# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=699 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 700 --- ## [Can anyone coment on use of Lyrica (pregabalin) for Shingles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-coment-on-use-of-lyrica-pregabalin-for-shingles/766923)
**Author:** [@remorw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/remorw)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-coment-on-use-of-lyrica-pregabalin-for-shingles/766923 "2016-09-26T12:50:59Z")
Hi, I have a family member dealing with a very painful bought of shingles (started a little over a week ago). Had had recurring back pain in the past that would flare up (under the right shoulder blade). This time the… --- ## [Fleeing this accident when you could help - right or wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fleeing-this-accident-when-you-could-help-right-or-wrong/766673)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fleeing-this-accident-when-you-could-help-right-or-wrong/766673 "2016-09-26T04:01:58Z")
This is a SFW video of a serious fatal accident involving a bus and several cars. It’s taken from a rear-facing camera. You’ll note that none of the cars forward of the accident seem to stop. When I first watched the vid… --- ## [Special privileges for UK nobility?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-privileges-for-uk-nobility/766790)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-privileges-for-uk-nobility/766790 "2016-09-26T02:01:09Z")
I know being Queen isn’t what it used to be but I have to wonder if peers in the UK have any special privileges left on the books. I know some have the right to a seat in The House of Lords, which it seems has lately bec… --- ## [Investment/financial folks: what do you think of Harry Dent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investment-financial-folks-what-do-you-think-of-harry-dent/766754)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investment-financial-folks-what-do-you-think-of-harry-dent/766754 "2016-09-25T17:36:16Z")
Harry Dent seems to be a very polished, confident marketer with attention-grabbing book titles, but are his forecasts and predictions any better than average? I know he’s made a few good calls…but I’m still waiting for … --- ## [How many ways could a device like this work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-ways-could-a-device-like-this-work/765554)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-ways-could-a-device-like-this-work/765554 "2016-09-25T14:28:20Z")
I’m reading this morning’s news story of the Florida father who was arrested after his toddler son died in the backseat of the father’s pickup after being locked in for eight hours. I’m trying to figure out how to design… --- ## [What was your longest commute time/distance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-longest-commute-time-distance/594623)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-longest-commute-time-distance/594623 "2016-09-25T12:55:52Z")
I am looking to hear from people who had a long commute to work or school. I’m looking at a possible 80 mile one-way commute for school, and hoping others will share their stories of suffering long commutes on a daily ba… --- ## [Save the USSR! (Time-Travel Hypothetical)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/save-the-ussr-time-travel-hypothetical/765374)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/save-the-ussr-time-travel-hypothetical/765374 "2016-09-25T12:24:25Z")
So it turns out that the fall of the Soviet Union really was a tragedy, but not for the reasons Putin suspects. For reasons of plot it becomes necessary to prevent the collapse of the USSR and luckily you have been been… --- ## [Comforter says "Dry clean only" BS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comforter-says-dry-clean-only-bs/509481)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comforter-says-dry-clean-only-bs/509481 "2016-09-25T10:46:19Z")
Dammit! I bought this thing and I didn’t notice the tag said “DCO” on the label until I got home. But even then I thought “No biggie, 10 bucks, tops, at the dry cleaners.” Boy was I wrong! They want $42 to clean that w… --- ## [Grand jury does not indict trucker who struck and killed cyclist last August: Why not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grand-jury-does-not-indict-trucker-who-struck-and-killed-cyclist-last-august-why-not/649640)
**Author:** [@Barrett\_Bonden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barrett_Bonden)\ **Replies:** 219\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grand-jury-does-not-indict-trucker-who-struck-and-killed-cyclist-last-august-why-not/649640 "2016-09-25T06:23:47Z")
On August 24, 2012, bicyclist Alex Motsenigos was struck and killed by an 18-wheel dump trailer driven by Dana McCoomb. This article gives some background and also contains links to the police report, which is accurately… --- ## [What sort of bedlinen do hospitals use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sort-of-bedlinen-do-hospitals-use/766607)
**Author:** [@ripply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ripply)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sort-of-bedlinen-do-hospitals-use/766607 "2016-09-25T01:45:12Z")
I’ve always wanted to find out but no one seems to know. I’ve been in hospital on many occasions, and the only nice memory I have is of the lovely bedsheets. They were so thick and stiff that they could almost stand up… --- ## [What would be the perfect response to "That's ironic"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-perfect-response-to-thats-ironic/766442)
