# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1209 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1210 --- ## [How many foreign leaders can you name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-foreign-leaders-can-you-name/671626)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-foreign-leaders-can-you-name/671626 "2013-10-19T17:34:45Z")
How many elected foreign leaders can you name off the top of your head? I could only think of a few (I’m American by the way): Canada, Stephen Harper UK, David Cameron Germany, Angela Merkel Russia, Vladmir Putin (t… --- ## [Desperate for an answer \[chronic back pain\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desperate-for-an-answer-chronic-back-pain/669881)
**Author:** [@Bfudled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bfudled)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desperate-for-an-answer-chronic-back-pain/669881 "2013-10-19T15:55:01Z")
Hi all. I happened across here by accident but maybe someone can help me figure this mess out. I hurt my back four months ago at work. I have been in nonstop pain. Especially when sitting or trying to sleep. I have had a… --- ## [At what age did you stop sucking as a person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-did-you-stop-sucking-as-a-person/671543)
**Author:** [@Came\_in\_like\_a\_Wrecking\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Came_in_like_a_Wrecking_Ball)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-did-you-stop-sucking-as-a-person/671543 "2013-10-19T15:46:34Z")
I’m 28. I’m still young enough that I can’t help but act like a jackass. It’s just part of the human brain development, I guess, because at 28 a guy is still supposed to be a wild reckless devil may care jackass, good fo… --- ## [A .22LR pistol for self defense](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317)
**Author:** [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317 "2013-10-19T14:49:16Z")
I’ve been considering buying a pistol for home defense and, occasionally, as a CCW when I go traveling. I have no experience with pistols so I was considering starting with a .22LR pistol so I can get lots and lots of n… --- ## [Large cash gifts and federal income tax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-cash-gifts-and-federal-income-tax/671593)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-cash-gifts-and-federal-income-tax/671593 "2013-10-19T11:46:30Z")
Say you are a single person with no dependants, and you have a job paying, say, ten bucks an hour. Someone gives you a cash gift in the low five figures. What percentage of this gift would you expect to pay in taxes? --- ## [Mobile Browsers Popups To App Store](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mobile-browsers-popups-to-app-store/671637)
**Author:** [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mobile-browsers-popups-to-app-store/671637 "2013-10-19T10:00:32Z")
Just wondering if anyone’s experienced this, or has any comments. It seems a very annoying, possibly serious issue. A good discussion is at http://productforums.google.com/d/topic/chrome/EDJTbPaW5dg/discussion What happ… --- ## [Tell me that renting an apartment is more economical than renting a house...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-that-renting-an-apartment-is-more-economical-than-renting-a-house/671342)
**Author:** [@want2befree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2befree)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-that-renting-an-apartment-is-more-economical-than-renting-a-house/671342 "2013-10-19T04:54:28Z")
…and less hassle, utilities, buying of appliances… --- ## [Did you regret having/not having premarital sex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-regret-having-not-having-premarital-sex/396322)
**Author:** [@Merkwurdigliebe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merkwurdigliebe)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-regret-having-not-having-premarital-sex/396322 "2013-10-19T03:18:41Z")
Well, after reading the purity balls snicker thing, I decided to start this thread. The question is simple. Did you regret having or not having premarital sex? Also, please feel free to add experiences of others you know… --- ## [Universal practices that apparently aren’t that universal.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-practices-that-apparently-aren-t-that-universal/670874)
**Author:** [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2013, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-practices-that-apparently-aren-t-that-universal/670874 "2013-10-19T03:02:12Z")
Thisrecent thread got me thinking about something along the same lines – things that I thought that I could take for granted as done pretty much universally, but which, in my own recent experience at least, seem to have … --- ## [Ladies, can you recommend a good sleep bra?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-can-you-recommend-a-good-sleep-bra/671474)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-can-you-recommend-a-good-sleep-bra/671474 "2013-10-18T22:37:21Z")
