# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=533 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 534 --- ## [Norwegian immigrants? just say Nei!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norwegian-immigrants-just-say-nei/806509)
**Author:** [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2018, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norwegian-immigrants-just-say-nei/806509 "2018-01-17T06:46:15Z")
Nei, takk! Tusen takk, nei! Listen, Donald, I know Norwegians are white and all, but if you let “those people” into the country it will destroy our way of life. Do you know what will happen? LUTEFISK TRUCKS ON EVERY CO… --- ## [How to protect cast iron device (non-skillet)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-protect-cast-iron-device-non-skillet/806723)
**Author:** [@Courk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Courk)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2018, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-protect-cast-iron-device-non-skillet/806723 "2018-01-17T02:31:57Z")
I just won an auction for an old cherry stoner, the kind that’s a wheel and a crank that basically mangles the pit out of the cherry. It was listed as cast iron, but there’s no way to tell for sure, otherwise I 's just … --- ## [Nuclear Attack - No Warning Or 15 Minutes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-attack-no-warning-or-15-minutes/806646)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2018, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-attack-no-warning-or-15-minutes/806646 "2018-01-17T00:44:42Z")
My cousin is in Hawaii on vacation, and she Tweeted up a storm during and after the errant missile attack alert. She spent the morning on the lowest floor of her hotel, where among other things, she noted that “there’s n… --- ## [Do you use a music streaming service? Which one? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-music-streaming-service-which-one-why/806729)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-music-streaming-service-which-one-why/806729 "2018-01-16T22:42:14Z")
As per the title - do you use a music streaming service? If so which one(s) and do you spring for the pay premium versions? What are the differences that matter to you? Any deeper in certain genres than others? --- ## [WiFi smart plugs (Wemo etc) - which one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wifi-smart-plugs-wemo-etc-which-one/806772)
**Author:** [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wifi-smart-plugs-wemo-etc-which-one/806772 "2018-01-16T20:05:37Z")
I want to get a few smart plugs to be controlled by Google Home or Alexa (Echo). I see there are many, many companies selling similar ones. As I understand, if I end up buying different brands over time, I’d be stuck wi… --- ## [Just curious \[Question about turning your water back on after the meter has been removed\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-curious-question-about-turning-your-water-back-on-after-the-meter-has-been-removed/806571)
**Author:** [@Ann2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann2)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-curious-question-about-turning-your-water-back-on-after-the-meter-has-been-removed/806571 "2018-01-16T17:56:50Z")
I was wondering due to my cousins circumstance about her water. She has had her water cutoff for a while now but now she is having to take her grand baby in and she is on a fixed income. So there is no way she can pay he… --- ## [FitBit Charge HR or Pebble? Looking for opinions, anecdotes, reviews?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fitbit-charge-hr-or-pebble-looking-for-opinions-anecdotes-reviews/716726)
**Author:** [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fitbit-charge-hr-or-pebble-looking-for-opinions-anecdotes-reviews/716726 "2018-01-16T16:41:22Z")
I am upgrading. I used to wear a watch and a FitBit Flex, but since my watch broke, I am in a great position to get a device that does both. I sold my Flex today, and am seriously considering the FitBit Charge HR or The … --- ## [You have to do a 45 minute presentation with no preparation right now.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-to-do-a-45-minute-presentation-with-no-preparation-right-now/797521)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-to-do-a-45-minute-presentation-with-no-preparation-right-now/797521 "2018-01-16T15:55:21Z")
What topic do you pick? Someone on my Facebook feed posed this question and I thought it was interesting. --- ## [Is "The Big Apple" Manhattan or the Five Boroughs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-big-apple-manhattan-or-the-five-boroughs/806479)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-big-apple-manhattan-or-the-five-boroughs/806479 "2018-01-16T13:30:53Z")
A question on usage. Is the “Big Apple” really just “the City,” or is it all of NYC? --- ## [preserving fresh herbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preserving-fresh-herbs/806584)
