# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=384 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 385 --- ## [Does any company make a good AA rechargeable battery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-company-make-a-good-aa-rechargeable-battery/837409)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-company-make-a-good-aa-rechargeable-battery/837409 "2019-07-23T17:19:06Z")
I don’t know if its just me, but I’ve never used a rechargeable AA battery that I felt lasted anywhere near as long as a regular alkaline battery. I use them for a portable CD player (I like the nostalgia factor). Anywa… --- ## [what does it mean when you've say you've "been sober" for xx days/months/years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-when-youve-say-youve-been-sober-for-xx-days-months-years/837006)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-when-youve-say-youve-been-sober-for-xx-days-months-years/837006 "2019-07-23T15:31:59Z")
Asking this sincerely, since I’ve never understood exactly what that phrase constitutes. If you and the office team go celebrate a big accomplishment by heading off to the dive-bar around the corner, and you slap high-f… --- ## [What does "person of color" mean in 2019?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-person-of-color-mean-in-2019/837212)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-person-of-color-mean-in-2019/837212 "2019-07-23T13:20:20Z")
With the controversy surrounding Trump’s tweets about “The Squad,” the media have been describing these four representatives as “women of color.” In my recollection this phrase was first popularized in the 1970s to be mo… --- ## [Teach me to swear in other languages. Part 1: Interjections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teach-me-to-swear-in-other-languages-part-1-interjections/836225)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2019, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teach-me-to-swear-in-other-languages-part-1-interjections/836225 "2019-07-23T07:25:19Z")
Obviously, this thread will contain coarse, uncouth, and foul language. I woke up this morning, jumped out of bed, and my right calf immediately cramped. After yelling out, “FUCK,” and rousing my wife, I worked out the … --- ## [Confused about Vitamin A, please help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confused-about-vitamin-a-please-help/837451)
**Author:** [@Orr\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orr_G)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confused-about-vitamin-a-please-help/837451 "2019-07-22T23:42:03Z")
This might be more of a GQ type question, but I’m thinking that I might need my facts to be supplemented with advice in order for me to allay my confusion. I’ve been trying to improve my diet and nutrition lately, and t… --- ## [The Employer's View on LWOP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-employers-view-on-lwop/837191)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-employers-view-on-lwop/837191 "2019-07-22T22:00:11Z")
I work for a small employer. I was trying so hard to save my leave time to take week’s vacation (5 working days) later this summer. But, as they say about “the best laid plans”, I had to burn what I saved for medical re… --- ## [Renting DVD's thru the mail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renting-dvds-thru-the-mail/837379)
**Author:** [@Daylate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daylate)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renting-dvds-thru-the-mail/837379 "2019-07-22T21:24:03Z")
I am about to give up on Netflix. Lately I’ve been getting more and more notices that such-and-such a DVD has a “Very Long Wait”. And they’re not kidding - the wait is usually in months. Another common message is one r… --- ## [Why are American houses built so cheaply/poorly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-american-houses-built-so-cheaply-poorly/836460)
**Author:** [@Marcus\_Flavius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus_Flavius)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-american-houses-built-so-cheaply-poorly/836460 "2019-07-22T17:31:25Z")
Why does the richest nation in the world build such shoddy houses? The poor quality of American housing is quite frankly disgraceful. OSB, really? Fine for a shed or temporary dwelling, not a house. Asphalt roof shingles… --- ## [Help identifying odd leaves/flowers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-odd-leaves-flowers/837349)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-odd-leaves-flowers/837349 "2019-07-22T14:50:46Z")
I noticed these odd leaves (or maybe flowers?) growing from a vine (I think) that has worked its way up into a Texas mountain laurel tree. I live in South Texas. See pictures (there are two pics). The pics are a little w… --- ## [Which is more difficult, heat or cold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-more-difficult-heat-or-cold/837302)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-more-difficult-heat-or-cold/837302 "2019-07-22T14:01:01Z")
Because of the heat warning almost everywhere, my local news posted a poll saying what would be easier to take, too hot or too cold? I think theres too many variables, how hot, how cold, for how long are you out in it? … --- ## [Smart plug recommendations (specific needs outlined within)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-plug-recommendations-specific-needs-outlined-within/837317)
