# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=808 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 809 --- ## [Why is the Fed's target inflation rate 2%](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-feds-target-inflation-rate-2/740622)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2015, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-feds-target-inflation-rate-2/740622 "2015-12-19T00:21:43Z")
This could also be a GQ or a GreatDebate. Why is the Fed’s target inflation rate 2%? Why isn’t it zero? A 2% rate means prices double every 35 years. Wouldn’t it be easier to compare wheat’s price today to wheat’s pr… --- ## [Understanding codes vs words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-codes-vs-words/740697)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-codes-vs-words/740697 "2015-12-18T22:14:22Z")
The meeting rooms in my office used to have names. The facilities guys recently removed all the name plaques and replaced them with coded room numbers. For example, 3W-CR3, which decodes to third floor, west wing, conf… --- ## [You're POTUS: Would you nuke North Korea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-potus-would-you-nuke-north-korea/740445)
**Author:** [@Memnon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Memnon)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-potus-would-you-nuke-north-korea/740445 "2015-12-18T22:00:48Z")
So I was chatting with a couple of friends about this and that and (somehow) we got onto the subject of the Cuban missile crisis. Anyway, I forget how the conversation ended but it got me thinking about what I would hav… --- ## [Recommend a new PC for my Dad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-new-pc-for-my-dad/740725)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-new-pc-for-my-dad/740725 "2015-12-18T20:12:24Z")
My 90 year old father spends many hours each day on his computer reading the newspaper, playing PC games, and occasionally reading or sending emails. The computer he has now is a 6 or 7 year old Dell running XP. From wha… --- ## [Are you "the clean one" or the slob?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-the-clean-one-or-the-slob/740590)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-the-clean-one-or-the-slob/740590 "2015-12-18T18:02:33Z")
In your home, are you “the clean one” or are you the slob (or at least NOT “the clean one”)? --- ## [It's way easier to weed out bad cops then we thought (police violence)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-way-easier-to-weed-out-bad-cops-then-we-thought-police-violence/740602)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-way-easier-to-weed-out-bad-cops-then-we-thought-police-violence/740602 "2015-12-18T17:31:09Z")
This study analyzed a huge amount of data on complaints filed against cops. The study wanted to test the usual police defense when asked about excessive police force, that the offending cops are “just a few bad apples”. … --- ## [The No-Fly List and the 2nd Amendment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-no-fly-list-and-the-2nd-amendment/740440)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-no-fly-list-and-the-2nd-amendment/740440 "2015-12-18T17:16:21Z")
(Mods, if this feels more like a GD topic feel free to move it there) There has been discussion recently, that persons on the no-fly list should not be able to purchase guns. There has been push-back on that, to the ef… --- ## [FreeWare for 3D design and printing (and digital painting)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freeware-for-3d-design-and-printing-and-digital-painting/738480)
**Author:** [@MonkeyMensch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeyMensch)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freeware-for-3d-design-and-printing-and-digital-painting/738480 "2015-12-18T17:06:29Z")
Hi y’all! I’ve been thinking about starting to do some 3D design work looking to take that to 3D printing. I used to be a model maker for a living and would like to restart those skills in a hobby setting, with a vague… --- ## [Hedge Fund Manager Buys Rights To Critical Drug, Hikes Price By 5000%](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hedge-fund-manager-buys-rights-to-critical-drug-hikes-price-by-5000/732144)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hedge-fund-manager-buys-rights-to-critical-drug-hikes-price-by-5000/732144 "2015-12-18T16:23:59Z")
Hedge Fund Manager Buys Rights To Critical Drug, Hikes Price By 5000% This is one reason why we need to nationalize the health care system and have universal, single-payer coverage. Right there, the OMG! SOCIALIST! … --- ## [You're VPOTUS and allies are about to shoot down Air Force One](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-vpotus-and-allies-are-about-to-shoot-down-air-force-one/740542)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-vpotus-and-allies-are-about-to-shoot-down-air-force-one/740542 "2015-12-18T16:22:02Z")
