# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1042 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1043 --- ## [Skydiving: What is the likelihood of survival with out instruction.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skydiving-what-is-the-likelihood-of-survival-with-out-instruction/696025)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skydiving-what-is-the-likelihood-of-survival-with-out-instruction/696025 "2014-08-21T14:17:11Z")
Let’s say you have the advantage of being strapped in the chute properly but that’s it. You’re in the plane, the “instructor” pushes you out and your left to your own devices. What is the likelihood of surviving with ou… --- ## [Tally Up the Pain and Pleasure of Humanity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tally-up-the-pain-and-pleasure-of-humanity/696067)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tally-up-the-pain-and-pleasure-of-humanity/696067 "2014-08-21T13:36:18Z")
So I recently read a short story whose premise was that this universe is basically here for one purpose, created by a god-like entity so that a child of its race could grow up in it. This works in such a way that this ch… --- ## [Would you buy a Google-driven car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-google-driven-car/694834)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-google-driven-car/694834 "2014-08-21T13:28:28Z")
If they were otherwise the same as a regular car (similar in price, options, etc.) but you could optionally sit back and let Google drive you to your destination, would you go for it? The caveat is that, well, Google ca… --- ## [Can it be right to COMPEL someone to fall out of love with you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-it-be-right-to-compel-someone-to-fall-out-of-love-with-you/695840)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-it-be-right-to-compel-someone-to-fall-out-of-love-with-you/695840 "2014-08-21T12:13:00Z")
Imagine you have a dear friend, Jules, who has unfortunately fallen head-over-heels in love with you–unfortunately because you can’t imagine yourself ever reciprocating. Now let’s be clear: Jules is not stalking you; he’… --- ## [What is the view of current Biblical literalists on the ethics of Slavery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-view-of-current-biblical-literalists-on-the-ethics-of-slavery/695810)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-view-of-current-biblical-literalists-on-the-ethics-of-slavery/695810 "2014-08-21T09:37:03Z")
This wiki says the Bible supports slavery in several references and was used by many in the American South to justify the institution of slavery. The prevailing laws against it aside, what is the view of modern Biblical… --- ## [Using Twitter to make statements (celebrity and others)...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-twitter-to-make-statements-celebrity-and-others/695335)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-twitter-to-make-statements-celebrity-and-others/695335 "2014-08-21T09:28:59Z")
Recent events reminded me of an issue I’m torn about. Whenever something big happens, celebrities, organizations, and everyday people alike often use Twitter these days to make statements, express condolences, and so on… --- ## [Is my friend hitting on me, messing with me, or are men just getting more comfortable w/ each other?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-friend-hitting-on-me-messing-with-me-or-are-men-just-getting-more-comfortable-w-each-other/694788)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-friend-hitting-on-me-messing-with-me-or-are-men-just-getting-more-comfortable-w-each-other/694788 "2014-08-21T09:20:17Z")
Where to start? I have a friend who’s younger than me, (25 years old I believe). We sort of started out as acquaintances, then we started hanging out. We now hang out more than ever. He’s truly one of the best friend… --- ## [How well might PID control work instead of Bid/Ask for a market?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-might-pid-control-work-instead-of-bid-ask-for-a-market/695875)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-might-pid-control-work-instead-of-bid-ask-for-a-market/695875 "2014-08-21T07:26:58Z")
I’ve been working on a basic simulation for market economics for a little game I’m putting together. In the game, there’s commodities, and “villages” where people produce and consume commodities. Let’s use rice for an … --- ## [Phoenix or Dallas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phoenix-or-dallas/695916)
**Author:** [@Random\_noob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random_noob)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phoenix-or-dallas/695916 "2014-08-21T05:35:04Z")
So I have two job offers of equal merits in terms of position/salary. In fact, it’s with the same company. They gave me the choice of going to Phoenix or Dallas. Now being a east coast native I know very little of the we… --- ## [Do you have any specific requests about your funeral/burial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-specific-requests-about-your-funeral-burial/220542)
**Author:** [@Breezy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Breezy)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-any-specific-requests-about-your-funeral-burial/220542 "2014-08-21T03:15:53Z")
I just got to wondering if anybody else thinks about these things. My mom has told me on numerous occasions that she absolutely does NOT want me to get her an expensive casket. It’s kind of funny when she talks about i… --- ## [Tips for my first Burning Man?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-my-first-burning-man/695969)