**Author:** [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-plug-recommendations-specific-needs-outlined-within/837317 "2019-07-22T10:56:10Z")
I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m in the market for a smart plug. Below are my “must haves” and my “deal breakers.” Thanks in advance for any experienced suggestions or recommendations! Must have \[ul\] \[li\]set up/co… --- ## [Is it safe for US patients to order drugs from Canadian pharmacies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-for-us-patients-to-order-drugs-from-canadian-pharmacies/482767)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-for-us-patients-to-order-drugs-from-canadian-pharmacies/482767 "2019-07-22T09:44:59Z")
(Note to mods: I’m not seeking medical advice as much as purchasing advice) Is it safe (from both a legal and a pharmaceutical point of view) for an American to order prescription meds from Canadian pharmacies? If so,… --- ## ["The most secure jobs will always be in careers that involve fixing something bad?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-secure-jobs-will-always-be-in-careers-that-involve-fixing-something-bad/837388)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-secure-jobs-will-always-be-in-careers-that-involve-fixing-something-bad/837388 "2019-07-22T06:16:13Z")
Can’t recall where I read it, but there had been a very convincing argument before that the safest careers will always be those that involve fixing something gone wrong, because they are independent of the state of the e… --- ## [Do you use a dash cam? What do I need to know before buying one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-dash-cam-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-buying-one/837227)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2019, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-dash-cam-what-do-i-need-to-know-before-buying-one/837227 "2019-07-22T01:11:05Z")
The title says it all. I’m thinking about getting a dash cam because you never know when someone on the road will do something stoopit. A quick scan shows they’re not very expensive, so it sounds like cheap insurance. … --- ## [Have you reached a point in your career where you just want to ride it out until retirement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-reached-a-point-in-your-career-where-you-just-want-to-ride-it-out-until-retirement/835197)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2019, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-reached-a-point-in-your-career-where-you-just-want-to-ride-it-out-until-retirement/835197 "2019-07-21T18:20:22Z")
I’ve been reading the thread in Mundane about people’s careers today vs. 2000. It occurred to me that I’m no longer interested in any major career changes. The computer field has changed so much since I started in the l… --- ## [Will Central and South America become civilized again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-central-and-south-america-become-civilized-again/836184)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2019, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-central-and-south-america-become-civilized-again/836184 "2019-07-21T13:07:06Z")
It seems to me that in the last 10 or 20 years many of the countries in Central and South America have descended into total anarchy. As a result large segments of the population are fleeing to the USA. Is the remaining… --- ## [End of Life paperwork.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-life-paperwork/837294)
**Author:** [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2019, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-life-paperwork/837294 "2019-07-21T02:46:53Z")
HELL-low, it’s been a while hasn’t it. Things are mostly the same for me, maybe a bit better, it’s hard to tell sometimes. A friend died a couple months ago and I’m having minor surgery next month, so the paperwork of l… --- ## [Forgotten slang from your childhood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forgotten-slang-from-your-childhood/643784)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2019, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forgotten-slang-from-your-childhood/643784 "2019-07-21T02:38:40Z")
Every once in a while a word or phrase from when I was growing up will pop into my head and I’ll use it in an e-mail to my brother. It always cracks him up. Today, for no apparent reason, the phrase “making butt” (for m… --- ## [How do modern businesses deal with the fact everyone is constantly texting now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-modern-businesses-deal-with-the-fact-everyone-is-constantly-texting-now/837297)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2019, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-modern-businesses-deal-with-the-fact-everyone-is-constantly-texting-now/837297 "2019-07-20T18:29:22Z")
Went to Dominos today to pick-up a pizza, and literally couldn’t get service for at least 3 minutes because EVERYONE working there was texting on their phones openly in public. I hit the little bell they had to alert the… --- ## [Does Any Culture Not Clap (To Applaud)? Does Any Culture Clap To Indicate Something Else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-culture-not-clap-to-applaud-does-any-culture-clap-to-indicate-something-else/837214)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2019, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-culture-not-clap-to-applaud-does-any-culture-clap-to-indicate-something-else/837214 "2019-07-20T13:53:08Z")
