# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1200 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1201 --- ## [Is excellence always a virtue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-excellence-always-a-virtue/672956)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-excellence-always-a-virtue/672956 "2013-11-03T23:42:58Z")
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven a… --- ## [solitary confinement is cruel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solitary-confinement-is-cruel/672896)
**Author:** [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solitary-confinement-is-cruel/672896 "2013-11-03T23:36:55Z")
it is torture, in fact: why is it allowed? I just read this and it find it unbearably sad. even if our justice system could be trusted to only contain people who belong there - should prison staff be the ones deciding w… --- ## [Tipping during take-out: Who gets the tip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-during-take-out-who-gets-the-tip/672951)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-during-take-out-who-gets-the-tip/672951 "2013-11-03T23:30:22Z")
I’ve noticed lately that the tip I give during takeout (e.g. mexican, thai food, etc) may not be going to the person who prepared my takeout order. For example, I recently gave a cash tip to the lady who gave me my orde… --- ## [eBay buyer never paid for item I shipped; course of action?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-never-paid-for-item-i-shipped-course-of-action/672884)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-never-paid-for-item-i-shipped-course-of-action/672884 "2013-11-03T22:43:17Z")
I recently sold an item (a guitar pedal) on eBay. In my haste to fulfill the order and get it out the door, I only belatedly (after it was shipped and delivered) realized that I never received payment from the buyer. I i… --- ## [Would you chooose to "not live" through your workday if you could](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-chooose-to-not-live-through-your-workday-if-you-could/672946)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-chooose-to-not-live-through-your-workday-if-you-could/672946 "2013-11-03T20:59:48Z")
For this question I’m assuming your work involves going to a workplace and staying there 20+ hours a week. Would you take the opportunity, if offered, to not experience your workday? You would get into work and boom it’s… --- ## [Moral dilemma of sorts. What's the right thing to do in this situation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-dilemma-of-sorts-whats-the-right-thing-to-do-in-this-situation/672872)
**Author:** [@Tanhauser\_Gate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tanhauser_Gate)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-dilemma-of-sorts-whats-the-right-thing-to-do-in-this-situation/672872 "2013-11-03T15:09:24Z")
Met a girl about 4 years ago, had a one night stand, things didn’t really work out–nothing dramatic happened but things ended a bit distastefully and we didn’t stay in touch. She lives in a different city. Fastforward t… --- ## ["Upstate" New York.....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upstate-new-york/672698)
**Author:** [@candyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/candyj)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upstate-new-york/672698 "2013-11-03T05:27:52Z")
Why are cities in the state of New York called “Upstate”? Every time I hear a news report or a radio announcer say “Upstate” New York, I get frustrated:mad:, why cant they just say the name of the damn city or town???… --- ## [Anyone else still hasn't opened a Facebook account?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-still-hasnt-opened-a-facebook-account/672093)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-still-hasnt-opened-a-facebook-account/672093 "2013-11-03T04:02:00Z")
Imho, the people who sign up are providing free content for FB. I don’t provide content for free. --- ## [hotels charging an insane rate for a one-time event.. that's not "price gouging", or is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotels-charging-an-insane-rate-for-a-one-time-event-thats-not-price-gouging-or-is-it/672909)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotels-charging-an-insane-rate-for-a-one-time-event-thats-not-price-gouging-or-is-it/672909 "2013-11-02T22:37:17Z")
I was considering taking a trip down to Austin, TX to visit family in two weeks, but apparently there’s this Formula 1 race going on. Not to debate the appeal (or lack thereof, on my part) of a Formula 1 race, but I was… --- ## [Adopting a second cat! What kind should we get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-second-cat-what-kind-should-we-get/672846)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adopting-a-second-cat-what-kind-should-we-get/672846 "2013-11-02T22:31:39Z")
Pursuant to thread rule 47-B subsection iii, I am in the process of uploading a cat video to youtube. In the meantime, I hope you can content yourself with one adorable picture. A couple months ago, my boyfriend and I a… --- ## [What should a divorced man do if his ex abuses his child?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-divorced-man-do-if-his-ex-abuses-his-child/672695)
