# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=88 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 89 --- ## [Anyone been to the Sphere yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-been-to-the-sphere-yet/991630)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2024, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-been-to-the-sphere-yet/991630 "2024-07-12T16:09:45Z")
I’m planning a trip to Las Vegas in a few weeks, mainly to see some shows (Love, Ka, and Blue Man Group). I’m wondering if it’s worth seeing The Sphere Experience at the newly opened Sphere. The actual content of the sho… --- ## [Iceland travel recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iceland-travel-recommendations/990933)
**Author:** [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2024, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iceland-travel-recommendations/990933 "2024-07-12T15:19:11Z")
No Discourse, this is not a thread on Time Travel. Next year is our 25th anniversary and I’ve just booked flights to Iceland for the end of June. We’ve previously visited Iceland but just stayed in Reykjavik for 3 night… --- ## [Order any checks lately?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-any-checks-lately/996498)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2024, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-any-checks-lately/996498 "2024-07-12T14:04:33Z")
We don’t use very many checks, but do still write the occasional one. 40 over the last year. Used to write them for music lessons, and still do to include in birthday/holiday cards. And the occasional doctor/tradesper… --- ## [Easy Chair/Recliner for the small in stature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-chair-recliner-for-the-small-in-stature/1004061)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-chair-recliner-for-the-small-in-stature/1004061 "2024-07-11T22:39:44Z")
My mom is 5’1" and has had 3 spine surgeries to fix nerve pain in her legs. She needs a new easy chair for the living room. The old one that my 6’ dad sat in is not comfortable for her - not only is it just old and worn … --- ## [Can someone summarize the Alec Baldwin shooting thread for me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-summarize-the-alec-baldwin-shooting-thread-for-me/1003778)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-summarize-the-alec-baldwin-shooting-thread-for-me/1003778 "2024-07-11T19:58:08Z")
Not up for reading 1957 posts. Yes, I can read the story online, though I’d appreciate a summary of that as well, but I’d kinda like to know where the thread bends-- maybe without names, “posters tend the think this iss… --- ## [How strictly should speed limits be enforced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strictly-should-speed-limits-be-enforced/1003276)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strictly-should-speed-limits-be-enforced/1003276 "2024-07-11T19:07:14Z")
Yesterday at a social gathering I found myself talking with a police officer in our town. We discussed speed limits. On one sorta major road, he said the speed limit was 30 MPH. (I can pretty much guarantee I’ve NEVER… --- ## [Significance of recent Supreme’s Chevron decision?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/significance-of-recent-supreme-s-chevron-decision/1003452)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/significance-of-recent-supreme-s-chevron-decision/1003452 "2024-07-11T08:04:53Z")
On the face of it this seems like a lousy decision, overturning a lot of precedent for little reason. Don’t organizations have expertise? Way more than most politicians? But I am not American. Could someone explain w… --- ## [What are the use of 210MB CD-R's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-use-of-210mb-cd-rs/1003979)
**Author:** [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-use-of-210mb-cd-rs/1003979 "2024-07-10T22:15:01Z")
I have a 25 year old Sony CD Mavica camera that uses CD/R or CD/RW discs to record pictures. You can only buy them in 50 packs. That would last me approximately 500 years. Who uses these in bulk? --- ## [Do libraries have a laxative effect on everyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598 "2024-07-10T20:35:03Z")
Or just me? about 90% of my trips to the library call for a major, and hasty, move to the bathroom. Doesn’t make a bit of sense, logically. I have a perfectly fine bathroom at home, but as soon as I get to the library (… --- ## [What are YOUR favorite zoos, aquariums, parks, and gardens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-zoos-aquariums-parks-and-gardens/1003687)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-zoos-aquariums-parks-and-gardens/1003687 "2024-07-10T03:05:56Z")
The “living museum” counterpart to What are YOUR favorite museums? Where’ve you been that you loved? In the other thread I wrote about the NOLA City Park Botanical Garden and I highly recommend a visit if ever you get … --- ## [Goose Step](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goose-step/1003604)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goose-step/1003604 "2024-07-09T22:07:22Z")
