# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=393 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 394 --- ## [visiting NW New York State-Ithaca area](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visiting-nw-new-york-state-ithaca-area/834891)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2019, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visiting-nw-new-york-state-ithaca-area/834891 "2019-06-18T03:54:43Z")
I will be in Pa. for a couple of weeks in July. I am interested in taking a couple of overnight trips to NW New York for the excellent reason that I have never been there. I see on the map that Ithaca NY, Watkins Glen, S… --- ## [Writing to prison inmates as pen pals - what to be mindful of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-to-prison-inmates-as-pen-pals-what-to-be-mindful-of/833815)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2019, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-to-prison-inmates-as-pen-pals-what-to-be-mindful-of/833815 "2019-06-18T03:08:11Z")
I have not gotten involved with a church prison ministry yet, but I have considered writing letters to prison inmates (people I don’t know and have no connection) as pen-pal ministry. What are the risks involved, and wh… --- ## [Theories, processes, solutions, etc. named for 2 people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theories-processes-solutions-etc-named-for-2-people/835610)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theories-processes-solutions-etc-named-for-2-people/835610 "2019-06-17T22:51:36Z")
…with a general description to prevent people from having to google it. Modigliani-Miller theorem - the basis for corporate financial structure management; shows that, under perfect conditions, a company’s value is not … --- ## [What kinds of things do you keep in your attic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kinds-of-things-do-you-keep-in-your-attic/835010)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kinds-of-things-do-you-keep-in-your-attic/835010 "2019-06-17T21:27:02Z")
For the first time, we own a house that has an attic that actually has usable space above the garage. To get to it, you have to climb one of those tri-fold ladders that collapse up into the ceiling. I know that it’s tr… --- ## [I want to use a Raspberry as a surrogate laptop on a trip. Good or bad idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-use-a-raspberry-as-a-surrogate-laptop-on-a-trip-good-or-bad-idea/835616)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-use-a-raspberry-as-a-surrogate-laptop-on-a-trip-good-or-bad-idea/835616 "2019-06-17T17:42:07Z")
I’ll be going on an extended five-week trip, hopping from city to city and hotel to hotel, soon, and I’d like to take a computer with me. No serious work to be done, just for browsing the web idly in the evenings, sendin… --- ## [Do you often text/call/FaceTime people in multiple countries everyday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-often-text-call-facetime-people-in-multiple-countries-everyday/835594)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-often-text-call-facetime-people-in-multiple-countries-everyday/835594 "2019-06-17T16:55:31Z")
For me, the answer is yes. I’m in contact with friends in the UK and Canada every single day. Most of my friends are travel addicts like I am, so I’ve texted two of my UK friends today, one visiting Australia, the other … --- ## [Leather jacket question (for 50+ dopers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leather-jacket-question-for-50-dopers/832971)
**Author:** [@Kennedy1960](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kennedy1960)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2019, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leather-jacket-question-for-50-dopers/832971 "2019-04-28T03:13:29Z")
So I have a question as a younger person: In a lot of mob tv series or movies set in the 60s or 70s, the mafiso’s go-to attire is a leather jacket, usually cut in a punk or mod style. Even the older or middle aged guys. … --- ## [Documentaries about the Soviet Union during the cold war](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/documentaries-about-the-soviet-union-during-the-cold-war/835624)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2019, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/documentaries-about-the-soviet-union-during-the-cold-war/835624 "2019-06-16T23:04:18Z")
Having recently watched some documentaries about the Russian revolution and then about Stalin, I’m having trouble finding documentaries that pick off after Stalin’s death and covers the time until the fall of the Soviet … --- ## [Should drunk drivers get the death penalty if they kill someone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-drunk-drivers-get-the-death-penalty-if-they-kill-someone/835182)
