# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=738 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 739 --- ## [Do people consider 'Shylock' to be anti-semitic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-consider-shylock-to-be-anti-semitic/756599)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2016, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-consider-shylock-to-be-anti-semitic/756599 "2016-06-09T14:30:13Z")
This post in a thread about Joe Biden brought up his use of ‘Shylock’. IMHO most people who use that word consider it to mean ‘loan shark’ without any association with a religion and not the Shakespearean character or re… --- ## [Scotland in August, what to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotland-in-august-what-to-do/745504)
**Author:** [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2016, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotland-in-august-what-to-do/745504 "2016-06-09T11:01:14Z")
So, it looks like a family trip to Scotland this summer. It will include my parents (both in their mid seventies and in good health) my son and I. It also may include my brother and his wife (35 for her and 42 for him)… --- ## [All-Around Tipping Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-around-tipping-thread/755622)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2016, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-around-tipping-thread/755622 "2016-06-09T03:25:07Z")
This thread is not to explore whether tipping is a good or bad practice. The wife and I will soon move back to Hawaii, and I would like to get up to speed on present-day tipping practices, so I would appreciate some advi… --- ## [What did 11-year-old girls want for Christmas in 2000?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-11-year-old-girls-want-for-christmas-in-2000/756405)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2016, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-11-year-old-girls-want-for-christmas-in-2000/756405 "2016-06-09T02:07:48Z")
I found an unfinished story on my flash drive that I might take up and finish because I’ve always had a soft spot for it. However, the story involves an adult’s final letter to Santa coming back to haunt her, and this s… --- ## [Zap! You're lucky, but around you is ill-fortune.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zap-youre-lucky-but-around-you-is-ill-fortune/756858)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zap-youre-lucky-but-around-you-is-ill-fortune/756858 "2016-06-08T22:56:12Z")
Gift or curse? You decide. The FSM stretches its noodly appendage and you become extremely lucky, but only with regards to self-preservation. You won’t win the lottery every week (though you might well win something if … --- ## [My wife is so tall in wedges!!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-is-so-tall-in-wedges/756646)
**Author:** [@Mgp718](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mgp718)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-wife-is-so-tall-in-wedges/756646 "2016-06-08T22:27:15Z")
My wife is so tall in wedges!!! She just recently bought a pair of wedges that are about 6 inches high. She is already 5’6 barefoot, with these wedges she is 6 feet tall. I am only 5’8 barefoot, maybe 5’9 with shoes. Las… --- ## [You negotiated. You won. Now how do you feel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-negotiated-you-won-now-how-do-you-feel/756612)
**Author:** [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-negotiated-you-won-now-how-do-you-feel/756612 "2016-06-08T22:20:20Z")
This thread grows out of a conversation I had with a friend of mine over her annual review at work. There were various things on the table, such as job title, salary, hours, etc etc. And she commented to me afterwards ho… --- ## [Nuun is giving me cancer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuun-is-giving-me-cancer/756811)
**Author:** [@curious11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curious11)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuun-is-giving-me-cancer/756811 "2016-06-08T21:38:28Z")
Hey All, My wife pointed me to this article. Best and Worst Electrolyte Drinks for 2023 | TheHealthBeat I did a search that brought up a 2006 thread where it looked like the tone was that those that purported that Nuun… --- ## [Moral equivalence of NC transgender bathroom law & NY Israeli anti-boycott law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-equivalence-of-nc-transgender-bathroom-law-ny-israeli-anti-boycott-law/756843)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-equivalence-of-nc-transgender-bathroom-law-ny-israeli-anti-boycott-law/756843 "2016-06-08T20:32:31Z")
The State of North Carolina offers a proposed law that insists that you can only use the bathroom for the sex stated on your Birth Certificate. This is roundly and justifiably criticized as discriminatory. The State of … --- ## [Would you tell a 6 year old his dad is in jail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-tell-a-6-year-old-his-dad-is-in-jail/422086)
