# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=45 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 46 --- ## [Mowing the lawn with a Weed Eater?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mowing-the-lawn-with-a-weed-eater/1020046)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2025, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mowing-the-lawn-with-a-weed-eater/1020046 "2025-07-13T15:58:28Z")
I have several neighbors who hire people to cut their grass, and the hired help use “weed trimmers.” OK, it gets the job done, but in all my years this is the first time I’ve ever noticed it. Is that common? I’ve alwa… --- ## [Looking for a way to save/transfer messages from cordless phone digital voicemail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-way-to-save-transfer-messages-from-cordless-phone-digital-voicemail/1020802)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2025, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-way-to-save-transfer-messages-from-cordless-phone-digital-voicemail/1020802 "2025-07-13T04:07:33Z")
Other than not deleting them, which we are doing. We have a cordless phone for our landline, and this has a digital voicemail system. We do not use the landline voicemail. Someone we know has sent us threatening voicema… --- ## [Why do we "launch" an investigation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-launch-an-investigation/1020705)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2025, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-launch-an-investigation/1020705 "2025-07-12T23:08:58Z")
Occasionally someone “opens” an investigation but it seems no one just “starts” one. --- ## [Soot exuded from skin for days after exposure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soot-exuded-from-skin-for-days-after-exposure/1020718)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2025, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soot-exuded-from-skin-for-days-after-exposure/1020718 "2025-07-12T01:08:55Z")
In theory this could be in FQ, but the question is medical, and speculative responses are welcome, so IMHO is. Here’s the deal: my friend had a house fire a few days ago and ended up with 2nd degree burns on her arm, fa… --- ## [Ideal computer graphics format for encoding desktop computing screenshots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-computer-graphics-format-for-encoding-desktop-computing-screenshots/1020667)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2025, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-computer-graphics-format-for-encoding-desktop-computing-screenshots/1020667 "2025-07-11T21:26:47Z")
Was/is/shall there soon be a graphics format that’s optimized for sharing general “office work”-type screenshots? By that, I mean your typical web browser screen, MS Excel, or other common desktop apps, which are usually… --- ## [What to do in Vancouver and Victoria](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-in-vancouver-and-victoria/1020315)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2025, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-in-vancouver-and-victoria/1020315 "2025-07-09T23:39:54Z")
We are planning a vacation to Victoria and Vancouver the first week in September. We only have a week, should we visit both cities or just one or the other? There are two existing threads about this, both have some goo… --- ## [Find Me a Cordless Drill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/find-me-a-cordless-drill/1020380)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2025, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/find-me-a-cordless-drill/1020380 "2025-07-09T21:35:21Z")
I need some help selecting a cordless drill for around $100. I suffered with the off-brand cordless drill long enough. The battery died after a year of charging cycles, I’m guessing. Bought another not expecting much. Di… --- ## [Has google driving navigation got noticeably worse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-google-driving-navigation-got-noticeably-worse/1020160)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2025, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-google-driving-navigation-got-noticeably-worse/1020160 "2025-07-09T20:34:59Z")
I’ve used google navigation for years and it’s the kind of tool that one takes for granted because it just works. However, my last 7-8 journeys have all featured some errors e.g. telling me to get into the wrong lane, o… --- ## [Are Realtors/real estate agents REALLY worth 6% of the sale price of my home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-realtors-real-estate-agents-really-worth-6-of-the-sale-price-of-my-home/932382)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 282\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2025, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-realtors-real-estate-agents-really-worth-6-of-the-sale-price-of-my-home/932382 "2025-07-09T17:49:14Z")
We’re about to sell our house, and in the age of Zillow, Trulia, etc., I really question how much value agents provide me as a seller. ISTM that in the pre-Internet days, agents did a lot more to bring buyers and sellers… --- ## [Car repair expert opinions desired: alternator test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-repair-expert-opinions-desired-alternator-test/1020552)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2025, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-repair-expert-opinions-desired-alternator-test/1020552 "2025-07-09T13:49:52Z")