**Author:** [@scarface54345](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scarface54345)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2019, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-drunk-drivers-get-the-death-penalty-if-they-kill-someone/835182 "2019-06-16T20:58:59Z")
Should drunk drivers get the death penalty if they kill someone? --- ## [Help with a Savannah Georgia trip, november](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-savannah-georgia-trip-november/835483)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2019, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-savannah-georgia-trip-november/835483 "2019-06-16T19:23:09Z")
The 20th anniversary is coming up and I’d like to plan a trip to Savannah. I’d like to stay in something more special than a regular hotel, so would consider a fancier hotel or a bed & breakfast. (as reference we stayed… --- ## [Do you excel at anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-excel-at-anything/835377)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-excel-at-anything/835377 "2019-06-15T21:34:10Z")
I’m not suggesting things you are pretty good at, but things you are REALLY good at - better than most people who do that thing. For example, I’ve been a pretty good golfer at times throughout my life, but I’ve only bee… --- ## [WHy do old people....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-old-people/835443)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-old-people/835443 "2019-06-15T20:51:59Z")
Does anyone have any theories on why elderly people do certain things? Its got me wondering why 1. Why do the elderly go to bed so early and 2. Why do they drive so slow. Anyone? --- ## [Can you explain this phone scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-explain-this-phone-scam/835527)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-explain-this-phone-scam/835527 "2019-06-15T18:24:12Z")
With reference to I Still Don’t Know How I Got Caught Up…, can anyone suggest the reason behind it? To sum up briefly, a homeowner in Greeley, Colorado was getting phone calls from people wanting to hire her as an exter… --- ## [We're considering moving to Columbus, Ohio. What say you, locals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-considering-moving-to-columbus-ohio-what-say-you-locals/835430)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-considering-moving-to-columbus-ohio-what-say-you-locals/835430 "2019-06-15T15:23:21Z")
Back in 2013, my wife and I lived outside of Cincinnati, OH. We really liked it…but life intervened. My office closed and we relocated to Denver. Denver was great for many - but not us, and we managed to get transferr… --- ## [Writing style: When to use "there is"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-style-when-to-use-there-is/835424)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-style-when-to-use-there-is/835424 "2019-06-15T14:29:16Z")
In which situations would you choose one of these sentence structures over the other? There is a blue cat on the piano. A blue cat is on the piano. There exists a blue cat on the piano. --- ## [Should I get a cover for my gas grill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-a-cover-for-my-gas-grill/722076)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2015, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-a-cover-for-my-gas-grill/722076 "2015-06-10T20:37:50Z")
hope this is the right forum…we just got a new (little) propane grill, a Coleman Road Trip. We keep it out on the deck. I don’t know whether to get a cover for it or not, some say yes, some say no. Some say a cover is… --- ## [Summer Scotland trip--suggestions, please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/summer-scotland-trip-suggestions-please/827481)
**Author:** [@Emiliana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emiliana)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/summer-scotland-trip-suggestions-please/827481 "2019-06-15T06:00:48Z")
I’m planning a two-week trip to Scotland in the early summer. The general plan is to spend a few days in Edinburgh and the rest of the time driving around the country to the north of the city. I’ve never been before, s… --- ## [I'm not a stalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-a-stalker/815231)
**Author:** [@LiveFree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LiveFree)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-a-stalker/815231 "2019-06-15T05:11:22Z")
Tell me if you think these are stalking. A lady friend is upset at me and thinks I’m a stalker. The below is over the course of about 6 months. An employee at the gym (John)…his father lost his job of about 35 years a… --- ## [If You Could Set a Time Machine to Any Date?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-set-a-time-machine-to-any-date/835262)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-set-a-time-machine-to-any-date/835262 "2019-06-15T04:22:19Z")
This idea actually came up when I was still in HS and I saw the movie Back to the Future. The characters in the movie could set the time machine to any date they wanted. First they set it to December 25, 0 A.D. to witnes… --- ## [Other than London and NYC, any open-air pedways?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-than-london-and-nyc-any-open-air-pedways/835508)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-than-london-and-nyc-any-open-air-pedways/835508 "2019-06-14T20:57:18Z")
