# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=675 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 676 --- ## [Gift dilemma: what would you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gift-dilemma-what-would-you-do/773963)
**Author:** [@joemama24\_98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joemama24_98)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gift-dilemma-what-would-you-do/773963 "2016-12-08T17:15:05Z")
Background: my wife recently went back to work full time (I also work FT). Prior to this, she would usually cook weekday dinners, I would usually clean. Occasionally I would get to work from home and we’d switch. Sinc… --- ## [Is it only Americans that always have their eyes glued to their phones' screens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-only-americans-that-always-have-their-eyes-glued-to-their-phones-screens/774076)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-only-americans-that-always-have-their-eyes-glued-to-their-phones-screens/774076 "2016-12-08T15:41:34Z")
Look around any public setting in the USA-- malls, restaurants, college campuses-- and everyone seems to be staring at their phones. And it’s not only when they’re sitting still. I see people walking their dogs while loo… --- ## [WWII in 5 photos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-in-5-photos/773667)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-in-5-photos/773667 "2016-12-08T06:24:21Z")
Inspired by the Iwo Jima/Reichstag flag thread. So, I’m asking you to to sum up the bloodiest, most destructive conflict in human history in 5 photos. Yes, I forgot Maru from my username. Would either the Iwo Jima or Re… --- ## [How Much Discretion do Government Officials Have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-discretion-do-government-officials-have/774110)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-discretion-do-government-officials-have/774110 "2016-12-08T05:00:19Z")
My question is about how much discretion government officials have in performing their duties or not. Meaning, suppose you show up at the DMV and the clerk you’re dealing with decides that he doesn’t like your nose and r… --- ## [Fish Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-question/774003)
**Author:** [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-question/774003 "2016-12-08T03:29:05Z")
In honor of my husband, I’ve set up my very first aquarium. He loved lying on the bed and watching the fish, but had a ginormous tank to do so. I, on the other hand, have a more manageable, itty bitty one of just 10 gall… --- ## [The Doper Prank Gifts Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doper-prank-gifts-thread/773892)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doper-prank-gifts-thread/773892 "2016-12-08T02:30:38Z")
Post the perfect prank gift for one (or more) of your favorite Dopers. For Hal Briston, the Mistaken Lyrics pint glass: Or maybe this one: :snerk: --- ## [Time Travel for Justice! hypothetical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-for-justice-hypothetical/774125)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-for-justice-hypothetical/774125 "2016-12-08T00:43:11Z")
Background: In the near future, there’s a revolution in physics and understanding of the nature of the universe. Two major discoveries are relevant to this post – the multiverse hypothesis is verified to be true, and t… --- ## [How to sell an old diamond ring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-sell-an-old-diamond-ring/774079)
**Author:** [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2016, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-sell-an-old-diamond-ring/774079 "2016-12-07T22:07:15Z")
Dates from the 1940s, I believe. The stone is a round cut, 2/3 carat, very good quality (or so I’m told). How do you go about getting a fair price for such a thing? (Is this even possible?) --- ## [Did new media dig it's own grave with so much "this is an unforgiveable outrage" reporting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-new-media-dig-its-own-grave-with-so-much-this-is-an-unforgiveable-outrage-reporting/773718)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2016, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-new-media-dig-its-own-grave-with-so-much-this-is-an-unforgiveable-outrage-reporting/773718 "2016-12-07T14:16:13Z")
I’m not a Trump fanboy but in looking at Trump’s media teflon it’s at least the equivalent of whatever Reagan possessed and then some. In this context I also look at the nature of reporting over the past 10+ years where… --- ## [How to patent claims work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-patent-claims-work/774006)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2016, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-patent-claims-work/774006 "2016-12-07T13:17:33Z")
Sort of a legal question, so your humble opinion is sought:. I’m looking at a patent which seems, on consideration, to be just worthless. All the claims are anticipated by prior art. But… all the prior art is contingent… --- ## [Apple wins . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-wins/632548)
