# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1221 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1222 --- ## [Re post 9-11 forces that moved US to attack Iraq - Outome of plot or just confluence of stupidity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-post-9-11-forces-that-moved-us-to-attack-iraq-outome-of-plot-or-just-confluence-of-stupidity/669926)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-post-9-11-forces-that-moved-us-to-attack-iraq-outome-of-plot-or-just-confluence-of-stupidity/669926 "2013-09-29T15:58:03Z")
I’ve read Thomas Ricks book “Fiasco” and the follow up book “The Gamble”,and hundreds of articles by various authors about the conflict, and I still remain astounded that no one “in the know” was either powerful enough o… --- ## [What's the first thing you think about Augustus Caesar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-first-thing-you-think-about-augustus-caesar/666861)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-first-thing-you-think-about-augustus-caesar/666861 "2013-09-29T11:26:14Z")
When you hear the name Augustus Caesar, what’s the first thing that comes into your mind? --- ## [When You Were A Kid, What Was Your Neighborhood Like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-were-a-kid-what-was-your-neighborhood-like/669746)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-were-a-kid-what-was-your-neighborhood-like/669746 "2013-09-29T10:10:14Z")
I grew up in a small town in Illinois, but we could ride our bikes down to the Illinois River, we could explore wooded areas near the river or in ravines, there was lots of farmland that had creeks and ponds. Got all th… --- ## [What share of those you know believe in Creationism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-share-of-those-you-know-believe-in-creationism/669708)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-share-of-those-you-know-believe-in-creationism/669708 "2013-09-29T03:30:18Z")
Polls show that 46% of Americans have creationist beliefs. I’m guessing that these beliefs vary by social strata. So there should be a fair number of Americans for whom 2/3+ of the people they know believe in creationism… --- ## [Medi care Plan A or B?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medi-care-plan-a-or-b/669864)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medi-care-plan-a-or-b/669864 "2013-09-29T03:24:35Z")
Will be filling out my forms for Medi Care this weekend. I would like to continue my coverage with Kaiser as a supplementary insurance. I have this fear I might miss something when I read the two plans and will be stuck … --- ## [So Can Car Drivers See Bicyclists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-can-car-drivers-see-bicyclists/669327)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-can-car-drivers-see-bicyclists/669327 "2013-09-29T03:04:17Z")
I was reading an article about a former Amazon big shot (Joy Covey) who died in a bicycle accident: "Covey was biking on Skyline Boulevard at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday when she collided with a van that turned in front of her… --- ## [After divorce, should a grandparent's contribution to a college fund count for "their side"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-divorce-should-a-grandparents-contribution-to-a-college-fund-count-for-their-side/669784)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-divorce-should-a-grandparents-contribution-to-a-college-fund-count-for-their-side/669784 "2013-09-28T23:34:24Z")
This one was hard to explain in the space allocated for the subject. Here’s the situation: my mother has been contributing to college funds she established for each of her grandchildren every year on their birthdays, si… --- ## [Do you have Good and Evil siblings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-good-and-evil-siblings/139338)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-good-and-evil-siblings/139338 "2013-09-28T21:21:14Z")
I have two sisters, my Good sister and my Evil sister. I describe them as such to friends (fortunately my Evil sister lives some distance away in another city, and there is no crossover in our lives except at holidays).… --- ## [Do you, personally, owe anything to the greater good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-personally-owe-anything-to-the-greater-good/669665)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-personally-owe-anything-to-the-greater-good/669665 "2013-09-28T17:18:20Z")
Are there any circumstances in which you believe that, though a given action, practice, indulgence, or whatnot would be to your personal benefit, you should nonetheless forbear for the sake of the greater good? Please n… --- ## [Is there a term for this style of argument?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-this-style-of-argument/669863)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-this-style-of-argument/669863 "2013-09-28T16:09:42Z")
