# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=994 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 995 --- ## [Question about Windows Disk Defrag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-windows-disk-defrag/704620)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-windows-disk-defrag/704620 "2014-11-20T20:20:18Z")
This might be a better question for a Tech Forum, but there’s probably at least a few Tech Ops Dopers out there, so here goes… I have a Windows 7 VM which reboots every 5 minutes (it’s deliberate) (don’t ask). I want t… --- ## [Tell Me About: Tampa, FL (please kharma don't hate me)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-tampa-fl-please-kharma-dont-hate-me/704896)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-tampa-fl-please-kharma-dont-hate-me/704896 "2014-11-20T19:39:47Z")
At the risk of angering the Kharma gods… I am both close and confident of a job opening happening for me in Tampa Fl! The problem with that is…I’ve never been there. Like, ever. So are there any dopers in the area th… --- ## [Black Friday: is there a cure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-friday-is-there-a-cure/704701)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-friday-is-there-a-cure/704701 "2014-11-20T19:27:18Z")
It has always fascinated me that Thanksgiving so strongly resisted most attempts to commercialize it - beyond a little gluttony, there simply wasn’t any way for the consumer corporations to sink their hooks into it. Mayb… --- ## [Bus stop bullies, impressionable kids, and the appropriate use of violence.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bus-stop-bullies-impressionable-kids-and-the-appropriate-use-of-violence/704903)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bus-stop-bullies-impressionable-kids-and-the-appropriate-use-of-violence/704903 "2014-11-20T19:16:27Z")
We’re back to hypotheticals with longish storytelling OPs. If you don’t like these, why’d you open the thread? Today’s story is about Edmund, a black man in his mid-30s living in Memphis. There’s four things you need to… --- ## [Men, we're facing a crisis with button up shirts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-were-facing-a-crisis-with-button-up-shirts/705033)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-were-facing-a-crisis-with-button-up-shirts/705033 "2014-11-20T17:36:58Z")
The whole skinny fad (which I loathe) is now infecting the design of button up shirts. I’m 5’10", about 180 lbs, a bit of a gut, but not too much. I just bought 3 shirts at The Gap and have to return all three. I put … --- ## [Help! I'm being stalked!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-im-being-stalked/705042)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-im-being-stalked/705042 "2014-11-20T17:18:12Z")
…by a 10-year old autistic boy. I used to teach chess as a side gig, but mostly for a little community enrichment. As with most childhood activities, the kids eventually grow out of it or the parents decide they don’t … --- ## [Do you write your smiley with or without a nose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-write-your-smiley-with-or-without-a-nose/704806)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-write-your-smiley-with-or-without-a-nose/704806 "2014-11-20T17:09:50Z")
How do you write your smiley emoticons? --- ## [Will everyone eventually break under torture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-everyone-eventually-break-under-torture/704485)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-everyone-eventually-break-under-torture/704485 "2014-11-20T14:37:07Z")
I got into a discussion with a guy at work that assured me that no matter how much he was tortured he would never break. I contended that pretty much anyone will eventually give up what the torturer wants. I’m sure I pro… --- ## [Can your boss legally ask when you plan to retire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-your-boss-legally-ask-when-you-plan-to-retire/651588)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-your-boss-legally-ask-when-you-plan-to-retire/651588 "2014-11-20T14:26:13Z")
Someone announced retirement today, and set the bosses to panic mode. So I am of age to do so; still damn productive if I do say so myself, and my plan is to leave in maybe 2 years. I was the first one to ever have this … --- ## [How do you stop looking scary to people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-stop-looking-scary-to-people/704759)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-stop-looking-scary-to-people/704759 "2014-11-20T14:13:06Z")
I’m not sure if it is a good or bad thing in balance, it probably does a lot of good based on the area I live in. But yea a large cross section of people report me as scary, even though I am so polite and well mannered.… --- ## [New Smartphone - What To Do With It](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-smartphone-what-to-do-with-it/704619)
**Author:** [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-smartphone-what-to-do-with-it/704619 "2014-11-20T14:00:25Z")
I have a brand-new smartphone. A Google/LG Nexus 5, to be exact. I’ve never had a smartphone before. What are some cool/fun/useful things I can do with it? What are the must-have apps? Surprising things a smartphone… --- ## [Why do some truck owners have such inflated ideas of their trucks' value?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-truck-owners-have-such-inflated-ideas-of-their-trucks-value/704857)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-truck-owners-have-such-inflated-ideas-of-their-trucks-value/704857 "2014-11-20T05:38:09Z")
