# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=587 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 588 --- ## [Why does a false copyright claim only have a $2500 fine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-false-copyright-claim-only-have-a-2500-fine/792637)
**Author:** [@Kadmos1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kadmos1)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-false-copyright-claim-only-have-a-2500-fine/792637 "2017-08-04T16:50:33Z")
The “Warning language specifying current penalties” section of the “FBI Anti-Piracy Warning Seal” page includes “The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringe… --- ## [Best choice? - Oil vs gas heat in your home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-oil-vs-gas-heat-in-your-home/792696)
**Author:** [@dflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dflower)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-oil-vs-gas-heat-in-your-home/792696 "2017-08-04T15:56:30Z")
I am buying a home with an old oil furnace. The other appliances are electric. There is natural gas available on the street. Seems to me it would be best to hook up to the gas and have all gas appliances, furnace, stove… --- ## [Why would you need a license to commercially use the Hollywood Sign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-need-a-license-to-commercially-use-the-hollywood-sign/792409)
**Author:** [@Kadmos1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kadmos1)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-need-a-license-to-commercially-use-the-hollywood-sign/792409 "2017-08-04T07:03:15Z")
digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll65/id/17820These are some of the links on the 1st page when you Google “hollywood sign license” A late Feb. 2012 article for the DIY Musician site How to Legally U… --- ## [Is it legal for a police officer to give out personal information?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-for-a-police-officer-to-give-out-personal-information/616169)
**Author:** [@Aurelia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aurelia)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-for-a-police-officer-to-give-out-personal-information/616169 "2017-08-04T04:59:28Z")
I’ve been reading the message boards here for years, and finally decided to register. Here’s the situation I’m wondering about: My friend’s car was hit while it was parked, which left minor damage – a couple of dents in… --- ## [Terra v. USA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terra-v-usa/792597)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terra-v-usa/792597 "2017-08-04T00:05:31Z")
Imagine, for a moment, that the US had fallen into the hands of a madman, who took control of the world’s largest military and used it in an enterprise that had the most threadbare premise. To nearly all of the rest of t… --- ## [Advice sought on Blu-ray players](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-sought-on-blu-ray-players/792604)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-sought-on-blu-ray-players/792604 "2017-08-03T23:54:20Z")
My current Blu-ray player is about half a decade old and showing its age. I’m looking to get a new one but don’t have much clue about what’s out there. Are there features which can be particularly useful? Any brands to … --- ## [What would you be doing now in the 80's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-be-doing-now-in-the-80s/792678)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-be-doing-now-in-the-80s/792678 "2017-08-03T23:34:38Z")
It’s a simple question. You’re the same age as you are now. No internet. No smartphones. You probably don’t have a PC and there may be a local BBS if you do. This is about your personal time while you’re not working… --- ## [Does the price of a 1st class upgrade go up as the flight date nears?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-price-of-a-1st-class-upgrade-go-up-as-the-flight-date-nears/792709)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-price-of-a-1st-class-upgrade-go-up-as-the-flight-date-nears/792709 "2017-08-03T20:49:03Z")
Already purchased coach seat, looking longingly at first which at $600 round is inviting when I calculate in check in, baggage, security lines. I would need to wait until 8/10 to do it, flight is 8/15, but lots of availa… --- ## [Finding witnesses for a will?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-witnesses-for-a-will/443457)
**Author:** [@audreyayn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/audreyayn)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-witnesses-for-a-will/443457 "2017-08-03T20:42:02Z")
Having just moved, I don’t have any family or nearby friends I can ask. Any ideas on how I would get a will witnessed? Or would I just have to wait until I’m visiting home? --- ## [Why did joining Facebook create ads for me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-joining-facebook-create-ads-for-me/792711)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-joining-facebook-create-ads-for-me/792711 "2017-08-03T18:57:47Z")