The six-month-old baby that Mrs. Homie babysits has learned to clap her hands together, doubtless imitating her parents and siblings who taught it to her. It’s been a part of Western culture to applaud by clapping hands … --- ## [General Contractors & insurance - advice wanted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-contractors-insurance-advice-wanted/837255)
**Author:** [@malden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/malden)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2019, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-contractors-insurance-advice-wanted/837255 "2019-07-20T08:35:08Z")
I’m looking for advice/stories on dealing with general contractors for home remodeling when insurance is involved. Long story to follow. We recently had a minor kitchen fire at our house. The repair work includes remova… --- ## [Why Could Angela Merkel have Tremors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-could-angela-merkel-have-tremors/836835)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2019, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-could-angela-merkel-have-tremors/836835 "2019-07-20T04:05:46Z")
I understand there has been a third public case of tremors today. She says she’s fine. You figure she must have more attacks while she was out of the public eye. She is 64 years old. A quick glance at Wikipedia did not … --- ## [There are no Good Books on Arson and Arsonists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-are-no-good-books-on-arson-and-arsonists/837293)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2019, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-are-no-good-books-on-arson-and-arsonists/837293 "2019-07-20T02:16:10Z")
Because of the recent attack in Japan, I went over to Amazon to find something on this subject. There is almost nothing available. There is nothing at all available on Kindle. Someone ought to write a book on arson, its… --- ## [How do hoomans use shower gel with no devices?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-hoomans-use-shower-gel-with-no-devices/837200)
**Author:** [@Calavera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Calavera)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-hoomans-use-shower-gel-with-no-devices/837200 "2019-07-19T21:44:03Z")
A basic question I should know the answer to already no doubt. However I grew up either using bar soap or shower gel and a sponge. In my entire adult life I have either used bar soap or shower gel with sponge. I had to t… --- ## [Teach me to swear in other languages. Part 2a: Personal Invective (Male)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teach-me-to-swear-in-other-languages-part-2a-personal-invective-male/837147)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teach-me-to-swear-in-other-languages-part-2a-personal-invective-male/837147 "2019-07-19T21:10:50Z")
Previous thread: Part 1: Interjections The first thread went a little bit far afield (as is the nature of such things), but I’m still going to try to do this by subject matter. So - what are your favorite things to shou… --- ## [Tips for recovering from open heart surgery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-recovering-from-open-heart-surgery/837241)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-recovering-from-open-heart-surgery/837241 "2019-07-19T16:01:05Z")
NOT for me! But one of my best friends just had a double bypass, less than a month after her 40th birthday :frowning: She’d had a mild heart attack in December and had stents placed, but thanks to her diabetes the stents… --- ## [Help diagnose our low water pressure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-diagnose-our-low-water-pressure/837231)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-diagnose-our-low-water-pressure/837231 "2019-07-19T04:30:41Z")
I live in a townhouse complex. My townhouse and my neighbor’s townhouse (in the same physical building) are having water pressure problems. Symptoms: whenever water is being used by more than 1 faucet / toilet / show… --- ## [new kitten adjustment period?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-kitten-adjustment-period/836513)
**Author:** [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-kitten-adjustment-period/836513 "2019-07-18T23:15:07Z")
Ten days ago, we brought home for the first time two Siamese kittens that we had bought from a breeder. They are three months old. My two kids (and us) were really looking forward to holding them, playing with them, etc.… --- ## [Home plumbing question - bathroom sink drain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-plumbing-question-bathroom-sink-drain/837161)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-plumbing-question-bathroom-sink-drain/837161 "2019-07-18T22:55:32Z")
I had occasion to (try to) take off the P trap on my bathroom sink. The nut leading up to the sink drainpipe came loose fine. While I was struggling with the nut leading to the wall pipe, the pipe to the wall just came o… --- ## [Neuralink - how remarkable were the announcements today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neuralink-how-remarkable-were-the-announcements-today/837199)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neuralink-how-remarkable-were-the-announcements-today/837199 "2019-07-18T21:08:04Z")
Today Elon Musk and his team at Neuralink made a presentation on their brain interface technology. Essentially they want to build a device that can be implanted in to the human brain that can restore bodily functions tha… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=383) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=385)