**Author:** [@ShelliBean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShelliBean)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-tell-a-6-year-old-his-dad-is-in-jail/422086 "2016-06-08T19:16:02Z")
My ex-husband is in jail. I do not know for how long. As soon as he is released he will probably be picked up by the next county. So, if you were me would you tell your six year old son that his father is in jail? Dear … --- ## [Having a fine needle aspiration on a thryoid nodule. How scared should I be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-a-fine-needle-aspiration-on-a-thryoid-nodule-how-scared-should-i-be/755532)
**Author:** [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-a-fine-needle-aspiration-on-a-thryoid-nodule-how-scared-should-i-be/755532 "2016-06-08T17:26:53Z")
Important intro request: Please, please only respond if you’ve had thyroid FNA biopsy! In past threads, people (who I know were sincerely trying to help) responded to such questions with “I didn’t have a thyroid biopsy b… --- ## [Outrage over receipt checking!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outrage-over-receipt-checking/754093)
**Author:** [@Brodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brodi)\ **Replies:** 180\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outrage-over-receipt-checking/754093 "2016-06-08T17:25:32Z")
I’ve heard people on various other forums say they won’t shop at Costco/Sam’s since someone checks your receipt at the door. :confused: What is so offensive/demeaning about that? Am I missing something? Someone else sa… --- ## [Why would someone lie about his wife being dead for 2 months](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-lie-about-his-wife-being-dead-for-2-months/756687)
**Author:** [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-lie-about-his-wife-being-dead-for-2-months/756687 "2016-06-08T16:42:23Z")
Long story made short (I hope) An acquaintance at work everyday would give me updates on how his wife was fighting cancer and was going for treatment and every day, the prognosis seemed to get worse and worse until fina… --- ## [Defense Department still using 8-inch floppy disks. Really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defense-department-still-using-8-inch-floppy-disks-really/755727)
**Author:** [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defense-department-still-using-8-inch-floppy-disks-really/755727 "2016-06-08T16:29:11Z")
No really, looky here. As someone in the article asks, “I don’t even know where they buy these things.” Question. Is it possible that the Defense Department has an exclusive contract with one or two companies to supply … --- ## [When to replace a hot water heater?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-to-replace-a-hot-water-heater/756541)
**Author:** [@Blunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blunt)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-to-replace-a-hot-water-heater/756541 "2016-06-08T16:28:10Z")
After a false alarm tonight where I thought my hot water heater was leaking (never have I been so happy to realize it was “just” my basement sink overflowing), I’m wondering if I should still think about replacing it bas… --- ## [Anyone with experience with Levofloxacin/Levaquin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-with-experience-with-levofloxacin-levaquin/756816)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-with-experience-with-levofloxacin-levaquin/756816 "2016-06-08T15:00:21Z")
I’m wondering if anyone here has any experience with this drug? It’s known to have some frightening side effects, though they are apparently actually quite rare. Still frightening though! So have you or someone you know… --- ## [What do you know about oil rights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-know-about-oil-rights/756755)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-know-about-oil-rights/756755 "2016-06-08T14:04:30Z")
I have some land in South Dakota we are thinking of selling. Thing is some people are urging me to hold off because they MIGHT be coming thru in a few years and start drilling for oil. Thing is I’m not sure. Its kind of… --- ## [Why does everyone hate Comic Sans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-everyone-hate-comic-sans/493676)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-everyone-hate-comic-sans/493676 "2016-06-08T12:23:55Z")
I’ve been reading articles recently about Comic Sans-hate. Even the guy who created it doesn’t like it anymore. Why? What’s wrong with Comic Sans? I love Comic Sans. It’s my favorite common font. When I have a choice of… --- ## [Anybody have Deep Brain Stimulation implants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-have-deep-brain-stimulation-implants/756819)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-have-deep-brain-stimulation-implants/756819 "2016-06-08T12:11:04Z")
It appears that by year’s end (possibly by summer’s end), I’ll be getting a unilateral probe to control the essential tremor that makes my left hand pretty much useless for anything requiring fine motor control. I’ve go… --- ## [Voice trembling when nervous????](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voice-trembling-when-nervous/756769)
**Author:** [@Whitney\_Harper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whitney_Harper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voice-trembling-when-nervous/756769 "2016-06-08T12:04:08Z")
What causes voice trembling/shaking when nervous? The other night I returned a phone call regarding a potential date with a new guy, and I could tell that my voice sounded slightly nervous for about the first minute or … --- ## [When people insist on using lower-case letters for their names. . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-people-insist-on-using-lower-case-letters-for-their-names/595386)
