# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1142 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1143 --- ## [Do you try to 'keep up with the Joneses'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-try-to-keep-up-with-the-joneses/681095)
**Author:** [@compositejoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/compositejoe)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-try-to-keep-up-with-the-joneses/681095 "2014-02-20T02:22:21Z")
I know plenty of people who do. Getting a more upmarket Mercedes than their neighbour. A Rolex rather than a Seiko, $1000 Snap-On socket set for fixing a bike once a year and $5,000 SLR camera and lenses just for a few h… --- ## [Is it just me, or is this a bad idea? (Home Depot safe display)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-me-or-is-this-a-bad-idea-home-depot-safe-display/681636)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-me-or-is-this-a-bad-idea-home-depot-safe-display/681636 "2014-02-20T01:51:19Z")
So the spouse and I wandered into our local Home Depot this weekend to get some picture hangers. Up near the front of the store was a large safe–probably 6’ high and about 2’ deep, with one partition in the middle and a … --- ## [They say a guy and a girl will never remain as friends permanently.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-say-a-guy-and-a-girl-will-never-remain-as-friends-permanently/681677)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-say-a-guy-and-a-girl-will-never-remain-as-friends-permanently/681677 "2014-02-20T01:22:10Z")
Haven’t been here for quite some time, but this is something I have been thinking about. They say that one will develop romantic feelings for the other and then it will either become a relationship or the friendship itse… --- ## [Veterans have you reunited with people you served with?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veterans-have-you-reunited-with-people-you-served-with/681669)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2014, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veterans-have-you-reunited-with-people-you-served-with/681669 "2014-02-20T00:11:06Z")
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has recently located his former commanding officer.They served together in Viet Nam. He had been looking for him for over 40 years. I recall asking my dad if he wanted to lookup any old fri… --- ## [Unfiltered California](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfiltered-california/681316)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfiltered-california/681316 "2014-02-19T23:30:12Z")
The state may consider banning filter-tip cigarettes because of the litter problem. Is this a good idea? \[quote=“\[Chris Clarke – KCET\] (http://www.kcet.org/news/redefine/rewild/legislation/new-wildlife-protection-law-w… --- ## [Letter To the Editor, Anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/letter-to-the-editor-anyone/681650)
**Author:** [@WheatCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WheatCat)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/letter-to-the-editor-anyone/681650 "2014-02-19T21:41:32Z")
Has anyone written Letters to the Editor they want to share? E-mail included. I have (honest) only sent about 10 letters to the editor or a reporter. The latest was provoked by the 19th paragraph of the following articl… --- ## [Protein bar or similar recommendations for breakfast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protein-bar-or-similar-recommendations-for-breakfast/681645)
**Author:** [@Grrlbrarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrlbrarian)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protein-bar-or-similar-recommendations-for-breakfast/681645 "2014-02-19T18:33:16Z")
I’m looking for some recommendations on good protein bars, or other protein sources, at breakfast. Unfortunately, I’ve got a lot of dietary restrictions that make breakfast a tricky meal for protein. These are: \[ul\] … --- ## [Should I pay my housesitter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-pay-my-housesitter/681165)
**Author:** [@crazydiamondd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazydiamondd)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-pay-my-housesitter/681165 "2014-02-19T17:54:54Z")
I need a marriage ref. We have an acquaintance staying at our house while we’re out of town. She’s visiting from California, so she needed a place to stay (we live in Hawaii). So she’s got a free place to stay for her va… --- ## [Southwest US vacation activities suggestions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southwest-us-vacation-activities-suggestions/680697)
**Author:** [@Shadowfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shadowfyre)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southwest-us-vacation-activities-suggestions/680697 "2014-02-19T17:14:42Z")
I’m currently planning a family vacation to the southwestern states of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. And I need some ideas of what to do. We’ll be going over my son’s spring break, the last full week of March. … --- ## [Do Eastern European women have lower standards in men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-eastern-european-women-have-lower-standards-in-men/554829)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2010, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-eastern-european-women-have-lower-standards-in-men/554829 "2010-10-06T20:12:11Z")