What do you do? POTUS is visiting a good ally. Air Force One has entered that country’s air space and nobody there can raise it. Fighters have been scrambled, are alongside and cannot raise it. America cannot contact th… --- ## [Do you use your first name, middle name, initials or a Nickname in daily life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-your-first-name-middle-name-initials-or-a-nickname-in-daily-life/701495)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-your-first-name-middle-name-initials-or-a-nickname-in-daily-life/701495 "2015-12-18T15:52:18Z")
Do you use your first name, middle name, initials or a Nickname in daily life? Anyone \*\*only \*\*use their last name? I used my first name until 3rd grade. We moved out of state and I began using my middle name in my new… --- ## [Who are the most influential US political figures from west of the Mississippi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-most-influential-us-political-figures-from-west-of-the-mississippi/740568)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-most-influential-us-political-figures-from-west-of-the-mississippi/740568 "2015-12-18T14:34:31Z")
Discussions about an East Coast bias on some political podcasts I follow made me wonder: Who are the most influential political figures in US history from the West? For purposes of the question: \[ul\] \[li\]“The West” i… --- ## [Debating with yourself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debating-with-yourself/740722)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debating-with-yourself/740722 "2015-12-18T14:20:58Z")
I find my self constantly debating with myself on various social and economic issues. Sometimes to the point where I do lists of pros and cons or accept don’t accept. I have very often found myself in disagreement with m… --- ## [Sesame Credit: Defeating Freedom with Facebook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sesame-credit-defeating-freedom-with-facebook/740659)
**Author:** [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sesame-credit-defeating-freedom-with-facebook/740659 "2015-12-18T14:00:13Z")
I recently came across a new social network/“game” in China known as Sesame Credit (not to be confused with Credit Sesame). There’s a very good Extra Credits video about it, but the gist is that it’s a social networking … --- ## [Have you ever had to conquer envy--and if so, how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-had-to-conquer-envy-and-if-so-how/740526)
**Author:** [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-had-to-conquer-envy-and-if-so-how/740526 "2015-12-18T10:30:14Z")
I’m not entirely sure I should post this, and may end up erasing it before I do. I’m baring what I consider is my absolute worst trait, my most toxic flaw. Oy gevalt, I’m putting the backstory in spoilers because this i… --- ## [Referees in Professional Sports - Impartial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/referees-in-professional-sports-impartial/740561)
**Author:** [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/referees-in-professional-sports-impartial/740561 "2015-12-18T03:23:27Z")
Much as I would like to believe that they are completely impartial, there have been numerous moments while watching sporting events that have caused me to question my possible naivety, so I’m curious what the SD’s take i… --- ## [Do your high schools still offer vocational technical classes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-your-high-schools-still-offer-vocational-technical-classes/740405)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-your-high-schools-still-offer-vocational-technical-classes/740405 "2015-12-18T02:45:42Z")
When I was in my jr and sr years I went to this Vo-Tech School. Since it wasnt in our home school district we were bused about 25 miles to this school. The class days were about 3 periods long. Comparing then and now th… --- ## [How many tic-tacs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-tic-tacs/740633)
**Author:** [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-tic-tacs/740633 "2015-12-17T23:41:01Z")
Your breath isn’t bad necessarily, it just tastes a little stale and you may be speaking to someone soon. How many tic-tacs do you typically use? One? Two? As many as you can fit? --- ## [Choose which of these tragedies to avert.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choose-which-of-these-tragedies-to-avert/740176)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choose-which-of-these-tragedies-to-avert/740176 "2015-12-17T23:21:00Z")
The sequel to this thread. To recapitulate the premise: Pallas Athena has decided that the the major metropolis you live in is a wretched hive of villainy in need of a superhero, and she’s chosen you for the job. Your po… --- ## [What do former drug addicts prefer to be called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-former-drug-addicts-prefer-to-be-called/740438)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-former-drug-addicts-prefer-to-be-called/740438 "2015-12-17T22:18:43Z")
The company I work for just acquired a major drug rehab group as a client, and I was hired on to be a part of their writing team. As we are writing our articles and such one of the problems we have discovered we are runn… --- ## [An Xmas gift reaction.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-xmas-gift-reaction/740488)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-xmas-gift-reaction/740488 "2015-12-17T19:03:39Z")