**Author:** [@Tiger\_Lily\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tiger_Lily_1)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2016, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-people-insist-on-using-lower-case-letters-for-their-names/595386 "2016-06-08T04:14:15Z")
A colleague of mine in academics spells, and asks all others to spell, her first and last names using lower-case letters. An example is bell hooks, or mary sullivan. As a traditionally schooled academic myself, I face … --- ## ['The Tire of Lourdes', or, help me solve this apparent miracle repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tire-of-lourdes-or-help-me-solve-this-apparent-miracle-repair/756613)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tire-of-lourdes-or-help-me-solve-this-apparent-miracle-repair/756613 "2016-06-07T19:32:53Z")
Monday night, as I drive home from the restaurant where I eat most nights, the tire pressure indicator comes on. Great, I think to myself: for the third time in around a year, I have to wait in line at the tire place to… --- ## [The obscure and eclectic at Disneyland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-obscure-and-eclectic-at-disneyland/754719)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-obscure-and-eclectic-at-disneyland/754719 "2016-06-07T19:03:42Z")
For reasons that are both essential and ridiculous, I am going to Disneyland in 2 weeks. I’m not really crazy about this trip, but I kinda have to (long story) and since I was there last year with my Mom, I’ve been on j… --- ## [Is talking in a foreign language rude at work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-talking-in-a-foreign-language-rude-at-work/660141)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-talking-in-a-foreign-language-rude-at-work/660141 "2016-06-07T18:58:05Z")
Two anecdotes addressing either side of this issue: My mom complained that her filipina co workers are always talking in tagalog. They speak/understand english fine, but talk amongst each other in tagolog. She thinks th… --- ## [Rude spouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rude-spouse/756434)
**Author:** [@user1963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user1963)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rude-spouse/756434 "2016-06-07T18:52:50Z")
Tell me if this is rude, my husband was supposed to make dinner himself, frozen fries and microwave burgers, Because I have a badly injured shoulder, and hurts to move, so he did fries, which I would up reheating with ch… --- ## ["Statute of Limitations" for real estate ownership](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statute-of-limitations-for-real-estate-ownership/675444)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statute-of-limitations-for-real-estate-ownership/675444 "2016-06-07T15:45:10Z")
Suppose I steal some real estate… say I just break into the town clerk’s office and erase someone else’s name on a title deed and replace it with my own. Something clearly and inarguably a crime. So I move into this hous… --- ## [Office Dress Code Drama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/office-dress-code-drama/756420)
**Author:** [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/office-dress-code-drama/756420 "2016-06-07T14:51:43Z")
I work in a small office of about 30 people. Our board is in town this weekend and today the whole staff had lunch with the guests. Normally on Friday, we wear jeans and casual clothes. Today we were supposed to be busi… --- ## [Do you take advice well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-take-advice-well/756419)
**Author:** [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-take-advice-well/756419 "2016-06-07T14:51:34Z")
I don’t. I’ve only ever done anything for one of four reasons: It’s fun. 2) I’m getting \[del\]laid\[/del\] paid. 3) Someone has a gun to my head. 4) I’m obsessive-compulsive about it. That last one may explain why I kee… --- ## [Your favorite/most useful aphorisms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-most-useful-aphorisms/756322)
**Author:** [@Soul\_Brother\_Number\_Two](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soul_Brother_Number_Two)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-most-useful-aphorisms/756322 "2016-06-07T14:14:21Z")
Mine is “Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.” I use it often; it has become past of my personal philosophy. I’ve said it enough times at work that my cow orkers have taken it on: one… --- ## [Who merits professional honorifics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-merits-professional-honorifics/756164)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2016, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-merits-professional-honorifics/756164 "2016-06-07T03:17:45Z")
On a recent episode of The Americans, I thought it odd that people who were not church members referred to another character as Pastor Tim, when introducing him to a neighbor in a social setting. In the move Concussion,… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=737) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=739)