# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=774 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 775 --- ## [Who has/had a Top Secret clearance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-had-a-top-secret-clearance/747646)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-had-a-top-secret-clearance/747646 "2016-03-08T18:16:26Z")
Who has, or had, a Top Secret security clearance? --- ## [Learning if I am adopted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/learning-if-i-am-adopted/747333)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/learning-if-i-am-adopted/747333 "2016-03-08T15:01:03Z")
I suspect for a while that I have a stepmother or stepfather besides my biological parents who raised me. One of the ways that I think I can learn whether this is true is contacting an official authority in the country o… --- ## [Do "reunions" unsettle you too? Why or why not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-reunions-unsettle-you-too-why-or-why-not/747689)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-reunions-unsettle-you-too-why-or-why-not/747689 "2016-03-08T12:41:13Z")
I just got an invitation to attend a graduate school “reunion” of sorts. I graduated 12 years ago. My grad advisor just asked me if I was going to go, and I told her I would think about it. But I don’t know. I don’t… --- ## [Wikipedians are the reason Wikipedia is dying](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedians-are-the-reason-wikipedia-is-dying/746921)
**Author:** [@Cardboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardboard)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedians-are-the-reason-wikipedia-is-dying/746921 "2016-03-08T08:10:05Z")
Here’s a rant. I love Wikipedia and I hate Wikipedia. It offers the potential to store near-infinite amounts of information and is one of my go-to sources for quickly learning about new stuff. But dude, Wikipedians suc… --- ## [Meanings attached to price of gold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meanings-attached-to-price-of-gold/747979)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meanings-attached-to-price-of-gold/747979 "2016-03-08T07:58:58Z")
While it never seems to be obvious or linear, I sometimes think there must be some significance to the price of gold, with respect to the world economy. When the most recent financial crisis hit in 2008, gold was selling… --- ## [Why don't foreign banks ignore the IRS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-foreign-banks-ignore-the-irs/747976)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-foreign-banks-ignore-the-irs/747976 "2016-03-08T06:05:37Z")
This thread about renouncing US citizenship contains a lot of posts that mention how the IRS has the reach and pull to demand documentation of US ex-pats money in countries other than the US. It would seem that it has g… --- ## [Do foreigners want Americans to know their cultures or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-foreigners-want-americans-to-know-their-cultures-or-not/748003)
**Author:** [@LC\_Strawhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LC_Strawhouse)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-foreigners-want-americans-to-know-their-cultures-or-not/748003 "2016-03-08T01:36:40Z")
I’ve often heard the cliche criticism that North Americans are in their own world, can’t find any other country on a map, blah blah… But in my experience, foreigners really don’t seem to want Americans (or Canadians) lo… --- ## [Do You Need Quarters for Laundry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-quarters-for-laundry/748111)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-quarters-for-laundry/748111 "2016-03-07T22:25:12Z")
Probably more of a MPSIMS kind of a Thread, but it seems I can’t post a poll in MPSIMS. Maybe after I post the Thread the IMHO mods can move it and watch the MPSIMS mods’ heads explode as they attempt to comprehend this… --- ## [Why do school administrators so often side with students over teachers when kids are at fault?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-school-administrators-so-often-side-with-students-over-teachers-when-kids-are-at-fault/747856)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2016, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-school-administrators-so-often-side-with-students-over-teachers-when-kids-are-at-fault/747856 "2016-03-07T21:24:02Z")
I have a suspicions that this case has more to do with sexism than the student/teacher dynamic, but it plays out like the student gets off scot free. The teacher left her phone unlocked in class so an enterprising stude… --- ## [Dual medical insurance question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dual-medical-insurance-question/747830)
**Author:** [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2016, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dual-medical-insurance-question/747830 "2016-03-07T20:48:38Z")
I have medical insurance through my employer. We’ll call them HealthCoA. I also have secondary medical coverage through my spouse’s employer. We’ll call them HealthCoB. I think I’ve been covered by both for about 4 years… --- ## [Have you ever been handcuffed by law enforcement personnel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-handcuffed-by-law-enforcement-personnel/691164)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2016, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-handcuffed-by-law-enforcement-personnel/691164 "2016-03-07T19:04:39Z")
