# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=72 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 73 --- ## [Mysterious Sound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-sound/1010982)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2024, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-sound/1010982 "2024-12-02T19:44:10Z")
Can anyone identify what this mysterious outdoor sound might be? Sounds artificial and not natural to me. There is a fire station a few blocks away, and the sound reminds me of a siren. But why would a siren be interrup… --- ## [Seeking half inch round consecutively numbered tags or labels, alcohol resistant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-half-inch-round-consecutively-numbered-tags-or-labels-alcohol-resistant/1010981)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2024, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-half-inch-round-consecutively-numbered-tags-or-labels-alcohol-resistant/1010981 "2024-12-01T19:48:42Z")
I collect aroma compounds and essential oils that come in vials with screw on plastic lids of 0.5" diameter or larger. I also keep a spreadsheet with various details, keyed to unique consecutive ID numbers starting with … --- ## [ACA Providers: Anthem, UHC…and Medica?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-providers-anthem-uhc-and-medica/1011011)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2024, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-providers-anthem-uhc-and-medica/1011011 "2024-12-01T18:56:25Z")
I’m shopping healthcare.gov for a plan for my wife. She’s had Anthem BCBS, but they’re feuding with a major local hospital group and won’t be covering her primary care doc. Who she loves. (We live in St. Louis.) So I’m … --- ## [An important question about Doors (not the band)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-important-question-about-doors-not-the-band/1010673)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2024, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-important-question-about-doors-not-the-band/1010673 "2024-12-01T11:40:15Z")
This is based on a Facebook post I had seen: would you say a door is “on” or “off” when it’s closed? --- ## [Australia's Upcoming ban on social media for people 16 and under-What exactly does in cover?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australias-upcoming-ban-on-social-media-for-people-16-and-under-what-exactly-does-in-cover/1010950)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2024, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australias-upcoming-ban-on-social-media-for-people-16-and-under-what-exactly-does-in-cover/1010950 "2024-12-01T11:31:26Z")
This is not the place to debate the existence of the upcoming law-This is the place to explain and/or debate the use of the law. What does it cover, what it does not cover, etc. --- ## [Warmest winter hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2024, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warmest-winter-hats/1010798 "2024-12-01T01:51:38Z")
What sorts of winter hats do you like best for use in cold temperatures? --- ## [Fire blankets - do they work? worth having one in the kitchen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-blankets-do-they-work-worth-having-one-in-the-kitchen/995527)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2024, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-blankets-do-they-work-worth-having-one-in-the-kitchen/995527 "2024-11-30T16:34:04Z")
So, I’ve been seeing adverts for fire blankets on YouTube. They show people calming putting a fire blanket over a stovetop fire and it’s out. Are they really all that? do they work? is it worth having one in the kitc… --- ## [The five most powerful men in the world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-five-most-powerful-men-in-the-world/1010823)
**Author:** [@Zoobi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoobi)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2024, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-five-most-powerful-men-in-the-world/1010823 "2024-11-30T10:28:01Z")
I think four of them are quite easy to identify: Trump, Musk, Xi, and Putin. Who’s number 5? Scholz? I doubt it. --- ## [How are non Christians feeling about celebrating Christmas this year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-non-christians-feeling-about-celebrating-christmas-this-year/1010790)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2024, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-non-christians-feeling-about-celebrating-christmas-this-year/1010790 "2024-11-29T21:45:54Z")
As a non believer, I’ve spent my life pretty much tolerating - sometimes even taking part in- Christmas celebrations. I was raised Jewish but that’s never influenced my outlook or participation. I’ve felt that it’s mostl… --- ## [I can't hear my doorbell downstairs, what can I do? (please read OP before responding)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-hear-my-doorbell-downstairs-what-can-i-do-please-read-op-before-responding/1010921)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2024, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-hear-my-doorbell-downstairs-what-can-i-do-please-read-op-before-responding/1010921 "2024-11-29T13:59:48Z")
I don’t want a smart doorbell. I have an old-fashioned 2-wire low voltage doorbell. The button was broken for a long time, so I had put in an unwired doorbell (which I highly recommend if you need one, see below\*) with … --- ## [How to make this novelty coin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-this-novelty-coin/1010822)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2024, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-this-novelty-coin/1010822 "2024-11-29T13:01:20Z")