**Author:** [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-divorced-man-do-if-his-ex-abuses-his-child/672695 "2013-11-02T20:03:17Z")
Suppose he found out that she regularly physically abuses the child and leaves marks. --- ## [How do I get someone to stop asking me about my weekends?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-someone-to-stop-asking-me-about-my-weekends/666928)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-someone-to-stop-asking-me-about-my-weekends/666928 "2013-11-02T13:25:20Z")
Every time someone asks about my weekend, I say don’t have any plans. Or that I plan to take it easy. This has worked well enough up until a few days ago. There is a coworker who keeps asking me about my plans for the … --- ## [Age discrimination or wage discrimination?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/age-discrimination-or-wage-discrimination/672913)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/age-discrimination-or-wage-discrimination/672913 "2013-11-02T11:23:02Z")
Just to get it out of the way, my husband and I are both retired. I’m working a temp job for a few months to save some extra cash for a cruise next year. My husband wants to buy a small RV, so he’s looking for a job, t… --- ## [Managing an talented but hyperactive/impulsive employee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/managing-an-talented-but-hyperactive-impulsive-employee/672672)
**Author:** [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/managing-an-talented-but-hyperactive-impulsive-employee/672672 "2013-11-02T10:24:58Z")
So I’m the manager on a small technology team. The office culture is relaxed but quiet. My team typically works on a complex projects that require extended periods of individual work and concentration. Brainstorming tend… --- ## [How do you move Trick or Treating?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-move-trick-or-treating/672754)
**Author:** [@Sateryn76](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sateryn76)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-move-trick-or-treating/672754 "2013-11-02T09:24:20Z")
Mods - please don’t move this to the Boo forum - there’s larger issues here, I think. So, it’s Halloween, and it’s going to rain. Not thunder and lighting, not tornados, but rain. It’s pretty warm here, not freezing r… --- ## [Joint account / bankruptcy questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joint-account-bankruptcy-questions/672876)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joint-account-bankruptcy-questions/672876 "2013-11-02T07:50:58Z")
So the in-laws are in financial trouble, filed for bankruptcy a while back (the kind that wipes out everything). We’re helping as we can, a few hundred bucks here or there. A week or so back we sent them a check, they d… --- ## [When family members go through divorce, do you remain close to the non-blood related person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-family-members-go-through-divorce-do-you-remain-close-to-the-non-blood-related-person/672843)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-family-members-go-through-divorce-do-you-remain-close-to-the-non-blood-related-person/672843 "2013-11-02T06:43:28Z")
Suppose that your aunt and uncle get divorced, would you stay close with the one that was not related by blood? For this scenario, assume that you were close or at least friendly with the non-related relative. Feel fre… --- ## [Need a new toilet - suggestions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-new-toilet-suggestions/671956)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-new-toilet-suggestions/671956 "2013-11-02T05:12:52Z")
As noted in this thread, I need a new toilet. Does anybody have any suggestions or things I should note about getting one, and having it installed? For example… \[ul\] \[li\]Buying one - Home Depot/Lowes, or directly fro… --- ## [How do you dole out the Halloween candy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-dole-out-the-halloween-candy/672837)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-dole-out-the-halloween-candy/672837 "2013-11-02T04:39:40Z")
I give 'em a handful. We never get too many kids anyway and I’m not going to eat the leftover candy, so I’m pretty generous. If I get the feeling a kid or a group is last of the night, I just give them the rest, which … --- ## [Yes, I am asking for legal/tax advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-i-am-asking-for-legal-tax-advice/672599)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-i-am-asking-for-legal-tax-advice/672599 "2013-11-02T04:30:12Z")
I’ll pay someone for an answer pretty soon, I reckon, but I would really appreciate some background before I go in. My father died about 4 years ago and left some assets. Most of those assets were liquidated and disburs… --- ## [Auto Insurance - Geico?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-insurance-geico/672664)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-insurance-geico/672664 "2013-11-02T01:56:23Z")