Well, how about it? Have you been handcuffed by a police officer? Mall cop\*? Military police? Security guard\*? Basically anybody whose duties include enforcement of the law? I am stretching the definition of law enfor… --- ## [Considering a move to Olympia, WA. What should I know?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/considering-a-move-to-olympia-wa-what-should-i-know/671762)
**Author:** [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2013, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/considering-a-move-to-olympia-wa-what-should-i-know/671762 "2013-10-28T19:53:10Z")
My wife and I are trying to relocate to the Pacific Northwest, and have been checking out areas and talking with people that are from that neck of the woods. We currently live in Conroe, about an hour north of the Houst… --- ## [Recommend a treadmill, assembly included](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-treadmill-assembly-included/748139)
**Author:** [@thorvitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorvitz)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2016, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-treadmill-assembly-included/748139 "2016-03-07T15:32:59Z")
This should be easier! We’re moving to our first home soon. I want to buy a decent (not fancy) treadmill to put in the garage. Can anyone recommend a model and somewhere to buy that delivers, assembles? I want to make t… --- ## [Get Me Started in HTML!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-started-in-html/747816)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2016, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-me-started-in-html/747816 "2016-03-07T06:23:23Z")
A newbie with HTML, I desire to build a website. I have programming experience in earlier languages of the day, like Clipper, from which grew “C” language (i.e., C+, C++). So, I have a good background. Upon reading som… --- ## [What is the best way you know to protect yourself against Identity Theft and Hackers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-you-know-to-protect-yourself-against-identity-theft-and-hackers/748147)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2016, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-you-know-to-protect-yourself-against-identity-theft-and-hackers/748147 "2016-03-07T03:52:32Z")
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that protects your privacy by making you appear “anonymous” whenever you use the Internet. Have you heard of the NSA (National Security Agency) “spying scandal”? The following r… --- ## [Please don't fire a gun at anyone unless you absolutely have to](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-dont-fire-a-gun-at-anyone-unless-you-absolutely-have-to/747716)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2016, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-dont-fire-a-gun-at-anyone-unless-you-absolutely-have-to/747716 "2016-03-07T02:18:36Z")
Just a public service announcement. Lots of people get killed by guns in this country. Please don’t contribute to the problem. Don’t point a gun at yourself and pull the trigger- ask for help if that is your plan, people… --- ## [Elderly arthritic cat - shopping for a new litter box](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elderly-arthritic-cat-shopping-for-a-new-litter-box/748050)
**Author:** [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elderly-arthritic-cat-shopping-for-a-new-litter-box/748050 "2016-03-06T23:06:15Z")
Our elderly cat Napoleon (yes, I know the rules!) has, among other complaints, a missing front leg and pretty significant osteo-arthritis in his remaining front leg - and possibly elsewhere. (you can hear the joint clic… --- ## [Another "Was I a jerk?" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-was-i-a-jerk-thread/747932)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-was-i-a-jerk-thread/747932 "2016-03-06T22:37:44Z")
I swim at a local gym. The pool has 3 lanes, each with a clear stripe tiled down the center. If more than 3 people are using the pool at a time, the standard practice is for 2 people to double up in a lane. The newcom… --- ## [Jerkish friend, borderline verbally abusive to wife -what to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerkish-friend-borderline-verbally-abusive-to-wife-what-to-do/747257)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerkish-friend-borderline-verbally-abusive-to-wife-what-to-do/747257 "2016-03-06T22:20:08Z")
\[tl/dr\] “George” and “Martha” are retired. I worked with Martha for a number of years; they live somewhat near me, and since Martha didn’t enjoy driving, I usually drove her to/from the office on the days I was there. M… --- ## [Gettin' rid of old books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gettin-rid-of-old-books/747666)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gettin-rid-of-old-books/747666 "2016-03-06T21:53:50Z")
I’m cleaning-up and cleaning-out this month. I’ve (collected and) moved a bunch of books in the past, but this is the last time many of them are moving. I’m tossing most of them. Question is… what to do with unwanted bo… --- ## [Men - Do you automatically get the bill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-automatically-get-the-bill/747721)
