# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=797 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 798 --- ## [Recent reasons to be unironically proud of America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-reasons-to-be-unironically-proud-of-america/742430)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-reasons-to-be-unironically-proud-of-america/742430 "2016-01-13T17:11:30Z")
We spend a lot of time these days talking about failings of the good old U S of A. Frankly, with good reason. So this thread is for the opposite. Things that have happened recently (say, since Obama was elected) which r… --- ## [Vehicles that won't seem to die](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vehicles-that-wont-seem-to-die/740231)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vehicles-that-wont-seem-to-die/740231 "2016-01-13T16:39:21Z")
Driving around today, I noticed a car that should be long gone… The late 80’s, early 90’s Buick Century. That car always looks the same to me. A dingy, dirty, faded paint job (car hasn’t actually been washed in years)… --- ## [Anyone here had issues with rhabdomyolysis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-had-issues-with-rhabdomyolysis/743017)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-had-issues-with-rhabdomyolysis/743017 "2016-01-13T16:06:31Z")
I’m seeking information because my brother, who was always very fit and active, started having sudden debilitating joint pain a short time after beginning statins and it has persisted for months. It’s hard to get a clea… --- ## [Fantasy Illinois Powerball Players - Annuity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fantasy-illinois-powerball-players-annuity/743009)
**Author:** [@wellanuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wellanuff)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fantasy-illinois-powerball-players-annuity/743009 "2016-01-13T15:36:17Z")
Assume that you live in Illinois. This is the state that last summer temporarily stopped paying out money to lottery winners of large prizes (over $25,000), and then in October stopped paying out prizes worth more than … --- ## [Are college proffessors a bunch of perverts or something?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-college-proffessors-a-bunch-of-perverts-or-something/743031)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-college-proffessors-a-bunch-of-perverts-or-something/743031 "2016-01-13T14:55:38Z")
Why else are they requiring student at the University of South California to give their sexual histories? LINK From the story: “A mandatory online course for students at the University of California (USC) orders them… --- ## [Should I give original Will to beneficiary ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-give-original-will-to-beneficiary/742773)
**Author:** [@TheGhostofBelleStarr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheGhostofBelleStarr)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-give-original-will-to-beneficiary/742773 "2016-01-13T14:41:36Z")
Here’s scenario… I am recently widowed so I am making a Will and changing my life insurance beneficiary etc. since my husband was the beneficiary and is now gone. I have a step daughter (his grown daughter) whom I am n… --- ## [If you had terminal cancer, would you keep it a secret?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-had-terminal-cancer-would-you-keep-it-a-secret/742989)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-had-terminal-cancer-would-you-keep-it-a-secret/742989 "2016-01-13T13:05:27Z")
This is prompted by David Bowie’s death. A friend of mine died from throat cancer a couple months ago. He was 49 years old. I never knew; I found out after he died via a FB post from his wife. As far as I can tell, the … --- ## [Assuming "affluenza" teen & mom have fled the US - What penalty does Mom get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-affluenza-teen-mom-have-fled-the-us-what-penalty-does-mom-get/740854)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-affluenza-teen-mom-have-fled-the-us-what-penalty-does-mom-get/740854 "2016-01-13T10:09:32Z")
The authorities seem to think there’s a good chance the “affluenza” teen and his Mom have fled the US. What are the potential penalties for her if they are caught? Apparently Couch got caught on a beer pong video (see “… --- ## [Why do you voice your thoughts/opinions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-voice-your-thoughts-opinions/742946)
**Author:** [@DeepLiquid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeepLiquid)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-voice-your-thoughts-opinions/742946 "2016-01-13T07:56:48Z")
I understand everyone has an opinion, I also understand it is your “right” to express it; my question is why do you express it? Are you hoping to change someones views, find common ground, validate your process, degrade… --- ## [Is it bad to smoke straight after drinking whiskey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-smoke-straight-after-drinking-whiskey/742855)