**Author:** [@freebird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freebird)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-perfect-response-to-thats-ironic/766442 "2016-09-25T01:10:10Z")
For example, I say “There is no need to be rude” and the other person says “That’s ironic” just to shift the blame back at me. Can I say “That’s double ironic” here or would it be wrong? To me “double ironic” means some… --- ## [Airplane seating question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-seating-question/766615)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-seating-question/766615 "2016-09-25T01:07:41Z")
A friend just emailed me a question, thinking because I used to work with autistic people, I might know a workaround. I have no experience with flying with them, though. I told her to call the airline tomorrow, and lay o… --- ## [Abraham Lincoln vs John Wilkes Booth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abraham-lincoln-vs-john-wilkes-booth/763789)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abraham-lincoln-vs-john-wilkes-booth/763789 "2016-09-25T00:51:09Z")
So lets imagine for a second. John Wilkes Booth enters the president’s booth intent on assassination. However his pistol fails to fire and Lincoln nocks it out of his hand. The two square off and Lincoln calls off his gu… --- ## [The recent YouTube demonitization kefuffle and why its business model is doomed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-recent-youtube-demonitization-kefuffle-and-why-its-business-model-is-doomed/766570)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2016, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-recent-youtube-demonitization-kefuffle-and-why-its-business-model-is-doomed/766570 "2016-09-24T22:11:00Z")
The controversy explained. “Demonetization” means that YT took away the ability of certain videos to run ads because they were deemed unfriendly to advertising. This action (as I will call it) affected a huge range of c… --- ## [That teenage sound again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-teenage-sound-again/765618)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2016, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-teenage-sound-again/765618 "2016-09-24T21:08:22Z")
Here it is. This is the tone that supposedly only people under 25 can hear. Now, I’m aware that my hearing is a little but better that average, but I’m going to be 50 in January, and I can still hear this with no proble… --- ## [Linguistic expressions/equivalents of "boy-crazy"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linguistic-expressions-equivalents-of-boy-crazy/766516)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2016, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linguistic-expressions-equivalents-of-boy-crazy/766516 "2016-09-24T19:43:22Z")
The term “boy-crazy” is often used to describe girls who are…boy-crazy. Is there an equivalent to describe the opposite; boys who are “girl-crazy?” (I haven’t heard anyone use that expression.) What about grown-ups? … --- ## [Is it ethical to accept a Senior benefit, even if I don't need it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ethical-to-accept-a-senior-benefit-even-if-i-dont-need-it/766562)
**Author:** [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2016, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ethical-to-accept-a-senior-benefit-even-if-i-dont-need-it/766562 "2016-09-24T11:48:26Z")
As a Senior Citizen, I qualify for housekeeping and yard work help through a program funded by the state. Now I’m happy that I don’t need this assistance. My quandry is this: if I sign up for the program, and get help… --- ## [Car Rental Advice needed-Israel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-rental-advice-needed-israel/766619)
**Author:** [@MannyL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MannyL)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2016, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-rental-advice-needed-israel/766619 "2016-09-24T00:19:16Z")
The Wife and I are going to Israel soon. It will be my first time, but not her’s. I will rent a car to drive but I have no idea what the process is like. I’ve rented cars in the US and Canada before but never in Israel. … --- ## [Re Anthony Weiner's latest 3rd strike texting antics. Is he mentally unhinged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-anthony-weiners-latest-3rd-strike-texting-antics-is-he-mentally-unhinged/764416)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-anthony-weiners-latest-3rd-strike-texting-antics-is-he-mentally-unhinged/764416 "2016-09-23T22:39:42Z")
A Weiner is once more back in the texting & sexy pics fray as if he had never lost his political career, damaged his marriage and made himself a national laughingstock with his prior pics and texts. We’re kind of beyond… --- ## [Beard men](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beard-men/765380)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beard-men/765380 "2016-09-23T22:26:35Z")
I’m thinking of growing a beard what sort of maintenance does your beard require? do you just let it grow or do you trim it, what tools do you use to groom it, amazon links appreciated. Do you use any oils or other produ… --- ## [Should I learn R statistics software? Perspective as a SAS user...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-learn-r-statistics-software-perspective-as-a-sas-user/766634)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-learn-r-statistics-software-perspective-as-a-sas-user/766634 "2016-09-23T22:24:12Z")
