# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1078 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1079 --- ## [was Beethoven actually a black man](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-beethoven-actually-a-black-man/690950)
**Author:** [@thanatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thanatic)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2014, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-beethoven-actually-a-black-man/690950 "2014-06-18T03:21:43Z")
there is a theory out there that beethoven might of been a black man/ or at least african ancestry from his father’s side he was half-german, half-flemish… we don’t know any info on his mother’ ethnicity, but a theory … --- ## [Condo, Auto, Umbrella Insurance questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condo-auto-umbrella-insurance-questions/690716)
**Author:** [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2014, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condo-auto-umbrella-insurance-questions/690716 "2014-06-18T01:31:39Z")
My aunt owns a condo and I was trying to review her auto & condo policy online and request e-bills. The MetLife website is so screwed up I got P.O.'d and decided to look into another company out of curiosity. I tried P… --- ## [Suit selection for my MIL's funeral](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suit-selection-for-my-mils-funeral/691014)
**Author:** [@LiveFree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LiveFree)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2014, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suit-selection-for-my-mils-funeral/691014 "2014-06-18T01:23:17Z")
I’d like to ask about 2 suits that I have for my MIL’s upcoming funeral. The green one fits a little better, but wondering if that would work (color wise), or if I should wear a darker color. The black one is the righ… --- ## [Kindle Paperwhite II - Anyone have one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-paperwhite-ii-anyone-have-one/690640)
**Author:** [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2014, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-paperwhite-ii-anyone-have-one/690640 "2014-06-18T00:54:13Z")
I’m considering purchasing an e-book reader and have been looking at the Kindle Paperwhite II. Anyone have one of these? Do you like/love it? Are there any cons? Is anything else out there better (I only want an e-re… --- ## [Please help diagnose my car trouble](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-diagnose-my-car-trouble/689525)
**Author:** [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-diagnose-my-car-trouble/689525 "2014-06-17T20:32:02Z")
I drive a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. In general it runs fine but idles kinds rough,but not always. I’m planning to take it in for repair tomorrow. What I’m hoping to get from you folks is a way to describe the issue th… --- ## [Why isn't the Iraq army fighting back? Why aren't they defending their own families and country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-iraq-army-fighting-back-why-arent-they-defending-their-own-families-and-country/690942)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-iraq-army-fighting-back-why-arent-they-defending-their-own-families-and-country/690942 "2014-06-17T20:22:28Z")
How can a few thousand terrorists take over a country? :confused: I realize the Iraq army isn’t the most highly disciplined or trained anymore. But simply by sheer numbers they can easily defeat these guys. 10,000 can … --- ## [A pattern of taking easier routes as I age](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pattern-of-taking-easier-routes-as-i-age/690209)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pattern-of-taking-easier-routes-as-i-age/690209 "2014-06-17T20:12:55Z")
Something that has really been bugging me for the past 5 years or so. I find myself progressively finding ways to put out less effort to avoid getting worn out. Everytime I do this I can’t help but think I am contributin… --- ## [What weird hunches have you had, and were they right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-weird-hunches-have-you-had-and-were-they-right/690951)
**Author:** [@Scribble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scribble)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-weird-hunches-have-you-had-and-were-they-right/690951 "2014-06-17T19:56:00Z")
I’m supposed to be on an island in the tropics right now, helping with a research project and having the time of my life. I ended up getting sick right before I was supposed to leave, so I couldn’t go. Beyond that, thou… --- ## [Designing One World Governments For Fun And Profit!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/designing-one-world-governments-for-fun-and-profit/690420)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/designing-one-world-governments-for-fun-and-profit/690420 "2014-06-17T18:56:29Z")
What form would a stable and effective one-world government take? Would it have different branches of government? Would it one supreme leader for life? Would there be a Supreme Council or somesuch and, if so, how woul… --- ## [Is it "By the by" or "By the bye"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-by-the-by-or-by-the-bye/690948)