After the assassination of Julius Ceasar, Brutus minted some commemorative coins. I would like a replica like this one, and add the date “44 B.C.” It would double as an IQ test to anybody I showed it to. --- ## [Texas, Our Texas... how you have fallen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-our-texas-how-you-have-fallen/987351)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2024, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-our-texas-how-you-have-fallen/987351 "2024-11-29T00:41:52Z")
Texas has reached two new lows, according to a CNBC ranking. For the first time, Texas was last in the nation for quality of life, and it slid out of the top five best states for business in the annual report. The st… --- ## [Some advice on buying a new car now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-advice-on-buying-a-new-car-now/1010854)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-advice-on-buying-a-new-car-now/1010854 "2024-11-28T19:17:05Z")
Not wishing to hijack this thread Is NOW the time to buy that new car - #16 by Kent\_Clark with my own peculiar situation, I’ll outline it here. I’d been thinking that my current car is a bit too small, and I’m just abo… --- ## [What are the odds that Chief Justice Roberts suffers from defenestration sometime in the next 4 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-that-chief-justice-roberts-suffers-from-defenestration-sometime-in-the-next-4-years/1010869)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2024, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-that-chief-justice-roberts-suffers-from-defenestration-sometime-in-the-next-4-years/1010869 "2024-11-27T23:59:34Z")
This is just an example of tongue in cheek JAQing off. While I think President Trump may fantasize about ridding himself of a check from the judiciary in the same way he would like to purge military leadership, I doubt … --- ## [The Key to Locking Lugnuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-key-to-locking-lugnuts/1010295)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2024, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-key-to-locking-lugnuts/1010295 "2024-11-27T16:26:43Z")
This is killing me, but I may have misplaced my “key” to unlock my locking lugnuts. Does AAA carry a master key? I’ve heard some mechanics have such a thing. What options doI have? Would the dealer where I bought the lug… --- ## [Non-US Dopers: does your constitutional system require legislative confirmation for executive positions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-us-dopers-does-your-constitutional-system-require-legislative-confirmation-for-executive-positions/1010576)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2024, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-us-dopers-does-your-constitutional-system-require-legislative-confirmation-for-executive-positions/1010576 "2024-11-27T15:51:05Z")
I have a government question that is primarily factual, but could verge into political discussion. Since I’m not trying to start a debate, I’m sticking it in IMHO, with its more flexible rules for discussions. My quest… --- ## [The Value of Financial Advisors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-value-of-financial-advisors/1010506)
**Author:** [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2024, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-value-of-financial-advisors/1010506 "2024-11-27T14:08:39Z")
I have retirement accounts (IRA, Roth) with an advisor we’ve had for about 20 years. It was a collection of loose ends, 401ks etc. my wife and I had at the time consolidated to one place. The portfolio is automatically b… --- ## [Lost Key to Locking Lug Nuts. Now What?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-key-to-locking-lug-nuts-now-what/742506)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2024, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-key-to-locking-lug-nuts-now-what/742506 "2024-11-27T13:36:32Z")
Our key to our locking lug nuts got lost on our Mazda. These lugs were installed in 2002 (we believe) by the dealer. (It was my father-in-law’s car back then.) Do you think the dealer can sell us a replacement all the… --- ## [Non-Evangelical book for Christians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-evangelical-book-for-christians/1010044)
**Author:** [@Jebbilene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jebbilene)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2024, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-evangelical-book-for-christians/1010044 "2024-11-26T20:44:09Z")
Not sure if this should go here or in Cafe Society. It’s a bit political so I put it here. My early 20s daughter is exploring new ideas, which is good, and normal (right?). We are an atheistic, very left-wing family, so… --- ## [Laser Printer recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-printer-recommendations/1010766)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2024, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-printer-recommendations/1010766 "2024-11-26T19:13:18Z")