I have always been one of those women who likes to whip off her bra and put on PJs as soon as possible after getting home from work. That was working great for me until recently, when I started some medication that is ma… --- ## [Should I Host A Foreign Exchange Student?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-host-a-foreign-exchange-student/542547)
**Author:** [@Notchimine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Notchimine)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-host-a-foreign-exchange-student/542547 "2013-10-18T21:31:54Z")
I have been considering hosting a student for one semester in the fall or spring. I really don’t know anyone that has done this but I thought it might be a good experience for my family to learn about another culture by… --- ## [Union Avenue popularity.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/union-avenue-popularity/671504)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/union-avenue-popularity/671504 "2013-10-18T20:40:23Z")
Why is the name “Union Avenue” so popular as a street name? I’ve always assumed, without really thinking about it, that it has to do with the American Civil War. But now that I’m retired I have luxury of a lot of time so… --- ## [Contractor business transition due to death](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contractor-business-transition-due-to-death/671461)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contractor-business-transition-due-to-death/671461 "2013-10-18T20:06:40Z")
I’ve been working with my father for the past several years. We run a small business specializing in domestic water systems, wells and water pumps. The business was started by my grandfather. My father has been the face … --- ## [Help us figure out how to buy a house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-us-figure-out-how-to-buy-a-house/670720)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-us-figure-out-how-to-buy-a-house/670720 "2013-10-18T18:39:32Z")
My wife and I recently moved to Las Vegas from Baltimore so she could take a new job. We are renting a house in Vegas and still own a house in Baltimore that we are renting out to friends of the family. The lease on our… --- ## [Is it ethical to make students pay for internships?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ethical-to-make-students-pay-for-internships/671521)
**Author:** [@TashaKitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TashaKitty)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ethical-to-make-students-pay-for-internships/671521 "2013-10-18T18:33:02Z")
At my school, in my major, we are required to do six 150-hour unpaid internships. Each internship costs about 2,300 bucks. That means that my parents are paying my school close to $14,000 so that I can provide 900 hour… --- ## [How easy is it to lie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-lie/671329)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-lie/671329 "2013-10-18T17:22:46Z")
I suppose there are a lot of variables here but on average do you find it easy or difficult to lie? I was hanging out with my SO and his mom this weekend and I was a bit taken aback by the ease with which he concocted a… --- ## [Are there any bachelor tricks for cooking and cleaning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-bachelor-tricks-for-cooking-and-cleaning/671448)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-bachelor-tricks-for-cooking-and-cleaning/671448 "2013-10-18T17:08:09Z")
As a bachelor, I don’t really care that much about cooking and cleaning. Part of that it just laziness and not wanting to spend a lot of time on it. So finding quicker/easier ways to do things is always appreciated. I k… --- ## [Who here has had the most interesting life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-here-has-had-the-most-interesting-life/671116)
**Author:** [@Came\_in\_like\_a\_Wrecking\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Came_in_like_a_Wrecking_Ball)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-here-has-had-the-most-interesting-life/671116 "2013-10-18T16:14:57Z")
I get the feeling my life story isn’t interesting. What’s yours? Let’s see who has had the most interesting life. --- ## [Out of State Speeding Ticket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-state-speeding-ticket/671573)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-state-speeding-ticket/671573 "2013-10-18T15:33:10Z")
I got a speeding ticket in NC headed home from an aborted trip because I was too sick to continue. The cop said something about because I had a previous violation in NC, I had to appear in court or hire an attorney to r… --- ## [Bonus from the snack machine: what to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bonus-from-the-snack-machine-what-to-do/671415)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bonus-from-the-snack-machine-what-to-do/671415 "2013-10-18T14:59:38Z")
I was just at the snack vending machine. I put my dollar in, made my selection, watched the coil spin, and instead of my bag of chips dropping, it’s left hanging at the end of the coil. Fuck! I gave the machine a litt… --- ## [Where are all the non-slutty Halloween Costumes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-all-the-non-slutty-halloween-costumes/468231)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-all-the-non-slutty-halloween-costumes/468231 "2013-10-18T07:00:14Z")