I have been using Adblock Plus with excellent results (Firefox 52.0.1 and Win XP). I have never had an ad on the SD site. I joined Facebook about a year ago to be able to post photos to one history page. Then I quit FB… --- ## [Am I slow? (Bicycle related; otherwise ... too easy.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-slow-bicycle-related-otherwise-too-easy/792668)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-slow-bicycle-related-otherwise-too-easy/792668 "2017-08-03T18:23:25Z")
So in prep for my first ever bicycle focused trip (Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park) I am putting in more bike miles. Two days back to back of 45 miles each with 30 the day before and followed by commuting days of 15 to 1… --- ## [Do you like attending ceremonies? If so, which ones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-attending-ceremonies-if-so-which-ones/792427)
**Author:** [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-attending-ceremonies-if-so-which-ones/792427 "2017-08-03T04:45:45Z")
Do you like attending ceremonies? If so, which do you find particularly enjoyable or moving? I am not a fan, whether they are professional, religious, civic, or academic. I don’t even like going to my own ceremonies. … --- ## [Am I the only one opposed to dual citizenship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-one-opposed-to-dual-citizenship/571521)
**Author:** [@Ronald\_C.Semone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ronald_C.Semone)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-one-opposed-to-dual-citizenship/571521 "2017-08-02T23:47:07Z")
In the old days if you were an immigrant who wanted to become an American citizen, one of the things you had to do was give up all allegiance to a foreign country. Nowadays, it is apparently possible to become a citizen… --- ## [First anniversary gift for girlfriend. What to buy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-anniversary-gift-for-girlfriend-what-to-buy/784173)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-anniversary-gift-for-girlfriend-what-to-buy/784173 "2017-08-02T21:29:39Z")
I want to get my girlfriend something special for our first anniversary. We are already planning a life together but it is complicated by kids, jobs and distance so marriage is pretty far away. If I got her a ring, how… --- ## [How would a Discussion be Godwinized before 1933?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-discussion-be-godwinized-before-1933/792526)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-discussion-be-godwinized-before-1933/792526 "2017-08-02T18:10:42Z")
I don’t think this is a Debate or even a general question, but how were ultimate evil comparisons made before 1933? Oliver Cromwell? Richard III? Star Chambers? Robespierre? Napoleon? Maybe all the way back to Nero… --- ## [Medical advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-advice/792512)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-advice/792512 "2017-08-02T12:23:38Z")
No, I’m not asking for advice from strangers on the internet for myself or someone else, but rather should I advise someone else to seek medical attention, hence IMHO. A couple months ago I went on a trip with my brothe… --- ## [Old cat's fur matted in clumps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-cats-fur-matted-in-clumps/614594)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-cats-fur-matted-in-clumps/614594 "2017-08-02T10:15:14Z")
I have a small, long-haired black female cat whose fur has gotten into matted clumps on her back. I found her and adopted her about 13 years ago and she was already grown then, so she could be as old as 15. She’s never b… --- ## [Is "rinsed penis" really that much of an insult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rinsed-penis-really-that-much-of-an-insult/792465)
**Author:** [@Mr.Nylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Nylock)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rinsed-penis-really-that-much-of-an-insult/792465 "2017-08-02T02:30:16Z")
I mean if you’re gonna insult someone’s genitalia wouldn’t something like puss filled herpes infested penis be more appropriate? And what exactly is a rinsed penis anyway? Does he use a bidet - is meant to hint that he… --- ## [Americans: Are you Conservative, Moderate or Liberal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-you-conservative-moderate-or-liberal/791824)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-you-conservative-moderate-or-liberal/791824 "2017-08-02T00:15:47Z")
Screw nuance-I’m not going to make a 47 choice poll. Just pick the one that you identify most with. --- ## [Do I need more RAM or better HDD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-more-ram-or-better-hdd/792498)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-more-ram-or-better-hdd/792498 "2017-08-01T23:39:48Z")
I only have money for either 4gb additional RAM or for a newer HDD, I don’t have money for both unfortunately, even at the cheapest place in my city, so what should I choose? Currently I have: 4 GB RAM a HDD from… --- ## [We have two cats - how do I get one to lose weight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-have-two-cats-how-do-i-get-one-to-lose-weight/294766)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-have-two-cats-how-do-i-get-one-to-lose-weight/294766 "2017-08-01T23:23:13Z")
