# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1173 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1174 --- ## [Why is yogurt thought to be beneficial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-yogurt-thought-to-be-beneficial/676688)
**Author:** [@urban1a](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urban1a)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-yogurt-thought-to-be-beneficial/676688 "2013-12-23T17:10:57Z")
Yes, I know that yogurt (used to be spelled yoghurt, i think, but my spell checker doesn’t like that) has been used for probably thousands of years. All I know about it is that it is thickened sour milk with added bacte… --- ## [Anything wrong with joking about AA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-wrong-with-joking-about-aa/676968)
**Author:** [@Kantian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kantian)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-wrong-with-joking-about-aa/676968 "2013-12-23T16:59:29Z")
Would you find anything wrong with this conversation I heard my friends have? “I’m sorry your son got deferred from the Ivies.” “Yeah, he’s inconsolable.” "You know, you could just marry a Hispanic guy or a black guy … --- ## [Anyone Have Any Luck with Bonsai Trees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-luck-with-bonsai-trees/627413)
**Author:** [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-any-luck-with-bonsai-trees/627413 "2013-12-23T11:07:16Z")
Recently saw a “Bonsais for Sale” set-up along the road side and it got me to thinking of this. We have never had any luck in growing and keeping alive the bonsai trees we have brought home despite a genuine and compete… --- ## [Another Diarrhea Question: Preventive Dose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-diarrhea-question-preventive-dose/676883)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-diarrhea-question-preventive-dose/676883 "2013-12-23T10:53:57Z")
Over half the time I visit my sister’s house for an overnight stay, I get the nasty. Something in her house? Something in her food? I don’t know; I’m trying to be scientific, but it’s still a mystery. Is it sensible … --- ## [Long Distance Calling Cards: I am Incredibly Ignorant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-distance-calling-cards-i-am-incredibly-ignorant/369325)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-distance-calling-cards-i-am-incredibly-ignorant/369325 "2013-12-23T05:39:58Z")
I was only vaguely aware that long distance calling cards even existed. Tonight, though, at my wife’s suggestion, I looked up calling cards through google, and this was the first link that came up: Ummm… holy crap? … --- ## [Advice on Book on Israel/Palestine Peace Process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-book-on-israel-palestine-peace-process/676997)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-book-on-israel-palestine-peace-process/676997 "2013-12-23T05:19:45Z")
It’s been a while since we’ve had an Israel debate…and I don’t want one now. Really! Please! What I’d like is recommendations on a decent book that might serve to bring me up to date on Israel/Palestinian peace effort… --- ## [Cut my nail halfway down lengthwise to the bed; no blood now, can I glue it down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cut-my-nail-halfway-down-lengthwise-to-the-bed-no-blood-now-can-i-glue-it-down/676936)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cut-my-nail-halfway-down-lengthwise-to-the-bed-no-blood-now-can-i-glue-it-down/676936 "2013-12-23T04:33:25Z")
Cut it last night when mincing shallots. Down to the nail bed, but not through it (I’ve done that before, so I know the difference). Bleeding stopped in 10 minutes. Loaded it down with Bacitracin, today, tiny throb, but… --- ## [Shaking Your Family Tree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shaking-your-family-tree/674885)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2013, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shaking-your-family-tree/674885 "2013-12-23T01:08:25Z")
I’ve been doing some genology research into my family and over the years have discovered some facts (some I knew previously, some are new to me). For others looking into their families, what things have your discovered? … --- ## [What's your longest thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-longest-thread/676847)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-longest-thread/676847 "2013-12-22T23:30:08Z")
What thread, initiated by you, got the most replies? I’m not talking about a debate in which you were a participant. Just something you started and then others ran with. I asked a question about conspiracy theorists and … --- ## [What is a cheaper alternative to a flask](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-cheaper-alternative-to-a-flask/676964)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-cheaper-alternative-to-a-flask/676964 "2013-12-22T23:15:13Z")