I’ve used SAS statistics software for 30 years now. In a few years I’ll retire, and lose my workplace access to SAS (which I think costs a couple thousand dollars per year). But I want to be able to continue having the s… --- ## [New England travel plan ideas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-travel-plan-ideas/766382)
**Author:** [@Theodore\_Striker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theodore_Striker)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-travel-plan-ideas/766382 "2016-09-23T18:29:22Z")
For the lovely Mrs. S’s birthday next year, I was thinking of taking her on a trip. She has mentioned several times that she has always wanted to see Maine, AND has always waned to see whales in the wild, so I figured wi… --- ## [Who would be the Voice of your Robot House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-the-voice-of-your-robot-house/522409)
**Author:** [@Trepa\_Mayfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trepa_Mayfield)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-the-voice-of-your-robot-house/522409 "2016-09-23T17:07:15Z")
I liked this thread, and I was hoping it could continue anew. Anyway, I’d pick myself, just because I’m too paranoid to trust anyone else…even if it wouldn’t be actually me. Actually, I’d probably be helping the house … --- ## [Table refinishing and dye stain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/table-refinishing-and-dye-stain/766591)
**Author:** [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/table-refinishing-and-dye-stain/766591 "2016-09-23T15:42:26Z")
I’m picked up a table at a garage sale for 40$. It looks like this. With the top being ash butcher block. I’ve sanded the table down with 60, 80 and 120 grit paper and have wetted the table. I’m in the process of hitting… --- ## [Need a cheap rental car in Phoenix, AZ!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-cheap-rental-car-in-phoenix-az/766575)
**Author:** [@GreenHell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenHell)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-cheap-rental-car-in-phoenix-az/766575 "2016-09-23T15:41:46Z")
Any desert dopers out there? I’m in Phoenix, AZ and am about 99% sure I’ve found a job. But, my kin out here can’t keep loaning me their cars until I get relocated and money is tight until I start getting paid from thi… --- ## [Is it possible my dog knows her friend's ashes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-my-dog-knows-her-friends-ashes/766408)
**Author:** [@Daffyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daffyd)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-my-dog-knows-her-friends-ashes/766408 "2016-09-23T15:26:05Z")
My 12 year old Golden Retriever died about 3 weeks ago, and we had her remains sent to a “water cremation” place. Our other dog, a Basset Hound was basically raised by the Golden. The Golden was about 6 when we got the… --- ## [How well do you recognize people you don't know well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-do-you-recognize-people-you-dont-know-well/766585)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-do-you-recognize-people-you-dont-know-well/766585 "2016-09-23T12:10:40Z")
The same race bias column by Cecil got me to wondering. I know two older white guys who I work with who I can’t tell apart. I used to know two afro American guys who I couldn’t tell apart. --- ## [As atheists, how can my wife and I best address the concepts of death/religion with our 5-year-old?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-atheists-how-can-my-wife-and-i-best-address-the-concepts-of-death-religion-with-our-5-year-old/766466)
**Author:** [@Neo-Calredic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neo-Calredic)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-atheists-how-can-my-wife-and-i-best-address-the-concepts-of-death-religion-with-our-5-year-old/766466 "2016-09-23T08:04:16Z")
My wife and I are atheists – some of our immediate family are religious, but none are very observant. Our daughter, who’s a little over five and a half now, has never been to church, and doesn’t really know anything abo… --- ## [Seeing colors differently](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-colors-differently/766113)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-colors-differently/766113 "2016-09-23T06:35:33Z")
I live in a neighborhood of 1920s and 30s Craftsman-style houses. My new next door neighbor has painted the trim on his white bungalow purple. Not a deep, almost-black Concord-grape purple, but a Barney the Dinosaur purp… --- ## [My old dog has a permanent cough that isn't getting better. Time to put him down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-old-dog-has-a-permanent-cough-that-isnt-getting-better-time-to-put-him-down/766453)
**Author:** [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2016, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-old-dog-has-a-permanent-cough-that-isnt-getting-better-time-to-put-him-down/766453 "2016-09-23T03:25:41Z")
So I know we’ve had several “should I put my dog down” threads here over the years, but each case is different, and my wife and I disagree at this point so I figure I’d ask the Dope. The last dog I put down stopped bein… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=698) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=700)