**Author:** [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2016, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-wins/632548 "2016-12-07T12:16:53Z")
. . . the big lawsuit. So what will non-Apple phones look like now? Back to this? --- ## [Apparently President-elect Trump and his spouse don't desire to live in the White House.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apparently-president-elect-trump-and-his-spouse-dont-desire-to-live-in-the-white-house/773893)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2016, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apparently-president-elect-trump-and-his-spouse-dont-desire-to-live-in-the-white-house/773893 "2016-12-07T10:52:37Z")
Wouldn’t it be cool if they turned it into a homeless shelter? Any chance of that happening? --- ## [Best conditioner for fine gloves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-conditioner-for-fine-gloves/774039)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2016, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-conditioner-for-fine-gloves/774039 "2016-12-07T03:55:10Z")
Anybody have a leather conditioner they swear by for fine (thin and soft) leather? I know what to use for boots or baseball gloves, but this is a new one. I just received my new gloves, and want to make sure they don’t… --- ## [Cities with insanely high housing costs - Why do people stay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cities-with-insanely-high-housing-costs-why-do-people-stay/773815)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cities-with-insanely-high-housing-costs-why-do-people-stay/773815 "2016-12-06T23:54:17Z")
What factors cause people to stubbornly remain in an area where decent housing is essentially unaffordable? I genuinely don’t understand this. The Oakland fire stories led me to a series of links about housing in the S… --- ## [Is "Play Piercing" normal body piercing locations a thing? (Mildy NSFW, Self-Harm triggers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-play-piercing-normal-body-piercing-locations-a-thing-mildy-nsfw-self-harm-triggers/774027)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-play-piercing-normal-body-piercing-locations-a-thing-mildy-nsfw-self-harm-triggers/774027 "2016-12-06T23:51:13Z")
So my cousin sometimes asks me for parenting advice on her daughters since I have more experience with mental health issues. I know what “play piercing” is, but most of the pictures I’ve seen are a bunch of hypodermic ne… --- ## [Are there parts of the world where urination is a normal part of sexual activity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-parts-of-the-world-where-urination-is-a-normal-part-of-sexual-activity/773758)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-parts-of-the-world-where-urination-is-a-normal-part-of-sexual-activity/773758 "2016-12-06T22:04:30Z")
Due to the vastness of the Internet, I’ve come across a variety pornographic works from around the globe over the years. I’m sure it’s not a shock to anyone that there is a genre of porn in which urination is the main t… --- ## [If you're Facebook friends with coworkers....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-facebook-friends-with-coworkers/773409)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-facebook-friends-with-coworkers/773409 "2016-12-06T18:33:49Z")
Does that mean you should always conduct yourself on FB as if you are in a work place environment? So no sex jokes, No half naked ladies, etc… --- ## [What is the best amplified indoor TV antenna](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-amplified-indoor-tv-antenna/773966)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-amplified-indoor-tv-antenna/773966 "2016-12-06T15:50:03Z")
I know someone that lives roughly 50 miles from a medium-large city, as well as about 70 miles from a couple of fairly large cities. Are there indoor TV antennas she could use to get signals from that distance, or is th… --- ## [Work issue, seeking opinions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-issue-seeking-opinions/772952)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-issue-seeking-opinions/772952 "2016-12-06T15:47:22Z")
This week, for reasons ‘apparently’ out of my company’s control, our pays were delayed by 24 hrs. This in itself is not necessarily a biggie (although for many families living pay-day to pay-day it would definitely have… --- ## [Is the photo of the Reichstag flag more famous than the Iwo Jima flag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-photo-of-the-reichstag-flag-more-famous-than-the-iwo-jima-flag/773480)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-photo-of-the-reichstag-flag-more-famous-than-the-iwo-jima-flag/773480 "2016-12-06T15:38:28Z")
The two famous WW2 flag raising photos I’ve seen various Europeans claim that the image of the flag raised over the Reichstag is much more iconic/famous than the raising of the flag over Iwo Jima and that the Iwo Ji… --- ## [Mysterious Toilet Drip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-toilet-drip/773924)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-toilet-drip/773924 "2016-12-06T12:07:36Z")