A quick and dirty AutoZone test on my 2000 Civic failed me on the alternator “charging current” item. I haven’t had serious or consistent issues with starting the car, but considering that I’m thinking of driving a coupl… --- ## [Real-world examples of 'Ummm, acktually, It's X, not Y' nitpicks, and discussion about them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-world-examples-of-ummm-acktually-its-x-not-y-nitpicks-and-discussion-about-them/1019326)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 411\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2025, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-world-examples-of-ummm-acktually-its-x-not-y-nitpicks-and-discussion-about-them/1019326 "2025-07-09T00:56:19Z")
Seen this a lot in internet arguments; for example ‘Actually, it’s a square not a rectangle’ - the object being discussed may indeed be a square, but squares are rectangles; so it’s both. Sometimes it goes the other way… --- ## [HVAC fan runs continiusly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-fan-runs-continiusly/1020606)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2025, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-fan-runs-continiusly/1020606 "2025-07-08T21:10:15Z")
My fan did work sometime in the past Yes, I tried switching the fan control from “on” to “auto” and back The fan runs even if the thermostat is removed from base I read ~24V between the green terminal and RC/RH\* at the … --- ## [YouTube is now flooded with AI fakery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-is-now-flooded-with-ai-fakery/1020581)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2025, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-is-now-flooded-with-ai-fakery/1020581 "2025-07-08T19:48:50Z")
If it’s interesting, bizarre, amazing or unusual, chances now are that it’s fake. :frowning: --- ## [The AI Help Desk: Practical Questions & Assistance on all things AI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ai-help-desk-practical-questions-assistance-on-all-things-ai/1020140)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2025, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ai-help-desk-practical-questions-assistance-on-all-things-ai/1020140 "2025-07-08T02:11:38Z")
This is thread to request, and offer assistance with, AI. This is not a thread to complain about AI, its training models, its use on Facebook Reels, or other criticisms. We have plenty of those already, may I suggest th… --- ## [How do your kids feel about the future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-your-kids-feel-about-the-future/1019775)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2025, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-your-kids-feel-about-the-future/1019775 "2025-07-08T01:01:45Z")
Those of you with kids, especially any younger than their 20s or so… how do they feel about the future? Is there any difference between how they feel about their own future vs that of the greater community/country/world … --- ## [The association between coolness and hedonism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-association-between-coolness-and-hedonism/1020598)
**Author:** [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2025, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-association-between-coolness-and-hedonism/1020598 "2025-07-07T23:01:30Z")
This is referring to that CNN article. Being hedonistic essentially about taking advantage of what life has to offer. Some of these pleasures have long arc like falling in love and getting married. Then there are more… --- ## [Why was Al Gore's "lockbox" for Social Security a bad idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-al-gores-lockbox-for-social-security-a-bad-idea/1020531)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2025, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-al-gores-lockbox-for-social-security-a-bad-idea/1020531 "2025-07-07T22:57:13Z")
This may be naive…but why a bad idea? When Al Gore proposed this in the 2000 election he caught a lot of criticism for it. It was a naive notion, it can’t work…something something something. I am NOT arguing it is a g… --- ## [What if the population of Ethiopia vanished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-population-of-ethiopia-vanished/1020415)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2025, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-population-of-ethiopia-vanished/1020415 "2025-07-07T07:09:07Z")
What if the population of Ethiopia instantly vanished today? What would happen next? How would the international community react? How would Ethiopia’s neighbors react? What geopolitical effects would this have? --- ## [Once my headlight has been restored, it's supposed to stay restored isn't it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-my-headlight-has-been-restored-its-supposed-to-stay-restored-isnt-it/1020559)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2025, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-my-headlight-has-been-restored-its-supposed-to-stay-restored-isnt-it/1020559 "2025-07-07T01:16:21Z")
About a year ago I got my headlight replaced. My other headlight by comparison looked dingy. So I went to a detail shop and had the older one restored. A year later it looks dingy again while the other one still looks… --- ## [iPhone battery replacements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-battery-replacements/1018837)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2025, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-battery-replacements/1018837 "2025-07-07T00:00:58Z")