**Author:** [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-my-first-burning-man/695969 "2014-08-20T22:37:11Z")
I leave Friday from St. Louis, driving out to Black Rock City, NV. My wife went once before, in 2012, but this is my first time. I’ve read the survival guide, and I’ve been to regional burns, so I’m not a newbie to the c… --- ## [Business casual dress question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-casual-dress-question/695789)
**Author:** [@Three\_Creeks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Three_Creeks)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-casual-dress-question/695789 "2014-08-20T22:34:51Z")
Tomorrow I start orientation week as a student at law school. We have been told to wear “business casual attire (suit and tie are not expected)” the first day, and casual attire the rest of the week. The day begins with … --- ## [9/11, what did you do that day? How did you find out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-what-did-you-do-that-day-how-did-you-find-out/595242)
**Author:** [@ColinZeal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColinZeal)\ **Replies:** 197\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-what-did-you-do-that-day-how-did-you-find-out/595242 "2014-08-20T22:15:42Z")
I had my sisters dog at my place as she was at work. The dog decided to chew off my CAT5 cable. This pissed me off as I the day before got 10/10 Fiber installed and activated. Desperate to enjoy the broadband I manually … --- ## [Fukushima/Nuclear reactor questions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fukushima-nuclear-reactor-questions/695921)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fukushima-nuclear-reactor-questions/695921 "2014-08-20T18:41:52Z")
Okay. They lost all power and the diesel generators were damaged by the tsunami. No hydrogen vents for the buildings that exploded? How about underground generators? (Warning, incoming dumb question) Any way to manual… --- ## [Do you think North Africans look similar to any of these European populations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-north-africans-look-similar-to-any-of-these-european-populations/625603)
**Author:** [@the\_apples\_fell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_apples_fell)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-north-africans-look-similar-to-any-of-these-european-populations/625603 "2014-08-20T16:27:37Z")
Going by physical appearance. This is the reverse of the other thread I asked about Sicily and it is the only other one I was intending to ask while I am here. So anyone who is bothered by this question simply does not h… --- ## [Unexpected refund, possible error. WWYD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-refund-possible-error-wwyd/696007)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-refund-possible-error-wwyd/696007 "2014-08-20T16:26:51Z")
Earlier this year I had several visits to my PCP to adjust my hypertension meds. My insurance requires a $20 copay, which I usually pay with cash. A month or so ago I received a $20 check in the mail from the health c… --- ## [Outdoor cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdoor-cats/695825)
**Author:** [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdoor-cats/695825 "2014-08-20T15:26:42Z")
So a cat shows up in our yard. No tags, appears to be abandoned. We’ve been feeding it and letting it spend the night in our house for a week now. It likes us and is quasi-affectionate, in that cat way. Full-on adopt… --- ## [The great affair love triangle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-affair-love-triangle/695162)
**Author:** [@Tremblay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tremblay)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-affair-love-triangle/695162 "2014-08-20T15:14:12Z")
Greetings! First time poster… I’m in a love rut and looking for advice. Pour yourself a stiff drink (its always 5 o’clock somewhere) and hop aboard my love affair mess. Right off the bat-- I became the ‘other woman’ a… --- ## [How do exam boards cope with examinees in the emergency services getting called out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-exam-boards-cope-with-examinees-in-the-emergency-services-getting-called-out/695646)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-exam-boards-cope-with-examinees-in-the-emergency-services-getting-called-out/695646 "2014-08-20T14:58:16Z")
Maybe you’re a lifeboatman. Maybe you’re a police officer. Maybe you’re a reserve firefighter. You still take exams now and then. So, you’re taking an invigilated exam when your emergency bleeper goes off. You of course… --- ## [Are any surgeries effective for obstructive sleep apnea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-any-surgeries-effective-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea/695869)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-any-surgeries-effective-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea/695869 "2014-08-20T13:53:22Z")