Friend of mine in her 20’s. Bemoaning the fact that she can NOT find an adult woman’s costume of any type that isn’t totally slutty. Snow White? Mini skirt. Nurse? Slutty. She can’t find a decent supplier of costumes t… --- ## [Telemarketing calls from a pharmaceutical distributor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telemarketing-calls-from-a-pharmaceutical-distributor/671425)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telemarketing-calls-from-a-pharmaceutical-distributor/671425 "2013-10-18T03:40:20Z")
A friend of my wife and me is, with a certain level of success, fighting a prescription drug dependency problem. I don’t have all the details, but here’s what I know: For several years, she was receiving Fioricet from a… --- ## [Any recommendations for iRoomba-type robotic floor sweepers/moppers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-recommendations-for-iroomba-type-robotic-floor-sweepers-moppers/670449)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-recommendations-for-iroomba-type-robotic-floor-sweepers-moppers/670449 "2013-10-18T03:03:39Z")
Was looking at the Irobot Braava 380t Floor Mopping Robot, anybody have views on it or recommendations for other devices? --- ## [I'm not sure but i think i had a seizure.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-sure-but-i-think-i-had-a-seizure/671174)
**Author:** [@IamTheOneWhoKnocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IamTheOneWhoKnocks)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-sure-but-i-think-i-had-a-seizure/671174 "2013-10-18T01:15:56Z")
Yesterday i was standing in the bathroom and i looked up at the ceiling. Suddenly i felt really warm and foggy headed. I started to fall back but i put my hands on the wall and caught myself. My legs felt week and sudden… --- ## [Is This Standard Veterinary Practice? (Hyperthyroid Cat)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-standard-veterinary-practice-hyperthyroid-cat/671339)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-standard-veterinary-practice-hyperthyroid-cat/671339 "2013-10-18T00:53:36Z")
My 14 year old cat has had elevated thyroid levels for a few years now (four or so) - her levels aren’t terribly high, just on the upper levels of normal. The vet wants her to come in to get her thyroid levels checked ab… --- ## [Why do shark attacks prompt panic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-shark-attacks-prompt-panic/666061)
**Author:** [@Claire98909](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claire98909)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-shark-attacks-prompt-panic/666061 "2013-10-18T00:26:04Z")
Whenever there’s a shark attack or an “outbreak” of attacks, whether fatal or not, it always seems to prompt a panic among humans. Um…why? Just don’t go to the beach! Unless a person is holding a gun to your head and … --- ## [Shower Doors: Glass vas Acrylic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shower-doors-glass-vas-acrylic/671390)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2013, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shower-doors-glass-vas-acrylic/671390 "2013-10-18T00:01:30Z")
Glass shower doors look nice-but they are heavy and expensive. Also, the installation is time n consuming. Can you use 9instead) 1/2 acrylic with scratch proof coatings? I can’t see why this would not work. Has it been… --- ## [Are white Australians and New Zealanders indistinguishable from white UK residents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-white-australians-and-new-zealanders-indistinguishable-from-white-uk-residents/671269)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-white-australians-and-new-zealanders-indistinguishable-from-white-uk-residents/671269 "2013-10-17T23:58:39Z")
Just curious. Accents aside, is there anything about the way white NZ and AU adults look physically that would distinguish them from white UK residents? Larger, smaller more muscular, less muscular, fatter, thinner, sli… --- ## [Who's been calling their Congresscritters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-been-calling-their-congresscritters/671411)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-been-calling-their-congresscritters/671411 "2013-10-17T23:50:55Z")
Have you called your Congressional representatives about the shutdown/default mess? I have a right-wing Republican representative, and I’ve tried calling his DC office a couple of times, but I get flustered and end up m… --- ## [Girls smelling each others' hair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/girls-smelling-each-others-hair/671462)
**Author:** [@Came\_in\_like\_a\_Wrecking\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Came_in_like_a_Wrecking_Ball)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/girls-smelling-each-others-hair/671462 "2013-10-17T22:56:55Z")
In the movie Easy A, when Emna Stone and Amanda Bynes become friends, Bynes sniffs Stone’s hair. Is this a common occurrence amongst females? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1208) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1210)