If Trump (God Forbid!), wins the election, will our military be required to “Goose Step” when they march? --- ## [What is the maximum potential of the average person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-maximum-potential-of-the-average-person/1003775)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-maximum-potential-of-the-average-person/1003775 "2024-07-09T19:37:28Z")
Suppose you take an average person - average in every way (100 IQ, average face, average body, average brain, average upbringing. etc) - but this person is motivated to be the absolute-best they can be in every way. What… --- ## [What would be the long term consequences if Ireland had got independence earlier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-long-term-consequences-if-ireland-had-got-independence-earlier/1003779)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-long-term-consequences-if-ireland-had-got-independence-earlier/1003779 "2024-07-09T16:50:15Z")
So the history of Ireland is littered with unsuccessful rebellions against British rule, some of them coming fairly close to succeeding, almost one every generation for centuries (Nine Years War, Confederate War, Young I… --- ## [“It’s only treason if you lose.” What does it mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-s-only-treason-if-you-lose-what-does-it-mean/1003721)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-s-only-treason-if-you-lose-what-does-it-mean/1003721 "2024-07-09T16:18:12Z")
I get the meaning of the phrase back when Ben Franklin allegedly said it, but what does it mean today? --- ## [What can I do? when information is being traded on fraudulent sites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-do-when-information-is-being-traded-on-fraudulent-sites/1003899)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-do-when-information-is-being-traded-on-fraudulent-sites/1003899 "2024-07-09T16:17:07Z")
My phone got hacked a month ago. I did a factory reset and manual setup. I didn’t want to risk a full restore from Google. I only reinstalled my most used Apps. All online account Passwords changed and new credit card. … --- ## [Would you rather have the powers of Superman for a week or the powers of Spider Man for life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-rather-have-the-powers-of-superman-for-a-week-or-the-powers-of-spider-man-for-life/1003791)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-rather-have-the-powers-of-superman-for-a-week-or-the-powers-of-spider-man-for-life/1003791 "2024-07-09T03:19:41Z")
Would you rather have the powers of Rebirth Superman for a week or the powers of 616 Spider Man for life? Feats for Rebirth Superman and 616 Spider Man. You’ll have perfect control of either power set. If you choose t… --- ## [I think my SO (of the past few months) is a terrible driver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-my-so-of-the-past-few-months-is-a-terrible-driver/1003837)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-my-so-of-the-past-few-months-is-a-terrible-driver/1003837 "2024-07-08T21:45:44Z")
inattentive, changes lanes without looking at cars in that lane, sits on green lights for 5-10 seconds or until prompted “It’s green,” confuses left with right, drives 15 MPH in a 35 or 45 MPH zone, gets pissed off when … --- ## [This doesn't look like self defense to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-doesnt-look-like-self-defense-to-me/1003201)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-doesnt-look-like-self-defense-to-me/1003201 "2024-07-08T19:46:07Z")
So this guy has become a bit of local Twitter celebrity in the DC area for defending himself against a burglar with a frying pan: The thing is, that doesn’t look like self defense to me. Once the guy has left his hous… --- ## [What do you do if you're a passenger on a plane and you see something wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-if-youre-a-passenger-on-a-plane-and-you-see-something-wrong/1003512)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-if-youre-a-passenger-on-a-plane-and-you-see-something-wrong/1003512 "2024-07-07T19:49:51Z")
I recently got home from Las Vegas. As is my habit, prior to the trip, I found myself watching Youtube videos about airline disasters. I don’t know why I do this to myself, but I do. I’ve become something of a coinnos… --- ## [Acceptable English grammar/semantics that you hate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acceptable-english-grammar-semantics-that-you-hate/1001984)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 260\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acceptable-english-grammar-semantics-that-you-hate/1001984 "2024-07-07T16:27:33Z")
I’m fine with split infinitives and sentences ending in a preposition. I’m even grudgingly accepting that the meaning of “literally” has changed to simply become an intensifier, because the reality is that language chang… --- ## [Do you go by first name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-go-by-first-name/1003713)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-go-by-first-name/1003713 "2024-07-07T15:49:32Z")