Word on the street is that it’s easier for American men to get an Eastern European hottie than an American hottie. I followed some links until I wound up at a site comparing “ratings” of women, and one of the posters sa… --- ## [What is the most evil thing you've done to your hair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-evil-thing-youve-done-to-your-hair/681328)
**Author:** [@jenweaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jenweaver)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-evil-thing-youve-done-to-your-hair/681328 "2014-02-19T15:01:26Z")
I think the worst thing I’ve ever done to my hair is bleached it. It was in the early 90s and I must’ve misunderstood the directions because I figured I was supposed to put the little plastic cap on after applying the b… --- ## [Question for Snowbirds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-snowbirds/676341)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-snowbirds/676341 "2014-02-19T14:31:48Z")
I live in NW Montana and love the four seasons, including winter, but as I look at retirement I would like to cut the winter months in half by spending 3 months a year in a warm beachy area. Why you ask? Plowing the 1/… --- ## [Adopting a pet: What to expect from a home visit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-pet-what-to-expect-from-a-home-visit/523610)
**Author:** [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2013, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-pet-what-to-expect-from-a-home-visit/523610 "2013-05-22T16:17:08Z")
Through Petfinder.com, I’ve found a dog that I’m interested in adopting (a sweet black pug rescued from euthanasia at a different shelter). I filled out the application and the rescue organization seems interested, but … --- ## [99 Camry: Sell for Parts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/99-camry-sell-for-parts/681334)
**Author:** [@gvleuvan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gvleuvan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/99-camry-sell-for-parts/681334 "2014-02-19T07:58:33Z")
Looking for some sage advice here: This is my first time selling/ridding of a car and I’m not sure what the best approach is or how to go about it. I’ve got a 99 Camry that has been replaced by a newer shinier toy. It … --- ## [Evaluating pros and cons of a manual vs an automatic transmission.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evaluating-pros-and-cons-of-a-manual-vs-an-automatic-transmission/681463)
**Author:** [@Blunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blunt)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evaluating-pros-and-cons-of-a-manual-vs-an-automatic-transmission/681463 "2014-02-19T06:51:24Z")
Eventually I’m planning on buying a new car, possibly as soon as this summer, more likely within the next year or two. I’m thinking something small, and right now a VW GTI is at the top of my list, along with others lik… --- ## [Another "What Do You Think of This?" - Cellphone Use While Gaming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-what-do-you-think-of-this-cellphone-use-while-gaming/681507)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-what-do-you-think-of-this-cellphone-use-while-gaming/681507 "2014-02-19T05:04:01Z")
We had a Games Day yesterday - played board games from noon until midnight. One of the players was on his cellphone almost the whole time - not talking, but texting, googling, playing other games, etc. I found it annoyin… --- ## [So I Want A Smartphone- Help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-want-a-smartphone-help/681584)
**Author:** [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-want-a-smartphone-help/681584 "2014-02-19T04:54:37Z")
So I’ve decided it’s time to join the rest of society in the 21st century and buy a smartphone. I have spent a couple of days researching it, and it is just so complicated and stressful. Maybe you could help? Here is … --- ## [Bayer CEO Says Cancer Drug is for Insured Western Patients, not for Indians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bayer-ceo-says-cancer-drug-is-for-insured-western-patients-not-for-indians/680316)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bayer-ceo-says-cancer-drug-is-for-insured-western-patients-not-for-indians/680316 "2014-02-19T03:59:17Z")
I’m curious what you folks think of this article. I never, ever respond to Facebook posts, but I did to this one. What do you folks think? Is Bayer allowed patent exclusivity, or should an Indian company be allowed t… --- ## [Anyone used Best Buy Geek Squad to install Car items like Stereos.Alarms or Remote Starters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-used-best-buy-geek-squad-to-install-car-items-like-stereos-alarms-or-remote-starters/681293)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-used-best-buy-geek-squad-to-install-car-items-like-stereos-alarms-or-remote-starters/681293 "2014-02-19T03:06:22Z")
I’m looking for first hand experiences with Best Buy Geek Squad car option installs. I want to get a remote starter for my wife’s car. Best Buy seems to be the dealer for the Viper Remote Starters. How was your experie… --- ## [Anybody use BOTH lined and progressive lenses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-use-both-lined-and-progressive-lenses/681583)