**Author:** [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-by-the-by-or-by-the-bye/690948 "2014-06-17T13:54:35Z")
I was just reading “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and in Chapter 5 Stevenson has a character say, “By the bye…” The context is a character bringing up a question, seemingly off-hand, as he is saying good… --- ## [Honest Mistakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-mistakes/690886)
**Author:** [@smartmoney](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smartmoney)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-mistakes/690886 "2014-06-17T13:01:46Z")
I live in the Kansas City Mo. area and have worked in the C-store/gas station business most of my life, in fact I served as a Assistant Manager with 2 different companies and later became a Manager with one of those g… --- ## [Tell me your secret for weight loss \[edited title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-secret-for-weight-loss-edited-title/690407)
**Author:** [@wollyisdope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wollyisdope)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-secret-for-weight-loss-edited-title/690407 "2014-06-17T12:41:06Z")
This may not be the best message board to post this on but … I have gained so much weight lately due to it being summer and so many great restaurants are around me, me and my boyfriend are constantly eating out. I exer… --- ## [Am I insane if I go to Great Clips for a haircut?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-insane-if-i-go-to-great-clips-for-a-haircut/152780)
**Author:** [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-insane-if-i-go-to-great-clips-for-a-haircut/152780 "2014-06-17T12:34:46Z")
Ok, I really need a haircut, but I have no time or money to go swanky like usual. My hair is straight and it’s a pretty basic cut. Still, I’m hella nervous about getting a $4.99 haircut. I mean, if you’re good at doin… --- ## [Married Dopers: either you or your spouse may be restored to your physical prime. Pick one.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/married-dopers-either-you-or-your-spouse-may-be-restored-to-your-physical-prime-pick-one/690569)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/married-dopers-either-you-or-your-spouse-may-be-restored-to-your-physical-prime-pick-one/690569 "2014-06-17T10:41:42Z")
During the course of an adventure I feel no need to make up, you have earned the gratitude of Pallas Athena, and so the Queen of Heaven asks you if you desire a reward. During the aforementioned undescribed quest, you le… --- ## [WTF is Donald Sterling's deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-donald-sterlings-deal/687221)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-donald-sterlings-deal/687221 "2014-06-17T06:56:59Z")
Duck Dynasty Phil, and rancher Bundy, their deals I get: they are just right wing racist old fucks with a lot of convenient bullshit rationalisations to help them get through the day. But Sterling tells his girlfriend h… --- ## [Drug test for vicodin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-test-for-vicodin/690876)
**Author:** [@Nanners](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanners)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-test-for-vicodin/690876 "2014-06-17T05:21:18Z")
I need help and or advise, I have been taking prescription vicodin for several years, I have severe arthritis in my hips and neck, I have had one hip replaced, waiting for the next one. Any way I have serious pain. I wen… --- ## [Anybody have a good mnemonic for converting magnetic declination? Can you make one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-have-a-good-mnemonic-for-converting-magnetic-declination-can-you-make-one/690926)
**Author:** [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-have-a-good-mnemonic-for-converting-magnetic-declination-can-you-make-one/690926 "2014-06-17T04:38:29Z")
Anybody have a good mnemonic for converting magnetic declination? So far I have seen: MEAT: “Magnetic East Add True” “West is Best, East is Least” I don’t like them because they don’t really help you memorize the equ… --- ## [Today Is Friday the 13th, Support Sex Positivism Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-friday-the-13th-support-sex-positivism-day/690714)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-is-friday-the-13th-support-sex-positivism-day/690714 "2014-06-17T04:02:39Z")
Do you like porn? I do. Do you like to watch women dance naked? I do. Do you patronize prostitutes? I don’t, but I’m totally OK with those who do. Are you a sugar daddy? I’m not, but I’m OK with sugar daddies and thei… --- ## [what separates violent Islamic nations from nonviolent nations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-separates-violent-islamic-nations-from-nonviolent-nations/690814)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2014, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-separates-violent-islamic-nations-from-nonviolent-nations/690814 "2014-06-17T01:59:04Z")
I’m sure more than a few people will take offense to this question, so I will claim general ignorance of the religion up front. From the layperson’s perspective I noticed that some nations seem not to be plagued by viol… --- ## [Suppose we \*don't\* find alien life...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-we-dont-find-alien-life/690560)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-we-dont-find-alien-life/690560 "2014-06-16T23:45:42Z")