**Author:** [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preserving-fresh-herbs/806584 "2018-01-16T13:06:21Z")
Say I have a bunch or basil, thyme, oregano, parsly or sage. I want to give it a slight drying, then i want to package it in a small, 4oz mason type jar. How do i get it to seal without degrading the herbs? Heat could … --- ## [Newish buzzphrase: IOT = Internet of Things. What do I need to know about it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newish-buzzphrase-iot-internet-of-things-what-do-i-need-to-know-about-it/805809)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newish-buzzphrase-iot-internet-of-things-what-do-i-need-to-know-about-it/805809 "2018-01-16T11:12:02Z")
So I am unfortunately now job hunting with the New Year. I am lucky enough to already have an interview coming up Monday. I spoke to the HR director today and she used IOT a few times so I googled it. I kind of get the … --- ## [Audio gurus - Help me choose a receiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-gurus-help-me-choose-a-receiver/806641)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-gurus-help-me-choose-a-receiver/806641 "2018-01-16T04:06:36Z")
I already have a 5.1 receiver for my home theater system. What I am considering purchasing is a dedicated 2-channel receiver for my turntable (and, rarely, FM). So, I’m in the market for a relatively inexpensive, depend… --- ## [Brother?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brother/806693)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brother/806693 "2018-01-16T03:19:52Z")
(This is a repurposed blog post) ———— You call me brother, how nice to meet another like me! Well… actually, what you said was that I was no different from you and from nearly all other men, and that I was nothing spe… --- ## ["Depression/anxiety is not a malfunction but a symptom of unmet needs." Thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/depression-anxiety-is-not-a-malfunction-but-a-symptom-of-unmet-needs-thoughts/806410)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2018, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/depression-anxiety-is-not-a-malfunction-but-a-symptom-of-unmet-needs-thoughts/806410 "2018-01-16T02:12:27Z")
This is very interesting article on a book calling for a new approach to depression: Is everything you think you know about depression wrong? | Depression | The Guardian I recommend the whole article but am interested i… --- ## [is there any situation where you could be overcome with grief and end your own life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-situation-where-you-could-be-overcome-with-grief-and-end-your-own-life/806609)
**Author:** [@mr\_horsepower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr_horsepower)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-situation-where-you-could-be-overcome-with-grief-and-end-your-own-life/806609 "2018-01-15T21:51:39Z")
i go to a website semi frequently that posts horrific but true stories from news sources, mainly across the u.s. but sometimes other countries. these are stories that anyone local to each happening would no doubt know … --- ## [Design me my next music system. Wireless?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-me-my-next-music-system-wireless/805831)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-me-my-next-music-system-wireless/805831 "2018-01-15T05:20:32Z")
So next August my wife and I, approaching empty nest status, are moving from our house to a being built condo (3 bedrooms with a “study” that will be my exercise space). The main space is a rectangle 17.5 ft wide and 32 … --- ## [Suggestions for moving an old, senile and blind cat to a new home.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-moving-an-old-senile-and-blind-cat-to-a-new-home/806503)
**Author:** [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggestions-for-moving-an-old-senile-and-blind-cat-to-a-new-home/806503 "2018-01-15T00:35:11Z")
Due to some unpleasant weather issues, we had to move from our home to a rental. Of course we brought our pets with us and one of them is old, senile and blind. Moving him to the rental was a nightmare because he was so … --- ## [What's His Ethnicity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-his-ethnicity/702230)
**Author:** [@IndianStones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IndianStones)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-his-ethnicity/702230 "2018-01-14T10:10:23Z")
--- ## [Is it rude to make toilet noises at work when you're not alone in the loo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-rude-to-make-toilet-noises-at-work-when-youre-not-alone-in-the-loo/430846)
**Author:** [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-rude-to-make-toilet-noises-at-work-when-youre-not-alone-in-the-loo/430846 "2018-01-14T05:38:57Z")
I don’t mean if you work in a huge building with constant bathroom traffic- then you’d never finish- I mean in a small office bathroom. For example, I just went in for a quick pee, and there was someone in the stall. Whe… --- ## [People who wallow in past glories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-wallow-in-past-glories/806041)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-wallow-in-past-glories/806041 "2018-01-14T03:27:18Z")
