# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=389 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 390 --- ## [Buddhism and Loneliness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buddhism-and-loneliness/835273)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buddhism-and-loneliness/835273 "2019-07-04T00:26:23Z")
I’m not really sure how Buddhism helps deal with feelings like this. The responses I get range from: “The cause are mental fabrications that fabricate loneliness. Stop fabricating mental fabrications that fabricate lone… --- ## [What's happening with SSM in your church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-happening-with-ssm-in-your-church/679976)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-happening-with-ssm-in-your-church/679976 "2019-07-03T21:44:43Z")
This is not a thread for arguing for or against same-sex marriage. I’m just interested in what is happening at various denominations regarding same-sex marriage. I know there was just an announcement in the United Meth… --- ## [If my bank account said $X, I would retire today.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-my-bank-account-said-x-i-would-retire-today/836398)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-my-bank-account-said-x-i-would-retire-today/836398 "2019-07-03T19:47:42Z")
What is the minimum you would have to be given to retire today and not work another day in your life? I am young (mid-30s), have young kids, live in a high cost of living area, and am pretty conservative about risk. I … --- ## [For Electric Shaver User Guys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-electric-shaver-user-guys/478786)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2008, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-electric-shaver-user-guys/478786 "2008-12-27T00:57:01Z")
How much time do you spend shaving? I have a light beard and it takes me about 9 minutes on he average and I use a Braun 360 Complete. A razor shave is about 4 minutes. Thanks Q --- ## [Hoarding and untidiness in teenage rooms. Are they modern illnesses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoarding-and-untidiness-in-teenage-rooms-are-they-modern-illnesses/835976)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoarding-and-untidiness-in-teenage-rooms-are-they-modern-illnesses/835976 "2019-07-03T13:34:41Z")
Lets look at Hoarding at home. Some of the TV programmes ( usually within the last decade) shows Hoarders to be mainly older folk who cannot control their untidy homes and make it even more untidy, room by room until the… --- ## ["Creepy men" at Walmart](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creepy-men-at-walmart/836160)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 180\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creepy-men-at-walmart/836160 "2019-07-02T15:05:22Z")
There’s a post going around the interwebs, from a woman, who suggests, apparently seriously, that if there is a “creepy man” at Walmart, rather than complain to management, instead the woman should: spray cooking oil in… --- ## [Huh? A car service shop NOT wanting my money? (Telling me to hold back on servicing until later)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huh-a-car-service-shop-not-wanting-my-money-telling-me-to-hold-back-on-servicing-until-later/836318)
**Author:** [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huh-a-car-service-shop-not-wanting-my-money-telling-me-to-hold-back-on-servicing-until-later/836318 "2019-07-02T12:44:55Z")
Thought about bumping this thread from last summer but the general thrust is the opposite of it, so here’s the deal… So… due to my unexpected relocation for work taking aspects of permanence, I decided to acquire a car.… --- ## [Did the golden age of flying actually suck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-golden-age-of-flying-actually-suck/836038)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-golden-age-of-flying-actually-suck/836038 "2019-07-02T01:46:03Z")
On a recent flight from Manchester UK to Philadelphia, the flight didn’t have the usual seatback entertainment that I expect on any long haul flight these days. Instead, it still had a few screens that showed a couple of… --- ## [So, why have the national anthem at sporting events anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-have-the-national-anthem-at-sporting-events-anyway/797303)
**Author:** [@StraightTalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StraightTalk)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-have-the-national-anthem-at-sporting-events-anyway/797303 "2019-07-02T01:07:47Z")
These aren’t government sponsored or involved events. Why should the national anthem be a part of it in the first place. “Because we’ve always done it.” is not a good reason. --- ## [What will we call "self driving cars"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-we-call-self-driving-cars/836174)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-we-call-self-driving-cars/836174 "2019-07-02T00:06:42Z")
