# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1186 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1187 --- ## [What are your most unpopular opinions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-most-unpopular-opinions/655645)
**Author:** [@CyclopticXander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CyclopticXander)\ **Replies:** 775\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2013, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-most-unpopular-opinions/655645 "2013-11-29T00:45:22Z")
I’m looking for things that you really believe and you suspect you wouldn’t get a consensus on, especially if they are things you are not quick to admit under normal circumstances or if you think it will really make some… --- ## [Please recommend a CD player](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-cd-player/675010)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2013, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-cd-player/675010 "2013-11-29T00:24:15Z")
My CD changer (5 disks) appears to have gone south and I want to replace it. I want one with simple controls (I never used most of the junk, e.g random tracks) on the old ones and, most important, readable controls, no … --- ## [Drywalling Question: Vertical or Horizontal Placement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drywalling-question-vertical-or-horizontal-placement/675017)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drywalling-question-vertical-or-horizontal-placement/675017 "2013-11-28T23:59:04Z")
Which is better? I notice that many of the drywallers in these "house flip"shows use the horizontal method-is it faster? --- ## [Mr. Awkward Awkwards Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-awkward-awkwards-again/674846)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-awkward-awkwards-again/674846 "2013-11-28T20:41:18Z")
I go into the break room, where a “pitch in” (i.e. everybody brought something for everybody to eat) is wrapping up. I didn’t bring anything because it was during a class I was teaching. Furthermore, I brought a bowl of … --- ## [Preview or Edit, or Both (or Neither)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preview-or-edit-or-both-or-neither/675025)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preview-or-edit-or-both-or-neither/675025 "2013-11-28T19:30:53Z")
I don’t recall seeing a poll or discussion about this before. Do you Preview all or most of your posts before you submit them, or do you rely on the Edit function to correct anything after you have posted, or do you do … --- ## [Tipping/thanking contractors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-thanking-contractors/674970)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-thanking-contractors/674970 "2013-11-28T19:11:22Z")
We are in the third week of basement renovations with a team of contractors who are doing an outstanding job and are great guys as well. So while I’m at work my wife is managing this job, which could be painful and unple… --- ## [Older loved ones refusing to take care of themselves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-loved-ones-refusing-to-take-care-of-themselves/674991)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-loved-ones-refusing-to-take-care-of-themselves/674991 "2013-11-28T19:02:31Z")
My wife’s mother has high blood pressure, is pre-diabetic and has suffered one or two mild strokes in the past. Her kids try to nag her to modify her diet, but she’s having none of it–she loves fatty, salty, high-carb fo… --- ## [Pulling Music off OLD disks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-music-off-old-disks/674864)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-music-off-old-disks/674864 "2013-11-28T16:54:58Z")
I’ve got a handful of OLD disks. 78 rpm, I think. They’re wax or shellac on cardboard. They’re fleaking ANCIENT! (“Thearle Music Co.” “Rainbo Company, Los Angeles.”) I am guessing that a modern turntable and needle… --- ## [Strange inspirations.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-inspirations/674960)
**Author:** [@Battle\_Pope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Battle_Pope)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-inspirations/674960 "2013-11-28T15:22:22Z")
A few years back I decided to take a break from my usual weekend activities running a youth outdoors/camping group. I knew at the time I would need something else to occupy my time. \*Completely \*out of character for me … --- ## [Antivirus Software - whats considered effective now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antivirus-software-whats-considered-effective-now/674555)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antivirus-software-whats-considered-effective-now/674555 "2013-11-28T15:10:54Z")
I’m using Microsoft security essentials on a couple PC’s at work. Wanted to test it out. What else is considered \*effective \*these days? Free or pay. If it works then I’d like to hear peoples opinions. I also run scans… --- ## [When your good news goes bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-your-good-news-goes-bad/674940)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-your-good-news-goes-bad/674940 "2013-11-28T15:01:02Z")