This is something I’ve seen quite often in debates here and elsewhere though I can’t find any specific examples at this moment. May as well Godwinise my own thread with a made-up example. “The Nazi’s were really bad gu… --- ## [Moving to a South American country, taking pet cat...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-to-a-south-american-country-taking-pet-cat/669861)
**Author:** [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-to-a-south-american-country-taking-pet-cat/669861 "2013-09-28T12:11:54Z")
A friend is considering moving south as in the title, is devoted to her cat and wants to know- what is the best, most secure cat carrier to use on either a flight or a cruise? Also, pet supplies and other retail outlets… --- ## [How to know when to change yourself for others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-know-when-to-change-yourself-for-others/669834)
**Author:** [@Gateway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gateway)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 10:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-know-when-to-change-yourself-for-others/669834 "2013-09-28T10:08:36Z")
When do you think it’s a good idea to alter ones self in appearance, style, values, etc. for the sake of others, and when do you think it’s better not to? --- ## [Liberal political consultant has to choose between his politics and his wife.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberal-political-consultant-has-to-choose-between-his-politics-and-his-wife/669814)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberal-political-consultant-has-to-choose-between-his-politics-and-his-wife/669814 "2013-09-28T06:03:30Z")
It’s a Skaldthetical with a long storytelling OP. If you don’t like these, why are you still reading? Today’s story is about Barry West, a professional political consultant of the liberal persuasion, and his wife, Iris … --- ## [How heavy is a thing that is heavy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-heavy-is-a-thing-that-is-heavy/669631)
**Author:** [@3trew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3trew)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-heavy-is-a-thing-that-is-heavy/669631 "2013-09-28T05:39:52Z")
There is a thing. It is in the shape of a cube, rectangle, or other easily grasped form, but not idealized like a barbell. You will lift it from the floor to just above your waist, and set it on a cart. If it was ligh… --- ## [Why does Washington Post load slowly for me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-washington-post-load-slowly-for-me/669852)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-washington-post-load-slowly-for-me/669852 "2013-09-28T04:23:55Z")
(This question probably has a definite answer; Mods feel free to move it to GQ if you wish. OTOH, I don’t “need” an answer. My only motive in posting is idle curiosity.) As I’ve reported several times, some websites l… --- ## [Should I take this temp job?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-take-this-temp-job/669666)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-take-this-temp-job/669666 "2013-09-28T03:26:21Z")
Just got back from an interview for a three month contract position. Background: I am rather early in my career. I have a Masters degree in my field and one year of professional experience. In July 2014, there’s a good… --- ## [Which device do you spend more of your free time on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-device-do-you-spend-more-of-your-free-time-on/669778)
**Author:** [@One\_Love](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/One_Love)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-device-do-you-spend-more-of-your-free-time-on/669778 "2013-09-28T03:10:15Z")
I’ve been using an iPad lately, and I absolutely love it just to browse, read, and watch videos. I spend more time on the computer, though. Too much of a power user to rely on an iPad. (p.s. - let’s not count office ho… --- ## [Dyed-in-the-wool Conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dyed-in-the-wool-conservative/669848)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dyed-in-the-wool-conservative/669848 "2013-09-28T02:39:59Z")
I did two one-hour lectures on Bill Clinton’s Presidency; specifically, his domestic and foreign policies, and although the professor gave me the highest marks of everyone in the class, and admitted in the discussion fol… --- ## [What are your fitness goals for 2013?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691)
**Author:** [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691 "2013-09-28T01:46:57Z")
This year, I am going to run a half marathon in February and one more in March. Once I complete that I will probably evaluate my desire to complete a full marathon, simply as a personal achievement. I’ve never enjoyed ru… --- ## [LSAT "half-day" test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lsat-half-day-test/669849)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lsat-half-day-test/669849 "2013-09-28T01:38:58Z")
Why is it that the LSAT site says it’s a “half-day” test when it actually takes about 3.5 hours to take (5 sections, 35 minutes each)? --- ## [Stories about how what a person did on the internet ruined their lives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stories-about-how-what-a-person-did-on-the-internet-ruined-their-lives/669415)
