# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=531 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 532 --- ## [Need some advice about losing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-some-advice-about-losing/807092)
**Author:** [@Quasimodal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodal)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2018, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-some-advice-about-losing/807092 "2018-01-24T16:12:46Z")
This may sound a little weird. But I’m seeking advice about losing and giving up on dreams. I’m involved in a dance community called west coast swing. I fell in love with the dance style 4ish years ago. I have practiced,… --- ## [What kind of YouTube videos do you (mostly) never get tired of watching?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-youtube-videos-do-you-mostly-never-get-tired-of-watching/806371)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-youtube-videos-do-you-mostly-never-get-tired-of-watching/806371 "2018-01-24T15:46:54Z")
Mine are glass blowing, people hearing for the first time, and people using those glasses that let color-blind people see colors for the first time. --- ## [Belk Dept Stores - aren't allowing Salvation Army Kettles this Christmas. Any opinions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belk-dept-stores-arent-allowing-salvation-army-kettles-this-christmas-any-opinions/803451)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2018, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belk-dept-stores-arent-allowing-salvation-army-kettles-this-christmas-any-opinions/803451 "2018-01-24T12:17:35Z")
Fox is reporting this story with no explanation and typical outrage. It’s easily found. I don’t see a need to link to it. This thread isn’t about how Fox covers the news. I finally tracked down a more balanced article t… --- ## [Best free CD burner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-free-cd-burner/790776)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2017, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-free-cd-burner/790776 "2017-07-09T16:07:46Z")
Or should I get a license. Is there one that’s great? --- ## [Experiences with bamboo flooring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experiences-with-bamboo-flooring/625021)
**Author:** [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2013, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experiences-with-bamboo-flooring/625021 "2013-10-24T12:17:31Z")
I’m hoping to eliminate all carpeting in my house. I’ve got hot water radiators and no forced air, so getting an low allergen home can be a reality if I eliminate the carpet. Cork does not appeal to me whatsoever and de… --- ## [What are likely economic scenarios over the next two to three years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-likely-economic-scenarios-over-the-next-two-to-three-years/807283)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2018, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-likely-economic-scenarios-over-the-next-two-to-three-years/807283 "2018-01-24T11:17:13Z")
I can’t even begin to list the questions and confusions I have about future economic developments. If inflationary pressure mounts, won’t the Federal Reserve nudge only gently to maintain a Goldilocks interest rate and … --- ## [1919 Spanish flu: could it happen again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1919-spanish-flu-could-it-happen-again/807083)
**Author:** [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2018, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1919-spanish-flu-could-it-happen-again/807083 "2018-01-24T02:26:07Z")
I didn’t want to stomp on the “have you had the flu” thread, so starting this. I’ve done a lot of reading on the 1918 pandemic. According to most writers, 20 - 50 million died worldwide in a span of two years. Could a c… --- ## [Tips for closing up a house for a few months?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-closing-up-a-house-for-a-few-months/807259)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2018, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-closing-up-a-house-for-a-few-months/807259 "2018-01-24T01:53:09Z")
As part of my impending move to Hawaii, I recently took delivery of our belongings from storage, and set up our house on the Big Island. However, soon I’ll be back in Indonesia for about 3 months, so I need to prepare it… --- ## [Car sleuths: Can you solve this mystery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-sleuths-can-you-solve-this-mystery/807146)
**Author:** [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-sleuths-can-you-solve-this-mystery/807146 "2018-01-23T21:37:31Z")
On Monday I let my car ('02 BMW) run for 10 minutes to heat and defrost, it was 11 degrees outside. I drove for 15 mins car then noticed the gauge needle was at the hottest possible position. I got home and hooked up th… --- ## [What do you think of in the first 5 seconds when you hear the term "social engineering"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-in-the-first-5-seconds-when-you-hear-the-term-social-engineering/806821)
**Author:** [@zobbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zobbo)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-in-the-first-5-seconds-when-you-hear-the-term-social-engineering/806821 "2018-01-23T21:09:44Z")
What do you think of in the first 5 seconds when you hear the term “social engineering”? I am just trying to figure out what to most people think of when they hear the term “social engineering”? --- ## [Day in NYC...what to see?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/day-in-nyc-what-to-see/804604)