**Author:** [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-use-both-lined-and-progressive-lenses/681583 "2014-02-19T02:05:24Z")
Not at the same time, of course. I currently wear lined trifocals and am quite happy with them. I’m thinking about ordering some sunglasses (which I’ll wear primarily while driving) from Zenni, but I can’t get trifocals… --- ## [How has urbanization affected natural selection in American wildlife](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-has-urbanization-affected-natural-selection-in-american-wildlife/681667)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2014, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-has-urbanization-affected-natural-selection-in-american-wildlife/681667 "2014-02-19T00:02:50Z")
The older I get the more apparent it becomes that wildlife habits and behavior is changing. Growing up and living in the same urban neighborhood my entire life has given me possibly given me a slightly unique opportunity… --- ## [Lightbulbs - why frosted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightbulbs-why-frosted/681627)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightbulbs-why-frosted/681627 "2014-02-18T23:11:31Z")
With all the todo about the regulations that ended some of the production of the standard IC blub, it has brought to light a question. Why have frosted bulbs become the standard? I admit to liking clear bulbs, one wher… --- ## [What vices do you wish you could overcome?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vices-do-you-wish-you-could-overcome/679862)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-vices-do-you-wish-you-could-overcome/679862 "2014-02-18T22:54:52Z")
I am making this a private poll so that people can respond anonymously if they wish. But first a little housekeeping. While I will be listing a dozen or so activities which I consider possible vices, please only vote f… --- ## [when somebody gives you what is already yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-somebody-gives-you-what-is-already-yours/681551)
**Author:** [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-somebody-gives-you-what-is-already-yours/681551 "2014-02-18T22:50:46Z")
What do you call this type of behavior? example When my sons father died, his fathers SO acted as though she was being generous by setting aside a few things of his fathers to give to my son. Uh, no, my son was his on… --- ## [Things that would have made history more interesting for you.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-would-have-made-history-more-interesting-for-you/681578)
**Author:** [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-would-have-made-history-more-interesting-for-you/681578 "2014-02-18T20:45:19Z")
I came across thisand thought, “Damn. That would have made high school history so much more interesting, but there was zero chance of anyone adding it in.” Do you have any bits or pieces that would have made history mo… --- ## [Brazil has dangerous GLP transport](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brazil-has-dangerous-glp-transport/681539)
**Author:** [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brazil-has-dangerous-glp-transport/681539 "2014-02-18T19:39:03Z")
We use glp to cook here in brazil. A metal tank with the gas is hooked up to the stove, sometimes sitting INSIDE the kitchen. An explosion usually obliterates the kitchen and everything above it. This is not the worst pa… --- ## [Opinion of Wal-Mart.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-of-wal-mart/679979)
**Author:** [@jrsone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jrsone)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-of-wal-mart/679979 "2014-02-18T18:04:55Z")
When Wal-Mart came to out town 24 years ago, we were happy to have them. At that time we had other stores, even a shopping mall. Quite a thriving retail evironment. Years later, that’s all gone except Wal-Mart built a… --- ## [How many people have a small stash of incandescent bulbs? Can't buy them anymore.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-have-a-small-stash-of-incandescent-bulbs-cant-buy-them-anymore/680942)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-have-a-small-stash-of-incandescent-bulbs-cant-buy-them-anymore/680942 "2014-02-18T17:59:10Z")
The final phase of the incandescent ban was implemented Jan 1 for 40Watts. I think Home Depot still has a few until the stock runs out. So, how may packs of bulbs do you have tucked away? I’d guess most people have a fe… --- ## [Teaching for Good Composition Writing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-for-good-composition-writing/680948)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-for-good-composition-writing/680948 "2014-02-18T16:11:45Z")
Teachers and home schoolers: How do you teach good writing skills without writing the paper for the child? I guess teachers at least can use examples from their students’ papers to discuss openly. As a homeschooler, it… --- ## [Christians: if your pastor was involved in an extramarital affair, would you want him/her to resign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-if-your-pastor-was-involved-in-an-extramarital-affair-would-you-want-him-her-to-resign/680994)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2014, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-if-your-pastor-was-involved-in-an-extramarital-affair-would-you-want-him-her-to-resign/680994 "2014-02-18T14:26:32Z")
I’m not sure we have enough Christians here to have a viable discussion. But I’m also not sure of the contrary, so I’ll just swee what happens. In answering the question, please note that I’m talking about immoral but n… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1141) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1143)