I can imagine a day when standard cars share the road with self driving cars, similar to the way ICE (internal combustion engine) cars share the road with EVs (electric vehicles) and Hybrids (cars that are both ICE and E… --- ## [Of Surge Protectors & Extension Cords](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surge-protectors-extension-cords/836321)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surge-protectors-extension-cords/836321 "2019-07-01T20:08:30Z")
What does the SD have to say about the following scenarios: (1) From a safety point of view? (2) Best surge protection practices? Consider: A) Plugging an extension cord into a surge protector which plugs directly in… --- ## [Reasonable number of guests at a baby shower](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasonable-number-of-guests-at-a-baby-shower/369576)
**Author:** [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasonable-number-of-guests-at-a-baby-shower/369576 "2019-07-01T14:28:48Z")
Whats the maximum number of guests that is reasonable to expect a mother in law and sister in laws to have to a baby shower? Somebody is being throwing a baby shower by a friend that includes 35 workers. This is shower … --- ## [Pronouncing "foreign language" words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronouncing-foreign-language-words/835675)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronouncing-foreign-language-words/835675 "2019-07-01T08:00:56Z")
I’m American, with no ability to speak more than a few words in any other language. Increasingly, it seems non-American names are being used for places and people in print and speaking. At times, it sort of surprises m… --- ## [A Question About People Interacting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-people-interacting/836211)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-people-interacting/836211 "2019-06-30T22:57:38Z")
I put this here because even though it seems like there should be a solid factual answer, I’m not at all certain that there is. Maybe it’s not even possible. So my question is this; What is the (possibly speculative) … --- ## [Is Buckwheat (the character, not the grain) offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-buckwheat-the-character-not-the-grain-offensive/836048)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-buckwheat-the-character-not-the-grain-offensive/836048 "2019-06-30T21:11:49Z")
Early this morning I had a :confused::smack::o moment when I got to wondering if the character, Buckwheat from the Our Gang tv showsis considered racially offensive (for anyone who doesn’t know, my user name and photo ar… --- ## [I have a strep throat test done today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-strep-throat-test-done-today/836247)
**Author:** [@sara20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sara20)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-strep-throat-test-done-today/836247 "2019-06-30T20:39:59Z")
In the past when they did strep throat swab tests on me they stick 2 swabs in your throat at the same time, one for the rapid strep test and one for the culture. I went to a new doctor today and they used only one swab, … --- ## [Town Home vs Single Home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/town-home-vs-single-home/835970)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/town-home-vs-single-home/835970 "2019-06-30T14:38:14Z")
We have a new-ish development across the street from us that is mostly double townhomes. I think that’s what they would be called. Full-sized homes with attached garages. The garages are built between the 2 homes. The… --- ## [More Travel Advice: Sydney, Aus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-travel-advice-sydney-aus/836154)
**Author:** [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-travel-advice-sydney-aus/836154 "2019-06-30T05:38:40Z")
In about a month I’m headed off to Sydney - my husband has business there and my 19 year old daughterish and I are going along for the ride (my son has to work and can’t get the ten days off) I know its Winter in Sydney… --- ## [Tell me about East Los Angeles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-east-los-angeles/831332)
**Author:** [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-east-los-angeles/831332 "2019-06-30T05:30:20Z")
My sister and I are visiting a cousin in East LA this July. We’re both flying from the eastern time zone, and will stay for three or four nights. I assume our cousin will have an agenda planned, so I don’t really need … --- ## [What do you do when you get a nasty piece of food in your mouth in a nice restaurant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-when-you-get-a-nasty-piece-of-food-in-your-mouth-in-a-nice-restaurant/836172)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-when-you-get-a-nasty-piece-of-food-in-your-mouth-in-a-nice-restaurant/836172 "2019-06-29T22:53:51Z")
This happens so often, I’m surprised I couldn’t find a thread. I’m sure you’ve all dealt with this. This example involves steak, but this can be an issue in many places. You go to one of the best steakhouses in the ci… --- ## [Is Neil DeGrasse Tyson a genius? Or, just a very charismatic personality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-neil-degrasse-tyson-a-genius-or-just-a-very-charismatic-personality/683520)