My Lexmark has stopped working so am looking for a replacement. I don’t print a lot, but enough that having a printer would be nice. Parameters: Color – though 95% will be B+W that being said, individual toner so I do… --- ## [What Happens if Every Country Runs Unsustainable Deficits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-every-country-runs-unsustainable-deficits/1010757)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2024, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-every-country-runs-unsustainable-deficits/1010757 "2024-11-26T12:52:08Z")
We all know that the US is borrowing too much, has been for a long time, and shows no sign of fixing that. But virtually every major economy is borrowing at unsustainable levels. So if it were just the US, I assume bon… --- ## [Holiday deals 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holiday-deals-2024/1010777)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2024, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holiday-deals-2024/1010777 "2024-11-26T06:17:04Z")
I picked up Paramount+ with Showtime for $2.99 comercial free. For 2 months, then goes expensive. I set a reminder to cancel in 45 days. Acorn, Britbox and Crunchyroll are all $1.99 for 2 months. All of these were thro… --- ## [Mega Millions lottery ticket prices increasing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mega-millions-lottery-ticket-prices-increasing/1008736)
**Author:** [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2024, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mega-millions-lottery-ticket-prices-increasing/1008736 "2024-11-25T21:08:58Z")
The Mega Millions lottery announced an increase in price from $2 to $5, this will take place next April. Their reasoning is this will create more jackpot winners and bigger jackpots. The jackpot multiplier will also be i… --- ## [$200 9th Gen I-Pad: As Good of a Deal As It Sounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/200-9th-gen-i-pad-as-good-of-a-deal-as-it-sounds/1010725)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2024, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/200-9th-gen-i-pad-as-good-of-a-deal-as-it-sounds/1010725 "2024-11-25T20:16:53Z")
The Chromebook I bought back in 2017 isn’t doing the job anymore, and am thinking of getting one of the 9th generation i-Pads. The last i-Pad I owned was the 2nd generation, and it served me well. Should I pull the tri… --- ## [Adult children who turn away from religious-type beliefs of their families](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adult-children-who-turn-away-from-religious-type-beliefs-of-their-families/1010164)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2024, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adult-children-who-turn-away-from-religious-type-beliefs-of-their-families/1010164 "2024-11-25T18:21:45Z")
Sounds to me as if you are dealing with a classic case of late adolescent rebellion? If so, it is likely that nothing you do will improve matters, and may even be counterproductive. Where is this new attitude coming fr… --- ## [Spanish Court: Croquette-eater was unlawfully fired](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spanish-court-croquette-eater-was-unlawfully-fired/1010716)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2024, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spanish-court-croquette-eater-was-unlawfully-fired/1010716 "2024-11-25T17:36:50Z")
To give more information on this weird story, an employee in a supermarket was fired for eating a croquette. The Court found that this was common practice if the food was not going to be sold the next day. I’m just happy… --- ## [Dog Illness - Opinions Needed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-illness-opinions-needed/1010618)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2024, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-illness-opinions-needed/1010618 "2024-11-25T13:48:38Z")
So, the other tech I work with has a dog that is 6 months old. The dog has had its shots and whatever other services are routinely done for dogs by vets. The dog was a normal pup, energetic, happy, playful, etc. Sudde… --- ## [Universe 25 mouse social experiment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universe-25-mouse-social-experiment/988492)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2024, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universe-25-mouse-social-experiment/988492 "2024-11-25T13:37:09Z")
I was reading a little bit about a social experiment a scientist did with some mice. I find it hard to believe that he reported on it accurately. He provided them with an ideal environment and at the beginning of the exp… --- ## [Adobe killed my Photoshop Elements, insists I upgrade. Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adobe-killed-my-photoshop-elements-insists-i-upgrade-grrr/1007722)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adobe-killed-my-photoshop-elements-insists-i-upgrade-grrr/1007722 "2024-11-24T23:40:19Z")
I’ve been using Photoshop Elements for a long time, first Elements 8 and since 2016, Elements 14. I know, I know, it’s not as good as real Photoshop or Lightroom or any number of other programs. But it does what I need … --- ## [Calendar / Organiser App Recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calendar-organiser-app-recommendations/1009595)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calendar-organiser-app-recommendations/1009595 "2024-11-24T20:32:00Z")
Hi. I’m looking for a calendar / organiser app that can display events horizontally across days so I can easily see where crossovers occur (see example below). I currently use my own solution using MacOS Numbers but I’m … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=71) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=73)