Yesterday, I got a great voicemail offering me an interview for a job I really want. The interviews are hard to get, so I was delighted. Today, I learn that the interview is at a time and place I cannot be. I can sche… --- ## [Dopers who know about cars-diagnose mine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-who-know-about-cars-diagnose-mine/674492)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-who-know-about-cars-diagnose-mine/674492 "2013-11-28T12:24:48Z")
I will be taking her to the car doctor this weekend, but I would like to have an idea what is wrong. She is a 2000 Camry with 200K miles and she doesn’t start easily. The battery doesn’t seem dead, the lights all work,… --- ## [Washing Purple Clothing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-purple-clothing/674924)
**Author:** [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-purple-clothing/674924 "2013-11-28T07:06:19Z")
I just bought an purple dress shirt, but I don’t really have anything else that’s purple. Would I be better served to wash this shirt with reds or blues? Or either? Or just wash it by itself? --- ## [To Rome or not to Rome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-rome-or-not-to-rome/674629)
**Author:** [@Donegal\_Dragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donegal_Dragon)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-rome-or-not-to-rome/674629 "2013-11-28T06:29:56Z")
I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel all over the world and across the U.S. Some of my best friends and greatest moments are the results. Today one of my employees (a 32 yr old woman) told me that she has n… --- ## [Dealing with Court Clerk, in re: Name Change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-court-clerk-in-re-name-change/674882)
**Author:** [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-court-clerk-in-re-name-change/674882 "2013-11-28T06:16:07Z")
\*Ooops! Sorry about bad thread title. It should be something along the lines of : Dealing with the judge, and a pox upon the court clerk. \* I’m changing my name, legally. I’ve got the paperwork from this page http://ok… --- ## [What's the stupidest thing Google has recommended to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-stupidest-thing-google-has-recommended-to-you/674923)
**Author:** [@F.Pu-du-he-pa-as](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.Pu-du-he-pa-as)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-stupidest-thing-google-has-recommended-to-you/674923 "2013-11-28T06:14:00Z")
The Explore option on Google Maps has given us, for “restaurants,” the Italian Embassy–you know, the actual Italian Embassy-- and for “coffee shops,” Exxon, and Sodexo/US Geological Survey, which presumably share a build… --- ## [The Two-Fisted Heroes' Guide to Time Travel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-two-fisted-heroes-guide-to-time-travel/674868)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-two-fisted-heroes-guide-to-time-travel/674868 "2013-11-28T06:06:28Z")
Here’s the setup: you can jump to any time and place in history for exactly five seconds. Who should you SOCK IN THE JAW? --- ## [do you budget for Christmas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-budget-for-christmas/674828)
**Author:** [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-budget-for-christmas/674828 "2013-11-28T04:57:09Z")
I do. I save a certain amount each week that is strictly for gifts for the year, including birthdays and weddings. I know how many people I am buying for and how much I am going to spend and allow extra for the unexpec… --- ## [What HAPPENED to Thanksgiving?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-thanksgiving/674805)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-thanksgiving/674805 "2013-11-28T04:13:53Z")
In years past, there was no mistaking the run-up to Thanksgiving. There were decorations set up. Television specials. Supermarket deals. Touching newspaper stories. Costumes and skits. Even the occasional tirade ab… --- ## [What's your opinion on children's birthday parties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-opinion-on-childrens-birthday-parties/674748)
**Author:** [@jrsone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jrsone)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-opinion-on-childrens-birthday-parties/674748 "2013-11-28T04:02:45Z")
I spend a large amount of time in preparation of, celebration of, and cleaning up of a 3 year olds birthday party. It wasn’t my child, it was my wife’s best friends. There has been month’s of preperation, building rent… --- ## [How many HD/flat-screen TVs do you have in your home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-hd-flat-screen-tvs-do-you-have-in-your-home/674749)
**Author:** [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-hd-flat-screen-tvs-do-you-have-in-your-home/674749 "2013-11-28T03:54:40Z")
Curious what the average is these days…I have a Phillips 42" tube TV from around 1995 that still works great. Currently we only own one HDTV, and two CRTs, but as prices continue to drop I’m looking at replacing at least… --- ## [Does anyone here use coupons to eat at restaurant or buying stuff at a store?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014)