Since I was a child my family always called me by my middle name, and that’s what I’ve used most of my life. Recently I’ve become used to being addressed by my first name from bartenders et al reading my credit card. Fro… --- ## [My short hair cat has mats. Should I take into a vet or a groomer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-short-hair-cat-has-mats-should-i-take-into-a-vet-or-a-groomer/1003731)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2024, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-short-hair-cat-has-mats-should-i-take-into-a-vet-or-a-groomer/1003731 "2024-07-07T00:37:25Z")
My cat is 12 years old. This has never been a problem until recently. It got pretty bad before I noticed because I’ve never even thought to check him for mats being a short haired cat in all. Anyway, I tried cutting the… --- ## [How do I go about finding someone (pro) to buy a new car for me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-go-about-finding-someone-pro-to-buy-a-new-car-for-me/1003769)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-go-about-finding-someone-pro-to-buy-a-new-car-for-me/1003769 "2024-07-06T23:01:20Z")
My brother has a pro car-buyer guy, basically who acts as one’s broker, middleman, what have you, goes into the dealership, cuts through all the bullshit, and gets you a decent deal on the car you want to buy. Problem is… --- ## [Reasons for an in depth background check of a longtime employee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-for-an-in-depth-background-check-of-a-longtime-employee/1003656)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-for-an-in-depth-background-check-of-a-longtime-employee/1003656 "2024-07-06T20:01:10Z")
I’ve worked for the federal government for 37 years, and in my current position for 13. My current position is considered “sensitive”, as I have access to individuals’ personal information. I went through a thorough in… --- ## [What are the most prestigious US/Global universities that no longer exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-most-prestigious-us-global-universities-that-no-longer-exist/1003409)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-most-prestigious-us-global-universities-that-no-longer-exist/1003409 "2024-07-05T23:04:00Z")
It occurs to me that of the original Ivy League schools, all of them are still around and very well regarded (to varying extents) and it’s rare to find a university that was well thought of back in the day to not be very… --- ## [FTC announces rule to ban non-compete agreements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ftc-announces-rule-to-ban-non-compete-agreements/1000673)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ftc-announces-rule-to-ban-non-compete-agreements/1000673 "2024-07-05T22:42:39Z")
Announcement here: Ruling here (PDF): Long story, short: Noncompetes are disallowed and will be unenforceable after a certain date (120 days from the posting of this ruling to the Federal Register). However, if you… --- ## [Dopers raised in non-Western countries: were you taught the basic rudiments of Christianity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-raised-in-non-western-countries-were-you-taught-the-basic-rudiments-of-christianity/1003726)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-raised-in-non-western-countries-were-you-taught-the-basic-rudiments-of-christianity/1003726 "2024-07-05T19:24:12Z")
If you’re a Doper who was raised in Asia or the Middle East or some other place that’s not historically culturally Christian, were you taught the basic rudiments of Christianity? Define “basic rudiments” as you will, but… --- ## [Tell me about Malta](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-malta/1003702)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-malta/1003702 "2024-07-05T18:18:51Z")
I am not looking for website links, I am looking for personal experiences. Tell me the good and the bad, tell me the food, tell me the folk, tell me the fun, tell me the frustration. --- ## [Please help me think through a project](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-think-through-a-project/1003579)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2024, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-think-through-a-project/1003579 "2024-07-05T02:43:26Z")
When we bought our house, there were (and still are) about a dozen heavy timbers, 4" x 5" x 12’ (there may be different lengths, I can’t measure them effectively where they are now) stacked on a very heavy shelf. I want … --- ## [Favorite obscure counter-factual](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-obscure-counter-factual/981642)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2024, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-obscure-counter-factual/981642 "2024-07-04T20:36:42Z")
So what’s your favorite obscure alternative timeline? What counterfactual historical outcome, that’s not one of the obvious ones (e.g. Hitler got into art school, Lee Harvey Oswald aim was off that day in Dallas, Hanniba… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=87) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=89)