I know that PAPs are the frontline treatment. There are also various mandible and tongue holding devices. Plus mouth exercises, sleep positions, weight loss, etc. My understanding that as far as surgery though, the surg… --- ## [How Long Before You Get Sick Of That Bipolar Crap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-you-get-sick-of-that-bipolar-crap/657182)
**Author:** [@fatova\_mingus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fatova_mingus)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-you-get-sick-of-that-bipolar-crap/657182 "2014-08-20T13:08:35Z")
How long, in your opinion and preferably if you have actual experience beyond what you glean from Wikipedia in the next 2 minutes, before you tire of your bipolar friend or family member? No matter how much you love or … --- ## [Toe spasm,s dammit--little toe & "ring" toe-help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toe-spasm-s-dammit-little-toe-ring-toe-help/695895)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toe-spasm-s-dammit-little-toe-ring-toe-help/695895 "2014-08-20T08:50:28Z")
I get these sometimes, you know if you’ve ever had them, your toes kind of lock up and deform your foot, I swear and it hurts. But now I am having them almost constantly for 3 days, and esp. when I am driving (right foot… --- ## [Anyone ever flown Iberia Airlines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-flown-iberia-airlines/695961)
**Author:** [@RickG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickG)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-flown-iberia-airlines/695961 "2014-08-20T08:18:46Z")
My daughter and I are planning an overseas (US origin) trip next May. Searching for fares, I find consistently that Iberia is $200 per ticket less (about 13%) than the cheapest alternative. I want to know if it’s cheaper… --- ## [Post five statements you truly believe but expect most of the board to disagree with.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-five-statements-you-truly-believe-but-expect-most-of-the-board-to-disagree-with/690427)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 301\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-five-statements-you-truly-believe-but-expect-most-of-the-board-to-disagree-with/690427 "2014-08-20T03:05:40Z")
If you can’t make it to five, that’s all right; that number is a target, not a requirement. But please don’t go crazy overboard. Also, the focus here should be on adding your own items, not criticizing those listed by ot… --- ## [How do I get this girl?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-this-girl/695854)
**Author:** [@Random\_noob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random_noob)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-this-girl/695854 "2014-08-20T01:55:17Z")
Story: Went camping this past weekend with a group of friends/friends of friends. Long story short, got chatting with this stunner of a girl and bam, instant crush. As the night went on there was some good reciprocation… --- ## [Were you aware of the Special Ed kids when you were in school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-aware-of-the-special-ed-kids-when-you-were-in-school/695699)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-aware-of-the-special-ed-kids-when-you-were-in-school/695699 "2014-08-19T23:32:17Z")
I went to school in the 70’s and was never aware of the special ed classes. I’m not even sure if they were held at my high school. They might of been held off campus somewhere. That also meant I never really knew which s… --- ## [Would this be grounds for a gender-discrimination lawsuit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-grounds-for-a-gender-discrimination-lawsuit/695912)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-grounds-for-a-gender-discrimination-lawsuit/695912 "2014-08-19T22:05:06Z")
Let’s say there is a scuba dive resort in tropical waters known to be infested with sharks. The scuba shop owner puts a policy in place: Women who are undergoing menstrual bleeding will not be allowed to scuba dive, for… --- ## [What do you think about this soldering station?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-about-this-soldering-station/667656)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-about-this-soldering-station/667656 "2014-08-19T21:48:14Z")
I am thinking of buying this JBC CD-2BC soldering station. I’ve seen some reviews and it goes from ambient to 350C in less than 5 seconds and the temperature dips very little during soldering. This allows for very high … --- ## [City-run gas station: awesome!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-run-gas-station-awesome/695500)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-run-gas-station-awesome/695500 "2014-08-19T21:43:35Z")
This story both cheers and enrages me. Cheers, because I love the concept of a city (or other governmental agency) providing basic, needed goods or services to the citizenry on a non-profit basis. Enrages, because of all… --- ## [In US: Social Security 62 or 66?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-us-social-security-62-or-66/694785)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-us-social-security-62-or-66/694785 "2014-08-19T18:29:08Z")
I am looking for advice. You aren’t my financial advisor etc etc. But I am still looking for advice… :slight\_smile: I am retiring soon and have to decide whether to take a reduced social security benefit (75%) at age 6… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1041) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1043)