)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2019, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-energy-tax-credit/837895 "2019-08-05T23:27:03Z")
A relative of mine is thinking of installing a solar system on his house. He wants to take full advantage of the solar energy tax credit, however his income is low enough that he doesn’t pay much in taxes, and he wouldn’… --- ## [Middle-aged, forced into circle beard, or heavy beard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-aged-forced-into-circle-beard-or-heavy-beard/838190)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2019, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-aged-forced-into-circle-beard-or-heavy-beard/838190 "2019-08-04T21:10:55Z")
I never had any interest in the shaving bullshit. But especially in summer, the sweat, and itching of a full beard is not for me. So I have spent the last 15 or so summers with a 7-8mm trim. My facial hair has always bee… --- ## [What biological life forms are as good if not better at absorbing CO2 than trees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-biological-life-forms-are-as-good-if-not-better-at-absorbing-co2-than-trees/837849)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2019, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-biological-life-forms-are-as-good-if-not-better-at-absorbing-co2-than-trees/837849 "2019-08-04T19:52:15Z")
A big deal was made of how planting a trillion trees could counteract 25 years of climate change. A tree can absorb about 50 pounds of CO2 a year, or a ton of CO2 within the first 40 years of its life. So a trillion … --- ## [What is going on at the solar observatory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-at-the-solar-observatory/821353)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2019, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-at-the-solar-observatory/821353 "2019-08-04T16:11:09Z")
Putting this here because at this point it will all be speculation. So what’s the best guess about what is going on at the National Solar Observatory? Killer solar storm? Aliens? Terrorists? Aliens? Terrorist aliens? S… --- ## [Dealing with those who dominate conversations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-those-who-dominate-conversations/838134)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2019, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-those-who-dominate-conversations/838134 "2019-08-04T14:49:59Z")
I was at a gathering not too long ago where one of those present would not shut up. The guests of honor were forced to listen to the monologues. I interrupted a few times, directing questions to our guests - they weren’… --- ## [Is it time for Soda to resume using returnable Glass Bottles and charge a deposit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-for-soda-to-resume-using-returnable-glass-bottles-and-charge-a-deposit/837938)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2019, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-for-soda-to-resume-using-returnable-glass-bottles-and-charge-a-deposit/837938 "2019-08-04T11:09:39Z")
Soda came in a glass bottle for the first 20 years of my life. A small Depot was charged and bottles were returned to the grocery store. The deposit was refunded to the customer. The bottler collected & washed/sanitized… --- ## [Deprecating names of cities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deprecating-names-of-cities/614699)
**Author:** [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2019, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deprecating-names-of-cities/614699 "2019-08-04T07:06:39Z")
Inspired by this thread, what are some the uncomplimentary names of cities that people use to diss them? I’m inspired by the comment that Sacratomato was a name for Sacramento during the harvest season. I went to scho… --- ## [Good in the kitchen or good in the garage -- Which is more important to a partner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-in-the-kitchen-or-good-in-the-garage-which-is-more-important-to-a-partner/837874)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2019, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-in-the-kitchen-or-good-in-the-garage-which-is-more-important-to-a-partner/837874 "2019-08-04T01:21:23Z")
You find yourself at the mate-for-life vending machine. Biggus Dickus, Always-on Anna, Bankus Maximus, and Tall Bloke/Broad are all sold out, but you’re lonely and willing to take whatever’s left. Fortunately, you still… --- ## [Religious Dopers: When Do You Let Your Kids Opt Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-dopers-when-do-you-let-your-kids-opt-out/837624)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-dopers-when-do-you-let-your-kids-opt-out/837624 "2019-08-03T21:12:04Z")
Adam Sandler sings that his Bar Mitzvah was the best day of his life, “until three years later when my parents stopped making me go to Temple.” So he’d have been ~16 when his parents let him opt out.\* If you’re devoutly… --- ## [Dealing with the at-fault driver's insurance company](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-the-at-fault-drivers-insurance-company/837074)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-the-at-fault-drivers-insurance-company/837074 "2019-08-03T19:14:55Z")
On June 24, my wife and I bought a used car from a dealership. We negotiated the price, including all taxes and dealer fees, to an even $20,000. The car itself was like $18,600 of that. On June 25, less than 24 hours la… --- ## [reasoning for keyless pushbutton start on cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasoning-for-keyless-pushbutton-start-on-cars/836846)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasoning-for-keyless-pushbutton-start-on-cars/836846 "2019-08-03T18:48:28Z")
I think this will have a factual answer, so I post it here. WHat is the motivating practical reason why cars have moved to keyless entry and pushbutton start? I just bought a new vehicle and I really prefer the key rath… --- ## [Are there any good resources to learn ABOUT programming, but not HOW TO program?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-good-resources-to-learn-about-programming-but-not-how-to-program/838064)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-good-resources-to-learn-about-programming-but-not-how-to-program/838064 "2019-08-03T15:56:40Z")
Due to the fact that I know more about tech that the average person, I’ve fallen upwards at work to an analyst position between business and IT. I know enough, but I’d like to expand my knowledge so I’m not just smiling … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=379) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=381)