So last time I was in London I visited the National Theatre area which is a great example of modernist architecture and also has elevated concrete patios which remind me of the elevated pedway at SUNY Fredonia where I gr… --- ## [I would never go to X if they didn’t have Y](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-never-go-to-x-if-they-didn-t-have-y/835045)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-never-go-to-x-if-they-didn-t-have-y/835045 "2019-06-14T20:56:09Z")
I remember reading an article that suggested the McDonald’s had planned on eliminating the Filet O Fish, or relegating it to a seasonal menu (like the McRib). I thought to myself that I would never go to McDonald’s if t… --- ## [Are any Yeti products worth the price?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-any-yeti-products-worth-the-price/835404)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-any-yeti-products-worth-the-price/835404 "2019-06-14T19:23:58Z")
We only have one Yeti stainless steel tumbler (it was a gift from the mortgage company for financing our house) and it’s nice and keeps drinks cold for a long time but I can’t imagine that it’s 2 or 3 times better that a… --- ## [Tell me about folding electric scooters for adults](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-folding-electric-scooters-for-adults/835461)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-folding-electric-scooters-for-adults/835461 "2019-06-14T17:56:50Z")
So I just started a new job, and my current commute involves a mile to the train downtown (there is a bus, but it’s erratic enough that I usually walk), about 25 minutes on the train, and then 3/4 of a mile on foot downt… --- ## [Why does the UK hate Trump so much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-uk-hate-trump-so-much/835138)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-uk-hate-trump-so-much/835138 "2019-06-14T17:43:09Z")
I get that Trump is an easy person to hate. But with the Baby Trump balloons and the tens of thousands showing up at protests, it leaves me with the impression their distaste for Trump is more of a personal nature. Oh … --- ## [Have you ever driven drunk before?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-driven-drunk-before/835086)
**Author:** [@scarface54345](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scarface54345)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-driven-drunk-before/835086 "2019-06-14T15:24:55Z")
What were the details in your situation? --- ## [I'm doing X to raise money for (or awareness of) Y](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-doing-x-to-raise-money-for-or-awareness-of-y/835475)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-doing-x-to-raise-money-for-or-awareness-of-y/835475 "2019-06-14T14:57:05Z")
I’ve never really gotten the point of any of these campaigns, and don’t see why I should give more money than I would otherwise give to some cause just because someone decided to walk/run/jog/swim/whatever. Either it’s a… --- ## [Are any new gas cans worth a damn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-any-new-gas-cans-worth-a-damn/835201)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-any-new-gas-cans-worth-a-damn/835201 "2019-06-14T10:10:45Z")
Since this isn’t the pit, I’ll just ask for recommendations for gas cans. I’ve tried the ones that have a slide on the side that you have to hook onto whatever you’re filling and it allows the gas to flow (in theory) and… --- ## [How many years of high school math do students need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-years-of-high-school-math-do-students-need/835373)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-years-of-high-school-math-do-students-need/835373 "2019-06-13T20:17:42Z")
Back when I was in high school in the 80’s in Missouri we only had to take 1 credit in math. Now my son takes 3 - algebra 1, algebra 2, and one other like trigonometry or geometry. Granted in many fields like engineerin… --- ## [Let's play doctor. (Couple dies from mystery illness in Fiji.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-play-doctor-couple-dies-from-mystery-illness-in-fiji/835200)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-play-doctor-couple-dies-from-mystery-illness-in-fiji/835200 "2019-06-13T17:56:04Z")
A Texas couple die in Fiji. Symptoms include vomiting for 8 hours, diarrhea, and numb hands. Speculation? --- ## [Does the statement "the door was closed over" mean anything to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-statement-the-door-was-closed-over-mean-anything-to-you/834747)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-statement-the-door-was-closed-over-mean-anything-to-you/834747 "2019-06-13T12:15:33Z")
The door was closed over. Two of my friends are debating about this turn of phrase, which one uses and the other thinks is something only friend 1 says. The friend who uses it \*was \*able to find a video clip of the phra… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=392) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=394)