Something I’ve noticed for years around my town is that, when I see used pickup trucks for sale by owner, the asking prices are just completely out of line with those I see on similarly-aged cars. Now, I occasionally se… --- ## [Chaotic kid-dominated homelife & parenthood: Inseparable things?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chaotic-kid-dominated-homelife-parenthood-inseparable-things/704960)
**Author:** [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chaotic-kid-dominated-homelife-parenthood-inseparable-things/704960 "2014-11-20T03:24:51Z")
On a rational level, I know the answer to my question is “no”. My own experience as a kid tells me that there’s no requirement for one’s life to be completely turned into a busted piñata just by being a parent. We natura… --- ## [Modern 'convienences' that are make life worse.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-convienences-that-are-make-life-worse/704802)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-convienences-that-are-make-life-worse/704802 "2014-11-20T02:45:05Z")
Most new car stuff: power windows seem to stop working more than manual roll up ones. Car alarm problems, keyless cars that be driven off by anyone if you’re standing too close. Relying on phones as alarm clocks. Seems … --- ## [Old geezers - should these signs be changed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-geezers-should-these-signs-be-changed/704815)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2014, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-geezers-should-these-signs-be-changed/704815 "2014-11-20T01:37:15Z")
These traffic signs, to be specific - a notice to drivers that old geezers might be crossing the road. A government tsar for the elderly has called for them to be scrapped as “There is almost a subliminal message that ol… --- ## [What are some good ways to keep your composure at sad events?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-ways-to-keep-your-composure-at-sad-events/704881)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-ways-to-keep-your-composure-at-sad-events/704881 "2014-11-19T22:36:39Z")
When you’re in the midst of an emotional event, such as planning a funeral, it is easy to become a sobbing, blubbering idiot. That’s a normal part of the grieving process and there’s nothing wrong with it. However, it … --- ## [Holiday drama, who is wrong... is anybody right? (sorta long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holiday-drama-who-is-wrong-is-anybody-right-sorta-long/705081)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holiday-drama-who-is-wrong-is-anybody-right-sorta-long/705081 "2014-11-19T21:37:36Z")
Background. 6 years ago, my nephew “N” (after some years of uncertainty) was diagnosed with an incurable genetic disease, he was 8. This disease (at least for him so far) affects the brain, he is cognitively at about 1… --- ## [Boxers or briefs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxers-or-briefs/704887)
**Author:** [@therealyankey27](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/therealyankey27)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxers-or-briefs/704887 "2014-11-19T20:24:56Z")
I am curious as to everyone’s opinion. I’m a boxer man myself, because I hate being confined… --- ## [Hope I can ask this. It's about pot.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hope-i-can-ask-this-its-about-pot/705028)
**Author:** [@tapu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tapu)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hope-i-can-ask-this-its-about-pot/705028 "2014-11-19T19:54:19Z")
From time to time in my adult life, I’ve carried pot on my person or in luggage on flights and never had any trouble. (Nary a thought went through my head about it back then.) Now, I haven’t done it for a while. Maybe n… --- ## [Fitbit and other Activity Trackers...heart rate too](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fitbit-and-other-activity-trackers-heart-rate-too/704062)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fitbit-and-other-activity-trackers-heart-rate-too/704062 "2014-11-19T14:05:34Z")
My wife has a fitbit. She likes to regale me with info on the miles she’s moved and the floors she’s ascended. I’m pretty active on my own and have questioned the real value apart from a way to get you interested in mov… --- ## [Home computer security, antivirus, malware, and more](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-computer-security-antivirus-malware-and-more/704945)
**Author:** [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-computer-security-antivirus-malware-and-more/704945 "2014-11-19T13:41:39Z")
While I’ll be glad for antivirus/scanner suggestions, I’m hoping for some security suggestions beyond the usual methods/suspects. I surf. A LOT. I click from link to link to link, and sometimes I end up in dangerous pl… --- ## [Non Americans, is there a real risk of your universal health care being dismantled via austerity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-americans-is-there-a-real-risk-of-your-universal-health-care-being-dismantled-via-austerity/705044)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-americans-is-there-a-real-risk-of-your-universal-health-care-being-dismantled-via-austerity/705044 "2014-11-19T09:34:14Z")