**Author:** [@Pauly01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pauly01)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014 "2013-11-28T01:04:12Z")
I have never done this ever when eating out or buying food. However, i did recall i used one of these coupons b/c i buy a lot of banana republic clothing and they would send me these $10 gift certificates b/c i bought s… --- ## [Seattle to San Diego with kids - where to stop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seattle-to-san-diego-with-kids-where-to-stop/674872)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seattle-to-san-diego-with-kids-where-to-stop/674872 "2013-11-28T00:13:11Z")
Thinking about driving from Seattle to San Diego during Christmas break. We could take 2 weeks. My mother is in Sacto and might spend a day or two in the area, my father is in S Diego and we’d probably want to spend 5-7 … --- ## [Question for UK Dopers: What famous Americans did you learn about in your history classes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-uk-dopers-what-famous-americans-did-you-learn-about-in-your-history-classes/674602)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2013, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-uk-dopers-what-famous-americans-did-you-learn-about-in-your-history-classes/674602 "2013-11-28T00:05:53Z")
The 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination made me think of this. I’m guessing history classes in British schools are rather Anglocentric. That being said, I was wondering how much American history makes into a typi… --- ## [Please per money unit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-per-money-unit/674829)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2013, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-per-money-unit/674829 "2013-11-27T22:07:17Z")
I was thinking what object gives the most pleasure for the amount of money it costs. And I think I have a winner… the humble blanket. You can get a very nice blanket for $100, and it will last you 10 years easily. If … --- ## [Was Elisabeth Kubler-Ross a Nut?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-elisabeth-kubler-ross-a-nut/674954)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2013, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-elisabeth-kubler-ross-a-nut/674954 "2013-11-27T22:00:01Z")
I just finished reading her autobiography. She was a very influential person, and a well regarded psychiatrist. yet, near the end of her life, she started believing a lot of strange things. For example, she once was v… --- ## [Fight For Your Right to Parody . . . the Beastie Boys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fight-for-your-right-to-parody-the-beastie-boys/674841)
**Author:** [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2013, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fight-for-your-right-to-parody-the-beastie-boys/674841 "2013-11-27T21:12:30Z")
So a startup company that wants to encourage little girls to get into science and engineering has used a parody of 1980’s Beastie Boy’s song Girls to market one of their products. I think the ad is even one that’s sched… --- ## [Handling bad communicators in the office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handling-bad-communicators-in-the-office/674875)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2013, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handling-bad-communicators-in-the-office/674875 "2013-11-27T20:15:02Z")
I thought about adding this to the Workplace griping thread in the pit, but I would really prefer advice to commiseration. Apologies for the tome. There are two companies in my building owned by the same guy - we’ll cal… --- ## [Critique my Photos 2: Electric Boogaloo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-my-photos-2-electric-boogaloo/674774)
**Author:** [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2013, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-my-photos-2-electric-boogaloo/674774 "2013-11-27T16:36:43Z")
So I got my first DSLR camera about five months ago and have been working really hard in that time to learn everything I can to be a better photographer. Learning the technical stuff, getting the right exposures, how to … --- ## [It's that time - 2013 list time that is](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-that-time-2013-list-time-that-is/674833)
**Author:** [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2013, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-that-time-2013-list-time-that-is/674833 "2013-11-27T12:37:35Z")
Let’s kick it off with GQ’s 25 least influential people of 2013. This plays as a slideshow with captions at the link Dennis Rodman Paula Deen Anthony Weiner Justin Bieber Pope Benedict XVI Miley Cyrus Aaron Hernandez P… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1185) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1187)