**Author:** [@Blackstock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackstock)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-do-you-automatically-get-the-bill/747721 "2016-03-06T17:57:06Z")
When out with a person of the opposite sex (or the same sex if you’re homosexual), whether they’re friends, co-workers, your spouse, a casual date or any other one-on-one type of dinner date/get-together, do you automati… --- ## [Los Angeles in May](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/los-angeles-in-may/747628)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/los-angeles-in-may/747628 "2016-03-06T16:02:59Z")
I probably have a conference in Anaheim in early May, and my wife and I are thinking of using the free flight as an excuse to have our first vacation in California. I’d expect we’ll spend about a week following the conf… --- ## [What would it take to make you leave the U.S.A. \*and\* renounce your citizenship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-to-make-you-leave-the-u-s-a-and-renounce-your-citizenship/747748)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-to-make-you-leave-the-u-s-a-and-renounce-your-citizenship/747748 "2016-03-06T13:40:23Z")
I was reading a blog post today about a fellow who had moved to another country and had renounced his U.S. citizenship, without naturalizing in another country. In other words, he willingly became a stateless person. I … --- ## [I am right and I am also right - having it both ways.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-right-and-i-am-also-right-having-it-both-ways/747809)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-right-and-i-am-also-right-having-it-both-ways/747809 "2016-03-06T07:47:25Z")
I have been thinking lately about situations where, depending on which side of things I am on, I feel totally and entirely in the right. When I find myself on the other side of the same situation, I also consider myself… --- ## [Is my android phone unusual in that I can't change the time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-android-phone-unusual-in-that-i-cant-change-the-time/747837)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-android-phone-unusual-in-that-i-cant-change-the-time/747837 "2016-03-06T05:32:32Z")
I’ve noticed this twice on my phone (LG L41C). When Standard Time kicked in, my phone was an hour off for a couple of weeks. A few weeks ago I went to Indiana, and the time zone changed the correct time to one hour lat… --- ## [Privitization success stories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privitization-success-stories/747416)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2016, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privitization-success-stories/747416 "2016-03-06T01:32:46Z")
You often hear how when a government turns something over to private enterprise, it goes downhill. This doesn’t always happen. A few years ago, Maine turned the operation of a lot of roadside parks, picnic areas, and b… --- ## [Does Anyone Read the Fine Print?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-read-the-fine-print/747854)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2016, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-read-the-fine-print/747854 "2016-03-05T23:07:59Z")
I myself never do. You get this all the time. Anytime you’re opening a new account, credit card, mortgage, installing a new computer program, make a major purchase, have a surgery etc. etc., you get pages and pages of d… --- ## [GTX 970 video card to S-Video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gtx-970-video-card-to-s-video/747579)
**Author:** [@The\_Man\_In\_Black](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Man_In_Black)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2016, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gtx-970-video-card-to-s-video/747579 "2016-03-05T20:13:58Z")
So I am building a new computer http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=19127659#post19127659, and was wondering about connecting it to my TV. My current video card has an S-Video port, and I have that cabl… --- ## [Give an example of "great, dry wit."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-an-example-of-great-dry-wit/397463)
**Author:** [@Lizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lizard)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2016, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-an-example-of-great-dry-wit/397463 "2016-03-05T16:09:09Z")
So I’m reading this online advice column, where a woman wrote in to ask if she was being too picky in looking for a man who is witty in a particular way. The columnist responds and mentions her desire to find a man with… --- ## [Perks of Specific Military Branches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perks-of-specific-military-branches/747569)
**Author:** [@R.E.Lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.E.Lee)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2016, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perks-of-specific-military-branches/747569 "2016-03-05T01:53:05Z")
Hi all, I am a 16 year old (junior in high school) and looking to go into the military. I have been mulling over the idea for a few years now and have set my mind to it just recently. I have signed myself up for the next… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=773) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=775)