My cat has puffed up a little lately - she’s at 13 pounds and change. Our other cat is around 12 pounds, and looks lean as a lynx. I don’t think my cat is dangerously overweight (she is very active, and burns around the … --- ## [Stock market is zero sum game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stock-market-is-zero-sum-game/792318)
**Author:** [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stock-market-is-zero-sum-game/792318 "2017-08-01T23:15:33Z")
In the latest Freakanomics podcast “Stupid things people do with their money” there was this soundbite: “We don’t understand the negative-sum nature of active investing. Whatever you win, I lose. Whatever I win, you los… --- ## [Anyone else here estranged from their families?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-here-estranged-from-their-families/792411)
**Author:** [@Reddy\_Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reddy_Mercury)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-here-estranged-from-their-families/792411 "2017-08-01T22:04:35Z")
On the running tally of my family, at 26: -My dad’s side has no animosity toward me, but doesn’t want to be bothered; -My grandmother, aunts, and uncle (mom’s side) have nothing to do with me and I will likely never sp… --- ## [Anyone Installed Luxury Vinyl Plank?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-installed-luxury-vinyl-plank/792534)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-installed-luxury-vinyl-plank/792534 "2017-08-01T21:28:07Z")
I’m thinking about pulling old carpet out of a room and installing Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. I have done Pergo laminate before, but the vinyl stuff looks like it’s even easier to install, especially when it needs to b… --- ## [What Amendment would you add to the US Constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amendment-would-you-add-to-the-us-constitution/408377)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amendment-would-you-add-to-the-us-constitution/408377 "2017-08-01T21:21:31Z")
Ban flag burning? Protect abortion? Mandate casual Friday? If you could be assured of successfully adding 1 amendment to the U.S. Constitution, what would it be? As for me, I would pass an amendment that dictates tha… --- ## [US supersonic bombers over the Korean peninsula](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-supersonic-bombers-over-the-korean-peninsula/792504)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-supersonic-bombers-over-the-korean-peninsula/792504 "2017-08-01T20:43:40Z")
Apparently the US and South Korea are pushing back against North Korea. I’m not usually a fan of saber rattling but in this case I feel it’s warranted. How do you feel about it? https://www.google.com/amp/amp.slate.co… --- ## [Hospital refund for overpayment. How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospital-refund-for-overpayment-how/792511)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospital-refund-for-overpayment-how/792511 "2017-08-01T12:44:17Z")
I got a check in the mail the other day for $224.00.:slight\_smile: That’s all well and good, however there’s is no explanation enclosed, other than the date of service (03/13/14) and the reason (overpayment). In March … --- ## [Getting Sport Pilot certification is cheaper, but can't find an airplane to rent afterwards.....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-sport-pilot-certification-is-cheaper-but-cant-find-an-airplane-to-rent-afterwards/792482)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-sport-pilot-certification-is-cheaper-but-cant-find-an-airplane-to-rent-afterwards/792482 "2017-08-01T12:33:11Z")
So I may be fulfilling a lifelong dream and getting pilot certification this year. The Sport Pilot option sounds a couple thousand dollars cheaper (and I am a bit tight on money at the moment, so every dollar matters) th… --- ## ["All fears are really the fear of death" Agree or disagree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-fears-are-really-the-fear-of-death-agree-or-disagree/792284)
**Author:** [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-fears-are-really-the-fear-of-death-agree-or-disagree/792284 "2017-08-01T03:43:49Z")
In the last year or so I’ve developed a real phobia, with panic attacks. It’s claustrophobia and I’m being treated and it’s going well, so that’s just background for my question. Last week I had to fly for the first ti… --- ## [Blue Emu Oil...Does It Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-emu-oil-does-it-work/792351)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2017, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-emu-oil-does-it-work/792351 "2017-07-31T23:02:47Z")
All- I have some increasingly painful neuropathy issues in my thighs, most likely due to damage cause by alcoholism. My doctor has me on Gabapentin and while it certainly helps, I often rely on lidocaine roll ons or eve… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=586) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=588)