**Author:** [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/day-in-nyc-what-to-see/804604 "2018-01-23T21:07:01Z")
For my birthday in a few weeks, I got tickets to the Downton Abbey exhibit in NYC, so Hallgirl 1 and I are spending the day there. The exhibit is at 218 w 57th street, and our tickets aren’t until 2:30, so any suggestion… --- ## [Could Gov't Shutdowns Work In A Completely Different Way? \[a 'what if?'\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-govt-shutdowns-work-in-a-completely-different-way-a-what-if/807274)
**Author:** [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-govt-shutdowns-work-in-a-completely-different-way-a-what-if/807274 "2018-01-23T18:59:33Z")
Back in May, 1980, the U.S. Attorney General issued an opinion that the 1884 Antideficiency Act required that federal agencies should shut down and workers furloughed if Congress had not appropriated money for the time t… --- ## [I think I have a corneal ulcer. Can urgent care do anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-have-a-corneal-ulcer-can-urgent-care-do-anything/807057)
**Author:** [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-have-a-corneal-ulcer-can-urgent-care-do-anything/807057 "2018-01-23T17:29:33Z")
I’d rather go to my opthalmologist, but of course this came on last night and this morning, and he’s not open until Monday morning. He has me under treatment for dry eye. I started feeling like I have something in my e… --- ## [Tuft & Needle Mattress - thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tuft-needle-mattress-thoughts/807252)
**Author:** [@RetroVertigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RetroVertigo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tuft-needle-mattress-thoughts/807252 "2018-01-23T17:28:18Z")
The wife and I are in the market for a new mattress. We have been solely interspring up until now but after a couple of years and $1000 plus we are looking to move to memory foam. It seems that no matter how much you spe… --- ## [Recommend a good air mattress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-air-mattress/806874)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-air-mattress/806874 "2018-01-23T17:24:26Z")
What is a good air mattress? I know they sell queen size ones for $50 on amazon and walmart, and the reviews are good. At least some are good, some say the thing will fall apart in a few months. Is a $50 air mattress al… --- ## [How have you been affected by the US Gov't "shutdown"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-have-you-been-affected-by-the-us-govt-shutdown/807228)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-have-you-been-affected-by-the-us-govt-shutdown/807228 "2018-01-23T15:43:02Z")
Seems like less of the gov’t has actually been “shutdown” this time around, than in the past. Wondering how any of you may have been directly affected by this exercise? I’m a federal careerist, but have been classified… --- ## [Good countries in Africa to visit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-countries-in-africa-to-visit/806861)
**Author:** [@Nadnerb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadnerb)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-countries-in-africa-to-visit/806861 "2018-01-23T06:21:46Z")
What are some good countries in Africa to visit? --- ## [Stretching pre / post exercise - waste of time of essential?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stretching-pre-post-exercise-waste-of-time-of-essential/807153)
**Author:** [@Busy\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Busy_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stretching-pre-post-exercise-waste-of-time-of-essential/807153 "2018-01-23T01:25:32Z")
What do you reckon to a good old stretching routing before or after exercise? Back in the old days we all used to do quite deep static stretches of leg muscles for football, and it was seen as a sensible part of a warm-… --- ## [Do you want business people to remember stuff about you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-want-business-people-to-remember-stuff-about-you/806965)
**Author:** [@zobbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zobbo)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2018, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-want-business-people-to-remember-stuff-about-you/806965 "2018-01-23T00:42:33Z")
I’ve seen it written in several books and business magazines that business people should note something personal about their client, record it in their CRM and bring it up conversation next time they meet them client in … --- ## [Is listing a Condo to rent an Oxymoron?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-listing-a-condo-to-rent-an-oxymoron/806984)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2018, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-listing-a-condo-to-rent-an-oxymoron/806984 "2018-01-22T21:45:00Z")
I thought a Condo was an apartment that you could buy? You get some shared green space and other shared facilities. I saw a Condo for “rent”. What the heck is that? If its rented, then isn’t it, by definition an apartm… --- ## [Question for those of you who got married at Disneyland/world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-those-of-you-who-got-married-at-disneyland-world/807101)