My son is about to get his license so I figured this was a good time to review my insurance coverage and I’ve been pricing out different companies. So far I’ve looked at: State Farm Allstate Nationwide Progressive U… --- ## [What would you do in this scenario? (Offer of Holywood style sci-fi adventure)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-in-this-scenario-offer-of-holywood-style-sci-fi-adventure/672772)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-in-this-scenario-offer-of-holywood-style-sci-fi-adventure/672772 "2013-11-02T00:53:49Z")
So there you are sitting at home by yourself minding your own business when you hear a knock at the door. Answering you see two people, a man and a woman, they are wearing odd clothing and have somewhat strange accents b… --- ## [Well that was certainly an odd dream](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-that-was-certainly-an-odd-dream/672892)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-that-was-certainly-an-odd-dream/672892 "2013-11-02T00:29:05Z")
I’m sitting at the dining room table from when I was a kid, only I’m my current age. I was seated in my Dad’s seat and one of my sisters was hovering around placing things. I think my Mom was in the kitchen… Elton Joh… --- ## [How long does someone remain conscious after cardiac arrest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-someone-remain-conscious-after-cardiac-arrest/672719)
**Author:** [@eightysix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eightysix)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2013, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-someone-remain-conscious-after-cardiac-arrest/672719 "2013-11-02T00:22:28Z")
What do you think? My interest is both personal and professional, as in my job as a medical examiner this question comes up from time to time. I would be interested in hearing the opinions both from people who may have… --- ## ["How's My Driving?" -- ever called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-my-driving-ever-called/339483)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2013, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-my-driving-ever-called/339483 "2013-11-01T23:14:39Z")
I was stuck in traffic behind a van with a “how’s my driving?” bumper sticker this morning, and started free-associating on how bad things would have to get with such a vehicle before I actually called. Has anyone ever … --- ## [Silly String is Illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-string-is-illegal/672787)
**Author:** [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2013, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silly-string-is-illegal/672787 "2013-11-01T21:42:46Z")
I don’t see how thisis even possible. A little research shows that it’s been a nuisance for years. If you want to stop vandalism, you don’t make spray paint illegal. You just catch and prosecute the offenders. There … --- ## [Can anybody identify my beach find?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anybody-identify-my-beach-find/672716)
**Author:** [@TashaKitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TashaKitty)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2013, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anybody-identify-my-beach-find/672716 "2013-11-01T21:18:49Z")
http://i.imgur.com/Dhtuebz.jpg http://i.imgur.com/xVbLEb3.jpg I found what appears to be either the mandible or maxilla of some sort of creature today at Revere Beach in Revere, Massachusetts. Today was a special day … --- ## [Career after maternity leave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/career-after-maternity-leave/672874)
**Author:** [@smaje1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smaje1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2013, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/career-after-maternity-leave/672874 "2013-11-01T21:06:31Z")
I’m back at work after a (blissful, kinda) four-month maternity leave. Baby smaje jr. is in daycare right now with her big sister, baby smaje, and I am DONE having kids. (Knock on wood.) I feel just the slightest bit lo… --- ## [Mogan David Wine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mogan-david-wine/672798)
**Author:** [@Vern\_Crocker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vern_Crocker)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2013, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mogan-david-wine/672798 "2013-11-01T21:02:52Z")
I have a question about Mogan David wine. I have a problem with peptic acid which always give me heartburn or indigestion problems. Recently I had a Problem getting my prescription filled at Walmart. So I decided that… --- ## [Is Foreign Policy (the magazine) worth it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-foreign-policy-the-magazine-worth-it/672849)
**Author:** [@drew870mitchell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drew870mitchell)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2013, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-foreign-policy-the-magazine-worth-it/672849 "2013-11-01T20:42:16Z")
I’ve been hemming and hawing on whether to subscribe. Are the users here happy with it? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1199) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1201)