**Author:** [@Indus.1999](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indus.1999)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-smoke-straight-after-drinking-whiskey/742855 "2016-01-13T06:56:34Z")
In the film “Better Luck Tomorrow” after the guy takes a big chug of whiskey the other guy stops him quickly from smoking on the cigarette. Smoking after drinking whiskey, is it harmful in practice? If so, what should yo… --- ## [Will a hard partying drugs & alcohol lifestyle when young impact health in later years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-hard-partying-drugs-alcohol-lifestyle-when-young-impact-health-in-later-years/725614)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-hard-partying-drugs-alcohol-lifestyle-when-young-impact-health-in-later-years/725614 "2016-01-13T06:12:36Z")
In listening to some radio interviews and podcasts of interviews of older, popular musicians, actors and various noted people in entertainment they often reference the absolutely epic amount of drugs and alcohol they con… --- ## [Are black women generally less attractive then white women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-black-women-generally-less-attractive-then-white-women/483163)
**Author:** [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Replies:** 305\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-black-women-generally-less-attractive-then-white-women/483163 "2016-01-13T04:09:03Z")
Before everyone goes nuts, please read the OP. Then go nuts.:slight\_smile: The first thing to note is that I am from Ireland, so it’s possible that some of what I say may not apply in America. I suppose I should tell … --- ## [Favourite Wise sayings to Live your life by!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favourite-wise-sayings-to-live-your-life-by/742052)
**Author:** [@TheAllSeeingEye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheAllSeeingEye)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favourite-wise-sayings-to-live-your-life-by/742052 "2016-01-13T03:51:18Z")
i like sayings that rhyme or balance, prob cause i remember them easier, share yours! Also there are some that seem to me to be bollocks. Heres some examples. Recognise the idiot by the way he laughs (poznaj głupiego p… --- ## [Japanese Copies of Western goods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-copies-of-western-goods/742903)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-copies-of-western-goods/742903 "2016-01-13T03:32:44Z")
When WWII ended, the Japanese realized that they needed to build up their export business, in order to pay for reconstruction and repairs. Many Japanese firms opted to copy well-known western brands, and sell their prod… --- ## [Complicated thoughts following relative's accident](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complicated-thoughts-following-relatives-accident/742816)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complicated-thoughts-following-relatives-accident/742816 "2016-01-13T03:07:53Z")
Was hoping any of you might be able to share your experiences following a relative/friend’s injury that resulted from their negligence. Short version - a week or so ago, one of my nephews (age 23 - driving parents’ car)… --- ## [What was so special about Kodachrome?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-so-special-about-kodachrome/742891)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-so-special-about-kodachrome/742891 "2016-01-13T02:13:27Z")
There are several places in Utah (Among others) that are named after the film, Kodachrome Basin, Kodachrome Gap and Kodachrome State Park. Then, of course is the Paul Simon song. So, what’s the deal? It’s not like there… --- ## [Need word suggestion other than "victim" or "survivor"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-word-suggestion-other-than-victim-or-survivor/742858)
**Author:** [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-word-suggestion-other-than-victim-or-survivor/742858 "2016-01-13T01:19:24Z")
I need help with a word, other than “Victim” or “Survivor” for sexual assault. Any help is appreciated. --- ## [What "touristy" attractions live up to the hype?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-touristy-attractions-live-up-to-the-hype/742263)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-touristy-attractions-live-up-to-the-hype/742263 "2016-01-13T00:35:26Z")
Inspired by a concurrent thread asking for cool and unusual things to do in NYC (which is of course an admirable goal). For my part, one my favorite experiences on my all-too-brief trip to NYC was the Natural History Mu… --- ## [What is the best way to minimize taxes with a large lottery payoff?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-minimize-taxes-with-a-large-lottery-payoff/742838)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-minimize-taxes-with-a-large-lottery-payoff/742838 "2016-01-13T00:16:45Z")
Assume legal means. I guess there are two scenarios to explore. One, you just want the money and party in Vegas, buy a mansion in every state, buy three cars, buy a yacht and build a swimming pool big enough to sail it… --- ## [Why can't jackpots do half lump-sum, half-annuity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-jackpots-do-half-lump-sum-half-annuity/742844)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-jackpots-do-half-lump-sum-half-annuity/742844 "2016-01-12T23:16:28Z")