**Author:** [@kstarnes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kstarnes)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-neil-degrasse-tyson-a-genius-or-just-a-very-charismatic-personality/683520 "2019-06-29T21:01:37Z")
I’m not qualified to answer that question. All I know is that he’s good at what he does, which is to popularize astronomy and science. I suppose in that sense he’s a genius but is he a genius in the way that we usually u… --- ## [What's so great about middle/high school boys that makes the sex worth it for teachers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-middle-high-school-boys-that-makes-the-sex-worth-it-for-teachers/836086)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-middle-high-school-boys-that-makes-the-sex-worth-it-for-teachers/836086 "2019-06-29T20:56:52Z")
I’m honestly asking why so many female teachers seem to fall into actual love and sleep with their students. Males with younger females makes sense because almost all of the time they’re predatory and looking for somebod… --- ## [1st time Ireland, England, Norway; advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-time-ireland-england-norway-advice/836014)
**Author:** [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-time-ireland-england-norway-advice/836014 "2019-06-29T16:13:02Z")
We’re taking the European vacation once again. You folks were so helpful with Austria, Czech and Poland last time, now it’s Ireland, England and Norway in July. Yes, the latter is a little farther afield, but my grandpar… --- ## [Longest Flu You've Had?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-flu-youve-had/836215)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-flu-youve-had/836215 "2019-06-29T15:35:39Z")
And what did you do about it? (Besides going to the doctor, which is not a choice for me) I feel better when I sweat a bit, as I sat outside on my porch for a bit. Those who don’t believe in “sweating it out” usually ju… --- ## [Difference Between "Comprehend" and "Apprehend"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-comprehend-and-apprehend/836222)
**Author:** [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-comprehend-and-apprehend/836222 "2019-06-29T13:24:51Z")
As the second and third definitions at Merriam-webster.com read, “apprehend” is essentially synonymous with “comprehend” as the latter word is normally used. What is the difference in connotation in your understanding? I… --- ## [Who should be in the London mascot race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-be-in-the-london-mascot-race/836201)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-should-be-in-the-london-mascot-race/836201 "2019-06-29T13:16:59Z")
You may know that there are going to be Major League Baseball games in London this weekend. What you may not now is they’re also going to have a mascot race. The contestants seem pretty random, so why don’t we pick a b… --- ## [Does price matter when buying a TV wall mount?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-price-matter-when-buying-a-tv-wall-mount/835990)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2019, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-price-matter-when-buying-a-tv-wall-mount/835990 "2019-06-28T21:30:59Z")
I want to mount my 58" TV to the wall. Because of the location, I will need a “full motion” mounting solution. I also want to buy one that can accommodate a larger or heavier TV to “future-proof” this installation. Th… --- ## [Eliminating Cross-Contamination in Operating Room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminating-cross-contamination-in-operating-room/835932)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2019, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminating-cross-contamination-in-operating-room/835932 "2019-06-28T20:21:34Z")
Back story: Last May - in the year of our lord 2019, my small Podunk town hospital/ER took one or two looks at me and abruptly send me to Big City hospital with cuter nurses and a better menu. I have been here ever sinc… --- ## [Tell me about your experience as a landlord](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-experience-as-a-landlord/836051)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2019, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-experience-as-a-landlord/836051 "2019-06-28T20:09:13Z")
My wife and I recently purchased and moved into a house. It has a full apartment in the basement with a separate entrance, and we’ll be renting it out, while living in the rest of the house. We’re thinking of trying to… --- ## [Your home: What outweighs the natural disaster potential?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-home-what-outweighs-the-natural-disaster-potential/835888)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2019, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-home-what-outweighs-the-natural-disaster-potential/835888 "2019-06-28T18:59:12Z")
Pretty much every place on earth has the potential for some sort of natural disaster. California and Japan are famous for earthquakes; many southern states and the Caribbean are highly vulnerable to hurricanes; there’s … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=388) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=390)