One of my tenants has been saying for some time that they have a drip in one of their toilets, and I dropped in yesterday and took a look. It’s a slow drip - about one every few seconds. But I can’t figure out where the … --- ## [Explain this math joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-math-joke/773928)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-math-joke/773928 "2016-12-06T07:14:33Z")
http://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/2010-01-08 You have to click the red button to reveal the extra joke I am talking about. Q: What did the mathematician give to the man who ogled his wife? A: i^3 I know i^3 is equal t… --- ## [Whatever happened to the type of super detailed reporting newspapers did in the 30's and 40's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-the-type-of-super-detailed-reporting-newspapers-did-in-the-30s-and-40s/773805)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-the-type-of-super-detailed-reporting-newspapers-did-in-the-30s-and-40s/773805 "2016-12-06T07:10:27Z")
I was reading some old New York based newspaper stories from the 1930’s the other day re some articles about local crimes and I was struck by how amazingly detailed the stories were. Beyond the crime scene there was an e… --- ## [Growing temperate plants in a tropical climate.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-temperate-plants-in-a-tropical-climate/662435)
**Author:** [@manila](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manila)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-temperate-plants-in-a-tropical-climate/662435 "2016-12-06T04:23:44Z")
Okay I better make some initial qualifiers here so please bear with me a little. I am aware of legal and actual ethical considerations regarding introducing non indigenous flora to a new region or country. I am aware th… --- ## [South Carolina police officer charged with murder.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-carolina-police-officer-charged-with-murder/717087)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 340\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-carolina-police-officer-charged-with-murder/717087 "2016-12-06T03:43:24Z")
I’m surprised there isn’t a thread yet about this. Apparently, a North Charleston police officer opened fire on a fleeing (African-American) suspect, hitting him several times in the back, killing him. There happened t… --- ## [I haven't booked a flight since 2010--what should I use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-havent-booked-a-flight-since-2010-what-should-i-use/773938)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2016, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-havent-booked-a-flight-since-2010-what-should-i-use/773938 "2016-12-06T00:52:09Z")
Yeah, not much air travel in the past 7 years. I was last on a commercial flight on January 3, 2011. Though I actually flew on a Lear jet for work in 2013 (that was awesome!). Indy to Philly in January FWIW. I want to b… --- ## [Should You Sign Your Credit Card?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-you-sign-your-credit-card/773385)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-you-sign-your-credit-card/773385 "2016-12-05T21:10:55Z")
I heard someone say they do not sign the backs of their credit cards. This way, one is forced to show ID when a clerk bothers to compare signatures. This sounds like a good idea all around. Thus, if the card is lost or … --- ## [Pull-chain switch not attached to fixture...such thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pull-chain-switch-not-attached-to-fixture-such-thing/773494)
**Author:** [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pull-chain-switch-not-attached-to-fixture-such-thing/773494 "2016-12-05T20:52:45Z")
Basically I want to put a pull-chain switch on the ceiling (basement rafters) to control a light farther down the citcuit. Not a good place to mount a wall switch. I could buy a fixture with a pull chain, but I was given… --- ## [A word I simply don't recall hearing - Limerence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-word-i-simply-dont-recall-hearing-limerence/773821)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-word-i-simply-dont-recall-hearing-limerence/773821 "2016-12-05T20:49:11Z")
\*\*Limerence \*\*- basically a feeling of infatuated obsession. Came across it in this Sunday’s NYTimes Modern Love column. Don’t recall ever hearing it or reading it. Interesting. --- ## [Should I insist on compensation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-insist-on-compensation/773953)
**Author:** [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-insist-on-compensation/773953 "2016-12-05T20:19:08Z")
So I’ve been helping out a friend with a company giving her a run around. Her Mac stopped working and after some googling it seemed like it was a known issue with a faulty graphics card. If that was the case it was cover… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=674) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=676)