The usual debate is, “Lump sum or annuity payments?” Why not have a lottery that offers both - half paid in lump-sum, half paid by annuity installments over 30+ years? --- ## [Do you believe in karma?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-in-karma/742681)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-in-karma/742681 "2016-01-12T22:01:23Z")
Apropos of a debate I was having with a co-worker, who said that most people believe in ‘some form’ of karma. To define our terms, karma meaning the idea that committing good actions result in good things happening to yo… --- ## [What do Americans think of the E.U.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-americans-think-of-the-e-u/742584)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-americans-think-of-the-e-u/742584 "2016-01-12T21:42:20Z")
Pretty much as the title, looking for an outsider’s perspective on the E.U. Do Americans generally have a positive or negative view of the E.U., is it split on party lines like it is over here? Do you think it deserves c… --- ## [You're mega wealthy - what's your mega purchase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-mega-wealthy-whats-your-mega-purchase/741795)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-mega-wealthy-whats-your-mega-purchase/741795 "2016-01-12T20:27:19Z")
Ten years ago, you were the sole winner of the largest Powerball jackpot in history - that means it was at least 600 million dollars. Let’s round it up to 750. For our purposes, it doesn’t matter whether you elected to … --- ## [My sister in law is going nuts because she lost her ID and has to fly. HELP.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sister-in-law-is-going-nuts-because-she-lost-her-id-and-has-to-fly-help/742666)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-sister-in-law-is-going-nuts-because-she-lost-her-id-and-has-to-fly-help/742666 "2016-01-12T19:26:20Z")
Hey all, So my sister just called me in a complete frantic freakout because sis in law (we’ll call her N) lost her wallet (or it was stolen.) They both have to fly next Tuesday. My sister is having surgery and won’t be … --- ## [How do you know when you are unhappy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-you-are-unhappy/742924)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-you-are-unhappy/742924 "2016-01-12T18:25:08Z")
This is a serious question. Using my self as an example I have been told I sometimes exhibit signs of depression. I think I am happy, I think I have always been happy. Lots of things in my life are not going the way I wo… --- ## [Do you know anyone with paralysis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-anyone-with-paralysis/742886)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-anyone-with-paralysis/742886 "2016-01-12T15:30:10Z")
Hi SD, I am paralyzed myself, due to a drunk driver from about 10 years ago. I am curious as to whether you guys know anyone who is paralyzed. I’d like to know how their paralysis has affected your opinion of other di… --- ## [Share your experience with f.lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-experience-with-f-lux/742854)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-experience-with-f-lux/742854 "2016-01-12T15:13:37Z")
Please share your personal experiences with f.lux ? --- ## [Do gay marriages have a different "deal" re monogamy vs hetero marriages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gay-marriages-have-a-different-deal-re-monogamy-vs-hetero-marriages/742848)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gay-marriages-have-a-different-deal-re-monogamy-vs-hetero-marriages/742848 "2016-01-12T14:46:20Z")
In this Slate article below and text quoted at the end Marriage Equality Can Be Both a Blessing and a Trap for Minority Communities the author expounds on how marriage has it’s own hard requirement’s and potential “tra… --- ## [American Pragmatism, question?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-pragmatism-question/742431)
**Author:** [@thanatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thanatic)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-pragmatism-question/742431 "2016-01-12T14:07:17Z")
i been interested in learning more about American Pragmatism (Peirce, James, Dewey) but one thing i want to know before i get into it, is this considered a fringe philosophy like Randian Objectivism or do scholars and … --- ## [$900 million lottery--why did you buy a ticket?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/900-million-lottery-why-did-you-buy-a-ticket/742621)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/900-million-lottery-why-did-you-buy-a-ticket/742621 "2016-01-12T14:01:52Z")
With several threads running right now about how you’d spend your winnings, etc… I’m curious to know how many Dopers have bought a ticket for this week’s $900 million powerball lottery, but who do not routinely buy tick… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=796) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=798)