There has been much speculation over the years about what the social/cultural effects would be if we found life on another planet. But let’s say we don’t find any. Specifically, let’s say that sometime in the next cent… --- ## [OK this is the poll thread for your best K-12 year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-this-is-the-poll-thread-for-your-best-k-12-year/690861)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-this-is-the-poll-thread-for-your-best-k-12-year/690861 "2014-06-16T22:37:38Z")
I screwed up and posted without the poll, maybe this time I’ll get it right. For me it was sixth grade. Mr Bradbury was in his first year of teaching. He liked sci-fi and fantasty literature, and read us The Hobbit, one… --- ## [Did this dog need to be shot or not? (video)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-this-dog-need-to-be-shot-or-not-video/642204)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-this-dog-need-to-be-shot-or-not-video/642204 "2014-06-16T21:44:45Z")
Not enough of dog maven to knowif this dog was out of control or not. The police shot it while it was snared in a catch pole noose, but the animal control person does not seem to have the dog fully under control, and it … --- ## [Car Trouble - 2005 Buick Century, Air Conditioning system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-trouble-2005-buick-century-air-conditioning-system/690929)
**Author:** [@Frapp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frapp)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-trouble-2005-buick-century-air-conditioning-system/690929 "2014-06-16T21:13:08Z")
Vehicular savvy dopers, I’m hoping you can help. My car has one of those new-fangled independent climate control systems, separating the air flow for driver and passenger. The passenger side’s air conditioning is nice a… --- ## [How Hard Is It To Fly a \[Private\] Plane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-fly-a-private-plane/690779)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-fly-a-private-plane/690779 "2014-06-16T20:21:32Z")
Obviously getting a pilot’s license takes a lot of training, both classroom and behind-the-wheel (so to speak). Is the academic portion of the training all that rigorous? I flunked out of college physics, but I flunke… --- ## [Should I renew my home warranty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-renew-my-home-warranty/690795)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-renew-my-home-warranty/690795 "2014-06-16T20:12:50Z")
Last summer I bought my first home. I went ahead and paid the $450 or so for a home warranty, covering some basic appliances and stuff. I’ve never had to use their services. Now, that coverage is about to expire and t… --- ## [Poll: When did you first realize that an adult having sex with a kid was a crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-when-did-you-first-realize-that-an-adult-having-sex-with-a-kid-was-a-crime/690844)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-when-did-you-first-realize-that-an-adult-having-sex-with-a-kid-was-a-crime/690844 "2014-06-16T20:04:44Z")
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/06/10/st-louis-archbishop-claims-he-wasnt-sure-it-was-illegal-for-priests-to-have-sex-with-kids/ “St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson testified last month that he wasn’t sure whether it w… --- ## [Recent Mom, wearing a sheer top. How does she prevent accidents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-mom-wearing-a-sheer-top-how-does-she-prevent-accidents/690806)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-mom-wearing-a-sheer-top-how-does-she-prevent-accidents/690806 "2014-06-16T19:25:11Z")
Kim’s proving once again that’s she’s not shy. :stuck\_out\_tongue: Not Safe for work. Unless your boss likes titties. Saw that photo in a news article. A little present from Kim to her hubby Kanye. If that doesn’t kee… --- ## [Cheapish earbuds with decent bass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheapish-earbuds-with-decent-bass/690826)
**Author:** [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheapish-earbuds-with-decent-bass/690826 "2014-06-16T18:05:32Z")
I’d like a pair for the gym. I’m currently using a pair of on-the-ear headphones, but it’s been brought to my attention that they leak sound. Erk. So is there such a thing as earbuds, in the \<$20 range, that have any ba… --- ## [Are expensive funerals worth it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-expensive-funerals-worth-it/690015)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-expensive-funerals-worth-it/690015 "2014-06-16T17:54:56Z")
I was thinking about the high cost of funerals - embalming, elaborate caskets, elaborate services, etc… and I’m thinking why? I’d rather my family use the money for things they need rather than go thru all that when I’m … --- ## [Fair settlement for pain & suffering from auto accident](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-settlement-for-pain-suffering-from-auto-accident/690584)
**Author:** [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2014, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-settlement-for-pain-suffering-from-auto-accident/690584 "2014-06-16T17:54:26Z")
I am trying to determine what a fair settlement might be for an accident my wife was in about a year ago (she is still seeing doctors about it). Situation: Stopped in a lane, waiting to turn left and rear-ended at abou… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1077) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1079)