I was looking at buying a flask for whiskey but the cheap ones ($5-10) have mixed reviews saying they leak or taint the alcohol. There are more expensive ones for $20-30 that probably do not have that many problems, but … --- ## [What form of government would this be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-form-of-government-would-this-be/676801)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-form-of-government-would-this-be/676801 "2013-12-22T21:24:57Z")
Got dragged into a discussion about the $15 minimum wage thing at work and one of the participants was advocating a system where the government sets the prices on everything. Literally everything. Wages, goods, service… --- ## [What level of autonomy does your cat have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555)
**Author:** [@Octarine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octarine)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555 "2013-12-22T21:22:28Z")
‘Having a cat’ means different things to different people. For some, the idea of allowing a cat to sleep in your bed is outrageous, while others would balk at the idea of making Fluffy sleep on the floor. Personally, I h… --- ## [Do you expect presents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-expect-presents/676662)
**Author:** [@pancakes3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pancakes3)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-expect-presents/676662 "2013-12-22T19:45:17Z")
I was reading the open letter to all moms thread about being direct with presents and realized that a lot of people expect presents for Christmas. I’ve always gotten girlfriend(s) presents but that’s because I’m a nice … --- ## [Wristwatch Fans: Hodinkee website?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wristwatch-fans-hodinkee-website/676963)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wristwatch-fans-hodinkee-website/676963 "2013-12-22T18:24:34Z")
Read about it in the NYTimes. A high-end watch fan’s website that’s basically become The Watch Channel. John Mayer, a known watch dude, has a column. How is it regarded in the watch world? --- ## [Laptop selection help: what's good? What's crap?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-selection-help-whats-good-whats-crap/674927)
**Author:** [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-selection-help-whats-good-whats-crap/674927 "2013-12-22T18:22:03Z")
So, I need a new laptop. I’ve always had good luck with Fujitsu, but last time I got a Toshiba, which is adequate but no more. I’ve been reading current reviews, but I can’t find anything that compares Fujitsu to other … --- ## [Sewers: anything I should look for in a dress form?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sewers-anything-i-should-look-for-in-a-dress-form/676841)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sewers-anything-i-should-look-for-in-a-dress-form/676841 "2013-12-22T17:18:53Z")
Mrs. Devil occasionally sews up her own outfits. She’s made some excellent things, from formal wear to a bunch of whimsical costumes. She doesn’t do it often enough to call it a hobby, but that could be situational more … --- ## [Stomach bug, Christmas treats, and contagion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stomach-bug-christmas-treats-and-contagion/676956)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stomach-bug-christmas-treats-and-contagion/676956 "2013-12-22T17:09:38Z")
Last night (Saturday) I was visited by the stomach bug fairy, and I got to spend about four hours in the bathroom being miserable. I’m still chilled and have muscle aches, but the worst seems to have passed. This year f… --- ## [Is Merriam Websters Definition for Tabletop badly written?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-merriam-websters-definition-for-tabletop-badly-written/676895)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-merriam-websters-definition-for-tabletop-badly-written/676895 "2013-12-22T15:27:44Z")
I was checking my spelling for tabletop at Websters. One word or two. I was quite surprised at their crappy definition. \*Tabletop \*radios and Tabletop Tv’s. \*Console \*radios & tv’s have been established words for 80 ye… --- ## [Blood Blisters that don't hurt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-blisters-that-dont-hurt/676867)
**Author:** [@Kantian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kantian)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-blisters-that-dont-hurt/676867 "2013-12-22T06:15:58Z")
Has anyone had blood blisters that don’t hurt? Even when applying pressure? I have two (on my feet). --- ## [Is Kim Jong Un a puppet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kim-jong-un-a-puppet/676894)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kim-jong-un-a-puppet/676894 "2013-12-22T05:55:59Z")
In reading all the news account of actions taken by Kim Jong Un, they make it sound like he is personally making all these decisions, the latest of which was the startling (to me) execution of his own uncle for treason. … --- ## [Happy Whatever: what are you celebrating this season?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-whatever-what-are-you-celebrating-this-season/676568)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2013, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-whatever-what-are-you-celebrating-this-season/676568 "2013-12-22T04:04:31Z")