**Author:** [@Hay\_Zoos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hay_Zoos)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stories-about-how-what-a-person-did-on-the-internet-ruined-their-lives/669415 "2013-09-28T00:58:55Z")
I recently read a story on a forum about this guy who was in Med School that used to make videos of him with dolls or something. Some guys found out his name, face pic, and where he went to Med School. Last I heard, he w… --- ## [Are the lunar rovers still operable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-lunar-rovers-still-operable/606224)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-lunar-rovers-still-operable/606224 "2013-09-28T00:07:57Z")
Inspired by this post, The United States apparently left several of the lunar rovers on the Moon at the end of their mission (hey, less weight when taking off!). Are the lunar rovers still operable in the sense that … --- ## [New book re Matthew Shepard claims his death was a strictly drug deal gone bad - Any verification?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-book-re-matthew-shepard-claims-his-death-was-a-strictly-drug-deal-gone-bad-any-verification/669542)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-book-re-matthew-shepard-claims-his-death-was-a-strictly-drug-deal-gone-bad-any-verification/669542 "2013-09-27T22:50:14Z")
This book is receiving a lot of reaction - In sum it claims that Matthews Shepard was a low level meth dealer and was a robbery target by two other meth dealers. In essence it claims the whole “gay panic” hate crime scen… --- ## [Fleas - even after Frontline what do you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fleas-even-after-frontline-what-do-you-do/592819)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fleas-even-after-frontline-what-do-you-do/592819 "2013-09-27T22:47:34Z")
I applied the Frontline as usual. I put drops between the shoulders, middle of back and base of tail. Used the entire monthly dispenser. two weeks later I see fleas on the dog. Which means fleas are being introduced in… --- ## [Your favorite unexpected etymology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-unexpected-etymology/661641)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 209\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-unexpected-etymology/661641 "2013-09-27T22:14:17Z")
Mine is a recent discovery: Umbrella combines the Latin umbra, “shadow,” with the French diminutive “-ella.” Umbrella = “Little shadow,” to shield one from the sun. --- ## [It's not easy being green](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-not-easy-being-green/669643)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-not-easy-being-green/669643 "2013-09-27T20:08:55Z")
If you could press a button that would turn everyone in the world the exact same shade of green, would you push it? If yes, what shade? --- ## [Is this a Mediterranean House Gecko?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-mediterranean-house-gecko/669557)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-mediterranean-house-gecko/669557 "2013-09-27T19:26:10Z")
Picture. They hang out on the porch in North Little Rock, the center of Arkansas, catching insects attracted by the porch light. They retreat to a crack in the brick work of a flower bid. Thanks, CP --- ## [A question for the Ladies of the Dope re: flowers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-the-ladies-of-the-dope-re-flowers/669718)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-the-ladies-of-the-dope-re-flowers/669718 "2013-09-27T19:14:10Z")
Ladies, say you saw an attractive man walking down the street holding a bunch of flowers - would you find them more attractive because it means they’re a romantic and caring partner, or find them less attractive because … --- ## [Is being creative important?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-creative-important/669611)
**Author:** [@carlotta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlotta)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-creative-important/669611 "2013-09-27T19:07:45Z")
Are you creative? Are you NOT creative? What is being creative anyway? Is being creative a necessary ingredient to being happy? Are you somehow a diminished human being if you are not creative? I don’t feel I fall i… --- ## [Completely aware that we're not all financial experts-a mortgage question, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/completely-aware-that-were-not-all-financial-experts-a-mortgage-question-please/669730)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/completely-aware-that-were-not-all-financial-experts-a-mortgage-question-please/669730 "2013-09-27T18:40:20Z")
When I bought my house, the bank did the first mortgage, and a second, interest only mortgage, written that way, they said, to help me avoid the P.M.I. So I have had 2 payments a month, one to each loan, since then. The… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1220) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1222)