**Author:** [@DooWahDiddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DooWahDiddy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2018, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-those-of-you-who-got-married-at-disneyland-world/807101 "2018-01-22T18:13:21Z")
Were you allowed to use Disney images on your gift items? I own a promotional products (“swag”) company, and a client/friend of mine is getting married at Disneyworld. I’m providing her things for the gift bags (sungla… --- ## [What’s the better bed comforter, down or silk or other?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-better-bed-comforter-down-or-silk-or-other/807042)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2018, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-better-bed-comforter-down-or-silk-or-other/807042 "2018-01-22T16:24:59Z")
Pretty much what the title says. I didn’t know until recently that comforters could be made out of silk. Opinions? --- ## [Eliminating a Bogus/Erroneous Middle Initial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminating-a-bogus-erroneous-middle-initial/806974)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2018, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminating-a-bogus-erroneous-middle-initial/806974 "2018-01-22T04:52:17Z")
I have no middle name or middle initial. Cyril Fotheringay-Phipps. That’s it. But for some years I’ve been receiving junk mail addressed to Cyril L. Fotheringay-Phipps. No idea why - I’m pretty confident that I’ve never … --- ## [Is my husband using me for a green card?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-husband-using-me-for-a-green-card/801140)
**Author:** [@heyitsm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heyitsm)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-husband-using-me-for-a-green-card/801140 "2018-01-21T23:50:45Z")
I met my husband during his time here in the US on a visit visa. We connected really well and I never had any bad vibes about him…until now. I still can’t decide whether I’m just being paranoid (I’ve married a visa holde… --- ## [Two vicious pitbulls are coming towards me. What's my best plan of action?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-vicious-pitbulls-are-coming-towards-me-whats-my-best-plan-of-action/806258)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-vicious-pitbulls-are-coming-towards-me-whats-my-best-plan-of-action/806258 "2018-01-21T23:33:38Z")
These dogs do not look at all happy. I’m alone, they are unattended, we’re in a large field. What’s my best plan of survival? Should I run? There are some trees a couple of hundred yards away, although I don’t think I co… --- ## [Do Lobbyists have as much influence in Canadian Politics as they do in American? And why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lobbyists-have-as-much-influence-in-canadian-politics-as-they-do-in-american-and-why/806985)
**Author:** [@McDeath\_the\_Mad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/McDeath_the_Mad)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lobbyists-have-as-much-influence-in-canadian-politics-as-they-do-in-american-and-why/806985 "2018-01-21T22:43:55Z")
Thread title says it all. I’m a humble Canadian and as an outsider looking into the US political system I get the impression that Lobbyists have massive influence on political policy, legislation, etc. I assume lobbyis… --- ## [The Femmy Boy's Guide to Flirting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-femmy-boys-guide-to-flirting/806144)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 415\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-femmy-boys-guide-to-flirting/806144 "2018-01-21T21:50:41Z")
(This is a repurposed blog post) \* A SHORT REVIEW SESSION I’ve written previously about sexual aggression and sexual predation and how they are gendered as expected male behaviors. About the image our culture holds of… --- ## [Looking For Opinions On Mattresses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-opinions-on-mattresses/807131)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-opinions-on-mattresses/807131 "2018-01-21T21:19:00Z")
So Mrs. Guest and I have finally had it with our current mattress. We’re going to get a new mattress this week and I’m looking for opinions and experiences from you all to help us navigate the “innerspring jungle” and s… --- ## [Do you see dogs as mindless pets like Jon Arbuckle does or as friends like Garfield does?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-see-dogs-as-mindless-pets-like-jon-arbuckle-does-or-as-friends-like-garfield-does/807028)
**Author:** [@Trisha\_Gaurav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trisha_Gaurav)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-see-dogs-as-mindless-pets-like-jon-arbuckle-does-or-as-friends-like-garfield-does/807028 "2018-01-21T16:46:30Z")
Do you see dogs as mindless pets like Jon Arbuckle does or as friends like Garfield does? --- ## [Are strippers sex workers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-strippers-sex-workers/806917)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2018, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-strippers-sex-workers/806917 "2018-01-21T15:55:17Z")
I was in a conversation recently with a younger person and they mentioned the singer Cardi B. (I’ll concede I’m officially an old fogy because I had never heard of Cardi B before this conversation.) During the conversati… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=530) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=532)