Anyone know anything about replacement iPhone batteries? My phone is an iPhone 12 Pro that I’ve been using for about 4 1/2 years. The maximum capacity on the Battery Health & Charging screen says it’s at 82%. I had some… --- ## [Wikipedia editors: An ethics question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-editors-an-ethics-question/1020562)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2025, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-editors-an-ethics-question/1020562 "2025-07-06T22:09:34Z")
I am an occasional, but far from expert, editor on Wikipedia. I understand that one is not supposed to post original research there, and that content should be properly cited with neutral sources, etc. In a certain cont… --- ## [What silly fads have you enjoyed and/or participated in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-silly-fads-have-you-enjoyed-and-or-participated-in/1020102)
**Author:** [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2025, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-silly-fads-have-you-enjoyed-and-or-participated-in/1020102 "2025-07-06T03:08:03Z")
I commented to a friend the other day that I don’t understand the appeal of Labubus (these goofy-looking dolls that are currently popular with adults). I was similarly baffled about the Stanley cup craze. But it occurs t… --- ## [Anyone have any experience with an on-the-grid Wind Turbine for the home (in the last 10 years please)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-experience-with-an-on-the-grid-wind-turbine-for-the-home-in-the-last-10-years-please/1020545)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2025, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-experience-with-an-on-the-grid-wind-turbine-for-the-home-in-the-last-10-years-please/1020545 "2025-07-06T01:44:51Z")
I’m thinking about a Wind Turbine, my area is windy enough for it, I’m on the Jersey Bayshore. It appears the town allows it. But not sure how noisy, how expensive and how much maintenance. Solar Panels were very passi… --- ## [Dopers in cross-cultural relationships: Does your SO gatekeep their culture from you (or vice versa)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-in-cross-cultural-relationships-does-your-so-gatekeep-their-culture-from-you-or-vice-versa/1020375)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2025, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-in-cross-cultural-relationships-does-your-so-gatekeep-their-culture-from-you-or-vice-versa/1020375 "2025-07-06T00:45:35Z")
I’ve come to learn that, though Mrs. Homie and were both raised lower middle class, culturally Protestant, Midwestern Americans. Nevertheless, we have some cultural differences that have come to light in our marriage, me… --- ## [Any help with Google Play refund?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-help-with-google-play-refund/1020544)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2025, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-help-with-google-play-refund/1020544 "2025-07-05T21:22:03Z")
I signed up for Speechify on Google Play. I did the free trial, which would be billed at a hundred bucks when it expired. I canceled it the same minute I bought it so I wouldn’t accidentally get billed. I accidentally g… --- ## [Hey people... where is this (American) accent from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-people-where-is-this-american-accent-from/1020203)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-people-where-is-this-american-accent-from/1020203 "2025-07-04T23:36:26Z")
This guy has an unusual (to me) accent. (I think he says he’s in Baltimore.) --- ## [Those stealth bombers and Iran](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-stealth-bombers-and-iran/1020369)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-stealth-bombers-and-iran/1020369 "2025-07-04T18:29:00Z")
Trump and Kegbreath were so defensive in the presser after the bombing that it makes me think they were spinning as hard as they could. I couldn’t fly a stealth bomber, but what does a trained crew in one of those do whe… --- ## [I've issued an apology to Mike Lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-issued-an-apology-to-mike-lee/1020500)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-issued-an-apology-to-mike-lee/1020500 "2025-07-04T18:26:31Z")
I just hope he doesn’t try to sue me. I’m not exactly rolling in dough. --- ## [Trump bitches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-bitches/1020494)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-bitches/1020494 "2025-07-04T18:24:36Z")
I’ve decided that, should I have reason to mention a Republican elected official, it will no longer be like, “Republican Mike Lee from Utah”. It’ll be “Mike Lee, trump bitch from Utah”. Fuck Republican fuck MAGA. They’re… --- ## [Scary toys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scary-toys/1020087)
**Author:** [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scary-toys/1020087 "2025-07-04T16:31:00Z")
I was talking with a friend about a short story called “The Monkey”, by Stephen King, and he told me it reminded him of a spooky stuffed monkey he used to have, fortunately without the deadly cymbals. (We also agreed th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=44) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=46)