A lot could change judgments about this depending on a lot of contextual details but, in general, given the following scenario, can you understand (or at least see as understandable) the wife’s reaction? The scenario is… --- ## [What are good proof reading tips and tricks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-proof-reading-tips-and-tricks/740538)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-proof-reading-tips-and-tricks/740538 "2015-12-17T17:55:05Z")
I write a lot of emails each day. I spend a lot of time crafting the email, removing excess words etc., so it is as concise as possible. Once I am done writing the email I then re-read it 2 or 3 times looking for typos … --- ## [Have you ever choked on a piece of food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-choked-on-a-piece-of-food/607825)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-choked-on-a-piece-of-food/607825 "2015-12-17T17:34:15Z")
I have to remind myself to chew my food thoroughly, and I often don’t. A Tater Tot incident a few years back scared the sheeeeit out of me, and I remember every second of it as if it just happened. Thankfully I dislodged… --- ## [iPad v. Kindle Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-v-kindle-fire/740493)
**Author:** [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-v-kindle-fire/740493 "2015-12-17T16:11:31Z")
I’m thinking of getting my parents a tablet for Christmas, something that they can take on vacation with them to check email and play games or watch movies. Dad loves online gambling games such as Poker and my mother li… --- ## [Is it insomnia if you just can't \_will\_ yourself to go to bed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-insomnia-if-you-just-cant-_will_-yourself-to-go-to-bed/740511)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-insomnia-if-you-just-cant-_will_-yourself-to-go-to-bed/740511 "2015-12-17T15:51:39Z")
I am tired. I would fall asleep if I went to bed. But I can’t get myself to actually want to go to bed. Even though I know I should. Even though I know, from experience, that being up this late is going to make tomorrow … --- ## [Restaurant parking in front of dining area windows. Should cars kill their headlights quickly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-parking-in-front-of-dining-area-windows-should-cars-kill-their-headlights-quickly/740617)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-parking-in-front-of-dining-area-windows-should-cars-kill-their-headlights-quickly/740617 "2015-12-17T15:45:27Z")
.We have a local up-scale Hamburger place with parking slots less than 7 feet from their wall. There’s a row of window booths along that wall. I noticed last night some car just sat in one of those parking spots with the… --- ## [How urgent are these repairs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-urgent-are-these-repairs/740097)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-urgent-are-these-repairs/740097 "2015-12-17T14:51:16Z")
I took a potential purchase to an auto mechanic and asked for a used car inspection. The person who interacted with me was pretty negative about the car–but it was a little hard to know how seriously to take him because… --- ## [What's the modern "Pimp Car"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-modern-pimp-car/740146)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-modern-pimp-car/740146 "2015-12-17T14:35:53Z")
What does today’s inner-city entrepreneur drive? Way back in the day it was a Lincoln Continental or a Cadillac.You don’t see too many of those today thanks to mileage standards. Today an upper end SUV is the standard fo… --- ## [What part of the year do you call Daylight Saving Time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-part-of-the-year-do-you-call-daylight-saving-time/740517)
**Author:** [@HowSoonIsThen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HowSoonIsThen)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-part-of-the-year-do-you-call-daylight-saving-time/740517 "2015-12-17T13:58:53Z")
To me and 99% of the people I’ve met, daylight saving(s) time is the time of year you put your clocks forward 1 hour. Occasionally, though, someone will refer to the time of year where you put your clocks back as dayligh… --- ## [As I age hideously... skin, hair, shaving...I'mma girl questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-i-age-hideously-skin-hair-shaving-imma-girl-questions/740646)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2015, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-i-age-hideously-skin-hair-shaving-imma-girl-questions/740646 "2015-12-17T13:34:18Z")
Damn it’s a good thing that what little vanity I ever had about my appearance has disappeared into the same black hole as my sex drive, or I would be seriously bummed. I used to believe that a lifetime of having what go… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=807) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=809)