Me, Christmas. --- ## [If modern Jews of Aramaic descent are considered "white" is it plausible to argue Jesus was white?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-modern-jews-of-aramaic-descent-are-considered-white-is-it-plausible-to-argue-jesus-was-white/676331)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-modern-jews-of-aramaic-descent-are-considered-white-is-it-plausible-to-argue-jesus-was-white/676331 "2013-12-21T20:22:32Z")
Re Fox news anchor Megyn Kelly’s pronouncement over the racial identity of Jesus and Santa Claus as being “white”, is it scientifically and historically plausible to argue the historical Jesus was white or not? --- ## [We took a weird drug years ago. What could it be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-took-a-weird-drug-years-ago-what-could-it-be/676806)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-took-a-weird-drug-years-ago-what-could-it-be/676806 "2013-12-21T16:43:48Z")
10 years ago. We were at a club and split off in search of X. One person scored something. It sure wasn’t X. The pills were obviously home pressed. They were that institutional puke green color. We took the pill, downed… --- ## [Winter Goodies, Treats and Beverages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winter-goodies-treats-and-beverages/676824)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winter-goodies-treats-and-beverages/676824 "2013-12-21T15:50:13Z")
My wife and I are thinking about buy a small business in the center of our resort-oriented village in NW Montana. During the 5 months of summer the village is full of tourists shopping in our quaint gift shops and art g… --- ## [Another moving to Boston thread!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-moving-to-boston-thread/676332)
**Author:** [@F.Pu-du-he-pa-as](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.Pu-du-he-pa-as)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-moving-to-boston-thread/676332 "2013-12-21T13:30:18Z")
So it looks like there have been a ton of threads over the years about moving to Boston and living in Boston (e.g. this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and this). So, here’s mine! I got a job in the Boston a… --- ## [Arabic vs Amharic. What's the difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arabic-vs-amharic-whats-the-difference/676853)
**Author:** [@James\_Toothpaste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/James_Toothpaste)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arabic-vs-amharic-whats-the-difference/676853 "2013-12-21T11:52:56Z")
Are they, like, two totally separate languages? --- ## [The Fed begins to taper. Good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fed-begins-to-taper-good/676673)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fed-begins-to-taper-good/676673 "2013-12-21T10:59:12Z")
Bernanke announced the beginning of the taper today in a surprise announcement. IMHO, this is a good thing that will increase confidence in the recovery. More to be said, but I’m at work. DJIA is up almost 300 since t… --- ## [Large date watch recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-date-watch-recommendations/676754)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-date-watch-recommendations/676754 "2013-12-21T04:48:10Z")
After a couple of days of frustrating searches for a watch with a large date display, I turn to you folks. Most easy-read watches (for people who need reading glasses) have large time numbers, but tiny date displays. N… --- ## [how much do you pay for car insurance? Does mine seem high?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-pay-for-car-insurance-does-mine-seem-high/676542)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-you-pay-for-car-insurance-does-mine-seem-high/676542 "2013-12-21T03:58:16Z")
I drive a 2008 Hyundai azera. Kelley blue book value is 11-12k dollars. My insurance is 691.20 every 6 months. Liability and collision. I’m 40 with no violations since 2005. I live in SC. --- ## [Will "they/their/they're" eventually become an acceptable gender-neutral singular word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-they-their-theyre-eventually-become-an-acceptable-gender-neutral-singular-word/676832)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2013, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-they-their-theyre-eventually-become-an-acceptable-gender-neutral-singular-word/676832 "2013-12-21T03:34:01Z")
I’m pretty Nazi when it comes to grammar, but one rule I consistently ignore is using “they/their/they’re” when I mean the singular “he or she” or “his or hers” or “he is or she is.” I think most people do this to the p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1172) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1174)