While reading some news articles about problems in the US health system I would read the comments and see some very pissed off people talking about how some politicians in places like the UK, France, Australia, etc. were… --- ## [Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surviving-the-zombie-apocalypse/705030)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surviving-the-zombie-apocalypse/705030 "2014-11-19T05:06:50Z")
Congratulations! You’re not dead! :slight\_smile: Yet. See, not being dead is a good way to start surviving the Zombie Apocalypse. But you have to keep not being dead. You have a secure place. That is, you can do w… --- ## [If you could have any breed of dog, what would you want?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-have-any-breed-of-dog-what-would-you-want/704404)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-have-any-breed-of-dog-what-would-you-want/704404 "2014-11-19T04:48:39Z")
Suppose availability and price is no issue. You can have any type/breed of dog in the world as a pet. Sure, you can keep any dogs you already have right now, this would be just another addition. What dog would you like… --- ## [How did you deal with putting a parent into the nursing home? (Long.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-you-deal-with-putting-a-parent-into-the-nursing-home-long/659227)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Juicy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Juicy)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2014, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-you-deal-with-putting-a-parent-into-the-nursing-home-long/659227 "2014-11-19T01:56:26Z")
My Nana just turned 90, has “early onset dementia” (her short-term memory is shot) and the doctor wants her to go into a nursing home asap. She is incredibly independent and stubborn. She’s lived alone in her home for … --- ## [How to go about marrying someone to give them a citizenship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-go-about-marrying-someone-to-give-them-a-citizenship/704935)
**Author:** [@xythenz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xythenz)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2014, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-go-about-marrying-someone-to-give-them-a-citizenship/704935 "2014-11-18T23:16:24Z")
I would like to state that I am in no way trying to commit fraud and our relationship has reached a point where we have discussed marriage before. I’m in a bit of a pickle. You see, my girlfriend of three years may possi… --- ## [Help with Refinance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-refinance/704530)
**Author:** [@flight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flight)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2014, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-refinance/704530 "2014-11-18T22:52:05Z")
Here is my situation: I have a condo that I bought for $166k and is probably worth about $130k now (average of many online estimators). Still owe $146k on it. Suck. I also have a terrible interest rate on the 30 year mor… --- ## [Is it a scientific "fact" that women are wired to prefer men with demonstrated resources?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-scientific-fact-that-women-are-wired-to-prefer-men-with-demonstrated-resources/704778)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2014, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-scientific-fact-that-women-are-wired-to-prefer-men-with-demonstrated-resources/704778 "2014-11-18T22:34:24Z")
It’s a commonly repeated science “fact” that women of child bearing age looking for heterosexual mates are “wired” to prefer men with demonstrated resources but IRL women often hook up with men who are not (overtly) like… --- ## [Do You Trust Your Local Police?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-trust-your-local-police/704836)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2014, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-trust-your-local-police/704836 "2014-11-18T21:58:15Z")
The grand jury is soon to announce whether there will be any indictment against the Ferguson, MO, police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown. Ferguson may erupt into violence if the grand jury finds the cop was j… --- ## [Eisenhower Jacket - how do you picture it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eisenhower-jacket-how-do-you-picture-it/704890)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2014, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eisenhower-jacket-how-do-you-picture-it/704890 "2014-11-18T19:57:30Z")
I ordered a Dickies Lined Eisenhower Jacket. My old light weight jacket has a torn lining and its hard getting my arm down the sleeve. I went to wikipedia to confirm what a Eisenhower Jacket is. Before clicking wikipe… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=993) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=995)