Fodder for sitcoms - Howard Wolowitz going on and on about being and astronaut, Al Bundy reliving his football triumphs at Polk High - but have you encountered it in real life? This came to mind because yesterday I got … --- ## [Classroom Cameras](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classroom-cameras/806074)
**Author:** [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classroom-cameras/806074 "2018-01-14T01:12:44Z")
A friend was telling me that in Maine, parents of an autistic teen are suing their school district. Their son is nonverbal and they want to know what’s going on in the classroom, they are concerned as to whether or not h… --- ## [Is it a love to hate my past Oppressors or an oppression of myself??!!!??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-love-to-hate-my-past-oppressors-or-an-oppression-of-myself/806230)
**Author:** [@Booger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Booger)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-love-to-hate-my-past-oppressors-or-an-oppression-of-myself/806230 "2018-01-13T17:57:28Z")
I am a South African of Indian origin. I grew up learning and knowing my place in apathheid South Africa. Freedom finally came to the nation and the healing of integration began. My first interaction with white ppl came… --- ## [How much did you pay for your mattress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-you-pay-for-your-mattress/805892)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-you-pay-for-your-mattress/805892 "2018-01-13T03:23:02Z")
I’m looking to buy a new mattress and trying to get a sense of what is reasonable. I’m 6’1" 260lbs. My current mattress is a firm memory foam mattress I bought from Big Lots about 6 years ago. $600ish as I recall. At th… --- ## [Cat food recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-food-recommendations/806488)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-food-recommendations/806488 "2018-01-13T01:21:28Z")
I’ve got 4 fluffy snowflakes to fed. Gamma: 8-month-old kitten. Very energetic, hence her name. Chan: 8-year-old fat female cat. Very set in her ways about eating dry food. Sam & Styx: 20-year-old male cats with kidn… --- ## [How to contact someone for a lost passport](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-contact-someone-for-a-lost-passport/806283)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-contact-someone-for-a-lost-passport/806283 "2018-01-13T01:13:43Z")
I found a passport in the middle of a rather busy intersection on my way home tonight. I picked it up and when I got home I looked up the person. They are local and just based on the hits I saw, I don’t see any reason to… --- ## [Stupid Press: Every "X" is a "Y"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-press-every-x-is-a-y/806416)
**Author:** [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-press-every-x-is-a-y/806416 "2018-01-12T23:56:35Z")
A few recent threads have made it plain that the 4th Estate is lazy and ignorant and assumes everyone else is. Not necessarily in the broad sense, of course, but in observing useful distinctions among the members of a cl… --- ## [Post your Bitcoin / crypto curreny experiences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-bitcoin-crypto-curreny-experiences/806342)
**Author:** [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-bitcoin-crypto-curreny-experiences/806342 "2018-01-12T20:01:47Z")
Note: I believe there are several threads now for asking questions about getting into bitcoin, I’m quite keen to have one for talking about experiences of being in the market :slight\_smile: Hi, so I got into BTC (bitcoi… --- ## [Pussy Willows!???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pussy-willows/806251)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pussy-willows/806251 "2018-01-12T19:39:27Z")
I live in NE Minnesota. From Christmas Day through 1/8/18 we have had windchill warnings every day. Real temps were from -15 to -30, windchills topped out at -39. We finally had a break in the weather this past Sunday… --- ## [I've Got a Year to do a Marathon, Any Personal Training Tips?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-a-year-to-do-a-marathon-any-personal-training-tips/806400)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-a-year-to-do-a-marathon-any-personal-training-tips/806400 "2018-01-12T19:02:23Z")
First some background. I would hesitate to say I’m a “runner” but over the course of the year I probably do around five-to-ten 5ks, a 10k or two and at least one (and usually two) half-marathon(s). And when I do a 10k i… --- ## [Plural being?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plural-being/806383)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plural-being/806383 "2018-01-12T18:51:18Z")
The only place I can find any reference to this is in James Damore’s Google lawsuit, wherein there is some correspondence between Google employees about how to properly address “plural beings”: These are listed as “no… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=532) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=534)